Connecticut, alongside a coalition of 50 states and territories, has reached a $20 million settlement with payment processor ACI Worldwide. This settlement stems from a 2021 testing error by ACI, which led to the unauthorized withdrawal of $2.3 billion from Nationstar Mortgage (also known as Mr. Cooper) customers. In Connecticut, the state will receive $558,740 from this settlement, which includes a $220,000 additional payment due to the state’s leadership role in the multistate, multi-agency action.
The violations occurred on April 23, 2021, when ACI Payments erroneously used live customer data during a test of its Speedpay platform, leading to unexpected and sometimes multiple mortgage payments being withdrawn from customer accounts. In some cases, this exposed consumers to overdraft or insufficient funds fees. While the majority of withdrawals didn’t go through, 1.4 million transactions totaling $2.3 billion were processed, affecting 480,000 Mr. Cooper customers, including 7,136 consumers in Connecticut. The settlement mandates ACI to use artificially created data for testing systems or software, separate testing and development from consumer systems, and undergo regular reporting for two years to ensure compliance.
This multistate settlement aims to protect consumers and ensure that such errors are not repeated, and it has been applauded by Attorney General Tong and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez. Impacted consumers have already received compensation through a separate class-action settlement. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also issued a $25 million penalty and consent order against ACI, further committing the company to consumer safeguards.
Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker have unveiled a comprehensive report, titled “The LEAP Effect: Taking A Systemic Approach to Improving Attendance & Engagement.” The report showcases the success of Connecticut’s Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), an effective student intervention program. LEAP focuses on building trust with families, removing attendance barriers, and reengaging students in school through home visits and check-ins. It emphasizes community partnerships and collaborative efforts to address chronic absenteeism by visiting families and identifying solutions that involve both schools and the community.
The report highlights that LEAP is succeeding as part of a comprehensive system of attendance support, reinforcing the importance of a unified approach. Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works, notes that home visits by trusted adults who act as allies for students and their families are essential in encouraging school attendance, especially during uncertain times. LEAP was launched in early 2021 to reengage students and families in schools during the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was developed collaboratively with Connecticut’s Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) Alliance, involving partnerships with Attendance Works, the Parent Teacher Home Visiting initiative, and organizations like Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and EdAdvance.
The LEAP Effect report offers insights into the LEAP home visiting model’s core components, the program’s support structure, and its funding approach. A comprehensive evaluation of LEAP underscores its positive impact on students and families, improving school attendance and enhancing relationships and connections between schools and families.
(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.”
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 50th 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.
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.
“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 21st 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.
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.”
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission will vote at its upcoming meeting to approve an allocation of $25 million that will be used to purchase new ballot-counting tabulators for use in elections and primaries statewide. The equipment will replace Connecticut’s existing voting machines, which are used at every polling place in the state to tabulate the choices that voters make on their paper ballots.
The governor, who serves as chair of the commission and sets its meeting agendas, said that he is recommending the members to approve the funding because the existing machines, which were first put into use in 2006, are beginning to show signs of aging and should be replaced for the continued functioning of accurate and timely election results. The allocation is being placed on the agenda for approval at the commission’s October 6, 2023, meeting.
“The machines we use to record votes are the backbone of our election system, and it is essential that we provide election officials with the equipment they need to tabulate results with accuracy and timeliness,” Governor Lamont said. “Although our existing machines continue to function, they are more than 17 years old and election officials tell us that they are starting to show their age. Implementing a statewide replacement of all these machines now will ensure that election workers continue to have the tools they need to conduct an Election Day that runs smooth and free of any glitches that could potentially be caused by outdated technology.”
Following the commission’s approval of the funding, it is anticipated that the Office of the Secretary of the State will solicit proposals from manufacturers to supply the state with the equipment. Once purchased, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality and the existing equipment will be retired. The state is funding the entirety of the cost to purchase the equipment. It is estimated that the allocation will enable the state to purchase several thousand traditional tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to tally absentee ballots.
