Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), submitted a letter to Darien First Selectwoman Monica McNally requesting a meeting to discuss the Open Choice program and affordable housing in the town. The request follows the town’s recent proposed purchase of the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million.
“Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.”
Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the state’s Open Choice program. The program was originally agreed to by the former First Selectman and the Superintendent. The reversal prevented 13 Norwalk kindergartners from joining Darien public schools and turned away state funding to cover the cost of their education. The Board of Education justified their rejection because of unknown costs associated with the kindergarten students. However, the purchase of Great Island is not only far more expensive than the Open Choice program but also has more unknown costs.
“In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program,” continued Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.”
Additionally, Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed.
“The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.”
A copy of the letter and the full text of the letter are below.
Dear First Selectwoman McNally,
Congratulations to the Town of Darien on reaching an agreement to purchase the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million. We look forward to learning more about the town’s plans for this incredible piece of property.
Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency. It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.
Specifically, we’d like to discuss:
Open Choice. Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the Open Choice program, refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergartners and rejecting state provided funds to cover the cost of their education. This action contradicted the commitment given by the former First Selectman and the Schools Superintendent to participate in Open Choice.
In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program.
The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.
Affordable Housing. As you know, the Town of Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed. The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.
We look forward to hearing from you with a date and time that works for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
Senator Will Haskell
Senator Pat “Billie” Miller
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Today Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the House and Senate Republican press release calling on the state to cut debt payments by $750 million:
“The Republican political press release is a return to the fiscal irresponsibility of the past and a betrayal of future generations of our state. The Republicans slash $750 million in debt payments which will not only cost taxpayers this year but will saddle them with millions in payments each year for the next 25 years. The failure to keep pace with actuarially required pension payments was the hallmark of the 16 Rowland and Rell years. We must not fall back into that irresponsible pattern. Furthermore, Republicans have failed to propose an alternative budget to show the impact of their proposals. We cannot budget in a vacuum.
“The Republicans’ short-sighted and foolish fiscal ideas undo the work of the bipartisan 2017 budget and would steer our state right back into the cycle of cuts and tax increases. Republicans would rather pit hard-working Americans against each other than blame a Russian warmongering tyrant or the oil corporations lining their own pockets. Now is not the time for political games. Connecticut will not give you a dollar today to take $100 from your grandchild tomorrow.”
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), submitted a letter to Darien First Selectwoman Monica McNally requesting a meeting to discuss the Open Choice program and affordable housing in the town. The request follows the town’s recent proposed purchase of the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million.
“Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.”
Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the state’s Open Choice program. The program was originally agreed to by the former First Selectman and the Superintendent. The reversal prevented 13 Norwalk kindergartners from joining Darien public schools and turned away state funding to cover the cost of their education. The Board of Education justified their rejection because of unknown costs associated with the kindergarten students. However, the purchase of Great Island is not only far more expensive than the Open Choice program but also has more unknown costs.
“In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program,” continued Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.”
Additionally, Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed.
“The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.”
A copy of the letter and the full text of the letter are below.
Dear First Selectwoman McNally,
Congratulations to the Town of Darien on reaching an agreement to purchase the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million. We look forward to learning more about the town’s plans for this incredible piece of property.
Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency. It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.
Specifically, we’d like to discuss:
Open Choice. Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the Open Choice program, refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergartners and rejecting state provided funds to cover the cost of their education. This action contradicted the commitment given by the former First Selectman and the Schools Superintendent to participate in Open Choice.
In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program.
The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.
Affordable Housing. As you know, the Town of Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed. The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.
We look forward to hearing from you with a date and time that works for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
Senator Will Haskell
Senator Pat “Billie” Miller
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Duff, Haskell, and Miller Question Darien’s Proposed $100 Million Purchase of Great Island
Today, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), and Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), submitted a letter to Darien First Selectwoman Monica McNally requesting a meeting to discuss the Open Choice program and affordable housing in the town. The request follows the town’s recent proposed purchase of the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million.
“Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.”
Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the state’s Open Choice program. The program was originally agreed to by the former First Selectman and the Superintendent. The reversal prevented 13 Norwalk kindergartners from joining Darien public schools and turned away state funding to cover the cost of their education. The Board of Education justified their rejection because of unknown costs associated with the kindergarten students. However, the purchase of Great Island is not only far more expensive than the Open Choice program but also has more unknown costs.
