HARTFORD, CT – Following his veto messages issued on Friday evening, Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding the vetoes he penned on three bills:
“In issuing these three vetoes, I did so only after careful consideration and deliberation about not only the underlying cause of concern, but also in understanding the message that this action would send.
“In all three cases, my veto pen was used on behalf of the workers and consumers in this state who don’t have lobbyists to mount a campaign against the special interests that too often try to determine our legislative agenda and focus.
“In particular, on the issue of restaurant workers, this bill deprives these individuals of their day in court and the earned wage to which they may be entitled. It is an attempt by the legislature to go back in time to change the law which governed the wages these workers earned at the time they performed their work. This type of retroactive maneuver is unfair and constitutes a dangerous precedent for workers and employers across our state. Further, it’s important to note this bill was passed without debate or public hearings at the eleventh-hour on the last day of the legislative session.
“As a small business owner myself, I uniquely understand the impact these types of lawsuits could have on business operations and productivity. But this is not the way to solve for this concern. The idea that government can seize someone’s property or wages on a whim is wholly un-American and most likely unconstitutional. That’s not pro-business, that’s not smart business, that’s bad business.”
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging families in Connecticut who are concerned about separation due to raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) to utilize a toolkit offered by the state that provides a user-friendly, step-by-step guide for parents who seek to have a plan in place for the safe care of their children in the event that they are detained or deported.
Available in nine languages, the State of Connecticut’s Family Preparedness Plan includes a guide on steps people can take on their own – without the help of an attorney – to develop a child care plan, and includes important forms and documents that families can fill out and store in a safe place where they can be accessed if needed. The plan also includes information on where to find immigration legal assistance, and guidance on how to avoid immigration scams.
The toolkit can be downloaded online as a PDF document through the Office of the Governor’s website by visitingportal.ct.gov/FamilyPreparedness.
There is no cost to complete any of the forms contained in the toolkit, and they may be completed without the involvement of attorneys or any court.
It has been electronically distributed to a number of partnering organizations throughout Connecticut, including town governments, school districts, libraries, legal service organizations, and the United Way 2-1-1. Other groups are encouraged to download it and share it with interested parties who may find it useful.
“For many families right now, the fear of separation and detainment is tangible and all too real,” Governor Lamont said. “Many children involved in these situations are United States citizens themselves. We want to ensure that parents know they have the ability to designate a standby guardian to prevent their children from being placed in state care in the event they become separated.”
“From ICE raids, to separating families at the border, locking children in cages, and weaponizing the census, the Trump administration has created a climate of fear in immigrant communities and communities of color in Connecticut and across the nation,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Following yesterday’s order, we continue to be alarmed and disturbed by the president’s use of the power of information held by federal agencies as a tactic to insight fear across the nation.”
Attorney General William Tong has joined coalitions of attorneys general in challenging the President’s national emergency declaration to build a border wall; blocking the president from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census; defending the human rights of immigrant children in ICE detention; opposing a proposed rule that would deny housing assistance to families that include any undocumented immigrants; and has worked to protect and defend immigrants and immigrant families in Connecticut.
“From the moment he announced his candidacy, the president has pursued a policy of cruelty and has done everything he can to instill fear and chaos into our communities,” Attorney General Tong said. “He has separated families, invaded our cities to round up immigrants, and tried to use the census to frighten immigrants and people of color. His campaign of fear is intended to weaken our communities and defeat the rule of law. The Attorney General’s Office will keep fighting against these cruel and inhumane policies, to keep families together, and to ensure that every person is counted.”
“We must work day in and out to counteract the fear and anxiety this administration has created,” Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said. “While the administration sows fear of deportation and immigration raids, we work to ensure that families know their rights. When the administration spreads doubt and misinformation designed to create a census undercount, we redouble our efforts to accurately count every person in Connecticut. The destructive policies of this administration risk doing great harm to the most vulnerable members of our community. I’m proud that Connecticut is standing up to protect our friends and neighbors.”
“We will not tolerate the shameful rounding up of families, the separation of children from parents and ruling by fear,” StateComptroller Kevin Lembo said. “The federal administration has fully lost its way, but Connecticut will remain a place of safety and hope for all families and children. I commend Governor Lamont for his leadership in protecting families and Attorney General Tong for his ongoing fights to uphold the law and hold our federal government accountable.”
“Everyday we awake to experience another attempt to harm individual rights by curbing liberty and reversing decades of progress that bettered this nation,” State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden said. “We stand today, in Bridgeport, and in communities across America, with all those who embrace our shared democratic values – which have long welcomed immigrants from across the globe to our shores. We believe that our nation is greater, and stronger, when we work to promote and protect freedom for all people, regardless of background, faith, and color. That is the story of America, and the one that will far outlast those who seek to divide and oppress.”
