Author: Devin James

Duff & Fairfield County Senators Call on Altice to Issue Refunds to Connecticut Customers

Posted on by Devin James

Duff & Fairfield County Senators Call on Altice to Issue Refunds to Connecticut Customers

“Otherwise, we may need to get involved via passing legislation to require refunds or credits under these circumstances.”

Hartford, CT—Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and a coalition of Fairfield County Democrats called Friday on Altice USA, owner of Optimum, to issue refunds or credits to Connecticut MSG Networks customers, who have been unable to watch their favorite teams for weeks due to prolonged corporate negotiations.

Connecticut fans of the New York Rangers, Knicks, Devils, and other teams have been deprived of critical sports programming due to ongoing disputes between two corporations: Optimum and MSG Networks.

On Friday, Senator Duff, D-Norwalk, along with Senators James Maroney, D-Milford, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-Trumbull, Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, and Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, wrote to Altice CEO Dennis Mathew to demand refunds for Connecticut customers.

“Our constituents pay significant amounts of money for the content you and MSG provide, but they have not been able to view the athletic events that give them joy in over five weeks,” the senators wrote. “Despite receiving less than they are paying for, our constituents have not received any compensation for the failure of Altice and MSG to provide what was agreed to.”

The senators stressed that they were not taking sides in the ongoing dispute between MSG Entertainment and Altice. Their most recent letter to the Altice executive followed a similar message to representatives of both companies in late January.

On Friday, the senators said it was time for Optimum to immediately restore viewers’ access to Madison Square Garden channel through Optimum and refund audiences for the services they were not provided for more than five weeks.

“The disagreement between Altice and MSG is harming our constituents, our economy, and your companies,” the senator wrote. “If you cannot settle this disagreement, at the very least you owe it to your customers to compensate them for this loss, which is no fault of their own. Otherwise, we may need to get involved via passing legislation to require refunds or credits under these circumstances.”

Mr. Dennis Mathew

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Altice

1 Court Square

Long Island City, NY 11101

Dear Mr. Mathew:

We are writing to you in follow up to our January 20, 2025 letter asking you and Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) to put your customers first by coming to an agreement that will benefit all parties regarding the current disagreement between your companies. We have yet to hear back from you on this,

and the disagreement between your company and MSG has not been resolved. We are not taking any side in this dispute, however, in light of the prolonged nature of this dispute, we believe it is time for your company to provide refunds or credits to customers affected by this dispute.

Our constituents pay significant amounts of money for the content you and MSG provide, but they have not been able to view the athletic events that give them joy in over five weeks. Despite receiving less than they are paying for, our constituents have not received any compensation for the failure of Altice and MSG to provide what was agreed to. We ask that in addition to immediately giving viewers access to the Madison Square Garden channel through Optimum, you provide these customers with a refund or credit for not being provided this service for five weeks.

The disagreement between Altice and MSG is harming our constituents, our economy, and your companies. If you cannot settle this disagreement, at the very least you owe it to your customers to compensate them for this loss, which is no fault of their own. Otherwise, we may need to get involved via passing legislation to require refunds or credits under these circumstances.

 

State Senator Bob Duff, Majority Leader

State Senator James Maroney, 14th Senatorial District

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, 22nd Senatorial District

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, 23rd Senatorial District

State Senator Julie Kushner, 24th Senatorial District

State Senator Ceci Maher, 26th Senatorial District

State Senator Patricia Billie Miller, 27th Senatorial District

SENATOR MARX RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH ENDING NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP CONTRACTS

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SENATOR MARX RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH ENDING NURSE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP CONTRACTS

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee and a career visiting nurse, today issued a statement following Yale New Haven Health’s Health at Home Southeast announcement that its Nurse Family Partnership and Wellness program will not renew contracts with surrounding towns and will cease services to impacted communities at the beginning of the next union contract on June 30. This will result in the loss of approximately eight union jobs.

The Nurse Family Partnership sends nurses directly to the homes of at-risk pregnant mothers and follows the mother and baby from pregnancy to delivery through three years of age. The wellness program provides a part-time nurse to the local homeless hospitality center, nursing services at local senior centers, and makes home visits to some homebound patients in certain municipalities. Municipalities in south central Connecticut and the VNASC was contracted to provide those services. Towns no longer have nurses working for them and there is no stated succession plan for those who will provide these services.

