State News – Page 52 – DoingItLocal

State News

Student Testing Concerns

Dec 4, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a group of six senators in pressing three of the largest virtual testing companies used by schools and testing administrators amid the COVID-19 pandemic– ExamSoft, Proctorio, and ProctorU—to address alarming equity, accessibility, and privacy issues faced by students using the platforms. Recent reports indicate students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities, have had severe issues using the software, been locked out of tests, or wrongly accused of cheating. For example, students of color and students wearing religious clothing like headscarves reported the software failed to recognize their facial features and they were temporarily barred from access. “Students have run head on into the shortcomings of these technologies—shortcomings that fall heavily on…

State News

Save Our Seas

Dec 3, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) applauded passage of Save Our Seas 2.0, legislation to combat marine debris. Murphy and Murkowski are both cosponsors of the bill, which was introduced and led by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey). The legislation includes a Murphy-Murkowski drafted provision that allows for the establishment of a new Genius Prize to fund the development of materials to replace single use plastic and innovations that remove and prevent plastic waste. “The amount of plastic flowing into our oceans poses a huge problem. That’s why I was proud to work with Senators Sullivan, Whitehouse and Menendez on the bipartisan Save our Seas 2.0…

State News

Officials Urge Residents to Learn Signs of Scam Artists Conducting Testing Activities

Nov 30, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents that as demand for COVID-19 testing increases across the country, they should be on the lookout for scam artists seeking to take advantage of people most in need, including when searching for places to get tested. People in Connecticut are encouraged to use the state’s official coronavirus website – ct.gov/coronavirus – or the website of a provider like their local health clinic, hospital, or pharmacy to find a testing site. The governor said that these are reliable sources that can ensure people’s personal and health information will be protected. “Our testing program is one of the most robust in the country,” Governor Lamont said. “It’s troubling that scam artists would try to capitalize…

State News

Governor’s Thanksgiving Message

Nov 26, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

This year, our family’s table will have fewer people gathered around it than we’re used to. It’s tempting to see that as another sign of the times, but I choose to see it as a reminder of the inspiring efforts made by the everyday people of Connecticut to make this meal possible for us all. Words cannot express how grateful I am to live in a state where its residents look after one another, respect one another, and offer help when someone is in need. For that I thank you. At this time of year it’s traditional to take time to reflect on what’s most important in our lives and express gratitude. Like so many things during this past year,…

State News

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES FINES FOR BUSINESSES VIOLATING COVID-19 RULES INCREASE TO $10,000

Nov 26, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

HARTFORD, CT--Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has signed an executive order increasing the amount that businesses can be fined for violations of the state’s COVID-19 sector rules and capacity limits to $10,000 per violation. The governor said he is taking this action – which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, November 26 – as the result of feedback he has received from municipal leaders, public health officials, and people from within the business community. The most recently authorized amount was a $500 fine. “The sector rules and capacity limits we’ve implemented are intended to mitigate the spread of this disease to the greatest extent possible,” Governor Lamont said. “While the overwhelming majority of businesses in Connecticut have shown an…

State News

$113 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH APPLE OVER IPHONE THROTTLING

Nov 25, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Hartford, CT -- Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general announcing a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. over iPhone throttling that the company engaged in 2016 to address unexpected shutdowns in certain devices. Under the settlement, Apple will pay $1.8 million to Connecticut. “Apple failed Consumer Protection Law 101— don’t deceive your customers. They have already agreed to pay up to $500 million directly to consumers as restitution. Now, they will pay $113 million to states to address egregious violations of our consumer protection laws. This settlement also includes strong injunctive relief mandating truthful ongoing disclosure of battery health and phone performance,” said Attorney General Tong. “They knew their iPhones had battery issues. They should have…

State News

ATTORNEY GENERAL URGES REJECTION OF FRONTIER BUYOUT

Nov 24, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Hartford, CT –Attorney General William Tong today urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to deny a change of ownership sought by Frontier Communications. In a brief filed today, Attorney General Tong raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency around the new ownership, and a complete lack of commitment to date to Connecticut’s consumers and workforce. Frontier—currently in bankruptcy—is seeking to shed more than $10 billion in debt and obligations through bankruptcy, followed by the appointment of a new board of directors. The corporation has asserted the change would be “imperceptible” to its consumers, yet it has failed make any commitments to its Connecticut consumers or workforce, or even identify the new post-restructuring management or directors. They have made no commitments to…

State News

Grant To Help End Human Trafficking

Nov 20, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT) will receive a $344,005 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office For Victims of Crimes. The grant will allow PEHT to partner with community organizations to improve the identification of trafficked individuals and to expand comprehensive services to human-trafficking victims. “Far too often, workers are lured to the U.S. by the promise of well-paying jobs and a better future, only to be coerced into unbearable conditions, including domestic servitude or prostitution rings,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “It’s horrific that this happens anywhere in the country, let alone in our own backyard. I’m glad that PEHT is receiving the federal resources needed to address the atrocity of human trafficking in Fairfield County.” “PEHT is so excited to have received this grant award from the Department of…

State News

Governor Enters Self-Isolation

Nov 19, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

HARTFORD, CT) – Paul Mounds, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor, today released the following statement: “A member of Governor Lamont’s security team has tested positive for COVID-19. The test was returned today. The member of the security detail has immediately entered self-isolation. Governor Lamont remains in self-quarantine at his private residence following exposure to a member of his senior staff last week. There are no other positive test results to report from the Governor’s Office.” This press release was made possible by:

State News

Grant For Metro-North Study

Oct 14, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) announced the Western Connecticut Council of Governments received a $400,000 federal grant from the Department of Transportation. The Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant will be used to perform a study on the best method to finance improvements to the Metro-North Danbury and New Canaan Branch Lines. “Improving Metro-North is essential for our economy and our environment,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “Without efficient public transportation, job creation is hindered and our region’s economic growth is stunted. Plus, a larger Metro-North ridership means fewer cars on the road, cleaner air, and less CO2 emissions. I’m thrilled to see federal dollars invested into Southwest Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. I look forward to working with Western CT Council of Governments in the future to continue to bring federal investments to the district.” “I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Western CT Council of Governments a $400,000 grant for…

Student Testing Concerns

Save Our Seas

Officials Urge Residents to Learn Signs of Scam Artists Conducting Testing Activities

Governor’s Thanksgiving Message

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES FINES FOR BUSINESSES VIOLATING COVID-19 RULES INCREASE TO $10,000

$113 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH APPLE OVER IPHONE THROTTLING

ATTORNEY GENERAL URGES REJECTION OF FRONTIER BUYOUT

Grant To Help End Human Trafficking

Governor Enters Self-Isolation

Grant For Metro-North Study

You missed

Third Floor Fire

Pedestrian Struck

Two Pedestrians Struck

Bridgeport, Alliance Distribute 2,000 Blessing Boxes to Families Using SNAP and EBT

DoingItLocal