Newsroom - 2009

September 18, 2009 

REPS. GENTILE AND CONROY WELCOME 250K FOR 4 AREA TOWNS

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) welcomed the announcement that $253,449 in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency projects has been awarded to four Valley towns.

“This is great news.  This funding is good for our environmental health and for the health of our economy,” said Rep. Gentile.  “It will also ease some of the financial pressure on our towns in this challenging economy.”

“This money will help allow us meet Connecticut’s clean air goals and reduce our energy use without costing the towns a penny,” said Rep. Conroy.  “It will also spur the growth of high tech green jobs.”

Money can be spent on a range of projects, including energy audits, retrofits, transportation programs that conserve energy, greenhouse gas reduction, development of energy efficient building codes and geothermal building systems. 

Reps Gentile and Conroy added that they were both grateful for Governor Rell’s and Congresswomen DeLauro’s support for the stimulus package

Ansonia will receive $78,713, Beacon Falls will receive $41,708, Derby will receive $61,004, and Seymour will receive $72,024 through Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law by President Obama.

September 10, 2009

SEN. CRISCO & REP. GENTILE ANNOUNCE $25,000 FOR ANSONIA NATURE CENTER  

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) announced the inclusion of $25,000 for the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center in the state budget.

“By securing this funding, we are able to ensure the center continues to provide the community and our students an opportunity to further appreciate our natural resources,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “Besides the educational benefits of the center, it has become a focal point for our community and a key to preserving our community’s character.”

“The Ansonia Nature Center provides more than 100 acres of vital habitat for plant, animal, and bird species in our increasingly urban environment and combines it with an educational opportunity for all through weekday nature classes for children and evening and weekend programs for adults,” Senator Crisco (D-Woodbridge) said. “It’s gratifying to report how state funding will help this town-owned and operated facility maintain trails and other features to the benefit of residents throughout the region.”

The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center is a free park owned and operated by the town.  It sits on 104 acres of a former dairy farm and contains nature trails, a pond, recreational fields, a community garden, a playscape and picnic pavilions.  It also houses an interpretive center supported by the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc focusing on educational nature programs and holds classes for students and the community.

September 4, 2009

REPS. GENTILE & CONROY SUPPORT COMPROMISE BUDGET
$3 Billion in Cuts; Millionaires’ Tax; Protection of Critical Services and Programs

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) joined with majority Democrats to pass a compromise state budget.

“This budget struck a balance between preserving core services and increasing taxes on millionaires,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “We were also able to keep the Derby Courthouse open which is an economic victory for area businesses.”

The budget successfully closes an $8.5 billion budget deficit for the next two fiscal years. The $37.6 billion biennial budget was crafted following extensive negotiations through the weekend with Governor M. Jodi Rell and was passed overwhelmingly in both the House of Representatives and State Senate.

Rep. Conroy added, “With this budget we strove to share the burden of Connecticut’s deficit without overly burdening our most vulnerable residents.  We were also able to preserve library funding which is key to keeping the doors to our library open.”

The compromise budget includes:

• More than $3 billion in cuts over two years;
• Nearly $1 billion in new revenue through a Millionaire’s Tax, where families will pay 6.5% on earnings
  over $1 million a year and individuals will pay the same rate for earnings over $500,000 a year;
• A .5% decrease in the sales tax for all Connecticut residents.
• A phase out the Estate Tax for most Connecticut families; estates less than $3.5 million will not be taxed.

Cuts in the budget are four times greater than the revenues that will be raised with the Millionaires’ Tax. Those cuts include reductions to state agencies and commissions, government bureaucracy, services that are not working as designed, and programs that are important but not essential in a budget crisis.

The budget avoids funding cuts for cities and towns, critical for local education and stabilizing property taxes.

It protects important services, including:

• Job creation by retaining funding for the Workforce Investment Act, Youth Employment Program, Jobs First, STRIDE, and the Small Business Incubator program.
• Education by funding Family Resource Centers, Priority School Districts, magnet and charter schools, ECS payments, Head Start and Care 4 Kids.
• Health and human service programs including AIDS services, LifeStar, Community Health Centers, Medicaid and HUSKY, High Meadows, Cedarcrest Hospital, nursing home funding, elderly transportation services, school-based health centers and adult dental services.
• Culture and tourism, including The Amistad, the New Haven Festival of Arts & Ideas, Mystic Aquarium and the Beardsley Zoo.
• Courthouses, library services, the Children’s Trust Fund, the Offices of the Health Care Advocate and Consumer Counsel, the Child Advocate, a new class of State Troopers to maintain staffing levels, and the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Governor Rell announced Tuesday, that she will allow the bill to become law.

