(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding an announcement made today by the White House that the Biden-Harris administration has approved a new federal rule implementing a key provision of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 that clarifies who must register as a federally licensed firearms dealer and requires anyone who sells firearms to conduct criminal and mental health background checks on potential buyers, regardless of how a sale is conducted.
The requirement addresses a loophole in federal rules that up until now did not require background checks for firearms that are sold online and at gun shows. Connecticut already requires universal background checks for gun sales, however many states do not. By implementing this new federal rule, these background checks will be required in all 50 states.
“Universal criminal and mental health background checks on firearm sales is an issue that has near-unanimous support of Americans, however for too many decades Congress has neglected the will of the people and refused to enact this commonsense requirement,” Governor Lamont said. “When it comes to firearms and efforts to prevent gun violence, a patchwork of different laws in different states does not work. As called for in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 as authored by Senator Chris Murphy, this rule is a coherent national policy that closes a gap in our federal background check system and is supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking this step and for their commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.”
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation are applauding an announcement made today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that $5 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was created under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, is being awarded to the Coalition for Green Capital, a consortium of organizations from throughout the country that includes the Connecticut Green Bank.
The Connecticut Green Bank will use the funding to catalyze public-private investments in the creation of environmental infrastructure in vulnerable communities to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs for consumers, and increase resilience against climate change. Priority projects will include infrastructure in areas such as green schools, green school buses, green homes, green municipal and commercial buildings, green resilience hubs, land conservation and climate-smart agriculture, and other types of environmental infrastructure.
With this funding, the Coalition for Green Capital will partner with and expand an economically self-sufficient ecosystem of green banks, including the first-in-the-nation Connecticut Green Bank and community partners. By providing co-investment opportunities and other services as a national green bank, the coalition will accelerate the recycling of capital to maximize benefits.
This investment will stand up a first-of-its-kind national network that will finance tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Specifically, the EPA is awarding the grants as part of the act’s National Clean Investment Fund and Clean Communities Investment Accelerator.
Governor Lamont said, “This grant from the EPA will go a long way in supporting Connecticut’s efforts to build infrastructure that helps us reach our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making our state more resilient against climate change. On behalf of Connecticut, I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and EPA Administrator Regan for leading the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund process in a diligent, comprehensive, and inclusive manner. This award will help the Connecticut Green Bank increase and accelerate private investment in our state’s environmental infrastructure, especially in our vulnerable communities.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This $5 billion in federal funding is critical to building clean energy infrastructure and a more energy resilient Connecticut. The Connecticut Green Bank is doing transformative work in our state to fight climate change and protect our most disadvantaged communities from environmental injustice. I am proud to fight alongside the Connecticut delegation for strong investments like these that will tackle the climate crisis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and grow well-paying jobs.”
Senator Chris Murphy said, “Our state has set the national standard for green banks, and I’m thrilled to see this massive investment in the Connecticut Green Bank. This federal funding will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying jobs, and increase resilience in communities that have been the most impacted by climate change but have the fewest resources. It’s a win-win for the climate and our state’s economy.”
Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “Today’s announcement is an investment in good-paying jobs and unleashing America’s clean energy future. I am proud of the work the Connecticut delegation has done and will continue to do to secure funding to support the Connecticut Green Bank, which has been a model for the nation in the fight against climate change. This funding will build on their important mission to invest in innovative green energy solutions, protect residents from dangerous pollution, and uplift communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices.”
Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said, “When we talk about becoming more energy efficient, more energy independent, and better stewards of our environment, this is the kind of serious investment we need to achieve those goals. With the federal funding announced today from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Connecticut Green Bank will enable communities across the region to stand up more climate resilient infrastructure and projects that reduce greenhouse emissions.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said, “This award to the Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first green bank, will accelerate investments in the clean economy, reduce emissions and improve the quality of life for all Americans. The intent of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was to ensure that entities like the Connecticut Green Bank can spread the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act to underserved communities. Investments like the one today empower clean technology projects to create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs for American families, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities, while cutting harmful pollution to protect people’s health and tackle the climate crisis.”
Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “The Connecticut Green Bank is an invaluable asset in the national effort to curb the effects of climate change and a key driver of our state’s transition to a clean energy economy. I’m thrilled to see $5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund go to organizations like the Connecticut Green Bank to facilitate public-private investments in green infrastructure across the country. This award will help make our communities more resilient against extreme weather events, slash energy costs for residents, and limit our greenhouse gas emissions so that future generations may inherit a livable, vibrant planet.”
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Once again, Inflation Reduction Act funding will be coming back to our state through the Connecticut Green Bank. This legislation has a tremendous impact on Connecticut as we look to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions and deploy clean energy infrastructure. I look forward to continuing the work to deliver wins for our state.”
Lonnie Reed, chair of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Green Bank, said, “Over a decade ago, with support from the Coalition for Green Capital, we passed nearly unanimous bipartisan legislation establishing the nation’s first state-level green bank. Through the steadfast determination of our board and staff, with the support of Governor Lamont, Connecticut General Assembly, and Connecticut Congressional delegation, we have demonstrated in Connecticut how to deploy resources to attract and mobilize private investment that is creating jobs in our communities, reducing energy burden on our families and businesses, and confronting climate change, especially in our vulnerable communities.”
Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, said, “We know the economywide benefits of mobilizing investment in clean energy and environmental infrastructure projects can have a profound impact on families and businesses, especially those in vulnerable communities. Working with the Coalition for Green Capital, the Green Bank is ready to go to further mobilize private investment to achieve the EPA’s objectives of the National Clean Investment Fund.”
I’m receiving numerous calls about a possible earthquake. My family felt it in Fairfield along with other viewers. The United States Geological Survey website says there was an earthquake in Lebanon New Jersey.
(New London, CT) – Joshua Peikert was apprehended and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Risk of Injury to Minors while attending a hearing at New London Superior Court for unrelated charges. This arrest comes after a thorough investigation, which included inquiries in Texas where the accused’s accomplice provided a full confession.
The accomplice, taken into custody by law enforcement officials in Azle, TX, on 04/02/2024, awaits extradition back to Connecticut to face identical charges. Despite being unable to post the court-set $500,000 bond, Joshua Peikert has been remanded to the custody of the CT Department of Correction.
Newly Enacted Rate Change in the Earned Income Tax Credit Comes in Addition to the Recent Cut in Income Tax Rates for Middle-Income Workers (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut residents that thousands of low-to-moderate income individuals and families in the state are eligible to receive a significant boost in tax credits when they file their personal income tax returns this year due to a newly enacted rate change in the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has increased from the most recent rate of 30.5% for the 2022 income year to the new rate of 40% for the 2023 income year.
The rate change – which was enacted as a result of the state budget bill that the legislature approved and Governor Lamont signed into law last year and which also includes several other significant tax relief measures – means that lower-income filers will receive several hundred dollars in additional tax credits this year above what they received the prior year, depending on their income and number of dependents. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit have families with children. “Increasing the rate of the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most impactful provisions in the recently enacted state budget because it will provide direct relief to low-to-moderate income workers who are providing for their families,” Governor Lamont said. “Numerous studies have shown that this tax credit is one of the best anti-poverty tools we can use because it encourages work, boosts economic stability, and uplifts generations to come. Ultimately, these tax credits improve entire communities because these dollars are being invested right back into our local economy through groceries, transportation, clothing, rent, utilities, and other necessary expenses. I want to make sure Connecticut’s working families know about this tax credit and claim it.” “The Department of Revenue Services is proud to administer the Earned Income Tax Credit, as it provides direct relief to working families across Connecticut,” Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said. “Our dedicated DRS staff are happy to help all taxpayers who qualify for this credit to claim it on their tax returns. Additionally, individuals who qualify may utilize assistance from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.” The Connecticut EITC is based on the amount of the federal EITC. It is available to those earning less than: $56,838 ($63,698 married filing jointly) with 3 or more qualifying children $52,918 ($59,478 married filing jointly) with 2 qualifying children $46,560 ($53,120 married filing jointly) with 1 qualifying child $17,640 ($24,210 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children It is estimated that approximately 211,000 households in Connecticut are eligible. The Connecticut EITC was created in 2011 and has had varying rates over the last decade, including 30% in 2012, 25% in 2013, 27.5% from 2014 to 2016, 23% from 2017 to 2020, and 30.5% in 2021 and 2022. This new 40% rate makes Connecticut among the top five states in the nation with the largest EITC rates. EITC rate increase comes in addition to the income tax cut for middle-income households that took effect January 1, 2024 In addition to the rate change in the Connecticut EITC, the state budget bill that Governor Lamont signed last year includes cuts to the state’s income tax rates that are targeted toward providing relief to middle-income households earning less than $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers. Those cuts, which went into effect on January 1, 2024, reduced the two lowest rates of the state’s progressive tax structure by: Decreasing the rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the first $20,000 by joint filers from 3% to 2%; and Decreasing the rate on the next $40,000 earned by single filers and the next $80,000 by joint filers from 5% to 4.5%. This is the first time that income tax rates have been cut in Connecticut since the mid-1990s. It is also the single largest income tax cut enacted in state history. The income tax cut is estimated to benefit more than one million tax filers.
