Month: September 2025

SEN. KUSHNER HONORED WITH INAUGURAL 2025 ALICE CHAMPION AWARD

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. KUSHNER HONORED WITH INAUGURAL 2025 ALICE CHAMPION AWARD

State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) was honored today with the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s inaugural 2025 ALICE Champion Award for her “leadership, dedication, and steadfast commitment to advancing policies that support… individuals and families who work hard but struggle to afford life’s essentials.”

“In our region, nearly 40% of households are ALICE or living in poverty, making your advocacy and action not only timely, but critical,” said Ashley Gaudiano, the Chief Operating Officer United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. “You were chosen for this award based on your strong legislative record, your leadership role in advancing economic opportunity, and your support of efforts that directly impact the financial stability, health, and well-being of Connecticut residents. Your work exemplifies what it means to govern with equity, compassion, and purpose.”

Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, has a proven record of pro-family policies. Her life and legislative career have been committed to achieving minimum wage increases, improving access to health care, securing childcare benefits, funding public pre-kindergarten and tuition-free college, enacting paid family and medical leave, expanding access to paid sick days, making meaningful investments in the local infrastructure, protecting the environment, and promoting women’s and family issues.

“With every election and committee meeting and vote in the General Assembly, we have the opportunity to make life better for the people we represent and for the entire state. I take that responsibility very seriously and I try to use my time here in the legislature wisely in order to accomplish those goals,” Sen. Kushner said. “I am very proud and honored to be recognized by The United Way for my work to improve the lives of Connecticut residents, especially those who are still struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis.”

The United Way publishes an annual poverty assessment based on its “ALICE” methodology, which is an acronym for “Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed”. The United Way estimates that it cost a family of four in Connecticut – two parents and two children – about $116,000 in 2023 to cover basic needs such as food, housing, utilities, child and health care and transportation, and that 40% of Connecticut residents were below this level.

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE ANNOUNCED

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE ANNOUNCED

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Lamont’s establishment of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate, an independent state office with the directive of aiding Connecticut residents with accessing mental health and behavioral health services and advocating for better outcomes for the public:

“Legislators know all too well that our state needs more mental and behavioral health resources for those struggling in our communities. In 2023, I was proud to lead the Senate’s vote to create the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate. To see the Office in action is a wonderful thing for the many families around our state struggling with behavioral health issues. I’m heartened to know that Howard Sovronsky, who has extensive experience supporting individuals in social work and health care settings, as well as navigating government, will lead the Office. He will make sure there’s fewer headaches for those navigating the system, better access for those in need and continued oversight to support the people of Connecticut, especially those in crisis.”

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following High School Shooting in Colorado

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following High School Shooting in Colorado

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, is releasing a statement calling for urgent action to address gun violence following the school shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic shooting today at a high school in Colorado,” said Senator Gaston. “My thoughts and prayers are with the students, families, and teachers. No parent should be scared sending their child to school, and no student should have to wonder if they are safe in a classroom. We must come together to confront the epidemic of gun violence with urgency, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful change. My opinions are strong in both this incident and the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk today. I stand firm on condemning gun violence in all its forms. Our neighborhoods deserve safety, not fear.”

Sen. Lesser Highlights CT’s Generic GLP-1 Legislation at National Conference

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Highlights CT’s Generic GLP-1 Legislation at National Conference

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, spoke at the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) Annual Health Policy Conference in San Diego on Connecticut’s recently enacted bipartisan prescription drug law, which puts Connecticut in the front of the pack of states in controlling drug costs.

He was invited to present as part of The Wave of High Drug Prices and Strategies to Tame Them panel.

Senator Lesser shared details of his recently enacted legislation that implemented many of the recommendations of the bipartisan Prescription Drug Task Force that he co-chaired. The conversation explored the first of its kind provision that allows Connecticut to partner with a generic GLP-1 manufacturer, engage bulk purchasing, cap the cost of generic drugs, reform pharmacy benefit-mangers (PBMS), and how to build bipartisan collaboration on the issue of prescription drug prices.

“It is an honor to be here with colleagues from across the country to present on an issue that affects our constituents in every state and every county,” said Sen. Lesser. “I am really proud of the first of its kind legislation we passed in Connecticut, allowing the state to partner with generic drug producers to make our own life-saving yet wildly expensive drugs like GLP-1s, cap the price of generics and pass real reforms for PBM middlemen. I hope that other states will follow suit and together we can push back against greedy health care behemoths and create real relief for our residents.”

NASHP is a bipartisan network that brings senior state level policy leaders together from around the country.

