Month: April 2025

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO EXPAND FIREFIGHTER CANCER RELIEF PROGRAM

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO EXPAND FIREFIGHTER CANCER RELIEF PROGRAM

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today led Senate passage of a bill that adds skin cancer to the list of cancers covered under the state’s Firefighters Cancer Relief Program, as well as defining such afflictions as an “occupational disease” instead of a personal injury and expanding the program to state firefighters working at UCONN and Bradley International Airport.

Senate Bill 1426, “AN ACT MAKING CHANGES TO THE FIREFIGHTERS CANCER RELIEF PROGRAM. SUMMARY,” passed the Senate today on a unanimous and bipartisan vote and now leads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Significantly, the bill expands the types of cancers covered by the program to include skin cancer (melanomas), which are one of the Top 10 cancers that firefighters develop, according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.  Other types of cancer already covered by the state program include those affecting the brain or the skeletal, digestive, endocrine, respiratory, lymphatic, reproductive, urinary, or hematological systems.

“We depend on firefighters to protect our lives and property. We have to be there for them and their families when, as the result of fighting these fires, they contract cancer,” said Sen. Kushner, who helped shepherd this bill through the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “I’m so proud that we as a legislature are taking steps to ensure all firefighters in Connecticut, municipal and state, will have the resources they need f they contract cancer on the job.”

“On behalf of the nearly 4,000 career firefighters in our state, I want to thank the Senate leadership and the entire Senate for taking swift action in passing Senate Bill 1426, which makes important technical changes to our Firefighter Cancer Relief program,” said Peter Brown, President of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association. “These changes will streamline the claims process so our firefighters battling cancer will be able to access critical benefits without delay. I also need to share my sincere appreciation to our champion, Senator Julie Kushner, who led the charge to get this bill passed and who fights tirelessly to improve firefighter health and safety every session. We look forward to working with our partners to get this measure over the finish line in the House.”

The Firefighters Cancer Relief Account is managed by the state Department of Administrative Services, and it receives funds through the state budget and investment income. In the past three years, the account received an average of $617,908 per year through annual appropriations and investment income. In the same period, the account expended an average of $242,989 per

year. The account’s current balance is $8,124,758.

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO INSTALL SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR BETTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO ALLOW SCHOOLS TO INSTALL SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR BETTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE

In an effort to ensure Connecticut never relives the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, the Senate today passed legislation allowing for emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices in Connecticut schools.

Senate Bill 1216, “An Act Concerning School Emergency Response Systems,” would allow for the state’s school security infrastructure competitive grant program, signed into law in 2013 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, to be used for schools to purchase emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.

“Thirteen years have passed since the horrors of Sandy Hook, and we can always do more to protect and prevent further violence in our schools,” said Sen. Anwar. “This bill expands security resources available to school communities, including the installation of these systems that allow for immediate emergency response in time-sensitive situations. It’s another step to keep our schools safer and protect our youth.”

Emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices would likely resemble ones used in other schools across the country. Most prominently, the system at Apalachee High School in Georgia saw teachers carry devices that served as panic buttons; when activated, those buttons would inform law enforcement that an emergency was happening on campus, Reuters said.

A September 2024 shooting at that school that killed four was likely to have led to more violence if not for the activation of the system, police said at the time. Upon activation when shots were fired, police were on site at the school within two minutes and the shooter was taken into custody within six minutes of initial alerts.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, such systems can activate general alerts and emergency alerts; the former stays within the school for medical emergencies or other incidents not requiring outside assistance, while the latter, for more serious events, would trigger flashing lights and a lockdown on a school campus. Most uses of the systems, more than 98%, remain within schools.

While these systems can be expensive, a fiscal note for the bill noted that there is currently an unallocated bond balance of $20 million for school security programs, which would be able to fund a number of installations.

This bill received strong support in public testimony, with the Connecticut Education Association, Connecticut Association of Independent Schools and Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference among the organizations endorsing it.

