Month: May 2025

Sens. Looney, Duff, Lesser Statement on Trump’s Target on Cromwell Schools

Posted on by Devin James

Sens. Looney, Duff, Lesser Statement on Trump’s Target on Cromwell Schools

CROMWELL –  Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Matt Lesser issued a statement on the Trump administration’s investigation into Cromwell Public Schools for allowing a transgender athlete to participate on a sports team that aligns with the person’s gender identity.

“This is the first instance we know of where the federal government is directly targeting a local Connecticut school system. This administration feels brazen enough to weaponize federal resources to target our local schools and bully and discriminate against our LGBT children while gutting critical agencies like the Department of Education. It appears cruelty is the point and instead of protecting students, they are targeting our teachers and schools and ripping funding away from basic healthcare and food assistance”

“In Connecticut we have passed legislation that reaffirms our commitment to our students’ right to express their gender identity without fear of discrimination. Let us be perfectly clear – our values remain steadfast and consistent in support of individual rights and liberty, regardless of who occupies the White House or who the President decides to unfairly target next.”

Sen. Lesser Leads Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Leads Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

Early Friday morning, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, led final and unanimous passage of legislation implementing the recommendations of the Katie Beckett Working Group, which Sen. Lesser serves as co-chair, ensuring families of terminally ill children are better served by the program.

The Katie Beckett Waiver program is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and provides Medicaid healthcare services and supports to individuals 21 years of age and younger with a physical disability who may or may not have a co-occurring developmental disability. These services are for young adults and children who would normally not qualify for Medicaid due to family income. The purpose of the waiver is to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would prefer to reside in their home or in the community instead of an alternative institution.

Unfortunately, Connecticut is the only state in New England with a cap on the number of qualified individuals accepted into the Katie Beckett Waiver program. The way the waitlist is structured leaves some families on a waiting list longer than the child’s life expectancy.

This legislation to improve the waiver program came from the advocacy of Chloe Negron’s family. Chloe was a Guilford girl diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disorder. Her father, David, testified before the Human Services Committee last year on the need to improve the program and served on the Katie Beckett Working Group. Chloe tragically passed away earlier this year.

The legislation passed requires DSS to develop a five-year plan to eliminate the waiting list for the Katie Beckett Waiver Program and add home modification coverage, as well as report to the Appropriations and Human Services Committee their recommendations on state appropriations needed to implement the plan. According to DSS, 331 people are currently on the waitlist.

Additionally, the bill lowers the maximum age for Katie Beckett participants from 21 to 18.

The bill also requires the DSS commissioner to include information on eligibility criteria and provider reimbursement rates for the waiver program in its Medicaid provider bulletins and to post certain information on the website.

Lastly, the bill requires DSS to annually administer a survey, via mail or e-mail, to applicants on the program’s waiting list, asking applicants to confirm or update demographic information and whether they wish to remain on the waiting list. Applicants who do not respond must remain on the waiting list.

“The Katie Beckett Program is a critical resource for Connecticut families who are faced with unimaginable tragedy,” said Sen. Lesser. “My heart breaks for any family with a seriously ill child. This bill will hopefully make life easier for some of them. I am very grateful to David Negron and all the members of the Katie Beckett Task Force for their wisdom and strength and glad we could send this bill to Governor Lamont for signing.”

Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Civil Actions Against Bad Actors in the Gun Industry

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Civil Actions Against Bad Actors in the Gun Industry

The Senate gave final passage early Friday to legislation that will allow victims of gun violence to bring civil actions against gun manufacturers, distributors, or retailers who fail to implement reasonable safeguards to ensure their products do not fall into the wrong hands.

The Senate voted 25-11 to pass House Bill 7042, which was approved by the House last month and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont for his signature.

The bill allows for legal action against firearm manufacturers, retailers, and distributors who fail to adopt reasonable controls to prevent the sale of firearms to ineligible purchasers, straw buyers, traffickers, or individuals the seller has reasonable cause to believe will use the weapon to commit a crime or harm others.

“Despite the deadly nature of their products, gun manufacturers and sellers have enjoyed broad immunity to civil action, which has allowed them to turn a blind eye to dangerous sales practices that all too often end in tragedy,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D–New Haven. “This bill holds the industry accountable by giving victims an opportunity to recover appropriate damages from an irresponsible gun industry member.”

