Senator Slap, Senate Democrats Pass Bill Making it Easier to Vote by Absentee Ballot
Ongoing concerns about pandemic create urgency for reform
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) joined Senate Democrats in voting to ease restrictions against access to absentee ballots, making it easier for residents to participate in elections by that method. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, absentee ballots have provided a safe and simple way for residents concerned for their health to cast ballots; today’s vote on House Bill 5262 solidifies their options to do so.
“Absentee ballots are an important option for many in our communities, and our state has some of the most restrictive rules for their use,” said Sen. Slap. “I’m encouraged that this legislation will aid us in ensuring more folks who need absentee ballots can use them.”
House Bill 5262, “An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes,” expands two of the six reasons why qualified voters can participate in an election via absentee ballot. Under the bill, qualified voters may vote by absentee if they are unable to appear in person because of “sickness,” instead of their own illness, and due to “physical disability,” instead of their own physical disability. The bill also allows voters to cast ballots via absentee if they are unable to appear at their polling place due to absence from the town they are registered to vote in, updating language allowing that reason only in cases where a voter is absent during all hours of voting.
The bill also modifies language to apply reasons for voting absentee to qualified voters who are unable to appear at their polling place during the day of an election, primary or referendum, expanding current language that only applies to those unable to appear during all hours of voting on that day.
The changes this legislation provides will be in place permanently.
Senator Anwar Takes Action to Ease Restrictions Against Access to Absentee Ballots
Senator Anwar Takes Action to Ease Restrictions Against Access to Absentee Ballots
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined Senate Democrats in voting to ease restrictions against access to absentee ballots, making it easier for residents to participate in elections by that method. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, absentee ballots have provided a safe and simple way for residents concerned for their health to cast ballots; today’s vote on House Bill 5262 solidifies their options to do so.
“The COVID-19 pandemic reaffirmed the importance of absentee ballots for so many,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m happy we are taking action today to make sure more residents of our state who need to utilize this option will have the ability to do so.”
House Bill 5262, “An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes,” expands two of the six reasons why qualified voters can participate in an election via absentee ballot. Under the bill, qualified voters may vote by absentee if they are unable to appear in person because of “sickness,” instead of their own illness, and due to “physical disability,” instead of their own physical disability. The bill also allows voters to cast ballots via absentee if they are unable to appear at their polling place due to absence from the town they are registered to vote in, updating language allowing that reason only in cases where a voter is absent during all hours of voting.
The bill also modifies language to apply reasons for voting absentee to qualified voters who are unable to appear at their polling place during the day of an election, primary or referendum, expanding current language that only applies to those unable to appear during all hours of voting on that day.
The changes this legislation provides will be in place permanently.
Senate Democrats Take Action to Ease Restrictions Against Access to Absentee Ballots
Senate Democrats Take Action to Ease Restrictions Against Access to Absentee Ballots
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) joined his colleagues to ease restrictions against access to absentee ballots, making it easier for residents to participate in elections by that method. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, absentee ballots have provided a safe and simple way for residents concerned for their health to cast ballots; today’s vote on House Bill 5262 solidifies their options to do so.
“With tonight’s vote we’re moving to make it possible for everyone to cast a ballot without risk of catching – or transmitting a communicable disease,” said Sen. Lesser. “Connecticut for too long had the most restrictive rules on absentee ballots in the country. When we make voting safer and more convenient, we see much higher voter participation. In 2020, we saw locked and secured absentee ballot drop boxes in every town.”
House Bill 5262, “An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes,” expands two of the six reasons why qualified voters can participate in an election via absentee ballot. Under the bill, qualified voters may vote by absentee if they are unable to appear in person because of “sickness,” instead of their own illness, and due to “physical disability,” instead of their own physical disability. The bill also allows voters to cast ballots via absentee if they are unable to appear at their polling place due to absence from the town they are registered to vote in, updating language allowing that reason only in cases where a voter is absent during all hours of voting.
