Author: Alex

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has proclaimed October 2023 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut in recognition of all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and in honor of their many accomplishments.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the important role of workers with disabilities, past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I am proud of the way that Connecticut has been a leader in protecting the rights of people with disabilities when it comes to employment issues, and particularly proud of the many businesses in our state that make every effort to include people of all abilities as valued members of their workforces.”

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The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services provides vocational rehabilitation services designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, maintain, and advance in employment. In addition, the agency provides and coordinates aging and disability programs and services in the areas of education, independent living, accessibility, and advocacy. The agency kicked off the month early with a Disability Resource Fair at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on September 27, and will participate in various events throughout October. They include:

• Blind Americans Equality Day on October 13, 2023, hosted by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind.
• 11th Annual Disability Resource Fair on October 20, 2023, at Oak Hill Hartford, hosted by public and private providers in the state.
• Several training and informational presentations on disability employment and other services offered by the Department of Aging and Disability Services to individual employers and community partners.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month allows us to shine a spotlight on inclusive employment opportunities,” Amy Porter, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, said.  “This year’s theme of ‘Advancing Access and Equity’ is at the heart of our department’s mission, and we are proud to walk alongside our partners in Governor Lamont’s administration and our Connecticut communities to continue this critical work.”

“Their determination, resilience, and unique perspectives are not only admirable but crucial in enhancing our social and work environments,” Jordan Scheff, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, said. “At DDS, we are committed to advocating for and facilitating supportive, equitable, and rewarding employment opportunities for all the individuals we support. Let us all champion an inclusive future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is given the platform to shine, contribute, and create their best life.”

“With 77,000 jobs available across industries and at all career levels, employers are working hard to recruit, hire, and retain new workers,” Danté Bartolomeo, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor, said. “We encourage all job seekers to reach out to an American Job Center for help finding a job that matches their interest and ability. Every employee brings a unique set of abilities to their job – it’s what makes our economy strong, diverse, and competitive.”

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major milestone to advancing access and equity for individuals with disabilities which laid the foundation for the more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination in any program or activity operated by recipients of federal funds, which includes state vocational rehabilitation funding. The Americans with Disabilities Act expanded to include transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government.

Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person. For more information:

• Visit the Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities at portal.ct.gov/ads.
• Visit one of the he Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available at portal.ct.gov/ajc.
• Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available at portal.ct.gov/cthires.
• Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled frequently across the state. For a full schedule, visit portal.ct.gov/AJC/recruitmentevents.

Governor Ned Lamont responded to the release of Connecticut’s 2022 annual crime statistics report, emphasizing the state’s continued position as one of the safest in the nation. The report, compiled by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Crime Analysis Unit, presents data on crimes reported to law enforcement agencies in the state throughout the year. Governor Lamont acknowledged that while any instance of crime is unacceptable, the state has shown a decrease in violent and property crimes compared to the previous year, and the numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels. He emphasized the state’s commitment to implementing intelligent crime policies, enhancing gun safety, and providing support to vulnerable residents.

The annual report is created by the Crime Analysis Unit, offering the most comprehensive source of crime-related data in the state. Data from the latest report reveals a 4% reduction in overall crime between 2021 and 2022, including a 13% decrease in violent crime, a 13% reduction in homicides, and an 18% drop in robberies. Property crimes also saw a 3% reduction. Moreover, the report illustrates that over the past decade, Connecticut has experienced a 26% drop in overall crime, a 41% reduction in violent crime, and a 23% reduction in property crime.

In recent years, Connecticut has taken proactive measures to enhance public safety. The state police training academy has graduated hundreds of new state troopers, with additional troops in progress. Bipartisan legislation, initiated by Governor Lamont, focuses on reducing violent crime and gun violence by strengthening gun safety laws and taking measures to keep firearms out of the hands of high-risk individuals. The state has also adopted a public health and community-centered approach, with budget allocations for gun violence prevention programs, community violence intervention, housing vouchers, and additional support for crime victims and system-involved youth. Investments have been made in the court system, judicial personnel, and emergency services to further enhance public safety in Connecticut.

