(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong supported the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to help cut down on unwanted text messages by requiring mobile wireless providers to block texts from invalid, unassigned, or unused numbers, and from numbers on a Do Not Originate (DNO) list.
Connecticut has helped lead the fight to reduce the number of robocalls that plague Americans. However, scammers are now shifting to using robotexts to run similar scams. Just like spam calls, spam texts can result in people losing millions of dollars through phishing texts, imposter scams, and links containing ransomware. In 2021, the FCC received more than 15,000 consumer complaints about unwanted texts and, in 2020, scammers stole more than $86 million through frauds perpetrated via scam text messages.
“Robotexts are emerging as yet another insidious avenue for scammers to steal millions of dollars from Americans. We have technology to identify and block robocallers, and we need those same protections applied to text messages. I fully support the FCC’s efforts,” said Attorney General Tong.
The coalition of 51 attorneys general support the FCC’s proposal to require mobile wireless providers to block unlawful text messages at the network level if they originate from fraudulent numbers. Further, the attorneys general are asking the FCC to continue pushing the wireless industry to develop call authentication technology for text messages so people can know if the texts they receive are from spoofed numbers and law enforcement can investigate where these texts are coming from.
Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais joins Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani and Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford to announce that Connecticut consumers in a fully insured health plan will have pre-authorization requirements waived for short term post-acute care effective Monday, December 12 on a temporary basis.
Connecticut is facing a potentially serious challenge in hospital bed capacity in the coming weeks. Connecticut hospitals are seeing sharp increases in demand for services due to the simultaneous occurrence of influenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), COVID -19, and Behavioral Health surges. As a result, ensuring that hospital beds are available is a high priority. This issue will only be exacerbated as we prepare for the peak flu season this Winter and with RSV and COVID-19 cases on the rise.
“During this critical period, we must have the ability to discharge patients who no longer require an inpatient hospital bed in a timely manner. This will open beds for patients who require more intensive inpatient care.,” said Commissioner Andrew Mais. “We understand how important appropriate prior authorization is as a tool to manage rising healthcare costs in our state, that’s why this is a temporary request to better manage the projected surge.”
“Starting with RSV and now with rising cases of flu and COVID, our hospitals are experiencing the anticipated surge of patients with respiratory viral diseases this season. The strain on the healthcare system is on the backdrop of staffing shortages that our hospitals have already been experiencing,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani. “This waiver of pre-authorization requirements will expedite the discharge of patients that are ready for an alternate level of care. It also will allow hospitals to provide the safest and highest quality of care to patients that need inpatient care the most.”
“We appreciate the collaborative approach that hospitals and insurers are taking to make sure patients can be appropriately cared for at the right level of care,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford. “It’s important that we minimize administrative delays during this important period, I want to thank Commissioners Mais and Juthani for their partnership in addressing this issue.”
The Connecticut Association of Health plans and their membership, Aetna/CVS Health, Anthem, CIGNA, ConnectiCare, and United were all instrumental in expediting this change to address the potential health care crisis. Their effort during this extraordinary time is truly appreciated,” said Commissioner Mais.
The health insurance carriers have all committed to waive pre-authorization requirements for short term post-acute care for fully insured health plans and for Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans on a temporary basis.
Please note that the Connecticut Insurance Department does not regulate self-funded plans. All self-funded have an employer plan sponsor who would need to authorize any changes to waive any current pre-authorization requirements.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health has been awarded a $32,253,484 grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will be used to support the state agency’s newly launched Office of Public Heath Workforce Development.
The initiative was created by Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, in August and is operating directly out of her office. It will have a broad focus on ensuring that the workforce development needs at state, local, and nonprofit public health agencies are met, specifically regarding future pipeline development academic and professional training, standards of practice, and workforce diversification.
The federal funding was awarded through the CDC’s Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant, which is a groundbreaking investment that supports critical public health infrastructure needs of jurisdictions across the United States.
The governor made the announcement during a news conference that was held at Gateway Community College in New Haven, which is one of the schools of the Connecticut State College and Universities (CSCU) system that will be developing new pathways to public health care careers with new associates degree and certificate programs in public health.