Sen. Cohen Response to Trump Reversal of Proposed Biden-era Airline Compensation Rule

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Response to Trump Reversal of Proposed Biden-era Airline Compensation Rule

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, responded to news that the Trump administration is reversing course on a Biden administration plan to hold airlines accountable for delays. Former President Biden and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg proposed a rule that would require airlines to compensate travelers for flight delays caused by the carriers.

The proposed federal rule would require U.S. airlines to pay consumers $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. The rule had not yet taken effect when President Trump assumed office.

“The Trump administration is backtracking on a common-sense, consumer protection policy,” said Sen. Cohen. “Flight delays are not only frustrating and inconvenient, they are costly and incredibly disruptive, and travelers are often stranded at airports with no suitable recourse. Across the country consumers feel that prices are going up, while the value of the goods or services they are purchasing are declining. Corporations’ profits are skyrocketing while American workers and families are living paycheck to paycheck and this policy only tips the scale further in favor of big business.”

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following CT Sitting Council’s Decision Backing Monopoles

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following CT Sitting Council’s Decision Backing Monopoles

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is releasing a statement following the CT Sitting Council’s decision to back monopoles in Bridgeport and Fairfield.

“It is outrageous and deeply disappointing to see the Connecticut Siting Council backtrack on its decision and greenlight United Illuminating’s plan to install towering monopoles through the heart of Bridgeport and Fairfield.

“This isn’t just bureaucratic whiplash, it’s a betrayal of public trust. Our communities were clear, vocal, and united in opposition. Residents spoke out in good faith, believing their concerns about health, safety, and environmental impact were finally being taken seriously.

“Now, the Council has reversed course without transparent explanation, dismissing the voices of the very people they’re meant to serve. These massive structures will scar our neighborhoods, degrade our environment, and impose long-term risks, especially in communities that already bear the brunt of environmental injustice. We want answers: What changed, and why were our voices ignored?

“This fight is far from over. I will not stand by while our communities are bulldozed, literally and politically, by corporate interests and state indifference. I demand answers and I want answers now!”

Sen. Slap Statement on Retirement of Commissioner Bye

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Statement on Retirement of Commissioner Bye

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Derek Slap issued a statement on the retirement of Beth Bye, Commissioner for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Before being appointed Commissioner by Governor Lamont in 2019, Commissioner Bye was Senator Slap’s predecessor in the state senate and served as Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

“Commissioner Bye is leaving behind an incredible legacy as an advocate for young children, their families and our shared hometown of West Hartford,” said Sen. Slap. “As my predecessor in the state senate and then at OEC, Commissioner Bye brought energy, compassion and forward thinking to her public service. As one of her final accomplishments, she has ushered in a new future of affordable early childcare options for Connecticut families. She established the Blue Ribbon Panel to holistically address challenges in childcare and created efficiencies to better leverage state and federal dollars through Early Start CT. Commissioner Bye is an incredible leader who rolls up her sleeves, gets to the bottom of the challenges facing our state and builds solutions – we are better for her service.”

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) released the following statement after Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye announced her retirement, ending more than six years of service leading the Office. Prior to her leading the Office of Early Retirement, Bye served for four terms as a State Senator and two as a State Representative.

“Connecticut’s children are losing a great advocate and leader today, one who was always laser-focused on supporting all children in the best possible way. As a natural leader who helped create the Office of Early Childhood in the legislature, she was the perfect choice to take its reins. With a career dedicated to education and service, Beth’s experience and compassion for providers, parents and children informed her work for the community and state. Her legacy in early childhood will resonate for years to come. While I am saddened by her retirement, I wish Beth all the best and look forward to working with the next Commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood. They will certainly have big shoes to fill.”

Following Courthouse Escalation from ICE, Senate Democrats Ask CT Chief Justice for Increased Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Following Courthouse Escalation from ICE, Senate Democrats Ask CT Chief Justice for Increased Protections

HARTFORD – In the midst of videos and reports this month showing ICE agents storming Connecticut courthouses to make arrests, ignoring standard conventions and escalating their behavior, Connecticut Senate Democrats this week addressed a letter to Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Raheem Mullins asking for increased protections for members of the public against undue detainment.

The Senators refer to a Connecticut District Court order filed August 4 banning law enforcement from arresting or detaining any person within the federal courthouse in Hartford, where judicial proceedings are occurring, among other potential points of response.

The letter comes specifically after reports of three unmarked and unidentified ICE agents with covered faces stormed into the Stamford courthouse on August 11, ignoring the orders of a state marshal asking them for a warrant and arresting two men in a courthouse bathroom, using pepper spray on them in the process.