August 24, 2009

REP. GENTILE JOINS SPEAKER DONOVAN AT HEALTHCARE PRESS CONFERENCE
GOVERNOR SPARES FEW WITH HEALTHCARE VETOES AND CUTS

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) joined with Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meiden), fellow legislators, healthcare advocates and individuals impacted by the Governor’s budget cuts.

“The citizens of Connecticut deserve access to affordable, quality healthcare,” Rep. Gentile said.  “Instead the governor vetoed key healthcare legislation that would begin to help the thousands of uninsured in the state.”

This year, Governor Rell vetoed two major pieces of health care legislation – SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership that would expand health care access while lowering costs for Connecticut businesses and families. The General Assembly was able to override the SustiNet veto.  She also vetoed bills that would extend insurance coverage to families of custodians working in state buildings; expand insurance coverage for preventive screenings and prosthetic and assistive devices; and enhance consumer protections on health insurance policies. 

Rep. Gentile added, “I find it deeply disappointing that the governor continues to make cuts to programs and services that are vital to so many people.  I will continue to fight to protect our most vulnerable residents.”

In addition, Governor Rell has proposed eliminating routine dental care for adults, cutting funding for school-based health clinics, reducing funding for people with mental illnesses, closing Cedarcrest Hospital in Newington, eliminating annual social security increases to offset supplemental assistance costs, increasing premiums for families with children on HUSKY B, and decreasing funding for nursing homes.

“I don’t think Governor Rell understands that there are real people who are being affected by the decisions she makes. What we’re trying to do is to put a human face on policy decisions that impact the quality of people’s lives,” stated Speaker Donovan.

July 23, 2009

REPS. GENTILE AND CONROY JOIN COLLEAGUES
TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETOES
Legislature Overrides 7 Vetoes

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) joined with colleagues in the House and Senate to override the vetoes of seven bills.  The legislation will provide health protections for working families, landmark health care reform, protection for Long Island Sound, and consensus requirements for state revenue projections.

“The legislature was able to overturn several pieces of good public policy, including taking a strong first step towards affordable, quality health care with SustiNet,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “I am however disappointed the Senate was not able to override the Governor’s veto of the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill.”

“I’m proud that we have finally taken the first step in providing people with the health care they need and deserve,” said Rep. Conroy.  “I’m truly disappointed that the Republicans choose not to support health care reform.  Health care reform is not a partisan issue and it deserves everyone’s support.”

House Bill 6582, The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, passed the House 105 to 37, but fell one vote short of an override in the senate. The Partnership bill would have allowed municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to join the state insurance plan leading to significant cost savings.

Rep. Gentile added, “I would urge area small businesses, municipalities and non-profits to rally behind this legislation because it is our plan to move forward again next year.”

The legislative package included SustiNet, a comprehensive plan that lays out a framework for opening the state employees’ plan to even more residents while containing costs, promoting preventive care, and laying the groundwork for federal health care reform (House Bill 6600), established a bi-state Long Island Sound Commission with New York to ensure the preservation of this natural resource (Senate Bill 1078), and established a permanent committee to monitor inmate assaults on prison guards and staff who work in the state’s correctional facilities (House Bill 6684).

June 16, 2009

REPS. GENTILE & CONROY JOIN U.S. REP. MURPHY
IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHCARE REFORM
Reps. Gentile, Conroy and fellow legislators deliver letter
with more than 130 legislator signatures to Murphy

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) joined state Democratic leaders to deliver to Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) a letter “urgently” calling on President Barack Obama and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation to “take up and pass comprehensive health care reform in 2009.”

“Connecticut made key steps towards increasing access to affordable, quality healthcare to its residents,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “We’ve led the way and now it is time of Washington to do their part.”