The statement follows:
“Yale New Haven Health’s decision to end its Nurse Family Partnership contracts and wellness services is one seeking short-term gain at the expense of long-term community pain. YNNH has taken away some very important services that don’t just provide unique benefits but are directly vital in the towns they’re offered in. In addition to the potential layoffs this decision will bring for nurses, these programs will leave vital services unfulfilled in our communities, leaving patients and community needs unmet and in some instances sharply reducing the quality of care homebound and disabled patients will receive. The federal government working to slash important programs is bad enough. For Yale to cut them further in our backyard is going to worsen already severe impacts.”

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

Senator Hochadel Statement on the Passing of Former Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello Jr.

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Senator Hochadel Statement on the Passing of Former Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello Jr.

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, issued the following statement today on the passing of former Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello Jr.

“Buddy Altobello leaves behind a huge footprint in Meriden civic life and a legacy of dedicated service to our city and its people,” Senator Hochadel said. “I was privileged to have been represented by such a steadfast advocate and feel inspired by the example he set. Few achieve the lasting impact Buddy had in the state House and city council, and even fewer do so with his reputation for kindness. He will be deeply missed, and my thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox, Rep. Kahn to Hold Listening Sessions on Special Education

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Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox, Rep. Kahn to Hold Listening Sessions on Special Education

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Trumbull) and State Representative Maryam Kahn (D-Windsor), co-chairs of the newly convened Select Committee on Special Education, will hold a series of listening sessions to hear from parents, teachers, students, Boards of Education, school administrators and community members on issues impacting special education services across the state.

Tuesday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m.
Connecticut State Community College Three Rivers Campus in Norwich
B Wing Room 127

Thursday, February 6 at 5:00 p.m.
Connecticut State Community College Northwestern Campus in Winsted
Second Floor of Founder’s Hall

Tuesday, February 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Connecticut State Community College Housatonic Campus in Bridgeport
Beacon Hall – Room 214

Thursday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Legislative Office Building in Hartford
Hearing Room 2A

“I have long been a strong proponent of public education, and as legislators we are charged to ensure that all students have access to appropriate services. As the Special Education Committee seeks to better support our most vulnerable students, I am eager to meet with communities across Connecticut to learn more about their experiences with special education,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “Addressing the needs of this community will require input from all stakeholders and I look forward to learning more and turning our findings into legislation that will lead to tangible improvements.”

“I’m so excited to begin these listening sessions across our state,” Rep. Khan said. “It’s clear our schools are in dire need of assistance with their special education programs, and these listening sessions will help us find practical solutions that will make a big difference in the lives of students and teachers alike.”

New Britain Legislators Demand Unfreezing of Federal Funds for Nonprofits, Hospitals, and Essential Services

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New Britain Legislators Demand Unfreezing of Federal Funds for Nonprofits, Hospitals, and Essential Services

New Britain, CT – Today, a united front of New Britain legislators, state Senator Rick Lopes, Representative Bobby Sanchez, Representative David DeFronzo, Representative Gary Turco, and Representative Manny Sanchez, called for the immediate release of frozen federal funds critical to non-profits, hospitals, and other essential services in the Greater New Britain community.

These funds, intended to support life-saving programs, healthcare facilities, and organizations serving the city’s most vulnerable residents, remain locked in political gridlock—deliberate inaction that the legislators condemned as reckless and harmful.

“This isn’t just about numbers on a budget sheet—this is about real people who depend on these services every day,” said Sen. Rick Lopes. “Freezing these funds is nothing more than playing political games with people’s lives, and we refuse to stand by while our community suffers.”

The funding freeze is affecting hospitals, community health organizations, food banks, and nonprofits that provide housing assistance, mental health services, and early childhood education—services that thousands of New Britain residents rely on.

“Nonprofits and hospitals serve as a lifeline for so many in our community, and yet they are being forced to make impossible decisions because of political posturing,” said Rep. Bobby Sanchez. “This funding is not optional—it is essential. Everyday it remains frozen, more families, seniors, and children face uncertainty and hardship.”

The legislators stressed that this crisis disproportionately impacts low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, further widening the gap between those who have access to care and those left behind.

“We were elected to fight for our constituents, and right now, our communities are being used as bargaining chips,” said Rep. David DeFronzo. “This is unacceptable. President Trump ran on a platform of helping working people and this action has done nothing but hurt them. Federal funds should be reaching the people they were intended for—not stuck in limbo while politicians argue.”

