Category: State News

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education, will distribute an additional $25.1 million in special food assistance benefits to the families of 209,820 children on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Families of children who are enrolled in the free or reduced-price meals program at their schools and who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), or Medicaid (HUSKY A) assistance will receive the additional benefits. These one-time supplemental benefits are in the amount of $120 per child. Funding will automatically be transferred to the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards of eligible households.

Governor Lamont said, “These additional SNAP benefits will help provide quality, nutritious food to children just as they are beginning the school year. This special round of assistance comes in addition to our recent announcement that we are expanding the free school meals program for this new school year, enabling more students to receive access to breakfast and lunch at no additional cost to them or their families. Every child should have nourishing meals, and our administration remains committed to increasing food security for families.”

Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said, “In August, we initiated the first round of benefits and were proud to provide assistance to more than 57,300 kids in Connecticut. This round, we expanded eligibility to all school-aged children, providing a boost in assistance to more families.”

Funding for this special distribution comes from the federal Summer Pandemic EBT: Children in School program.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) alerts riders that train service on the Metro-North (MNR) New Canaan Branch Line resumes on Saturday, September 2, with the 6:20 a.m. train.

Over the last several months, a track improvement project was underway along the line. Now that the project is completed, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area has been eliminated, allowing trains to travel 20 miles per hour faster through this section.

In advance of train service resuming, test trains will be operating along the New Canaan Branch Line between Stamford and New Canaan in both directions to test and inspect the railroad crossings and tracks.

“We appreciate the public remaining patient as this important work took place over the summer months. These infrastructure improvements allow for improved and more reliable service on the New Canaan Branch Line into the future,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Ben Limmer. “We remind the public to use caution around the tracks as trains will resume operation shortly. We look forward to welcoming customers back on September 2 as we head into a busy fall season.”

The public is reminded to use caution at all railroad crossings. CTDOT offers the following reminders and safety tips:

Red Flashing Lights and Gates mean “Road Closed”.It is unsafe – and illegal – for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle operators to bypass flashing railroad warning lights or lowered gates. A person violating a crossing as a pedestrian or motorist can be held liable for injuries to train passengers/railroad employees or damages to railroad property resulting from a train making an emergency stop to avoid a collision.
Emergency Notification System (ENS). Each railroad crossing has a blue sign posted with a phone number and Crossing Identification Number to use in the event of a crossing emergency such as a car stuck on the tracks or malfunctioning warning devices. If your car gets stuck on the tracks – get out, get away, and phone the ENS number immediately.
Railroad Property is Private Property. Using the tracks for walking, cycling, or vehicles is unsafe and against the law.
Keep Pets Leashed. For their own safety and that of their handlers, pets should always be under control whenever near railroad tracks or crossings.
Customers are reminded the complete train schedule can be accessed at https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad.

All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app, visit https://new.mta.info/traintime.

For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:

MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place.

new.mta.info – The “Service Status” box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.

Noting that the State of Connecticut is “literally leaving people out in the cold,” Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly today testified at a legislative public hearing in support of bolstering Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding.

“The administration and the majority touted a major state income tax cut this year, but I want you all to consider this fact:  Many vulnerable households effectively could lose all of their tax relief – and more – unless state officials act to fix heating assistance,” Sen. Kelly told an Aug. 28 joint hearing of the Appropriations, Human Services and Energy & Technology Committees.

Sen. Kelly told the committees that Connecticut’s poorest families on emergency heating assistance could get nearly $1,000 less in government aid this winter.

“To put it in perspective: this year’s benefit is only 28% of what it was two years ago!” Sen. Kelly said. “The solution? Connecticut can afford to help all those in need to stay warm. While state government’s coffers are full, there’s a substantial part of our state that’s struggling economically. Refusing to help on the grounds that it’s ‘Washington’s responsibility’ is a callous, cold-hearted policy.”

Sen. Kelly noted how Republicans and energy assistance advocates sounded the alarm about heating assistance funding last fall. Republicans predicted the $94 million in LIHEAP funds originally available for Connecticut in the winter of 2022-23 would be insufficient and argued that a budget closer to $200 million was needed to meet the demand.

Republicans tried during the committee process last August to allocate about $110 million in state ARPA funds to support winter heating assistance, but Democrats rejected that measure before settling on $30 million at year end.

“However, at that time I warned my colleagues that unless we amend the benefit levels too, the $30 million will go unused,” Sen. Kelly said.

“Tragically, in March, we learned that none of the additional $30 million that had been committed toward heating assistance had been spent. None! That was a terrible abdication of duty on the part of state government – literally leaving people out in the cold. It is unconscionable that the $30 million we authorized to help people in need went unused. We are talking about seniors, the disabled, and families in and near poverty. Imagine how many needy residents would have been helped by that money? Imagine how many people slipped further into poverty by that failure to allocate the $30 million?”

