Senator Needleman Announces CT Humanities Grant Awarded To East Haddam Historical Society
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) is pleased to announce CT Humanities recently awarded a grant valued at $25,000 to the East Haddam Historical Society to support its planning for the future. The grant was part of a release of funding supporting nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture with capacity, planning and implementation of improvements to their operations. The East Haddam Historical Society currently is working through a three-year plan to ensure long-term success.
This is the second grant awarded to the East Haddam Historical Society through CT Humanities this year. Previously, the Historical Society received $7,900 intended to aid its recovery from the pandemic and support its ability to serve the community and public.
Senator Haskell Cheers On Four Local Nonprofits Receiving Ct Humanities Grants
Senator Haskell Cheers On Four Local Nonprofits Receiving Ct Humanities Grants
This week, CT Humanities announced the awarding of significant grants to cultural nonprofits across the state, including four grants awarded to nonprofits in Ridgefield and Westport. State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) cheered the grants, which will support several meaningful programs to advance arts, culture and education for local residents.
“Since 1995, the legislature has set aside funding to make grants like these possible. I’m proud of Connecticut’s tradition of supporting arts and culture, and I want to thank CT Humanities for standing behind so many wonderful institutions in our community,” said Sen. Haskell. “These grants will invest in a wide variety of programming, including filmmaking, book talks, plays and even walking tours. All of our lives are made more meaningful by the arts, and I’m grateful to represent a community with so many exciting cultural opportunities.”
Organizations receiving grants from CT Humanities include:
- The Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, $4,999, for an independent filmmaker forum as part of the Best of RIFF Shorts Fest, “Are the Kids All Right? – Raising Resilient Children In Cinema”
- UNA Southwestern Connecticut, Westport, $4,980, for “When the Stars are Scattered” Author/Illustrator Visits
- Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, $14,750 for programs for upcoming production of “From the Mississippi Delta” in October 2022
- Westport Museum for History & Culture, Westport, $4,074 for Saugatuck Stories: Walking Tour Exploring Diverse Experiences
After Supreme Court Abortion Decision, Sen. Anwar Suggests Coca-Cola Company Move Some Operations To Connecticut In Letter
After Supreme Court Abortion Decision, Sen. Anwar Suggests Coca-Cola Company Move Some Operations To Connecticut In Letter
Such a move would provide options for concerned employees to work in state with codified abortion rights and access
Today, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on June 24 to overturn the long-standing Roe v Wade legal case that has caused significant shifts in many states’ laws regarding abortion, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) addressed a letter to the Coca-Cola Company, suggesting the Georgia-based company move some operations to Connecticut. Such a move by Coca-Cola, which already operates bottling and sales and has invested significantly in South Windsor and East Hartford, would provide employees concerned about shifting legal standards in states regarding abortion and reproductive healthcare.
Sen. Anwar‘s letter comes as elected leaders in Georgia state government have indicated a desire to limit access to abortion and reproductive health in that state. A law passed in Georgia in 2019 would ban most abortions after six weeks; while it was declared unconstitutional in 2020, it is currently under court appeal.
“I understand the Coca-Cola Company is not likely to move its headquarters to Connecticut, nor am I asking for it to do so,” wrote Sen. Anwar. “I would like to suggest, that on top of the hundreds of jobs and significant investments the Coca-Cola Company has in Connecticut, including in South Windsor and East Hartford, that the company considers our state when pursuing future business developments. Doing so could provide opportunities for women to relocate to a state that has reinforced its protections for access to reproductive health care.”
Sen. Anwarcited risks to patients’ access to necessary and time-sensitive care under stringent abortion bans, including reports in states with bans that doctors are reluctant to perform care due to legal consequences, and noted they could potentially harm Coca-Cola employees residing in states with those policies. He also noted the short time period proposed in states including Georgia could negatively impact access to care for employees as well. Knowing these issues are often personal and challenging for individuals, Sen. Anwar‘s suggestion comes with patients’ best outcomes in mind.
The full letter is reprinted in full below:
_____
Coca-Cola Company
1 Coca Cola Plz NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
To whom it may concern,
I write to you today asking that the Coca-Cola Company examine current market interests and investigate the potential of moving offices from the state of Georgia to the state of Connecticut. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on June 24 that struck down Roe v Wade, the social and legal environment for many Coca-Cola Company employees has changed. Coca-Cola moving offices or employees to Connecticut would be a valuable addition to the company’s resources, providing flexibility for employees and access to certain health procedures whose legality is currently uncertain under Georgia state law.
