James Maroney

Maroney voices support for Senate and
House Democratic Legislative Priorities for 2019

HARTFORD, CT—Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), joined Democratic House and Senate leadership in the Connecticut General Assembly to announce joint priorities for the 2019 legislative session. The legislative package focuses on investing in job training and the state’s workforce pipeline, supporting small businesses, making prescription drugs more affordable, creating a Green New Deal for Connecticut and increasing access to the ballot box. Sen. Maroney voiced his support for the policy priorities.

“These policies priorities will further strengthen the employees and businesses of our great state,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am eager to get down to business getting this important legislation passed. Our policies are pro-business and pro-worker. They will increase employee productivity, job satisfaction and retention while continuing to encourage growth for business across the state.”

“I am proud to stand here today to unveil the Democrat’s public policy priorities for 2019,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “These are important quality of life and vital economic policies for our state. The proposals outlined here will build upon the critical policy work we have accomplished in past years and will respond to the priorities of the people of our state.”

“Helping to improve the lives of Connecticut’s working families is a priority for our caucuses, and issues such as our workforce pipeline, earned family leave and minimum wage are important parts of the equation,” Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) said. “This is a time of opportunity for our state and this legislature has a great combination of new faces to go along with the experience necessary to make positive change.”

“One of the great things about going door-to-door during campaign season is every member of the House and Senate Democrats has had hundreds of conversations with their constituents and local businesses,” House Majority Leader Matt Ritter said. “Our legislative agenda is a product of actively listening to the people we represent.”

“The people of Connecticut spoke loud and clear that we need to move our state forward,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “These legislative proposals will build a stronger, more prosperous Connecticut for the middle class and our families. That means paying our residents a fair wage for a hard day’s work, helping them with training to get a new job, giving them access to affordable prescription drugs and helping them if they must take time off from work to care for a sick family member.”

Some of the legislative package includes the following proposals:

More Affordable Prescription Drugs
Senate Bill 4: An Act Concerning The Affordability And Accessibility Of Prescription Drugs

Democrats stand united in the belief that health care is a right not a privilege. Left unchecked, the pharmaceutical industry raises costs on consumers and limits access to prescription drugs. When a person is sick they should be able to get the prescription drugs they need, and this legislation will reduce prescription drug costs.

Job Training & Workforce Pipeline
Senate Bill 5: An Act Concerning A Workforce Pipeline And Job Creation
House Bill 5001: An Act Ensuring That Students In This State Receive High-Quality Skills Training

Building upon the success of the workforce pipeline initiatives from last year, Democrats will expand these workforce development programs. It is critical we have an efficient, effective workforce pipeline to meet the growing needs of Connecticut employers.

A Green New Deal for Connecticut
House Bill 5002: An Act Concerning The Development Of A Green New Deal

Our “Green New Deal” will look to encourage economic growth and job creation through programs focused on improving energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy, ensuring long-term sustainability and strengthening infrastructure resiliency. This will help us transition to a much-needed climate-safe economy and move us closer to the ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Support for Small Businesses
House Bill 5005: An Act Supporting Local Businesses

We aim to continue to step-up our support of local businesses by streamlining government services and expanding access to capital for small businesses. This will build upon the recent work we did implementing one-stop shopping and a dedicated business hotline at DECD.

Early Voting
SJ 14: Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Permit Early Voting

Democrats believe the more people who are able to vote, the stronger our democracy. Creating early voting in Connecticut will ensure that everyone has the ability to vote and will modernize our voting system.

About James Maroney: Sen. Maroney was first elected to represent the 14th District (Milford) in 2018. Before being elected to the Senate, he was a State Representative for the 119th District from 2012-2014, where he served on the Higher Education Committee. Due to his distinguished service on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, he was asked to serve on the Planning Commission for Higher Education and help develop a strategic plan for higher education in Connecticut.