Sen. Kelly highlighted stories of how plummeting heating assistance is negatively impacting struggling Connecticut families and taking a toll on their mental health.  He noted how Derby-based human services group TEAM Inc. in January said it received more than 4,600 applications for the energy assistance program, a 35 percent increase from the same period last year.

“Does anyone think this unsustainable trend is miraculously going to reverse itself this winter?” Sen. Kelly asked. “We must act to help these asset limited, income challenged (ALICE) families and we must act to prevent tragedies from happening.  Bottom line: The administration and the majority must acknowledge these facts that Republicans have and will continue to raise. Republicans will continue to be the voice of families in need until they are heard.  These are seniors on fixed income, the disabled, and families in need. These are human beings. Don’t tell me ‘We can’t afford it.’ Lives hang in the balance. We can’t afford not to do it.”

(Hartford, CT) – In a letter today to Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais, Attorney General William Tong argued that double-digit rate increases sought by Anthem, Cigna and ConnectiCare are unjustified, unsupported by evidence, and must be rejected.

The proposed average individual rate request for the plan year starting January 1, 2024 is a 12.4 percent increase, compared to 20.4 percent in plan year 2023. Increases requested range from 9.8 percent to 17.5 percent. The proposed average small group rate request is a 14.8 percent increase, compared to 14.8 percent in 2023 and ranges from 7.5 percent to 23.0 percent. While the Connecticut Insurance Department does not approve large and self-insured plans covering the majority of Connecticut residents, Attorney General Tong notes in his letter that the Department’s actions in this proceeding impact the incentive structure and negotiation dynamics broadly between insurers and healthcare providers.

“Simply put, the decisions made here will impact the cost of healthcare in Connecticut for us all,” Attorney General Tong states.

Pursuant to Connecticut law, in order for these rates to be approved, the Connecticut Insurance Department must determine that these requested rates are not “excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory.”

“The burden of proof falls on the insurers to justify their rates—to provide transparent, factually-supported actuarial analysis. In at least the case of Cigna’s 14.9 percent increase in the small group market, Anthem’s 9.8 percent increase in the individual group and 14.9 percent increase in the small group market, and ConnectiCare’s 17.5 percent increase in the individual market, the insurers have failed to meet that burden and their requests must be rejected. Should any increase or modification be granted, the burden is on these companies to immediately amend their submissions with factually-supported evidence before the Department takes any further action,” Attorney General Tong states in his letter.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has implemented new Complete Streets design criteria to be incorporated into all projects. The Complete Streets design criteria is an expansion of CTDOT’s Complete Street Policy, ensuring that every project includes a focus on pedestrian and bicyclist facilities and public transportation operations to create stronger intermodal transportation networks and improve safety. Complete Streets Policies are aimed at creating roadways that work for everyone. By ensuring the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit customers of all ages and abilities, safety is improved, and a stronger transportation network is created. “While this change may sound technical, it is a big deal for improving the safety of our transportation network. I am incredibly proud of our Bureaus of Engineering and Construction and Policy and Planning for tackling the challenge I posed to them and developing these new Complete Streets design criteria for all of our future projects,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We are doing everything we can break down barriers to transportation and make Connecticut roadways more accessible for everyone.” “Utilizing Complete Streets design criteria is just one of the many ways we’re working to make Connecticut safer for all roadway users,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Chief Engineer and Bureau Chief of Engineering and Construction Scott Hill. “This change will solidify and ensure that pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety is incorporated into the billions of dollars worth of projects we have planned in our Capital Program.” 2022 was the deadliest year on Connecticut roadways in decades, with more than 360 fatalities, including more than 70 pedestrian deaths. The new CTDOT Complete Streets Design criteria focuses on three areas to improve safety and mobility: Pedestrian facilities – includes sidewalks, shared use paths, or side paths on both sides of the roadway. Bicycle facilities – includes paved outside shoulders, bike lanes, separated bike paths, or shared use paths on both sides of the roadway. Transit provisions – includes crosswalks, shelters, benches, and other ways to make existing or proposed transit stops more accessible. If any CTDOT project does not meet these three criteria, a formal design exemption and approval is required by the CTDOT Chief Engineer. The new design criteria can be viewed here. The new design criteria is part of a larger CTDOT strategy to improve safety and mobility, and reduce roadway crashes and injuries. For more information on CTDOT Complete Streets, visit ct.gov/dot

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut will hold Sales Tax-Free Week from Sunday, August 20, 2023, to Saturday, August 26, 2023.

During this one-week sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice.

“This tax-free holiday is scheduled at the perfect time to help families stretch their dollars during the back-to-school season, while also giving businesses an extra boost to their bottom line,” Governor Lamont said. “I encourage everyone taking advantage of these savings to shop at some of our state’s locally owned retailers and support Connecticut’s great small business community.”

