Senator Anwar Releases Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On Abortion Rights And Access
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement after the Supreme Court today ruled in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health to effectively strike down Roe v Wade, which has codified the right to seek an abortion for nearly 50 years.
“Today, our courts have decided that safe abortions will no longer be allowed in much of the country. This decision will lead to death, severe illness and complications due to unsafe abortions. The clock has been dialed back about 50 years.”
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement Following Supreme Courts Decision To Overturn Roe V Wade
State Senator Matt Lesser Releases Statement Following Supreme Courts Decision To Overturn Roe V Wade
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade:
“Five right-wing justices have thrown down the gauntlet, jeopardizing the reproductive rights of millions of families across the country,” said Sen. Lesser. “The reckless scope of this decision is simply staggering – it threatens not just the right to abortion, but all kinds of other rights as well, including rights to marry and rights to contraception. The Supreme Court may be stuck in the 19th century, but Connecticut now has an obligation to review our laws to ensure 21st century access to health care not just in our state but nationwide. Our role shouldn’t be underestimated – a century and a half ago, Connecticut was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad. We should consider playing a same role today for women facing threats and imprisonment in nearly half the country.”
During Pride Month, Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont, Rep. Haines Tour Important Historic East Haddam Lgbt Site
During Pride Month, Sen. Needleman, Gov. Lamont, Rep. Haines Tour Important Historic East Haddam LGBT Site
In honor of Pride Month, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined Governor Ned Lamont, State Representative Irene Haines (R-East Haddam), Connecticut Landmarks Executive Director Aaron Marcavitch and Joe Grabarz, former state legislator and current Connecticut Landmarks Stewardship & Collections Chair, this week at the Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam. The Palmer-Warner House is a historic site not only because it dates back to the 1730s but because it took on new relevance as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community from the 1930s to the 1970s. In late March, the State Bond Commission released $1.5 million of grant funding to support renovation and visitor improvements at the site, ensuring the property can continue to stand as a historic local monument for decades to come.
Centuries after the Warner blacksmith family built and owned the property, Frederic Palmer, a Connecticut preservation architect, purchased it with his mother in 1936. After her death, Palmer and his partner, Howard Metzger, made the site into a safe space for their friends, members of the LGBTQ+ community, for decades. This local piece of history represents the long history of acceptance in Connecticut and the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Palmer-Warner House is a treasure located in our own backyard. It is at once a property dating back to the days of early Colonialism in the United States and a monument to the love and support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sen. Needleman. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont and State Bond Commission for their foresight in supporting this important historical location and for Connecticut Landmarks’ preservation and caretaking of its beautiful property, ensuring the stories of the Warners and of Frederic Palmer and Howard Metzger will continue to be told for years to come.”
“Ensuring the Palmer-Warner House remains maintained and in a good state of repair will allow this historic property to serve as a landmark in East Haddam for many years to come, and I am glad that the state is able to partner with them on this project,” Governor Lamont said.
“Thanks to Senator Needleman, Connecticut continues to be a welcoming place as it was for Howard Metzger and Frederic Palmer,” said Grabarz. “The preservation of this history of ‘welcoming’ will provide an important lesson to combat intolerance.”
The $1.5 million in grants committed to the property include renovations to the building’s exterior, the installation of a parking lot and renovation of the site’s barn into a visitor center, and work to make the site more accessible through the Americans With Disabilities Act. Connecticut Landmarks will receive the grant funding.
According to Connecticut Landmarks, centuries after John and Mehitable Warner built the house in 1738, using the land to farm and grow their family who became renowned local blacksmiths, the house was purchased by Frederic Palmer and his mother Mary Brennan Palmer in the 1930s. Palmer worked to acquire, renovate and preserve a number of Connecticut Landmarks properties. He lived at the Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam with his partner Howard Metzger until his death in 1971, Metzger continuing to live there until he died in 2005. Palmer and Metzger were active members of the East Haddam community and welcomed LGBTQ+ friends to stay at the house, making it a safe space for that community during a time of societal rejection for the gay community.