“Connecticut is positioned to be first to the starting line for healthcare reform with the work we have done. Work needs to be done at the federal level to ensure that healthcare is accessible for all,” Rep. Conroy stated.

The letter which says, in part, “States cannot achieve affordable health care for all without the investment, leadership and partnership of the federal government. Successful reform requires robust federal-state collaboration.”

The letter continues, “Failure to pass national comprehensive health reform now will further jeopardize state and local budgets, undermining public services like education, public safety, and transportation infrastructure. We call on President Obama and the Congress to enact bold and comprehensive health care reform this year – based on these principles and a strong federal-state collaboration – and pledge our support as state legislators and allies in pursuit of high quality, affordable health care for all.”

Congressman Murphy (CT-5) said, “Health care reform needs to happen at all levels of government, so I’m pleased that under Speaker Donovan’s leadership, we have made great strides in Connecticut to prepare for a new era in healthcare policy that will lower costs and provide more choices to people. In the coming weeks, I am going to work with President Obama and my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to craft a bill that will fix our broken healthcare system.”

The congressman added, “Right now, everyone is at the table, talking about how to provide an array of options for quality care at an affordable price, and I look forward to taking Connecticut’s success stories to Washington for that conversation.”

The Connecticut General Assembly recently passed two pieces of landmark healthcare reform legislation, SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, as President Obama and the Congress consider reform legislation at the federal level. The letter to the President and Congressional leaders is signed by leadership from the state House and Senate, more than 100 members of the General Assembly, the State Attorney General, Secretary of the State, State Treasurer and State Comptroller.

June 3, 2009

AREA LEGISLATORS BACK VETERAN LEGISLATION

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby), Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) and Themis Klarides (R-Derby, Orange & Woodbridge) joined with a bipartisan majority of the members of the General Assembly to support legislation to assist veterans in Connecticut. 

“Members of the armed forces including those no longer on active duty deserve our support,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “These two pieces of legislation are another way to give a little help to those that do so much for this country.”

“Our responsibility to our veterans does not end when their service is completed,” said Rep. Conroy.  “My colleagues and I have co-sponsored these two bills as a small way to honor our soldiers and their commitment to our country."

Senate Bill 846, An Act Concerning the Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption, streamlines the process for providing proof of eligibility for the $1,000 property tax exemption for qualified veterans.

“Considering what these men and women have done for our state and nation, we should cut the red tape and make this process easier for them,” Rep. Klarides said. “And it’s time we open up financial help to the people who have supported our troops most—families.”

House Bill 6394, An Act Concerning the Military Family Relief Fund, expands the eligibility of the fund to include immediate relatives of Connecticut armed forces members, including Connecticut National Guard members, who are not on active duty.  Currently, only relatives of service members on active duty are eligible.

Both bills passed the House and Senate unanimously and are now headed to the governor.

June 1, 2009

REP. GENTILE BACKS PAID SICK DAYS

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby), announced that legislation that would allow employees to accrue paid sick leave passed the Connecticut House of Representatives by a vote of 88 to 58.  House Bill 6187, An Act Mandating Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave to Employees, establishes paid sick leave for employees at workplaces with 50 or more employees.

“This legislation provides workers the ability to not only care for themselves, but a sick child as well,” said Rep. Gentile.  “When sick people go to work or school they put everyone around them at risk, we need to ensure they can afford to take the time to get better.”

Many workers in industries that require constant contact with the public lack paid sick days — 78 percent of food-service workers, 57 percent of workers in the retail industry and 29 percent of health care and social assistance workers do not have any paid sick days according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

“The fact that about 40% of Connecticut workers don't get a single paid sick day all year long is appalling,” Rep. Gentile added.  “This legislation takes the first step to provide workers the ability to stay home when they are sick and not risk loosing a pay check or their job.”

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 18% of office employees will catch the flu from a sick coworker.

House Bill 6187 would allow covered employees to accrue up to 5 days of paid sick time per year.  The bill will now go to the state senate for consideration

May 28, 2009

GENTILE & CONROY STATEMENT ON RELL’S PROPOSAL
TO SHUT DERBY COURTHOUSE

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls and Seymour) responded to Governor Rell’s most recent budget which proposes shutting the Derby courthouse.