Transnational criminal organizations targeting Americans in complex investment scams, older Connecticut residents at increased risk. (MIDDLETOWN CT – March 26, 2024) – According to the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3), cryptocurrency investment fraud grew more than 53% in 2023 to approximately $4.5 billion. But it may be far worse, as a recent study suggests that the total since 2021 may actually be $75 billion. What is causing this loss? Law enforcement has identified this scam as “pig butchering.” In pig butchering investment scams, also known as sha zhu pan (杀猪盘) in Chinese, the fraudster initially contacts the victim through dating apps, social media, or professional networking platforms. They build trust with the victim over several weeks or months, often feigning romantic interest or establishing a friendly rapport. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer claims to have insider knowledge of a lucrative investment opportunity such as cryptocurrency, foreign exchange trading, or a new venture, and persuades the victim to invest. The scammer may direct the victim to a fraudulent trading platform or app, which appears to show impressive returns on their investment. Encouraged by these fake profits, the victim is lured into investing more money. However, when the victim attempts to withdraw their funds, they discover that the platform is a sham and their money is lost. The term “pig butchering” refers to the scammer’s practice of “fattening up” the victim with promises of wealth before “slaughtering” them by stealing their money. It is crucial for the public to be aware of these scams, to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online acquaintances, and to thoroughly research any investment opportunity before committing funds. Law enforcement notes that many scammers are themselves victims of human trafficking, forced to endure appalling working and living conditions. This fact does not justify their actions, but serves as a significant reminder of the pervasiveness and reach of these transnational organized crime syndicates.
In 2023, the Cryptocurrency Working Group of the Connecticut State Police succeeded in recovering nearly $4 million in assets for Connecticut victims, though this is a small number in comparison to the total losses. The State Police continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners, as well as stakeholders from industry, to investigate scams. Warning Signs to Avoid Being Scammed To prevent pig butchering investment scams, several common warning signs should raise red flags for residents:
Unsolicited contact: Be wary of strangers who reach out unexpectedly through dating apps, social media, or professional networking platforms, especially if they quickly try to move the conversation to Whats App for investing.
Too-good-to-be-true returns: If someone promises guaranteed high returns with little to no risk, it is likely a scam. Legitimate investments always carry some level of risk.
Pressure to invest quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming that an opportunity is time-sensitive or scarce. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to make swift investment decisions.
Unregistered investments: Before investing, check if the company or individual is registered with regulatory bodies such as the CT Department of Banking, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Unregistered entities are a red flag.
Lack of transparency: If the person is evasive about their background, the investment details, or the company they represent, this is a warning sign. Legitimate professionals should be transparent and willing to provide verifiable information.
Requests for personal information: Be cautious if someone asks for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or copies of your ID, especially early in the relationship.
