Al Paolillo

New Haven is set to enhance one of its greatest natural assets – the Long Island Sound – by rebuilding its Fort Hale Park pier. The new pier will stretch across 360 feet – 10 feet longer than the former structure – and will be 12 feet wide. The structure will also include a hammerhead walkway, or a “T” shape, that will be 140 feet long and 16 feet wide. The pier is slated to open next spring.

After the 2017 legislative session came to a close, many bills now await the governor's signature. But there is still plenty of work ahead of us -- we will be heading into a special session to pass a spending package for the next fiscal year.

In an effort to protect Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents – its senior citizens – the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 772, which requires emergency generators in certain elderly housing establishments.

A measure that will allow cities and towns to tap into a $9 million reserve of state funding to purchase body cameras and dashboard cameras for police cruisers passed the House of Representatives and is heading to the Senate floor for consideration. 

With more people falling victim to drug overdoses, the House of Representatives passed a bill that will prevent the abuse and diversion of prescription opioids.

A bill that would ensure elderly persons have sufficient backup power in emergencies passed in the Senate. Senate Bill 772 requires that the owners shall install and maintain one or more emergency power generators capable of providing a minimum of four to 12 hours of sufficient electrical power to (1) each unit for heating, water, lighting and critical medical equipment, and (2) each passenger elevator.

On May 3, we passed legislation that would establish a small business hotline at the Department of Economic and Community Development where businesses will be able to get the guidance they are looking for on state programs and funding opportunities – all from a live voice. It is vital that we give small businesses the tools and resources they need to have a thriving business in Connecticut.

I am pleased to be appointed Vice Chairman of the important Labor and Public Employees Committee and look forward to serving on the Public Safety and Insurance Committees.