Elected leaders in Georgia state government have indicated a desire to limit access to abortion and reproductive rights. We have seen other states already enact bans on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Such bans represent a threat to the health of millions.
One pressing issue concerns providing necessary, time sensitive care to patients who may suffer a miscarriage. As many as 20% of pregnancies confirmed by testing can end in miscarriages by 13 weeks into fetal development; that rate can climb even higher among individuals who miscarry before learning they are pregnant. News reports from states with early bans in place indicate that medical providers are reluctant to employ standard treatments to patients experiencing a miscarriage for fear they may face legal consequences. These laws will consequently serve to reduce access to routine and essential reproductive care.”
Additionally, many states’ imposition of six week time frames for actionable punishment could lead many women to find themselves in challenging circumstances before they even become aware they are pregnant. Age of pregnancy is often considered the first day of a missed period – which can take up to four weeks. The short time frame of awareness, just two weeks before their agency to make a decision is removed, could lead many women to learn they are pregnant with little, possibly even no, time before access to procedures become illegal.
Meanwhile, in Connecticut, Connecticut codified Roe v. Wade in 1990 to protect these rights even if the decision were overruled. Just this year, Connecticut passed laws expanding the number of medical professionals who can perform such procedures and took action to enhance protections. In times of uncertainty, Connecticut is taking steps to preserve reproductive rights for its residents.
I understand the Coca-Cola Company is not likely to move its headquarters to Connecticut, nor am I asking for it to do so. I would like to suggest, that on top of the hundreds of jobs and significant investments the Coca-Cola Company has in Connecticut, including in South Windsor and East Hartford, that the company considers our state when pursuing future business developments. Doing so could provide opportunities for women to relocate to a state that has reinforced its protections for access to reproductive health care.
In addition to Connecticut’s strong business protections, our state offers strong and inclusive communities, an economy roaring back amid the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities for the Coca-Cola Company to achieve long-term growth. At a time like this, workers should be given as many options and opportunities as they can have to make the best decisions for themselves. Connecticut and the Coca-Cola Company could find common ground in that goal.
Sincerely
State Senator Saud Anwar
Connecticut’s 3rd Senate District
Senate Environment Chair Christine Cohen Blasts Conservative Supreme Court Decision On Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Power Plants
Senate Environment Chair Christine Cohen Blasts Conservative Supreme Court Decision On Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Power Plants
GUILFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), who is Senate Chair of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee, today blasted the latest Supreme Court decision on an issue affecting all Americans – this time, on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The Supreme Court’s six conservative justices ruled today in the case of West Virginia v. EPA that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have broad power to protect the environment by instituting regulations which – in this instance – would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and set individual goals for states to cut power plant emissions by 2030.
“In yet another blow to American citizens by this activist Supreme Court, the EPA is now restrained in its duty to protect the American people and our environment,” Sen. Cohen said. “We do not live in a vacuum – even here in Connecticut, we live upwind of noxious factory exhausts and transportation emissions that are blown on winds across the South and Midwest into Branford, Putnam, Westport, Litchfield and every other town in our great state. Adequately addressing the lifetime threat of climate change and securing clean air and water is going to take a collective, global approach. If we, the leader of the free world, cannot be leaders in this fight – I fear we will be idle, sitting ducks when it comes to air pollution, sea level rise and extreme weather patterns. And yet, this is not just a climate issue with obvious environmental impacts, this is an issue of health and human safety. Despite this catastrophic news, Connecticut will continue to lead the nation and create a blueprint on how to address climate change, and we will be ready to work in tandem with the rest of our country when they decide to join the fight.”
Senator Miller Releases Statement as Minimum Wage Increases Today to $14 Per Hour
Senator Miller Releases Statement as Minimum Wage Increases Today to $14 Per Hour
Today, state Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) is celebrating as Connecticut’s minimum wage increases from $13 per hour to $14 per hour. The ‘Fight for Fifteen’ bill was passed in 2019 and instituted a five-year plan to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“It is tough to see residents live paycheck to paycheck so increasing our state’s minimum wage is a step in the right direction to help out families across the state,” said Sen. Miller. “These increases will make a big impact by putting more money in the pockets of those working minimum wage jobs and helping to lift families out of poverty.”
