Senator Needleman Thanks State Bond Commission as Deep River Elementary, Haddam Library Slated to Receive Project Funding
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) gave his thanks to the State Bond Commission after an agenda for the Commission’s scheduled meeting on July 23 confirmed Haddam’s Brainerd Memorial Library and Deep River Elementary School will soon receive state funding for repairs and other work done at those buildings.
“This funding represents significant steps forward for improving important town resources, furthering education and inspiration in our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m pleased that the Brainerd Memorial Library and Deep River Elementary School will receive these important funds to further important work being done to modernize, update and ensure the safety and usefulness of these buildings for decades to come. I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting these vital local projects.”
Deep River Elementary School’s roof replacement project will receive $132,000 as its next phase begins. Ongoing work on the building’s roof continues to repair several leaks, with the end goal of fully replacing it for long-term use and benefit locally.
Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam will receive $759,375 to continue its renovation project, which includes the creation of a new parking lot with disabled-accessible parking spaces, a new lower level entry plaza and public entrance, refurbishment and repositioning of public restrooms, a lower level lobby and new exterior lights, among other work. The renovation work has been underway for some time now.
Senator Osten Welcomes State Bonding for Three Rivers C.C. Student Center and Library Renovations
Senator Osten Welcomes State Bonding for Three Rivers C.C. Student Center and Library Renovations
NORWICH – Four years after receiving nearly a million dollars to renovate its tutoring center, Three Rivers Community College in Norwich is set to receive an additional $4.78 million in state bonding to renovate about 25,000 square feet of space in its student center and library, state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) said today.
The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet via teleconference at 10:30 a.m. this Friday, July 23, to approve the funding, which was approved by Democrats in the General Assembly in 2009 as part of that year’s state bonding bill.
That year, Democrats approved setting aside a total of $11.6 million in the future for building renovations and additional facilities at Three Rivers in accordance with college’s master plan of development.
“The legislature had the foresight over a decade ago to set aside money for improving and expanding Three Rivers, and these renovations are coming at a great time, just as we are opening up our community colleges in Connecticut to more students by offering free tuition,” Sen. Osten said. “Not every high school student in Connecticut is going on to UConn or a four-year state university. Some are going to get their degrees and enter the workforce after two years at Three Rivers or one of our other great community colleges, and this state support will make their experience there more enjoyable and productive. It’s a great state investment in southeastern Connecticut and its residents.”
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&T Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable for Business Practices
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&T Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable for Business Practices
Executive order, to be signed Friday, reinstates net neutrality standards among other advances
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Chairs of the Energy & Technology Committee, today praised the announcement that President Joe Biden will sign an executive order Friday aimed at increasing competition in many industries, most prominently for broadband service providers and large technology companies. Among other things, the executive order encourages a “nutrition label” of sorts for internet service providers and calls for the restriction of early termination fees, as well as internet exclusivity deals limiting customers’ options in apartment buildings and other rental units.
“The President’s action today is welcome and valuable for the many Americans who struggle under the lack of competition in the broadband market, as well as those ready to take advantage of a more competitive climate in several industries,” said Sen. Duff. “Taking action against punitive early termination fees, controlling exclusivity deals and providing more information to the consumer is a win for paying customers everywhere in America, including in our state. Restoration of net neutrality standards and stronger scrutiny of steps used to quash competition and fight corporate consolidation will only go further to create a more equal playing field and a stronger market nationwide. However, the President’s actions can only go so far. Congress needs to take action to support this order, and if they cannot, regulatory authority should be returned to individual states.”
“When we’ve seen multiple instances just this year of internet service providers taking advantage of a lack of regulations and a lack of true competition, it’s heartening to see this executive order put into action,” said Sen. Maroney. “I’m especially encouraged that the order aims to create new rules on data collection, helping keep users’ information private. We attempted to pass similar legislation here in Connecticut earlier this year, and will continue fighting for consumer rights. Having the executive branch’s support for the ‘right-to-repair,’ for increased competition in the internet service provider industry and to fight the trend of corporate consolidation will further strengthen our abilities to enact more policies to drive down prices and make services accessible for more state residents. It will remain important for us to continue pursuing legislation to protect consumer privacy here in Connecticut, allowing the Attorney General the ability to seek recourse for state residents.”