WATERBURY, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, joined by first responders and state lawmakers, today held a bill signing ceremony at Engine 10 of the Waterbury Fire Department to commemorate the adoption of a state law that will provide workers’ compensation benefits to police officers, parole officers, and firefighters who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing an unnerving event in the line of duty.
Previously, workers’ compensation covered mental health injuries only when they were sustained in conjunction with physical injuries. This law extends that coverage, recognizing that first responders in particular can be exposed to events on the job that can cause difficulty coping or adjusting for weeks and months at a time, sometimes leading to intense flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and depression.
Coverage will be available to police officers, parole officers, and firefighters who have experienced one of the following six events:
· Witnessing the death of a person;
· Witnessing an injury that causes the death of a person shortly thereafter;
· Treating an injured person who dies shortly thereafter;
· Carrying an injured person who dies shortly thereafter;
· Viewing a deceased minor; and
· Witnessing an incident that causes a person to lose a body part, to suffer a loss of function, or that results in permanent disfigurement.
In addition, the law requires the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee to study the cost and impact of adding emergency medical services personnel and certain Department of Correction employees to the list of covered employees.
“First responders dedicate their lives to the safety of our neighborhoods, and we owe it to them to be there when the actions they took to protect others causes injuries to themselves – regardless of whether those injuries are physical or mental,”Governor Lamont said. “Modern scientific research is showing the immense impact that mental health issues can have on a person, and our statutes should reflect that. I am proud to stand side-by-side with our state’s police and firefighting community as I sign this important bill into law.”
The concept for the legislation was first introduced in the General Assembly following the December 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in which 20 children and 6 adults were murdered.
The language in the bill was written in consultation with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and police and firefighters union representatives after many months of negotiation and debate. It received the unanimous, bipartisan support of every member of the General Assembly.
“For too long, public policy has put mental health treatment on the back burner, and it has weighed mental health injuries on a separate scale from physical injuries. Those days have come to an end,” State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), a longtime advocate of workers’ compensation reform and of coverage for traumatic mental injuries with no accompanying physical component, said. “This law is a significant step forward in the equality of treatment for mental health injuries. It recognizes that post-traumatic stress is an actual condition that can be treated, and when treated, allows a person to return to work. That’s what workers’ compensation is for. We owe it to these affected individuals – who so often go into harm’s way so we don’t have to – to help them put their lives back together.”
The idea of extending PTSD coverage to first responders is not unique to Connecticut. As new medical studies come out in recent years revealing the extent that mental health injuries can have on a person, several states have considered legislation to allow standalone mental health injuries to be covered by workers’ compensation. In 2017, Colorado, Texas, Vermont, and South Caroline enacted legislation providing PTSD coverage for first responders. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, at least 16 states explored similar legislation in 2018, including Arizona, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
The legislation is Public Act 19-17, An Act Concerning Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Certain Mental or Emotional Impairments, Mental Health Care for Police Officers and Wellness Training for Police Officers, Parole Officers and Firefighters.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) this week introduced the Start Advancing Firearms Enhancements and Technology (SAFETY) Act, legislation that would provide tax incentives to small businesses and firearm manufacturers for the development of smart gun technologies. The bill also encourages consumers to buy firearms that utilize new breakthroughs in safety to reduce gun violence. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is a co-sponsor of the legislation. U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-4) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Smart guns are an innovative way to control who has access to your gun. If I can use my finger or face to unlock my cell phone, then firearm manufacturers can be innovative in using technology to secure guns. We know that safely securing guns will cut down on suicides and accidental deaths, especially among children. I’m going to keep doing everything I can to offer proposals that can help save as many lives as possible,” said Murphy.
“Our bill incentivizes advancements in safe gun technology that will save lives. Safe gun technology has already created locks that prevent accidental shootings and fingerprint scans that disable firearms for anyone but their lawful owners. The firearm industry and responsible gun owners should already be embracing these kinds of innovations. With our bill, small businesses and manufacturers will have even more incentive to harness the power of American innovation and create smarter, safer firearms,” said Blumenthal.
Since his time in the Senate, Murphy has been a vocal critic of our nation’s gun laws. In January, Murphy reintroduced the Background Check Expansion Actto expand federal background checks to the sale or transfer of all firearms by private sellers, with certain reasonable exceptions. Murphy also joined U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to introduce the Automatic Gun Fire Prevention Act, a bill to close a loophole that allows people to use bump-stocks to turn semi-automatic weapons to automatic weapons, and the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019, a bill to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Murphy also co-authored the bipartisan Fix NICS Act with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), which improves federal and state reporting of relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and was signed into law last year.
