State News Archives - Page 57 of 114

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…

State News

ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS

Oct 13, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

“My office will not stand idly by while [drug makers] prioritize profits over access to affordable prescription medications and other critical medical services for vulnerable communities. Therefore, I urge [Eli Lilly, Astra Zeneca, Merck, Sanofi, and Novartis] to abandon [their] unilateral and unlawful actions,” Attorney General Tong states in the letters. The 340B Drug Pricing Program requires drug manufacturers to provide discounted drugs to eligible health centers and hospitals, including community health centers, nonprofit and public hospitals, and Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics. The facilities can either directly provide discounted drugs to low-income patients, or contract with pharmacies to dispense the drugs at a discount. Since 1992, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has been a lifeline to low-income patients and community-based health…

State News

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES STATE WILL SUPPORT PUBLIC LIBRARIES WITH $2.6M IN CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS

Oct 8, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is dedicating $2.6 million of Connecticut’s Coronavirus Relief Funds to support the state’s public libraries as they continue to make health and safety improvements and offer more services to residents amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The governor said the funds will be distributed among 65 libraries across Connecticut based on their size and the number of residents they serve each year, which will allow much of the funding to particularly target those that serve low-income urban and rural communities. The funds are anticipated to be largely used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, signage, and furniture. The funding announced today is in addition to the Lamont administration’s ongoing…

State News

GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING ACCOUNTABILITY AMONG CONNECTICUT’S UTILITY COMPANIES AMID SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

Oct 8, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has signed legislation that increases accountability among Connecticut’s utility companies by implementing a performance-based incentive system that ensures their earnings and profits are tied to good performance and certain penalties can be enacted amid extensive service disruptions. Under the legislation, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will be responsible for establishing the system, which will focus on several factors such as safety, reliability, storm response, affordability, the state’s environmental goals, customer satisfaction, communication with municipalities, and equity. The bill also enables PURA to implement an interim rate decrease, low-income rate, and economic development rates that provide consumer relief during the current recession, directs the administration to investigate whether Connecticut’s participation in the wholesale…

State News

UTILITY SHUTOFF MORATORIUM HAS ENDED

Oct 7, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Bridgeport, CT- City of Bridgeport officials are advising residents of updates from Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) regarding the end of the utility shut off moratorium which concluded on September 30, 2020. With the end of this moratorium, utility companies may begin to resume regular collection activities for most customers this month. Residential and commercial customers who need assistance are strongly encouraged to enroll in a COVID-19 payment plan by November 1, 2020 with their utility company. Payment plans can last up to 24 months, with no down payment required and no interest or late payment charges. Any customer enrolled in a COVID-19 Payment Program who is current with their payment terms cannot be disconnected even once the Shut-off Moratoriums…

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

ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LOW-INCOME PATIENTS

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES STATE WILL SUPPORT PUBLIC LIBRARIES WITH $2.6M IN CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS

GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING ACCOUNTABILITY AMONG CONNECTICUT’S UTILITY COMPANIES AMID SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

UTILITY SHUTOFF MORATORIUM HAS ENDED

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