Unusual payment methods: If the person insists on using unconventional payment methods – such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency – this may be a scam. To prevent falling victim to scams, individuals should thoroughly research any investment opportunity, consult with a trusted financial advisor, and never invest more than they can afford to lose. Remember, if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Older adults, particularly those who have accumulated significant savings or have access to retirement funds, should be extra vigilant when it comes to potential investment opportunities presented by new acquaintances. Scammers often target older individuals, perceiving them as having more disposable income and potentially being less familiar with online investment platforms or current scam tactics. A 2021 study by AARP found over 56% of victims were over the age of 50 years old with a median loss of $3,000. Where to Report an Incident The State Police also warn victims to avoid or carefully scrutinize the use of third-party cryptocurrency tracing services who require hefty downpayments or a percentage of “recovered” assets. The companies claim to have the ability to recover stolen cryptocurrency when in fact they have no legal jurisdiction or authority to freeze or seize assets, only law enforcement does through the judicial process. CT residents are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of fraud to their local police or State Police barracks. The State Police have also established an email specific to cryptocurrency related crimes: CSP.virtualcurrency@ct.gov. We also recommend that a report be filed at FBI’s www.IC3.gov
Customers Can Request, Schedule New On-Demand Ride Services
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that new microtransit services will begin in various communities throughout Connecticut between March 26, 2024, and July 30, 2024. These services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to develop and pilot on-demand microtransit service.
Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. The pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions exercisable by CTDOT, based on performance and ridership.
“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” Governor Lamont said. “These services allow people to use an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas, connecting them to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services.”
“Microtransit brings public transportation to communities that have lacked fixed route bus service,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature for the continued investment in high-quality public transportation that eliminates gaps between communities and increases access and mobility throughout our state.”
On-demand microtransit services will begin on a staggered basis in the following locations:
Starting March 26, 2024
Norwalk Transit District: Serving Norwalk.
Starting April 1, 2024
Greater Hartford Transit: Serving Enfield and portions of East Windsor.
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Groton.
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving New London.
Valley Transit District: Serving the Ansonia Train Station, Derby, and Shelton.
Starting April 6, 2024
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Stonington HOP, additional service hours on existing services to include Saturday service.
Starting April 8, 2024
Milford Transit: Serving Milford.
Starting April 22, 2024
Greater Bridgeport Transit: Serving Trumbull.
Starting May 6, 2024
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): New London Smart: Service to include late night service on existing microtransit services.
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Waterford.
Starting May 28, 2024
River Valley Transit (Estuary Transit): Serving Madison, Guilford, and portions of East Hampton and Middletown.
Starting July 1, 2024
City of Stamford: Serving a five-mile boundary within the city.
Starting July 30, 2024
City of New Haven: Serving the Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services.
In addition to this new pilot program, existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (River Valley Transit), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).
The latest episode of Along the Lines, a podcast produced by CTDOT, discusses the pilot program and the benefits and transformative potential of microtransit in shaping the future of public transportation in Connecticut. This episode can be accessed at www.alongthelinesct.com.
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced legislation today to ensure the safety and reliability of used cars. The legislation, the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act, requires car dealers to repair any outstanding safety recalls in used cars prior to selling, leasing, or loaning them to consumers. Current federal law does not prohibit car dealers from selling cars with open recalls, threatening the safety of everyone on the road. The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act addresses this gap in consumer protections and better safeguards car buyers who often believe they are purchasing a vehicle with safety assurances.
“Whether a car is brand new or used, nobody should be at risk of purchasing an unsafe car,” said Markey. “And it doesn’t matter if a car is still on the lot or in a driveway, it needs to be made safe. I am proud to work alongside Senators Blumenthal and Warren on this important legislation to ensure unrepaired cars, subject to an outstanding recall, remain off our roads. Let’s close this loophole so that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are safe once and for all.”
With over 35 million used cars purchased in the United States in 2023, bolstering the safety of used cars remains an increasingly pressing issue. The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act prevents the sale of used vehicles with safety defects by prohibiting auto dealers from selling, leasing, or loaning vehicles with unrepaired open recalls to consumers.
To ensure that open recalls are repaired, the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act incentivizes auto dealers to swiftly repair recalls by allowing them to sell recalled vehicles to other dealers who have the ability to fix the defects instead of sitting in their lots. The legislation also requires manufacturers to provide dealers with parts to repair safety defects within 60 days or reimburse dealers if the manufacturers cannot provide the necessary parts.