WASHINGTON – As the U.S. Congress begins considering a reauthorization of the Higher Education Act,U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a policy paper on Tuesday outlining new accountability proposals on how students and taxpayers can get a better return on their investment by expecting outcomes around completion, value, and access.
“I’m a revolutionary when it comes to reforming higher education. I just don’t believe that we can afford the system we have today, especially when so many kids start degrees and never finish them. We’re facing a cost and completion crisis in higher education that threatens to bankrupt students, families, and the American treasury if we don’t get serious about expecting better results from schools right now,” Murphy said. “There are a ton of fantastic schools in America that offer great value. But far too often, students are saddled with student loan debt and degrees that aren’t worth the money they put into them in the first place. And we shouldn’t be throwing money at colleges that fail to invest in our students’ futures. The proposals I have outlined begin to correct that by tying federal funds to real outcomes for students.”
In his proposals, Murphy lays out the need for the federal government to step up accountability efforts to ensure that colleges and universities are delivering for their students. Murphy’s proposal would create standards using a variety of measurements that ensures students who enroll in school complete their education without extreme and burdensome debt, pushes schools to admit and serve more low-income students, holds schools that choose not to invest money in their students accountable, and supports strong consumer protection standards.
The proposal:
Uses multiple metrics to identify schools that aren’t graduating enough students or whose students are not able to pay down their loans;
Describes the creation of an institutional spending screen to differentiate between schools that are investing in student success and schools that are siphoning tuition dollars away from student instruction;
Differentiates consequences between schools that are and are not investing in student instruction and creates a grant program to help struggling schools that are investing in student instruction;
Ensures that schools cannot backslide by admitting fewer low-income students to meet these goals; and
Supports strong consumer protection safeguards like the improving the cohort default rate, strengthening the 90/10 rule, and banning mandatory arbitration.
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WASHINGTON – A medida que el Congreso de los Estados Unidos comienza a considerar una reautorización de la Ley de Educación Superior, el senador estadounidense Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), miembro del Comité de Salud, Educación, Trabajo y Pensiones (HELP, por sus otros) del Senado de los Estados Unidos, publicó un documento de política el martes esbozando nuevas propuestas de rendición de cuentas sobre cómo los estudiantes y los contribuyentes pueden obtener un mejor retorno de su inversión al esperar resultados en torno a la finalización, el valor y el acceso.
“Soy un revolucionario cuando se trata de reformar la educación superior. No creo que podamos pagar el sistema que tenemos hoy, especialmente cuando tantos niños comienzan grados y nunca los terminan. Nos enfrentamos a una crisis de costos y terminación en la educación superior que amenaza con que vasar a los estudiantes, las familias y el tesoro estadounidense si no nos tomamos en serio esperar mejores resultados de las escuelas en este momento”, dijo Murphy. “Hay un gran tipo de escuelas fantásticas en Estados Unidos que ofrecen una gran relación calidad-precio. Pero con demasiada frecuencia, los estudiantes están ensillados con deudas de préstamos estudiantiles y títulos que no valen el dinero que les ponen en primer lugar. Y no deberíamos estar tirando dinero a las universidades que no invierten en el futuro de nuestros estudiantes. Las propuestas que he esbozado comienzan a corregir eso atando los fondos federales a resultados reales para los estudiantes”.
En sus propuestas, Murphy establece la necesidad de que el gobierno federal intensifique los esfuerzos de rendición de cuentas para asegurar que las universidades y universidades estén dando resultados para sus estudiantes. La propuesta de Murphy crearía estándares usando una variedad de medidas que aseguran que los estudiantes que se inscriban en la escuela completen su educación sin deudas extremas y gravosas, empuja a las escuelas a admitir y servir a más estudiantes de bajos ingresos, mantiene escuelas que deciden no invertir dinero en sus estudiantes responsables, y apoya sólidos estándares de protección al consumidor.
La propuesta:
•Utiliza múltiples métricas para identificar escuelas que no están graduando suficientemente a los estudiantes o cuyos estudiantes no pueden pagar sus préstamos;
•Describe la creación de una pantalla de gasto institucional para diferenciar entre las escuelas que están invirtiendo en el éxito de los estudiantes y las escuelas que están sifonado dólares de matrícula lejos de la instrucción de los estudiantes;
•Diferencia las consecuencias entre las escuelas que están y no están invirtiendo en la instrucción estudiantil y crea un programa de becas para ayudar a las escuelas con dificultades que están invirtiendo en la instrucción estudiantil;
•Garantiza que las escuelas no pueden retroceder admitiendo que menos estudiantes de bajos ingresos cumplan con estas metas; Y
•Apoya fuertes salvaguardias de protección del consumidor como la mejora de la tasa de incumplimiento de la cohorte, el fortalecimiento de la regla 90/10 y la prohibición del arbitraje obligatorio.
