Senator Haskell Announces Dot Planned Repaving In Redding, Bethel
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced the state Department of Transportation plans to resurface the pavement on Routes 53 and 58 in the towns of Redding and Bethel, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2023.
“When I go door-to-door, my constituents want to know when the damn roads are going to be fixed. They are understandably tired of hitting potholes, and they want to see infrastructure in their community that belongs in this century, not the last one,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m glad this project will be fully funded by the state, and I look forward to a smoother ride through Bethel and Redding.”
The purpose of the project is to preserve pavement surface and extend pavement structure serviceability, involving application of an asphalt rubber chip seal on Route 53 in Redding between Route 107 and the Bethel Town Line and on Route 58 between Route 107 in Redding and Route 302 in Bethel.
Senator Moore Attends Inaugural Meeting of Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention And Prevention
Senator Moore Attends Inaugural Meeting of Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention And Prevention
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) participated in the first inaugural meeting held by Connecticut’s newly established Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention committee. The committee established during the most recent legislative session, is tasked with advising the Connecticut Department of Public Health on a new statewide community gun violence intervention and prevention program, which will provide state grants to community-based violence intervention organizations.
“The inaugural meeting of the Commission on Gun Violence comes a day after a 26-year-old man was killed by gun fire in New Haven,” said Sen. Moore. “Every community in Connecticut is experiencing gun violence and this Commission; comprised of representatives from all over the State, have an opportunity to address this issue that has an ever-lasting impact on our youth and families. Local activists and hospitals will assist Commissioner Juthani in directing the commission and providing a report by January 1 with how the commission will proceed. The goal is to ensure the voices of all are included.”
Legislation passed in May 2022 defined how this Commission would function and the appointees. The program is being administered by the Department of Public Health’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention and was allocated $2.9 million in the fiscal year 2023 budget adjustment bill.
Senator Moore has been a strong advocate in putting an end to gun violence and is dedicated to improving the prevention of gun violence taking place in cities across Connecticut. Senator Moore worked to pass Senate Bill 1, which was comprehensive legislation that established the gun violence intervention and prevention group that will work to identify, secure funding, monitor and evaluate evidence-based, community-centric programs and strategies to reduce street-level gun violence in the state.
Senator Moore advised the Commission that although she is not a member, she will be active watching the progress it makes and will support future legislation if needed to strengthen their work.
Senator Anwar Encouraged As Juul Reaches Settlement; Connecticut To Receive $16.2 Million
Senator Anwar Encouraged As Juul Reaches Settlement; Connecticut To Receive $16.2 Million
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was encouraged after Attorney General William Tong announced JUUL Labs reached a $438.5 million agreement with 34 states and territories following an investigation into the company’s advertising aimed at youth markets. In addition to the financial penalties – of which Connecticut will receive at least $16.2 million, largely intended for cessation, prevention and mitigation use of tobacco products – JUUL agreed to comply with strict limitations on marketing and sales, specifically limiting access to youth markets.
“For years, we’ve known JUUL used deceptive and predatory marketing to reach youth audiences, and that marketing has caused countless children to become addicted to nicotine,” said Sen. Anwar. “To hear the company has reached an agreement that will limit sales and marketing to youths, and that it will pay more than $16 million to Connecticut and more than $435 million nationally, is nothing short of relieving. But this shows that, all this time, JUUL – and, likely, other businesses operating in the tobacco market – knew what they were doing was wrong, and yet they continued to do it. We must take further action and continue to hold these companies accountable, hopefully improving public health by further reducing smoking rates.”
According to Attorney General Tong’s office, the multistate investigation into JUUL’s practices found that the company willfully engaged in advertising appealing to youth, despite youth markets being unable to access those products and their negative health impacts. JUUL used launch parties, advertising using young models and free samples in its advertising while it marketed designs meant to be easily concealed and with flavors popular among underage users.
Investigations further found JUUL marketing misled about product nicotine content and nicotine concentration and that the device was a smoking cessation device despite no FDA approval for such claims.
Under the settlement, which will see payments made over a period of six to ten years, JUUL will refrain from marketing aimed toward youth, depicting people under 35 in marketing, using cartoons in marketing, product placement, selling brand-name merchandise, using misleading representations about products, advertising in outlets with less than 85% adult readership and advertising on social media, among other changes to its practices.
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
HARTFORD – Beginning tomorrow, September 1, more than 1.5 million Connecticut households will see their electric bills drop by $93-$120 a year.
“At a time when electric bills continue to rise, causing difficulties for many, this is a small but welcome step in the right direction,” said Sen. Needleman. “While it’s not enough – and I plan to find ways to provide more relief in the near future – it will still provide savings and relief for many people. The energy market remains volatile due to global events but I’m hopeful more can and will be done to help out the public.”