This is simply unacceptable. Closing the Derby courthouse is not an option. Closing the courthouse would devastate our downtown businesses. The Derby courthouse employs many Valley residents directly and many more indirectly. Putting more people out of work and shutting down businesses will do significant damage to those in Connecticut who can least afford it and slow down our recovery.

The Governor’s “all cuts” approach to solving the budget crisis is wrong. These cuts are mostly felt by working families, seniors, youth and the disabled. This is not a fair way to balance the budget. We are working on a balanced approach with shared sacrifice to solve the budget crisis. We are doing everything possible to keep the court’s presence in a community of 125,000 residents from Beacon Falls to Shelton.

May 26, 2009

REPS. GENTILE AND CONROY SUPPORT LEGISLATION
TO COMBAT FINANCIAL SCAMS

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) announced the bi-partisan passage of legislation on Friday to protect senior citizens from financial predators.
House Bill 6231, An Act Concerning the Department of Banking, would prohibit financial consultants and life insurance agents from claiming to have certification or training in advising senior citizens unless their degree has been granted by a legitimate entity recognized by the state.

“We need to prevent individuals with bogus financial credentials from preying on seniors,” said Rep. Gentile.  “This legislation is an important step in protecting our senior population.”

Citizens 55 and older make up 70% of our nation’s investors.  Americans 65 and older hold $65-trillion dollars, the largest pool of assets ever amassed by an aging population, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“More, now than ever, we need to ensure that we are able to protect our seniors and their investments,” Rep. Conroy stated.  “This legislation will prevent misleading and fraudulent marketing practices when selling insurance and annuities to senior citizens.”

The bill is headed to the State Senate for consideration.  If adopted into law, Connecticut would join California and Massachusetts who have similar laws.

May 22, 2009

SMART GROWTH PROVIDES NEW REVENUE FOR TOWNS
Regionalism and Sales Tax Sharing Equals Win-Win for Municipalities

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) joined with a majority of Connecticut House of Representative members on Thursday to support legislation that more efficiently delivers government services and saves taxpayers money. The legislation gives municipalities the ability to implement cost saving measures and offers real property tax reform through voluntary regional cooperation incentives. 

House Bill 6585, An Act Concerning Regionalism, includes a provision to return a portion of the sales tax to towns as an incentive for participating in regional initiatives.  The state sales tax currently generates about 3.5 billion dollars annually.  Beginning in 2011, the legislation would return a portion of the state sales tax revenue generated within participating regions. 

“The cost sharing and cooperation encouraged in this legislation, allows for municipalities to streamline services and reduce costs,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “Adding new revenue sources for towns coupled with the cost saving measures is a key step towards real property tax reform.”

“The Valley is in a perfect position to be a leader in Smart Growth.  We have a major highway, railroad service and two major rivers that are already there as infrastructure that we can build upon for the future.” said Rep. Conroy.  “Reducing the cost of government and making smart choices about development is the key to Connecticut’s economic future.  This bipartisan package of legislation accomplishes both goals.”

In addition, towns who agree to participate in more efficient, streamlined government and education operations would be able to access federal economic development funds for the first time, and by sharing property tax revenues generated from large new developments.  These new revenue streams would offer permanent property tax relief to participating towns.

“A key element to resolving our budget crisis is streamlining state government and promoting regional initiatives" Speaker Christopher G. Donovan stated. "A critical component of property tax reform is moving beyond property taxes to fund town services.  This legislation moves us in that direction.”

"Legislation creating and implementing smart growth initiatives are among the most important actions we will be taking this year," Majority Leader Denise Merrill said. "Our future quality of life depends on harnessing sprawling development and to plan intelligently for the kind of Connecticut we leave to those who follow us.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

In addition to the regionalism initiative, the General Assembly has additional pending legislation to overhaul Connecticut’s long-range planning, better coordinate state programs for open space and brownfield remediation, and streamline the approval process for new development proposals.   

May 21, 2009

REPS. GENTILE & CONROY SUPPORTS SWEEPING HEALTHCARE REFORM
The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership & SustiNet Legislation Pass House

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Ansonia, Beacon Falls & Seymour) joined with a majority of Connecticut House of Representative members to pass a landmark healthcare legislation package: The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 6582) and SustiNet (HB 6600) plans.  The package will provide new options for municipalities and other eligible groups to significantly reduce their healthcare costs.