WHEREAS, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities are an integral part of Connecticut’s population; and
WHEREAS, the fight for dignity and equality for LGBTQ people is reflected in the tireless dedication of advocates and allies who strive to make this a more inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut celebrates the diversity of its people and their right to live their lives out loud, free of discrimination, fear, and prejudice; and
WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized internationally as Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, when people in the LGBTQ community in New York City – at great personal and physical risk to themselves – courageously fought back against the increasing hostility and discrimination they faced from police at the Stonewall Inn, which was a refuge for queer people of color, homeless young people, and drag queens; and
WHEREAS, the Stonewall Riots gave birth to the LGBTQ rights movement, and this year marks its 50th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut is proud to have led the nation in adopting laws supporting the LGBTQ community, including being the first state to enact a law through the legislature granting same-sex couples with the rights and responsibilities of marriage; and
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut remains committed to protecting the civil rights of the LGBTQ community; and
WHEREAS, there remains much work to do across the world to protect the safety and security of the LGBTQ community against the threat of violence and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, every human being has the right to live their lives openly as who they are; now
THEREFORE, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially designate June 2019 as
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH
in the State of Connecticut.
This press release was made possible by:
Mes del Orgullo LGBTQ en Connecticut
Estado de Connecticut
Por Su Excelencia Ned Lamont, Gobernador:
Una declaración oficial
CONSIDERANDO que las comunidades lesbiana, gay, bisexual, transgénero y queer (LGBTQ) son una parte integral de la población de Connecticut; Y
CONSIDERANDO que la lucha por la dignidad y la igualdad para las personas LGBTQ se refleja en la incansable dedicación de los defensores y aliados que se esfuerzan por hacer de esta una sociedad más inclusiva; Y
CONSIDERANDO que el Estado de Connecticut celebra la diversidad de su pueblo y su derecho a vivir sus vidas en voz alta, libres de discriminación, miedo y prejuicios; Y
CONSIDERANDO QUE el mes de junio es reconocido internacionalmente como el Mes del Orgullo para conmemorar los disturbios de Stonewall de junio de 1969, cuando las personas de la comunidad LGBTQ en la ciudad de Nueva York, con gran riesgo personal y físico para ellos mismos, lucharon valientemente contra la creciente hostilidad y discriminación a la que se enfrentaban la policía en el Stonewall Inn, que era un refugio para los queer de color, los jóvenes sin hogar y las drag queens; Y
CONSIDERANDO QUE los disturbios de Stonewall dieron origen al movimiento por los derechos LGBTQ, y este año se celebra su 50 aniversario; Y
CONSIDERANDO QUE Connecticut se enorgullece de haber liderado a la nación en la adopción de leyes que apoyan a la comunidad LGBTQ, incluyendo ser el primer estado en promulgar una ley a través de la legislatura otorgando a las parejas del mismo sexo con los derechos y responsabilidades del matrimonio; Y
CONSIDERANDO que el Estado de Connecticut sigue comprometido con la protección de los derechos civiles de la comunidad LGBTQ; Y
CONSIDERANDO que queda mucho trabajo por hacer en todo el mundo para proteger la seguridad de la comunidad LGBTQ contra la amenaza de la violencia y la discriminación; Y
CONSIDERANDO que todo ser humano tiene derecho a vivir sus vidas abiertamente como quienes son; Ahora
POR LO TANTO, yo, Ned Lamont, Gobernador del Estado de Connecticut, designo oficialmente junio de 2019 como
HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont Sunday released the following statement regarding United Technologies Corporation (UTC):
“UTC and its subsidiaries, including Pratt & Whitney, Otis Elevator, and Collins Aerospace, continue to be an important part of Connecticut’s fabric. It’s important to note that nearly all of UTC’s 19,000 employees will remain in Connecticut, with roughly 100 moving to the new headquarters.
“I’ve spoken directly with Greg Hayes and made it clear that Connecticut will always be open should things change, as they often do. This serves as reminder that we live in an increasingly competitive economy, domestically and internationally. As such, it’s critical we invest in education, workforce development, and our transportation infrastructure to stay competitive.
“Our economic development team, led by Jim Smith, Indra Nooyi, and David Lehman, is already aggressively shifting their business development strategy, including redesigning the Connecticut Economic Resource Center to match the speed and flexibility necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy and job market. We will continue to market our state as a fantastic place to live, work, and locate a business.”