Two weeks ago, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) lowered allowable electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating that are expected to save the average residential Eversource electric customer (who uses 700Kw of energy per month) $9.78 per month, and save the average United Illuminating customer $7.72 per month. Savings would be higher for people who use more energy.
The lower rates are effective from tomorrow, September 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
Eversource serves 1.2 million Connecticut electric customers in 149 towns, and United Illuminating serves 341,000 Connecticut electric customers in 17 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, including Bridgeport and New Haven.
The electricity price cuts are the result of energy company savings that are tied to state-approved purchase agreements from Dominion Energy’s Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford. In 2017, the state legislature approved a new law that permitted Millstone to compete with other carbon-free sources of electricity, including hydro, wind and solar. Then, in 2019, Governor Lamont announced that PURA had approved a new contract between Dominion, Eversource and United Illuminating requiring the utilities to purchase approximately 50 percent of Millstone’s output (9 million MWH/year) for 10 years.
That cost savings is driven by the millions of dollars the electric companies saved by buying power from Millstone and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant at rates that are now below the market average in New England.
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
HARTFORD – Beginning tomorrow, September 1, more than 1.5 million Connecticut households will see their electric bills drop by $93-$120 a year.
“This is a step in the right direction, providing financial relief for customers, but we need to do more,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor). “People in our state are suffering. The cost of utilities has increased significantly as has the cost of delivery. It has reached a point where our seniors and businesses in the state are struggling. We can do more.”
Two weeks ago, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) lowered allowable electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating that are expected to save the average residential Eversource electric customer (who uses 700Kw of energy per month) $9.78 per month, and save the average United Illuminating customer $7.72 per month. Savings would be higher for people who use more energy.
The lower rates are effective from tomorrow, September 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
Eversource serves 1.2 million Connecticut electric customers in 149 towns, and United Illuminating serves 341,000 Connecticut electric customers in 17 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, including Bridgeport and New Haven.
The electricity price cuts are the result of energy company savings that are tied to state-approved purchase agreements from Dominion Energy’s Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford. In 2017, the state legislature approved a new law that permitted Millstone to compete with other carbon-free sources of electricity, including hydro, wind and solar. Then, in 2019, Governor Lamont announced that PURA had approved a new contract between Dominion, Eversource and United Illuminating requiring the utilities to purchase approximately 50 percent of Millstone’s output (9 million MWH/year) for 10 years.
That cost savings is driven by the millions of dollars the electric companies saved by buying power from Millstone and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant at rates that are now below the market average in New England.
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
Savings average $120 a year for Eversource customers, $93 for UI customers
HARTFORD – Beginning tomorrow, September 1, more than 1.5 million Connecticut households will see their electric bills drop by $93-$120 a year.
“So many families are feeling squeezed right now with rising costs. This is a good step in the right direction,” said State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford). “We must continue to look for ways to hold down energy prices – which is important job growth and family budgets.”
Two weeks ago, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) lowered allowable electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating that are expected to save the average residential Eversource electric customer (who uses 700Kw of energy per month) $9.78 per month, and save the average United Illuminating customer $7.72 per month. Savings would be higher for people who use more energy.
The lower rates are effective from tomorrow, September 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
Eversource serves 1.2 million Connecticut electric customers in 149 towns, and United Illuminating serves 341,000 Connecticut electric customers in 17 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, including Bridgeport and New Haven.
The electricity price cuts are the result of energy company savings that are tied to state-approved purchase agreements from Dominion Energy’s Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford. In 2017, the state legislature approved a new law that permitted Millstone to compete with other carbon-free sources of electricity, including hydro, wind and solar. Then, in 2019, Governor Lamont announced that PURA had approved a new contract between Dominion, Eversource and United Illuminating requiring the utilities to purchase approximately 50 percent of Millstone’s output (9 million MWH/year) for 10 years.
That cost savings is driven by the millions of dollars the electric companies saved by buying power from Millstone and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant at rates that are now below the market average in New England.
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
Beginning Sept. 1, Connecticut Residents Will See Lower Electric Rates
HARTFORD – Beginning tomorrow, September 1, more than 1.5 million Connecticut households will see their electric bills drop by $93-$120 a year.
“When utility bills arrive each month, I hear from dozens of constituents who want to know what Connecticut is doing about the high cost of energy. The lower rates that become effective September 1 are a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Haskell. “Connecticut must continue working to build a grid that is affordable, reliable and green. I’m grateful to our Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for granting this relief for families in my community and across the state.”
Two weeks ago, the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) lowered allowable electric rates for Eversource and United Illuminating that are expected to save the average residential Eversource electric customer (who uses 700Kw of energy per month) $9.78 per month, and save the average United Illuminating customer $7.72 per month. Savings would be higher for people who use more energy.
The lower rates are effective from tomorrow, September 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
Eversource serves 1.2 million Connecticut electric customers in 149 towns, and United Illuminating serves 341,000 Connecticut electric customers in 17 towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, including Bridgeport and New Haven.