Eyewitness reports indicate that ICE agents used similar behavior in a Danbury courthouse on August 14, threatening to use pepper spray and Tasers on individuals, asking them if they had warrants, according to the New Haven Register.

“This is an extreme escalation by ICE,” the Senators wrote, adding it’s the first time they’re aware of ICE agents arresting someone inside a courthouse in Connecticut. Before the second Trump administration, ICE arrests routinely took place outside courthouses.

“Courthouses are a cornerstone of our democracy,” the Senators wrote. “Our Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of immigration status, the right to an attorney and a court hearing when charged with a crime.” They noted courthouses are also safe havens and needed resources for victims seeking protective orders, spouses seeking divorces, and other members of the public seeking relief.

The noted escalation of behavior by ICE agents, the Senators say, means “courthouses are being used as mouse traps,” with a chilling effect of making immigrants – including ones in the country legally – avoid public spaces in fear of arrest or detainment. This harms public safety, they said.

“For example, if the only witness to a crime is an undocumented immigrant, the witness may refuse to testify or even to assist local police,” the Senators wrote, leaving the victim of the crime without justice.”

While the Trust Act in Connecticut does not prevent ICE agents from entering courthouses, nor does it allow judicial marshals to prevent or assist ICE in apprehending individuals, the Senators drew attention to the Connecticut District Court order, as well as similar orders in New York and Oregon, prohibiting arrest without judicial warrant in or near state courthouses. They asked Chief Justice Mullins if, with similar authority to make such an order, if he would.

The Senators further noted further ways to curtail unlawful ICE arrests in courthouses, including changing docket publication to limit ICE access to lists of names used to identify potential detainees, offering witnesses and litigants the ability to participate in court electronically, or requiring federal agents to register with security before entering a courthouse, including giving name, agency and badge number.

The full letter can be found here and is reprinted below:

Senators Looney & Duff Applaud West Coast Health Alliance, Call for Northeastern States to Follow Suit

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney & Duff Applaud West Coast Health Alliance, Call for Northeastern States to Follow Suit

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) applauded the announcement of the West Coast Health Alliance. The Alliance is a collaborative effort between the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington to provide region-specific health and vaccination recommendations to residents.

This announcement follows growing accusations of politicization at federal health institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control. Critics have pointed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who operated an anti-vaccine organization for profit for several years before being named to lead major American health institutions. Kennedy recently fired CDC Director Susan Moranez, who said she was ousted for disagreeing with his changes to vaccine recommendations. Several other department leaders resigned in response, and more than a thousand current and former staffers have protested his leadership in recent weeks.

Kennedy replaced Moranez with Jim O’Neill, a former presidential speechwriter who has no experience in medicine or science.

The West Coast Health Alliance also comes amid reports that Connecticut was one of eight states to send public health officials to a recent meeting about forming their own regional alliance. Such an effort would allow states to make health recommendations and guidance directly to the public. Sens. Looney and Duff encouraged Connecticut officials to pursue these partnerships.

“With COVID vaccines restricted to the public for the first time, and guidelines for their use suddenly changing more than four years after they were first used to save hundreds of thousands of lives, the government has gone from heavily encouraging vaccination to sowing distrust in it,” said Sen. Looney. “Those who can remember the scourges of polio, measles, and other illnesses that plagued, sickened, and killed Americans before vaccines know this is a dangerous direction. It follows conspiracy theories with no evidence over years of trusted, published data. Connecticut should turn away from that path. A northeastern collaborative effort to provide residents with science-based advice and recommendations can make sure our state is focused on health above narrative and reality over propaganda.”

“It’s odd that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. opposes vaccines when his own Centers for Disease Control estimated this year that COVID vaccines saved more than 5,000 lives, prevented 13,000 ICU visits, and averted 68,000 hospitalizations just in the winter of 2024. The COVID vaccine has saved 2.5 million lives across the globe since its introduction,” said Sen. Duff. “When his own staff is resigning and walking out of offices to protest his actions, it’s clear we can no longer fully trust the CDC, FDA, or HHS. It’s with that foresight that I commend the West Coast Health Alliance and call upon Connecticut and our allies in the Northeast to follow suit. The people of New England and the Northeast, home to some of the best colleges and health care in the nation, deserve confidence when researching the best health decisions for themselves.”

The West Coast Health Alliance will coordinate health guidance across its three states. It will focus on evidence-based immunization recommendations and provide residents with consistent and credible health information.

According to media reports, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington cited the politicization of the CDC and the mass firing of doctors and scientists as reasons for the Alliance. The HHS responded with a politicized statement attacking Democrats.

On the same day the Alliance was announced, Florida’s surgeon general declared that the Republican-led state would move to end all vaccine requirements for children.