“This is a first-of-its-kind investment of more than $32 million over the next five years that will specifically and directly support the Connecticut public health workforce,” Governor Lamont said. “Additionally, more than $12 million from this grant will be distributed directly to local health departments to assist them with supporting their infrastructure, their own workforce development, and their needs for post-COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding.”
“All our local health departments have been the boots on the ground and an invaluable resource to us as a department and to their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Commissioner Juthani said. “We are very happy to have them partner with us in this initiative. In addition to supporting all the great public health workers currently working in our state, this money will also be used to build the pipeline of future public health workers who will be ready and able to respond to new and emerging public health threats.”
Commissioner Juthani added that the Department of Public Health will be working with academic partners to ensure that the existing public health education landscape in Connecticut continues to produce a sufficiently sized, well-trained, and diverse workforce to address the needs of communities throughout the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how important our health care workers are – going above and beyond to help others every day,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “This significant investment will support the work our health care heroes are already doing on the ground and help Connecticut grow its public health work force. I am so pleased that the CDC awarded Connecticut this funding and I will keep fighting for more resources to ensure the health and safety of our communities.”
“Under Governor Lamont’s leadership, Connecticut has been a leader in pandemic recovery, and this historic investment in our state’s public health workforce and infrastructure will pay dividends in the years to come,” U.S. Representative John B. Larson (CT-01) said. “It is especially critical that funding will directly support the local health departments who best know the unique needs in each of their communities. I am committed to supporting efforts to bolster public health preparedness so we can come out of this pandemic stronger than before. I was proud to stand with Chairwoman DeLauro and the entire Connecticut delegation to support this grant program aimed at doing just that.”
“Investing in a stronger, more skilled workforce to power our economy and improve people’s lives was one of the most important goals of the American Rescue Plan Act, and there’s no better sector to focus these efforts on right now than public health,” U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. “We’ve got to do more to care for and train up the next generation of qualified health care professionals that we need to help prevent illness and treat it. There are already some promising health care training programs in the district at Three Rivers Community College that have demonstrated that an accelerated curriculum for hospital staffing does work, and that’s exactly the sort of effort this grant program was intended to support. I’m glad to see these resources coming home to Connecticut to bolster our public health infrastructure and workforce.”
Some other goals of the Office of Public Health Workforce Development include:
Working with academic leaders in existing public health programs at public and private colleges and universities in Connecticut to ensure that they have the resources they need to deliver academic training and coursework that:
Is up-to-date;
Includes cross-cutting content addressing health equity and mental health;
Aligns with the current standards for public health professional training; and
Produces graduates that are work-ready.
Developing a new Public Health Training Academy to coordinate and provide continuing education and upskilling of state, local, and non-profit public health workers.
Improving pathways from enrollment to employment through more standardized and widely available experiential learning opportunities (i.e., internships, fellowships, apprenticeships) at public health agencies.
Increasing mental health supports for public health workers by developing an integrated program focused on worker physical and mental health protections, trauma-informed leadership, and an overall “culture of care” that is accessible, translatable, and implementable at state, local, and nonprofit public health agencies in Connecticut.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut State Police Union NP1 today announced that they have tentatively agreed to the terms of a new successor labor agreement. The agreement covers troopers, sergeants, and master sergeants effective from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026, covering wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“Members of the Connecticut State Police are second to none, and this new contract recognizes their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice,” Governor Lamont said. “It is an investment in the future of public safety in our state by incentivizing the recruitment of top-quality candidates, as well as the retention of our current troopers. Additional education, training, and professional development benefits are provided under the terms of the agreement, while also recognizing the importance of work-life balance through annual health and wellness funding.”
“This agreement acknowledges the role the Connecticut State Police play in keeping our residents safe,” Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James C. Rovella said. “It also makes significant investments in recruitment, retention, and the pillars of wellness of our State Police force. I believe that we are providing benefits and wages that will attract the best candidates possible while recognizing the sacrifices of the men and women of the Connecticut State Police. I would like to thank Governor Lamont for his unwavering support of the Connecticut State Police and first responders throughout our state.”
