Senators Duff, Haskell Release Statement Supporting St. Vincent’s Westport Workers, Who Announced Intent to Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) released the following statement in support of workers at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health in Westport, who today announced their intention to strike over unfair labor practices. The strike, scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 17, comes as workers have been mandated to work double shifts, sometimes not informed until on their first shift; failure to comply can result in employee discipline and termination. Worker health and quality of service are at risk when workers face such demanding requirements.
“We are proud to support the workers at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health in Westport,” said Sens. Duff and Haskell. “These 90 nurses and hospital employees cannot continue to provide excellent care for patients under the burdensome working conditions set by management. We put patients first when we treat those that care for them with the respect they deserve.”
Looney, Duff Statements on Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
Looney, Duff Statements on Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statements in response to the announcement that Comptroller Kevin Lembo will resign at the end of this year.
“State Comptroller Kevin Lembo has been an extraordinary public servant for our state both as Comptroller for the past 11 years and prior to that as the state’s Health Care Advocate,” said Senator Looney. “I am truly thankful for his years of partnership on various public policy initiatives especially on health care insurance and state finances. We are a healthier state physically and financially because of all his tireless efforts over the years. I wish him and his family the best as he steps away from elected office at this time.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Comptroller Kevin Lembo’s resignation,” said Senator Duff. “He’s been a fierce advocate for open government, transparency and lower health care costs. I wish him well as he works to tackle his own health care challenges.”
Looney, Duff Statements on Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
Looney, Duff Statements on Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statements in response to the announcement that Comptroller Kevin Lembo will resign at the end of this year.
“State Comptroller Kevin Lembo has been an extraordinary public servant for our state both as Comptroller for the past 11 years and prior to that as the state’s Health Care Advocate,” said Senator Looney. “I am truly thankful for his years of partnership on various public policy initiatives especially on health care insurance and state finances. We are a healthier state physically and financially because of all his tireless efforts over the years. I wish him and his family the best as he steps away from elected office at this time.”
“I’m sorry to hear about Comptroller Kevin Lembo’s resignation,” said Senator Duff. “He’s been a fierce advocate for open government, transparency and lower health care costs. I wish him well as he works to tackle his own health care challenges.”
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement Following the Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement Following the Resignation of Comptroller Lembo
This morning, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) is releasing the following statement after Comptroller Lembo announced his resignation.
“Comptroller Lembo is an extraordinary public servant and a close friend. It’s been an honor to partner with Kevin on many issues over the years, none more important than our unfinished work of making sure that health care is a right and not a privilege.
Kevin has bolstered our state’s fiscal position – and perhaps more than any other single person deserves credit for Connecticut’s record rainy day fund. He’s been unafraid to stand up to special interests, and has taken on drug prices, retirement security and budget transparency. I am grateful for his friendship and service and wish him the very best.”
Hartford City and State Leaders Announce New Flooding Mitigation Program for Homeowners and Businesses Impacted this Fall
Hartford City and State Leaders Announce New Flooding Mitigation Program for Homeowners and Businesses Impacted this Fall
Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) joined Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, House Speaker Matt Ritter, Representative Joshua Hall, City Council President Maly Rosado, City Councilman TJ Clarke and other Hartford leaders to announce the launch of a new Flood Mitigation Assistance Program for city residents impacted by flooding during major storms earlier this year, including Tropical Storm Fred, Storm Henri and Storm Ida.
The new $500,000 city initiative will provide grants of up to $7,500 to owner-occupants of 1-3 unit residential buildings and to small business owners impacted by flooding in the wake of these storms. Those who have yet to perform repairs or improvements and those seeking reimbursement for work already performed as a result of these storms may apply for assistance. The grants will also help property owners to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive damage to buildings, basements and mechanical systems not covered by insurance or available MDC initiatives.
