State Senator MD Rahman Leads Senate Passage Of Bill For First Time
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester), Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, led the Senate in passage of legislation for the first time as a sitting legislator. If passed by the House and signed into law, this bill will establish a working group to study whether a federal Title IX assessment of municipal recreation areas and public school facilities used for organized sports, studying access to athletic resources for male and female students under the federal law established in 1972, would be feasible in the state of Connecticut.
“Since my election to the Senate, I have been waiting for this day. Introducing a bill to the floor for Senate passage is a great honor, especially in supporting a cause like this,” said Sen. Rahman. “It is valuable for our state to study and monitor whether our public sports facilities are compliant with federal policy ensuring equal access, helping prevent and rectify potential discrimination. I look forward to its future consideration in the House and to our state making sure all of our children and students are treated fairly.”
Senate Bill 917, “An Act Establishing A Working Group To Study The Implementation of Federal Title IX Protections For All Municipal Recreation Areas and School Sports Facilities,” would establish a working group to study the feasibility of implementing assessments of municipal and public school recreation areas and facilities used for organized playing of sports. The working group would consider information including, but not limited to, nature and composition of teams using such areas and whether teams could be prohibited from utilizing such areas. That study would be due to the General Assembly by the end of 2023.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) both introduced testimony to the General Assembly in support of the legislation, with both noting that athletic fields and recreational facilities historically have had issues meeting legality in equality of access and use. Sen. Duff noted that in the past, municipalities and schools have invested in facilities for male athletes without ensuring female athletes would have access to facilities for their chosen sports.
The bill previously passed the Planning and Development Committee by a unanimous vote. With its passage, it now heads to the House for further consideration.
State Senator Saud Anwar Joins Senate Passage Of Bill Adding Financial Literacy To Graduation Requirements
State Senator Saud Anwar Joins Senate Passage Of Bill Adding Financial Literacy To Graduation Requirements
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the State Senate’s passage of a bill that will add personal financial management and financial literacy to high school graduation requirements in Connecticut. The courses will be required beginning with the graduating class of 2027.
Senate Bill 1165, ‘An Act Concerning Financial Literacy Instruction,” passed the State Senate with a vote of 35-1 and now heads to the House of Representatives.
“We owe it to our youth and our student populations to prepare them for the rigors of life post-graduation. Without providing them with information on how to handle their finances, we are not preparing them properly,” said Sen. Anwar. “This legislation makes sure students will learn real-world skills that will benefit them throughout their adult lives.”
Under Senate Bill 1165, a student will need a half of a credit of personal financial management and financial literacy in order to graduate High School. Currently, a student needs 25 total credits to graduate. Adding financial literacy to the list of credits needed does not increase the necessary credits for graduation. Adding a half credit will decrease 3 credits necessary for electives to 2.5.
Financial literacy includes banking, investing, savings, the handling of personal finance matters, and the impact of using credit cards and debit cards.
According to Forbes.com, over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and can’t set aside any money for short-term or long-term financial goals. It’s not just a problem affecting low-income families – 41% of Americans earning between $150,000 to $200,000 per year live paycheck to paycheck. Credit card and student loan debt are at an all-time high. And it begins with education. Financially literate individuals have an understanding of basic financial concepts and can apply those skills in their own life. The sooner students understand these concepts, the better, especially if they come from backgrounds without prioritizing financial literacy.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 53% of individuals with a higher financial literacy spent less than their income, and 65% had set aside a three-month emergency fund. In comparison, 35% of individuals with lower financial literacy spent less than they earned, and 42% had a three-month emergency fund set aside. When you learn how money works at a young age, you have the necessary skills to make positive financial decisions as an adult.
State Senator Christine Cohen Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation To Ensure Veterans’ Graves Receive Proper Care
State Senator Christine Cohen Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation To Ensure Veterans’ Graves Receive Proper Care
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), voted for legislation that will ensure that veterans’ graves receive proper care, a bill she introduced in January. The bill will create a working group to ensure family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries can raise concerns regarding the upkeep of their loved ones’ graves.