“No one should have to worry when they buy a car from a dealership that the dealer is deliberately selling them a hazardous, defective recalled deathtrap — whether it’s new or used. Senator Blumenthal’s bill is crucial for helping protect America’s used car buyers and their families from suffering devastating injuries or being killed. While used car buyers and their surviving family members do have important rights under state laws, those may not kick in unless someone has suffered damages or died. We still need NHTSA to be able to crack down on dealers who violate federal law, to help prevent tragedies from happening,” said Rosemary Shahan, President of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety.
“Millions of unrepaired and dangerous recalled vehicles are operated on America’s roads every day, threatening drivers, passengers and other road users. The widespread practice of selling these dangerous vehicles without first fixing obvious and identified safety hazards unacceptably shifts the burden from manufacturers and used car sellers onto the party least equipped to address the danger – the consumer. The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act incentivizes manufacturers to get recall repairs completed quickly and protects everyone on the road by closing the federal loophole permitting the sale of unrepaired recalled used cars,” said Michael Brooks, Executive Director of Center for Auto Safety
William Wallace, associate director of safety policy for Consumer Reports, said, “At the bare minimum, people should be able to trust that a used car they’re buying is not coming to them with known, unrepaired safety defects—and right now, that’s not assured. Consumer Reports strongly supports the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act. We urge every member of Congress to support the bill and press for it to become law expeditiously.”
“Many consumers will never buy a new car, and second-hand cars should not mean second-rate safety. An unrepaired safety recall can put road users at risk of death or injury, yet these tragic occurrences can be prevented by repair before resale. We commend Senators Richard Blumenthal, Ed Markey, and Elizabeth Warren, for reintroducing the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act which ensures commonsense actions to keep vehicles with unrepaired recalls off the roads,” said Tara Gill, Senior Director, Federal and State Government Relations, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
“This bill will put the brakes on the sale of dangerous used cars,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG’s legislative director. “Consumers, rightly so, have the expectation that when shopping at used car dealerships they are being sold safe cars, and at the very least, they certainly would not expect for sale any car that is still under a safety recall.”
“New cars can’t be sold with an open recall, why should used cars be an exception? This bill is important to close the gap on safety and protect buyers,” says longtime safety advocate Sean Kane, of Safety Research & Strategies.
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and U.S.SenatorsSherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) on Thursday introduced the Improving Public Safety Through Immigration Warrant Issuance Act, legislation to improve public safety and ensure strategic cooperation between state and federal governments by creating a mechanism that would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to obtain a judicially authorized warrant for a noncitizen who has been charged or convicted of committing a felony or violent crime in the United States. Under the current system, when a noncitizen is charged by state or local law enforcement, ICE often issues an administrative request, known as a detainer, to hold the person in state custody until ICE arrives. However, because detainers are not authorized by a judge, state or local law enforcement cannot hold a person in physical custody longer than the period they would have been released or they risk violating that person’s Fourth Amendment rights.
“Even though we know immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than Americans, it is also true that there are times when ICE needs to take custody of a noncitizen accused or convicted of a serious crime. This proposal is a narrowly-tailored, commonsense solution to address that serious gap, while also preserving the due process rights of noncitizens. Unlike the bills proposed by House Republicans, this legislation would actually fix one of the problems facing our immigration system, rather than serve as a messaging tool to demonize immigrants. If Republicans are interested in anything other than political theater they should support this bill,” said Murphy.
“We need to do everything we can to keep Ohio communities safe and secure the border. That means making sure that local, state, and federal law enforcement have the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Brown. “With this legislation, we can make the changes necessary to ensure law enforcement can work together to protect the people they serve.”
“Wisconsinites should feel safe in their neighborhoods and know that law enforcement has the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Baldwin. “Our bill ensures that if a noncitizen is charged with a violent crime or could be a risk to our community, our state and federal law enforcement agencies can effectively coordinate to protect Wisconsin communities. This is a step in the right direction to fixing our broken immigration system and I am proud to be part of the solution.”
