State Capitol Update for the week of June 27th

June 30, 2022
Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of June 27th.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click on the play button to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.
The Fourth of July weekend is here, and there are many ways to celebrate the country’s birthday this weekend, including fireworks on July 1 in both Cornwall (on the Town Green, where there will also be music starting at 6pm) and Lakeville (at Lime Rock Park). 
 
All fireworks displays are weather permitting so please check ahead.  Here’s a list of some of the most popular displays across the state: https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fireworks-2022?fbclid=IwAR3uhoRG2pySoW41SkVnIHEIL-wZ5_dKwAek3DQDBQi0Lo7xk2KDkZoxE_A
 
Another way to show your patriotism and dedication to our country is to stand up for its values.  Let’s start with democracy, and the right of all citizens to elect leaders of their choice in safe and fair elections, and a commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.  We heard some troubling testimony this week detailing the former President’s efforts to incite a riot, lead its armed participants to the Capitol, and encourage violence against other elected leaders, all for the lie of a stolen election, which leaders of his campaign team, White House Counsel, Justice Department, and eventually 60 judges (10 of which were appointed by that former President) repeatedly told him was false. 
 
We also had another extreme decision from the Supreme Court today, this one stripping the EPA of a crucial tool to control pollution and appearing to rule out mainstream approaches to regulation such as cap-and-trade systems.  The majority barely mentions climate change, the most pressing environmental challenge we face.
 
I may spend a chunk of my weekend reading these Supreme Court cases in their entirety, as we think about CT’s response to these rulings.  Today I had a call with the Attorney General’s office regarding the Bruen decision, striking down New York’s regulatory scheme for open carry of firearms: CT’s laws are not immediately at risk under the facts and reasoning of that case, but we expect litigation and are preparing for that. 
 
Earlier this week I had a call with colleagues concerned about reproductive healthcare in the wake of the Supreme Court’s overruling of Roe.  CT has passed strong laws protecting the right to reproductive healthcare, and we are now focused on ensuring that care is actually available.  To be truly “pro-choice,” particularly in a part of the state where it is the same medical professionals provide healthcare to those continuing a pregnancy and to those terminating one, we have to make sure those services are accessible.  We have certain challenges in our region, but others in the state are facing a restriction in access to the full range of services as well, so there is a lot of common cause to be made. 
 
Enjoy the long weekend, and Happy Birthday to the USA!

Here is a list of today's topics:
  • COVID-19 Weekly Update Click here
  • Referendum on school merger between Litchfield and Wamogo passes Click Here
  • Update on Food Waste Pilot Program at the Salisbury-Sharon Transfer Station Click Here
  • Statistics on abortion in Connecticut Click Here
  • Joann Ryan named Chair of Board of Regents Click Here
  • Consumer Alert from the Office of Consumer Counsel: Navigating the Supplier Market in a High-Cost Energy Landscape Click Here
  • Connecticut’s Gas Tax Holiday And Fare-Free Bus Service Have Been Extended Until November
    Click Here
  • Governor Lamont Appoints Mark Kohler As Secretary Of The State Click Here
  • Governor Lamont Issues Declaration Enabling Crucial Federal Support For Covid-19 Response To Continue For Several More Months
    Click Here
  • Free Youth Admissions to CT Museums Return this Summer Click Here
  • Minimum Wage Increase July 1Click Here
  • New Laws Taking Effect July 1 Click Here
  • Covered Connecticut Health Program Click Here
  • Litchfield Mental Health First Aid Training Thursday, June 30th Click Here
  • Summer Fireworks schedule Click Here
  • Providing information to Connecticut residents Click Here
COVID-19 weekly update
For several additional graphs and tables containing more data, including a list of cases in every municipality, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and click the link that is labeled, “Data Tracker.”
 
Referendum on school merger between Litchfield and Wamogo passes
 
On June 28, voters of Goshen, Litchfield, Morris, and Warren had an opportunity to vote on the referendum question: Shall a regional school district be established in accordance with the plan approved by the State Board of Education on May 4, 2022?
 