“Ensuring that our veterans’ gravesites remain well taken care of is of the utmost importance, not only out of respect for the men and women who bravely served our country, but also for their family and loved ones they have left behind,” said Sen. Cohen. “Maintaining their resting grounds is an incredibly important charge. I am so grateful to the constituents who brought this issue to my attention and I look forward to building upon the findings of this working group with additional policy and proper funding.”
Senate Bill 642, “An Act Establishing A Working Group To Address Concerns Regarding The Upkeep Of Veterans’ Graves,” would create a seven-member working group including representatives from the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection and Public Health; a representative of the funeral service industry; a representative of a municipal leader organization; a representative of small towns; and a member of the cemetery industry. This working group would develop a process for family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries to address concerns regarding the veterans’ graves. That working group would operate in the latter half of 2023, reporting their findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than the start of 2024.
This bill came after Senator Cohen received reports from constituents regarding the quality and condition of their loved ones’ gravesites at a number of cemeteries across the state. Family members say they have little recourse to see the conditions improved due to limited resources at many cemeteries and limited legal oversight, the Hartford Courant reported earlier this year; some volunteers work to clean and clear gravesites themselves.
State Senator Martha Marx Joins Senate Passage Of Bills Adding Financial Literacy To Graduation Requirements, Adding New Career Training Opportunities To State Workforce Programs
State Senator Martha Marx Joins Senate Passage Of Bills Adding Financial Literacy To Graduation Requirements, Adding New Career Training Opportunities To State Workforce Programs
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the State Senate’s passage of two bills that will improve educational and skills training in Connecticut. The bills, respectively, will add personal financial management and financial literacy to high school graduation requirements in Connecticut and identify new career training opportunities through the Office of Workforce Strategy’s Connecticut Career Accelerator Program.
Senate Bill 1165, “An Act Concerning Financial Literacy Instruction,” passed the State Senate with a vote of 35-1 and now heads to the House of Representatives.
“High school students learn a lot in their studies – but we’re not teaching them some vital things they’ll need in their adult lives,” said Sen. Marx. “Financial literacy and the ability to manage your finances are lifelong skills. Students need to know them and I’m glad that through this bill they will.”
Senate Bill 869, “An Act Concerning Additional Career Training Opportunities Offered By The Office of Workforce Strategy,” passed the Senate with a 36-0 vote. It now heads to the House of Representatives.
“Speaking of skill training, I’m glad the Senate took action today to expand the opportunities available through the Connecticut Career Accelerator Program,” said Sen. Marx. “By expanding career training opportunities in new industries to aid workers across the state, we can create new pipelines connecting workers to new job training opportunities and to great-paying jobs in important state industries.”
Under Senate Bill 1165, a student will need a half of a credit of personal financial management and financial literacy in order to graduate High School. Currently, a student needs 25 total credits to graduate. Adding financial literacy to the list of credits needed does not increase the necessary credits for graduation. Adding a half credit will decrease 3 credits necessary for electives to 2.5.
Financial literacy includes banking, investing, savings, the handling of personal finance matters, and the impact of using credit cards and debit cards. The courses will be required beginning with the graduating class of 2027.
According to Forbes.com, over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and can’t set aside any money for short-term or long-term financial goals. It’s not just a problem affecting low-income families – 41% of Americans earning between $150,000 to $200,000 per year live paycheck to paycheck. Credit card and student loan debt are at an all-time high. And it begins with education. Financially literate individuals have an understanding of basic financial concepts and can apply those skills in their own life. The sooner students understand these concepts, the better, especially if they come from backgrounds without prioritizing financial literacy.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 53% of individuals with a higher financial literacy spent less than their income, and 65% had set aside a three-month emergency fund. In comparison, 35% of individuals with lower financial literacy spent less than they earned, and 42% had a three-month emergency fund set aside. When you learn how money works at a young age, you have the necessary skills to make positive financial decisions as an adult.
