Sen. Osten Votes for, Applauds Passage of Online Gaming and Sports Betting Regulations: “It’s the Culmination of Years of Hard Work.”
HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who for years led the effort to amend Connecticut’s existing gaming compact with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal nations to include online gaming and sports betting, today applauded the passage in the Regulation Review Committee of new state rules governing the operation of online casino gaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, Keno and the online sale of lottery tickets.
Today’s 9-4 vote came three months after the General Assembly gave bipartisan and overwhelming approval to a bill legalizing online gaming and sports betting in Connecticut. That bill, House Bill 6451, included a provision that the state Department of Consumer Protection create specific regulations related to gaming licenses and other gaming-related issues. Those provisions were approved by the Regulation Review Committee today on a bipartisan basis.
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs must still approve Connecticut’s amended compact with the two tribal nations; it has been reviewing the new compact for the past month and is expected to issue its final decision by Thursday, September 9.
“Today is the culmination of years of hard work to bring Connecticut up to speed with modern betting practices and to give our tribal partners, who are some of the largest employers in the state and who have contributed billions of dollars to our economy, a more modern and expanded approach to the gaming portion of their entertainment, retail and restaurant business here in Connecticut,” Sen. Osten said. “Hopefully the BIA will issue its final decision approving Connecticut’s amended compact before September 9, which would theoretically allow for sports betting on fall football games for those who are so inclined. I’m just excited and happy that the committee approved these regulations today on a bipartisan basis and that we are on probably within a week of finally moving forward with the first real expansion of gaming in Connecticut in several decades.”
A copy of the new, 82-page regulation can be found at: https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Search/RMRView/ER2021-031
On the Day of Cuomo’s Resignation, Sen. Flexer & CHRO Highlight CT Sexual Harassment Laws
On the Day of Cuomo’s Resignation, Sen. Flexer & CHRO Highlight CT Sexual Harassment Laws
HARTFORD – On the day that New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned from office in the face of sexual harassment allegations and Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York at the stroke of midnight, Democratic state Senator Mae Flexer and the leadership of Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities highlighted Connecticut’s strong sexual harassment laws, business training requirements for employees, and where people can turn to for help if they have been sexually harassed on the job.
Sen. Flexer was joined by CHRO Executive Director Tanya Hughes and Deputy Director Cheryl Sharp to detail Connecticut’s sexual harassment laws and remedies.
“I want to make it clear today that we need to uphold sexual harassment prevention standards in all places of work – whether that be a construction site or an office building or a state capitol – and that no person working in Connecticut should ever have to endure what those women in New York State endured under former Governor Cuomo,” Sen. Flexer said. “We’ve worked on a largely bipartisan basis here in Connecticut to enact and update some pretty tough sexual harassment standards over the years, including the 2019 Time’s Up Act, and the public needs to know what they should expect in the workplace and where they can turn if they’re harassed.”
“The CHRO is the Connecticut agency charged with enforcing the state’s antidiscrimination laws, including those that prohibit sexual harassment. The situation with Governor Cuomo in New York demonstrates yet again that sexual harassment is a problem across society, in all types of jobs,” Hughes said. “As Senator Flexer said, Connecticut passed a Time’s Up bill in 2019 which strengthened sexual harassment prevention training requirements and other protections for employees in Connecticut. That year, the CHRO saw the highest number of sexual harassment complaints –260 complaints — filed in its history. So far in 2021, sexual harassment complaint filings are on pace to exceed the 2020 numbers. The numbers make clear the continuing importance of prevention training, making sure every resident of Connecticut understands their rights, and working to make sure our sexual harassment laws are as strong as possible.”
“Anyone who is experiencing sexual harassment, whether it be at work, from a landlord or neighbor, or at a place of public accommodation, can file a discrimination complaint at the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities,” Sharp said. “Information regarding how to file a complaint and which of our four regional offices you should contact can be found on the ‘Contact Us’ page at www.ct.gov/chro, or by calling 860-541-3400.”
The first State Constitution in 1818 declared all men equal in rights and guaranteeing freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly. In 1947, the Fair Employment Practices Act was adopted, making it an illegal practice for individuals or employers of five or more persons to discriminate because of race, color, religious creed, national origin or ancestry. It wasn’t until 1980 that sexual harassment was specifically prohibited in employment law.