“In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program,” continued Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.”
Additionally, Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed.
“The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation,” said Senators Duff, Haskell, and Miller. “We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.”
A copy of the letter and the full text of the letter are below.
Dear First Selectwoman McNally,
Congratulations to the Town of Darien on reaching an agreement to purchase the 60-acre Great Island property for $100 million. We look forward to learning more about the town’s plans for this incredible piece of property.
Given the news, we are again requesting the opportunity to meet with you to discuss two issues that now take on greater importance and urgency. It is our hope that you will respond to this request as our others have gone unanswered.
Specifically, we’d like to discuss:
Open Choice. Last fall, the Darien Board of Education declined to participate in the Open Choice program, refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergartners and rejecting state provided funds to cover the cost of their education. This action contradicted the commitment given by the former First Selectman and the Schools Superintendent to participate in Open Choice.
In refusing to accept 13 Norwalk kindergarten students, the Board of Education cited unknown costs associated with assuming responsibility for these students, even though the state fully covers the cost of every student’s education under the Open Choice program.
The decision by the Town to purchase the Great Island property with so many unknowns—how the property will be used, how to replace the loss to the grand list, what the costs of insuring, maintaining, securing and ultimately developing the property will be, leads us to question the legitimacy of the reason given for rejecting Open Choice. We believe this topic requires further discussion.
Affordable Housing. As you know, the Town of Darien has only 3.97% of its housing stock as deed-restricted affordable housing. In defending its shortcomings, the town consistently points to the fact that Darien is 98% developed. The purchase of 60 acres by the town certainly ameliorates this situation, creating an opportunity for Darien to invest in affordable housing stock to meet its legal obligation. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you and ways in which we can assist in this effort. We are confident that the state would welcome the opportunity to partner with Darien on this initiative.
We look forward to hearing from you with a date and time that works for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
Senator Will Haskell
Senator Pat “Billie” Miller
Senator Anwar Tours Connecticut Valley Hospital Amid Concern Over Lack of Addiction Services Beds
Senator Anwar Tours Connecticut Valley Hospital Amid Concern Over Lack of Addiction Services Beds
On Thursday, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined representatives from the SEIU District 1199 at Middletown’s Connecticut Valley Hospital to tour the facilities amid concern from advocates that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has reduced the available number of addiction services beds at Blue Hills and Connecticut Valley Hospital. The tour allowed for leaders to see conditions at the hospital firsthand and consider the needs for in-patient detox for substance use and other addiction services.
“We know that mental health and addiction are serious and significant problems in Connecticut. We lose more than 1,000 lives each year to drug overdoses, and many more struggle with the disease of addiction,” said Sen. Anwar. “We need to have proper resources available to aid those struggling and break the cycles and stigmas of addiction. I’m hopeful that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services can work to establish a better path forward and help connect more people in need with resources that can directly aid them.”
Blue Hills and Connecticut Valley Hospital offer in-patient medically-managed detoxification and rehabilitation services to those needing them, with beds intended to be available. These programs can manage multiple substance dependencies and are vital to the Hartford and Middletown communities. However, for at least two months, Blue Hills Hospital has reported zero available beds, and as many as 20 people per day are rejected from addiction services beds.
SEIU 1199 representatives seek to restore and expand the available addiction services division capacity to save people’s lives. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has stated capacity increases are unavailable right now due to significant job vacancies in the Addiction Services Division.
Flexer Tax Cut
State Property Tax Credit Expansion:
The 2022 budget increased the state property tax credit from $200 to $300 and expanded the number of taxpayers who may claim it. The credit will no longer be limited to individuals over age 65 or those who claim dependents on their federal tax return. This limitation was set to expire in tax year 2023, the newly enacted budget removes the limitation one year early. This will benefit a total of 795,000 filers: 410,000 filers that already received the tax credit will receive the credit increase, and 385,000 additional filers will receive the increased tax credit amount due to the accelerated elimination of filer eligibility criteria.
Income Limits to Qualify:
$109.5k for single
$130.5k for married filing jointly
$65.25k for married filing separately
$114.5k for head of household.
Phased-out of taxes on certain pension, 401K and annuity income:
The 2022 budget accelerates the phase-in of the general pension and annuity exemption, permitting income-eligible taxpayers to deduct 100% of their qualifying pension and annuity income from their Connecticut taxable income beginning in the 2022 tax year. This would not have been achieved until the exemption was completely phased-in by 2025 had it not been for this year’s budget.