“In the aftermath of the late summer storms, I heard from many of my constituents about the flooding that affected their homes and basements. The loss of belongings and costs to fix property damage has caused much stress for families and business owners, and it is critical that we make assistance available,” said Sen. McCrory. “I greatly welcome this grant program to help neighborhood residents impacted and there remains more work to do. I will continue to collaborate with local, state, and community stakeholders on finding solutions to help build up resilience to and recovery from increasingly severe weather.”
“We had a lot of homeowners and small businesses hit hard by flooding in August and September, and this $500,000 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program will help those property owners cover at least a portion of their costs and losses,” said Mayor Bronin. “As climate change accelerates, we’re going to experience more and more severe weather events, and we look forward to working together with our state delegation to develop both a long-term relief program and to tackle the broader infrastructure challenges that so many communities will face in the years ahead. But we’re pleased that we’re able to provide at least some relief right now, and I want to thank our Department of Development Services and our housing division specifically for designing and administering this program. I urge everyone affected by this year’s storms to apply for this grant.”
“I received calls from people who could not believe what happened to their basements. They were heartbroken and needed help,” said Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford). “I am glad the delegation and Mayor were able to work cooperatively to help these families and businesses.”
“As a city and state, we want to ensure residents who were negatively impacted by flooding have the resources to repair and restore their homes and businesses,” said Rep. Joshua Hall. “Our State Delegation is committed to providing the City with the resources necessary to make this possible.”
“Our residents need relief and thanks to community advocates and city and state leaders that’s what they are going to get with this program,” said Council President Maly D. Rosado. “I have seen the videos, I’ve spoken to parents, I know how devastating the rainfall was for many around Hartford this past year. These grants will help with the costs of repairs, or reimburse for expenses, so I encourage every impacted household to apply.”
Eligible activities and improvements under the program include installation of sump pumps, french drains, lateral replacement, window wells, basement windows, gutters, drain snaking, video camera inspections, sewer jetting, basement sanitation/cleanouts, new boilers, hot water heaters, electrical components, and flood-related mold remediation. Work under the program will be performed by approved, licensed and insured contractors, many of which are locally or minority owned or both.
Impacted Homeowners can contact Shawana Bowens in the City of Hartford’s Division of Housing at Shawana.Bowens@hartford.gov or via phone at 860 757-9030 for information or to request an application.
Impacted Small Business Owners can contact Kylah Hudson-Samuels at Kylah.Hudson@hartford.gov or via phone at 860 757-9526 for information or to request an application.
Sen. Cohen Named a CCM Legislative Champion for her Work on Behalf of Cities and Towns
Sen. Cohen Named a CCM Legislative Champion for her Work on Behalf of Cities and Towns
State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) has been named a 2021 Legislative Champion by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) for her work and leadership on modernizing the recycling system in Connecticut for solid waste management, and for passage of legislation that allows cities and towns to establish stormwater authorities, which will help them effectively manage and comply with state and federal stormwater requirements.
CCM is Connecticut’s largest, nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders, representing towns and cities of all sizes from all corners of the state, with 168 member municipalities. Sen. Cohen received her award at CCM’s annual convention dinner held last night in Uncasville.
This year, Sen. Cohen helped lead passage of House Bill 6441, AN ACT CONCERNING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, which allows all municipalities (rather than just New Haven, New London and Norwalk) to establish a municipal stormwater authority – if they so choose – to assess fees to help handle stormwater management, reduce runoff and minimize pollution. This bill also creates new funding mechanisms to address climate resilience and expands the authority of municipal flood and erosion control boards to include flood prevention and resiliency, as well as establishing joint boards should they so choose.
Sen. Cohen also helped lead passage of Senate Bill 1037, AN ACT CONCERNING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, which, among other provisions, modernizes the state’s bottle bill to assist towns in reducing the amount of trash to haul. Additionally, it provides dollars to municipalities based on the number of nips sold in each town on a quarterly basis. These payments made by the wholesalers of the 50mL containers will be used to support environmental actions taken by municipalities. The bill also outlines an incentive program for towns that would like to adopt a unit-based pricing program for solid waste disposal (i.e. “pay-as-you-throw”).