This will be the first time the state is implementing a statewide replacement of all its voting machines since it eliminated the use of lever machines 17 years ago and made a switch to machines that read paper ballots as part of a nationwide requirement enacted by Congress in 2002 for states to have voting systems that keep a paper record of every vote cast in case an election is audited or recounted. Because lever voting machines cannot produce a paper ballot, they were retired from use.
Free Discount Card Enables Consumers To Receive Savings on Certain Prescription Drugs
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced that effective today, Connecticut residents can now enroll in a newly launched program enabling them to receive a discount card that can be presented at pharmacies to receive savings on certain medication.
The discount card is provided through ArrayRx, a multistate consortium Connecticut recently joined that has a goal of providing accessible pharmacy solutions for state partners. Other participating states include Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The multistate consortium uses the leverage of bulk purchasing to offer up to 80% savings on generic prescription drugs and 20% savings on name-brand prescription drugs.
To receive a discount card, Connecticut residents must apply online at arrayrxcard.com. A valid physical Connecticut address and e-mail address are required to enroll. The card is provided to consumers digitally via e-mail and can be downloaded to smartphone wallets. There is no cost to receive a discount card, and there are no age or income restrictions.
Authorization for Connecticut to join the partnership was established by a provision of Governor Lamont’s health care affordability bill, which was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law earlier this year (Public Act 23-171). The program is administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.
“Obtaining this discount card is a way that consumers can save some money on medications they need to stay healthy,” Governor Lamont said. “I encourage all Connecticut residents to sign up for a discount card and use it at the pharmacy.”
“Affording prescription drugs is a significant obstacle many Connecticut residents are facing at a time when costs are rising and insurance covers less than it used to,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “Governor Lamont and I are working hard to rein in high healthcare costs, and the ArrayRx card is a free and secure tool all residents can use to save at their local pharmacy. Regardless of their health insurance status, I urge all Connecticut residents to take advantage of this free program.”
Eligible customers receive 10% or 50% off electric bill
BERLIN, Conn. (Sept. 19, 2023) – A new Low-Income Discount Rate will be available for Eversource financial hardship customers in Connecticut beginning in December 2023. Depending on their household income, eligible customers will receive 10% or 50% off their electric bills per month. For example, if a customer has a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if they receive a 10% discount or $50 less if they receive the 50% discount. Customers must have a financial hardship status on their electric account to receive the discount on their bill.“We know how challenging high energy costs can be and we want to help customers to afford their energy bill, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations Jess Cain. “This new low-income discount rate coupled with our other programs and assistance that are available can really help make a difference for lower income customers and their families.”Verified financial hardship customers are eligible for a 10% discount on their total monthly electric bill. Customers with an annual household income at or below 160% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can qualify for the 50% discount rate. Customers can check if their income meets that criteria at Eversource.com/billhelp or they may call us at 800-286-2828. To verify eligibility, customers must submit receipt of a public assistance benefit for at least one household member or proof of income for all household members over 18, such as an Unemployment or Social Security benefit letter, current pay stubs or if self-employed, the most recent 1099 Form. Customers can visit Eversource.com or call the energy company at 800-286-2828 to submit the necessary documents. Eversource customers enrolled in the Low-Income Discount Rate can still take advantage of other assistance programs, including:The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, we will subtract a dollar from the amount owed.The New Start program forgives overdue balances if monthly budget payments are made on time. Medical Protection Plan protects from disconnections for residential customers who have a household member with a certified serious or life-threatening illness. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of Connecticut homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines.Operation Fuel offers emergency energy assistance for heating expenses for qualified households. The energy company also encourages all customers, regardless of income, to take advantage of its other payment options and energy efficiency solutions that can help them manage their energy usage year-round. More information on the company’s national-leading energy efficiency programs is available at Eversource.com.For more information about the new Low-Income Discount Rate as well as other assistance or energy efficiency programs available to support customers, customers can visit Eversource.com/billhelp or call 800-286-2828.