“Sales Tax-Free Week is a great opportunity for Connecticut families to get their back-to-school shopping done and save money at the same time,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these savings and shop at their local small businesses, allowing those dollars to be reinvested back into their communities.”

“Shopping this week means real savings for Connecticut families as they prepare for the start of the school year,” Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said. “It’s a great opportunity to save on a variety of items while frequenting local small businesses. Our annual Sales Tax-Free Week is yet another way we’re helping Connecticut families save money.”

During the week, many retailers frequently choose to offer additional clothing and footwear discounts of their own, resulting in even more savings for shoppers.

For more details on Sales Tax-Free Week, including a list of individual items that are exempt or taxable, visit portal.ct.gov/DRS/Sales-Tax/Sales-Tax-Free-Week.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation implementing procedures into state statutes that protect seniors from suspected cases of financial fraud, scams, and exploitation by a person who is taking care of an older adult.

Specifically, this law authorizes financial institutions to temporarily suspend or hold transactions involving an account of an adult over the age of 60 if there is a reasonable suspicion of financial exploitation, which is defined as taking advantage of an eligible adult by another person or caretaker for monetary, personal, or other benefit, gain, or profit. When such cases occur, the financial institution should disclose the suspected abuse to the Connecticut Department of Banking or the Connecticut Department of Social Services, who will investigate the report and refer it to law enforcement authorities if appropriate.

The law permits banks and credit unions to suspend or hold transactions on the account for up to 45 days. To encourage financial institutions to be vigilant in identifying these cases, those who act in good faith when suspending or holding a transaction will be immune from liability that might otherwise come from denying immediate access to an account holder’s money. This law takes effect July 1, 2024.

“Cases of financial exploitation and fraud involving caretakers of seniors is far too common and can result in an older adult having their savings depleted or lost entirely,” Governor Lamont said. “These cases are infuriating and heartbreaking, and we need to have strong laws in place that can prevent suspected abuse before a thief can access someone else’s money. By encouraging banks and credit unions to put a hold on transactions and report this kind of suspected abuse to authorities, we can add a strong layer of protections to prevent seniors from being financially exploited.”

Studies have found that more than 8.68 million incidents of elder fraud occur every year with an average loss per case of $20,015. In all 50 states, losses due to elder fraud total $113.7 billion each year. Deposit accounts are the most common product involved in these cases, followed by debit cards and credit cards.

“Elder financial exploitation is one of the fastest growing crimes across the country,” Connecticut Department of Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez said. “This bill aims to directly curb this activity here in Connecticut. Working with industry, advocates, and other stakeholders, we were able to put forward new tools that can have a meaningful impact on our senior citizens and give them additional protections for their assets.”

“Theft and exploitation are completely avoidable, and we will make sure our elderly population has the tools they need to evade such efforts,” Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “This added layer of security for our seniors will offer peace of mind to families knowing their loved ones are protected from financial exploitation. I am proud to have been a part of the many conversations we’ve held in Connecticut as we work to continue bolstering protections for seniors in every aspect of their lives.”

“We applaud this important legislation to address the issue of fraud,” Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “Involving new partners in fraud protection creates a stronger safety net within our communities.”

The legislation is Public Act 23-161. It was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 150 to 0 and in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 0.

State Representatives Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield, Bridgeport), and Sarah Keitt (D-Fairfield, Trumbull) today applauded the $162,000 grant announced for the Fairfield School District for school mental health specialists. 

The funds will be broken up over three years, with the school district receiving $60,000 in 2024, $60,000 in 2025, and $42,000 in 2026. 

The competitive grant comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and is meant to increase the number of mental health workers in schools. 

“As Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, I have heard firsthand from parents and educators how important mental health is to the success of our students,” Rep. Leeper said. “Funding for mental health specialists is critical for every school district to have, and I’m thrilled to see these funds coming to the Fairfield School District.” 

“All too often, students and families facing mental health challenges don’t know where to turn for help in the face of a crisis.” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said. “Thanks to Governor Lamont and our State Department of Education, this funding will help our school leaders support students and families so they know they’re not alone, and have another avenue to work through any issues they’re facing. I am grateful for the diligent work of our teachers and staff as they seek to help our students remain healthy, safe, and strong.” 

“As Vice-Chair of the Children’s Committee, a member of the Public Health Committee, and the mother of a child in the Fairfield Public School system, I truly appreciate this funding to help our children navigate through the challenges they face” Rep. Keitt said. “Having a mental health specialist at school will be an invaluable resource for Fairfield families.” 

Grant awardees must attend a formal training this month and complete compliance documents to receive the ARPA funding. 

