Category: State News

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced a lawsuit against Altice/Optimum Online, seeking to halt and recoup millions of dollars in unlawfully charged “Network Enhancement Fees.” The complaint further seeks to hold the company accountable for buried disclosures regarding limits to advertised speeds.

The complaint alleges three categories of violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, including the improper fee, inadequate speed disclosures, and English-language disclosures on Spanish marketing materials. The complaint seeks both restitution for consumers as well as penalties to the state.

Since at least January 2019, Altice has charged Connecticut consumers a monthly “Network Enhancement Fee,” which has increased over time with limited disclosure from $2.50 per month to $6.00 per month. In total, Altice has collected millions of dollars from Connecticut consumers through the fee, over and above the regular monthly Internet service charge. For new customers, the fee was not disclosed up front, and appeared only in the shopping cart after a consumer selects an Internet service. Altice claims the fee is necessary to “maintain and improve the network”—a basic business function that customers already pay for in the base rate.

The complaint further alleges that Altice buries disclosures about the limits to their advertised speeds by listing them on the back of mailers in tiny print, in gray-on-gray backgrounds online and in print, and in small words that float away from the screen in their TV ads.

Finally, Altice sent out a large volume of Spanish advertisements with English-only disclosures.

“When customers pay for Internet service, they have a right to expect promised speeds and network reliability without being nickel and dimed with junk fees,” said Attorney General Tong. “Altice has extracted millions of dollars in hidden, escalating fees from Connecticut customers over and above the base rate simply to keep their network running. And even with all that extra revenue, they won’t stand by their promised advertised speeds without a series of fine print, fast moving caveats. Our complaint seeks to hold Altice accountable for these unfair, anti-consumer practices, and to stop and claw back millions of dollars in these inappropriately collected fees.”

“Just because junk fees are common practice, doesn’t mean we should settle for paying them, especially as companies find new ways to extract extra money from consumers,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “This suit is just one of the many ways our state is working to combat the practice of junk fees, especially those that specifically target minority and non-English speaking communities.”

“Few phrases scream “junk fee” quite like “Network Enhancement Fees.” Scams like this fee take advantage of an internet environment with few options for consumers. I want to thank Attorney General Tong for standing up for Connecticut residents and taking legal action. Connecticut will continue to be at the forefront of protecting consumers both at the General Assembly and in the courtroom,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff.

“These fees are indicative of deceptive, anti-consumer practices and are what the Energy and Technology Committee has worked to fight in recent years. Our service providers offer good service at affordable costs to customers – and then charge excessive fees while failing to meet the services they offered to provide. We deserve better as a state and I support Attorney General Tong’s work on this issue,” said Senator Norm Needleman.

The Office of the Attorney General first launched its investigation into Altice Optimum in November 2022, following more than 500 consumer complaints regarding hidden fees, poor technical support, and slow internet speeds.

This complaint follows a settlement reached in August 2022 with Frontier Communications following review of over 1,400 consumer complaints regarding equipment returns, poor internet quality, unsatisfactory customer service, and excessive charges. The Frontier settlement, worth over $60 million, expanded access to high-speed internet for Frontier customers in economically distressed communities, ended a hidden monthly $6.99 internet surcharge, and forced improvements in Frontier’s marketing and customer service.

Assistant Attorney General Rebecca Quinn and Deputy Associate Attorney General Michael Wertheimer, Chief of the Consumer Protection Section, assisted the Attorney General in this matter.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering special elections to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – the same date as the next general election – to complete the terms of six probate judges who will each be retiring over the course of the next year. Five of the six judges are reaching the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 for judges.

The governor specifically chose to hold these special elections on the same date as the next general election because doing so will enable the municipalities in each of these probate districts to avoid any added costs of holding separate elections for this purpose.

Probate judges in Connecticut serve four-year terms. The terms of all six retiring judges expire on January 5, 2027. The winner of each special election will begin serving from the date of the current office holder’s retirement through the end of their current term.

The probate districts include:

Region No. 22 Probate District

Towns: Bethlehem, Oxford, Roxbury, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury

Current judge: Honorable Domenick N. Calabrese

Expected retirement date: August 31, 2024

Fairfield Probate District

Towns: Fairfield

Current judge: Honorable Kathleen N. Maxham

Expected retirement date: January 3, 2025

Tolland-Mansfield Probate District

Towns: Coventry, Mansfield, Tolland, Willington

Current judge: Honorable Barbara Gardner Riordan

Expected retirement date: March 9, 2025

Hamden-Bethany Probate District

Towns: Bethany, Hamden

Current judge: Honorable Edward C. Burt, Jr.