“Increasing competition in these industries is the right call, and we support President Biden’s action today,” said Rep. Arconti and Sen. Needleman. “This executive order aims to fight significant corporate consolidation that has only harmed the public, raising costs and reducing options for everyday consumers. We look forward to seeing how this order helps even the playing field.”
The executive order signed today by President Biden will take action in a variety of forms, including encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to reintroduce an internet service provider “nutrition label” to provide customers direct information about provider services; restrict early termination fees; and ban exclusivity deals limiting apartment buildings to having only one internet provider. The FCC will further be asked to restore net neutrality rules for broadband companies and create stronger rules on data collection and preventing unfair competition in online marketplaces.
Further steps announced include efforts to scrutinize corporate mergers more heavily, specifically to fight “killer acquisitions” that target companies’ competitors like Facebook’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp; support for independent technology repairs; focus on reducing non-compete agreements and unnecessary occupational licensing agreements; and allowing states to potentially import drugs from Canada to lower health care costs.
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&t Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable For Business Practices
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&T Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable for Business Practices
Executive order, to be signed Friday, reinstates net neutrality standards among other advances
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Chairs of the Energy & Technology Committee, today praised the announcement that President Joe Biden will sign an executive order Friday aimed at increasing competition in many industries, most prominently for broadband service providers and large technology companies. Among other things, the executive order encourages a “nutrition label” of sorts for internet service providers and calls for the restriction of early termination fees, as well as internet exclusivity deals limiting customers’ options in apartment buildings and other rental units.
“The President’s action today is welcome and valuable for the many Americans who struggle under the lack of competition in the broadband market, as well as those ready to take advantage of a more competitive climate in several industries,” said Sen. Duff. “Taking action against punitive early termination fees, controlling exclusivity deals and providing more information to the consumer is a win for paying customers everywhere in America, including in our state. Restoration of net neutrality standards and stronger scrutiny of steps used to quash competition and fight corporate consolidation will only go further to create a more equal playing field and a stronger market nationwide. However, the President’s actions can only go so far. Congress needs to take action to support this order, and if they cannot, regulatory authority should be returned to individual states.”
“When we’ve seen multiple instances just this year of internet service providers taking advantage of a lack of regulations and a lack of true competition, it’s heartening to see this executive order put into action,” said Sen. Maroney. “I’m especially encouraged that the order aims to create new rules on data collection, helping keep users’ information private. We attempted to pass similar legislation here in Connecticut earlier this year, and will continue fighting for consumer rights. Having the executive branch’s support for the ‘right-to-repair,’ for increased competition in the internet service provider industry and to fight the trend of corporate consolidation will further strengthen our abilities to enact more policies to drive down prices and make services accessible for more state residents. It will remain important for us to continue pursuing legislation to protect consumer privacy here in Connecticut, allowing the Attorney General the ability to seek recourse for state residents.”
“Increasing competition in these industries is the right call, and we support President Biden’s action today,” said Rep. Arconti and Sen. Needleman. “This executive order aims to fight significant corporate consolidation that has only harmed the public, raising costs and reducing options for everyday consumers. We look forward to seeing how this order helps even the playing field.”
The executive order signed today by President Biden will take action in a variety of forms, including encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to reintroduce an internet service provider “nutrition label” to provide customers direct information about provider services; restrict early termination fees; and ban exclusivity deals limiting apartment buildings to having only one internet provider. The FCC will further be asked to restore net neutrality rules for broadband companies and create stronger rules on data collection and preventing unfair competition in online marketplaces.
Further steps announced include efforts to scrutinize corporate mergers more heavily, specifically to fight “killer acquisitions” that target companies’ competitors like Facebook’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp; support for independent technology repairs; focus on reducing non-compete agreements and unnecessary occupational licensing agreements; and allowing states to potentially import drugs from Canada to lower health care costs.