“The Connecticut State Police Union leadership believes this agreement recognizes the unique circumstances and dangers of our profession,” Todd Fedigan, president of the Connecticut State Police Union, said. “We are grateful to Governor Lamont’s administration for their professionalism and commitment of ensuring our members are recognized for their dedication and sacrifice to preserving public safety here in Connecticut.”
The tentative terms of the agreement are not being released until the membership of NP1 can review it. Upon review and approval of the agreement by union members, the agreement will be submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly for final approval.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act was approved by the House earlier this year and now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature
[WASHINGTON, D.C] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, bipartisan legislation prohibiting the ownership of big cats like lions and tigers and outlaws public contact with cubs. The House passed the legislation earlier this year and it now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
“The Big Cat Public Safety Act will end the horrific exploitation of big cats and bolster public safety,” said Blumenthal. “These beautiful but powerful predators deserve to live in the wild, not be kept in captivity for people’s entertainment—even as cubs. I’m thrilled that, after a groundswell of public and bipartisan support, this bill I’ve long advocated for will become law.”
“Big cats like lions, tigers, and cheetahs belong in their natural habitats, not in the hands of private owners where they are too often subject to cruelty or improper care,” said Collins. “Our legislation will prohibit the private ownership of big cats, which threatens the safety of the animals and the public and harms conservation efforts. I am pleased that our colleagues supported our bipartisan effort to improve the welfare of animals.”
The Hide No Harm Act increases jail time & fines for corporate officers who knowingly conceal information that may harm consumers & workers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) introduced bicameral legislation to hold corporate wrongdoers accountable for knowingly withholding information that risked the lives or safety of consumers and workers. Under the Hide No Harm Act, a corporate officer who conceals information about an action or product that poses the danger of serious physical injury or death would face up to five years in prison as well as potential fines. The legislation would also safeguard corporate whistleblowers by protecting from criminal liability those who chose to report potential dangers to federal regulatory agencies.
“Corporate actors that knowingly endanger their workers or the public deserve more than a slap on the wrist,” said Blumenthal. “Corporations and employees aware that products may cause serious harm have a responsibility to report it. Faulty auto parts, defective kids’ toys, and contaminated infant formula are among the many products that have cost lives when kept on the market for too long. Our legislation will hold accountable corporate executives who prioritize profits over public safety and protect brave whistleblowers from retaliation. I’m proud to join Senator Casey and Representative Scanlon in this bicameral effort to stop corporate greed and negligence.”
“No consumer should have to fear that products they use are unsafe and no worker should have to fear repercussions for taking steps to remove unsafe or dangerous products from the market. This bill will hold corporate officers accountable for shielding information on faulty products from the public and protect those workers who speak out from retaliation,” said Casey.
“When companies break the law, the people in charge rarely face serious consequences,” said Scanlon. “Time and again, we see companies sell dangerous or fraudulent products, pay out a settlement, and continue with business as usual. The corporate executives who make these decisions should not be let off the hook. I’m proud to join Senators Blumenthal and Casey in introducing the Hide No Harm Act to impose criminal penalties on executives who knowingly conceal the dangers of their products or workplaces.”
Irresponsible corporations have repeatedly endangered their workers and the general public by covering up information about potential risks and harms associated with their products. Automakers hid the dangers of faulty ignition switches and airbags, pharmaceutical companies pushed their opioids knowing they’ll be abused, toy manufacturers continued to sell rockers that caused infant deaths, and infant formula executives were slow to improve safety standards before selling their products to parents. The Hide No Harm Act would hold corporations responsible for these preventable, high-level failures where corporate executives knew of the risks.
The Hide No Harm Act is endorsed by Public Citizen and the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, a national alliance of more than 160 consumer, labor, scientific, research, good government, faith, community, health, environmental, and public interest groups — representing millions of Americans.