The bill previously passed the Committee on Children with a unanimous 17-0 vote; it now heads to the House for further consideration and potential passage. If passed by the House, the bill proceeds to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

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

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION ALLOWING SCHOOLS TO INSTALL SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR BETTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION ALLOWING SCHOOLS TO INSTALL SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR BETTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Inspired by high school students, bill seeks to save lives during school emergencies

In an effort to ensure Connecticut never relives the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, the Senate today passed legislation allowing for emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices in Connecticut schools.

This legislation was inspired by two Staples High School students from Westport, Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, who proposed the idea to State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children. As students, they have been extremely concerned about school gun violence and were the leads of the school group Make Our Schools Safe, or MOSS.

They reached out after learning a similar personal emergency communications system in a Georgia school allowed for faster response by local police during a shooting. Local law enforcement said activation of the system at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia in September of 2024 likely saved lives, EducationWeek reported at the time.

Senate Bill 1216, “An Act Concerning School Emergency Response Systems,” would allow for the state’s school security infrastructure competitive grant program, signed into law in 2013 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, to be used for schools to purchase emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.

“This bill was inspired by the very students it seeks to keep safe, and I’m very glad it is one step closer to becoming law,” said Sen. Maher. “Connecticut continues to work to make our schools and children safer, and allowing for installation of these safety systems – which have already been proven to quicken emergency responses in worst-case scenarios –will serve as a strong additional resource for pinpoint accuracy and immediate notification if something goes awry during the school day.”

“This legislation is a testament to what’s possible when young people engage with their government to bring about meaningful change,” said Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “By allowing schools to implement advanced emergency response systems, we are giving educators and first responders the tools they need to act quickly and decisively in moments of crisis. This is a thoughtful, student-driven approach to improving school safety, and I commend Senator Maher and the students for their leadership.”

Emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices would likely resemble ones used in other schools across the country. Most prominently, the system at Apalachee High School saw teachers carry devices that served as panic buttons; when activated, those buttons would inform law enforcement that an emergency was happening on campus, Reuters said.

A shooting at that school that killed four was likely to have led to more violence if not for the activation of the system, police said at the time. Upon activation, police were on site within two minutes and the shooter was taken into custody within six minutes of initial alerts.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, such systems can activate general alerts and emergency alerts; the former stays within the school for medical emergencies or other incidents not requiring outside assistance, while the latter, for more serious events, would trigger flashing lights and a lockdown on a school campus. Most uses of the systems, more than 98%, remain within schools.

While these systems can be expensive, a fiscal note for the bill noted that there is currently an unallocated bond balance of $20 million for school security programs, which would be able to fund a number of installations.

This bill received strong support in public testimony, with the Connecticut Education Association, Connecticut Association of Independent Schools and Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference among the organizations endorsing it.

The bill previously passed the Committee on Children with a unanimous 17-0 vote; it now heads to the House for further consideration and potential passage. If passed by the House, the bill proceeds to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE ADVANCEMENT OF EXPANSIONS TO CANCER RELIEF PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE ADVANCEMENT OF EXPANSIONS TO CANCER RELIEF PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined Senate Democrats to advance legislation expanding conditions and circumstances covered by the state’s Firefighters Cancer Relief Program.

Senate Bill 1426, “An Act Making Changes To The Firefighters Cancer Relief Program,” seeks to include skin cancer as a type of cancer covered under program benefits, removes a requirement that firefighters must have had physicals failing to show a likelihood of cancer development before receiving support and makes a few other changes to the program as it stands.

The program allows firefighters to qualify for benefits if they’re diagnosed with certain types of cancer, had a physical examination after joining service and were employed as a firefighter in certain positions for at least five years.

“Our relief program for firefighters has delivered real support for people who sacrificed to serve our communities and are struggling with their health. It’s about time we expand its access to include more people,” said Sen. Anwar. “By including more forms of cancer in coverage and making it simpler for individuals to apply for support, we’re going to help more people reach the aid they need and deserve.”