“The gun industry has operated with impunity for too long, shielded from responsibility while our communities pay the price,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said. “This bill pulls back that curtain. If you’re marketing firearms recklessly or willfully ignoring where your products end up, you’re going to be held accountable.”

“When we talk about gun violence, we often focus on individuals who pull the trigger, but rarely on the systems that enable access to firearms in the first place,” Senator Gary Winfield, Senate chair of the Judiciary Committee, said. “This legislation recognizes that the industry operates in a certain way and that way has consequences. We’re creating a framework where those consequences are no longer ignored.”

The legislation leverages an exception in the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a 2005 law that generally shields the gun industry from civil lawsuits. The “predicate exception” within PLCAA allows states to enforce statutes that establish a standard of conduct for firearm manufacturers and sellers. The bill does not single out the industry, rather it treats them like others by removing part of a shield that no other industry benefits from.

Through H.B. 7042, Connecticut joins nine other states that have taken action to expand the ability of victims to sue the firearm industry for illegal conduct, according to the Giffords Law Center.

The bill also closes a loophole in Connecticut law that allowed individuals convicted of certain violent misdemeanors in other states to receive pistol permits here, even though a comparable conviction in Connecticut would disqualify them. This change ensures consistent treatment of applicants regardless of where the conviction occurred.

Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Civil Action Against Bad Actors in the Gun Industry

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Legislation Allowing Civil Action Against Bad Actors in the Gun Industry

The Senate gave final passage Thursday to legislation that will allow victims of gun violence to bring civil actions against gun manufacturers, distributors, or retailers who fail to implement reasonable safeguards to ensure their products do not fall into the wrong hands.

The Senate voted 25-11 to pass House Bill 7042, which was approved by the House last month and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont for his signature.

The bill allows for legal action against firearm manufacturers, retailers, and distributors who fail to adopt reasonable controls to prevent the sale of firearms to ineligible purchasers, straw buyers, traffickers, or individuals the seller has reasonable cause to believe will use the weapon to commit a crime or harm others.

“When a manufacturer puts profits over people and releases a dangerous product into the world, they don’t just fail in quality—they fail in humanity,” said Sen. Gaston, Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee. “Negligence that harms lives must not be ignored, excused, or buried. It must be exposed, confronted, and held accountable in the eyes of the law and the court of public conscience. I stand resolute in supporting this progressive piece of legislation that will further protect Connecticut residents through firearm safety.”

The legislation leverages an exception in the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a 2005 law that generally shields the gun industry from civil lawsuits. The “predicate exception” within PLCAA allows states to enforce statutes that establish a standard of conduct for firearm manufacturers and sellers. The bill does not single out the industry, rather it treats them like others by removing part of a shield that no other industry benefits from.

Through H.B. 7042, Connecticut joins nine other states that have taken action to expand the ability of victims to sue the firearm industry for illegal conduct, according to the Giffords Law Center.

The bill also closes a loophole in Connecticut law that allowed individuals convicted of certain violent misdemeanors in other states to receive pistol permits here, even though a comparable conviction in Connecticut would disqualify them. This change ensures consistent treatment of applicants regardless of where the conviction occurred.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $835,948 IN SMALL TOWN ECONOMIC AID GRANT INVESTMENTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $835,948 IN SMALL TOWN ECONOMIC AID GRANT INVESTMENTS

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the state’s announcement that the latest round of Small Town Economic Assistance Program grants, dispersing $30 million in grants to 46 small towns, includes $835,948 in grants supporting Old Saybrook and Salem, supporting infrastructure repairs and town resources for years to come.

“Our towns’ local improvement projects play a vital role in our communities, and to have such strong support for Old Saybrook and Salem will help move forward valuable new resources that residents can utilize,” said Sen. Marx. “Local recreation will benefit in both communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for recognizing our region.”

The grant funding will support the following:

  • -Old Saybrook will receive $667,948, matched by $222,649 in town funds, for the renovation of the Ferry Road soccer field.
  • -Salem will receive $168,000, matched by $34,000 from the town, for upgrades to the Salem Center Community Building.

