Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Welcome up to $7M in Savings to Cromwell Middle School Construction Project
CROMWELL, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) and local school leaders welcome news that the state Department of Administrative Services has increased the state reimbursement rate for the Cromwell Middle School construction project from 39.64% to 49.64% which could save the Town of Cromwell as much as $7 million dollars.
Last June, Cromwell voters approved constructing a replacement for the current school based on estimates of $58.6 million. Due to price increases, the project now requires an additional $14 million, which voters approved in a referendum on May 18.
“Capping a year in which we have secured record support for our area public schools, this additional funding for the Cromwell Middle School project is simply transformational,” Sen. Lesser said. “This funding will save Cromwell taxpayers as much as $7 million, providing needed support that clears the way for the project to move forward. It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Carpino, legislative leaders and the Department of Administrative Services to secure this higher rate.”
“Cromwell’s new Middle School represents a long-term investment in our children and our community. The increase in the reimbursement rate for this project will result in a significant cost savings- millions of dollars- for the taxpayers in town. This is a perfect example of how Cromwell gets things done-by working together,” said Rep. Carpino.
“I am overjoyed by this news. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” said Enza Macri, Superintendent of Cromwell Schools. “A special thank you to our external partners (Arcadis), our dedicated CMS Building Committee, our legislators, notably Senator Lesser and Representative Carpino, OSCG&R, and the Department of Administrative Offices, to name a few of many, who graciously advocated for Cromwell to receive this increase in reimbursement rate.The students of Cromwell Public Schools deserve a new middle school and although it has been a long road getting here; seeing the local and State level community work together to make this happen for our children has been overwhelmingly joyful!”
“This is such great news to end the school year on! The increase in our reimbursement rate will go a long way toward the needs of this project to ensure we are able to fulfill the vision the school district and CMS building committee has for our community. Thank you to all involved who have advocated relentlessly to do what’s best for our students!” said Celina Kelleher, Cromwell Board of Education Chair.
“Securing an additional 10% towards the reimbursement rate for the new Cromwell Middle School Project will go a long way in supporting the Cromwell community by making it possible for us to invest in future infrastructure improvements,” said Rosanna Glynn, CMS Building Project Chair. “A town’s public schools are the center of a community and can be a driving force in a town’s prosperity. This new middle school will strengthen Cromwell and create more community spaces to support sports and recreation, performing arts, and civic organizations.”
“The additional funding for Cromwell allows the town to improve its educational infrastructure while managing the increasing costs of inflation,” said Shannon Hughes-Brown, CMS Building Project Vice Chair. “I applaud the legislature for recognizing the need to support our town and education infrastructure overall. Our children, as well as the broader community, will realize the positive impact of this new development for years to come.”
State Senator Derek Slap Leads Final Passage Of Bill Addressing Workforce Labor Shortage Through Reducing Student Loan Interest
State Senator Derek Slap Leads Final Passage Of Bill Addressing Workforce Labor Shortage Through Reducing Student Loan Interest
Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) led the State Senate in the final passage of legislation that helps alleviate student debt for first responders, nurses, educators, and mental health professionals. The bill allows eligible workers in these fields to refinance their loans, thanks to a state subsidy, through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA).
“This will not only help existing workers in these fields alleviate some of their debt burden, it also makes it easier for folks to become teachers, nurses, police officers and social workers,” said Sen. Slap. “This is great news for our labor market and of course all those who benefit from the work of these public servants.”
House Bill 5441, “An Act Concerning Clinical Placements For Nursing Students, The Establishment of Registered Apprenticeships For Teachers, Reporting By The Office Of Workforce Strategy, Promotion of the Development of the Insurance Industry and a Student Loan Subsidy For High-Demand Professions,” seeks to make a number of changes impacting higher education statutes and programs.
Most significantly, the bill extends eligibility to the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority’s Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program to paraeducators and counselors, require CHESLA to establish a Police Officer Loan Subsidy Program to subsidize interest rates on CHESLA loans to eligible police officers in distressed municipalities, and expand a CHESLA loan subsidy program for health care professionals to include emergency services professionals.
It further creates a task force to develop a plan to establish clinical placements at state facilities for nursing students in higher education; permanently requires the Chief Workforce Officer to annually report on the Office of Workforce Strategy’s workforce training programs; and requires the insurance commissioner to promote the development, growth of and employment opportunities within the state’s insurance industry.
