Month: June 2024

MURPHY, BLUMENTHAL, COLLEAGUES CALL ON DOJ TO IMMEDIATELY LAUNCH FULL COURT PRESS AGAINST BIG OIL TO PREVENT AND PROSECUTE COLLUSION & PRICE FIXING 

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 22 Senate Democrats in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Jonathan Kanter calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to use every tool at its disposal to prevent and prosecute collusion and price fixing in the oil industry. The senators called for the DOJ to launch an industry-wide investigation into possible violations of the Sherman Act to hold any bad actors accountable and to redress any harms to competition and consumers. The letter also outlined how Big Oil’s alleged collusion with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a national security concern that aids countries looking to undermine the U.S.

The letter follows a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into the Exxon-Pioneer merger – called for Congressional Democrats – that uncovered evidence of price fixing involving American oil executives and OPEC officials that have resulted in higher energy costs for American families and businesses.

“From pre-pandemic times to current day, industry collusion may have contributed to the 49% decrease in the U.S. oil production growth rate,” the senators wrote. “Pioneer’s and its co-conspirators’ collusion may have cost the average American household up to $500 per car in increased annual fuel costs – an unwelcome tax that is particularly burdensome for lower-income families. Meanwhile, Western oil majors collectively earned more than $300 billion in profits over the last two years, a surge that many market experts believe cannot be explained away by increased production costs from the pandemic or inflation.”

The senators concluded: “Corporate malfeasance must be confronted, or it will proliferate. These alleged offenses do not simply enrich corporations; hardworking Americans end up paying the price through higher costs for gas, fuel, and related consumer products. The DOJ must protect consumers, small businesses, and the public from petroleum-market collusion, and an important part of that mission means seeking full restitution and imposing all penalties supported by the facts and the law.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jean Shaheen (D-N.H.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

The full letter can be read HERE and below.

Dear Attorney General Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kanter:

We write regarding our serious concerns about alleged collusion and price fixing in the oil industry. While investigating ExxonMobil’s (Exxon) proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources (Pioneer) – the largest oil-and-gas deal of the 21st century – the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) uncovered evidence that founder and former Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield colluded with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC) to “reduce output of oil and gas, which would result in Americans paying higher prices at the pump, to inflate profits for his company.” These reports are alarming and lend credence to the fear that corporate avarice is keeping prices artificially high. This is also a national-security concern: this alleged collusion with OPEC may have served to enrich countries like Iran and Russia that are actively seeking to undermine the United States and our allies. The federal government must use every tool to prevent and prosecute collusion and price fixing that may have increased gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, and jet fuel costs in a way that has materially harmed virtually every American household and business. We therefore urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the oil industry, to hold accountable any liable actors, and to end any illegal activities.

According to the FTC’s complaint, Mr. Sheffield worked to orchestrate “anticompetitive coordinated output reductions” between and among U.S. crude oil producers and OPEC, ultimately to “pad Pioneer’s [and OPEC’s] bottom line[s]…at the expense of U.S. households and businesses.” Mr. Sheffield, it seems, was determined to pull off this collusion even if it meant ignoring opportunities to drill more oil and sell it at lucrative high prices, which would create more chances for rivals to undercut the industry equilibrium and compete on price. For example, on April 16, 2024, Mr. Sheffield said at a conference: “Even if oil gets to $200/bl, the independent producers are going to be disciplined.” It also appeared that Mr. Sheffield was certain that he and his allies could enforce that discipline. He warned competitors that they should be “disciplined” about capacity growth and “stay[] in line,” even threatening that “[a]ll the shareholders that I’ve talked to said that if anybody goes back to growth, they will punish those companies.” In private WhatsApp communications with senior OPEC officials, Mr. Sheffield assured his company’s competitors that “Pioneer and its Permian Basin rivals were working hard to keep oil output artificially low.” These private assurances from Mr. Sheffield stretched back to beginning of the COVID pandemic as Pioneer and other American producers sought to “limit Permian oil production in the face of falling oil prices globally.

The strategy appears to have worked. From pre-pandemic times to current day, industry collusion may have contributed to the 49% decrease in the U.S. oil production growth rate, the increase of $23.41 in the average crude oil price per barrel, and the $0.94 increase in the average price of retail gasoline. That means Pioneer’s and its co-conspirators’ collusion may have cost the average American household up to $500 per car in increased annual fuel costs – an unwelcome tax that is particularly burdensome for lower-income families. Meanwhile, Western oil majors collectively earned more than $300 billion in profits over the last two years, a surge that many market experts believe cannot be explained away by increased production costs from the pandemic or inflation. By banning Mr. Sheffield from serving on Exxon’s board following its acquisition of Pioneer, the FTC has taken an important proactive step to prevent further collusive activity. However, only the DOJ can prosecute and fully redress the alleged anticompetitive behavior in the oil sector. Section 1 of the Sherman Act proscribes price fixing and stipulates a fine of up to $100,000,000 for corporations and a fine of up to $1,000,000 and 10 years in prison for individuals.