Durham Delegation Welcomes $1M for Shady Lane Project

Posted on by Devin James

Durham Delegation Welcomes $1M for Shady Lane Project

DURHAM, CT – On Wednesday, State Senators Christine Cohen and Paul Cicarella, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, State Representative John-Michael Parker, and First Selectman Brendan Rea welcomed $1 million in state funding for Shady Lane reconstruction.

Governor Ned Lamont announced this week that he’s releasing $30 million in state grants to 46 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other capital improvement projects.

Durham has been awarded a $1 million grant which will be matched by $270,000 from the town.

This significant funding makes critical improvements to transportation infrastructure and also enhances public safety by ensuring Shady Lane is workable for first responders,” said Sen. Cohen. “I was proud to work with First Selectman Rea and the CT DOT to drive forward solutions to concerns around this intersection and I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for ensuring the state is a strong partner to our municipalities in funding improvements like this one. These dollars reduce the town’s financial liability and offer a cost-effective solution in improving safety and navigability.”

“Like my colleagues in Durham’s legislative delegation, I’m appreciative of the Governor’s decision to set aside STEAP funds to help address problems with Shady Lane,” said Rep. Candelora. “This grant award, and others like it announced today, exemplifies the benefit of partnership between the state and municipalities, the latter of which can find it difficult to cover the entire cost of large infrastructure problems alone.”

“With this generous funding from STEAP, we can make significant progress on the Shady Lane reconstruction process and ensure our community has safe and up-to-date infrastructure,” Rep. Parker said. “The STEAP grants are an amazing opportunity that provides support for the small towns in Connecticut that would otherwise get overlooked. Thank you to Governor Lamont for giving our community the backing we need for these important infrastructure projects.”

“Thank you to the state’s bond commission and governor for releasing this funding to the Town of Durham to improve Shady Lane. This is an important passage through the town, and it’s so important that we maintain Durham’s infrastructure. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure our residents’ needs are met.” said Sen. Cicarella.

“The Town of Durham is thrilled with the $1 million STEAP award for the Shady Lane reconstruction project,” said First Selectman Rea. “Shady Lane is currently an unimproved Town Road that houses one residence. Three additional houses are anticipated to be constructed on Shady as a result of a recent subdivision approval. The current road does not provide adequate width for access and two way travel of emergency services vehicles, school buses or normal Durham Highway Department snow plow equipment. This STEAP award will allow the town to move forward with significant road improvements that will benefit the community by providing adequate and safe access for drivers.”

The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.

 

SENATOR ANWAR CELEBRATES FINAL PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION CREATING ADVISORY COMMITTEE STUDYING BETTER OUTCOMES FOR MATERNAL HEALTH

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR CELEBRATES FINAL PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION CREATING ADVISORY COMMITTEE STUDYING BETTER OUTCOMES FOR MATERNAL HEALTH

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), the Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, celebrated the Senate’s final passage of legislation that, once made law, will create an advisory study seeking to improve maternal health outcomes. The study will have dual focuses of improving perinatal mental health care services and reviewing making Connecticut hospitals more friendly to doulas, who perform non-medical support services during pregnancy and after birth.

The bill in question, House Bill 7214, “An Act Concerning Maternal Health,” passed the Senate by a unanimous 36-0 vote. It previously passed the House by a 138-3 tally, and with its final passage today now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“We can always do more to review our current systems and find room for improvement, and too many pregnancies are marred by mental health issues and other crises that negatively impact families,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m looking forward to the results of this study and working to improve the overall health of our state. I’m excited to see this bill become law.”

House Bill 7214 requires the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to study and make recommendations regarding improving perinatal mental health care services in Connecticut and making Connecticut hospitals more doula-friendly for pregnant patients. The study will review more than a dozen factors including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, treatments, reducing/removing racial and ethnic disparities in treatment of such disorders and other factors involving mental health care.

It will also review current doula policies in hospitals, as well as challenges to their increased utilization, study of doula-friendly policies, doulas’ impact on maternal health rates.

The advisory committee will be built of individuals including persons with experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including individuals, caregivers or advocates, as well as a care organization representative, a registered nurse, a pediatrician, obstetrician, psychologist, psychiatrist and social worker, a doula, a midwife, a lactation consultant and more. Their findings would be due to the legislature in early 2026, with a final report due no later than 2027.