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Declaración del gobernador sobre United Technologies Corporation
HARTFORD, CT – El gobernador Ned Lamont Sunday publicó la siguiente declaración sobre United Technologies Corporation (UTC):
“UTC y sus subsidiarias, incluyendo Pratt & Whitney, Otis Elevator y Collins Aerospace, continúan siendo una parte importante de la tela de Connecticut. Es importante tener en cuenta que casi todos los 19.000 empleados de UTC permanecerán en Connecticut, con aproximadamente 100 moviéndose a la nueva sede.
“He hablado directamente con Greg Hayes y he hecho claro que Connecticut siempre estará abierto si las cosas cambian, como lo hacen a menudo. Esto sirve como recordatorio de que vivimos en una economía cada vez más competitiva, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. Como tal, es fundamental que invertimos en la educación, el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y nuestra infraestructura de transporte para mantener la competitividad.
“Nuestro equipo de desarrollo económico, liderado por Jim Smith, Indra Nooyi y David Lehman, ya está cambiando agresivamente su estrategia de desarrollo de negocios, incluyendo el rediseño del centro de recursos económicos de Connecticut para que coincida con la velocidad y flexibilidad necesarias para competir y tener éxito en la economía del siglo 21 y el mercado de trabajo. Continuaremos comercializamos nuestro estado como un lugar fantástico para vivir, trabajar y ubicar un negocio. ”
Imagine if Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass reforms that improve the lives of millions of people.
And imagine if those reforms put America’s Veterans at the center of their healthcare decisions, leading to better customer service for our Nation’s heroes.
This isn’t hypothetical. It happened last year when Congress passed the MISSION Act.
Through state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and increased clinician recruiting and retention incentives, VA continues to enhance its coordinated care system through high-quality VA health care and community care provider networks.
The legislation sailed through Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and the strong backing of Veterans’ service organizations.
President Donald J. Trump’s signature put us on a path to implementing these reforms. On June 6, the MISSION Act will enable VA to consolidate the Department’s community care efforts into a single, simple-to-use program that will empower Veterans with the ability to choose the healthcare providers they trust.
So what can Veterans expect on June 6?
Less red tape, more satisfaction and predictability for patients, more efficiency for our clinicians, and better value for taxpayers.
Veterans will be eligible to get community care for a variety of reasons, including when VA can’t provide the treatment they need or when care outside our system is in the best medical interest of the patient.
We listened to Veterans and heard they preferred standards based on drive times rather than driving mileage because those standards better reflect Veteran experiences, especially in large urban areas with lots of traffic.
To ensure our Veterans are spending their time getting care instead of driving to it, patients facing an average drive time of 30-minutes or more for VA primary or mental healthcare, or non-institutional extended care services, will have the option of choosing a community provider closer to home. For specialty care, the drive-time standard will be an average of 60 minutes.
And to get Veterans the care they need when they need it, VA patients facing a 20-day or more wait time for primary or mental healthcare, or non-institutional extended care services, will have the option of choosing a community provider who can deliver that care faster. For specialty care, the wait-time standard will be 28 days.
For additional convenience and timely treatment, eligible Veterans will also have access to urgent, walk-in care that gives them the choice to receive certain services at participating community clinics in their communities. (To access this new benefit, Veterans will select a provider in VA’s community care network and may be charged a copayment.)
Veterans will be encouraged to ask VA about these new options, and well-trained staff will be available to help them quickly understand their choices.
These exciting and important changes speak to my top priority – delivering the best medical customer service and offering Veterans more healthcare choices.
While we still have more work to do, the VA is making progress.
We are seeing more patients than ever before, more quickly than ever before and studies show VA now compares favorably to the private sector for access and quality of care – and in many cases exceeds it.
And Veterans have noticed.
Patients’ trust in VA care has skyrocketed to 87.7 percent, and in the last fiscal year VA completed more than 58 million internal appointments – a record high and 623,000 more than the year before.
VA employees are noticing improvements as well. VA ranked sixth out of 17 Federal Government agencies in the Partnership for Public Service’s most recent “Best Places to Work” survey, up from 17th the year prior.
To maintain the trust of our Veterans, we must continue to deliver. And we will constantly innovate, upgrade, and pursue ways to better serve our Nation’s heroes.
The MISSION Act is a vital part of this effort, giving VA the ability to implement the best practices we’ve learned in our nearly 75 years of experience offering community care.
The core of the doctor-patient relationship is trust. President Trump promised Veterans that this core value would shape the VA.
With the MISSION Act, the future of the VA healthcare system will lie in the hands of Veterans – precisely where it should be.
That’s exactly what President Trump promised, it’s exactly what Congress voted for, and it’s exactly what VA will deliver to America’s Veterans.
We will provide more information and progress updates over the next several weeks.