This referendum came after decades of work, and conversation, among the many stakeholders. 
 
The results from the referendum were reported to the district as follows:
 
Goshen: 500 Yes (63.8%) 283 No (36.2%)
Litchfield: 1378 Yes (77.9%) 392 No (22.1%)
Morris: 283 Yes (55.4%) 228 No (45.6%)
Warren: 377 Yes (61.3%) 146 No (38.7%)
 
Based on the statutory requirement for the question to pass in each of the four towns - the referendum has passed. The official results must next be certified by the State Board of Education. 
 
 
Update on Food Waste Pilot Program at the Salisbury-Sharon Transfer Station
 
 The organizers are preparing to add new pilot participants to the existing group of residents who collect and drop off their food waste at the Transfer Station. Although the signs around town announce July 1st as the starting date for the newcomers, that has been pushed to July 7th, so they can be sure to have all components of the starter kits.  
  
In an ongoing effort to reduce the cost of hauling our food waste to a commercial composting facility, the organizers have taken steps to increase the amount of food waste diverted from the Salisbury/Sharon garbage hopper by inviting food-generating businesses (restaurants, schools, institutions) to consult with The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) and devise a diversion plan of their own, and, of course by increasing our own residential pilot program.  
 
 
Statistics on abortion in Connecticut
 
An article in the CT Mirror this week laid out “five things” about abortion in Connecticut:
 
  • Abortions continue to decrease (they have dropped by nearly a third over a decade),
  • People earning lower incomes account for the majority of abortions,
  • Black and Hispanic people access abortions at higher rates than white people,
  • Most people who seek abortions have already given birth,
  • People overwhelmingly get abortions at less than 13 weeks of gestation (over 80%)

 
For the full article, click here.
 
Joann Ryan named Chair of Board of Regents
 
JoAnn Ryan, who heads the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to serve as chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR), and Juanita T. James and James McCarthy to serve as board members. The BOR is the governing body for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, which consists of four state universities, 12 community colleges, and Charter Oak State College.
 
Ryan has served as BOR vice chair since February and has been a member of the board since 2018. In addition to her service on the board, she is president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Ryan will succeed Matt Fleury as BOR chair. Fleury has served as chair since 2016 and has been a member of the BOR since 2011. His tenure ends on June 30, 2022.
 
As new board chair, Ryan also serves on the BOR’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee and Human Resources and Administration Committee. She has been president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce since 2002 and is first woman to hold that title since the Chamber’s inception in 1901. She was previously regional manager of Kelly Services, Inc., an adjunct faculty member of Naugatuck Valley and Northwestern Connecticut Community Colleges, a high school history and English teacher, and Torrington City Councilwoman. Since leading the Chamber, Ryan initiated numerous programs and serves on many boards and steering committees that touch health and human services, education, recreation, philanthropy, historic preservation, the arts, and business.
 
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Albertus Magnus College and a Master of Arts in education from Trinity College.
 
Consumer Alert from the Office of Consumer Counsel: Navigating the Supplier Market in a High-Cost Energy Landscape 
 
Standard Service Electricity Prices
 
Higher than normal energy costs are impacting ratepayers at a time when energy consumption is typically at its highest.  On average, Connecticut customers use roughly 35% more electricity during the summer month, mostly due to home cooling costs.   
 
The main reason for the rate increase is the global impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the higher prices of oil and natural gas globally and here in the U.S. 
 
As explained in detail in OCC’s May Standard Service Consumer Alert, on July 1st, utility standard service rates will be changing. 
  • Utility company standard service rates that will be in effect for July 1, 2022-December 31, 2022:  
    • Eversource - $0.1205/kWh  
      • 72% increase over the rate from July 1-December 31 2021 ($0.07003/kWh) 
      • 5% increase over the January 1-June 30 2022 rate of $0.11484/kWh 
    • United Illuminating - $0.1062/kWh  
      • 33% increase over the rate from July 1-December 31 2021 ($0.080103/kWh); 
      • 0.5% decrease from the January 1-June 30 2022 rate of $0.106731/kWh 

         

Third Party Supplier Market

Connecticut is a deregulated state when it comes to energy supply.  This means that you do not have to purchase energy from the local utilities and can opt to sign up with a 3rd party electric supplier. 