Sexual harassment is defined in Connecticut as any unwelcome sexual advances or request for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when: a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
After a series of high-profile sexual assault and harassment charges in sports, Hollywood and politics made the national news in 2017, Connecticut updated its sexual harassment prevention laws with the passage of the June 2019 “Time’s Up” Act (Public Act 19-16).
The new law enhances employer-sponsored training on sexual harassment, extends the statute of limitations applicable to certain personal injury actions involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual assault, increase penalties for sexually assaulting a mentally incapacitated person, and eliminates or extends the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sexual assault crimes and certain risk of injury to children offenses.
The bill specifically strengthened Connecticut’s existing sexual harassment prevention training requirements by requiring that employers with three or more employees do the following:
- Provide to a new employee within three months a copy of information regarding the illegality of sexual harassment and remedies available to victims
- Provide two hours of training/education to all employees by May 20, 2021
- Any employee hired on or after October 1, 2019 must receive the training not later than six months after start date
- Employers with less than three employees must provide two hours of training/education to all existing supervisory employees by May 20, 2021 or within six months to new supervisory employees
- Any employer required to provide training must provide periodic supplemental training not less than every ten years
The Time’s Up Act also required the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to develop and make available for free a sexual harassment prevention training video, which can currently be found on its website, and it extended the filing deadline for cases involving employment discrimination to 300 days.
If Human Rights Referees find that a person was sexually harassed, they can be awarded damages necessary to eliminate the harassment and to make them whole, including back pay, attorney’s fees, cease and desist orders, money for emotional distress, punitive damages (if the case is tried in court), and more.
Looney, Duff Support Lamont’s Vaccination Plan for State Employees
Looney, Duff Support Lamont’s Vaccination Plan for State Employees
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement today that all Connecticut state employees must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly for the potentially deadly virus.
The governor’s announcement comes as Connecticut and the nation are seeing a surge in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths due to the newer, highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus.
“Despite our wishes to the contrary, the coronavirus continues to have a major impact on the quality of our lives here in Connecticut and across the nation,” Sen. Looney said. “Because it is our duty to protect and serve the public and its health, Connecticut state government has a singular role in leading by example, so I welcome the governor’s announcement today that all state employees must either be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Connecticut residents should rest assured that the people working every day on their behalf are virus-free and are committed to their health and safety.”
“Every day we are learning of some new university or business or facility that is requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to work, attend an event or otherwise engage with the public. And every day we see news stories about some other states where masks and vaccines are not required, and where new COVID-19 infections are raging, sending children and people of all ages into hospitals and ICUs,” Sen. Duff said. “From the beginning we have taken this coronavirus very seriously, and today’s action by Governor Lamont is yet another example of just how seriously Connecticut takes this virus, and how we are committed to fighting it together for the good of our citizens. State employees have stepped up and will continue to step up to lead by example in this ongoing battle against a potentially deadly virus that preys on disinformation, inaction and political inertia.”
“Additionally, I would like to thank Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella for following Governor Lamont’s lead and putting in place the same requirements for all city and school employees,” continued Senator Duff. “Local and state government along with the private sector are taking an important step to follow the science, keep our families safe, and ensure we can all go back to our normal lives.”
Looney, Duff Support Lamont’s Vaccination Plan for State Employees
Looney, Duff Support Lamont’s Vaccination Plan for State Employees
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement today that all Connecticut state employees must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested weekly for the potentially deadly virus.
The governor’s announcement comes as Connecticut and the nation are seeing a surge in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths due to the newer, highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus.
“Despite our wishes to the contrary, the coronavirus continues to have a major impact on the quality of our lives here in Connecticut and across the nation,” Sen. Looney said. “Because it is our duty to protect and serve the public and its health, Connecticut state government has a singular role in leading by example, so I welcome the governor’s announcement today that all state employees must either be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Connecticut residents should rest assured that the people working every day on their behalf are virus-free and are committed to their health and safety.”