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&T Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable for Business Practices
Senators Duff, Maroney, E&T Leadership Praise Biden Executive Order Holding Big Tech, Internet Providers Accountable for Business Practices
Executive order, to be signed Friday, reinstates net neutrality standards among other advances
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury) and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Chairs of the Energy & Technology Committee, today praised the announcement that President Joe Biden will sign an executive order Friday aimed at increasing competition in many industries, most prominently for broadband service providers and large technology companies. Among other things, the executive order encourages a “nutrition label” of sorts for internet service providers and calls for the restriction of early termination fees, as well as internet exclusivity deals limiting customers’ options in apartment buildings and other rental units.
“The President’s action today is welcome and valuable for the many Americans who struggle under the lack of competition in the broadband market, as well as those ready to take advantage of a more competitive climate in several industries,” said Sen. Duff. “Taking action against punitive early termination fees, controlling exclusivity deals and providing more information to the consumer is a win for paying customers everywhere in America, including in our state. Restoration of net neutrality standards and stronger scrutiny of steps used to quash competition and fight corporate consolidation will only go further to create a more equal playing field and a stronger market nationwide. However, the President’s actions can only go so far. Congress needs to take action to support this order, and if they cannot, regulatory authority should be returned to individual states.”
“When we’ve seen multiple instances just this year of internet service providers taking advantage of a lack of regulations and a lack of true competition, it’s heartening to see this executive order put into action,” said Sen. Maroney. “I’m especially encouraged that the order aims to create new rules on data collection, helping keep users’ information private. We attempted to pass similar legislation here in Connecticut earlier this year, and will continue fighting for consumer rights. Having the executive branch’s support for the ‘right-to-repair,’ for increased competition in the internet service provider industry and to fight the trend of corporate consolidation will further strengthen our abilities to enact more policies to drive down prices and make services accessible for more state residents. It will remain important for us to continue pursuing legislation to protect consumer privacy here in Connecticut, allowing the Attorney General the ability to seek recourse for state residents.”
“Increasing competition in these industries is the right call, and we support President Biden’s action today,” said Rep. Arconti and Sen. Needleman. “This executive order aims to fight significant corporate consolidation that has only harmed the public, raising costs and reducing options for everyday consumers. We look forward to seeing how this order helps even the playing field.”
The executive order signed today by President Biden will take action in a variety of forms, including encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to reintroduce an internet service provider “nutrition label” to provide customers direct information about provider services; restrict early termination fees; and ban exclusivity deals limiting apartment buildings to having only one internet provider. The FCC will further be asked to restore net neutrality rules for broadband companies and create stronger rules on data collection and preventing unfair competition in online marketplaces.
Further steps announced include efforts to scrutinize corporate mergers more heavily, specifically to fight “killer acquisitions” that target companies’ competitors like Facebook’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp; support for independent technology repairs; focus on reducing non-compete agreements and unnecessary occupational licensing agreements; and allowing states to potentially import drugs from Canada to lower health care costs.
Looney Statement on Republican Press Conference
Looney Statement on Republican Press Conference
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) released the following statement regarding today’s Republican press conference:
“We are saddened by the tragedy in New Britain and our hearts go out to the family and the community there.
“It is unfortunate that Republicans are using this tragic and painful event to attempt to score political points in an effort to push failed, excessively punitive policies from the 80’s and 90’s.
“Republicans lost all credibility on public safety when they were silent on the U.S. Capitol insurrection, refused to fund proven urban gun violence prevention programs, and sought to defund or underfund many critical urban aid programs. Law and order is only an issue for Republicans when they can target the urban youth of our state but not when their political base tries to overthrow our democracy and kills a U.S. Capitol police officer.”
Senator Osten Welcomes 10% Cut in Diesel Fuel Tax
Senator Osten Welcomes 10% Cut in Diesel Fuel Tax
HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who is Senate Chair of the budget-making Appropriations Committee, today welcomed an announcement by the state Department of Revenue Services (DRS) that it is cutting Connecticut’s diesel fuel tax in the current fiscal year that began July 1 by 10% per gallon, reducing the tax by 4.5 cents a gallon from 44.6 cents to 40.1 cents.
Every year, DRS is required by state law to calculate the new diesel fuel rate using the average wholesale price per gallon of diesel fuel for the previous 12-month period ending on March 31.