Consumers often look to mitigate the impacts of the higher-than-normal utility standard service rates by participating in the 3rd party electric supplier market.  This however comes with its own risks. OCC cautions customers to be vigilant. 

  • According to the latest OCC Monthly Fact Sheet, customers on a 3rd party supplier contract have paid $305,249,111 more than Standard Service customers since tracking began in January 2015.  
  • For the first time since June 2016 supplier customers have seen a savings over standard service customers due to the current unique energy landscape.  
    • Between January and May of this year, supply customers have saved a combined $5,823,397.   
    • Additionally, in May, 71% of supplier customers in Eversource territory, and 60% of supplier customers in UI territory paid rates lower than the utility standard service rate.  
    • This is most likely due to long term contracts that were locked in when energy prices were substantially lower than they currently are. 
  • However, while we don’t have complete data yet for June, based on the data provided on the energizect rate board, third party supplier rates have already increased to prices comparable to standard service.
  •  
    • As of 6/27/22, there are 19 offers for both utility territories, none of which are below the utility standard service rate. 

       

        

  • The OCC recommends using the energizect rate board for customers looking to participate in the supplier market. The rate board is the most clear and concise way to compare supplier rate offers.  Consumers should always check the rate board as opposed to relying on tele-sales or door-to-door sales, which can sometimes utilize aggressive or misleading marketing tactics. 
    • Note that many supplier contracts are for periods longer than the utility’s standard service rate, which is 6-month intervals. OCC and other stakeholders do not currently know what the January 2023-June 2023 rate will be. 
  • OCC encourages supplier customers to be vigilant and to review current contracts. Specifically, consumers should look at when your contract expires and at what rate will it be auto renewed? 
    • It is OCCs experience that auto-renewal rates are usually substantially higher that your initial contracted supplier rate.  It is also often higher that the utility standard service rate. 
    • If you do not actively switch suppliers or choose to go back to standard service, you will be auto renewed. 
    • By law suppliers must send a letter informing you of your new contract before auto-renewal. 
  • When looking into participating in the supplier market be aware that suppliers: 
    • Cannot charge sign-up fee 
    • Cannot charge monthly fees in addition to your contracted price of supply 
    • Cannot advertise a “teaser” rate followed by a substantial rate increase 
      • Rates must be at least 4 months in term length 
    • Cannot charge an early termination fee 
    • Are not affiliated with Eversource of UI 
    • Are not affiliated with PURA, DEEP, OCC, or any state or federal government agency 
    • Are not participating in a “state sponsored” program 
  • Some relevant supplier contract information can be found right on your Eversource or United Illuminating electric bill. This info includes: 
    • Supplier name, supplier rate, term of contract, expiration of contract, the rate you will be charged your next bill cycle, and any cancellation fees. 
  • In sum, OCC is not advising consumers to never take advantage of third-party market options; but urges consumers to be vigilant about reviewing rate offers including renewal and auto-renewal provisions.   
     

OCC also urges customers to use conservation measures to reduce energy use to the extent possible. Energy efficiency measures can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs for consumers. Customers can visit energizect.com to explore potential energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that may help lower your electricity usage.   
Additionally, if you need assistance paying your utility bill both Eversource and UI offer several bill assistance options to help. 
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)[1] and Low-income household water assistance program (LIHWAP)[2] benefits are also still available.  
The CEAP and LIHWAP programs are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. In addition to applying online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply, residents can also contact their local CAA with additional questions or to apply for assistance in-person or over the phone. (Click here to find CAA contact information.) 
 
 
Connecticut’s Gas Tax Holiday And Fare-Free Bus Service Have Been Extended Until November

 The CT Department of Transportation (DOT)  is reminding Connecticut residents of the law that suspends the state’s 25-cent-per-gallon excise tax on gasoline – which was initially set to expire on June 30, 2022 – has been extended for several additional months and will remain in effect through November 30, 2022.