“Every day we are learning of some new university or business or facility that is requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to work, attend an event or otherwise engage with the public. And every day we see news stories about some other states where masks and vaccines are not required, and where new COVID-19 infections are raging, sending children and people of all ages into hospitals and ICUs,” Sen. Duff said. “From the beginning we have taken this coronavirus very seriously, and today’s action by Governor Lamont is yet another example of just how seriously Connecticut takes this virus, and how we are committed to fighting it together for the good of our citizens. State employees have stepped up and will continue to step up to lead by example in this ongoing battle against a potentially deadly virus that preys on disinformation, inaction and political inertia.”
“Additionally, I would like to thank Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella for following Governor Lamont’s lead and putting in place the same requirements for all city and school employees,” continued Senator Duff. “Local and state government along with the private sector are taking an important step to follow the science, keep our families safe, and ensure we can all go back to our normal lives.”
Senator Haskell Proud of 100% Attendance Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Senator Haskell Proud of 100% Attendance Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Given the unique and difficult circumstances surrounding the 2021 legislative session, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced he achieved a 100% attendance record, giving his district a voice in every matter voted on by the General Assembly. Sen. Haskell voted 481 times from January to June.
“The 2021 legislative session began with an open-air, frigid swearing-in ceremony due to the threat of COVID-19 and ended on the Senate floor, as our state took historic steps to address a public health and economic crisis,” said Sen. Haskell. “Each and every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak up for my constituents in the Senate. I’m looking forward to getting back to Hartford and returning to work soon — there’s plenty of unfinished business.”
Senator Kushner Proud of 100% Voting Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Senator Kushner Proud of 100% Voting Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Given the unique and difficult circumstances surrounding the 2021 legislative session, State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today was proud to announce she achieved a 100% voting record, giving her district a voice in every matter voted on by the General Assembly. Sen. Kushner voted 481 times from January to June.
“From being sworn in for my second term in office outside in the cold of January due to a surge of COVID-19 to joining my colleagues on the Senate floor for special sessions in mid-June, this was an arduous but successful year for the General Assembly,” said Sen. Kushner. “Through Zoom calls and sometimes-limited access to the Senate. I was able to join several of my colleagues in voting on every piece of legislation considered by the legislature. I am incredibly proud of our successes, such as achieving expanded post-traumatic stress injury claims for more first responders. But, I also recognize more could have been done to help the public. I hope to achieve similar successes in next year’s session.”
Sen. Kushner was one of 14 Senators to achieve a 100% voting record, with 12 of those Senators including herself being Democrats. She voted to support Connecticut working families 100% of the time.
Senator Anwar Proud of 100% Voting Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Senator Anwar Proud of 100% Voting Record During 2021 Legislative Session
Given the unique and difficult circumstances surrounding the 2021 legislative session, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today was proud to announce he achieved a 100% voting record, giving his district a voice in every matter voted on by the General Assembly. Sen. Anwar voted 479 times from January to June.
“This legislative session was one like no other, with arduous challenges, countless Zoom calls and rapidly changing parameters,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am part of seven committees, including Chair of the Children’s Committee, Vice Chair of the Housing, Insurance and Real Estate and Public Health, and a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary and Planning and Development Committees. During this time, due to my profession as a doctor, I had significant medical obligations due to COVID-19, and also suffered the loss of my brother to the virus. Despite these obstacles, I was able to stay with each meeting and vote on every topic. That’s what the voters and the 3rd Senate District trusted me to do.”
Sen. Anwar was one of 14 Senators to achieve a 100% voting record, with 12 of those Senators including himself being Democrats.
Lt. Governor, Senator Haskell, Westport Leaders and Officials Discuss Benefits of Pedestrian-Focused ‘Vision Zero’ Legislation
Lt. Governor, Senator Haskell, Westport Leaders and Officials Discuss Benefits of Pedestrian-Focused ‘Vision Zero’ Legislation
Today, on Westport’s Port Road, part of Connecticut’s Route 1 – the most dangerous road in the state for pedestrians, according to Department of Transportation information – Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), State Representative Stephanie Thomas (D-Westport), Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Westport Deputy Police Chief Samuel Arciola, among others, gathered to discuss the benefits of pedestrian-focused legislation passed this year by the General Legislature.