Expected retirement date: March 14, 2025

Middletown Probate District

Towns: Cromwell, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown

Current judge: Honorable Joseph D. Marino

Expected retirement date: May 3, 2025

Windham-Colchester Probate District

Towns: Chaplin, Colchester, Hampton, Lebanon, Scotland, Windham

Current judge: Honorable John J. McGrath, Jr.

Expected retirement date: June 12, 2025

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., a renowned civil and environmental engineering firm founded in Connecticut 100 years ago, is expanding its operations in the state. The firm is establishing a new office in Hartford and plans on creating 74 new jobs in the state over the next several years.

Founded in 1924, Fuss & O’Neill has 11 locations in seven states in the northeast, including two offices in Connecticut. The company employes approximately 400 professionals, including 200 in the state. It will be relocating its headquarters from Manchester to a 23,000 square-foot space in Hartford’s Gold Building this autumn.

“Connecticut has the best trained and most skilled workforce in the country, which is why our state is an ideal place for Fuss & O’Neill to expand its operations,” Governor Lamont said. “This highly respected engineering firm employs hundreds of people in good paying jobs in several states, and I am glad that the company has chosen our state as the location to add to its employee base. I look forward to their continued growth here.”

Fuss & O’Neill’s CEO, Kevin Grigg, PE, is excited about the company’s move to Hartford.

“Moving our corporate headquarters to Hartford was a strategic decision that exemplifies our commitment to investing in the communities we serve,” Grigg said. “We have purposefully relocated and opened new offices in urban areas, always seeking environments that inspire innovation and attract top talent. Our move to Hartford aligns with our mission, our work, and our client base. This is an exciting new chapter for our firm as we celebrate our centennial anniversary.”

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is supporting the company’s workforce expansion by providing up to $1,142,489 in tax credits, contingent upon the firm creating and retaining 74 new full-time jobs.

“Fuss & O’Neill has been a fixture in Connecticut for 100 years and we are thrilled to see their continued growth and success here,” DECD Commissioner Dan O’Keefe said. “They are a welcomed addition to our capital city, and their expansion is another testament to the sustained strength of Connecticut’s economy.”

Fuss & O’Neill specializes in planning, design, and construction work in the transportation, water, buildings, government, industry, and energy market sectors.  They have done extensive work in Connecticut, including notable projects such as Beehive Bridge in New Britain, maintaining Hartford’s flood control system, and providing a multitude of services for the Science Park development in New Haven.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed legislation that enacts a law prohibiting health care providers and hospitals in Connecticut from reporting a person’s medical debt to credit rating agencies for use in credit reports. It also voids any medical debt that is reported to credit rating agencies.

“When medical debt is included in a person’s credit report, creditors are making decisions based on a person’s medical history that is not necessarily representative of their financial responsibility and household finances,” Governor Lamont said. “By prohibiting medical debt from being reported to creditors, we are protecting patients who may have otherwise been apprehensive about seeking essential medical care.”

The bill was championed in the legislature by State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), who serves as co-chair of the Human Services Committee.

“Medical debt is not the result of poor financial decisions – it is the result of a health care system where many families are just one accident or one bad diagnosis away from ruined credit and all that comes with it,” Senator Lesser said. “With Governor Lamont’s signature, Connecticut now has some of the strongest consumer protections in the country. This was a priority for me this session and I am grateful to Governor Lamont and to Senate President Martin Looney for their strong support.”

The Connecticut Hospital Association, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and several consumer advocacy groups submitted testimony to the legislature in support of the bill.

The legislation is Public Act 24-6, An Act Concerning the Reporting of Medical Debt. It takes effect July 1, 2024.

[Hartford, CT] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative John Larson (D-CT-01), joined by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Essential Caregivers Act.