The minimum wage, now currently $14 per hour, will rise to $15 an hour on June 1, 2023. Starting on January 1, 2024, and on each January 1 every year after that, the bill requires the minimum wage to be adjusted by the percent change in the federal Employment Cost Index (ECI) for all civilian workers’ wages and salaries over the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Haskell Blasts Supreme Court Ruling Gutting EPA’s Ability to Protect the Environment, Urges States to Lead
Haskell Blasts Supreme Court Ruling Gutting EPA’s Ability to Protect the Environment, Urges States to Lead
State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Connecticut’s Transportation Committee and a member of the Environment Committee, blasted the latest U.S. Supreme Court decision — a ruling that will set our nation back on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and worsen the climate crisis.
The Supreme Court’s six conservative justices – all nominated by Republican presidents – ruled in the case of West Virginia v. EPA that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have broad power to protect the environment by instituting regulations which – in this instance – would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and set individual goals for states to cut power plant emissions by 2030.
“The Supreme Court’s latest ruling will restrain the ability of the EPA to fulfill its mission of protecting the clean air that we all need to survive. Once again, states must lead the way by enacting their own Clean Air Act, as Connecticut did just weeks ago,” said Sen. Haskell. “The next generation of Americans is left wondering — who will stand up for their right to lead happy and healthy lives? Who will ensure that kids breath clean air, not dirty diesel exhaust, on their way to and from school? With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the answer must be state legislators.”
“Although Connecticut cannot solve the climate crisis alone, we are not waiting for Washington to lead the way. Instead, we enacted a Clean Air Act that will electrify school buses, strengthen emissions standards on trucks, make electric vehicles a more affordable, install charging stations across the state, and cut traffic. I hope this new law will be a model for other states to follow.”
Senator Moore Releases Statement as Minimum Wage Increases Today to $14 Per Hour
Senator Moore Releases Statement as Minimum Wage Increases Today to $14 Per Hour
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) is celebrating as Connecticut’s minimum wage increases from $13 per hour to $14 per hour. Sen. Moore first introduced the ‘Fight for Fifteen’ legislation in 2015. The bill was passed in 2019 and instituted a five-year plan to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“Over the past few years, I have seen what an impact raising our state’s minimum wage has done,” said Sen. Moore. “These increases will make a huge difference for all families, especially those in black and brown communities.”
On Monday, June 27, Sen. Moore visited Full Circle Youth Empowerment in Bridgeport and listened to students who participate in the Full Circle Youth Empowerment program that benefit from a higher minimum wage. Sen. Moore heard from two students about how they were able to save their money for college and help out their parents.
“Hearing their stories truly lets me know this fight was worth it,” said Sen. Moore.
The minimum wage, now currently $14 per hour, will rise to $15 an hour on June 1, 2023. Starting on January 1, 2024, and on each January 1 every year after that, the bill requires the minimum wage to be adjusted by the percent change in the federal Employment Cost Index (ECI) for all civilian workers’ wages and salaries over the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sens. Looney And Winfield Announce $10.2 Million In State Bonding For Housing, Youth, And An Independent Library In New Haven
Sens. Looney And Winfield Announce $10.2 Million In State Bonding For Housing, Youth, And An Independent Library In New Haven
NEW HAVEN – Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney (D- New Haven) and state Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of more than $10 million in state funding for various New Haven improvements, including housing redevelopment, a new youth center, and repairs to Connecticut’s oldest independent circulating library.
The total $10.262 million in state funding was approved earlier today when the State Bond Commission met in Hartford.
“Once again the State of Connecticut has come through with some essential funding for major investments in our communities, this time for much-needed affordable housing and senior housing improvements in New Haven, a re-born youth center for children who may still be struggling through the ramifications of the COVID pandemic, and a significant investment in the Institute Library, which really fills a special, cultural niche in the social fabric of New Haven,” Sen. Looney said.
“I’m also very pleased with the planned improvements to the phone system at the New Haven correctional facility, which is 20 years old and doesn’t even allow for voicemail. Regular contact with friends and family members is an integral part of rehabilitation, and that’s what these upgrades will provide,” Sen. Looney said. “All of these state investments will improve the quality of life for thousands of New Haven residents, and I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their commitment to our citizens.”