This bill received testimony in support from figures including Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association; Sarah Matney, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Officer at Connecticut Children’s; and the Connecticut Business and Industry Administration.
It previously passed the House on May 23 and now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL PASSAGE OF BILL ENSURING TOBACCO, OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS RECEIVE PROPER USAGE
SENATOR ANWAR LEADS FINAL PASSAGE OF BILL ENSURING TOBACCO, OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS RECEIVE PROPER USAGE
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, led the State Senate’s final passage of legislation that will ensure settlement funds received by the state from tobacco and opioid companies are properly invested and transparently tracked. The bill further updates and improves standards for the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund, among other changes.
“As our state receives settlement funding from companies that have profited by selling tobacco and opioids that have harmed public health, we need to ensure those funds are not wasted and can be used for good,” said Sen. Anwar. “That’s what this legislation does. It will require the state’s settlement funds from JUUL to be dispersed to fund programs aimed at youth audiences to prevent and stop smoking and vaping. It also requires the state to report on use of JUUL settlement funds and requires towns and cities to report how they use opioid settlement funds. This increased transparency will play a strong role toward benefitting public health in Connecticut.”
House Bill 6914, “An Act Concerning The Use of Funds in the Opioid and Tobacco Settlement Funds and Funds Received By The State As Part Of Any Settlement Agreement With A Manufacturer Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System and Vapor Products,” requires the amount of JUUL settlement funds received in a prior fiscal year to fund specified Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services programs targeting audiences under 21; requires the DMHAS commissioner to annually report on how JUUL settlements are dispersed and spent; and that municipalities receiving opioid settlement funds directly from settlement administrators must annually report to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee until funds are expended.
The bill further updates the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund’s statutory purposes for fund disbursements and requires funding be directed to programs using evidence-based best practices, among other changes.
Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani in March testified in favor of this legislation. “Given the drastic toll JUUL products have taken on the health of our communities, and especially our young people, the funds should be distributed in a way that is representative of the populations that have been harmed the most by these products,” she said. “We believe that the Tobacco Health Trust Fund advisory board is best suited to address the respective needs of these populations.”
With its passage today, the bill now heads to the Governor’s office to be signed into law; it previously passed the House in April.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 7, FIGHTING FOR RATEPAYERS AND AGAINST ELECTRIC UTILITIES
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 7, FIGHTING FOR RATEPAYERS AND AGAINST ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, applauded the House’s final passage of Senate Bill 7, a major Senate priority that will work to provide relief for Connecticut utility ratepayers through adjustments to regulations and company use of funds among numerous other significant changes.
Senate Bill 7’s advances in the name of consumer relief include prevention of utility service companies from using ratepayer funds for lobbying expenses as well as board of director and officer food, drink, transportation and entertainment; creating a fund allowing for ratepayers to have legal representation to challenge proposed utility rate increases; and creating a stronger regulatory environment for state utilities.
“I’m proud to see that our hard work in the Energy & Technology Committee will provide newfound benefits to Connecticut consumers at a time when costs continue to pressure us,” said Sen. Needleman. “Ratepayers in Connecticut have called for improvement for far too long, and Senate Bill 7 seeks to answer their concerns. Tying regulation to service quality will keep companies honest. Closing loopholes will stop companies from using ratepayer funds on lobbying, advertising and egregious transportation spending, such as helicopters for CEOs. It provides newfound power to consumers, giving them a voice in rate increases. It’s going to give Connecticut ratepayers the quality service they’ve deserved for far too long. I’m grateful to my co-chair Representative Jonathan Steinberg, ranking member State Senator Ryan Fazio and the many others who helped send this bill to Governor Lamont’s desk to become law.”