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SenatorRichardBlum.mp4

This bill would protect the residents in long-term care facilities, giving all residents nationwide the right to have in person access to an essential caregiver when visitations are restricted due to a declared emergency. The bipartisan bill seeks to prevent a repeat of the isolation and lack of care that long-term care residents were unjustly subjected to during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also requires CMS to set clear and fair guidelines for essential caregivers to protect the safety of facility staff and residents.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the vital role family members play in the care and wellbeing of their loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Blumenthal. “The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that in the event of a future emergency, residents in these facilities will still be able to receive the support, care, and companionship that their family members provide. This commonsense legislation allows at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones at all times—ultimately protecting the overall physical, emotional, and mental health of long-term care residents.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that isolation hurts all of us, yet countless families were prevented from being with their loved ones during their time of need,” said Larson. “I am glad to join Rep. Tenney and Senators Blumenthal and Cornyn in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to expand visiting access for essential caregivers during future public health emergencies to ensure residents can get the support they need from their loved ones and never again face the isolation that was a reality for far too many patients.”

“Under federal law, nursing homes and long-term care facilities have the obligation to allow their residents access to caregivers,” said Tenney. “Sadly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this right was denied to many residents and families, causing many seniors and patients to suffer and die alone. This injustice should never occur again, which is why Congressman John Larson, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator John Cornyn and I introduced the Essential Caregivers Act. We must fix this loophole to protect the rights of senior citizens, those with disabilities, and their families during the next public health crisis.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how invaluable caregivers are to the physical and emotional wellbeing of long-term care facility residents and their families,” said Cornyn. “This bill would ensure residents have consistent access to their loved ones or other designated caregivers, even during public health emergencies when regular visitation may be limited.”

The legislation is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), Susan Wild, (D-PA-07), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), and Donald Davis (D-NC-01).

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong announced today that he has joined a bipartisan, multistate coalition of 22 attorneys general in sending a letter to UnitedHealth Group, Inc. urging the corporation to take more meaningful action to better protect providers, pharmacies, and patients harmed by the recent catastrophic outage of Change Healthcare. UnitedHealth Group is the nation’s largest health insurer and the parent company of Change Healthcare.

On February 21, 2024, Change Healthcare experienced a cyberattack by ALPHV/Blackcat, which crippled its platform. In the intervening weeks, providers, pharmacies, and facilities have reported catastrophic disruptions to care infrastructure, inability to verify coverage or obtain prior authorization, and inability to process claims or obtain reimbursements. Patients report delayed or denied access to prescription drugs, and scheduling appointments or procedures. The Change Healthcare outage profoundly disrupted patient care and has put some providers on the precipice of financial ruin.

Change Healthcare runs the nation’s biggest healthcare clearinghouse. Its technological infrastructure is used by tens of thousands of providers, pharmacies, and insurers to verify insurance, confirm pre-authorization of procedures or services, exchange insurance claims data, and perform other administrative tasks essential to the delivery of health care.

UnitedHealth Group acquired Change Healthcare in 2022.

“The consequences of the Change Healthcare cyberattack have been nothing short of catastrophic for healthcare providers in Connecticut and nationwide. The response from Change and UnitedHealth Group has been inadequate. I join attorneys general nationwide in calling on Change and UnitedHealth Group to take immediate, aggressive action to protect our critical healthcare infrastructure and aid impacted providers,” said Attorney General Tong.

In the letter, Attorney General Tong and the coalition call upon UnitedHealth Group to act quickly to limit the harm to the states’ care providers and patients. Specifically, they ask UnitedHealth Group to take the following steps:

• Enhance and expand financial assistance, free of onerous terms, to all affected providers, facilities, and pharmacies.
• Ensure that financial assistance programs are not providing more advantageous financial assistance to providers, practices, or facilities that are owned by UnitedHealth Group. 
• Shield the business information of providers and pharmacies from United’s other corporate lines of business.
• Suspend requirements for prior authorizations, contemporaneous notifications of change of status, and other documentation requirements.
• Provide a dedicated help line for providers, facilities, pharmacies, and state Attorneys General.
• Proactively inform providers, facilities, pharmacies, and industry groups associated with each, of the steps they can take to preserve claims and receive prompt reimbursement.
• Expeditiously resolve the claims backlog and ensure prompt reimbursement of claims.
• Ensure providers, facilities, pharmacies, regulators, affected patients, and the public are informed of what data was compromised and what steps, if any, are needed for providers and patients to mitigate future identity theft or systems risks.

UnitedHealth Group reported $22 billion in profits in 2023. Even with the February cyberattack, in its first quarter UnitedHealth Group reported revenue of $99.8 billion, up $7.9 billion from the same period the previous year.

In contrast, many hospitals and clinics are operating under tremendous financial strain, relying upon critical infrastructure such as Change Healthcare or adjacent vendors to maintain the operations that support their patient care. The two months of near collapse of the nation’s biggest claims management system since the cyberattack on Change Healthcare has pushed many entities — particularly small independent medical providers and pharmacies — to make difficult choices, such as seeking financial assistance with disadvantageous terms or delaying payroll.

