Month: May 2014

 

 

NEW HAVEN, CT—Three of Connecticut’s representatives to Congress—Jim Himes, Rosa DeLauro, and Elizabeth Esty—unveiled today the Rail Safety Enforcement Act, comprehensive legislation to enhance rail safety. They are joined by New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney as an original cosponsor. The four representatives announced their intent to introduce the legislation last month and are formally introducing the bill today.

 

“Metro North’s string of accidents and delays over the past year is unacceptable and inexcusable. One of the busiest commuter rail lines in the country must be safer and must be more reliable – it is critical to our safety and to our region’s continued economic vitality,” said Himes. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will help ensure that accidents like the Bronx derailment and the death of a Metro-North track worker earlier this year will never happen again.”

 

“We should take every precaution to prevent rail accidents from happening,” DeLauro said. “That is our duty.  The Rail Safety Enforcement Act is comprehensive, common-sense legislation that will improve rail safety all across the nation. Our first responsibility for our train systems has to be ensuring the public safety.”

 

“Safe, reliable rail service is critical to our economy,” Esty said. “As a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, I’ve urged Congress to strengthen our rail safety standards and procedures to ensure, above all, that commuters are safe. These commonsense modifications that we’re proposing today need to be part of the solution.”

 

“We can’t wait until the next tragic accident to adopt these commonsense measures to protect workers and commuters. Passing the Rail Safety Enforcement Act ensures all commuter rails like Metro-North have redundant safety measure that keep folks safe,” said Maloney.

 

“Rail employees, as well as riders and communities on the railroads, deserve the peace of mind of knowing that railroads are as safe as possible,” said Edward Wytkind, president of Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “The legislation is a significant step forward in making sure our railroads are operating with the best practices while protecting the people who work on them. We urge Congress to move this legislation without delay.”

 

The Rail Safety Enforcement Act has five main provisions:

1. Requires that every rail carrier control cab have an “alerter,” an automatic failsafe device that sounds an alarm when a train engineer seems idle while the train is in motion.
2. Requires every rail carrier to develop a fatigue risk plan within 60 days and submit it to the Secretary of Transportation
3. Requires every carrier to report on their progress in implementing the Positive Train Control System within 180 days of enactment.
4. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations mandating “shunting,” or redundant signal protection for workers on the track.
5. Mandates that railroad employees are provided with predictable and defined work and rest schedules.

 

 

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has proclaimed May 5-9, 2014 as National Teacher Appreciation Week in the State of Connecticut. Governor Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, and Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor released the following statements in honor of National Teacher Day, Tuesday, May 6, 2014:

 

“An educator’s ability to nurture student potential, ignite a love of learning, and encourage critical thinking is an unbelievable gift fundamental to the success of our democracy and our economy,” said Governor Malloy. “I’m envious of teachers’ ability to impact young people and their futures. Providing learning opportunities that level the playing field and give students a leg up is an issue very dear to my heart, one that I have been committed to for most of my career in public service. I am proud of the historic step Connecticut took this month in passing legislation that will expand high-quality early education for thousands of young children who would otherwise enter primary school already behind. As Governor, I will remain committed to supporting teachers who are working hard in classrooms across Connecticut to put our students on a path to success.”

 

“Teachers make a tremendous commitment to our young people, imparting the skills they need to achieve their goals and inspiring students long after they leave the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Wyman. “Today is a great opportunity to reflect on all of the ways teachers impact our communities, strengthen our state, and shape the nation’s next generation of leaders.”

 

“A teacher’s impact reaches far beyond the four walls of a classroom and its effect can be felt for generations. Teachers awaken a love of learning in our youngsters, unlock students’ potential for academic success, and care deeply for our children’s well-being. Though we only designate one day of the year as National Teacher Appreciation Day, we are grateful for teachers’ dedication, passion, professionalism, and service every day,” Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor said. “As we work together towards higher expectations and improved outcomes for our students, we will continue listening to teachers, inviting their ideas and incorporating their feedback as we go. I would like to specifically note that I am very grateful for our partnership with the leaders of the American Federation of Teachers-Connecticut and the Connecticut Education Association, who always ensure that teachers’ voices are heard.”