Statement Of Judiciary Committee Senate Chairman Gary Winfield (D- New Haven) On Today’s Supreme Court Ruling In N.Y. Gun Carry Case
Statement Of Judiciary Committee Senate Chairman Gary Winfield (D- New Haven) On Today’s Supreme Court Ruling In N.Y. Gun Carry Case
“Those of us following this case are disappointed but not shocked by the Supreme Court’s ruling, despite prior positions held by the court. In Connecticut we have worked diligently to pass common-sense gun safety legislation to protect our citizens. This case – and the ensuing lawsuits that will follow from it – threaten those protections. We remain steadfast in our efforts and will be ready with any necessary legislative responses to ensure that Connecticut remains at the forefront of gun safety and that our citizens remain safe within the boundaries of this state.”
Sen. Flexer To Host Highway Dedication Ceremony For Calvin Heath And Joe Lindley
Sen. Flexer To Host Highway Dedication Ceremony For Calvin Heath And Joe Lindley
THOMPSON – State Senator Mae Flexer plans to unveil new highway signs in a few weeks that dedicate portions of Routes 21 and 193 in northeastern Connecticut in honor of two local U.S. Army veterans, Calvin Heath and Joseph Lindley.
The official highway naming ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at Thompson Hill Common, the triangle of land bordered by Chase Road, Thompson Hill Road and Thompson Road. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 67 in Grosvenordale.
“We’re fortunate here in northeastern Connecticut to have had extraordinary neighbors like Calvin Health and Joe Lindley, two Army veterans who represent the best of America and the best of Connecticut. It’s only fitting that we honor their memories, their service and their sacrifice with portions of local state highways in their names,” Sen. Flexer said. “It has been an honor to work on this effort for several years, first with Joe Lindley and Alan Joslin to honor Calvin, and then over the last two years to honor both Calvin and Joe. Service and sacrifice for one’s country is something that must always be celebrated and honored, especially that of our Vietnam veterans. Many of us got to know of Calvin’s heroic journey because of Joe’s incredible book and his great work sharing Calvin’s story with the community. It is fitting that we are honoring both men on the same day. Calvin and Joe deserve this honor, and I’m happy to have made this recognition happen in the state legislature.”
Sen. Flexer was approached about naming a portion of state road after Heath by Alan Joslin of Putnam, who knew both Heath and Lindley.
“I’ve spoken with Senator Flexer over the years on different veterans’ issues. Mae suggested naming sections of state road after both Calvin and Joe. When she made it happen this spring, it was just so heartening. She’s done a super job,” Joslin said.
Sen. Flexer successfully submitted legislation to re-name a portion of Connecticut Route 21 from the intersection of Route 44 in Putnam to Route 193 in Thompson as the “Silver Star Recipient Calvin William Heath Memorial Highway” in memory of Heath, a Putnam native and eventually made his home in Dayville. Heath served in Vietnam as a member of the 3rd Brigade, 187th, 101st Airborne and achieved the rank of Spec4. For his service, Heath was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He died in July 2013.
The legislation also re-names a portion of Route 193 from the intersection of Connecticut Route 200 to Chase Road in Thompson as the “Joseph J. Lindley Memorial Highway.” Lindley, of Thompson, served for 11 years in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer and dedicated his life at home to publishing six books, three of which were about forgotten local heroes, including Heath. Lindley was also a youth sports coach and a member of the Thompson Historical Society, the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Alumni Association, the Thompson Board of Education, the Juvenile Review Board, and the Board of Trustees for the Tourtellotte Trust. He died in October 2019.
The public is asked to RSVP to the reception here.
Senator Anwar Releases Statement In Response To FDA Removing Juul Vape Products From Marketplace
Senator Anwar Releases Statement In Response To FDA Removing Juul Vape Products From Marketplace
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration issued an order to remove JUUL vape products from the United States marketplace, effectively banning them:
“This is a step in the right direction. JUUL vaping products, and especially the company’s marketing practices, have targeted and hurt children in the past. When we need to remove vapes from the hands of our children to protect their long-term health and growth, orders like these are beneficial for our communities. Flavored vapes pose a significant danger to children and need to be banned. I hope the FDA continues to take this issue seriously and take further action.”