Joining Attorney General Tong in sending the letter to UnitedHealth Group are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

[Hartford, CT] —U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today called on President Biden to enforce stronger sanctions against Iran.

Citing Iran’s attacks on Israel on April 13, as well as the repeated attacks by Iran’s proxies on Israel and U.S. Navy ships, the senators detailed several ways the United States could enforce stronger sanctions against Iran and cripple their ability to fund aggression and terrorism.

“Since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, our servicemen and women, our naval vessels, our other allies in the region, and international shipping have come under attack from Iranian funded, trained, coordinated, and assisted groups. And now, the Iranian attack against Israel demonstrably shows that our current approach to sanctions enforcement requires reassessment,” the Senators wrote. “We believe that the United States and our allies should increase pressure on Iran and limit to the greatest extent possible the revenues available for it to fund aggression and terrorism in the Middle East and beyond. This means, first and foremost, maximum enforcement of sanctions – especially in the oil and gas sector.”

Dear Mr. President:

We write to express our deep appreciation for the steadfast support and commitment shown by our allies and partners in Europe and the Middle East in defending Israel against the hostile attack perpetrated by Iran on April 13th. This defense of Israel was truly an exemplary performance. The swift and decisive response by the United States and our allies sends a clear message to Iran and its proxies that acts of aggression against Israel will not be tolerated.

The fact that 99% of the missiles and drones launched at Israel were defeated, however, should not be an excuse for complacency. We believe that the United States and our allies should increase pressure on Iran and limit to the greatest extent possible the revenues available for it to fund aggression and terrorism in the Middle East and beyond. This means, first and foremost, maximum enforcement of sanctions – especially in the oil and gas sector.

As you are aware, Iran manages to sell approximately $90 billion worth of sanctioned oil using that funding to support its network of proxies in the region, including Hamas, and build its own military capabilities – both of which directly undermine peace and stability in the region.

Increased pressure through sanctions enforcement could also encourage Iran to use its leverage with Hamas to release all 133 hostages who have now been held for more than 193 days and to acquiesce to an end of the conflict in Gaza.

Since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, our servicemen and women, our naval vessels, our other allies in the region, and international shipping have come under attack from Iranian funded, trained, coordinated, and assisted groups. And now, the Iranian attack against Israel demonstrably shows that our current approach to sanctions enforcement requires reassessment.

We respectfully ask that you pursue the following:

· Fully sanction the “ghost fleet” of more than 300 oil tankers that permits Iran to evade sanctions.

· Sanction any third country ports accessed by ships transporting Iranian oil enroute to their final destinations.

· Sanction all entities headquartered in the PRC, including Hong Kong, that buy or finance the import of Iranian oil.

· Expand and enforce secondary sectoral sanctions on Iranian metals, petrochemicals, natural gas, natural gas condensates, and other smaller revenue sources, like Iran’s automotive sector.

· Expand secondary sanctions to the immediate family members of individuals sanctioned for terrorism and WMD-related activity.

· Raise the priority of shutting down Iranian revenue in relationships with all foreign governments, from security partners like the UAE to adversaries like China.

· Support S. 3197, the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023 that would create a funding mechanism for increased investigations, seizure, and sale of illicit Iranian oil.

Thank you for your consideration. We stand ready to work with you to stem the threat that the government of Iran poses to global peace, security, and freedom.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) with a $62.5 million grant under its Solar for All initiative.

This competitive grant program through the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is aimed at expanding solar energy investment in low-income and disadvantaged communities (LIDAC). The grant competition is funded by President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Connecticut’s grant application was led by DEEP in close collaboration with the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Connecticut Department of Housing, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and others, making up the Connecticut Consortium. The consortium’s application is called, “Project SunBridge: Connecting Communities to a Solar Future.”

Project SunBridge will reach thousands of households, with a priority focus on multi-family affordable housing units. The project is designed to overcome current barriers for low-income and disadvantaged communities to access solar and storage energy technologies through a combination of financial and technical assistance.