Corporate malfeasance must be confronted, or it will proliferate. These alleged offenses do not simply enrich corporations; hardworking Americans end up paying the price through higher costs for gas, fuel, and related consumer products. The DOJ must protect consumers, small businesses, and the public from petroleum-market collusion, and an important part of that mission means seeking full restitution and imposing all penalties supported by the facts and the law. If any oil corporations or executives have violated the Sherman Act, we urge you to follow the law and seek appropriate punishment. We appreciate your attention to this serious matter.

MURPHY, BLUMENTHAL, HAYES, COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), U.S. Representative Katherin Clark (D-Mass.), and 22 other members of Congress to reintroduce the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act, legislation that would greatly boost the availability of mental health providers in America’s public schools. Mental illness affects 20% of American youth. This bicameral legislation will put additional mental health providers in elementary and secondary schools across America.

“Kids spend most of their time in the classroom, so teachers and counselors are often the first people to notice when something is wrong. This funding will help ensure school districts have the personnel and resources they need to identify students going through a tough time or facing a mental health crisis and connect them to the care they urgently need,” said Murphy.

“There is no ignoring the mental health crisis affecting our youth. We know young people are taking their own lives at an accelerating rate, and the decrease in available mental health professionals is only exacerbating this crisis. I have been a long-time proponent for increasing access to school-based mental health providers to support children across the nation.  I am proud to support the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act—legislation that tackles this crisis head on,” said Blumenthal.

“Supporting children in school also means providing resources to support their social and emotional needs. Schools are in desperate need of more mental health providers to ensure we are immediately addressing students in need,” said Hayes. “The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act will help fill vacant school-based mental health provider roles so all students can have access to resources that promote their mental wellbeing and educational success.”

The recommended maximum student-to-counselor ratio is 250 students per counselor, but currently, the national average is 385 students per counselor and continues to rise. For school psychologists, the recommended maximum ratio is 500 students per provider, and 250 to 1 for school social workers. The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act would establish five-year renewable grant programs to help elementary and secondary schools to hire additional school-based mental health providers such as counselors, psychologists, and social workers, ensuring students can receive the mental health care and support they need to achieve their full potential. 

Students are 21 times more likely to visit school-based health centers for mental health than community mental health centers, but school districts across America too often lack the resources to provide students with the in-school treatment and care they need and deserve. Furthermore, schools that employ more school-based health providers see improved attendance rates, academic achievement and career preparation, and graduation rates, and lower rates of suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary incidents. 

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), along with U.S. Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), and Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) co-sponsored the legislation.

The bill is also endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Girls Inc., International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Federation of Families, Postpartum Support International, School Social Work Association of America, and Western Youth Services.

STRATFORD LIBRARY KIDS EVENTS IN JUNE


Summer Reading Sign Ups
Sign-ups for Stratford Library’s 2024 Summer Reading Program begin on Saturday, June 1 for all ages. This year’s theme is Read, Renew, Repeat! Pre-readers up to age 8 can sign up for the Read to Me Program. Complete activities each month for a prize. Participants will also receive an invitation to a party on Thursday, September 12. Readers through age 12 can sign up for the Summer Reading program. Children who read receive monthly prizes. Read 8 books to be eligible for a summer reading party with Mayor Hoydick and the Stratford Library on Wednesday, August 7. Sign-ups begin on the Library website and in person beginning June 1. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org.


Summer Storytimes
The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers summer storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Beginning Monday, June 17, Music Time meets weekly for ages 0-2. Tuesdays are Preschool Storytimes for ages 3-5. On Thursdays, June 27, July 18, and August 1, Baby Lapsit meets for ages 0-18 months. Storytimes run through July. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! Storytimes meet in the Children’s Program Room or outside as listed. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


LEGO Club
The Stratford Library will offer LEGO Club on Monday, June 3 at 4:00 pm and Saturday, June 29 at 2:30pm for ages 5-12. Children will be provided LEGOS to make their own creations, and each family only needs to register once. LEGO club will meet in the Children’s Program Room. To register, visit the website at
stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Preschool Yoga w Jyothi
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Wednesday, June 5 and Friday, June 14 at 10:30am for some Preschool Yoga with Miss Jyothi. Children ages 2-5 are welcome to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat or a blanket to use during the program. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Piano w/ Friends
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Piano with Friends: Music Basics class on Thursday, June 6 at 4 pm, and Wednesday, June 19 at 3 pm. Piano with Friends: Celebrating Black Artists meets on Wednesday, June 19 at 4pm for children ages 7-12. (Piano Basics is a requirement for all other piano classes). Learn about music notes and how to find keys on a music keyboard. (Piano with Friends does not replace professional piano lessons). This program will meet in the Children’s Program Room. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