For more information on the Mission Act, and what this will do for all Veterans, please go to www.MISSIONAct.va.gov
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El Secretario de asuntos de veteranos Robert Wilkie, explica la ley de la misión.
Imagine que los republicanos y los demócratas trabajaran juntos para aprobar reformas que mejoren la vida de millones de personas.
E imagina si esas reformas ponen a los veteranos de América en el centro de sus decisiones de atención médica, lo que conduce a un mejor servicio al cliente para los héroes de nuestra nación.
Esto no es hipotético. Ocurrió el año pasado cuando el Congreso aprobó la ley de la misión.
A través de instalaciones de última generación, tecnología de vanguardia y mayores incentivos para el reclutamiento y retención de los médicos, el VA continúa potenciando su sistema de atención coordinada a través de redes de atención médica de alta calidad y de proveedores de atención comunitaria.
La legislación navegó a través del Congreso con un abrumador apoyo bipartidista y el fuerte respaldo de las organizaciones de servicios de veteranos.
La firma del Presidente Donald J. Trump nos puso en un camino para implementar estas reformas. El 6 de junio, la ley de misión permitirá a la VA consolidar los esfuerzos de atención comunitaria del Departamento en un programa único y fácil de usar que capacitará a los veteranos con la capacidad de elegir los proveedores de atención médica en los que confían.
Entonces, ¿qué pueden esperar los veteranos el 6 de junio?
Menos burocracia, más satisfacción y previsibilidad para los pacientes, más eficiencia para nuestros médicos y mejor valor para los contribuyentes.
Los veteranos serán elegibles para recibir atención de la comunidad por una variedad de razones, incluso cuando VA no puede proporcionar el tratamiento que necesitan o cuando la atención fuera de nuestro sistema está en el mejor interés médico del paciente.
Escuchamos a los veteranos y escuchamos que preferían estándares basados en tiempos de conducción en lugar de conducir el kilometraje porque esos estándares reflejan mejor las experiencias de veteranos, especialmente en las grandes áreas urbanas con mucho tráfico.
Para garantizar que nuestros veteranos están gastando su tiempo en obtener atención médica en lugar de conducirnos a él, los pacientes que enfrentan un tiempo promedio de conducción de 30 minutos o más para la salud primaria o mental del VA, o servicios de cuidado extendido no institucionales, tendrán la opción de elegir un proveedor de la comunidad más cerca de casa. Para la atención especializada, el estándar de tiempo de viaje será de un promedio de 60 minutos.
Y para que los veteranos tengan el cuidado que necesitan cuando lo necesiten, los pacientes con VA que se enfrentan a un tiempo de espera de 20 días o más para atención médica primaria o mental, o servicios de atención prolongada no institucionales, tendrán la opción de elegir un proveedor de la comunidad que pueda brindar esa atención más rápido. Para la atención especializada, el estándar de tiempo de espera será de 28 días.
Para mayor conveniencia y tratamiento oportuno, los veteranos elegibles también tendrán acceso a atención urgente y a pie que les da la opción de recibir ciertos servicios en las clínicas comunitarias participantes en sus comunidades. (Para acceder a este nuevo beneficio, los veteranos seleccionarán a un proveedor en la red de cuidado de la comunidad de VA y se les puede cobrar un copago.)
Se alentará a los veteranos a preguntarle a VA sobre estas nuevas opciones, y el personal bien entrenado estará disponible para ayudarles a entender rápidamente sus opciones.
Estos cambios emocionantes e importantes hablan de mi máxima prioridad: ofrecer el mejor servicio de atención al cliente y ofrecer a los veteranos más opciones de atención médica.
Si bien todavía tenemos más trabajo por hacer, el VA está progresando.
Estamos viendo más pacientes que nunca antes, más rápidamente que nunca antes y los estudios muestran que VA ahora se compara favorablemente con el sector privado para el acceso y la calidad de la atención – y en muchos casos lo excede.
Y los veteranos se han dado cuenta.
La confianza de los pacientes en el cuidado del VA se ha disparado hasta el 87,7 por ciento, y en el último año fiscal, el VA completó más de 58 millones nombramientos internos, un récord alto y 623.000 más que el año anterior.
Los empleados de VA también notan mejoras. El VA ocupó el sexto lugar de 17 agencias del gobierno federal en la encuesta más reciente de “mejores lugares para trabajar” de la Asociación para el servicio público, antes del 17 del año anterior.
Para mantener la confianza de nuestros veteranos, debemos seguir ofreciendo. Y vamos a innovar constantemente, mejorar y perseguir maneras de servir mejor a los héroes de nuestra nación.
La ley de misión es una parte vital de este esfuerzo, dándole a VA la capacidad de implementar las mejores prácticas que hemos aprendido en nuestros casi 75 años de experiencia ofreciendo atención comunitaria.