Governor Lamont said, “This funding means more residents in Connecticut – and importantly, more low-income residents in our state – will be able to realize the benefits of clean, renewable energy and the savings associated with it. This funding provides for more equitable participation in the green economy and helps us make our grid cleaner and more reliable. Thank you to the Biden administration and the EPA for this Inflation Reduction Act funding, to our Congressional delegation for their efforts to pass the underlying legislation, and to DEEP for taking the lead along with fellow application partners to secure this funding for the residents of our state.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This $62.5 million in federal funding will uplift communities, grow well-paying jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expand Connecticut’s solar energy infrastructure.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “Solar energy is a great way to lower energy costs and reduce pollution, but the upfront price makes it hard for many people to afford the switch. Project SunBridge will help ensure low-income communities aren’t excluded from the benefits of solar energy. This $62.5 million in federal funding will cut energy bills for thousands of families and help Connecticut get closer to our goal of a zero-carbon electric sector by 2040.”

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “I worked with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee and the entire Connecticut delegation to pass the largest investment in our nation’s history to combat climate change. This $62.5 million grant, funded by our efforts in Congress, will support the deployment of solar power to more than 12,000 households across the state, including in Hartford and Portland, a huge step toward decarbonizing our electric grid. Whether it be solar, wind, or hydrogen, I will continue to work to ensure our state remains at the forefront of America’s clean energy future.”

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said, “The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in climate mitigation and clean energy in our nation’s history. Today, on Earth Day, Connecticut is once again reaping its rewards with $62.5 million coming to help increase access to solar energy technology across low-income communities. This is a strong step towards ensuring the benefits of clean energy is within reach for every resident.”

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “I am proud to have helped secure these funds for the Solar for All initiative, which will lower energy costs and reduce pollution in vulnerable communities across our state. This Earth Day announcement will propel our work to combat climate change forward and expand renewable energy options to families looking to reduce not only their costs, but their ecological footprint as well.”

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “Connecticut has long been on the cutting edge of innovation to curb the effects of climate change, and I’m thrilled to see this $62.5 million Solar for All grant for Project SunBridge help residents make the transition to clean energy. As the climate crisis continues to disproportionately affect low-income communities, this federal funding will expand access to solar energy for underserved neighborhoods along our coast – a crucial step toward reducing our carbon footprint.”

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Investing in renewable energy is vitally important to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate crisis. I am excited more funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is coming to Connecticut. Through Project SunBridge, DEEP will assist thousands of families access solar energy, with an emphasis on communities with the most need. I look forward to working with Governor Lamont, Commissioner Dykes, and the Connecticut Congressional delegation to continue delivering results for the people of Connecticut.”

DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “We are thrilled the EPA’s national competition recognized the effort and vision to expand the benefits of solar energy here in Connecticut. We have a tremendous opportunity to deliver the affordability and resiliency advantages of solar energy to homes and communities that deserve further investment. We look forward to working with our many partners to promote energy independence while delivering lower energy costs.”

PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett said, “Expanding community solar in our underserved municipalities will increase ratepayer access to the meaningful benefits of renewable energy sources, including reducing carbon emissions and energy bills, and improving grid resilience. PURA applauds the EPA for providing this essential funding that will build on Connecticut’s ongoing efforts to achieve an equitable modern grid for all ratepayers. PURA thanks DEEP for leading this solicitation and is excited to collaborate with our state partners to ensure these new solar projects are successfully deployed.”

Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia said, “Today’s announcement from the EPA recognizes Connecticut’s track record of leading the way on equitable deployment of solar PV and battery storage to share the benefits of the green economy. We look forward to collaborating with members of the Consortium to empower vulnerable communities. This new investment will unlock resources for underinvested families residing in affordable housing to help them realize a reduced energy cost burden.”

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority CEO Nandini Natarajan said, “I am honored for CHFA to be a part of an amazing partnership with our fellow agencies to bring critical federal resources to the state of Connecticut. The EPA’s award celebrates Connecticut’s unwavering dedication to making clean energy accessible to all. The Solar for All program offers an opportunity to reduce energy expenses, invest in the heath and sustainability of Connecticut’s affordable housing inventory, and empower our underserved communities. We are excited to collaborate with our partners to promote energy independence and advance our shared goals of building a more environmentally sustainable and equitable future.”

Through greater access to distributed solar and storage installations, Project SunBridge aims to achieve a minimum household energy savings of 20% for all participants, and will further help Connecticut’s goal of a zero-carbon electric sector by 2040, as established by Public Act 22-5.