As hospitals struggle with rising costs and nonprofits face potential closures, the group is urging immediate action at both the state and federal levels to resolve the funding crisis.

“This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human issue,” said Rep. Gary Turco. “The people who rely on these services don’t care about political back-and-forth. They care about keeping a roof over their heads, affording medication, and putting food on the table. It’s time to stop the political theater and do what’s right.”

With the legislative session underway, the lawmakers are working to put pressure on federal and state officials to ensure that New Britain’s critical services receive the funding they need.

“We’re standing together to send a clear message: enough is enough,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “The people of New Britain should not have to wait another day for the support they deserve. It’s time to put politics aside and do the job we were elected to do.”

The legislators urge community members to join the fight by contacting their federal representatives and demanding the release of these much-needed funds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov

Senator Needleman Statement On Eversource Increasing Dividend

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Senator Needleman Statement On Eversource Increasing Dividend

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, released the following statement in response to the announcement that Eversource Energy’s board plans to increase its dividend by 5.2% at the end of the first quarter of 2025:

“Despite a barrage of corporate propaganda, Eversource is doing great. All the bluster in the news recently concerning lawsuits certainly isn’t stopping the company from giving its shareholders a bigger dividend this year. In fact, the service Dividend Channel recently noted Eversource is a ‘Top 10 Utility Dividend Stock,’ with a 5.22% yield and a price-to-book ratio of 1.4, both of which were well above industry averages.

So, to review: Wall Street says Eversource’s bond rating is down, but it continues to make money hand over fist and its shareholders continue to benefit. The company continues to show that its primary interest is in shareholder and executive profits; ratepayers seem to be at the end of the priority list. With potential Canadian energy tariffs just one of a number of potential issues to arise in the near future, I’d hope Eversource leaders can put their focus in better places.”

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

SENATOR ANWAR LEADS LEGISLATORS, TRINITY HEALTH EMPLOYEES SEEKING PAUSE ON COMPANY TRANSFER DECISION

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

SENATOR ANWAR LEADS LEGISLATORS, TRINITY HEALTH EMPLOYEES SEEKING PAUSE ON COMPANY TRANSFER DECISION

Senator Anwar speaks in Hartford Thursday

 

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, today joined a coalition of legislators to support Trinity Health medical professionals recently impacted by the company’s sale of its hospitalist and emergency medicine services departments to a private for-profit company. The medical professionals, with concerns regarding their careers, patient care and physician availability in Connecticut, called for a pause on Trinity’s transfers and increased clarity and information for professionals impacted.

Legislators joining the coalition included State Senators Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden), MD Rahman (D-Manchester) and Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and State Representatives Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield), his House co-chair on the Public Health Committee, Kaitlin Shake (D-Stratford), Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) and Maryam Kham (D-Windsor).

“With our health care systems under strain and stress, uncertainty like this decision from Trinity has caused does not help anyone – patients, physicians, or hospitals,” said Sen. Anwar. “This decision puts careers, quality of care and overall health services provided in Connecticut at risk. Trinity should do what’s right for health in Connecticut and delay this decision while providing more clarity to those impacted.”

Trinity terminated more than 100 employees at its four hospitals in Hartford, Waterbury and Stafford Springs in early January, informing them they had 90 days to sign with Vituity, the California company purchasing Trinity departments, or leave their employment, breaking a four-month termination notice in employee contracts.

Physicians, ARPNs and Pas were included in the announcement; those impacted have not received information regarding their future employment and scheduling.

“Employees were told they have 90 days to sign with Vituity or leave. The notice period is in direct conflict with employees’ 120-day termination notice period as stipulated in their contracts,” stated Dr. Gagan Singh, Regional Director for Hospital Medicine at St. Francis Hospital. “This decision will have detrimental consequences for public health, patient safety, and the well-being and retention of healthcare staff in the most underserved parts of the state.”

“The lack of transparency from Trinity Health has also left us in the dark about many critical aspects of our employment status,” stated Kaitlin Erickson, lead hospitalist nurse practitioner in the Inpatient Internal Medicine Department at St Francis Hospital.  “To this date, we have yet to receive any concrete information regarding compensation, benefits, or scheduling. This lack of communication and professional courtesy has eroded trust in an already challenging work environment.”