“Countless lives have been lost because corporations intentionally hid life-threatening dangers to the public. The litany of devastating examples like the Boeing 737 Max airplane crashes, the Big Pharma induced opioid epidemic, and the recent infant formula safety crisis, are sadly endless,” said Lisa Gilbert, Executive Vice President of Public Citizen and Co-Chair of the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards. “Over and over again, fines – even historic ones – have proven to be ineffective at holding corporate actors accountable and ensuring they don’t break the law again. We need tough new criminal penalties for those at the top. The Hide No Harm Act would protect the public by holding individual corporate executives accountable with jail time. Bad actors must be punished, and Congress should pass this commonsense law immediately.”
Today, Blumenthal and Scanlon also introduced the Corporate Crime Database Act to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect, aggregate, analyze, and publish comprehensive data on federal corporate criminal enforcement actions. Currently, there is no comprehensive national data collection on corporate crime and no centralized database of federal enforcement actions against corporations that the public can view.
Public-Private Partnership Identifies Ways To Help Lower Winter Energy Prices, From Electricity to Gasoline
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that in response to calls from his administration and other Connecticut state officials – including the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Office of Consumer Counsel – to do more for customers in the state amid historically high electric prices, utility companies Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) have agreed to work with state leaders on a short-term/interim Customer Relief Plan to provide immediate relief to electric customers this winter.
Connecticut state leaders have emphasized the importance of acting quickly and advancing options to reduce bill impacts for low and middle-income customers who are struggling to pay electric bills under unprecedented economic circumstances.
The package of near-term actions developed through the combined efforts of Governor Lamont, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman, Eversource, and UI is in part the result of benefits from the long-term clean energy power contracts signed at the direction of the Lamont administration and the Connecticut General Assembly to help secure the future of the Millstone nuclear power plant and other carbon-free generation resources. Eversource and UI have also agreed to corporate contributions for energy assistance to provide support for customers.
The Customer Relief Plan has multiple elements:
Today, Eversource and UI will file a motion with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) seeking approval for the establishment of bill credits to fast-track the return of long-term power contract earnings to all customers starting January 1, 2023. This proposal will provide Eversource customers with a monthly bill credit of around $10 per month – approximately 12.5% of the average customer increase this winter – for the peak winter months starting January 1, 2023, and continuing through April. Data on how this will impact UI customers is being calculated and is expected to be available soon.
The companies will also seek approval for a discount for low-income hardship customers to accelerate the 2021 Take Back Our Grid Act provision enabling a low-income discount rate by providing a flat-rate credit to financial hardship customers starting in January 2023 until the new PURA-approved low-income discount rate goes into effect in 2024.
In order to provide additional assistance to customers struggling with unusually high energy prices this winter, the Customer Relief Plan also includes an Eversource shareholder expense of $10 million for energy assistance to customers in need, including moderate and middle-income customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
UI has agreed to pay $3 million to Operation Fuel for direct assistance for electricity and heating costs, subject to PURA’s approval of a settlement agreement with the Office of Consumer Counsel.
Governor Lamont said, “I appreciate Eversource and UI working with us to identify creative near-term actions that will help provide Connecticut residents with some relief from high energy costs and the significant impending rate increase on January 1. Keeping Millstone online has proven to be a great investment for Connecticut, and it’s important that residents feel the benefit of the net profits generated by the plant when they most need it. I also appreciate that this plan includes Eversource and UI corporate funding that will go to Operation Fuel for an energy assistance program. Complex issues call for creative solutions, and this public-private partnership paired with the energy assistance actions expected to be taken by the General Assembly in special session today will provide residents with some much-needed relief and protection this winter.”
Commissioner Dykes said, “With a difficult winter ahead, every penny counts, and I’m gratified that DEEP’s clean energy procurements are generating revenues that will help lower customer bills by another $10 per month this winter. Along with Governor Lamont and Consumer Counsel Coleman, we worked with the utilities on a plan to get these proceeds into their customers’ hands quicker. With the supplemental funding anticipated to be approved today by the legislature for our Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, as well as directing funding from fines issued by PURA to nonprofit energy assistance programs such as Operation Fuel, assistance will be there for residents struggling with high electricity and heating oil costs as we continue to navigate these extraordinary circumstances impacting energy markets.”