The electricity price cuts are the result of energy company savings that are tied to state-approved purchase agreements from Dominion Energy’s Millstone nuclear power station in Waterford. In 2017, the state legislature approved a new law that permitted Millstone to compete with other carbon-free sources of electricity, including hydro, wind and solar. Then, in 2019, Governor Lamont announced that PURA had approved a new contract between Dominion, Eversource and United Illuminating requiring the utilities to purchase approximately 50 percent of Millstone’s output (9 million MWH/year) for 10 years.
That cost savings is driven by the millions of dollars the electric companies saved by buying power from Millstone and the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant at rates that are now below the market average in New England.
Senator Haskell Announces New Canaan, Weston, Westport To Receive Upgraded Crosswalks With Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure
Senator Haskell Announces New Canaan, Weston, Westport To Receive Upgraded Crosswalks With Improved Pedestrian Infrastructure
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced that the Department of Transportation confirmed 11 intersections in New Canaan, Weston and Westport will receive upgraded crosswalks with improved pedestrian crossings, with work to be underway in 2023. With this latest announcement, 20 total crosswalks will receive upgrades in the 26th Senate District, part of a larger statewide effort to ensure pedestrians are not put in harm’s way and to ensure modern infrastructure is meeting the needs of today’s travelers.
“During my two terms, I’ve held numerous press conferences at intersections in my district that are dangerous for pedestrians. It feels like just yesterday that I stood with state officials where Wilton Road meets the Post Road, calling for improvements at one of the worst intersections in the state,” Sen. Haskell. “Today, I can confirm that we are taking action. My work as the Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee has prioritized safety for travelers, whether they are in a car or on foot. That’s why I’m ecstatic that 11 more crosswalks – and 20 total in my district – will receive key upgrades to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.”
The Department of Transportation will perform upgrades including countdown pedestrian indicators, accessible pedestrian pushbuttons and concurrent pedestrian phasing in an effort to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety at intersections including:
- Route 123 (New Norwalk Road) at Route 106 (Silvermine Road) and Route 106 (East Avenue) in New Canaan
- Route 106 (Old Stamford Road) at Jelliff Mill Road in New Canaan
- Route 57 (Weston Road) at Broad Street and Good Hill Road in Weston
- Route 33 (Saugatuck Avenue) at I-95 Southbound Ramps in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at Playhouse Square Shopping Center Drive in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road West) at Sylvan Road in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road West) and Route 1 (Post Road East) at Route 33 (Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road) in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at North Turkey Hill Road and South Turkey Hill Road in Westport
- SSR 476 (Sherwood Island Connector) at Greens Farms Road in Westport
- Route 1 (Post Road East) at S.R. 476 (Sherwood Island Connector) in Westport
- Route 33 (Wilton Road) at Merritt Parkway Connector and Spring Hill Road in Westport
These projects will have design plans completed expected in February 2023 with tentative advertising for construction in April 2023.
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Senator Lesser Releases Statement on Proposed Insurance Rate Hikes
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, is releasing a statement after insurance companies in Connecticut asked the state Insurance Department to approve rate hikes for health insurance plans that start in 2023.
“The jaw-dropping rate hikes proposed by health insurance companies underscore why I’ve been beating the drumbeat for health care reform, including a public option. The industry is simply not meeting the needs of Connecticut’s families and small businesses. It’s increasingly clear that Connecticut’s health insurance industry needs to be rescued from itself.”
Senator Lesser also said, “These rate requests show that my colleagues, including almost every Republican, who believed the industry that reform wasn’t needed and who fought the Public Option were hoodwinked.
Connecticut’s economy is only as strong as the health of our small businesses. But the small group insurance market – which serves Connecticut’s small businesses – is broken.
I will continue to fight for real reform. I also expect to work closely with Attorney General Tong and the Office of Health Care Advocate to ensure that these proposals receive the scrutiny they deserve before a single rate increase is approved.”
Rate increases requested by insurance companies range as high as 34.6% for small group (small business) customers of ConnectiCare and 23% for small group (small business) customers of CIGNA, Oxford and UnitedHealth.
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Senators Looney And Duff Release Statement Following Detection Of Polio In New York City’s Wastewater
Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement after it was announced that polio has been detected in New York City’s wastewater.
“We are concerned and outraged about the detection of polio in New York City’s wastewater. We strengthened Connecticut’s school vaccine requirements when we saw a surge in measles cases both here and in neighboring states. Now we are seeing the possibility of another resurgence of an eradicated virus because of the actions of a vocal and dangerous minority of anti-vaxxers. Their actions and misinformation are undoing generations of advances in public health. Thankfully, Connecticut is prioritizing the safety of our kids. This year, students will be required to receive vaccinations but we must remain vigilant in protecting everyone’s health and well-being.”