Senator Lesser also added, “This bill also closes the commuter loophole – which inadvertently makes criminals out of people who are present in their towns for even a single minute while voting is taking place. They will now be able to cast absentee ballots normally, if they’re unable to vote in person.”
The bill also modifies language to apply reasons for voting absentee to qualified voters who are unable to appear at their polling place during the day of an election, primary or referendum, expanding current language that only applies to those unable to appear during all hours of voting on that day.
The changes this legislation provides will be in place permanently.
Sen. Anwar Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Sen. Anwar Approves 3-Month Gas Tax Holiday, Another Sales-Tax Free Week
Over $100 million in tax savings for CT residents
HARTFORD – On a day when regular gasoline prices hovered around $4 a gallon across Connecticut, state Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) voted today to cut Connecticut’s gas tax by 25 cents a gallon for the next three months – saving Connecticut motorists an estimated $90 million between now and June 30.
Sen. Anwar also voted today to create a second sales-tax free week on clothing and shoes valued at under $100 to take place in April; the move is expected to save Connecticut consumers $3 million.
Today’s vote also saves Connecticut commuters an additional $8.1 million providing free public bus service transportation in Connecticut through June 30.
“There is no question that high prices are hitting families in the wallet right now. We need to take action to provide them with aid,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am happy that we are taking steps to give them financial relief. I will continue working with my colleagues to find more ways we can continue to provide financial relief.”
Sen. Anwar approved the combined $101.3 million in savings for Connecticut residents today by joining the bipartisan vote for House Bill 5501, “AN ACT SUSPENDING CERTAIN GAS TAXES AND SALES AND USE TAXES ON CERTAIN CLOTHING AND ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR FREE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES.” The bill had passed the House of Representatives earlier in the day and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.
House Bill 5501 requires retail gas dealers to reduce their pump prices by 25 cents per gallon or face charges of unfair or deceptive trades practices. The $90 million gas tax cut will not affect Connecticut’s General Fund budget – which is now enjoying a $1.7 billion surplus – or its record-setting $3 billion Rainy Day Fund; the money will only affect the state’s Special Transportation Fund, where gasoline taxes are routinely deposited
The April sales tax holiday on clothing under $100 is designed to provide families with economic relief in the face of rising inflation, and it will be in addition to Connecticut’s annual tax-free week on apparel that traditionally takes place in August. Under sales-tax free week, clothing and shoes with retail prices under $100 will be exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.
Items included in the sales tax holiday include socks, hats, belts, blouses, diapers, dresses, employee uniforms, cress or work gloves, golf jackets and shirts, jeans, sweat suits, underwear, jackets, scarves, many types of shoes, sleepwear and swimsuits. Items that remain taxable include specialty boots for fishing, mountain climbing, skiing and firefighting; specialty gloves including athletic, garden, golf, tennis and rubber gloves; handbags; headbands; ice skates; martial arts attire and sports uniforms and helmets; safety equipment; specialty shoes including ballet, bicycle, bowling, football, golf, track and jazz shoes; ski pants; wallets; and wet suits.
Legislation Targeting Enhanced Energy Resilience Pass Through Energy & Technology Committee, One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Legislation Targeting Enhanced Energy Resilience Pass Through Energy & Technology Committee, One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Senator Needleman, Senate Chair of E&T Committee, Leads Passage
Today, two key pieces of legislation with important connections to the future of energy in Connecticut passed through the Energy & Technology Committee, receiving joint favorable support. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, led passage of the bills, which respectively will study the state’s power grid and its resilience against future pressures and regulate utilities’ use of energy storage systems to potentially support and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. With their support in the Committee, these bills respectively move to the Senate and House.
“Our state needs to be prepared for whatever comes in the future. We’ve already seen the impacts of significant weather events on our power grid, and it’s likely that pressure on the grid itself will only increase in coming years,” said Sen. Needleman. “This legislation looks to our state’s future needs, studying grid resilience and what we’ll need to prepare for in years to come. It also works proactively, regulating energy storage systems that could make our state more secure and prepared in the event of extreme weather, extreme use on the grid or other concerns that could cause headaches in the future. I am hopeful that both of these bills will become law, shoring up our defenses well before the next threat makes itself apparent.”
