Energy and Technology Committee Chairs Release Statement Responding to Increased Electric Rates
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury), Senate and House Chairs of the Energy & Technology Committee, released the following statement in response to recent announcements by Eversource and United Illuminating that the price of electricity will rise higher than expected or recently seen in Connecticut during summer months:
“The recently announced rise in electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating customers, mainly due to natural gas pipeline constraints, global supply chain issues related to the delivery of oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) and Russia’s war in Ukraine, is a stark reminder that ISO New England’s wholesale electricity markets need meaningful reform. That means pushing the region away from an over-reliance on fossil fuels to generate most of its electricity and removing barriers to renewable energy resources entering the markets. The need for a more robust energy portfolio is especially acute after ISO-NE sounded an alarm last winter that the region could experience significant reliability issues in extreme cold.
Whether it is geopolitical uncertainties or extreme weather, it is possible that ISO-NE could be caught unprepared for an energy emergency. Every RTO/ISO region in the country has reliability and market issues. In Connecticut, we need a consistent and reliable grid. Texas and California are two recent examples of reliability issues due to extreme weather. ISO-NE needs to take action to ensure we do not potentially follow suit.
Since early 2021, ISO-NE, New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) stakeholders and the states have been working on ‘Pathways to a Future Grid’ that has produced a report and trove of data to evaluate four potential market designs and how they meet the region’s aggressive climate and clean energy goals. This process is supposed to determine if there is a consensus on a path forward during the coming months, but since NEPOOL meetings are not public, very few people have a view into the decision-making that eventually creates market designs and reforms. Outside of an upcoming public webinar, we encourage ISO-NE and NEPOOL to be as transparent as possible moving forward with the ongoing process and eventual outcome of these market designs, which will have a wide-ranging impact on public policy.
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Today, the Farmington delegation of lawmakers including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), State Representative Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) and State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford) announced that $750,000 in funding is allocated in the May 26 State Bond Commission agenda to support the expansion of the advanced manufacturing program at Tunxis Community College. The funding is expected to be approved during the Commission’s May 26 meeting.
This investment by the state will allow for phase III of the advanced manufacturing program at the school to move forward, including the expansion of a building at 21 Spring Lane, bolstering local resources for advanced manufacturing education and training as the industry continues to grow. The planned renovations will expand manufacturing classrooms and lab space, create training opportunities for advanced manufacturing and allow room for future program growth.
“Tunxis Community College provides important educational opportunities to thousands of students every year, and this investment means they will have even more opportunities to succeed,” said Sen. Slap. “It’s especially important as advanced manufacturing represents a significant part of Connecticut’s economy and expanded educational opportunities will provide a stronger workforce in years to come. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Legislators representing Bloomfield in the General Assembly, including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield, Windsor) and State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), today announced the State Bond Commission is expected to release $250,000 in funding to support needed repairs of a flood control system in Bloomfield.
This funding is part of more than $3.4 million supporting repairs of regional flood control systems around the state. The repairs are necessary for public safety and for the systems to remain certified by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Repairing and improving these systems will head off problems well before they happen and make sure the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is meeting necessary safety metrics,” said Sen. Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for ensuring local safety remains a top priority.”
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their foresight in adding this infrastructure improvement funding to the meeting agenda,” said Sen. McCrory. “It will strengthen regional safety and preparedness, while giving local residents confidence that safety standards are being fulfilled.”
“This funding ensures the future safety of our community members in Bloomfield,” Rep. Gibson said. “With the approval of this funding, we will be able to prevent a future disaster from happening in our town. I want to thank Governor Lamont, my delegation members, members of the Bonding Subcommittee, and members of the Bond Commission for recognizing the need to keep Bloomfield safe.”
Sen. Osten, Ledyard Officials Welcome State Bonding for Bridge and Dam Work in Town
Sen. Osten, Ledyard Officials Welcome State Bonding for Bridge and Dam Work in Town
LEDYARD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn III today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $3 million in state aid for bridge and dam upgrades in Ledyard when the commission meets next week in Hartford.