Rep. Leeper represents the 132^nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport, Rep. McCarthy Vahey represents the 133^rd District, which includes Fairfield and Bridgeport, and Rep. Keitt represents the 134^th District, which includes Fairfield and Trumbull. 

STATE REPRESENTATIVES JENNIFER LEEPER, CRISTIN McCARTHY VAHEY, SARAH KEITT APPLAUD $162K GRANT FOR FAIRFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 

State Representatives Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield, Bridgeport), and Sarah Keitt (D-Fairfield, Trumbull) today applauded the $162,000 grant announced for the Fairfield School District for school mental health specialists. 

The funds will be broken up over three years, with the school district receiving $60,000 in 2024, $60,000 in 2025, and $42,000 in 2026. 

The competitive grant comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and is meant to increase the number of mental health workers in schools. 

“As Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, I have heard firsthand from parents and educators how important mental health is to the success of our students,” Rep. Leeper said. “Funding for mental health specialists is critical for every school district to have, and I’m thrilled to see these funds coming to the Fairfield School District.” 

“All too often, students and families facing mental health challenges don’t know where to turn for help in the face of a crisis.” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said. “Thanks to Governor Lamont and our State Department of Education, this funding will help our school leaders support students and families so they know they’re not alone, and have another avenue to work through any issues they’re facing. I am grateful for the diligent work of our teachers and staff as they seek to help our students remain healthy, safe, and strong.” 

“As Vice-Chair of the Children’s Committee, a member of the Public Health Committee, and the mother of a child in the Fairfield Public School system, I truly appreciate this funding to help our children navigate through the challenges they face” Rep. Keitt said. “Having a mental health specialist at school will be an invaluable resource for Fairfield families.” 

Grant awardees must attend a formal training this month and complete compliance documents to receive the ARPA funding. 

Rep. Leeper represents the 132^nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport, Rep. McCarthy Vahey represents the 133^rd District, which includes Fairfield and Bridgeport, and Rep. Keitt represents the 134^th District, which includes Fairfield and Trumbull. 

Sen. Tony Hwang, the Ranking Senator on the Transportation Committee, on Aug. 7 met with Connecticut Construction Industries Association (CCIA) President Don Shubert and Tilcon Connecticut President Carolina Cavalcante to discuss the industry’s challenges, innovations in transportation infrastructure improvements and workforce recruitment efforts. 

“I wanted to hear firsthand from CCIA, which represents various sectors of the construction industry, and Tilcon, a business that has played a key role in building transportation infrastructure around the region,” Sen. Hwang said. “What I heard from these experts is this: The construction industry is not only hiring, but also anxiously looking to recruit and train the next generation of Connecticut workers. Tilcon, a division of CRH, for example, does business in my senate district in Newtown and throughout Connecticut. Tilcon CRH employs 600 workers statewide and is making connections between education and the workforce at technical high schools and union apprenticeship programs throughout Connecticut. I want to help them get the word out about their recruitment goals as well as the current impediments to their growth, both of which will impact job opportunities and business growth in Connecticut.”

Among the challenges: Federal infrastructure funding for Connecticut is not being immediately put toward road and bridge improvement projects. Part of the reason is a major shortage of engineers.

“Infrastructure investments are the highest return on investment for any government spending,” Shubert told Sen. Hwang, “So why are we not taking full advantage of this opportunity?”

“That’s a missed opportunity and it is frustrating for all of us,” Sen. Hwang said. “I have nothing but praise and admiration for the men and women who work in this industry and the difficult work they do, but we need to make that work available. These construction jobs make our economic engine hum. We must create momentum and keep that momentum going. At the same time, we must continue to expand the skilled-labor employment pipeline from technical high schools to this vital industry.”

Sen. Hwang said he plans to meet with the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s commissioner and municipal leaders to discuss action steps and progress timelines in order to get projects up and running and “shovel ready”.

Sen. Hwang learned about Tilcon’s internship program, which provides students the opportunity to attain a solid understanding about the company in a short timeframe. The Tilcon Connecticut internship is a robust experiential learning program and generally begins in May and runs through mid-August.

“Many of our former interns are now enjoying successful careers working for the Tilcon Connecticut family,” Cavalcante said.

Sen. Hwang also learned how companies like Tilcon put a priority on environmental protection. 

“Preserving our precious natural resources, like watershed land, is top of mind for Tilcon,” Sen. Hwang said. “So, as they build and strengthen our infrastructure, they are also prioritizing environmental stewardship and clean water.”

Sen. Hwang said he would take what he heard and share it with lawmakers, the Governor’s Workforce Council, and the Lamont administration.

“CCIA and Tilcon Connecticut need to be heard at our State Capitol,” Sen. Hwang said. “Their feedback can help us accelerate job growth and our talent pipeline while improving our roads and bridges and protecting our environment. We need to listen – and we must act.”