State News Archives - Page 67 of 113

State News

Senators Want More SNAP Benefits

May 1, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a group of twelve of their colleagues, including Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), in urging Senate leadership to support and strengthen SNAP—also known as food stamps—to help ensure that families across America can keep food on their tables despite the mounting economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. “SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and is proven to help lifts millions of American families and children out of poverty,” the senators wrote. “The latest estimate by the Census Bureau found that SNAP lifted 3.4 million people out of poverty in 2018 including 1.5 million children. Given the unprecedented disruption to the economy, income and employment with more than 17 million Americans filing unemployment…

State News

Unemployment and Stimulus

Apr 30, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has successfully programmed its computer system and begun issuing the first round of weekly federal stimulus payments to filers receiving state unemployment benefits, with the first batch of payments having been issued this past weekend. The additional $600 weekly payment, known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, was created as part of the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is retroactive to March 29, 2020 and will be provided through July 25, 2020. For those who already received unemployment benefits for previous weeks – such as April 4, 11, and 18 – the agency will be providing retroactive payments as a lump sum by the…

Small Business Shout Out State News

Himes On CARES Act

Apr 29, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

In March, Congress passed the CARES Act into law, taking important steps to help small businesses, keep employees on the payroll, and provide direct support for Americans with immediate financial relief. However, programs created by the CARES Act, like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Emergency Economic Injury Grants, quickly ran out of funding. That’s why I drove down to D.C. last week to vote on the 4th Coronavirus Emergency Response bill. I was proud to pass further economic stimulus relief, providing more funding to our small businesses and nonprofits as well as much-needed funding for hospitals. The bill takes a key step toward recovery, requiring a nationwide strategy for expanding testing procedures. This increased funding refills the coffers…

State News

Paycheck Protection Progra,

Apr 24, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed additional funding for small businesses, our health care system, and to increase testing and contact tracing capacity. This legislation funding specifically designated for community banks and small lenders to ensure that Paycheck Protection Program funds are actually reaching small businesses. The Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent (UC) on Tuesday. “I’m glad to support this bipartisan agreement to get emergency funding out the door so that our small businesses in Connecticut can pay their employees and stay afloat. It’s especially important that we were able to set aside dedicated funding to community banks and small lenders, since far too many Paycheck Protection Program…

State News

IRS To Host Webinar On Payments and CARES Act

Apr 23, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Congressman Jim Himes posted this press release: Recognizing how many Americans need immediate economic support to keep their heads above water while fighting the coronavirus pandemic, I voted to support sending millions of Americans Economic Impact Payments as part of the CARES Act. While many payments have been successfully distributed, I’ve heard about too many glitches and a lot of frustration from constituents on how they can make sure they get what they deserve. I wanted to make sure you saw that the IRS is holding a webinar to discuss how these payments are being processed tomorrow, Thursday April 23rd at 2:00 pm ET. You must register to participate in this event; Click here to register. Join the IRS Commissioner Chuck…

State News

AG Wants Communication Shutoffs Suspended

Apr 22, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

#Hartford, CT-- Attorney General William Tong today joined a bipartisan group of 25 attorneys general led by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery urging the telecommunications industry to make further commitments to protect consumers who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 and in calling upon the FCC for support. "As much of our lives, from work to family dinners, move online, it is vital to our economy and well-being that we stay connected," Attorney General Tong said. "Connecticut and her sister states commend the FCC and these companies' for suspending of shutoffs for 60 days but we all know that the economic ramifications will last well beyond that. That's why I and 24 other…

State News

Commissioner Warns Insurers

Apr 22, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais warned all life insurers doing business in Connecticut to refrain from asking applicants about exposure to the novel coronavirus. “The state of emergency has already placed undue hardship on families and businesses during this pandemic. Families need the security that life insurance brings and any new barriers to coverage must be avoided,” said Commissioner Mais. “Some carriers may want to know if people applying for coverage have self-isolated due to symptoms, or been tested for the disease or diagnosed with it. That won’t be allowed in Connecticut.” In a Department Notice , the Connecticut Insurance Department issued guidance to all insurance companies offering Life Insurance coverage in Connecticut are advised that any life insurance application form filed for review…

State News

Himes Wants Paycheck Protection Relenished

Apr 22, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Bridgeport, CT – Congressman Himes released the following statement on the ongoing negotiations to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program and provide additional support to American families, workers, and small businesses: As the House and Senate approach a deal that will refill the funds for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), tensions are running high. While our nation struggles with the largest crisis in modern history, it’s easy to use the negotiations over PPP to attack whichever party or person or position we don’t share. This mindset is counterproductive and leads us to believe the worst of each other. In all situations, I strive to treat everyone, whether I agree with them or not, as though they are coming from a place…

State News

Senator Tony Hwang Requests Update on Unemployment Processing

Apr 21, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

Fairfield - State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) concerned about the growing chorus of residents suddenly unemployed by the economic upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic and their frustration on lack of information and claim status wanted accountability and answers from the CT Department of Labor (CT DOL). Hwang joined the entire Senate Republican Caucus in a letter sent to CT DOL Commissioner Kurt Westby, making very specific requests for detailed information surrounding how the agency is handling the sharp surge in new unemployment claims. “Unemployment applications have skyrocketed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Governor’s orders to close all non-essential businesses. I hear every day from constituents who have been trying to get in touch with the CT…

State News

CT Attorney General: Governor Has Broad Authority

Apr 20, 2020 Stephen Krauchick

#Hartford, CT – Attorney General William Tong issued the following statement in support of Governor Lamont’s executive orders: “Our Constitution is unambiguous (not open to more than one interpretation)—the Governor has broad authority to protect Connecticut families during a public health emergency. His executive orders have been both lawful and justified and I am behind him 150 percent. We are focused on only one thing—keeping people safe and saving lives. Every action we take serves that purpose, and every order has been appropriate and absolutely necessary. People are frustrated and impatient. I get that. I want my old life back too. I want businesses to reopen. I want my kids back in school. I want to be able to see…

Senators Want More SNAP Benefits

Unemployment and Stimulus

Himes On CARES Act

Paycheck Protection Progra,

IRS To Host Webinar On Payments and CARES Act

AG Wants Communication Shutoffs Suspended

Commissioner Warns Insurers

Himes Wants Paycheck Protection Relenished

Senator Tony Hwang Requests Update on Unemployment Processing

CT Attorney General: Governor Has Broad Authority

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