Consumer Counsel Coleman said, “This proposed package – together with the energy assistance funding that will hopefully be approved by the legislature today – provides needed short-term relief to customers and is an important first step to addressing the global energy crisis that has strained winter energy affordability across New England and here in Connecticut. But we still have much more to do, and I hope today’s steps are the first of many actions that will be taken by our utilities, suppliers, as well as our state, regional and federal leaders to cost-effectively address our broader energy affordability and adequacy challenges. This needs to be the last winter that we face such a crisis.”
Steve Sullivan, president of Eversource Connecticut, said, “We know how challenging increased energy costs are for our customers, especially during these times, and want to do everything we can to help. As an energy delivery company, we can’t control the cost of electricity on the supply side of our customer bills, but it is critically important to us to uncover any and all options to provide relief for our customers. Although market conditions are tough, Connecticut’s decision to commit to contractual arrangements like Millstone is paying dividends for customers and is critical to help offset bill impacts for customers this winter.”
Frank Reynolds, president and CEO of United Illuminating, said, “UI has been a member of the Connecticut community for over 100 years, so when our customers are facing the burden of rising energy costs due to a volatile global market, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help provide needed relief here at home. While we don’t have the ability to control the cost of the energy generation supply, we are here to help our customers above all. As we enter the winter months, we remain committed to coming to the table with all parties to find additional solutions for hard working families across Connecticut.”
Today’s announcement compliments other actions to help Connecticut residents with energy affordability that are expected to be approved by the General Assembly in today’s special session. Those actions include:
Supplementing this year’s $98.5 million of federal Low-Income Household Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding with an additional $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). This additional state-directed funding substantially mitigates the impact of unusually high energy prices and will help ensure that funding for the state’s energy assistance program (the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, or CEAP) is available to low-income households.
Requiring PURA to direct at least 95% of proceeds from fines in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 (including an anticipated fine in excess of $4.4 million) to nonprofit energy assistance programs, such as Operation Fuel.
Extending the ongoing suspension of the state’s 25 cent-per-gallon excise tax on gasoline through December 31, 2022, and then phasing it back in over a period of five months at five cents per month through May 2023. (Connecticut is one of only three states in the country that have a gas tax suspension in effect.)
Extending the ongoing suspension of fares on all public transit buses through March 30, 2023, which is the maximum date that complies with 12-month length-of-time federal restrictions for temporary public transit pilot programs.
DSS Commissioner Deidre Gifford said, “I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and legislative leaders for the anticipated extra financial help for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. This new state-directed funding will build on a recent boost in federal funding provided by Congress. This is particularly important because we are seeing increased interest in the program driven by a new, streamlined application process and spikes in the cost of deliverable fuels like home heating oil, and we will need the federal funding to ensure that regular program benefits get to all eligible households. The extra state funds will help us to get more benefits to more households than we originally planned, particularly those dealing with high fuel costs. In partnership with our state’s nine community action agencies, DSS is working hard to keep more families warm than ever before. We have streamlined CEAP eligibility processes and are improving our customer service. For example, we have launched an online application option and DSS clients enrolled in SNAP or cash assistance programs can get immediate income eligibility verification when they apply online. We have also worked to ensure that we have strong program participation within the deliverable fuel vendor community and are happy to report that we have more than 240 vendors participating in every part of the state.”
Nearly 52,000 households have already applied for CEAP this season, an increase of 17% over last year at this time. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $76,465 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank refills.
Interested households should apply online at ct.gov/heatinghelp or contact their local community action agency. Additional assistance is available by calling 2-1-1.
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today announced a $1 million multistate settlement with CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. and 35 attorneys general that will require CarMax to disclose open, unrepaired recalls related to the safety of its used vehicles. Connecticut will receive a payment of $20,589.46 through the settlement to support consumer protection enforcement.