Senator Haskell Releases Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On New York Gun Law
Senator Haskell Releases Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On New York Gun Law
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) released the following statement after the Supreme Court today ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc v Bruen to loosen firearm laws in the United States. The case overturns a New York law requiring “proper cause” for handgun owners to obtain licenses to carry concealed weapons.
“This decision will cut innocent lives short. It will make the problem of gun violence worse at a time when every branch of government ought to be focused on keeping schools, grocery stores, movie theaters and subways safe. As Justice Breyer’s dissent expertly points out, the Court has advanced a narrow reading of the Second Amendment that is ahistorical, vague, and plainly dangerous. The road ahead will not be easy, but we know the American public is desperate to enact stronger gun regulations and save lives. We must continue to push, here in Connecticut and across the country, using every tool that the Court has left available to state legislators.”
Looney Highlights Sponsored Bill Protecting Individuals in Police Custody Requiring Medical Attention
Looney Highlights Sponsored Bill Protecting Individuals in Police Custody Requiring Medical Attention
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) highlighted a bill he sponsored in the 2022 legislative session and secured passage in the State Senate which would have required the provision of immediate emergency medical services to an individual who experiences a health emergency while in the custody or control of a peace officer. The bill, which did not pass the House of Representatives, is gaining increased interest following the news of a suspect in the custody of the New Haven Police Department who was seriously injured during transport.
Senate Bill 445, An Act Concerning the Provision of Emergency Medical Services to an Individual Who Is in the Custody or Control of a Peace Officer, passed the Connecticut State Senate on a vote of 34-0 on April 26 of this year but no further action was taken. When the bill was before the Judiciary Committee, Senator Looney submitted written testimony stating “creating this civil right would ensure that these medical needs are met by appropriately trained medical staff. Encouraging clinical interventions by medical staff would allow police officers to remain focused on public safety and allow emergent medical needs to be addressed by medical personnel.”
Senator Looney sponsored the bill after speaking with the Medical Civil Rights Initiative which was organized by a group of physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The goal of the group is to address the statutory gap that leads to poor medical outcomes for persons who have pre-arrest encounters with law enforcement.
Today, Senator Looney stated, “the recent events in New Haven highlight the need for this legislation and perhaps additional protections for people in police custody. Being arrested is not cause for delaying or denying emergency medical treatment to anyone. Such actions are a violation of a person’s civil rights and a perversion of our justice system.”
Sen. Osten Achieves Perfect 100% Voting Record In 2022 Legislative Session
Sen. Osten Achieves Perfect 100% Voting Record In 2022 Legislative Session
EASTERN CONNECTICUT – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today announced that she achieved a perfect 100% voting record during the recently concluded 2022 legislative session, casting 397 votes out of a possible 397 and ensuring that her constituents are represented on public policy issues in the General Assembly.
“I’ve been working since I was 14, I served in the U.S. Army and then as a corrections professional. I take responsibilities seriously. When there’s work to be done, I chip in and do my part. I’m happy to have been able to represent all of my constituents on every single vote in the state legislature this past session,” Sen. Osten said.
Senator Anwar Proud Of 100% Voting Record During 2022 Legislative Session
Senator Anwar Proud Of 100% Voting Record During 2022 Legislative Session
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced he received a 100% voting record during the 2022 legislative session. Sen. Anwar was present and participated in every vote cast in the Senate, ensuring his constituents had representation for every matter that came before the legislature and received a vote.
“In an unusual legislative session, I’m proud of my 100% voting record,” said Sen. Anwar. “Given the sheer number of important bills considered and passed during this year’s session, I am happy that I did not miss any opportunities to weigh in on vital matters – even when it required residing in the basement of the Capitol, isolating due to a COVID-19 infection. That goes to show the dedication shown by many of my colleagues; I’m not only proud of my participation but that I am one of 11 Senate Democrats with perfect records.”
Sen. Anwar cast 397 votes in the 2022 legislative session, meeting every matter that came across the Senate for consideration and not missing a single vote, joining 10 other Senate Democrats in achieving that distinction.