Under Senate Bill 869, the Office of Workforce Strategy will be required to plan an expansion of the Connecticut Career Accelerator Program by identifying additional career training opportunities requiring a maximum of one year of training and identifying related training providers who could bolster training opportunities. This bill passed the Commerce Committee with a 17-7 vote in March.
State Senator Norm Needleman Joins Senate Passage, Cosponsors Bill To Evaluate Best Methods Of Preserving Veteran Gravesites
State Senator Norm Needleman Joins Senate Passage, Cosponsors Bill To Evaluate Best Methods Of Preserving Veteran Gravesites
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation seeking to ensure veterans’ graves will receive proper care. Sen. Needleman also signed on to co-sponsor the legislation. The bill will create a working group to ensure family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries can raise concerns regarding the upkeep of their loves ones’ graves.
“This bill came directly from the family members and loved ones of veterans in Connecticut asking for ways to ensure their loved ones can rest without issue. We hear you loud and clear,” said Sen. Needleman. “Veterans make sacrifices to protect the rest of us, and they deserve direct and continued respect for all they give in the name of our country. Preserving their resting places is the least we can do. I’m hopeful this working group will bring us positive results, which we can use to support our veterans and military families.”
Senate Bill 642, “An Act Establishing A Working Group To Address Concerns Regarding The Upkeep Of Veterans’ Graves,” would create a seven-member working group including representatives from the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection and Public Health; a representative of the funeral service industry; a representative of a municipal leader organization; a representative of small towns; and a member of the cemetery industry. This working group would develop a process for family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries to address concerns regarding the veterans’ graves. That working group would operate in the latter half of 2023, reporting their findings to the legislature no later than the start of 2024.
This bill came after lawmakers received reports from constituents regarding the quality and condition of their loved ones’ gravesites at a number of cemeteries across the state. Family members say they have little recourse to see the conditions improved due to limited resources at many cemeteries and limited legal oversight, the Hartford Courant reported earlier this year; some volunteers work to clean and clear gravesites themselves. State Senator Christine Cohen introduced the bill in January.
Looney, Paolillo Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Protecting New Haven Pharmacy Customers
Looney, Paolillo Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Protecting New Haven Pharmacy Customers
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) applauded unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1102, An Act Concerning Pharmacies And Pharmacists, in the State Senate. The bill addressed a number of issues including requiring any pharmacy that closes temporarily or permanently to make its complete prescription records immediately available to a nearby pharmacy and post a notice of this availability outside the closed pharmacy.
Senator Looney and Representative Paolillo introduced Senate Bill 133, An Act Concerning Unannounced Closures of Retail Pharmacies, earlier this year. The language of this bill was put into Senate Bill 1102 which passed the Senate yesterday.
“I have had several constituents that have attempted to pick up prescriptions only to find that the pharmacy has unexpectedly closed for the day without making any arrangement for patients who may have an immediate need to acquire a specific prescription,” said Senator Looney. “While there may be a shortage of pharmacists, the pharmacies must prioritize patient health.”
“A constituent reached out about a year ago, and he told me that his pharmacy was closed, during normal business hours, leaving him without the medicine he relied on,” said Representative Paolillo. “He was left with nowhere to go and he needed his refill. Senator Looney and I started researching what was going on and we found that the problem was more widespread than we anticipated. This bill will require customers to be notified if a pharmacy is closing, so they can make necessary accommodations. Most bills come from constituent concerns, and I’m happy we were able to put something together to help rectify this situation. I look forward to it moving on to the House for consideration.”
After passing the State Senate on a vote of 35-0, the bill heads to the State House.
Sen. Christine Cohen Votes to Expand Access to Crisis Intervention Training for Police Officers
Sen. Christine Cohen Votes to Expand Access to Crisis Intervention Training for Police Officers
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), voted to pass a bill that will require police officer training on strategies including crisis intervention. This bill will also develop recommendations on how police officers and social workers may collaborate.