Senate Bill 7, “An Act Strengthening Protections For Connecticut’s Consumers of Energy,” will overhaul Connecticut’s utilities industries through changes including, but not limited to: Barring utilities from charging ratepayers for expenses related to building political influence including lobbying, advertising, marketing, sponsorships and charitable contributions; Ending the practice that allows utilities to charge ratepayers for attorneys, expert witnesses and other expenses at extravagant costs; they would be required to pay for expenses from shareholder profits. Between 2016 and 2021, Connecticut electric utilities spent more than $110 million on regulatory commission expenses; PURA would have increased authority to order rate decoupling for electric or gas company rate increases. Decoupling is a regulatory mechanism that is designed to separate the interests of utilities and shareholders from those of companies and society by decoupling revenue from sales volume. This is intended to disincentivize companies selling more energy to increase revenue and profits, instead encouraging them to meet key performance metrics to meet the best interests of ratepayers; The state would create an Intervenor Compensation program, becoming the 17th state to allow ratepayers and groups representing them to receive compensation for attorney’s fees and expert witnesses to participate in rate cases before PURA; The bill will further increase the breadth of conditions PURA can consider in determining rate hearing rates of return, greater discretion to determine deadlines for electric distribution companies to refund funds exceeding authorized return on equity, and allow them to adopt proposed settlements when appropriate. It would also sunset at least one Eversource utility charge, develop guardrails for use of settlements and require the investigation of whether low-income rates for water and gas to be expanded
With this bill’s passage by the House today, it heads to Governor Lamont’s desk for his signature.
Senator Jan Hochadel Leads Passage Of Bill Regarding Adult Day Centers
Senator Jan Hochadel Leads Passage Of Bill Regarding Adult Day Centers
State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden), Senate Chair of the Aging Committee, led Senate Passage of a bill that will create a plan to increase the number of people eligible to receive Adult Day services under Connecticut’s home-care program.
House Bill 6677, ‘An Act Concerning Adult Day Centers,’ will strengthen the quality of care with a team of licensed health care professionals to help someone at home.
“I am so thankful for the services that we were given when my father was sick,” said Sen. Hochadel. “My mother would not have been able to provide the necessary care for him without the help we received. These programs are necessary to continue the quality of life for our seniors aging at home in Connecticut.”
HB 6677 will require the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a plan with recommendations on how to: lower the age of eligibility to make people with conditions such as early onset dementia eligible for adult day services; amend the Medicaid plan to lower the age of eligibility; and establish a program of all inclusive care for the elderly.
More families are choosing to have loved ones grow older at home. Adult Day centers are instrumental in helping these people maintain their independence and dignity while enhancing their quality of life.
Adult Day centers also provide a lifeline for family members who are taking care of loved ones at home.
SEN. FLEXER VOTES TO RAISE LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
SEN. FLEXER VOTES TO RAISE LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
No more ‘child brides’ as Senate acts to prevent domestic abuse, economic hardship
HARTFORD – On a bill in which she was the first co-sponsor, state Senator Mae Flexer today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan and unanimous 36-0 vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“Connecticut has made some progress in recent years on this issue, but this bill today is the most important,” Sen. Flexer said. “During the public hearing we heard a lot of stories from young marriage survivors about their being forced into relationships by their parents or other trusted adults, and the devastating consequences of those arrangements. Their lives have been affected by sexual abuse and violence – it’s simply unconscionable that Connecticut would still have a law in place to put people into these types of binding contracts of marriage with no way out. I’m deeply grateful to those people for making their voices heard and for helping us right those wrongs.”
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
SENATE RAISES LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
SENATE RAISES LEGAL AGE TO MARRY IN CONNECTICUT TO 18
HARTFORD – State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“Minors can be forced into terrible situations. Abusive partners and forced marriage can be horrible and traumatic for youth,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m glad we’re taking this step today to provide more autonomy for minors. It’s an important step that will protect them – they’ll have their entire lives to get married.
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
Senate Raises Legal Age To Marry In Connecticut To 18
Senate Raises Legal Age To Marry In Connecticut To 18
HARTFORD – State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), today joined the state Senate in a bipartisan vote to end so-called ‘child marriages’ in Connecticut and to raise the legal age to marry in the state to age 18 in all instances.
“This legislation will protect young women from human rights abuses,” said Sen. Gaston. “When people are forced into marriage, they lose a sense of their own agency to make contractual decisions for themselves. It impacts every facet of their lives robbing them of education opportunities, their precious innocence as an adolescent, deprives them of economic prosperity, and greatly impacts their mental health and well-being. I am acquainted with such abuse having a family member who unfortunately had to endure a painful arranged marriage. Connecticut has a moral obligation in standing on the right side of this issue in alignment with surrounding states who have passed similar pieces of legislation. Today Connecticut made history. This is a huge victory for young women.”
Currently under Connecticut state law, 16- and 17-year-olds can get married if a probate court approved a petition field by the minor’s parent or guardian. But at the February 27 public hearing on the bill, more than three dozen individuals and associations testified about the harmful effects of these so-called ‘child bride’ marriages, including some parents who approve such early marriages to cover up rape, sexual abuse, or to conceal a pregnancy, or the young women who are married and who then face domestic abuse, high rates of divorce, and ensuing poverty.
