Klarides-Ditria: Hearing to focus on act revising juvenile crime statutes

The notable rise in crime, especially juvenile crime, across Connecticut is a growing concern in all 169 cities and towns.  Locked cars are being ransacked and stolen from driveways and even from inside garages like one poor woman in Glastonbury who had her car stolen twice! Recently, some thieves have gotten so brazen that they’ve moved past property crimes and have begun carjacking innocent men and women at the gas pump. We know you’re fed up. We are too, and we hear you!  The House Republican Caucus understands your frustration with the failed policies that are putting criminals back on the streets within hours of an arrest. The cops say there’s nothing they can do until the laws are changed.  Here’s how we propose to do that. HB 5418- AN ACT REVISING JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATUTES AND INSURANCE STATUTES CONCERNING THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - will, among other things: Require a judge to order DCF to conduct a family investigation when a juvenile is charged with: a felony, a Class A Misdemeanor, a charge resulting from loss of life or serious physical injury, a sexual assault, a serious juvenile offense, or an offense involving use of a firearm Require an automatic transfer to adult court for juveniles 13 years or older charged with committing a class A felony a class B felony resulting in death, a violent sexual assault or a violent crime involving use of a firearm Require juvenile matters be adjudicated in the district where the crime is alleged to have been committed Require the state Judicial Department to report about its many juvenile diversionary programs, including an overview of each particular program, its costs, as well as its success in reducing recidivism Register to Testify Monday’s PUBLIC HEARING is your chance to tell the legislature your story and let them know what you want to see changed! Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m.  JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTubeLive. In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com. Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m. Speaker order of approved registrants will be posted on the Judiciary Committee website on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 6 p.m. under Public Hearing Testimony. If you do not have internet access, you may provide testimony via telephone.  To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to JUDtestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should clearly state testifier name and related Bills.  The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony.  The Committee encourages witnesses to submit a written statement and to condense oral testimony to a summary of that statement.  All public hearing testimony, written and spoken, is public information. As such, it may be made available on the Judiciary Committee's website and indexed by internet search engines. Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Public hearing slated on property taxes, affordable housing bill

HARTFORD -The Planning and Development Committee will hold a public hearing Monday, March 22 at 10 a.m. via Zoom on S.B.1068 (Raised) An Act Concerning Property Taxes and Affordable Housing.  This proposed bill will tie an additional tax to properties assessed at more than $300,000 (estimated fair market value of approximately $430,000) to the percentage of "affordable housing" in each municipality. While I certainly support increasing options for affordable housing, penalizing residents of municipalities on this basis is excessive and unfair. We should use incentives to promote affordable housing, not the heavy hand of state government to punish local communities. The mill rate schedule for towns with a certain percentage of affordable housing is as follows: 10% or more                    0.0 Mills 8%, but less than 10%      0.4 Mills 6% but less than 8%         0.8 Mills 4% but less than 6%         1.2 Mills 2% but less than 4%         1.6 Mills Below 2%                         2.0 Mills Click here if you’d like to testify virtually (via Zoom.)  The deadline to register is Sunday, March 21, at 3 p.m. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes of testimony. The speaker order of approved registrants will be listed in a randomized order and posted on the Planning and Development Committee website on March 21 at 8 p.m. under Public Hearing Testimony. You may provide testimony via telephone. To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at 203-350-3769 to leave your contact information. To testify via email, submit testimony in a Word or PDF document to PDtestimony@cga.ct.gov.  Include your name and the bill number you are testifying on and please copy me on the email.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Education committee hearing to focus on virtual learning bill

HARTFORD - On Monday, March 8, the Education Committee is holding a public hearing regarding S.B. 977, An Act Concerning Virtual Learning. 

The stated purpose of this committee bill is “to require the Department of Education to develop uniform standards for the provision of virtual learning in public schools, conduct a comprehensive audit of virtual learning programs in the state and develop guidelines for training educators in the provision of virtual learning.” 

There's little doubt that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the educational experiences of our children, the full effects of which might not be fully realized for some time. 

To deliver to students a desperately-needed sense of normalcy, House Republicans believe school districts throughout the state should fully reopen as soon as possible, provided appropriate safety measures are in place. 

Still, given the continuing uncertainty about COVID-19, it's possible that distance learning will continue to be used by school districts. This is your opportunity to share your experiences with virtual learning and ideas on how it can be improved. If this topic does not interest you, please feel free to share this information with anyone you think might benefit from it. 

Click here if you'd like to testify virtually (via Zoom.) The deadline to register is Friday, March 5, at 3 p.m.  

Click here for additional details, including how to testify via email. 

At the start of the 2021 legislative session, my colleagues and I announced our intention to push for standards and metrics for virtual learning. 

Read more about that announcement here.

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria urges support of expansion of Waterbury Branch Line rail service

 

Ansonia tax board to hold public hearing on proposed city budget on Zoom

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Ansonia's 2020-21 Budget Process has begun with the submission of the Mayor's proposed budget.
The Board of Apportionment and Taxation has now established that date of a first Public Hearing, and will thereafter meet with the Board of Aldermen's Finance Committee to review.

Once approved by the Board of Apportionment and Taxation, the budget will be sent for finalization by the full Board of Aldermen.

A second public hearing will be held before the budget is passed.

Access the May 7 First Public Hearing, and initial BOAT and BOA budget meetings as follows:

Topic: BOAT/BOA Finance Meeting
Time: May 7, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97232460801?pwd=eUo4K21KTEswcHJKcjVlazdQR2Jjdz09

Meeting ID: 972 3246 0801
Password: 004528

One tap mobile
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Rochelle to testify at Waterbury Rail Line public hearing in Hartford

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby announced Friday the legislature’s Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing Monday, Feb. 24 on legislation she and members of the Waterbury Rail Line Caucus introduced to study rail infrastructure issues and improve service.