The funds will provide a grant-in-aid to Ledyard for bridge and dam upgrades, including upgrading pump stations, adding a storage tank, extending an emergency connection in Ledyard, and other security upgrades.
More importantly, the state funding will help two local conservation groups repair three Colonial-era dams located on Long Pond and Bush Pond. The repair work is essential for the safety of downstream properties and for environmental reasons: one local group is working to install a fishway on the Long Pond Dam to help fish return from the sea to the pond to lay their eggs.
“Sometimes you get state bonding for a project that seems simple on its face, like repairing some dams and bridges, but which really has other, greater consequences, and I think that’s the case here,” said Senator Osten, who has been working with Ledyard officials for months to help secure this state aid. “Long Pond and the Whitford Brook are connected to the Mystic River and Long Island Sound, and so they’re connected to all of the fish that live in the Sound. It would be great if, along with protecting the integrity of some old dams and the private property downstream, we could give a boost to fish who historically have spawned in Ledyard’s freshwater ponds. My expectation is that’s what these state funds will ultimately help accomplish.”
“”I’m very much appreciative of Senator Osten for supporting this critical infrastructure investment in Ledyard. These are exactly the types of long-term investments that state bonding should be paying for,” said Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn III. “I truly appreciate all the work she has done for us here in eastern Connecticut.”
“It’s a huge relief to me to know that this funding is happening, and that Senator Osten has been able to convince people that this project is a regional benefit,” said Betsy Graham, a member of the Lantern Hill Valley Association which owns two of the dams. “This is a wonderful project that everyone is working together to make happen.”
The state Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Ellington Legislators Announce State Bond Funding for Town
Ellington Legislators Announce State Bond Funding for Town
In the State Bond Commission’s May 26 agenda, Ellington will receive just under $250,000 in state funding for improvements to Arbor Park and to accommodate local police officers’ use of body cameras in their everyday work. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Jaime Foster (D-Ellington) announced the expected release of the state’s bond funding, encouraged that Ellington will receive state funds for these important projects.
“I’m grateful that Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission are recognizing these important needs in our community,” said Sen. Anwar. “New lighting and a new fitness area at Arbor Park will play a significant role in adding access and safety to local outdoor recreation, while reimbursement for local police will ensure they can continue to serve and protect us. These are positive investments for Ellington.”
“Thank you to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for adding these items to the agenda. I was pleased to promote this project that not only increases safety, beautifies our town but also increases opportunities for town and local non-profits programming in our downtown area. Anyone who has been to the farmers market and fairs downtown will know that this part of town is beautifully burgeoning in recent years for community events. I urge the commission to approve these projects next Thursday,” said Rep. Foster.
According to the Bond Commission’s agenda, it is expected to provide a grant for $224,415 to the town of Ellington for the installation of 33 light fixtures and the addition of an outdoor fitness area to Arbor Park along Main Street. The town will further receive $23,840 to reimburse Ellington police for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices.
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Today, the Farmington delegation of lawmakers including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), State Representative Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) and State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford) announced that $750,000 in funding is allocated in the May 26 State Bond Commission agenda to support the expansion of the advanced manufacturing program at Tunxis Community College. The funding is expected to be approved during the Commission’s May 26 meeting.
This investment by the state will allow for phase III of the advanced manufacturing program at the school to move forward, including the expansion of a building at 21 Spring Lane, bolstering local resources for advanced manufacturing education and training as the industry continues to grow. The planned renovations will expand manufacturing classrooms and lab space, create training opportunities for advanced manufacturing and allow room for future program growth.
“Tunxis Community College provides important educational opportunities to thousands of students every year, and this investment means they will have even more opportunities to succeed,” said Sen. Slap. “It’s especially important as advanced manufacturing represents a significant part of Connecticut’s economy and expanded educational opportunities will provide a stronger workforce in years to come. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Legislators representing Bloomfield in the General Assembly, including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield, Windsor) and State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), today announced the State Bond Commission is expected to release $250,000 in funding to support needed repairs of a flood control system in Bloomfield.
