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Governor Lamont recently signed the legislation my colleagues and I voted for in the House on July 24th that will increase transparency and accountability in our state's police departments.
Included in the bill:
• The Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) gains additional oversight, recruitment and disciplinary powers
• Mental health screenings and other training requirements are mandated for officers
• Qualified Immunity is altered to give a civil cause of action to individuals who have had their constitutional rights violated by the police
• "Use of Force" definition is updated
• An Office of the Inspector General (IG) is created with prosecutorial authority
I also wanted to address some of the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded certain aspects of the legislation. Please read through the helpful graphics below which clarifies the sections on qualified immunity and use of force.
 
The Hustle: How Small Businesses are Left Behind by PUA
I was pleased to be joined by West Hartford residents and West Hartford's Chamber of Commerce and Department of Economic Development on Tuesday for a town hall on the negative effects pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) is having on some small business owners. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy also joined us to discuss reforms to PUA.
Click HERE to watch the town hall discussion.
Task Force to Address Illicit Massage Businesses
On Tuesday, my colleague Robyn Porter and I co-chaired the first meeting of a task force which was created to study human trafficking at Connecticut massage parlors. The task force will make recommendations to the General Assembly on how the state can address the problem and help victims.
Click HERE to watch the meeting.
Addressing Rising Energy Costs
After hearing an outcry from customers and constituents on the recent rising energy costs, the Energy and Technology Committee and bi-partisan legislative leaders issued a communication to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) requesting suspension of the July 1 delivery rate increase and related charges.In the letter they asked PURA to conduct a thorough review of Eversource's request and to explore alternative cost recovery options.Also, our House Democratic leadership issued the following statement:"Connecticut residents, already pushed to financial limits because of the pandemic, now are seeing large increases to their electric bills. We want to know why. The Energy & Technology Committee should schedule an informational hearing in the near future to hear from ratepayers, utilities and state regulators."PURA agreed to open a formal proceeding. Please reach out to PURA with your concerns at 1-800-382-4586 or by email at pura.information@ct.gov.
Governor Announces $43.5 Million Program to Close Digital Divide for Connecticut Students
In anticipation of schools reopening in the fall, the state of Connecticut has launched a $43.5 million initiative to boost access to internet and technology for students and families in need. The funds will be used to purchase laptops, improve home internet connectivity, and build 200 public Wi-Fi hotspots across the state.
Click HERE to read more.
Remembering Congressman John Lewis
On Thursday, longtime congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis was laid to rest in Georgia.
Before he passed away, Congressman Lewis wrote a piece for the New York Times that was to be published the day of his funeral. Congressman Lewis' final public words encourage us to continue the fight for justice and equality that he himself dedicated his remarkable life to fighting for.
Click here to read the piece. Rest in peace, Congressman.
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