Drop-In Father’s Day Craft
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a drop-in craft to celebrate Father’s Day on Friday, June 7. Drop in anytime between 10:30 and 4pm to participate. Registration suggested but drop-ins are welcome while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


Seed Library Grab’n’Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Seed Grab ‘n’ go for pick up on Wednesday, June 12 (Beans), and June 26 (Peas). Receive both seeds and instructions on how to plant. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


Kindness Club
On Thursday, June 13 at 4 pm, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will have a meeting of the Kindness Club. This summer’s efforts will include projects with a community benefit. Come spread some joy and community spirit this summer! Children ages 6-11 are welcome. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Book Scientists
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children ages 3-12. Each kit includes books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. This month the themes will be Summer Fun (June 14) and Seashore (June 28). Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


“Smokey the Bear” Reading Challenge at the Stratford Library
In honor of Smokey the Bear’s 80th Birthday, Join the Stratford Library and the USDA Forest Service in a reading challenge to learn about wildlife prevention, forests, natural resource careers, and Stratford’s own nature environment on Saturday, June 15 from 10:30am-4pm. Read some books, learn how to take action in your own backyard, and win some fun prizes. Children ages 4-12 are welcome to participate. Register at the Library starting June 15. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


Beardsley Zoo Scavenger Hunt at the Stratford Library
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Beardsley Zoo Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, June 15 from 10am-3:30pm to search for hidden scratch off cards in the Children’s Department’s books. Children through age 12 are welcome to join the hunt. One scratch off card per family please. Prizes vary. Program courtesy of the Beardsley Zoo. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Children’s Craft Table
The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers weekly summer crafts with teen volunteers in the Library starting Monday, June 17 through Friday, August 2. The craft table will be open Monday-Thursday, 10am-12pm and 2pm-6:30 pm as well as Fridays from 10am-12pm, volunteer availability permitting. Each week will feature a different, free craft, while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Summer Art
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a summer art program on Tuesday, June 18 at 4pm for ages 7-12. Join us for some painting or clay fun with this fine arts program. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Juneteenth Drop-in Craft
Join the Stratford Library on Wednesday, June 19 from 10:30 am-6:30pm for a drop-in craft in celebration of Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday. Participants can create a Juneteenth bracelet with colorful beads. All ages welcome to meet in the Children’s Dept. for this craft. Drop in anytime while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Curious Creatures Show
On Thursday, June 20 at 11am the Stratford Library Children’s Department will host a live animal experience for all ages. Learn some fascinating facts about a diverse collection of animals and insects. Animals may include a skunk, hedgehog, frogs, ferrets, or cockroaches. Program courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Preschool Playtime: Bugs
The Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering preschool STEAM activities on Thursday, June 20 at 4:30pm for children ages 3-6. Activities will be about bugs. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


STEP into Emergency Preparedness
The Stratford Library will be hosting an emergency preparedness talk given by the Stratford-Trumbull-Monroe Medical Reserve Corps on Friday, June 21 at 10:30 am in the Children’s Department. Participants will receive their own first-aid kit to help in starting their own emergency preparedness kits. The program is for ages 8-12. Registration is recommended, although walk-ins are welcome if space is available. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Upcycled T-Shirt Craft
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer an upcycled T-shirt program on Saturday, June 22 at 2:30pm. Turn your old T-shirts into a drawstring bag, pillow, or a scrunchie! No experience necessary, you provide the used t-shirt and we’ll provide the sewing supplies and instructions. Ages 8 and up are welcome to join (children need to have an adult helper present). Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Stratford Animals Grab & Go Kits
Learn about our local wildlife with the Stratford Library Children’s Department’s grab & go kits on Stratford animals for children ages 3-8. Kits will be available each Monday, and pick-ups begin June 24 and finish July 29. There are different kits each week – be sure to register separately for each one. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Kids Podcasting Club
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Podcasting Club for children ages 7-13 and a parent/guardian. This club will have its first meeting on Monday, June 24 at 2:30pm. Librarians and uCreate volunteers will help children record stories, book recommendations, insights and more! Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Swap Night
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. on Monday, June 24 from 5-7:30pm for a Swap Night. Help the planet by bringing in a children’s toy/game/puzzle/books that are in good condition that you no longer want, to swap for a “new to you” item. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Jay Reidy Magic Show
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department for some magic fun with Jay Reidy on Wednesday, June 26 at 2:45pm in the Library Lovell Room. Children ages 5-12 are welcome. Registration recommended. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.


Pokemon Party
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will be having a Pokemon Party on Thursday, June 27 at 3pm. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to attend. Come celebrate everything Pokemon with games, activities, snacks, and crafts. Costumes are optional. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.


Preschool Art: Bubbles
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for some fun with bubbles on Saturday, June 29 at 11am. Learn the science behind bubbles, then get creative with some bubble art painting. Dress for a messy day. Children ages 3-7 are welcome to join. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

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