In addition to expanding cancer coverage and removing a requirement for accessing care, the bill streamlines access to care by removing a step in the application process, allowing a primary municipal or state employer to administer claims or benefits instead of municipalities themselves.

The bill also allows for deaths or disabilities connected to work on the job to be treated as occupational disease instead of personal injury.

This legislation previously passed out of the Labor and Public Employees Committee by a 12-1 vote in March. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

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

Slap, Haddad Statement on CSCU System Leadership Update

Posted on by Devin James

Slap, Haddad Statement on CSCU System Leadership Update

HARTFORD – Today, Chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) issued a joint statement on the Board of Regents’ announcement that they will not extend Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng’s contract, which ends June 30, 2026.

“We understand and appreciate the Board of Regents’ decision. As they look for a new leader, we believe strongly that it is important to prioritize student outcomes, meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce, and act as good stewards of state resources. The system needs stability and the stakes are high. Higher Education is the largest economic engine in Connecticut, so our economy and future of many students will be impacted by whoever the Board chooses as the next leader.”

Looney and Duff Statement on the Arrest of Wisconsin Judge

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on the Arrest of Wisconsin Judge

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan by the FBI:

“We are deeply troubled by the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. While all the facts remain to be seen, this unprecedented action raises serious concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to undermine judicial independence and the rule of law. The arrest of a sitting judge fits a broader pattern of intimidation of the Judiciary Branch by Trump.

“We call on the Department of Justice and the FBI to provide a transparent and thorough explanation for the arrest of Judge Dugan. The American public deserves assurance that our judicial system remains independent and free from political interference.

“In Connecticut, we stand firmly in support of judicial independence and the principles enshrined in our Constitution. We call on our Republican colleagues in the state to join us in standing up for these values. We must ensure that actions taken by law enforcement agencies do not erode the public’s trust in our democratic institutions.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Looney and Duff Statement on the Arrest of Wisconsin Judge

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on the Arrest of Wisconsin Judge

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan by the FBI:

“We are deeply troubled by the arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan. While all the facts remain to be seen, this unprecedented action raises serious concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to undermine judicial independence and the rule of law. The arrest of a sitting judge fits a broader pattern of intimidation of the Judiciary Branch by Trump.

“We call on the Department of Justice and the FBI to provide a transparent and thorough explanation for the arrest of Judge Dugan. The American public deserves assurance that our judicial system remains independent and free from political interference.

“In Connecticut, we stand firmly in support of judicial independence and the principles enshrined in our Constitution. We call on our Republican colleagues in the state to join us in standing up for these values. We must ensure that actions taken by law enforcement agencies do not erode the public’s trust in our democratic institutions.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Gaston Releases Statement Following Reversal of Terminations of Foreign Students’ US Visa Registrations

Posted on by Devin James

Gaston Releases Statement Following Reversal of Terminations of Foreign Students’ US Visa Registrations

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), who is a leader in higher education and has witnessed firsthand the impact of such decisions on students, is releasing a statement following the Trump administration’s reversal of the terminations of foreign students’ U.S. visa registrations.

“I appreciate the decision to restore the student visa registrations for thousands of foreign students, however, this action comes far too late, and frankly, it should never have happened in the first place,” said Senator Gaston. “I have seen firsthand how these arbitrary and often minor legal infractions can severely disrupt the lives of students and their education. Foreign students are a vital part of our academic community, and their presence enriches the learning experience for all. We need to ensure that such unnecessary disruptions are never allowed to happen again.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michelle Rappaport | 860-604-6982 | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov

SENS. LOONEY, DUFF AND CABRERA CRITICIZE TRUMP TARIFF IMPACT ON HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES & NEW HOME BUILDING COSTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENS. LOONEY, DUFF AND CABRERA CRITICIZE TRUMP TARIFF IMPACT ON HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES & NEW HOME BUILDING COSTS

HARTFORD – A new report details yet another damaging economic impact of President Donald Trump’s global tariff scheme: homeowner insurance policies in Connecticut are expected to increase by an average $82 this year due solely to Trump’s tariff war.