To qualify, if you are a single filer, married people filing separately, or head of household, your adjusted gross income must be below $75,000. If you are married, filing jointly, your adjusted gross income must be below $100,000.
Source: (CGS § 12-701(a)(20)(B)(xxi)), as amended by HB 5506 (2022), § 414).
Senate Democrats Join Governor Lamont As Flagship Children’s Mental Health Bills Signed Into Law
Senate Democrats Join Governor Lamont As Flagship Children’s Mental Health Bills Signed Into Law
Today, Senate Democrats joined Governor Lamont, colleagues and advocates at the State Capitol as three flagship mental health bills, including two bills marked as Senate Democrats’ highest priority for the 2022 legislative session, were signed into law. With these bills’ enaction, Connecticut will see sharp increases in resources and aid for services in the medical sector, school-based aid and early childhood interventions, all of them seeking to reverse longstanding issues with mental health resource access and aid.
“For years before the pandemic, we knew children’s mental health was a worsening issue in our communities. The pandemic only made accelerated the problem,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “These bills were designed with one purpose – to aid children. Those children experiencing distress will have new, better resources available to them to receive aid. Those at risk will have access to programs put in place to aid their development and mitigate the impact of mental health issues. The children of Connecticut’s future will also be able to make use of key development and support programs through these bills, so that they may not experience the circumstances that can contribute to or deepen the impact of a mental health crisis. This overarching, detailed approach with significant depth and attention to every aspect of youth mental health will save lives and benefit our vulnerable young people for years to come.”
“What’s great about these bills becoming law is that they thoroughly address the many facets of care necessary to support children’s mental health,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “It meets kids in their schools, providing them with strong pillars of support that will help them stand tall as they grow. It bolsters resources and ensures professionals are ready and able to take on the challenges asked of them to address children’s needs. For those at risk and those struggling, it deepens the pool of aid they will be able to utilize. It’s an every-child approach and a whole-child approach with direct and actionable care for children’s needs.”
“If you were to ask a young person today what can be done to help them and their fellow students the answer you are likely to get is supporting their mental health. We are in the midst of a children’s mental health crisis and our young people are begging for assistance. I want Connecticut’s students to know that we hear you and that help is on the way,” said State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford), Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “These new laws will strengthen and expand Connecticut’s mental health infrastructure so that the resources and personnel are more accessible in schools and communities. By putting more tools in the hands of students, families and schools, we are saving lives and supporting the ability of our young leaders to thrive.”
“I am proud today that we are telling the children of Connecticut, ‘we see you, we hear you and we support you’ with these bills’ signing into law,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Children’s Committee. “Far too many of our children face crises or are at risk of experiencing crisis, and they need aid as soon as possible. Today, we take these issues head-on and work to support and protect the health of our future. It’s my hope that as today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders, the importance of mental health remains strong in their minds.”
Senate Bill 1, “An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services In Schools,” takes a “whole-child” view toward building resources and infrastructure to better care for Connecticut’s youth. Among its benefits including significant funding for school-based health centers, focus on hiring and retaining social workers and psychologists in schools, strong enhancement of child care and early childhood education through funding workers and child development centers, and reinforcing the state’s efforts toward attracting and retaining a high-quality teacher workforce. It further bolsters education programs, streamlines pathways toward specialized education and enhances school response to overdoses amid other benefits.
Senate Bill 2, “An Act Expanding Preschool and Mental and Behavioral Services For Children,” addresses mental health by supporting, expanding and creating preventative programs aimed to reduce conditions that can contribute to children developing mental health disorders, supporting children in early development and formative years to help prepare them for success throughout their lives. Its benefits include the expansion of mobile crisis centers to 24/7 availability statewide, creation of an equity-based mental health fund to aid the public, enshrinement of telehealth services, studying the effects of social media and mobile phone use on children’s mental health, expanding family care center populations, expanding hiring of social workers in pediatrician offices and the recruiting and retaining of health care workers, specifically behavioral health experts and professionals.