Connecticut’s diesel fuel tax is now at its lowest level in 11 years.
“We sold about 250 million gallons of diesel fuel in Connecticut from July 2019 until June of 2020. Last year the diesel fuel tax was 44.6 cents per gallon. If we sell the same amount of diesel fuel in the coming year as we did in 2019-2020, that will equate to an $11 million savings for Connecticut truckers and for Connecticut residents who drive diesel-powered automobiles,” Sen. Osten said. “It’s just the latest piece of good economic news for Connecticut, coming on top of our historically high Rainy Day Fund, our budget surplus, our pension payments, and our great state bond rating. Who knows – maybe this year’s diesel tax cut will even lower the price of groceries in our local supermarkets.”
Application Deadline for Free Community College Program is July 15
Application Deadline for Free Community College Program is July 15
The deadline for applications to the Pledge to Advance Connecticut, also known as PACT, is July 15. PACT is Connecticut’s free community college initiative, dedicated to opening doors for first-time college students by tearing down the barrier of affordability. More information about how to apply for this first-come, first-serve program is available here. Students can receive admission to one of 12 community colleges statewide, and so long as they take at least 12 credits per semester full-time and remain in good academic standing, they can earn up to 72 college credits without accruing any debt.
“The PACT program is so critical to achieving both our workforce development goals and our aspiration to create a more fair society,” said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport). “The promise of free community college will open doors for students who previously never dreamed that they could afford to pursue a degree at their local community college. I’m hopeful that PACT will bring more students onto campus, and in turn provide our local businesses with the skilled workforce that they need to succeed.”
“Free community college is a way for us to get our young people into college, if that is the career path they choose, without incurring all of the crushing financial debt that usually comes along with a college education,” said State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who as Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee helped secure this program into the future by providing a funding stream through the state’s new online lottery program.
To qualify for debt-free community college, students must live in Connecticut, have graduated from any Connecticut high school, home school program, or hold GED, and be enrolled in college for the first time. Continuing students who enroll and stay enrolled as full-time students in credit degree or certificate programs, or who take developmental educational courses, are eligible. Students must apply for and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, by the July 15 deadline and must continue to do so each year they are enrolled in addition to other applications.
Continuing students who were PACT-eligible during the fall and spring semesters this past school year are reminded to complete the FAFSA, register for full-time academic schedules and maintain good standing in their classwork.
For more information, and for guides to complete the application process, please visit https://www.ct.edu/pact.
Senator Anwar Joins Congressman Larson, Transportation Commissioner Giulietti To Commend Federal Funding For Greater Hartford Mobility Study
Senator Anwar Joins Congressman Larson, Transportation Commissioner Giulietti To Commend Federal Funding For Greater Hartford Mobility Study
HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined U.S. Congressman John Larson, Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, among others including Riverfront Recapture President and CEO Michael Zaleski and State Representative Joshua Hall (D-Hartford), to commend the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the INVEST in America Act, which includes funding for numerous significant projects statewide and nationwide. The Act, in particular, includes $16 million of funding for the Greater Hartford Mobility Study, which Congressman Larson requested as a Community Funding Project. The legislation moves to the Senate, where Congressman Larson expects it will pass with strong support.
The two-to-three year Greater Hartford Mobility Study will study mobility challenges in the Greater Hartford Region, upgrading transportation in the Capitol and surrounding towns to improve the quality of life, economic vitality and opportunity in the area. It will consider many investments made in the region in recent years, including on roads, rails and pedestrian paths, with a long-term aim of recommending significant improvements in areas including environmental review, design and construction.
“I am excited about the funding soon to be available from the federal government for the Greater Hartford Mobility Study. I would like to thank Congressman John Larson for his leadership and vision to make sure we plan opportunities in this area to serve our state for decades to come,” said Sen. Anwar. “One of the most important assets of this region is the Connecticut River, and having a plan that is not only going to maximize opportunities on the riverfront but will improve safety around the river’s levees and undoing the division of neighborhoods in East Hartford and Hartford will be a critical lifeline for development in this region. This study would be the first step to start to understand the best and most effective way to accomplish these goals, and I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Larson, Commissioner Giulietti and countless others in making it a reality.”