El núcleo de la relación médico-paciente es la confianza. El Presidente Trump prometió a los veteranos que este valor central daría forma al VA.
Con la ley de la misión, el futuro del sistema de salud VA estará en manos de los veteranos, precisamente donde debería estar.
Eso es exactamente lo que prometió el Presidente Trump, es exactamente lo que votó el Congreso, y es exactamente lo que VA a entregar a los veteranos de América.
Proporcionaremos más información y actualizaciones de progreso durante las próximas semanas.
Para obtener más información sobre la ley de misión, y lo que esto hará por todos los veteranos, por favor vaya a www.MISSIONAct.va.gov
HARTFORD, CT – Governor Ned Lamont is applauding both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly for adopting legislation that makes updates to the Trust Act of 2013 and plans to sign the bills into law when they are transmitted to his desk in the coming days.
The Trust Act sets conditions for state and local law enforcement authorities for voluntarily cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials seeking to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. It was created in an effort to strike a balance between assisting ICE agents when it serves the interests of public safety, and maintaining effective relationships between state and local law enforcement officials and those who live in the community.
Legislation that recently received final approval in the General Assembly makes several modifications to the act, including:
· prohibits law enforcement from detaining someone solely on the basis of a civil immigration detainer unless the person is guilty of the most serious felonies, is on the terrorist watch list, or a judicial warrant has been issued;
· limits law enforcement sharing with ICE; and
· requires law enforcement to inform an individual when ICE has requested their detention.
“These modifications strengthen the important relationship local law enforcement and their communities,” Governor Lamont said. “Passing on the responsibilities of the federal government to local law enforcement agencies stretches limited resources even further and shifts attention away from their main focus, which is to maintain the safety of our neighborhoods. I applaud the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk, and I will sign it into law in the coming days.”
“Our vibrant immigrant communities are part of the fabric that makes Connecticut great,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Expanding the Trust Act and closing loopholes in the existing law is not only the right thing to do but it will ensure that Connecticut’s local police departments are not burdened with the irresponsible and insensitive practices of the current federal administration.”
The legislation was passed in two parts – Senate Bill 992, An Act Concerning the Trust Act, which received approval by the State Senate on May 15 and the House of Representatives on May 30, and House Bill 1115, An Act Concerning A Study of the State’s Civil Laws, which was approved by both chambers on May 30.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a press release from the Governor’s Office. Don’t be getting on my case or telling me what to post and not to post.
This press release was made possible by:
Gobernador para firmar Bill ICE
HARTFORD, CT-el gobernador Ned Lamont está aplaudiendo ambas cámaras de la Asamblea General de Connecticut por la adopción de la legislación que hace actualizaciones a la ley de fideicomiso de 2013 y planea firmar las cuentas en la ley cuando se transmiten a su escritorio en los próximos días.
La ley de fideicomiso establece condiciones para que las autoridades policiales estatales y locales cooperen voluntariamente con funcionarios de inmigración y aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE) que buscan detener y deportar a inmigrantes indocumentados. Se creó en un esfuerzo por lograr un equilibrio entre ayudar a los agentes de ICE cuando sirve a los intereses de la seguridad pública, y mantener relaciones efectivas entre los funcionarios policiales estatales y locales y los que viven en la comunidad.
La legislación que recientemente recibió la aprobación final en la Asamblea General hace varias modificaciones al Acta, incluyendo:
· prohíbe a las autoridades policiales detener a alguien únicamente sobre la base de un detenido de inmigración civil, a menos que la persona sea culpable de los delitos más graves, esté en la lista de la Guardia terrorista o se haya emitido una orden judicial;
· limita el reparto de la ley con ICE;
· requiere que la policía informe a una persona cuando ICE ha solicitado su detención.
“Estas modificaciones fortalecen la relación importante que la policía local y sus comunidades tienen”, dijo el gobernador Lamont. “Pasar las responsabilidades del gobierno federal a los organismos policiales locales extiende aún más los recursos limitados y aleja la atención de su enfoque principal, que es mantener la seguridad de nuestros vecindarios. Aplaudo a la Asamblea General por haber enviado esta legislación a mi mesa, y la firmaré en la ley en los próximos días. ”
“Nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes vibrantes son parte de la tela que hace grande a Connecticut”, dijo la vicegobernadora Susan Bysiewicz. “Expandir la ley de fideicomiso y cerrar lagunas en la ley existente no sólo es lo correcto, sino que garantizará que los departamentos de policía local de Connecticut no estén cargados con las prácticas irresponsables e insensibles de la actual Administración. ”
La legislación se aprobó en dos partes: el proyecto de ley del Senado 992, una ley relativa a la ley de fideicomiso, que recibió la aprobación por el Senado del estado el 15 de mayo y la cámara de representantes el 30 de mayo, y el proyecto de ley 1115, un Acta relativa A un estudio de las leyes civiles del estado, que fue aprobada por ambas cámaras el 30 de mayo.