House Bill 6569, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO MARRY,” passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan 98-45 vote on May 3: the bill now heads to the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for his signature of the bill into law.
Looney Applauds House Passage of Workers’ Comp Coverage for PTSI in Any Employee
Looney Applauds House Passage of Workers’ Comp Coverage for PTSI in Any Employee
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today applauded House passage of a bill that will extend certain workers’ comp benefits now in place for police, firefighters and others who witness tragic events on the job to any employee on any job who witnesses similar tragedies.
Senate Bill 913, “AN ACT EXPANDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES” passed the state House today on a bipartisan 104-44 vote and now heads to the Governor for consideration.
“The House’s passage of this bill marks another step forward to provide critical mental health coverage for Connecticut workers,” said Senator Looney. “This legislation recognizes the profound impact that witnessing tragedies can have on an individual’s mental and emotional health, and it provides a vital safety net for those affected. To continue to limit coverage for PTSI to workers who have suffered a physical injury would reject the scientific and medical truth that emotional/psychological trauma is a real injury and should be compensated if it results from a workplace event. Thank you to Speaker Ritter and House Labor Chair Sanchez for prioritizing and passing this bill.”
Current state law generally limits eligibility for PTSI benefits to certain first responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and emergency 9-1-1 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) as a direct result of certain qualifying events (e.g., witnessing someone’s death) that may occur in the line of duty.
Under S.B. 913 — if it is signed into law by Governor Lamont — beginning on January 1, 2024, eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for PTSI will cover any employee in Connecticut who is already covered by the workers’ compensation law; the workers’ compensation system in Connecticut covers nearly all employees regardless of their occupation, business size, employment duration, or the number of hours worked per day.
Under S.B. 913, all employees in Connecticut would be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if a mental health professional examines them and diagnoses PTSI as a direct result of an event that occurs in their course of employment in which they: view a deceased minor; witness (a) someone’s death or an incident involving someone’s death, (b) an injury to someone who then dies before or upon admission to a hospital as a result of the injury, or (c) a traumatic physical injury that results in the loss of a vital body part or a vital body function that results in the victim’s permanent disfigurement; or carry, or have physical contact with and treat, an injured person who then dies before or upon admission to a hospital.
SENATOR MARX JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING NURSING HOME TRANSPARENCY, REPORTING, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
SENATOR MARX JOINS SENATE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION IMPROVING NURSING HOME TRANSPARENCY, REPORTING, PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation addressing nursing home transparency and reporting requirements, expanding supports for people with dementia, and implementing recommendations of the Homemaker-Companion Agency Task Force. This bill, set to become law with the Governor’s signature, was designed by the Aging Committee to aid seniors and their families.
“As a home-care nurse, I am thrilled by some of the changes in this bill,” said Sen. Marx. “This bill will ensure we will have more information about nursing home ownership – helping us understand their financial positions – and improve regulations for homemaker-companion agencies, among other changes that will improve the safety of our seniors and the care they receive.”
House Bill 5781, “An Act Concerning A Study Of The Needs Of Senior Citizens,” makes a number of changes including: Requiring nursing homes to notify the Long-Term Care ombudsman about involuntary transfers or discharges on the same day a resident is notified. Failure to do so will invalidate a transfer; Establishing a dementia services coordinator position within the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Requiring nursing homes to submit annual narrative cost expenditures summaries to the Department of Social Services and requiring the DSS commissioner to create a uniform narrative summary form for nursing homes to use; Requiring nursing home licensure applicants to disclose private equity or real estate investment trust owning any part of a home; they must also give the Department of Public Health an owner’s audited and certified financial statements; Requiring the Office of Policy and Management to develop a plan and proposed timeline to transfer homemaker-companion agency oversight from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Public Health; A homemaker-companion agency that fails to give consumers written notice that an agency provides nonmedical care will be considered a violation for which its registration can be revoked, suspended or refused to issue/renew; violation of revokable provisions three times in a calendar year will require revocation of such registration; Homemaker-companion agencies will be required to develop service plans or contracts with consumers; such plans must include person-centered plans of care, oversight by employee agencies and how often agency representatives and consumers will meet.
With the bill’s previous passage by the Aging Committee and House, it now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.