“Every year it becomes increasingly more clear that environmental policy is directly tied to economic policy, including local mill rates and budgets, as cities and towns and their residents share a greater burden of disposing of trash or dealing with the financial fallout of global climate change,” Sen. Cohen said. “As Senate Chair of the Environment Committee, I believe the state has a role in assisting its cities and towns to help manage their financial responsibilities to better handle their environmental responsibilities, and that’s what these two bills do. I want to thank CCM for partnering with the state legislature to ensure that the environment and local residents are both protected and provided with the resources they need to remain healthy and secure.”
“Senator Cohen has proven herself to be a true champion for towns and cities,” said CCM Executive Director Joe Delong. “Her leadership and commitment on two key municipal initiatives, modernizing Connecticut’s bottle bill and enabling towns to establish stormwater authorities, were instrumental in ensuring their passage. More importantly, her willingness to meet with us and provide access stood out and is greatly appreciated by municipal leaders.”
Senator Kushner Joins Fellow Leaders To Announce Paid Leave Accepting Benefits Applications
Senator Kushner Joins Fellow Leaders To Announce Paid Leave Accepting Benefits Applications
Claims are now being accepted and benefits for qualifying events are available starting January 1, 2022.
Hartford, CT —Today, State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, joined state officials including Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, her Labor Co-Chair State Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden), Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Connecticut Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe in New Haven and representatives of The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority to announce the Authority today began accepting paid leave benefit applications for qualifying events happening on or after January 1, 2022. Applications may be submitted through CT Paid Leave’s online portal at ctpaidleave.org or via email, fax, mail, or phone.
Connecticut Paid Leave provides up to 12 weeks of income replacement for eligible workers in Connecticut who need to take time off to address qualifying family or health reasons.
“I’m so proud that paid family and medical leave is a reality in our state,” said Sen. Kushner. “Nearly everyone has a story about how paid leave could have helped them or someone they know through a difficult time. Thankfully, now residents who are facing serious health concerns – or joyful occasions like welcoming a new child – can take the time they need to focus on themselves and their loved ones.”
According to CT Paid Leave CEO Andrea Barton Reeves, “Applying online is the fastest and easiest way to submit your application. It also provides access to useful features including checking the status of a claim, reviewing correspondence, adding time to an existing claim, viewing payments for a claim, and communicating with case managers.”
“We are thrilled to begin accepting applications for Connecticut Paid Leave benefits,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Connecticut Paid Leave is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of workers throughout our state, giving them peace of mind and the ability to care for themselves or their loved ones without worrying about lost income.”
“CT Paid Leave is good for families, and good for businesses,” said Rep. Porter. “It will help to relieve the burden of workers who want – and need – to be there for their loved ones while allowing them to retain their employment, thus strengthening Connecticut’s economy.”
“Today is a milestone in the state of Connecticut, as we begin to accept benefit applications for one of the most generous paid leave programs in the nation,” said Josh Geballe, CT Paid Leave Authority Board of Directors Chair, Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, and the state’s Chief Operating Officer. “Connecticut is a great place to live and work, and CT Paid Leave enhances that.”
Qualifying reasons to apply for CT Paid Leave benefits include:
- Medical leave for one’s own serious health condition (which includes pregnancy, as well as serving as a bone marrow or organ donor)
- Caregiver leave to care for a family member experiencing a serious health condition
- Bonding leave to bond with a new child that has entered a person’s home through birth, adoption, or foster care
- Family violence leave to address issues arising from family violence
- Qualifying exigency leave to address issues arising from a parent, child, or spouse’s military deployment
- Military caregiver leave to care for a family member injured during active duty in the armed forces
The amount of income replacement varies based on a worker’s earnings and the receipt of any employer-provided income replacement benefits. It is capped at sixty times the state minimum wage. The combination of employer provided benefits and CT Paid Leave benefits cannot exceed 100% of a worker’s normal weekly earnings.
Connecticut is the eighth state in the nation to enact paid family and medical leave.