Senator Haskell, Senator Duff, Westport And Transportation Leaders Detail The Latest Plans For Connecticut Train Service
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Connecticut Department of Transportation Senior Advisor Carlo Leone visited the Westport Train Station to provide updates and details regarding the Connecticut Rail Plan, which was recently completed. The Rail Plan, updated every five years, is a deep dive into rail transportation with specific takeaways and points of emphasis for optimal success of passenger rail through 2027.
“From the moment I was elected, I’ve been hyper-focused on Connecticut’s trains. Why? My constituents rely on them every day,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’ve heard from folks about the need for faster and more frequent service, and for better quality of life during the ride – Wi-Fi and cell service being among the biggest pressure points. The CT Rail Plan addresses all of these needs and sets a path for the next five years of Connecticut rail service. Our train services provide vital connections for millions of riders each year, and I’m glad we have a cohesive and thorough plan to bring them into the 21st century.”
“Connecticut’s commuters depend on Metro-North and the state’s other commuter rail systems. One of the most encouraging points of focus in the Rail Plan is to improve both the frequency and the speed of commuter trains,” said Sen. Duff. “More trains on the schedule provide commuters with more flexibility and enhances their ability to plan out the best schedule for them. When those trains run faster, they’ll spend less time commuting and more time at work, or even better, with their families. I’m looking forward to seeing how these goals are reached in our next half-decade.”
“Did you know commuter trains can achieve 15.6 more miles per gallon per passenger than the most efficient cars on the road today? That’s a testament to the role public transportation and trains can play in fighting greenhouse gas pollution,” said Rep. Steinberg. “The CT Rail Plan discusses potential use of alternative fuels and electrification of rail lines in Connecticut, and I’m especially happy to see the Department of Transportation focusing on system resiliency against severe weather as well. Rail transportation can help the environment and the more we invest in these systems, the more benefits we’ll receive out of them.”
“Connecticut’s rail system continues to experience strong recovery with increasing ridership and expanded services across the state,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Senior Advisor Carlo Leone. “Our vision for the Connecticut Rail Plan is to foster a vibrant passenger rail and freight system that is safe, connects communities, and supports economic growth in Connecticut and throughout the region. We thank the state legislature, members of the public, and transportation stakeholders for providing us critical feedback on how the rail system has served them, and how it can improve for the future.”
The latest Connecticut Rail Plan, designed to be an effective document for rail operations through 2027, was recently completed with important aspects of design necessary for the optimal success of rail transportation in the next five years. While rail in the state found success in the last five years, including the development of the Hartford Line, which has spurred $430 million of transit-oriented development investments since its enactment, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced ridership on various lines by between 28% and 72%.
This report has several recommendations for best actions to improve Connecticut rail service, including improving rail network speed and train timelines to reduce transit times and improve quality of service among riders; focusing on rail projects allowing Metro-North and inter-city rail services more connectivity to points of origin like Penn Station; and improving the quality of train coaches on the Hartford, Waterbury and Danbury Lines. The “Time For CT” project, which seeks to reduce New Haven-New York City transit speeds by 25 minutes by the year 2035, was also highlighted as a vital need.
The plan further suggests improving grade crossings and enhancing signal and communication operations to improve safety; improve rider experiences and system reliability by updating outdated rolling stock; improving mobility by meeting both physical barriers for riders with disabilities and access needs by connecting train stations to bus services; meeting financial sustainability by emphasizing economic competitiveness, environmental advantages of rail use; and making the train system more sustainable, especially through making passenger trains more resilient against severe weather.
To read the full Rail Plan and an executive summary of the document, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Publictrans/Office-of-Rail/Connecticut-State-Rail-Plan to register.
Senator Needleman Joins Congressman Courtney To Tour Chester Fire Dept., Highlight Important Grant For First Responders
Senator Needleman Joins Congressman Courtney To Tour Chester Fire Dept., Highlight Important Grant For First Responders
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-02), State Representative Christine Palm (D-Chester) and Chester First Selectwoman Charlene Janecek at the Chester Fire Department to tour the facilities, discuss the importance of a recent federal grant supporting first responders and discuss how legislators can continue to provide aid and resources to firefighters and first responders.