The report by Insurify notes that Trump’s tariffs on goods made in Canada, China and Mexico will be especially harmful to American homeowners because Americans import 70% of their lumber from Canda, 71% of their wallboard from Mexico, and 54% of their home appliances from China.

Trump’s tariffs on these countries will result in higher product costs, which results in higher rebuilding costs and therefore higher insurance premiums for homes that are insured against damage by fire, floods, hurricanes and other catastrophic events.

At $82 per home, Connecticut’s insurance premium increase – based on a home value of $400,000 –  is one of the highest in the entire Northeast, surpassing projected premium rate hikes  in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and nearly equaling insurance premium rate hikes in New York and Rhode Island.

Not only are Trump’s tariffs adding to the cost of insurance premiums in Connecticut, they’re also driving up the cost of new home construction at a time when Connecticut needs to build 100,0000 new housing units. The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that Trump’s tariffs alone will now add $10,900 to the cost of building a new home.

“Donald Trump’s capacity for inflicting pain on middle-class Americans seems to know no bounds,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “At every turn, Trump’s public policy decisions are costing Americans billions of dollars in stock losses, local budget cuts, and now increased homeowner expenses. Every week brings some new, horrid news out of the Trump administration, and all of it is costly and damaging to average Americans.”

“On the Insurance Committee we spend a lot of time figuring out ways to get people to spend less on insurance costs. What we can’t control is a president who engages in a failed tariff war and who drives up insurance and re-building costs for Connecticut homeowners,” said state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), who is Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. “There seems to be no end to the economic destruction that the Trump administration intends to inflict on America.”

SENS. LOONEY, DUFF AND CABRERA CRITICIZE TRUMP TARIFF IMPACT ON HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES & NEW HOME BUILDING COSTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENS. LOONEY, DUFF AND CABRERA CRITICIZE TRUMP TARIFF IMPACT ON HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES & NEW HOME BUILDING COSTS

HARTFORD – A new report details yet another damaging economic impact of President Donald Trump’s global tariff scheme: homeowner insurance policies in Connecticut are expected to increase by an average $82 this year due solely to Trump’s tariff war.

The report by Insurify notes that Trump’s tariffs on goods made in Canada, China and Mexico will be especially harmful to American homeowners because Americans import 70% of their lumber from Canda, 71% of their wallboard from Mexico, and 54% of their home appliances from China.

Trump’s tariffs on these countries will result in higher product costs, which results in higher rebuilding costs and therefore higher insurance premiums for homes that are insured against damage by fire, floods, hurricanes and other catastrophic events.

At $82 per home, Connecticut’s insurance premium increase – based on a home value of $400,000 –  is one of the highest in the entire Northeast, surpassing projected premium rate hikes  in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and nearly equaling insurance premium rate hikes in New York and Rhode Island.

Not only are Trump’s tariffs adding to the cost of insurance premiums in Connecticut, they’re also driving up the cost of new home construction at a time when Connecticut needs to build 100,0000 new housing units. The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that Trump’s tariffs alone will now add $10,900 to the cost of building a new home.

“Donald Trump’s capacity for inflicting pain on middle-class Americans seems to know no bounds,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “At every turn, Trump’s public policy decisions are costing Americans billions of dollars in stock losses, local budget cuts, and now increased homeowner expenses. Every week brings some new, horrid news out of the Trump administration, and all of it is costly and damaging to average Americans.”

“On the Insurance Committee we spend a lot of time figuring out ways to get people to spend less on insurance costs. What we can’t control is a president who engages in a failed tariff war and who drives up insurance and re-building costs for Connecticut homeowners,” said state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), who is Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. “There seems to be no end to the economic destruction that the Trump administration intends to inflict on America.”