“There’s a common interest that not only the communities of Hartford and East Hartford but this entire region shares in terms of what is a “plan,” the vision of the future on both sides of the river. That shows how vitally important this project is,” said Congressman Larson. “The 84/91 intersection is the biggest chokepoint in transportation in Connecticut, the second-biggest in New England and 11th in the nation. The levees on both sides of the river in precarious nature due to something called “sand piping” raises the urgency for this to be done. This study is vitally important to transition into the future, ending the isolation of communities and bringing the region together. This legislation passed the House, I expect it will pass the Senate and we will be able to put the country back to work in a significant way through its significant improvements.”
The Greater Hartford Mobility Study is expected to create a contemporary Transportation Master Plan, preparing Hartford for the next 100 years, with projects including reconnecting Hartford’s North End with the neighborhoods in the city, recapturing the riverfront, expanding multi-modal transportation, reducing the environmental impact of stalled vehicle traffic numbering in the thousands and reducing the congestion of the I-84/I-91 interchange. With this funding, it primes the region for substantial transformation.
Senators Maroney, Duff, & Needleman, Representative Arconti Voice Disapproval Following Ally Bank Leaking Password, Continue Fight for Data Privacy Law in State
Senators Maroney, Duff, & Needleman, Representative Arconti Voice Disapproval Following Ally Bank Leaking Password, Continue Fight for Data Privacy Law in State
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury) voiced their disapproval to the ongoing details of the Ally Bank data leak. Recently, Ally Bank leaked user names and passwords to third-party marketing partners. It took the company two months to notify customers of the breach and continue to refuse to name who the data was leaked to.
Data leaks such as this one have become more commonplace. According to Risk Based Security, the number of records exposed increased to 36 billion in 2020 and there were 2,935 publicly reported breaches in the first three quarters of 2020. Other trends included a doubling of ransomware attacks from 2019 to 2020. Healthcare was the most victimized sector in 2020.
“Customer security should be foremost on businesses’ minds, especially essential services like banks that offer services directly impacting customers’ lives. For Ally Bank to not only leak customer information to marketing partners but take two months to even notify customers is a betrayal of those customers’ trust,” said Sen. Duff, Senate Majority Leader. “They even refuse to provide information on where and who the data was leaked to, vital information that customers need to know to know how serious this issue is and protect themselves from potential financial harm. It’s an abdication of their responsibilities.”
“It is critical that we fight for strong protections for Connecticut residents,” said Sen. Maroney. “To prevent leaks like this from happening, and in an unfortunate event that they do happen, there needs to some form of recourse action taken. I will continue to fight for data privacy protection for consumers in our state.”
“The decisions made by Ally Bank in this situation seem to have been made by committee and without urgency – when customers may face serious personal harm because of them,” said Sen. Needleman, Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. “When phishing and cyber vulnerability continue to grow as threats in the modern day, it’s a serious lapse of judgment for Ally to slow-walk such a precarious situation. This cannot become a regular occurrence.”
“This unfortunate personal data breach at Ally Bank, is another example of the imperative need to strengthen Connecticut’s data privacy laws to help protect customers from similar situations,” said Rep. David Arconti, House Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. “Now more than ever, with the rise in technology and the many online options for conducting everyday business, our personal information must be protected.”
This past legislative session, legislation was introduced that would protect Connecticut residents’ privacy on electronic devices. The consumer bill of rights provision that would have provided consumers with rights and corporations with responsibility ultimately did not pass both chambers. The legislation would have given the Connecticut Attorney General the power to enforce the consumer rights in the event of corporate violations of those rights. The legislators will be working to reintroduce that legislation next session.
The Consumer Privacy legislation would have created a consumer data bill of rights and required big-tech companies to clearly state what data is being collected, how it’s being used, and why – and consumers would have the right to see that data, fix any errors in it, or delete it all. If a data breach were to happen to residents in Connecticut such as the data that was leaked by Ally Bank, the financial institution would have had to let their consumers know right away, it would not be allowed for them to take two months.