“Healthcare reform is long over due both nationally and here in Connecticut,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “These two pieces are legislation are key to reducing the cost of healthcare for both businesses and individuals and positions Connecticut to be a national leader.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership opens the state employee health plan to municipal employees, small businesses and non-profits, on a voluntary basis and SustiNet establishes the framework for comprehensive healthcare reform. 

“I’m very proud that we our doing something for small businesses in these tough economic times,” said Rep. Conroy.  “Participation in the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership will yield millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers, our small businesses and many of our towns while providing health care to more families.”

The Healthcare Partnership through House Bill 6582 creates a timetable for opening up the state healthcare plan and converts the state health insurance plan from fully uninsured to a self insured, eliminating millions of dollars in overhead costs -- potentially saving the state $70 million.

“Connecticut can be a national leader in healthcare reform, and the Healthcare Partnership bill is a big step in that direction,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), the bill’s sponsor and champion. “With our action today, the dream of quality, affordable healthcare is closer to reality for thousands of people in Connecticut.”

SustiNet is a comprehensive plan that lays out a framework for providing high quality coverage, similar to the state’s insurance plan to more residents while containing costs, promoting preventive care and laying the groundwork for federal healthcare reform.  House Bill 6600 begins this process by establishing a board of directors charged with developing specific legislative recommendations to achieve the plan’s goals.  Because membership on the board will be voluntary, the bill will not result in costs to the state.

By expanding access, more residents, many Connecticut employers and their workers will be able to purchase comprehensive benefits, while cutting their health care costs.

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/healthcare.

May 15, 2009

REP. GENTILE BACKS LEGISLATION PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM PESTICIDES
Legislation headed to the Governor for signature

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby), co-sponsored legislation to restrict the application of pesticides on day care centers, group day care homes or family day care homes.

“We need to ensure our most vulnerable residents are protected from the harsh chemicals found in pesticides,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “This legislation continues the push for safer environments for children and the elderly.”

Senate Bill 1020, An Act Concerning Pesticide Applications at Child Day Care Centers and Schools, also permits only certified pesticide applicators to apply pesticides at day care facilities.

The legislation requires a child’s legal guardians be notified 24 hours in advance of the use of pesticides at day care centers.  The bill does not impact a facility’s ability to quickly eliminate immediate threats to public health, such as mosquitoes, ticks, or stinging insects.

The bill passed both the Senate and House Chambers and is now headed to the Governor for her signature.

May 13, 2009 

REP. GENTILE ANNOUNCES STIMULUS MONEY
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO ANSONIA & DERBY
Funds Support Energy Efficiency Programs

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) announced that federal stimulus money is currently available to municipalities for energy efficiency programs.  Ansonia and Derby are slated to receive over $139,000 from the federal stimulus package for energy efficiency projects.  In order to secure the funding the towns need only provide the State Office of Policy and Management (OPM) with a plan outlining the proposed usage for the funds.

According to the federal Department of Energy, approved usage of the funds includes energy audits, retro fits, energy distribution, establishing financial incentives to encourage energy efficiency, or developing a conservation and efficiency strategy.  Municipalities are able to utilize the money that works best for them to increase efficiency and conservation.

“The availability of this money allows our towns to move forward on energy efficiency and conservation programs without impacting property taxes,” said Rep. Gentile.

Rep. Gentile added, “This infusion of federal funds will help increase green industry jobs in Connecticut.”

Towns must apply to the Office of Policy and Management in order to secure the allocated funds. 

May 12, 2009

REP. GENTILE APPOINTED TO NATIONAL COMMITTEE POST
BY HOUSE SPEAKER DONOVAN

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) has been appointed by House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on the Council of State Government’s (CSG) Northeastern States/Eastern Canadian Provinces Committee for 2009 and 2010.

“I am honored by the appointment,” Rep. Gentile said.  “I look forward to discussing policy initiatives on issues facing our region.”

The Council of State Government is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky and helps state governments increase efficiency by identifying the best new and creative approaches to significant state problems.

House Speaker Donovan said, “I am confident that Linda will work successfully with other state leaders to put the best ideas and solutions into practice.”