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A New Digital One-Stop-Shop Portal for Health and Human Services in Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of the State of Connecticut’s new health and human services portal, health.ct.gov. The portal is the latest development in the state’s journey toward an all-digital state government and is aimed at providing health and wellness services to Connecticut residents at every stage of life.

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“It has long been our administration’s priority to offer more services online and create a digital state government where residents can easily access the services they need in one place, regardless of which particular state agency they may be interacting with,” Governor Lamont said. “The launch of the health.ct.gov portal represents a multi-state agency collaboration to enable residents to interact with one seamless government. Our state government now offers more services online than any time before, and I look forward to expanding this progress into more areas of government.”

Health.ct.gov joins business.ct.gov as the next service category to be developed in the new digital, one-stop government ecosystem. Some of the resources available through health.ct.gov include:

• Health benefits eligibility screener
• Healthy living tools
• Emergency health service information
• Insurance and financial resources
• Heating and utilities assistance

“As we continue our journey towards an all-digital government, we envision a digital experience where residents can have a single point of contact to interact and access all state services and information,” Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “Health.ct.gov is a step toward realizing that vision. It will allow residents and providers to access all of their health and human services needs in one accessible location. We look forward to further cross-agency collaborations to provide accessible, easy-to-use, and personalized government services – something residents have come to expect in their digital interactions.”

“One priority that continues to be identified in our communities is the need for an easy way for citizens to identify services available to them through the state,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said. “We now have this real-time tool in health.ct.gov that is available in an efficient and user-friendly format. This project is a win-win for the state’s health and human services agencies as well as the residents of Connecticut. We commend Governor Lamont for continuing to put the health and wellness needs of our citizens at the forefront of his Administration.”

“Governor Lamont’s continued effort to digitize our government not only brings our statewide resources into the 21^st century, but it also increases accessibility to residents who otherwise faced immovable health obstacles when searching for assistance,” Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “While we take a moment to celebrate this victory, I am excited to continue this multi-agency collaboration until all of our state’s services are broadly accessible.”

“The goal of health.ct.gov is to provide quicker information about and access to services for Connecticut residents, including families with young children,” Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “This digital platform is one more example of Governor Lamont’s commitment to be a family-friendly state. The Office of Early Childhood will work to inform the families and children that we touch about this valuable resource.”

Connecticut residents can now enroll in a new program that offers a discount card for savings on prescription medication, announced by Governor Ned Lamont and Comptroller Sean Scanlon. This initiative, facilitated through ArrayRx, includes several states aiming to provide accessible pharmacy solutions through bulk purchasing. The card offers up to 80% savings on generic drugs and 20% savings on name-brand prescriptions. Connecticut residents can obtain the card for free online, with no age or income restrictions. The partnership was authorized by Governor Lamont’s health care affordability bill, and it’s administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.

This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of prescription drugs for Connecticut residents as healthcare costs continue to rise. The ArrayRx card can be used regardless of health insurance status, offering savings on various medications. The program’s website allows users to search for prescription costs at local pharmacies before signing up, with potential savings shown for specific drugs. It’s a significant step in addressing the rising costs of healthcare for Connecticut residents, emphasizing accessibility and affordability in prescription medication.

For further information on how the ArrayRx discount card operates, including frequently asked questions and a drug price lookup tool, please visit arrayrxcard.com.

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Legislation would bring give concertgoers & sports fans transparency about the marketing, distribution, and pricing of tickets

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-MA), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the BOSS and SWIFT Act, legislation to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices in the primary and secondary ticket marketplaces. Named after Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and fans of other artists and teams who have faced outrageous prices, long wait times, site crashes, and other disruptions, the legislation would require sellers to be transparent about base prices, added fees, the distribution of tickets, and refund policies.

“This measure will be a major step toward stopping all the hidden fees and exorbitant prices that have plagued concertgoers for far too long,” said Blumenthal. “Ticket buyers now face sky-high junk charges or shut outs by scalpers and secondary sellers. These standards bring fairness and transparency to fans, artists, and venues who power this industry.”

“For too long, ticket sellers have employed deceptive fees and practices to maximize profits at consumers’ expense,” said Hirono. “It’s time to crack down on this anti-hero behavior, which is exactly what the BOSS and SWIFT Act will do. By requiring ticket sellers to act with transparency, this legislation will protect consumers, helping them enjoy the best day at their favorite concerts, games, and performances.”