House Bill 5429 takes significant steps to protect pedestrians and reduce traffic casualties, perhaps most importantly by establishing the “Vision Zero” Council, tasked with reducing pedestrian and motor vehicle fatalities on roads with a future vision of bringing current numbers down to zero in the future. Among the changes made by the legislation: increased fines for distracted driving, among other traffic violations; requiring motorists to grant right-of-way to pedestrians indicating intention to cross a crosswalk; establishing a fine for “dooring,” or opening a vehicle’s door to impede travel of a pedestrian or cyclist; and allowing local traffic authorities to establish speed limits and pedestrian safety zones.
“We know, over the past five years in Connecticut, our state has averaged 55 fatalities due to pedestrian traffic accidents. That’s way too high, and in 2020, we actually had 65 related to traffic accidents,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz. “Fortunately, our transportation leadership in the General Assembly, especially Senator Haskell and State Representative Roland Lemar, have put forward a really good solution to stop those accidents. The idea behind this legislation is ‘Vision Zero,’ a vision looking to have no pedestrian fatalities in our state. They’ve got great ideas including cameras at busy intersections to make sure folks slow down, increased penalties for distracted driving, and there’s also a council created to bring together policy makers, advocates and others to reduce pedestrian and traffic incidents. In congested areas, we’ve seen an increase in pedestrian fatalities and injuries. We want to do everything we can to reduce that.”
“In the state of Connecticut, there were 308 traffic fatalities last year. That’s up from 249 the year before,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m tremendously pleased to announce today that it is official policy of the State of Connecticut that that’s 308 too many. Transportation policy is about more than wider highways. It’s about getting people where they need to go safely. That means planning for pedestrians, not just motor vehicles. This year’s pedestrian safety bill makes a number of long-overdue reforms. It increases the fines for distracted driving, creates new protections for cyclists, and gives local officials increased authority to lower speed limits. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with fierce advocates like Rep. Roland Lemar, who fought for this bill for years.”
“Transportation policy, at its core, is about moving people safely and efficiently to where they need to go,” said State Representative Roland Lemar (D-East Haven), House Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee, in a statement. “Nothing is more vital to that goal that a robust network of safe and accessible local roadways that serve pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable users of all ages. These roads are the building blocks of our communities and we need to be committed to prioritizing people first. I’m thrilled that we were able to pass this landmark legislation that makes Connecticut a national leader in addressing the increasing rates of pedestrian and vehicular fatalities across the United States while also making the policy changes that make our communities stronger.”
“This Vision Zero bill offers us opportunity and necessity. Just a block and a half from here, we’ve had several close calls, and we’ve had problems with our communities with problematic intersections,” said Rep. Steinberg. “This enables our leadership to take decisive, proactive action in addressing many of these problematic intersections. We know that for large sections of Post Road, people travel 40 to 50 miles per hour, if not faster, with major trucks traveling on roads as a bypass. We need a comprehensive solution for dealing with traffic in our communities. This is an important first step.”
“I felt like I used to take my life in my own hands every time I crossed Saugatuck Avenue before I got a parking permit,” said Rep. Thomas. “Crossing that avenue, late at night, that would be a struggle crossing the street, seeing cars whiz past. I’m so glad we’re no longer leaving this to chance, and I’m glad the Vision Zero Council will work to improve pedestrian, bicycle, passenger and driver safety alike. More and more, I hear constituents asking about how they can more safely walk and ride their bikes. Thanks to everyone’s hard work bringing us together today, we have answers for them.”
“CTDOT is committed to eliminating deaths on our roadways and having our sister agencies at the table will help make this possible,” said Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT Deputy Commissioner and Vision Zero Council Chair. “By bringing diverse perspectives together on the Vision Zero Council and engaging with and listening to the concerns of the public and safety stakeholders, we can better shape our approach to making Connecticut’s transportation system safer for all users.”