Similar to the gas tax holiday, the suspension of fares on all public transit buses statewide has also been extended for the same period.
Governor Lamont Appoints Mark Kohler As Secretary Of The State
 
Governor Lamont will name Mark F. Kohler of North Haven to fill the vacancy of the Office of the Secretary of the State created by the anticipated resignation of Secretary Denise Merrill, who announced her intention earlier this week to step down from her elected office effective at noon on June 30, 2022.
 
Connecticut law provides that if the Office of the Secretary of the State becomes vacant when the General Assembly is not in session, the governor shall fill the position. Kohler will begin serving effective July 11, 2022, and he will remain in the position until the newly elected Secretary of the State assumes office.
 
Kohler retired earlier this year following a 30-year career in the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, serving as an associate attorney general. During his three decades with the office, he served within several of its divisions, most notably from 2011 to 2021 as the head of the Special Litigation Department, which is responsible for representing all state constitutional officers, the legislature, and the judiciary, with responsibilities over election matters, charities, gaming, and federal Indian tribal issues. In this role, Kohler supervised all department litigation and agency counseling, and provided formal and informal opinions to state officials and agencies regarding a wide range of constitutional and statutory questions.
 
He served as the head of the office’s public utilities unit from 2009 to 2011 and the finance department from 2003 to 2009; and served in its special litigation department from 1999 to 2003 and in its finance and public utilities department from 1992 to 1999. Prior to joining the Office of the Attorney General, he worked as an associate attorney with the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin from 1990 to 1992.
 
Governor Lamont explained that Kohler’s three decades of service in a leadership position at the Office of the Attorney General provides him with a considerable amount of experience that will benefit him as Secretary of the State. He also explained in making the decision that it was important that the person have no interest in declaring their candidacy for the office to ensure that this short-term appointment be clear of politics.
 
Kohler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota in 1982; a Master of Arts degree in political science from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in 1984; and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1987.
 
He held elected office in the Town of Woodbridge Zoning Board of Appeals from 2006 to 2009.

Governor Lamont Issues Declaration Enabling Crucial Federal Support For Covid-19 Response To Continue For Several More Months
 

 

Governor Ned Lamont has signed a declaration that will enable crucial federal support Connecticut has been receiving throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – including supplemental food benefits for households in need and non-congregate housing for individuals experiencing homelessness – to continue through December 28, 2022, or until the federal public health emergency ends, whichever is earlier.
 

The governor specifically stated in the declaration that he does not intend to issue any executive orders under this declaration but rather wants to ensure that his administration has the authorities necessary to apply for and receive federal assistance in response to the pandemic.

 

Having this declaration in place throughout the pandemic has enabled Connecticut households that are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to access supplemental, emergency benefits to purchase food. On average, these supplemental benefits have been providing households an additional $154.74 in food benefits per month, with all enrolled households receiving at least an additional $95.00 per month. Connecticut has received and distributed $748 million in emergency SNAP benefits since these additional allotments were first provided by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service at the onset of the pandemic.

 

The declaration has also enabled the state to place 6,090 individuals experiencing homelessness and several hundred survivors of domestic violence into non-congregate housing during the pandemic. Non-congregate housing is a location where each individual or household has living space that offers some level of privacy such as hotels, motels, or dormitories. Between March 2022 and May 2022, approximately 1,183 individuals experiencing homelessness were placed in non-congregate housing. Since the pandemic began, Connecticut has received $7.7 million in federal reimbursements for this non-congregate housing assistance and is expecting an additional $20.2 million in pending reimbursements.
 
Free Youth Admissions to CT Museums Return this Summer

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is returning for the 2022 summer season. Starting Friday, July 1, all children and one accompanying adult will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program will be offered through September 6th to all Connecticut children, ages 18 and under.

This is a great opportunity for parents and guardians who are looking for a family friendly activity during the hot summer months. Please click here for a complete list of participating locations.  
 
Minimum Wage Increase July 1

Back in 2019, Connecticut House Democrats made it a priority to pass legislation that focused on assisting working families by increasing the minimum wage over of several years until it reaches $15 in 2023.