“Concert-goers know the story all too well—for decades, tickets have continued to skyrocket at the hands of greedy corporations,” said Markey.  “The BOSS and SWIFT Act will make sure that music fans, including Swifties, can access tickets at affordable prices—all while holding corporations accountable for pinching their pockets. I thank Senator Blumenthal for making sure that Ticketmaster and the rest of the ticket industry have stopped fans from seeing their favorite artists for the last time.”

The Better Oversight of Stub Sales and Strengthening Well Informed and Fair Transactions for Audiences of Concert Ticketing Act would;

• Require sellers to disclose the total cost of tickets up front, including all service fees, convenience charges, delivery and logistics fees, and other costs levied against consumers;
• Prevent sellers from changing the total cost of a ticket during the purchase process without alerting the buyer;
• Require sellers to clearly disclose their refund policies; and
• Ensure primary sellers are transparent about marketing and distribution by disclosing the total number and cost of tickets that will be offered at least seven days before they go on sale.

The legislation would also give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general enforcement authority, and allow consumers to seek private rights of action for damages and harms caused by those who violate the standards. 

The BOSS and SWIFT Act has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

The legislation is endorsed by the National Consumers League, Sports Fan Coalition, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, FanFreedom Project, and the Progressive Policy Institute, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. 

“Buying a ticket to see your favorite artist, sports team, or Broadway show should not be an exercise in frustration,” said John Breyault, National Consumers League Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Unfortunately, the average fan is at the mercy of a rigged system that makes it nearly impossible to get access to affordable tickets for popular events. And even when fans are able to find tickets to buy, hidden fees can more than double the cost to attend the event. The BOSS and SWIFT ACT is the common-sense solution fans need to bring sanity to the live event ticketing industry.”

“Sports fans across the country have been crying out for reforms,” said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. “The BOSS and SWIFT Act is the most holistic proposal we’ve seen introduced and we commend Senator Blumenthal for tackling this difficult subject in such a thoughtful and pro-consumer manner. The BOSS and SWIFT Act is the best representation of the Ticket Buyer Bill of Rights that we’ve seen, and will ensure strong consumer protections while protecting a competitive marketplace. The introduction of the BOSS and SWIFT Act in the Senate makes this bill the only bicameral comprehensive live event ticketing reform proposal in Congress.”

“The BOSS and SWIFT Act will crack open the ticket buying market, ensuring that consumers know the total cost of tickets—fees and all—for concerts and sporting events, and what their rights are to a refund,” said Ruth Susswein, Consumer Action’s Director of Consumer Protection.

“The time is long overdue to bring transparency, fairness and competition back to the live event ticketing marketplace,” said Erin Witte, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America. “The BOSS and SWIFT Act will level the playing field for consumers and ensure that they can enjoy these events without being deceived and overcharged in the purchase process.”

“While legislatures across the country grapple with the opaque and ever-changing world that is live event ticketing, we welcome the BOSS and SWIFT Act and some direction from Congress that protects everyone seeking to buy and transfer tickets,” said Chris VanDeHoef, the President of the FanFreedom Project. “The BOSS and SWIFT Act is a giant step towards providing consumer protection to ticket buyers everywhere and we encourage Congress to see this through.”

“The BOSS and SWIFT Act is a big step forward in promoting competition in live events ticketing and protecting fans,” said Diana Moss, Vice President and Director of Competition Policy for the Progressive Policy Institute. “We commend Senator Blumenthal for taking the lead on promoting transparency in ticketing and creating a strong legislative framework for tackling transparency problems. Many of which are the result of Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s efforts to maintain its dominance in the live events markets. This legislation will constructively bootstrap hoped-for antitrust enforcement in this space.”

“Under the Boss and Swift Act, we will move a step closer to increasing protections for concertgoers, providing them with more information and options as they navigate through the often obscure and mysterious ticket buying process,” said Christine Hines, legislative director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. “To achieve meaningful accountability when ticket buyers are wronged in the market, the bill should also ensure that they can choose how to resolve disputes with powerful sellers and venues by prohibiting forced arbitration in the terms and conditions.”