Rep. Gentile is vice chair of the Public Health Committee and is a member of the Commerce and Planning & Development Committees.

May 6, 2009

REP. GENTILE MAKES IT EASIER TO HONOR OUR MILITARY HEROES

The state House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby) to make it easier to honor Connecticut’s veterans.  House Bill 5664 (An Act Concerning the Award of Ribbons and Medals to Veterans for Service in Time of War) passed in the House of Representatives 141 to 0 today.

“Making it easier to recognize America’s veterans was an easy choice,” said Rep. Gentile.   “All we did was fix a state law today.  That pales in comparison to the sacrifices the brave men and women who fought for our country have made.” 

House Bill 5664 removes confusing language concerning the awarding of service ribbons and medals from existing law.  The new legislation would allow the ribbons and medals awarded for service in time of war to be awarded posthumously.

Current law regarding the issuing of posthumous awards as of July of 2005 was unclear. The new legislation eliminates the 2005 date and instead limits posthumous awards to veterans who died on or after January 1, 2000.

The cost of the ribbons and medals is paid from funds appropriated to the Military Department's military assistance account.  House Bill 5664 will now go to the State Senate for consideration. 

State Representative Linda Gentile is serving her third term representing Ansonia and Derby in the 104th Assembly District.  She sits on the Commerce Committee, Planning and Development Committee and is Vice-Chair of the Public Heath Committee.

May 5, 2009

REP. GENTILE SUPPORTS LYME DISEASE LEGISLATION

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby) co-introduced legislation to allow physicians to dispense long-term anti-biotic treatments for Lyme disease sufferers.  The legislation was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday.

“Many of our residents are suffering from Lyme disease everyday and with the summer months approaching we need to ensure that our laws reflect the evolving treatment options for the disease,” Rep. Gentile said. “Doctors need to be the ones making the best treatment decisions for patients.”

House Bill 6200, An Act Concerning the Use of Long-Term Antibiotics for the Treatment of Lyme Disease, will extend protections to doctors allowing them to freely diagnose and treat patients with Lyme disease. The bill will allow physicians treating Lyme disease patients to diagnose the disease clinically and consider all treatment options, including long-term antibiotic therapy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007 over 3,000 people were infected with Lyme disease in Connecticut, 36 of those cases were in Newtown alone.  The CDC estimates that only 10% of cases are reported each year, so the number of infected people is actually much higher.

April 30, 2009

REP. GENTILE SUPPORTS PASSAGE OF BILL
PREVENTING TOXIC SUBSTANCE IN PRODUCTS

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby), co-sponsored legislation that would ban a harmful toxic chemical linked to a long list of diseases and disorders from being produced in a variety of food related containers.  The House of Representatives approved the legislation Wednesday.

The chemical, Bisphenol-A (BPA), has become a key ingredient in plastics and resins used in food and beverage containers over the past few decades.  Most clear, shatterproof plastics used to make baby bottles, food storage containers, and rigid water bottles use the material.  Its presence in a number of baby products has caused growing concern among parents.

Studies found the substance present in 95% of Americans and show that its exposure has been linked to infertility, obesity, early puberty, breast and prostate cancer, diabetes, thyroid malfunction and even attention deficit disorders.

“Connecticut needs to join with the 13 other states that have already passed similar legislation, we cannot wait for the federal government,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “Passing this legislation is great step towards protecting our residents from harmful chemicals found in everyday products.”

The legislation would phase out BPA from reusable food containers including baby bottles, food stood storage containers and cans, and also prohibit its replacement with other toxic hazards.

In response to consumer pressure and mounting scientific evidence, some companies have been voluntarily phasing out BPA from beverage containers, including Playtex, Similac, Nalgene, and Toys ‘R’ Us, who no longer use the substance in their baby bottles.

“Connecticut needs to be part of the national movement to ban this toxic chemical from products, especially ones used by children,” said Rep. Gentile. 

The legislation, House Bill 6572 – An Act Concerning Banning Bisphenol-A in Children’s Products and Food Products and Prohibiting Certain Alternative Substances, will next move to the floor of the Senate for its consideration.