This funding is part of more than $3.4 million supporting repairs of regional flood control systems around the state. The repairs are necessary for public safety and for the systems to remain certified by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Repairing and improving these systems will head off problems well before they happen and make sure the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is meeting necessary safety metrics,” said Sen. Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for ensuring local safety remains a top priority.”
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their foresight in adding this infrastructure improvement funding to the meeting agenda,” said Sen. McCrory. “It will strengthen regional safety and preparedness, while giving local residents confidence that safety standards are being fulfilled.”
“This funding ensures the future safety of our community members in Bloomfield,” Rep. Gibson said. “With the approval of this funding, we will be able to prevent a future disaster from happening in our town. I want to thank Governor Lamont, my delegation members, members of the Bonding Subcommittee, and members of the Bond Commission for recognizing the need to keep Bloomfield safe.”
Public Health and Children’s Committees Host Informational Discussion in Response to Baby Formula Shortage
Public Health and Children’s Committees Host Informational Discussion in Response to Baby Formula Shortage
Today, state Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Chair of the Children’s Committee and Acting Chair of the Public Health Committee, held an informational forum to respond to the national baby formula crisis in Connecticut. This baby formula shortage has caused stocks in some states to fall by up to 40% and has left parents of young children stressed and struggling to find the products they need. Senator Anwar was joined by state Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Liz Linehan, along with pediatricians to discuss the ongoing issue of formula shortage and what parents can do.
The shortage has risen in recent months as the result of a significant recall of formula sold by Abbott Nutrition after reports of bacterial infections tied to batches of formula. Three popular brands of formula, comprising a significant amount of formula produced in the United States, were recalled as the company has worked to ensure quality control in the affected production plants. While Abbott reports the plant could be up and running within two weeks, formula may not reach store shelves for another six to eight weeks – extremely troubling as some states are seeing increased shortages and limited supply of the product, with up to 40% of baby formula out of stock nationwide.
“When a child is hungry, and cries from hunger, it is one of the most anxiety provoking feelings for a parent,” said Sen. Anwar. “The last few weeks have had thousands of parents in our State experience anxiety and panic. This has been even more painful for those with vulnerable children requiring special formulas. The Children’s Committee and Public Health Committee joined Pediatricians in our state, along with members of our federal delegation, Public health officials, Office of the Attorney General to look at a comprehensive way to manage this crisis and protect our children and families.”
“The formula shortage is a national problem, but it’s constructive to discuss the impact in our state,” said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg. “How will we deal with future supply chain issues of essential products? What can we learn from this situation and our pandemic response that will make government more helpful to families in need? It’s a necessary discussion.”
“While this national shortage is due to the recall and voluntary closing of Abbott for safety concerns, and the restrictive trade practices in place, it is critical that we help parents directly while our federal delegation works to ease the shortage,” said Rep. Liz Linehan. “We have asked pediatricians and retail experts to give practical advice on safety for formula replacements, breast milk bank information, and how to navigate retail stock and store deliveries to procure formula. Parents and caregivers are struggling to feed their babies and they need help now. This information is vital.”
“Child and allergy specific foods are always challenging to get and worse for those who are food insecure,” said Rep. Jaime Foster. “Since February I have been hearing from parents fostering kids, those reliant on WIC for food support and those who have children with inborn errors of metabolism or other conditions that rely on specific formula that there have been supply struggles. The State Department of Public Health was quick to expand WIC offerings to address some of the shortcomings in the supply chain for WIC participants. Nevertheless, as a mom I can’t imagine the fear that many parents are facing knowing that their children might not be able to get the specific formula that their child relies on to survive. ”
To help ease the impact of shortages, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises buying no more than a 10-day to 2-week supply of formula. Doctors and Pediatricians say to avoid watering down formula, avoid giving infants alternatives such as cow’s milk, goat milk, and almond milk, and they also advise against homemade formula. Although recipes for homemade formulas circulating on the internet may seem healthy or less expensive, they are not safe and do not meet a baby’s nutritional needs.