The medical professionals noted concerns about patient safety, understaffing and disconnecting patients from their regular physicians, with fewer staff members remaining seeing increased workloads. They also emphasized that the hospitals impacted were in underserved parts of the state.

Medicap professionals further noted that a number of those impacted are tied to their jobs through immigration status and student loan forgiveness programs.

“We ask Trinity Health to immediately reverse the terminations, reinstate the affected healthcare providers to their status prior to January 6 and engage in open and transparent negotiations between hospital leadership and the terminated healthcare providers,” stated Dr. Sama Alvi, St. Francis Hospital Hospitalist. “Only then, will we be able to address the underlying issues and concerns that balances the hospital’s operational needs with the well-being of its staff and patients.”

A full recording of this afternoon’s press conference is available here.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN STATEMENT ON EVERSOURCE, AVANGRID LAWSUIT AGAINST PURA CHAIR

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

January 30, 2025

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN STATEMENT ON EVERSOURCE, AVANGRID LAWSUIT AGAINST PURA CHAIR

Senator Norm Needleman, Senate chair of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, issued the following statement Thursday in response to a lawsuit filed by Eversource and Avangrid against Marissa Gillett, chairman of Public Utility Regulatory Authority.

“This frivolous lawsuit is driven by the same greed we’ve grown accustomed to from Eversource and Avangrid as they continue to pursue their own interests at the expense of Connecticut families,” Senator Needleman, D-Essex, said. “Despite record profits and record salaries for their executives, these corporate monopolies continue to push for more. The regulators they’re suing here are representing the interests of Connecticut ratepayers in the face of the utilities’ unending pursuit of more profits. I stand with the regulators.”

SEN. OSTEN’s BILL SEEKING ECONOMIC STUDY OF MOHEGAN-PEQUOT BRIDGE IS RAISED BY TRANSPORETATION COMMITTEE 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

SEN. OSTEN’s BILL SEEKING ECONOMIC STUDY OF MOHEGAN-PEQUOT BRIDGE IS RAISED BY TRANSPORETATION COMMITTEE 

MONTVILLE – A bill introduced by state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) requiring an economic study of areas surrounding the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge was raised today by the Transportation Committee and will now be subject to a public hearing.

Senate Bill 1081 seeks “an economic study on the areas surrounding the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge that considers, at a minimum, the impacts on transportation, the impacts to projects located at  the Great Wolf Lodge, projects known as the Preston Riverwalk Project and the Thames River Development and the expansion of the Preston Incinerator site, the requirement that permitted loads traverse the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge instead of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, and the impacts to public safety in the event of an incident that negatively impacts the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.”

“I’m a firm believer in planning for the future, and I think the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge will very soon outgrow its two-lane restriction, and that could harm the economic growth that’s planned for the region. I’d like to see the state do a deep dive on the economics of the area before they do any planned renovations to the bridge. We may discover some facts that alter that renovation plan,” said Sen. Osten, who is a member of the Transportation Committee.

The State Department of Transportation has already announced plans to spend $33 million to repair the two-lane bridge’s steel bed, roadbed and river fender systems. Sen. Osten and other local officials believe the DOT should save the maintenance costs and expand the Mohegan-Pequot bridge from two lanes to four, at a cost of about $227 million, of which 80% should be covered by the federal government.

Senator Miller Condemns Trump Administration’s Decision to Freeze Federal Aid

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Senator Miller Condemns Trump Administration’s Decision to Freeze Federal Aid

Senator Patricia Billie Miller, D-Stamford, stood Tuesday with other Connecticut Democrats and condemned the Trump administration’s reckless decision to freeze federal aid, threatening vital programs and assistance for vulnerable communities in Connecticut and across the nation.

Senator Miller issued the following statement and appealed to Republican legislators to stand with Democrats and defend their constituents.

“Is this what ‘Make America Great Again’ looks like—families living in fear they won’t be able to put food on their tables?” Senator Miller said. “This is certainly not the America we learned about in history books, a nation that cared for the vulnerable and stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Instead, we are watching the Trump administration tear apart the principles our forefathers fought to protect. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to join us in this fight—because your constituents will feel the impact of this too. They elected you to protect their rights, and it’s our responsibility to preserve the values that truly make this country great.”

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