April 29, 2009

REP. GENTILE SUPPORTS LEGISLATION
TO INTRODUCE ELECTRIC RETAIL COMPETITION
Legislation will stabilize and reduce rates
for residential and small business consumers

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby) joined with a majority of House members to support legislation that will change the rules of the retail competitive market for electricity, providing needed rate relief and stability for residential and small business consumers.

This legislation will lower costs to residential and small business customers with utility standard service by ending the state’s reliance on the retail energy market, instead using a stable customer base and elimination of risk to procure less costly power contracts. The current practice of “retail choice” for low-usage customers causes the plant owners and brokers who supply power to offer higher prices to deal with a constantly changing customer base.

Customers that have chosen to contract with a retail supplier can continue to do so under this legislation. Ninety two percent of customers will continue to receive their electric service from the public utilities.

The legislation has no impact on customers that selected the clean energy option on their electric bills.

“This legislation will offer much needed rate relief to consumers and small businesses by increasing the size of the electric purchasing pool,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “Our current system is flawed and allows for suppliers to get rich at the expense of rate payers.”

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said, “We must combine ratepayers’ purchasing power in a single powerful pool. This measure offers a giant step toward rate relief, stability and sanity in our electric system. It unites residential consumers and businesses in a common purpose and low cost pool.”

He continued, “The end has come for our current retail competition farce – a costly, baffling bust. Consumers deserve low cost options, instead of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States.”

April 14, 2009

CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP
By Rep. Linda Gentile

Healthcare – it is costing everyone more these days.  From small businesses to municipalities and everyone in between, no one is immune from the squeeze.   Connecticut needs to leader the way to affordable healthcare and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership is the key first step.

The Partnership allows for small businesses, non-profits and municipalities to buy into the state healthcare plan.  The partnership is completely voluntary, but can offer participants significant savings.  In the current climate every penny saved is significant.

Choosing to enter into the partnership for many small businesses could be the key to staying afloat and for municipalities a way to combat rising property taxes by lower one of the most expensive budget items.  It is the partnerships ability to buy healthcare in bulk that will lead to these lower prices.  When you consider that 75% of businesses in Connecticut employ less than ten people, the impact the Healthcare Partnership Plan will have is enormous.

There are over 200,000 in the state insurance pool, with the potential to add over 100,000 municipal and small business employees - imagine the bargaining power that would create.  It is exactly this power of numbers that allows for the negotiation of lower prices.  This then translates to savings for towns and small businesses, allowing for budgets to stretch a little further.

The state employee health plan provides quality benefits to state workers, and the state’s Healthcare Cost Containment Committee has done a good job of keeping costs down. Who wouldn’t want to receive low cost comprehensive quality healthcare benefits at an affordable rate?  The savings to small businesses, non-profits and municipalities is real and has the potential to significantly decrease overhead costs. 

For those rare instances where it does not benefit a town or business they can opt not to participate.  Should we really force all municipalities and small businesses to continue to pay higher rates, just because one town might not be a good fit for the partnership? The answer of course is no. 

This controlled expansion could become the start of assisting the over 750,000 uninsured not to mention the thousands of underinsured.  A recent Families USA Report estimated that 81% of the uninsured in Connecticut are working families, our workforce deserves better. Connecticut needs to take this first step now, our small businesses and municipalities can’t afford to wait.  The Connecticut should be seen as a leader in making quality healthcare affordable. 

April 9, 2009

AREA LEGISLATORS SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS LEGISLATION

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby) and Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls, Seymour and Ansonia) participated in a roundtable discussion at the Ansonia Armory on Wednesday with Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, area small business owners and non-profits to discuss health care policies like the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Plan that will help local companies thrive and assist non-profits.  The legislators were also part of the unanimous House of Representative’s vote in support of House Bill 5930, An Act Requiring Small Business Impact Analysis for Proposed Regulations, on Tuesday.  The legislation ensures that the impacts to small businesses are identified and that agencies consider less burdensome ways to achieve a regulation's goal, when adverse impacts are identified.

“We need to continue to support our small businesses, and protect them from costly adverse regulations and constantly increasing health care costs,” Rep. Gentile stated.  “Giving small businesses the choice of joining an affordable health care pool, can be a key to economic development and provides workers with quality health care.”