Tenga en cuenta: Este es un comunicado de prensa de la oficina del gobernador. No se estén metiendo en mi caso o diciéndome qué publicar y no publicar.
Dear Alabama, Georgia and Missouri Women-Owned Businesses,
Your state legislature’s recent decision to severely curb women’s reproductive rights is sending shockwaves across the country, including in the business world. Condemnation of this extreme measure has been swift and calls for corporate boycotts grow stronger by the day.
This is clearly an issue that won’t be going away any time soon.
As a staunch supporter of women’s rights, we are appalled at these actions that erode the ability of women to make informed decisions about their health and bodies.
If you are as concerned as we are about this issue, we would urge you to relocate your operations to a state that supports the rights of women and whose actions and laws are unwavering in support of tolerance and inclusivity. In short, I urge you to come to Connecticut.
Our state has a wealth of competitive advantages for your company:
· A highly-skilled workforce, top-ranked in productivity
· Excellent K-12 school systems and world-renowned colleges/universities
· Superior quality of life
· Strategic location between Boston and New York, providing access to key markets and resources
· Third best state for working mothers and the fourth most innovative economy in the nation
But we are equally as proud of our commitment to the causes of women. The recently created Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, for example, clearly illustrates the ways in which we prioritize the potential of ALL members of our society.
We know that this would be a big change for you and your company. Please know that our state has a number of assistance programs that will ensure this type of transition a smooth one for you and your team.
If you are interested and want to learn more, please contact David Lehman, commissioner of our Department of Economic and Community Development at 860-500-2310 orDavid.Lehman@ct.gov. He can answer any questions you may have.
It is our hope you will carefully consider the short and long-term impacts this egregious, anti-women measure will have on your business and employees and take a bold step for change. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Ned Lamont, Governor, State of Connecticut
Susan Bysiewicz, Lt. Governor, State of Connecticut
This press release was made possible by:
Estimado Alabama, Georgia y Missouri empresas propiedad de las mujeres,
La reciente decisión de la legislatura estatal de frenar severamente los derechos reproductivos de las mujeres está enviando ondas de choque por todo el país, incluso en el mundo de los negocios. La condena de esta medida extrema ha sido rápida y los llamamientos para boicots corporativos crecen más fuerte por el día.
Esto es claramente un problema que no se va a desaparecer en cualquier momento muy pronto.
Como un firme partidario de los derechos de las mujeres, nos horroriza estas acciones que erosionan la capacidad de las mujeres de tomar decisiones informadas sobre su salud y sus cuerpos.
Si usted está tan preocupado como nosotros sobre este tema, le instamos a que reubique sus operaciones a un estado que apoye los derechos de las mujeres y cuyas acciones y leyes sean firmes en apoyo de la tolerancia y la inclusividad. En Resumen, les insto a que vengan a Connecticut.
Nuestro estado tiene una gran cantidad de ventajas competitivas para su empresa:
· Una fuerza de trabajo altamente calificada, mejor clasificada en productividad
· Excelentes sistemas escolares K-12 y colegios/universidades de renombre mundial
· Calidad de vida superior
· Ubicación estratégica entre Boston y Nueva York, que proporciona acceso a los principales mercados y recursos
· Tercer mejor estado para las madres trabajadoras y la cuarta economía más innovadora de la nación
Pero estamos igualmente orgullosos de nuestro compromiso con las causas de las mujeres. El recientemente creado Consejo del gobernador sobre las mujeres y las niñas, por ejemplo, ilustra claramente las formas en que priorizamos el potencial de todos los miembros de nuestra sociedad.
Sabemos que esto sería un gran cambio para usted y su empresa. Por favor, sepa que nuestro estado tiene una serie de programas de asistencia que garantizarán este tipo de transición una suave para usted y su equipo.
Si está interesado y desea obtener más información, comuníquese con David Lehman, Comisionado de nuestro Departamento de desarrollo económico y comunitario en 860-500-2310 orDavid.Lehman@ct.gov. Puede contestar cualquier pregunta que pueda tener.
Esperamos que considere detenidamente los impactos a corto y largo plazo que esta medida atroz y antifemenina tendrá en su negocio y empleados y dará un paso audaz por el cambio. Esperamos poder saber de usted.
Sinceramente
Ned Lamont, gobernador del estado de Connecticut
Susan Bysiewicz, teniente gobernador del estado de Connecticut