Shopping at smaller stores, as larger ones will see more frequent demand and shoppers, is recommended; families in need should also contact community pharmacies, local food banks or milk banks for more resources in aid. However, the most prominent advice is to not panic – despite the challenges of this moment for already-stressed new parents, there are resources available to help.
Parents in need are encouraged to reach out to their pediatricians. There is a temporary formula substitution document prepared by WIC to aid parents in finding alternative formula solutions while the shortage is ongoing. WIC’s state agency can be contacted at 1-800-741-2142. Parents of young children looking to help each other have created Find My Formula CT, a Facebook group where parents can aid others in finding specific brands and types of formula on store shelves in different parts of the state.
To watch today’s discussion, you can click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik9pKlfYorU
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
WHERE: Norwalk Green
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday May 18
WHO: State Senator Bob Duff, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, concerned members of the community
Following the horrifying events this past Saturday in Buffalo, New York, where a self-described white supremacist and neo-Nazi took the lives of 10 innocent men and women and injured four others in a race-based hate crime, Senator Duff and Mayor Rilling will hold a vigil for these victims, and for the community to come together and denounce such hatred, this Wednesday.
These individuals were killed solely due to their skin color in a country where hate crimes are growing, not falling, and in a country where the same hateful rhetoric shared by the shooter is repeated nightly on prominent conversative news programs. Despite a mental health evaluation, the shooter was able to purchase deadly weapons and high-capacity magazines, driving for three hours solely to target a Black community.
This vigil is not just in honor of those who we tragically lost, innocent men and women dedicated to their communities. It is meant for us to come together as one, denounce hatred and work toward solutions to violence, hatred, and ideals that pit man against man when we all share the same species. If we don’t speak up as a community, state and nation, who will?
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Connecticut Ranking as Best State in America for Police Officers
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Connecticut Ranking as Best State in America for Police Officers
HARTFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) today welcomed a new national ranking that takes into account nearly 90 different metrics – including police starting pay, violent crime rates and other measurements – and ranks Connecticut as the best state in America to be a police officer.
The WalletHub survey (https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669) of all 50 states shows Connecticut with the top overall score, ranking 1st in law enforcement training requirements, 7th in job hazards and protections, and 18th in opportunity and protection.
According to the survey, states in the Northeast make up one-third of the Top 20 best states in America for police officers to live and work (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). Meanwhile, many states run by Republican governors and Republican legislators fared poorly with police: Arizona ranked 34, Missouri 35, Florida 36, and South Carolina 43.
The new national ranking also notes Connecticut’s enviable position as the fourth-safest state in American when it comes to violent crime, according to the FBI.
The survey was even touted on Fox News with the headline “Law enforcement officers might want to consider moving to Connecticut”: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/best-worst-states-police-officers-2022
“My hometown police department in Guilford is looking to hire right now, as is Branford, and they’re paying between $71,000 and $86,000, plus benefits. And we just secured nearly $5 million in the state budget this year to build a new police headquarters in North Branford,” Sen. Cohen said. “There is clearly a commitment from local officials to their police officers, and police departments are looking to expand. This national ranking is confirmation of the positive direction that Connecticut has been taking with law enforcement for some time now. It makes sense that if you are highly trained, paid well and work in a state with a low crime rate that you are going to be happy there. And that’s Connecticut.”
In order to determine the best and worst states for police officers, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 90 different metrics, generally categorized as: opportunity & competition, law enforcement training requirements, and job hazards & protections.
States were ranked on a number of metrics, including: the number of law-enforcement officers per capita; their average starting salary and salary growth potential; police officer education requirements and training hours required; availability of de-escalation training; body-worn camera laws; “Red Flag” laws to allow the seizure of guns before people can commit acts of violence; police deaths per 1,000 officers: share of law enforcement officers assaulted: a state’s violent crime and property crime rates; and the share of homicide cases solved.
Sources used include data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Officer Down Memorial Page, the National 911 Program, and others.