Senate Bill 177, “An Act Concerning Grid Resilience,” would require the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct a study regarding grid resilience in Connecticut, with the results reported to the Energy & Technology Committee by the end of 2022.
The Conservation Law Foundation was among the organizations lending their support to Senate Bill 177, which it described as a “critical first step” for understanding risks current infrastructure faces and what steps may be needed to ensure future grid reliability. The CLF and several other groups, including The Nature Conservatory, noted PURA has already conducted a similar study, it was concerned with distribution lines and emergency procedures under extreme events; these groups noted that New England’s reliance on natural gas is another potential pressure point and concern for the future and expressed hope that PURA would look at a wider range of potential resiliency issues.
House Bill 5327, “An Act Concerning Energy Storage Systems and Electric Distribution System Reliability,” would if passed regulate electric distribution companies’ use of energy storage systems, permit the preauthorization of energy storage systems enhancing reliability, create a pilot program to demonstrate how energy storage can increase infrastructure resiliency, and require the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and electric distribution companies to make plans on reliable emergency or backup power for critical infrastructure.
In case of emergency, testified Eversource Energy Vice President of System Planning Digaunto Chatterjee, energy storage systems would provide electric distribution companies with a necessary tool in reducing the impact of power outages for critical customers, enhancing power system resiliency when paired with other backup generation. It could also provide increased cost effectiveness for Connecticut utility customers, he added, returning revenues to customers or utilizing energy storage in cases of emergency.
The Nature Conservancy testified that it supports the deployment and utilization of storage systems across the state, finding them critical in supporting use of clean renewable resources. It did note it did not support ownership of storage by distribution companies except in special services.
FuelCell Energy of Danbury testified in support of the pilot program concept for the purpose of showing how such systems can improve the resiliency of critical infrastructure and improve reliability of the electric distribution system.
Farmington Lawmakers Testify on Bill to Ensure State Keeps its Promise to Town for High School Project
Farmington Lawmakers Testify on Bill to Ensure State Keeps its Promise to Town for High School Project
Bill would ensure town receives state funding at levels promised by state education officials
Farmington lawmakers State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and State Representative Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) testified in front of the Education Committee today, seeking to ensure that Farmington receives its promised reimbursement rate for renovation work performed at Farmington High School.
In 2021, Farmington school leaders had been told the state would provide a 29% reimbursement rate for work renovating the “900 wing” of Farmington High School. The town is building a new high school, also renovating a section of the existing school, including upgrading athletic facilities and the central administration office. In December 2021, the town was informed the reimbursement rate would be reduced, resulting in a deficit of $915,000. The legislators seek to amend legislation before the Committee to attain the initial reimbursement rate promised.
“The people of Farmington voted to renovate Farmington High School with the expectation of a certain level of funding from the state, only to learn that funding would change and the town would be left with a deficit of nearly $1 million,” said Sen. Slap. “The town should be made whole so it does not suffer financially due to circumstances completely out of its control.”
“Our entire delegation is committed to ‘making Farmington whole’ by ensuring we receive the total amount of the school construction grant that we were promised for the new high school,” said Rep. Demicco. “We each are fighting to ensure that this happens for Farmington taxpayers and students.”
“You’re only as a good as your word,” said State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Farmington, Avon), who serves on the Education Committee. “A promise was made to the community. That promise needs to be kept.”
Sen. Slap and Rep. Demicco testified urging the Education Committee to amend the language of Senate Bill 429, a bill in front of the Committee that would authorize state grant commitments for school building projects. That legislation, as drafted, would utilize an adjusted reimbursement rate for the renovations at Farmington High School instead of the initially agreed-upon rate. If it were to pass as drafted, the town would fall into a financial deficit of $915,000.