Senate Bill 972, ‘An Act Concerning Crisis Intervention Training For Police Officers And Collaboration Between Police Officers And Social Workers,’ passed the Senate by a unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives.
“Across this state and our country, countless people are facing mental health challenges and so many of the calls our police officers respond to are people experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Senator Cohen. “These people need help and our police officers need the tools to respond safely and effectively. I am proud to say, here in the 12th district, there are a number of police forces that can be held up as a model in crisis intervention practices. Branford, for example, has committed to training for all officers, has a police social worker on staff and has set up collaborative efforts with community social work organizations. I’m thrilled that this legislation will expand this training and knowledge to more departments across the state.”
Currently, each police training program given by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), the State Police, or a police department must include POST-developed curricula for police officers on interacting with either people who have mental or physical disabilities or are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. This bill will require POST to add to the training crisis intervention strategies for police officers to use when interacting with people with mental illness in crisis.
Crisis Intervention Training will help reduce the risk of serious injuries during an interaction between officers and a person with mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises. A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters. CIT programs create connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and individuals with mental illness and their families.
SB 972 will also work to build relationships between police officers and social workers. A list of recommendations on how police officers can collaborate with social workers will be determined. Police are often the first responders to individuals in distress and sometimes they are the only responders.
The most comprehensive police social work practice is found in Illinois and Wisconsin. Police social workers are employed within more than 35 police departments and provide a variety of services in response to domestic violence, elder abuse and mental health.
The Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers submitted written testimony explaining the avenues social workers take when assisting those in crisis. The president wrote, “Social workers have extensive training in working with diverse populations, are problem solvers, experts in de-escalation. Through a “person-in-environment” approach, they can assist individuals and families to resolve societal problems. Social workers are aware of community resources and know how to access them. Social workers are advocates for clients in a way that creates trust and supportive relationships.”
State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Leads Passage of Legislation on Police Officer Training on Crisis Intervention
State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Leads Passage of Legislation on Police Officer Training on Crisis Intervention
Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Senate Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, lead State Senate passage of a bill that will require police officer training on strategies including crisis intervention. This bill will also develop recommendations on how police officers and social workers may collaborate.
Senate Bill 972, ‘An Act Concerning Crisis Intervention Training For Police Officers And Collaboration Between Police Officers And Social Workers,’ passed the Senate with a unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives.
“Addressing mental health is a collaborative effort and providing our law enforcement officers with proper strategies to intervene in an anxious, hostile, or violent environment may be the solution to safely diffusing the situation,” said Senator Gaston. “We must continue to prioritize mental health with this training and adapt to each situation using proven strategies that work. A joint effort between social workers and law enforcement officers will be beneficial in potentially helping save a life.”
Currently, each police training program given by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), the State Police, or a police department must include POST-developed curricula for police officers on interacting with either people who have mental or physical disabilities or are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. This bill will require POST to add to the training crisis intervention strategies for police officers to use when interacting with people with mental illness in crisis.
Crisis Intervention Training will help reduce the risk of serious injuries during an interaction between officers and a person with mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the lack of mental health crisis services across the U.S. has resulted in law enforcement officers serving as first responders to most crises. A Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is an innovative, community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters. CIT programs create connections between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and individuals with mental illness and their families.
SB 972 will also work to build relationships between police officers and social workers. A list of recommendations on how police officers can collaborate with social workers will be determined. Police are often the first responders to individuals in distress and sometimes they are the only responders.
The most comprehensive police social work practice is found in Illinois and Wisconsin. Police social workers are employed within more than 35 police departments and provide a variety of services in response to domestic violence, elder abuse and mental health.
The Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers submitted written testimony explaining the avenues social workers take when assisting those in crisis. The president wrote, “Social workers have extensive training in working with diverse populations, are problem solvers, experts in de-escalation. Through a “person-in-environment” approach, they can assist individuals and families to resolve societal problems. Social workers are aware of community resources and know how to access them. Social workers are advocates for clients in a way that creates trust and supportive relationships.”