In September, Rep. Courtney announced that the Chester Fire Department was one of five Connecticut departments to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. The Chester Hose Company will receive $127,428.57, which will support the purchase of Firefighter Breathing Apparatuses, important equipment that protects firefighters from toxic gases and harmful particles that can result from fires.
“Federal ‘Assistance to Firefighters’ grants are an important source of funding for our firefighters across eastern Connecticut,” said Rep. Courtney. “I’m always happy to help our local departments go after these sorts of opportunities, and this new round of federal funding is going to go a long way for our firefighters in Chester. There are too many fire departments using outdated equipment that can hinder or threaten the safety of our first responders, and replacing it can often be a real challenge for our towns’ local budgets. This new AFG award is going to help Chester’s firefighters stay safe and protected, providing them with the resources they need to purchase new breathing apparatuses and protective gear, and with better assurance when they head out for a call. Very glad to see this funding continue to support our firefighters.”
“When firefighters selflessly head into a blaze to save lives and extinguish flames, they aren’t just at risk from heat, fire and smoke. Many fires see household products lit ablaze that can release toxic gas into the air,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s reassuring to know that our first responders will be able to breathe a little easier – literally – with the new equipment this grant will provide them. They’ll be able to do their jobs more effectively with less risk to themselves. I’m grateful to Rep. Courtney and our federal delegation for their support of our first responders.”
“The grant is huge for us because we’ve had equipment out of compliance. This helps not only us, keeping firefighters really safe and giving them the best equipment possible, but it helps the town of Chester because it does not need to pay the cost of equipment replacements,” said Chester Fire Chief James Grzybowski.
“These grants will go a long way to replace outdated equipment and protect our firefighters from harm while they’re on the job,” said Rep. Palm. “They represent an opportunity for Chester to replenish its equipment without using municipal funds, aiding not just the Fire Department but the town itself. Many thanks to Rep. Courtney and his federal colleagues for their continued support for our communities.”
“It is reassuring to know our first responders will be able to upgrade their equipment and reduce some of the risks they face on the job,” said First Selectwoman Janecek. “I’m grateful to our elected officials for supporting our communities and helping us acquire key grants.”
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that workers’ compensation costs for Connecticut businesses will drop for the ninth-straight year in a row, reflecting a business-friendly change in the law that Sen. Osten proposed and led the successful passage of in 2014.
Governor Ned Lamont announced today that the Connecticut Insurance Department has approved an annual filing effective January 1, 2023 with decreases of 3% to workers’ compensation pure premium loss costs, with no change in rates for assigned risk.
Since the Democrat-led changes to the workers’ compensation law took effect in 2015, Connecticut businesses have saved about a third of a billion dollars in wage replacement and medical treatment for employees who are injured, disabled, or killed in the workplace.
“Senate Bill 61 in 2014 forever changed the way Connecticut businesses pay for workers’ compensation insurance, without affecting the quality of care that employees receive. This is one of the great, unsung business cost-savings stories in recent Connecticut history, and it all began with Democrats on the Labor Committee,” Sen. Osten said
Senate Bill 61 – which at its public hearing was praised by business groups and opposed by hospitals – requires hospitals to negotiate with and charge businesses medical fees that are based on a cheaper Medicare-based formula, instead of a hospital’s outrageously expensive published, billable cost for various medical procedures.
For instance, the change in the law meant that business owners would now pay insurance premiums based on the $14,000 ‘Medicare’ price of a shoulder surgery, instead of a private hospital’s $44,000 ‘list’ price – a 300% cost savings.
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Federal Grant To Help Restore Henry Whitfield House In Guilford
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Federal Grant To Help Restore Henry Whitfield House In Guilford
GUILFORD – Six months after she wrote a letter of support seeking federal funding for the project, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) today welcomed a $500,000 semi-quincentennial grant from the National Park Service for the historic preservation of the Henry Whitfield House Museum on Old Whitfield Street in Guilford.
The funds will be used to repoint stones inside and outside of the 383-year-old granite structure and to replace antiquated electrical wiring.
“Back in April I wrote the National Park Service advocating for this funding because we’ve had this local treasure in Guilford for almost four centuries, and I want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the Whitfield House and learn from it as well,” Sen. Cohen said. “It’s quite an honor that we were chosen to receive this funding, being just one of 17 grants that were approved across the country. It really speaks to the fascinating history of this region of Connecticut.”
“You and Connecticut’s residents continue to offer tremendous public support and enthusiasm for experiencing this unique piece of our nation’s history. We plan to ensure that the Henry Whitfield House will survive for future generations to experience,” said Megan Brown, Chief of the State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division of the National Park Service.
Construction of the Henry Whitfield House began in 1639 when a group of English Puritans, including Reverend Henry Whitfield and his family, entered into an agreement with the Menunkatuck band of the Quinnipiac tribe and renamed the area Guilford.
Built of local granite, the house was one of the colonial settlement’s four stone houses that functioned as defensive buildings and private homes. It is now considered to be Connecticut’s oldest house and New England’s oldest stone house. Since 1900, it has been owned and operated by the State of Connecticut as a public museum, and the site is a State Archaeological Preserve.
The museum’s web site notes that The Henry Whitfield House is a physical reminder of the European settler colonialism of the 1600s, as well as the Colonial Revival era of the 1800s-1900s that celebrated and glorified European ethnocentricity and superiority. The museum is striving to confront the facts about the site’s history in order to acknowledge past injustice, recognize how that injustice manifests in society today, and work towards an equitable future for all people.
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Representative Kevin Ryan (D-Norwich) said today that they welcome a state Department of Transportation decision to re-evaluate their controversial plan to install six traffic roundabouts along a mile stretch of Route 82/West Main Street in Norwich.
“Representative Ryan and I have been working with the DOT for months now on this project because we always believed, based on our discussions with local residents, that it was far too broad. So we’re thrilled that the DOT is now re-evaluating it,” Sen. Osten said.
“Norwich City Council members asked Senator Osten and I to do what we could to communicate the concerns of the council and city residents to the DOT, and we did that. Now the project is being re-evaluated. That’s a big win for Norwich and for local businesses,” Rep. Ryan said.
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Representative Kevin Ryan (D-Norwich) said today that they welcome a state Department of Transportation decision to re-evaluate their controversial plan to install six traffic roundabouts along a mile stretch of Route 82/West Main Street in Norwich.
“Representative Ryan and I have been working with the DOT for months now on this project because we always believed, based on our discussions with local residents, that it was far too broad. So we’re thrilled that the DOT is now re-evaluating it,” Sen. Osten said.
“Norwich City Council members asked Senator Osten and I to do what we could to communicate the concerns of the council and city residents to the DOT, and we did that. Now the project is being re-evaluated. That’s a big win for Norwich and for local businesses,” Rep. Ryan said..
Small Business Seminars At State Community Colleges Now Live
Small Business Seminars At State Community Colleges Now Live
Seminars, passed and funded in state budget, result of legislation introduced by State Senator Derek Slap
Connecticut State Community Colleges are now providing free, statewide seminars for small businesses and startups seeking aid, guidance, education and training in navigating the rapid shifts in the post-pandemic economic environment. These seminars, which will be offered through mid-December, include topics such as e-commerce, social media advertising, cybersecurity, financing, startup law and startup fundraising.
Funded by this year’s state budget, these courses were spurred by legislation introduced this year by State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) to the Higher Education Committee and inspired by Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). Aware of the increased challenges posed by the post-pandemic economy, including significant consumer shifts to online and e-commerce platforms, these courses are designed to encourage economic development and provide small businesses and startups with the tools and advice necessary to help them succeed and thrive.
“Small businesses play a vital role in our local communities, and these seminars will provide them with additional tools to better compete in a shifting marketplace,” said Sen. Slap. “Local businesses will be better able to utilize important resources like e-commerce as a tool and resource. I encourage small business leaders and entrepreneurs to sign up for these free courses as soon as possible.”
Most sessions are offered both virtually and in-person, with in-person classes held at state community colleges, co-working spaces and local chambers of commerce. The sessions are taught by experts in their fields, helping entrepreneurs develop business and overcome pressing challenges.
Since 2014, worldwide e-commerce sales have more than tripled, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, small businesses experienced significant loss of revenue in the pandemic. This legislation follows similar programs introduced in states like North Carolina and earned the support of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, which noted small businesses often do not have the ability to invest time and resources into the practices these seminars cover.
For a full schedule of seminars, and to sign up to attend them, please visit https://www.housatonic.edu/state-seminars.
Senator Needleman Issues Statement In Support Of Pura Establishment Of Low-Income Discount Electric Rates In 2024
Senator Needleman Issues Statement In Support Of Pura Establishment Of Low-Income Discount Electric Rates In 2024
Following news this week that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority voted to establish discount rates beginning in 2024 – with applications beginning in 2023 – to help low-income residents struggling with electric costs, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released the following statement in support of the decision:
“In August 2020, I helped lead the General Assembly in passing the ‘Take Back Our Grid Act,’ but that bill wasn’t just a response to poor storm response in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias, it was done with the knowledge that our state needed to do more amid high electricity costs,” said Sen. Needleman. “PURA investigated the issue of affordable electric bills, and made this decision, due to that bill. While I wish the reduced rates could be implemented sooner to provide improved aid to folks who need it, I’m glad they will be established and implemented to reduce costs for thousands of state residents. It’s a meaningful step in the right direction.”
The new discount rates will go into effect no later than January 1, 2023, with customers able to begin applying for them beginning in August 2023. The rates, respectively, will offer a 10% discount to households earning less than 60% of the state median income and 50% discounts to households earning 160% or less of federal poverty guidelines. Customers receiving aid through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and “hardship” customers will be automatically enrolled to receive the 10% discount.
Sen. Anwar Named 2022 Health Care Hero By Radiological Society Of Connecticut
Sen. Anwar Named 2022 Health Care Hero By Radiological Society Of Connecticut
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Hartford) was named the Radiological Society of Connecticut’s 2022 Health Care Hero for his support and efforts to expand and enhance cancer screening, education and prevention efforts. Among other successes, in 2022, Sen. Anwar played a key role in the General Assembly’s passage of legislation prioritizing higher-risk women for important cancer screenings and adding screenings to state programs. He received the award at Manchester Memorial Hospital.
“It is an honor to receive the Connecticut Radiological Society’s 2022 Health Care Hero award, especially given the context that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that we must always continue working to save lives,” said Sen. Anwar. “It is gratifying to receive this distinction, with increased gravity knowing the General Assembly this year expanded monitoring and study of breast cancer statewide. In accepting this award, I recognize the many women and men who have suffered from breast cancer; I am proud that Connecticut will ensure increased outreach and education to high-risk groups, including minority women, who have not historically had full access to screening tests, and that Connecticut will expand screening methods, as well as educational methods, for more people to gain access to potentially life-saving preventive care.”
Among this year’s public health successes at the State Capitol was the passage of legislation making changes to the Department of Public Health’s breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program. As of October 1, this program will give priority consideration to women in minority communities that experience higher rates of breast cancer and cervical cancer than the general population; add tomosynthesis, a digital x-ray mammogram, to the screening program where possible; and adds references to additional screenings and health tests to the program’s educational and outreach efforts.
Senator Miller Welcomes Over $500 Thousand for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in Stamford
Senator Miller Welcomes Over $500 Thousand for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in Stamford
State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) welcomed the awarding of a $563,212 state grant to support the Pacific Street Village Pedestrian Safety and Access Project. The funds will be used to create a holistic complete street by adding a new raised crosswalk and intersection, as well as several bump outs, new street trees and bioswales for stormwater management; and pedestrian-level lighting to improve safety at night.
“I want to thank Governor Lamont for recognizing the improvements that need to be made in Stamford to make it a safer and more accessible area for residents,” said Sen. Miller. “This grant will help slow traffic, increase pedestrian safety, and expand sidewalk space. With these updates to our infrastructure in Stamford, our residents will be able to have a sense of comfort and feel safe when just simply crossing the street.”
The grants are part of the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. This program is competitive program for “shovel-ready” projects that are based within a one-half mile of public transportation facilities. The additional aims of the program are to encourage infrastructure development that creates walkable and mixed-use spaces, supports economic activity, and creates jobs.