Public Health Committee Holds Public Hearing on Legislation Ensuring Proper Medical Care, Treatment for Correctional Inmates
Public Health Committee Holds Public Hearing on Legislation Ensuring Proper Medical Care, Treatment for Correctional Inmates
Legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Anwar
Today, the Public Health Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would require correctional inmates in the state to receive necessary and appropriate health care and mental health services administered by the Department of Correction. This legislation, if approved, would ensure the department provides medical care meeting the needs of incarcerated people, providing additional oversight after reports of inadequate care in recent years.
“We know that for too long, Connecticut has not prioritized the health and well-being of its incarcerated people, leading to significant health issues for many,” said Sen. Anwar. “We owe it to thousands of men and women to provide them with the care they are guaranteed under the Constitution. To do so would not just be a continued injustice, but would further contribute to millions of dollars squandered on lawsuits as a result of that lack of sufficient care.”
Senate Bill 448, “An Act Concerning the Delivery of Health Care and Mental Health Care Services to Inmates of Correctional Institutions,” would ensure that the Department of Correction provide increased medical care to incarcerated people. This involves options including the following: providing at least four mental health care providers with experience in substance use disorder diagnosis and treatment are placed at each correctional institution to provide health care; standards to make sure mental health providers prescribe psychotropic medications in the right circumstances; each inmate would receive an annual physical examination by a physician; inmates can receive HIV tests if desired; and that medical health care providers would monitor inmates for conditions like drug or alcohol withdrawal upon admittance.
Groups testifying in support of this legislation included the Restorative Action Alliance, which said Connecticut’s Department of Corrections, in 2019, reported ratios of just one nurse for every 43 incarcerated people and one doctor for every 579 incarcerated people in the Department of Corrections. “The result has been poor healthcare for the incarcerated population,” said President Jason Wasserman. “Not only does that result in costly lawsuits for the state,” but he argued the lack of adequate care in the state violates several constitutional rights of incarcerated people.
Melinda Johnson, Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy with the YWCA Hartford Region, testified that “due to systemic challenges, quality of care for incarcerated individuals in the State of Connecticut has been subpar,” contributing to poor health outcomes and negligence; but this subpar care has a deeper cost. In working with formerly incarcerated individuals, former and current health care workers and justice advocates in the state, Johnson testified that the legislation should go further to rectify expensive inadequacies within Department of Corrections medical care, including creating a commission to oversee health care in the DOC, higher rates of workers per incarcerated persons and requiring medical discharge plans be created as part of exit interviews for persons returning to civilian life.
Connecticut’s Child Advocate Sarah Healy Eagan testified that the Manson Youth Institution was reported to have sweeping civil rights violations at its facility, including deficient mental health assessment, planning and service. When as many as 58% of incarcerated youth experience suicidal ideation, she continued, that is a significant issue. The National Alliance on Mental Illness testified that “poor health leads to poor mental health,” and treating mental health for incarcerated people can aid them in their lives. The ALCU-CT also testified in favor of the legislation, calling it vital in improving access to quality healthcare for people incarcerated in the state.
Bills Increasing Access To Mental Health Medication, Co-Sponsored By Sen. Anwar, One Step Closer To Becoming Law
Bills Increasing Access To Mental Health Medication, Co-Sponsored By Sen. Anwar, One Step Closer To Becoming Law
Today, two bills seeking to increase public access to medication aiding individuals with mental health passed out of the Public Health Committee, bringing them one step closer to becoming law. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, co-sponsored both bills, which if approved would respectively would include new treatment options for mental health issues and end a practice where less expensive methods of treatment may take precedence over administering medication.
“Our state, and our nation, continues to deal with a mental health crisis, and we need to make sure we are aiding those struggling however we can,” said Sen. Anwar. “These bills can play an important role in ensuring we streamline ease of access to important, even lifesaving drugs, and that we are studying and pursuing all options available to treat individuals’ mental health, including ones that have been previously disregarded.”
House Bill 5396, “An Act Increasing Access To Mental Health Medication,” would establish a pilot program studying the use of psilocybin-assisted and MDMA-assisted therapy as part of an expanded access program approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Up to three sites would be approved for this program, as well as a Connecticut Psychedelic Treatment Advisory Board in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
“This is an extremely important piece of legislation that would give our veterans and many others struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges access to non-traditional treatment options,” said State Representative Michelle Cook (D – Torrington). “Every day, we lose people to suicide because they feel that there is no other option. We owe it to them to provide them other options to save their lives.”