These measures will supplement and enhance existing incentive programs in Connecticut such as the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions, Energy Storage Solutions, and Shared Clean Energy Facilities programs. The Connecticut Consortium, along with the electric distribution utilities, is already in the process of creating resources to streamline the customer eligibility verification process and to explain and promote what programs and incentives are available. The consortium seeks to implement Solar for All funds in a way that reaches every corner of Connecticut. Project SunBridge will conduct stakeholder outreach to identify barriers to distributed solar and storage deployment in LIDAC households and identify the most impactful use of funding.

[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to prevent youth suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24. The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would fund suicide prevention initiatives, ensure health care providers receive training to prevent intentional harm, and create a centralized hub to provide safety information to at-risk youth and their support networks.

“Across the country we are seeing a trend of increasing suicide rates that are beyond disturbing and gut-wrenching. We know we can do something. That’s why I’ve introduced the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act to support care and counseling wherever children can be reached – in the schools, in the doctor’s office, in emergency departments,” said Blumenthal on Mondayat a press conference at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford. “Fighting this crisis is critical. With federal funding and support, it must happen.”

Suicide rates among young Americans increased by 52 percent between 2000 and 2021 according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A June 2021 CDC report found a significant increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts among adolescents aged 12-17 during the pandemic, including a spike of more than 50 percent among adolescent girls. In Connecticut, between January 2016 and September 2022, 48 Connecticut children ages 10 to 17 died by suicide.  The age of children dying by suicide in Connecticut is getting younger and younger, according to the Office of the Child Advocate. A critical opportunity to identify young people at risk is in health care settings, but many health care professionals lack the training or resources to do so. This bill prepares health care professionals to identify and respond to warning signs by training them in evidence-based suicide prevention practices like lethal means safety, a practice limiting access to objects that can be used for self-directed violence, and providing funding to connect at-risk patients with crisis resources.

Specifically, the Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act would:

• Establish a grant program to provide funding for initiatives that offer youth suicide prevention and lethal means safety education, training, and resources to health care professionals.
• Establish a grant program to integrate lethal means safety and suicide prevention topics into curricula at health professional schools to ensure that future nurses, doctors, and mental and behavioral health care providers have received the education and training that will allow them to prevent lethal means injuries, deaths, and suicides among their patients.
• Create a centralized hub to provide important lethal means safety and suicide prevention information to at-risk youth and their family members, health professional schools, and health care providers.

Blumenthal has championed initiatives to expand access to mental health care for young people. This year’s government funding bill, which Blumenthal supported, included $104 million for the Youth Mentoring Grant Program, $98.9 million for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, $135 million for STOP School Violence Act programs, and $160 million to the Department of Education to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals across K-12 schools.

The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act is led by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and cosponsored by U.S. Senators Blumenthal, Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-8).

The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act is supported by more than 30 organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, American Hospital Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, Federation of American Hospitals, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, SMART Recovery, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, PA Education Association, Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, National Association of Social Workers, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Sandy Hook Promise, Illinois Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Doc Wayne, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, March for Our Lives, Active Minds, Giffords, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Public Health Association – Public Health Nursing Section, Association of Community Health Nursing Educators, Association of Public Health Nurses, National Association of School Nurses, Rural Nurse Organization, and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Daniel Loughman was formally sworn in as Colonel of the Connecticut State Police, succeeding his role as Interim Colonel since November 1, 2023. The ceremony took place at the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, where DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins administered the oath. Expressing gratitude and humility, Colonel Loughman emphasized his dedication to the men and women of the Connecticut State Police. He lauded their excellence, not only within the state but across the nation, highlighting the agency’s 120-year legacy of citizen protection. “I am honored to lead the Connecticut State Police and serve alongside our committed troopers,” stated Loughman. “Having visited each of the 11 barracks during my interim tenure, I’ve gained valuable insights into our troopers’ needs and aspirations. I am eager to support them in their mission to safeguard our state.” Loughman underscored the troopers’ core values of trust, integrity, and reliability, emphasizing their paramount duty of ensuring public safety. He pledged to uphold the longstanding traditions of the agency, established since its inception in 1903. With over 18 years of service as a trooper, Colonel Loughman brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His previous assignments include serving as Commanding Officer of the Office of Professional Standards and Training, as well as holding leadership positions in the Labor Relations Unit and various Troops across the Central and Western Districts. The Connecticut State Police, the state’s largest law enforcement agency, comprises 930 sworn members responsible for providing primary law enforcement services to 78 towns and safeguarding most state properties. Their duties extend to patrolling approximately 7,000 miles of state highways and serving in various specialized units.