“We have a solemn obligation to keep our communities safe, and all criminals off our streets,” said King. “The Improving Public Safety Through Immigration Warrant Issuance Act isa commonsense step forward that will work to improve coordination between local, state and federal authorities regarding undocumented people who have been charged with or convicted of violent crimes. This legislation reinforces our commitment to public safety while we work toward a bipartisan solution to our nation’s insufficient immigration policies.”
“As families across Pennsylvania are increasingly worried about public safety in their communities, we need to make sure that violent criminals aren’t being released from custody because of a system that isn’t working,” said Casey. “This bill would give local and federal law enforcement the tools they need to better coordinate and keep perpetrators of serious and violent crimes off our streets.”
“Public safety is one of my top priorities,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in calling for this commonsense step to ensure that federal and local law enforcement can work together to help protect communities from people who pose a genuine threat to public safety or national security.”
Specifically, the legislation would:
Ensure due process and consistency with the U.S. Constitution by requiring ICE to show probable cause, which is the same standard that state and local governments must meet to obtain a criminal warrant;
Ensure that individuals who have been charged or convicted of a felony, a crime of violence, including crimes against children, or who are a national security threat and are removable under the immigration laws, remain in physical custody as appropriate;
Ensure that an entity holding a noncitizen, pursuant to a lawfully served warrant, notifies the federal government when such noncitizen is planned to be released.
[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined Senate colleagues in introducing two new bills that would ban predatory practices by landlords who use pricing algorithms to avoid competition and raise rents.
Senator Blumenthal is a cosponsor of both the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act, which would prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices, and the Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, which would crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets.
“This practice affects housing throughout Connecticut. This kind of conscious collusion ought to be stopped. It is inflating rents for the ordinary person who goes to the landlord and is given a price that is based on an algorithm rather than real competition. Stifling competition ultimately means higher prices for renting apartments and homes here in Connecticut and all around the country,” said Blumenthal on Tuesday at a press conference at Greater Hartford Legal Aid.
The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act would prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices. Price fixing and other forms of collusion are illegal under current antitrust laws. However, current antitrust laws may be insufficient when competing companies delegate their pricing decisions to an algorithm. This has already occurred in rental housing, and we must ensure that it does not spread to other sectors of our economy with the proliferation of algorithmic pricing. To strengthen current price fixing law, this legislation would:
Clarify the law to make it easier to challenge algorithmic price-fixing and help antitrust enforcers stop algorithmic price-fixing before it occurs;
Increase transparency by requiring companies that use algorithms to set prices to disclose that fact and give antitrust enforcers the ability to audit the pricing algorithm when there are concerns it may be harming consumers;
Ban companies from using competitively sensitive information from their direct competitors to inform or train a pricing algorithm;
Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study pricing algorithms’ impact on competition.
The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act is led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and cosponsored by Senators Blumenthal, Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI). The bill is endorsed by the Open Markets Institute and American Economic Liberties Project.
The Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act would crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets. These services allow landlords to collude to set prices via software and price-setting algorithms. The bill is led by Senators Wyden and Welch, and cosponsored by Senators Blumenthal, Klobuchar, and Hirono, as well as Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Jeff Merkley, (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
According to reporting by ProPublica and other news outlets, companies like RealPage and Yardi advertise their products as “property management software,” but in fact they help landlords in Connecticut and across the nation to coordinate prices to increase rental rates in the same market. The companies collect real-time price and lease information and in return suggest rent increases. The result is less competition and higher rent prices for consumers. RealPage, for example, says that it increases rents for client landlords between 5% and 12%. This legislation would:
Make it unlawful for rental property owners to contract for the services of a company that coordinates rental housing prices and supply information, and designate such arrangements a per se violation of the Sherman Act;
Prohibit the practice of coordinating price, supply, and other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners;
Make it unlawful for two or more coordinators to merge where a merger creates an appreciable risk of materially lessening competition; and
Allow individual plaintiffs to invalidate any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or pre-dispute joint action waiver that would prevent their bringing a suit under this act.
The Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