“The investment made here will have real impact in the lives of the citizens of New Haven,” Sen. Winfield said. “Whether it’s more affordable housing units, desperately needed places for our youth, or repairs to one of our centers of knowledge, what is being done with these monies is critically important to our great city. The governor and the bond commission are to be commended for such important investments.”
Today’s approved bonding includes:
- $5 million for the Science Park/Winchester Works housing development project. This project will result in 1,000 total housing units, including 200 units of affordable housing (for incomes that are 50% of the area median income).
- $1.75 million for the Institute Library for urgent repairs to the roof, elevator, bathrooms, and safety systems. Founded in 1826, the Institute Library provides quiet reading areas, a large circulating collection of up-to-date literature, unique programming and rich opportunities to engage with members and the surrounding neighborhoods of downtown New Haven; its mission is “mutual assistance in the attainment of useful knowledge” for its members and the New Haven community at large through literature, civil discourse, and the arts.
- $1.5 million for the relocation and construction of the Trowbridge Youth Center. This project will convert a former recreation center that is currently uninhabitable.
$1.3 million for The Towers at Tower Lane for improvements to senior housing and programming space, allowing for an expansion of senior activities for its 328 senior residents. - $737,000 to upgrade the outdated telephone system at the New Haven Correctional Center. Upgrades include lightning protection, testing cabling and jacks, labeling, and replacing cabling
Senators Duff And Maroney File Request With Us Senator Cantwell To Legislate American’s Data Privacy
Senators Duff And Maroney File Request With Us Senator Cantwell To Legislate American’s Data Privacy
Today, state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) requested that US Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, review American’s data privacy laws. Building off the bipartisan agreement in Congress, Senators Duff and Maroney are requesting any legislation that US Senator Cantwell considers, not preempt stronger state laws.
Earlier this year, Senate Bill 6, An Act Concerning Personal Data Privacy And Online Monitoring, coauthored by Sen. Duff and Sen. Maroney, was passed in Connecticut. It was then signed into law by Governor Lamont on June 22. This law will help to protect consumers online in Connecticut. It establishes a framework for controlling and processing personal data, and establishes responsibilities and privacy protection standards for data controllers and processors. It also grants consumers the right to access, correct, delete and obtain a copy of personal data, and opt out of the processing of personal data for the purposes.
The letter Senator Duff and Senator Maroney sent to US Senator Cantwell is below:
Dear Chairwoman Cantwell:
We are writing to you with regards to the effort to legislate Americans’ data privacy.
We were pleased to hear reports that you favor a strong bill. As coauthors of Connecticut’s new data privacy law, Senate Bill 6 (Public Act 22-15), we know how difficult and complicated regulating consumer privacy can be. The sheer number of lobbyists hired in Connecticut to weaken or even kill the legislation is unlike anything we have ever seen in our careers in the Connecticut Legislature. In large part, this is the reason it took seven years to pass in Connecticut.
We respectfully request that any legislation you consider not preempt stronger state laws. We understand that several states have passed industry written laws that provide no protection, but believe that states such as Connecticut, California and Colorado have enacted many provisions that provide meaningful defenses against the unwanted sharing of information. We are particularly proud of the strongest child protections in the country present within our law.
We are hopeful that any bill that receives favorable action in the United States Congress will contain a universal opt-out, a strong definition of “sale,” protections for children aged thirteen through sixteen and real penalties for violation of the law.
Thank you very much for your work and being a great ally.
Sincerely,
Bob Duff
Senate Majority Leader Senator
James Maroney
14th District
Senator Duff Releases Statement In Response To Supreme Court Ruling On Abortion Rights And Access
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Debt Payments
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement after the Supreme Court today ruled in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health to effectively strike down Roe v Wade, which has codified the right to seek an abortion for nearly 50 years.
“The Supreme Court’s overturning of settled law on reproductive health is the nightmare we feared. Decades ago Connecticut wrote Roe v. Wade’s abortion protections into state law and this year we took additional steps to protect not only our residents and medical professionals but also any American who has an abortion in our state. However, now that the Supreme Court has put an end to safe, legal abortions as a right in our country, Connecticut is dependent on having lawmakers and a Governor who will defend that right. We are no longer dealing with a theoretical threat to abortion access. Every local election will determine our access to that right.”