House Bill 5001, “An Act Concerning Children’s Mental Health,” seeks to respond directly to the youth mental health crisis, with the additional pressures placed upon our society and resources by the COVID-19 pandemic, in supporting the children’s mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut. For years, children and teens have experienced increased rates of depression, self-harm and suicide attempts, and the crisis has spilled over, leading to significant strain on available systems and platforms. The legislation seeks to enhance the state’s behavioral health workforce, support school-based mental health services, expand mental health treatment facilities statewide and increase access to help through insurance coverage. More specifically, it creates a partnership with Connecticut Children’s to treat early-stage mental health support, provides funding for recruitment and retention of child and adolescent psychologists, creates a new pilot program for a federally qualified health center in Waterbury to treat adolescents with behavioral health needs and requires insurers to cover evidence-based and collaborative care services for youths.
Senator Needleman Releases Statement After Deep River Sign Defaced with Offensive, Racially Motivated Message
Senator Needleman Releases Statement After Deep River Sign Defaced with Offensive, Racially Motivated Message
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released a statement after a prominent Deep River sign was defaced this week with offensive messages, including the use of racial slurs:
“This is reprehensible behavior that has no place in the Deep River community, or for that matter, any community. I denounce the messages left and the horrid beliefs they represent. Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of hate speech our region has seen. We must work toward a future where it doesn’t happen again.
I am encouraged that town officials, state officials, local clergy and local police are working together, not only to investigate this serious incident but to work on solutions. Our common experiences should bring the community together in light of those who seek to tear us apart.
Hatred has a real cost and exacts a heavy toll on our communities, especially when used to intimidate and hurt others. We must work together to find common solutions and togetherness, leaving those intending to divide and harm to languish in condemnation.”
Senate Democrats Join Governor Lamont As Flagship Children’s Mental Health Bills Signed Into Law
Senate Democrats Join Governor Lamont As Flagship Children’s Mental Health Bills Signed Into Law
June 2, 2022
Today, Senate Democrats joined Governor Lamont, colleagues and advocates at the State Capitol as three flagship mental health bills, including two bills marked as Senate Democrats’ highest priority for the 2022 legislative session, were signed into law. With these bills’ enaction, Connecticut will see sharp increases in resources and aid for services in the medical sector, school-based aid and early childhood interventions, all of them seeking to reverse longstanding issues with mental health resource access and aid.
“For years before the pandemic, we knew children’s mental health was a worsening issue in our communities. The pandemic only made accelerated the problem,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “These bills were designed with one purpose – to aid children. Those children experiencing distress will have new, better resources available to them to receive aid. Those at risk will have access to programs put in place to aid their development and mitigate the impact of mental health issues. The children of Connecticut’s future will also be able to make use of key development and support programs through these bills, so that they may not experience the circumstances that can contribute to or deepen the impact of a mental health crisis. This overarching, detailed approach with significant depth and attention to every aspect of youth mental health will save lives and benefit our vulnerable young people for years to come.”
“What’s great about these bills becoming law is that they thoroughly address the many facets of care necessary to support children’s mental health,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “It meets kids in their schools, providing them with strong pillars of support that will help them stand tall as they grow. It bolsters resources and ensures professionals are ready and able to take on the challenges asked of them to address children’s needs. For those at risk and those struggling, it deepens the pool of aid they will be able to utilize. It’s an every-child approach and a whole-child approach with direct and actionable care for children’s needs.”
“If you were to ask a young person today what can be done to help them and their fellow students the answer you are likely to get is supporting their mental health. We are in the midst of a children’s mental health crisis and our young people are begging for assistance. I want Connecticut’s students to know that we hear you and that help is on the way,” said State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford), Senate Chair of the Education Committee. “These new laws will strengthen and expand Connecticut’s mental health infrastructure so that the resources and personnel are more accessible in schools and communities. By putting more tools in the hands of students, families and schools, we are saving lives and supporting the ability of our young leaders to thrive.”
“I am proud today that we are telling the children of Connecticut, ‘we see you, we hear you and we support you’ with these bills’ signing into law,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Children’s Committee. “Far too many of our children face crises or are at risk of experiencing crisis, and they need aid as soon as possible. Today, we take these issues head-on and work to support and protect the health of our future. It’s my hope that as today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders, the importance of mental health remains strong in their minds.”