While currently considered as Schedule I substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration, recent studies have found potential therapeutic uses for MDMA and psilocybin, also known as “mushrooms,” especially among veterans. Veteran groups including Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, the Heroic Hearts Project and Reason for Hope testified in support of this legislation, finding that treatment using these substances has been found effective. Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele, CEO of Reason For Hope, cited a designation by the Food and Drug Administration that MDMA can treat post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin can treat depression in a safer and more substantial form than currently available treatments.
House Bill 5275, “An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers From Requiring Step Therapy For Prescription Drugs Used To Treat Mental Or Behavioral Health Conditions,” would end a requirement of using “step therapy.” This practice, as defined by Blue Cross Blue Shield, sees health carriers try less expensive treatment options before “stepping up” to more expensive ones. For example, someone having issues with allergies may first try using an over-the-counter medication; if they do not get relief, they may be recommended medicine based on tiers of expense and affordability. However, when treating mental or behavioral health concerns, individuals unable to access the medication best suited to help them may be forced to use less-helpful options first, indirectly depriving care or even exacerbating their condition if the medication is counterintuitive.
Metro-North to Expand Service, Restore Express Trains Beginning March 28; Timetables Published
Metro-North to Expand Service, Restore Express Trains Beginning March 28; Timetables Published
The Metro-North Railroad recently announced it will expand service and restore some express trains, including the addition of 34 new trains along the New Haven line. Weekday service will be restored to 89% of pre-pandemic levels and new train service will reduce trip times for a number of commuters. This is great news for many Connecticut commuters, especially those traveling regularly to and from New York City, said State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee.
“As more commuters head back to the city, it’s clear that the demand for public transit grows each day,” said Sen. Haskell. “The need for quality public transit is especially urgent in light of rising gas prices. While this new schedule isn’t a full return to regular service, this is a significant step forward for commuters in my district. These new trains will provide a level of convenience that my constituents have sorely missed.”
“Whether for work or play, adding more trains saves valuable time for commuters and encourages more people to return to rail service,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. “The Department of Transportation continues working with its partners to enhance services and make trains faster for riders today and into the future.”
Metro-North’s expansion of services sees the restoration of pre-pandemic zoned express-service trains, which offer increased seating capacity and reduce trip times by up to 13 minutes. Of special note, the “Yankee Clipper,” providing game-day train service directly to Yankee Stadium for all New York Yankees home games, will be in service, just as Major League Baseball recently confirmed its 2022 season will move forward. The New Haven Line in particular will see train service grow to 278 lines per week.
The new Metro-North schedules are available here.
Sen. Haskell Vote to Confirm Constituents to State Board of Education
Sen. Haskell Vote to Confirm Constituents to State Board of Education
This week, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded Rishabh Bhandari of Wilton and Natalie Bandura of Westport, both of whom were confirmed by the Senate to become nonvoting student members of the State Board of Education. Both students were previously approved for the roles with unanimous support by the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee before Wednesday’s confirmation.
“Rishabh and Natalie are both exemplary students who have stepped up to make Connecticut schools better,” said Sen. Haskell. “As someone who believes deeply in the value of empowering young people to influence public policy, I’m so inspired by the work that Rishabh and Natalie are already doing. Their voices will be critical on the State Board of Education, and it was an honor to vote in favor of their confirmation today. I hope they will inspire other students to step forward and claim a seat at the table where decisions are made.”
Rishabh Bhandari, a senior at Wilton High School, was reappointed to the State Board of Education after having served since 2021. He is a National Honors Society member and participated in SEWA, or Service, for Community Initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Natalie Bandura, a senior at Staples High School, won first place in the state “We The People” Center for Civic Education team competition, is a member of the Latin Honor Society and previously worked for “Inklings,” Staples High’s student-run newspaper.