Department of Transportation, State Officials Celebrate New Canaan Line Returning to Full Service
Department of Transportation, State Officials Celebrate New Canaan Line Returning to Full Service
NEW CANAAN – Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and state officials gathered at the New Canaan Train Station to celebrate the announcement that the New Canaan Line will return to nearly full service beginning Sunday, August 29. Attendees including State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti, MTA Metro-North president Catherine Rinaldi, New Canaan First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and other members of the New Canaan Delegation including State Representative Thomas O’Dea (R-New Canaan) and Senate Majority President Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced the service changes, which will provide direct support and increased transportation opportunities to the New Canaan community and the surrounding region.
“For nearly a year and a half, the New Canaan line has operated on a limited basis. For much of that time, ridership was low and commuters weren’t commuting as usual,” said Sen. Haskell. “But these days, my constituents are frustrated by the increasingly crowded trains and the need to transfer in Stamford each way. As with every investment in public transit, the return of service on the New Canaan Line represents a step forward for our environment, as fewer commuters will be resigned to driving to work, equity, as those without cars will be able to travel more efficiently, and economic development, as Fairfield County’s economic vitality is tied to our ability to conveniently access New York. I am tremendously grateful for the readiness and responsiveness of our state’s Department of Transportation and our partners at the MTA in making this happen.”
“This is exciting news for New Canaan commuters and the region as we focus on returning to a post-pandemic pace,” said Rep. Lemar, House Chair of the Transportation Committee, in a submitted quote. “While public safety is still a top priority, it is encouraging to see our state moving in the right direction and taking steps toward bringing back a sense of normality to daily routines.”
“The New Canaan Line returning to full service is another positive step in the right direction in Connecticut’s recovery from the pandemic,” said CTDOT Commissioner Giulietti. “As passengers continue to return to the rails in New Canaan and throughout Connecticut, I want them and others to know that the Connecticut Department of Transportation is working to meet their needs, connecting them to families, friends, and businesses faster, more efficiently, and more modernly. We are doing our part to improve the nation’s rail network for this generation and the next.”
“Our valued Connecticut customers will see the return of direct, transfer-free service between New Canaan and Grand Central starting the week before Labor Day as well as 40 trains added each weekday on the New Haven Line,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of MTA Metro-North Railroad. “Riders returning to the railroad will find stations and trains that are cleaner than ever, and will be able to see the approximate number of people in each car in real time by using the upgraded Metro-North Train Time app.”
“The restoration of express commuter trains from New Canaan to Grand Central Terminal by Metro-North is very welcome news to all commuters on the New Canaan branch line, including residents of New Canaan, North Stamford, Darien, Wilton and bordering Westchester towns, as well as those downstream in Greenwich and Rye, NY who rely upon these thru trains for convenient and comfortable train service to Manhattan,” said First Selectman Moynihan. “I thank Governor Lamont, Commissioner Giulietti and Metro-North President Rinaldi for bringing back normal commuter service for our commuters.”
“This is welcoming news! Our train line is a big contributor to our local economy and a support to commuters in our region who rely on this service,” said State Representative Lucy Dathan (D-New Canaan) in a submitted quote. “New Canaan isn’t called the “last station to heaven” for no reason: what makes our village so vibrant is our proximity to both Manhattan and the quieter countryside of Connecticut which is only made possible via the New Canaan line. I encourage everyone to use their best judgment with respect to safety when traveling to keep each other safe.”
In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread throughout Connecticut, the New Canaan Line saw a drastic reduction in ridership and scheduled trips in a focus on individuals staying home to reduce spread of the virus. Those service interruptions remained in effect for more than a year. With effective COVID-19 vaccines widely available and more than 70% of Connecticut adults with protection against the virus, reopening the train schedule to full service allows for increased economic and transportation opportunities for members of the public, especially those resuming commuting to work and traveling for leisure.
Senator Moore Responds to M&T-People’s United Merger Letter
Following a recent letter I wrote to the Banking Committee requesting a public hearing, I reviewed this letter written to Attorney General Tong today in response to his letter re the M&T-People’s United merger. This letter meets the need to understand how M&T will work within the greater Bridgeport Community. I am no longer requesting a hearing to be held. Senator Moore will continue to keep the progress and commitment that they outlined in their letter. In coming weeks, Sen. Moore will be convening listening sessions between non-profits and M&T in Bridgeport. Review the letter below: