SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME $2 MILLION FOR DAY KIMBALL HOSPITAL

Posted on May 7, 2024May 22, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME $2 MILLION FOR DAY KIMBALL HOSPITAL

PUTNAM – State Senator Mae Flexer and state Representative Pat Boyd today announced that they have secured an additional $2 million in the new state spending bill for Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, bringing the two-year package of total state aid for the hospital to $17 million.

The funding was secured in House Bill 5523, which was debated and passed today by the House of Representatives and the Senate and which allocates the unexpended American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that President Biden and Congressional Democrats approved in 2021.

Day Kimball Hospital is a 104-bed acute care community hospital that has served Northeast Connecticut since 1894.

“It’s nearly impossible for independent hospitals to survive in this health care climate, and I have made it my mission to save Day Kimball Hospital. The effect of hospital closures on patients and communities has been devastating. We can’t let that happen in our Quiet Corner,” Sen. Flexer said. “Connecticut was just ranked fourth in the country for the most at-risk states in America for the closure of rural hospitals. I am committed to doing everything in my power to seeing Day Kimball survive, thrive, and continue serving residents in northeastern Connecticut for decades to come.”

“Day Kimball Healthcare is critical to our region. Financially supporting the hospital is in the best interest of the state. Not only is Day Kimball a major employer but it is a key component to our area’s emergency medical system. I look forward to working with the Hospital to ensure its long-term stability. I am thankful to Governor Lamont, Senator Flexer, and Speaker Ritter for collaborating on this allocation.”

Last June, in the bipartisan state budget, Day Kimball received $10 million to help maintain essential health services, including 24-hour emergency services, obstetrics, behavioral health, and relevant specialty care and primary care. Day-Kimball also received $5 million in 2022 and was awarded another $616,000 from the state Office of Early Childhood in 2019.

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $113,088 IN LOCAL ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 7, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $113,088 IN LOCAL ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed $113,088 in local funding support through the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund grant program. The eight grants across four towns represent support for local programs across the 20^th Senate District and will support education and performances alike.

“Local arts provide us with community-oriented entertainment and educational opportunities to spark lifelong love, interest and careers,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s lovely to know our local groups will receive this valuable aid.”

The eight grants include:

Capella Cantorium, Essex, $566
Community Music School, Centerbrook, $532
Con Brio Choral Society, Essex, $500
Essex Winter Series, Old Saybrook, $666
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, $36,094
Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, $36,094
I-Park Foundation, East Haddam, $2,653
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Inc., Old Saybrook, $35,983

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SEN. ANWAR APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 6, 2024

SEN. ANWAR APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today voted to expand Connecticut’s decade-old paid sick time law from covering only about 12% of the state workforce to covering nearly the entire state workforce – about 1.6 million people – by 2027.

The bill passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

“If you’re sick, you should rest and recover – not head to work, which will impede your recovery and expose your coworkers to the same illness you have,” said Sen. Anwar. “Expanding access to sick leave in Connecticut in coming years is a smart decision, not only for workers but for businesses too; it’ll prevent office outbreaks that ripple through a workforce and provide more people access to receive more relief.”

Connecticut’s current paid sick leave law dates back to 2011 and only requires businesses with 50 “service worker” employees or more – about one out of every 8 jobs in the state – to give up to 40 hours of paid sick leave annually.

House Bill 5005, “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State,” will increase Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law in several ways:

It expands current state law by covering nearly all private-sector employees and employer, moving from 25 employees in 2025, to 11 employees in 2026, to those with at least one employee in 2027.
It broadens the range of family members for whom an employee can use their paid sick leave to care for.
It increases the rate at which employees can accumulate paid sick leave.
It broadens the reasons why employees can use paid sick leave.

Several New England states already exceed Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont – each of which requires paid sick for all employees.

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SEN. MAHER APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 6, 2024

SEN. MAHER APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) today voted to expand Connecticut’s decade-old paid sick time law from covering only about 12% of the state workforce to covering nearly the entire state workforce – about 1.6 million people – by 2027.

The bill passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

“When you go to work sick, you aren’t just miserable and making it harder to recover from your ailment – you’re putting your coworkers and potential customers at risk of infection, too,” said Sen. Maher. “We need to protect our workers and our economy, and providing sick leave supports both of these goals. These benefits help businesses as well as workers; these benefits keep things running while letting workers recover at home safely.”

House Bill 5005, “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State,” will increase Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law in several ways:

It expands current state law by covering nearly all private-sector employees and employer, moving from 25 employees in 2025, to 11 employees in 2026, to those with at least one employee in 2027.
It broadens the range of family members for whom an employee can use their paid sick leave to care for.
It increases the rate at which employees can accumulate paid sick leave.
It broadens the reasons why employees can use paid sick leave.

Several New England states already exceed Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont – each of which requires paid sick for all employees.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SEN. MARX APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 6, 2024

SEN. MARX APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today voted to expand Connecticut’s decade-old paid sick time law from covering only about 12% of the state workforce to covering nearly the entire state workforce – about 1.6 million people – by 2027.

The bill passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

“I went to my first local legislative briefing in 2011 to advocate for homemakers and companions who were not covered under the law,” said Sen. Marx. “When I learned their job classification was carved out I was so disappointed for these hardworking men and women. I am thrilled they will now get the benefit they so deserve.”

House Bill 5005, “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State,” will increase Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law in several ways:

It expands current state law by covering nearly all private-sector employees and employers, moving from 25 employees in 2025, to 11 employees in 2026, to those with at least one employee in 2027.
It broadens the range of family members for whom an employee can use their paid sick leave to care for.
It increases the rate at which employees can accumulate paid sick leave.
It broadens the reasons why employees can use paid sick leave.

Several New England states already exceed Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont – each of which requires paid sick for all employees.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

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Senator Hochadel Votes to Expand Paid Sick Leave

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Votes to Expand Paid Sick Leave

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, voted Monday to expand Connecticut’s decade-old paid sick time law from covering only about 12% of the state workforce to covering nearly the entire state workforce – about 1.6 million people – by 2027.

The bill passed the Senate on a 23-12 vote and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

“No one should be compelled to go to work sick. That’s common sense and I’m proud to cast a vote in favor of expanding our policy to ensure that all employees are covered,” Senator Hochadel said. “This bill’s passage is a victory for Connecticut workers, their families, and the countless employees who will now be spared unnecessary contamination.”

House Bill 5005, “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State,” will increase Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law in several ways:

It expands current state law by covering nearly all private-sector employees and employer, moving from 25 employees in 2025, to 11 employees in 2026, to those with at least one employee in 2027.
It broadens the range of family members for whom an employee can use their paid sick leave to care for.
It increases the rate at which employees can accumulate paid sick leave.
It broadens the reasons why employees can use paid sick leave.

Several New England states already exceed Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont – each of which requires paid sick time for all employees.

SEN. LESSER APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

SEN. LESSER APPROVES EXPANSION OF PAID SICK DAYS IN CONNECTICUT

State Senator Lesser today voted to expand Connecticut’s decade-old paid sick time law from covering only about 12% of the state workforce to covering nearly the entire state workforce – about 1.6 million people – by 2027.

The bill passed the Senate on a 23 -12 vote and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.

“Nobody should be forced to go to work when they or a family member is sick, putting themselves and the public at risk,” said Sen. Lesser. “I was in the legislature in 2011 when we passed our first in the country sick days law. Family friendly policies improve public health and provide real support to working families.”

House Bill 5005, “An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State,” will increase Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law in several ways:

It expands current state law by covering nearly all private-sector employees and employer, moving from 25 employees in 2025, to 11 employees in 2026, to those with at least one employee in 2027.
It broadens the range of family members for whom an employee can use their paid sick leave to care for.
It increases the rate at which employees can accumulate paid sick leave.
It broadens the reasons why employees can use paid sick leave.

Several New England states already exceed Connecticut’s outdated paid sick leave law, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont – each of which requires paid sick for all employees.

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Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Working on Behalf of Success Village Residents

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Working on Behalf of Success Village Residents

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport and Stratford, released the following statement Monday regarding an ongoing hot water disruption at Success Village:

“The boiler situation at Success Village is at the top of my mind, even as I advocate for Bridgeport and Stratford in the final hours of the legislative session. The loss of hot water affecting 2,000 of my constituents is frankly unacceptable.

“To that end, I have been in near constant contact with the state Housing Department and have been in touch with civic leaders and residents both of Bridgeport and Stratford, driving conversations to explore any and every avenue to ensure that hot water is restored as soon as humanly possible.

“This is a complex set of circumstances that will require a wide range of community partners to include the city of Bridgeport and the town of Stratford and their leadership.

“Residents of Success Village can be sure that I will do everything in my power to advocate for resources to repair or replace the affected infrastructure.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

SENATE PASSES BILL TO REVEAL JUNK FEES, ESTABLISH RIGHT TO REPAIR AND PROTECT CONSUMERS

Posted on May 4, 2024May 6, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 4, 2024

SENATE PASSES BILL TO REVEAL JUNK FEES, ESTABLISH RIGHT TO REPAIR AND PROTECT CONSUMERS

Early this morning, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the Senate’s vote to advance Senate Bill 3, moving significant advances in consumer protection one step closer to becoming law. The bill carries a number of improvements for consumers regarding broadband internet access, “junk fees” and the “right to repair,” as well as changes to statutes regarding drone purchasing and operations for municipal and state governments.

“This bill takes aim at significant consumer frustrations, from ensuring quality internet service statewide to ending the unwelcome surprise of ‘junk fees,'” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s a valuable piece of legislation that will make life easier in several small but significant ways.”

“Senate Bill 3 will end the deceptive concealment of junk fees, empowering individuals to make informed choices,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Furthermore, by safeguarding the right to repair, this legislation will grant consumers autonomy over their possessions. In essence, this legislation heralds a new era of fairness that continues Connecticut’s leadership in putting consumers first.”

Senate Bill 3, ” An Act Concerning Consumer Protection,” would take a variety of steps including:

Having the Office of Consumer Counsel study the merits, feasibility and means of ensuring digital equity and quality broadband Internet service access for residents statewide, including guaranteeing minimum speeds for access and requiring comparable capacities for all subscribers to a broadband internet service
Having the Department of Consumer Protection develop a “Net Equality Program” that would seek to ensure that at least 90% of Connecticut households have affordable broadband internet service access by 2025 and 95% by 2028, with a maximum monthly cost established by July 2025 with minimum speeds of 25 MB/s download and 3MB/s upload
Seeking to end “junk fees” by preventing businesses to display prices to consumers that exclude fees, charges or costs, or that intentionally misrepresent fees to mislead individuals, with exceptions for taxes and mandatory gratuities
Preventing any producer of internet-connected audio listening devices (such as Google Home or Amazon Echo/Alexa) from selling recordings or data collected from listening, also preventing them from eavesdropping on consumers without their knowledge.
Preserving the “right to repair,” where individual consumers can perform repairs to their own electronic devices and appliances instead of being required to receive repairs from a specific producer or manufacturer
Preventing purchases of drones manufactured or assembled in China or Russia by state departments, state agencies, state municipalities or businesses entering a contract with state agencies or departments.

Many of these actions are intended to directly protect consumers. Expansions and efforts to support broadband internet access in the state will help ensure all state residents, including low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities, underserved demographics and rural communities, can keep up with modern internet demands. As of last year, more than 10,000 homes and small businesses in Connecticut, and as many as hundreds of thousands of state residents, do not have access to high-speed internet.

Efforts to fight junk fees will match the federal government’s; the Biden administration has worked to reduce and repeal hidden fees and predatory price advertisements for several years. They also build on 2023 Connecticut legislative work to ban hidden fees on tickets to live events, which went into place last year.

Revelations that producers of listening devices have eavesdropped and even sold information collected from user data have caused controversy in recent years. Amazon paid a fine to the Federal Trade Commission for eavesdropping on consumers while Cox admitted in an earnings call that it monetized data it collected from user data with targeted advertisements.

Enshrining the right to repair will build on efforts already started by other states including California to prevent electronics and appliance manufacturers from monopolizing repair markets of their products, supporting small businesses and members of the public.

Banning drones manufactured in China and Russia would work to counter potential relaying of data from drones back to their countries of origin; the FBI has warned these drones can represent “significant risk” to critical infrastructure in the United States.

Prior to today’s passage in the Senate, the bill passed the Judiciary Committee on April 22 by a 24-11 vote and the General Law Committee on March 12 by a 14-8 vote. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN LEADS SENATE IN DIVERSIFYING STATE ENERGY PRODUCTION IN SUPPORT OF RATEPAYERS

Posted on May 4, 2024May 6, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 4, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN LEADS SENATE IN DIVERSIFYING STATE ENERGY PRODUCTION IN SUPPORT OF RATEPAYERS

Early this morning, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) led the Senate’s passage of legislation that will create increased flexibility for Connecticut’s acquisition of energy supply in the best interest of ratepayers. The bill seeks to diversify Connecticut’s energy portfolio, reducing reliance on certain current forms of production, while enhancing cost saving mechanisms and supporting the production of clean energy. It passed the Senate by a 35-0 vote.

“Our state, and our region, can find new and improved ways to increase our energy supply in a manner that would result in savings for ratepayers,” said Sen. Needleman. “Our state needs to pursue additional means of supply and support Connecticut’s clean energy goals. This proposal gives state leaders a roadmap to accomplish just that. We’re continually finding ways to simplify complicated and outdated energy regulations and I’m encouraged by the progress this bill represents.”

Senate Bill 385, “An Act Concerning Energy Procurements,” takes the following steps:

Protects ratepayers by authorizing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Commissioner to coordinate with officials from at least two New England states to issue a solicitation for zero-carbon electricity generating resources from a nuclear power generating facility. The commissioner would be allowed to select proposals determined to be in ratepayers’ best interests, taking into consideration factors including impacts on electric system operations, reliability and fuel diversity.
Based on the recommendations of the state’s Hydropower task force, the bill allows the DEEP Commissioner to support Connecticut’s clean hydropower energy production by soliciting proposals from providers of run-of-the-river hydropower who are interconnected with the electric distribution system.
Ensures that Connecticut remains a national leader in fuel cell development by creating a rebate to support fuel cells impacted by the volatility of global energy markets that are part of the shared clean energy facilities (SCEF) program.
Supports the clean energy market by extending the requirement that electric suppliers purchase 5% Class III renewable energy credits to 2026
Creates a task force focused on improving consumer protections for people purchasing, leasing, or entering into solar panel agreements and requires it to provide recommendations to the Energy and Technology Committee.
Expands an existing statute that allows PURA to select either the Green Bank, DEEP, the electric distribution companies, a third-party vendor, or any combination to administrate the energy storage solutions program to other programs for clean energy programs which would allow for the lowest cost administration of these programs.
Finally, it would help spread out costs and lower ratepayer impact for offshore wind power purchase agreements by expanding the maximum term from 20 to 30 years. Additionally, it would require the EDCs to prioritize contracts related to offshore wind that support employment of local fishermen.

These steps support state efforts and policy directives to pursue zero-carbon and clean energy, supporting a cleaner energy future.

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