“Rising health care costs are crippling small businesses, we need to act now to lower their costs,” said Rep. Conroy.  “Bulk purchasing of health care is key to lowering costs and expanding access to quality comprehensive plans. The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership will help to create true incentives for healthy lifestyles, which in turn will help to prevent disease or limit their impact.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership would open the state employee health insurance plan to small businesses, non-profits and municipal employees.  It is estimated that small businesses could save thousands of dollars annually in employee health care costs by joining the plan.  There are currently more than 200,000 people in the state insurance pool.

Patrick Carey, a Real Estate Broker from Shelton pays nearly $1,400 per month to insure himself and his wife, and his plan includes a $4,000 deductible—even though neither has a preexisting condition. “I’ve paid my mortgage off, and now I have a new mortgage—my monthly health insurance bill,” he said.

Jack Walsh, President of the Valley United Way, said that the Healthcare Partnership would provide more affordable healthcare options for area non-profits.

“I work with over 40 non-profit agencies from around the Valley. For the smaller agencies losing one or two employees can cause their rates to skyrocket. These groups would really benefit from being part of a larger pool of employees,” he said.

February 26, 2009 

REP. GENTILE: APPROVED MITIGATION PLAN CLOSES BUDGET GAP
Package relies on cuts and no tax increases to maintain 2009 budget

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, including State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby), voted on Wednesday in favor of a $1.2 billion deficit mitigation package that nearly eliminates the projected deficit for the current fiscal year through a series of cuts and other adjustments without any tax or fee increases.

The approved package saves $200 million more than the amount proposed under the governor’s mitigation plan, particularly in the area of off-budget accounts.  Lawmakers said the identification of this additional savings will allow the state to continue to help protect seniors, the disabled and working-class families from onerous cuts that were proposed under the governor’s plan.

“The cuts proposed by the Governor targeted seniors, children and working families,” said Rep. Gentile. “It was a common sense decision to restore this funding, during these increasingly difficult financial times.”

The governor’s cuts would have discontinued payments for certain prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.  Her proposal also limited emergency visits for low-income adults for dental care under Medicare Part D.  Both programs were saved by the legislature.

One provision also creates a new benefit that will save about 35,000 ConnPACE clients at least $1,200 per year, ensure they are eligible for prescription and health benefits, while also saving the state $4 million per year.

The deficit mitigation package includes $373.3 million from the federal stimulus package, $281.7 million from the state’s rainy day fund, and combines proposals from both Democrats and Republicans.

“I am encouraged by the bipartisan support for the deficit plan and hope the legislature continues to work together to address the budget for the upcoming fiscal years,” said Rep. Gentile.

February 9, 2009

REP. GENTILE SUPPORTS PAID SICK LEAVE

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) joined with fellow legislators and a coalition of advocates to support paid sick leave legislation.  

“The fact that approximately 40% of workers do not have paid sick leave is inexcusable.  Employers save money when sick workers stay home,” said Gentile.  “Working families deserve the ability to earn paid sick leave to care for themselves or their family.”

House Bill 6187, An Act Mandating Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave to Employees, establishes paid sick leave for all employers of 50 or more in Connecticut.  Employees would be able to accrue up to 6.5 days of paid sick time per year.   The bill is currently before the Labor Committee.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 18% of office employees will catch the flu from a sick coworker.

Linda Gentile represents the 104th district of Ansonia and Derby.  This third-term democrat serves as Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee and is a member of the Commerce and Planning & Development Committees. 

January 27, 2009

REP. GENTILE & AG BLUMENTHAL CALL FOR SAFER CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia & Derby) joined Attorney General Dick Blumenthal, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, and other public officials to call for the phasing out of Bisphenol A (BPA) from children’s products, including baby bottles.

“Our children need to be protected from toxic chemicals like BPA,” Rep. Gentile said.  “This legislation not only protects our children, but also our environment and is good public health policy.”

BPA is a chemical used to make epoxy resin and plastic products, including some kinds of baby bottles and food containers.  Proponents of banning BPA say it has been inked to insulin resistance, reproductive problems, learning disabilities, and prostate cancer.

Many companies have already stopped using BPA in their products and some retailers, notably Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us, no longer carry baby bottles with BPA.