Senate Bill 1, “An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services In Schools,” takes a “whole-child” view toward building resources and infrastructure to better care for Connecticut’s youth. Among its benefits including significant funding for school-based health centers, focus on hiring and retaining social workers and psychologists in schools, strong enhancement of child care and early childhood education through funding workers and child development centers, and reinforcing the state’s efforts toward attracting and retaining a high-quality teacher workforce. It further bolsters education programs, streamlines pathways toward specialized education and enhances school response to overdoses amid other benefits.
Senate Bill 2, “An Act Expanding Preschool and Mental and Behavioral Services For Children,” addresses mental health by supporting, expanding and creating preventative programs aimed to reduce conditions that can contribute to children developing mental health disorders, supporting children in early development and formative years to help prepare them for success throughout their lives. Its benefits include the expansion of mobile crisis centers to 24/7 availability statewide, creation of an equity-based mental health fund to aid the public, enshrinement of telehealth services, studying the effects of social media and mobile phone use on children’s mental health, expanding family care center populations, expanding hiring of social workers in pediatrician offices and the recruiting and retaining of health care workers, specifically behavioral health experts and professionals.
House Bill 5001, “An Act Concerning Children’s Mental Health,” seeks to respond directly to the youth mental health crisis, with the additional pressures placed upon our society and resources by the COVID-19 pandemic, in supporting the children’s mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut. For years, children and teens have experienced increased rates of depression, self-harm and suicide attempts, and the crisis has spilled over, leading to significant strain on available systems and platforms. The legislation seeks to enhance the state’s behavioral health workforce, support school-based mental health services, expand mental health treatment facilities statewide and increase access to help through insurance coverage. More specifically, it creates a partnership with Connecticut Children’s to treat early-stage mental health support, provides funding for recruitment and retention of child and adolescent psychologists, creates a new pilot program for a federally qualified health center in Waterbury to treat adolescents with behavioral health needs and requires insurers to cover evidence-based and collaborative care services for youths.
Senator Anwar Joins Congressman Larson as AFL-CIO Gives Support to ‘Social Security 2100’ Legislation
Senator Anwar Joins Congressman Larson as AFL-CIO Gives Support to ‘Social Security 2100’ Legislation
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined U.S. Congressman John B. Larson, AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne and members of the AFL-CIO in Hartford as the AFL-CIO announced its support for “Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust,” a federal legislative proposal introduced by Rep. Larson and cosponsored by more than 200 House members to increase Social Security benefits across the board, strengthening the program for generations to come.
“Social Security has long been an American institution, one relied upon and paid into by countless citizens who receive a promise that they will be taken care of,” said Sen. Anwar. “We must take action to expand this program and ensure this vital service will remain available for future generations, and Social Security 2100 will do just that. I am grateful for Connecticut’s federal representatives in their work to support our communities, our state and our country.”
“It has been more than 50 years since Congress acted to expand Social Security benefits,” said Larson. “By passing Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust, we can act now to expand our nation’s most effective anti-poverty program and ensure this program remains a ‘sacred trust’ between the government and its people. It is an honor to stand alongside the AFL-CIO today as they announce their support for our legislation.”
“Social Security is a sacred commitment to all Americans and a promise that must be fulfilled. As seniors and people with disabilities struggle with the costs of food, housing, and prescription drugs, this bill enhances and expands benefits for millions of Americans who need them. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and union members to support the Social Security 2100 Act, keeping this vital lifeline solvent ensuring our nation’s bedrock social insurance program will continue to provide current and future beneficiaries with a quality standard of living,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.
“Social Security benefits are a promise made to workers and Social Security 2100 is essential in fulfilling this promise. The Connecticut AFL-CIO applauds Representative Larson in his fight to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision that harms Connecticut’s teachers, firefighters, and police officers by reducing social security benefits they earned because they are receiving pension after years of dedicated public service. Retirees and those most vulnerable in our society depend on Social Security to live a life of dignity. The Connecticut AFL-CIO and our over 200,000 members stand in solidarity with Congressman Larson in his fight to ensure Social Security is a promise we keep for generations of Americans to come,” said Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne.
“Social Security 2100” seeks to protect Social Security by increasing benefits and protecting them against potential future cuts. As Social Security benefits have not been improved in more than 50 years, and many Americans are struggling under high costs, this action is more necessary than ever. The legislation would raise benefits for current and new beneficiaries, improve the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment to protect against inflation and set a new minimum benefit above the poverty line to aid low-income workers, among other changes.