Because of that vote, many Connecticut residents are due for a raise this week. The next scheduled minimum wage increase will take effect on Friday, July 1, going from $13 to $14 per hour. The minimum wage will finally increase to $15 on June 1, 2023.

The Connecticut Department of Labor and Connecticut Voices for Children estimate those increases will raise wages for more than half a million people in the state by 2024. This increase helps Connecticut residents because not only does it assist hard-working families (especially now with inflation wreaking havoc on people's wallets), but it can spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills.
New Laws Taking Effect July 1

A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2022 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state take effect in Connecticut on July 1.
 
The list is extensive, but see below for some highlights:


 
Paid family leave
 
Starting Friday, among other provisions, the act requires employers to notify their employees at the time of hiring and every year thereafter about their entitlement to family and medical leave and family violence leave and the terms under which the leaves may be used, about the opportunity to file a benefits claim under the FMLI program. The law also prohibits employer retaliation against an employee for requesting, applying for, or using family medical leave for which an employee is eligible.

Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Services

In light of the recent Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut took proactive steps to ensure reproductive rights. This new law establishes protections for individuals seeking an abortion and physicians performing services. It also protects against out-of-state judgments based on reproductive or gender-affirming health care services that are legal in Connecticut, allowing these individuals to recover certain costs they incurred defending the out-of-state action and bringing an action under the new law. The law allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to provide reproductive services.
 

JobsCT

The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.
 

Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature passed several initiatives to improve schools’ indoor air quality. A grant program was created to reimburse boards of education or regional education service centers for costs associated with installing, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other air quality improvements. The budget makes $150 million available for the program ($75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $75 million in general obligation bonds effective July 1). Additionally, the act requires boards of education to conduct a uniform inspection and evaluation of the HVAC system in each school building under its jurisdiction every five years and take any necessary corrective actions. It also establishes a working group to study and make recommendations related to indoor air quality within schools.
 

Captive Audience Meetings

A new law generally prohibits employers from penalizing employees or threatening to do so for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings, listen to speech, or view communications primarily intended to convey the employer’s opinion about religious or political matters, including decisions to join or support labor organizations. The law provides exceptions for, among other things, employers to communicate information required by law or that the employees need to perform their jobs.
 

Catalytic Converters

Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several recordkeeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters.

Isolated Confinement

This new law limits the amount of time and circumstances under which an incarcerated person may be held in isolated confinement with less than four hours per day out of a cell beginning Friday in the general population, gradually increasing to 5 hours per day on and after April 1, 2023. The law also requires that any use of isolated confinement maintain the least restrictive environment needed for the safety of incarcerated individuals, staff, and facility security and prohibits holding minors in isolated confinement. It also places new limits on its use by considering physical and mental health evaluations.
Full List of New Laws Effective July 1, 2022
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you and please continue expressing your views and making your voice heard.
Covered Connecticut Health Program

 
Litchfield Mental Health First Aid Training Thursday, June 30th

If you are interested in signing up for the training please contact Diane Cassidy cassidy@edadvance.org.
Summer Fireworks schedule


 
Fireworks are not just for July 4!  (Though that is a good time to catch a display).  It’s a great way to enjoy a warm summer evening with friends and family, and there are events throughout the state of Connecticut.  Locally, Cornwall (on the Town Green) and Lakeville (at Lime Rock Park) kick us off on July 1, with North Canaan following on July 16 to celebrate Railroad Days. 
 
All fireworks displays are weather permitted, so please check ahead.  Here’s a list of some of the most popular displays across the state: https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fireworks-2022?fbclid=IwAR3uhoRG2pySoW41SkVnIHEIL-wZ5_dKwAek3DQDBQi0Lo7xk2KDkZoxE_A

 
Providing information to Connecticut residents
 
For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.
 
Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance. Anyone who is out-of-state or requires a toll-free number can connect to Connecticut 2-1-1 by dialing 1-800-203-1234. This is intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms are strongly urged to contact their medical provider.
 
It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.