A multistate investigation found that CarMax advertised that its cars underwent “safety” inspections, but did not ensure safety-related recall services were complete before selling a vehicle. The settlement forces CarMax to provide written disclosures both in writing and on the vehicle itself of any open recalls, and information on how to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to confirm any recalls. Further, CarMax may not describe its cars as “safe” or not having “safety issues.”
CarMax will use the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle identification number tool to provide this important safety information to consumers. Consumers can also avail themselves of this tool to check for any open recalls on their vehicles.
“Open safety recalls can be a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and all others on the road. Today’s settlement with CarMax sends an important industry-wide message that used car dealers must disclose these open safety recalls to consumers before any sale. If you are considering purchasing a used car, I strongly encourage that you consult the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration site to learn of any open recalls. Manufacturers are responsible for these repairs at no cost to consumers,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Consumers have a right to know the full history of any vehicle they’re considering purchasing, including any past recalls,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull. “I am pleased this settlement requires consumers receive the full scope of the recall information available about any used vehicle they may consider purchasing.”
This industry-changing settlement establishes that used car dealers should generally disclose open safety recalls to consumers before they buy. CarMax now includes hyperlinks for vehicles advertised online and QR codes for vehicles on the lot that link directly to any open recalls on the vehicle so consumers can access this data as they shop. CarMax will also present the consumer with copies of any open recalls and obtain the consumer’s signature on that standalone disclosure document before presenting any other sales paperwork.
CarMax cooperated fully with the investigation.
ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG ANNOUNCES MULTISTATE SETTLEMENT WITH CARMAX OVER THE DISCLOSURE OF SAFETY RECALLS
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today announced a $1 million multistate settlement with CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. and 35 attorneys general that will require CarMax to disclose open, unrepaired recalls related to the safety of its used vehicles. Connecticut will receive a payment of $20,589.46 through the settlement to support consumer protection enforcement.
A multistate investigation found that CarMax advertised that its cars underwent “safety” inspections, but did not ensure safety-related recall services were complete before selling a vehicle. The settlement forces CarMax to provide written disclosures both in writing and on the vehicle itself of any open recalls, and information on how to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to confirm any recalls. Further, CarMax may not describe its cars as “safe” or not having “safety issues.”
CarMax will use the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle identification number tool to provide this important safety information to consumers. Consumers can also avail themselves of this tool to check for any open recalls on their vehicles.
“Open safety recalls can be a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and all others on the road. Today’s settlement with CarMax sends an important industry-wide message that used car dealers must disclose these open safety recalls to consumers before any sale. If you are considering purchasing a used car, I strongly encourage that you consult the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration site to learn of any open recalls. Manufacturers are responsible for these repairs at no cost to consumers,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Consumers have a right to know the full history of any vehicle they’re considering purchasing, including any past recalls,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull. “I am pleased this settlement requires consumers receive the full scope of the recall information available about any used vehicle they may consider purchasing.”
This industry-changing settlement establishes that used car dealers should generally disclose open safety recalls to consumers before they buy. CarMax now includes hyperlinks for vehicles advertised online and QR codes for vehicles on the lot that link directly to any open recalls on the vehicle so consumers can access this data as they shop. CarMax will also present the consumer with copies of any open recalls and obtain the consumer’s signature on that standalone disclosure document before presenting any other sales paperwork.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and First Lady Annie Lamont today announced that they have been invited by President Joe Biden to attend the state dinner that is being held at the White House on the evening of Thursday, December 1, 2022.
This is the first state dinner to be hosted by the Biden-Harris administration. It will highlight the long-standing ties between the United States and France and include invited guests President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron of France.
“It is an honor to be invited to this administration’s first White House state dinner and we are appreciative of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for including Connecticut as part of this important event,” Governor Lamont said. “This is a significant opportunity to represent our state and reinforce the strong cultural and economic ties we have with our French partners. While in Washington, I look forward to meeting with other federal partners to discuss critical priorities for our state.”
Governor Lamont will remain in Washington, D.C. on Friday, December 2, 2022, for the purpose of holding meetings with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