Police officers are experts in addressing issues of law enforcement, social workers are experts in resolving social problems that bring individuals into encounters with the police.
SENATOR KUSHNER JOINS IN UNANIMOUS AND BIPARTISAN SUPPORT OF TOM SAADI OF DANBURY TO BE A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
SENATOR KUSHNER JOINS IN UNANIMOUS AND BIPARTISAN SUPPORT OF TOM SAADI OF DANBURY TO BE A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today joined a unanimous and bipartisan vote in the Senate to confirm the nomination of Thomas J. Saadi of Danbury to be a Superior Court judge.
Saadi, 53, graduated from Western Connecticut State University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University. He is currently the Commissioner of the state Department of Veterans Affairs and is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be here today and get to vote on the resolution confirming Tom Saadi as a Superior Court judge. I’ve known Tom Saadi for nearly 30 years. He’s served on the Danbury City Council, worked for the state attorney general, and most recently serves as commissioner of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Tom is known throughout the state for his commitment to public service, but we in Danbury know Tom Saadi as the person who has raised a beautiful family, supports our local civic organizations, and always shows up for our veterans – not only at every memorial, but whenever there is a veteran need. Tom was also a judge advocate in the Army. So, there is no question about his qualifications. We in Danbury are lucky to have him, and I’m honored to vote for Tom Saadi today.”
Saadi’s nomination now heads to the House of Representatives for final consideration.
State Senator Marilyn Moore Applauds Passage of Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Administer Additional Vaccines
State Senator Marilyn Moore Applauds Passage of Bill Allowing Pharmacists To Administer Additional Vaccines
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), voted in support of a bill that will allow pharmacists to administer additional vaccines, tests and drugs and make changes to consumer access to medications.
Senate Bill 1102, ‘An Act Concerning Pharmacies And Pharmacists,’ passed the Senate with a unanimous vote and now heads to the House of Representatives.
“Allowing pharmacists to continue to practice will close a serious gap in our ability to assist patients,” said Senator Moore. “Mobile pharmacies are an opportunity to expand patient access in underserved communities.”
Senate Bill 1102 will enact the following:
Establish a licensing process for institutional pharmacies located in health care facilities, such as hospitals, to compound sterile pharmaceuticals and sell them at retail; Allow pharmacists to order and administer tests for COVID-19, HIV, and influenza; Allow pharmacists to prescribe and dispense HIV-related preventative healthcare if a patient tests negative after a pharmacist administered HIV test; Expands the vaccine types that pharmacists can administer; Allow pharmacists to administer an epinephrine cartridge injector to someone experiencing anaphylaxis; Allow pharmacies to operate mobile pharmacies in temporary locations with the Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) approval; Require pharmacies to maintain a plan to manage unscheduled closings and specifies actions that can and must be taken during these closures; Require the DCP to adopt regulations on prescription pickup lockers at pharmacies.
Senate Bill 1102 will also allow pharmacists to vaccinate individuals over the age of 12 and mandates insurance coverage for medication administration.
According to the National Community Pharmacy Association, over 90% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy1 and more than any other segment of the pharmacy industry, independent community pharmacies are often located in underserved rural and urban areas. Pharmacists are trained in providing services outside of dispensing medications like medication therapy management, managing chronic disease and performing health and wellness testing. This legislation permits pharmacists to perform tests to initiate treatment of illnesses. Allowing pharmacists to perform these services allows them to minimize the long-term costs that can compound when a disease is not recognized and treated in time.
Between 2019-2022, Connecticut pharmacists and pharmacy technicians administered over 11,000 childhood vaccines to children. During that time, over 257 thousand COVID and influenza shots were administered to the childhood population by pharmacists, under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act during the pandemic. This bill makes permanent the ability of pharmacists to test for COVID-19 and adds testing for other conditions.