Senator Hochadel Leads Passage of Value-Based Nursing Home Reimbursement Model

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Leads Passage of Value-Based Nursing Home Reimbursement Model

Senator Jan Hochadel, co-chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee, led passage Wednesday of a bill to establish a value-based Medicaid reimbursement model that rewards quality care and incentivizes nursing homes to provide the best possible care.

The bill, S.B. 1333, passed the Senate unanimously, sending the proposal to the House for consideration during the final week of this year’s legislative session.

The proposal expands a 2022 pilot program at the Department of Social Services, designed to incentivize quality care based on metrics like staffing levels, patient health outcomes, and resident satisfaction surveys. The bill’s goal is to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and to enhance the quality of life for Connecticut seniors.

“We all want the best care and living conditions for our aging loved ones, and some Connecticut nursing homes are already setting a high standard,” Senator Hochadel said. “With S.B. 1333, we’re moving toward a system that incentivizes those results. This legislation rewards the facilities that produce the best patient outcomes, earn high marks from residents and their families, and maintaining safe staffing levels. This policy will raise the bar at long-term care facilities across Connecticut, helping to ensure that every senior can age comfortably wherever they reside.”

Beginning next October, S.B. 1333 will provide grants to nursing homes that demonstrate high-quality outcomes for residents, and incentivizing facilities without high ratings to improve. The proposal relies on bond funding to support its grant payments to nursing homes.

Other provisions of the bill will require that insurers seeking to raise their long-term care policy premium rates first hold a public hearing in cases where that rate increase exceeds 10%. The bill also requires insurers to give policyholders at least two weeks notice ahead of the hearing.

Another section studies the feasibility of expanding a separate pilot program that provides subsidies for assisted living facilities, and examines options to make it easier for older adults to choose where they receive long-term care services.

Senator Lopes Welcomes $1M for Berlin Peck Library

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Lopes Welcomes $1M for Berlin Peck Library

Today, state Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), welcomed $1 million in state funding for the Berlin Peck Library.

Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he’s releasing $30 million in state grants to 46 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other capital improvement projects.

Berlin has been awarded a $1 million grant for a reroofing and mechanical replacement project that will be matched by $240,000 by the town.

“I’m proud to welcome this $1 million in state funding for the Berlin Peck Library, which serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages,” said Senator Rick Lopes. “Investing in our library is essential because it provides free access to information, technology, and educational resources that empower residents, support lifelong learning, and strengthen the fabric of our community.”

The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.

Farmington Delegation Welcomes $1M for Tunxis Mead

Posted on by Devin James

Farmington Delegation Welcomes $1M for Tunxis Mead

FARMINGTON, CT – Today, State Senators Derek Slap and Rick Lopes and State Representative Mike Demicco welcomed $1 million in state funds for improvements to the Tunxis Mead park facilities.

Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he’s releasing $30 million in state grants to 46 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, emergency management upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, educational and recreational facility upgrades, and other capital improvement projects.

Farmington has been awarded a $1 million grant which will be matched by $502,000 from the town.

“This grant is a great example of leveraging state and town dollars to build out critical local infrastructure that betters the lives of our residents,” said Sen. Slap. “Tunxis Mead is a fantastic resource that allows people of all ages to get outside and stay active. This funding will make some important updates to the complex and I’m grateful to town leadership for their vision and to Governor Lamont for continuing to be a strong partner to municipalities across the state.”

“The $1 million in state funding, combined with the town’s commitment, will play a crucial role in advancing the Tunxis Mead Improvement Plan. This investment isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about building a safer, more connected, and vibrant community where families can thrive and businesses can grow. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will bring to our town,” said Sen. Lopes.

“Tunxis Mead is Farmington’s crown jewel for individual residents and families to enjoy outdoor and passive recreation,” Rep. Demicco said. “The $1 million STEAP grant and $500,000 matching town funds will go a long way to enhancing the park’s infrastructure, including the installation of new LED lights, safety netting and poles for the baseball and softball fields and resurfacing the basketball courts. I’m thrilled the town received this grant for residents and visitors to continue to use the park for years to come.”

The grants are being provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

In addition to the grants from the state, each municipality is also contributing funds, bringing the total spent on the 48 projects to $43.4 million in a combination of state, local, and other funding sources.