“The Waterbury Train Line has a huge economic impact on the people of Ansonia and Derby even if they do not ride the trains. Increased service brings about transit-oriented development and increases property value, both of which grow the grand list and increase the potential that local city leaders could

lower local property taxes. Trains mean development, larger grand lists, lower taxes, and more jobs if we all work together to make it happen,” said Rochelle. “While I am encouraged that the Department of Transportation recently sent out an RFI for leasing trains for mid-2022, when the passing

sidings and positive train control currently being created are completed for our tracks, we need our new,

permanent trains ordered, stations updated, and other rail line resources to ensure that our district and our region can reach the next stage of its revitalization. I’ve fought hard for this issue and will continue to fight as it is so critical for the lives and wallets of all residents.”

Rochelle plans to testify during the public hearing and has reached out to Ansonia and Derby mayors, President and CEO of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Bill Purcell, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of TEAM Inc. David Morgan, Chairman of the Connecticut Commuter Rail Association Jim Gildea, and other community stakeholders inviting them to submit testimony or join her in Hartford.

The public hearing will begin at 11 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. 
Residents can submit testimony via email to TRAtestimony@cga.ct.gov. 
Those who wish to testify in-person are asked to submit 55 copies of their written testimony to Committee staff in Room 2300 of the LOB during the speaker sign up, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
Speaker order will be determined by a lottery system. Interested individuals can find more information about testifying during public hearings on the Connecticut General Assembly web site here.
This is the second time Rochelle will testify on this issue. 
During the 2019 legislative session, Rochelle testified before the Transportation Committee in support of similar legislation.

Prior to the public hearing, the Waterbury Rail Line Caucus will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Room 1B. 
Members will discuss their proposal, which seeks to modernize rail transit in Naugatuck Valley and address congestion on state highways.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Logan: Bill to prohibit 'Asian Registry' wins support at hearing in Hartford

State senator urges constituents to write in favor of legislation

Supporters gather at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford Thursday. /Submitted photo

George Logan, R-Ansonia, said in an email today:

A bill to prohibit Connecticut public schools from compiling a so-called "Asian Registry" received strong support during a March 8 public hearing at the Legislative Office Building.
Hundreds of taxpayers joined my fellow legislators and me to speak in favor of Bill 359.

Our message:

Connecticut government should not mandate that Asian-Pacific American students register their ancestral nation of origin or ethnic background.
Such a mandate would be an invasion of privacy. 
I thank Lin Yang of Woodbridge for organizing the terrific turnout.
I urge you to join us in speaking out.

1. Send a brief email to EDTestimony@cga.ct.gov saying "YES" to Bill 359.
2. Reference Bill 359 in the subject line
3. Copy me at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov / include your name and town
4. Share this information with friends.

The bill can be read here:  www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/pdf/2018SB-00359-R00-SB.pdf

Thank you!  

Crisco urges residents to attend hearings on proposed insurance rate hikes

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today urged residents of the 17^th state Senate District towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge to attend one or both public hearings next month on proposed health insurance rate increases as requested by Anthem, ConnectiCare and Aetna.

Joseph J. Crisco

“I’ll be testifying against these proposed rate increases, and I encourage my constituents to do the same,” Crisco said today. 

“I’ve already come out against the proposed mergers of  Anthem and Cigna, and Aetna and Humana, and my opposition to these rate increases is based on the same philosophy: they are not good for Connecticut policyholders. The public must make its voices heard and send a message that these proposed insurance rate increases from Anthem, ConnectiCare, and Aetna have to be rejected and re-evaluated.”

Anthem is seeking an average 26.8 percent increase for the 56,700 people covered under individual plans in Connecticut, and is also seeking an average 14.3 percent increase for the 42,200 people it covers in its “small group” plan for employers with 50 or fewer employees. 

ConnectiCare is seeking an average 14.3 percent rate increase on the 47,595 people it covers in Connecticut under individual plans.

According to published news reports, the proposed rate increases are higher than the 9.6 percent impact of medical cost inflation and increased demand for those services. 

The state Insurance Department has the authority to reject or modify rates requests, based on its review of the filings.

The Insurance Department is holding three public hearings over the course of two days:

•  Aug. 3,  9 a.m. – Anthem
•  Aug. 4, 9 a.m. – ConnectiCare
•  Aug. 4, 1 p.m. – Aetna

The hearings will be held at the Connecticut Insurance Department, 153 Market Street, Hartford, in the 7th Floor Hearing Room.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco awaits hearing on proposed Cigna-Anthem merger

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said today he is eagerly awaiting the state-mandated public hearing that must be held by the Connecticut Insurance Department regarding the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger.

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco

Connecticut General Statutes Section 38a-132 requires the state Insurance Department to hold a public hearing within 30 days of receiving a comprehensive packet of information (called a ‘Form A’ application) from any entity seeking to purchase or control a Connecticut-based insurance company. 

Anthem, Inc. - headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind. - is seeking to acquire Cigna, headquartered in Bloomfield, therefore triggering the Form A application and the necessary public hearing.

Crisco was one of 19 signatories to a May 13, 2016 letter to Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Katherine Wade seeking a series of public hearings on the proposed merger, as well as granting intervenor status to consumer advocates and commissioning a study of the economic and health care impacts of the proposed merger.

Crisco noted that Florida, California, and Indiana have already held public hearings on the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger which, if successful, would create one of the largest health insurance companies in America.

“Connecticut consumers will be well served by having their voices heard regarding this proposed merger, and it doesn’t have to be limited to a single public hearing. We could have a series of public hearings across the state, much the same way the governor and other elected officials have sought to inform the public and elicit their input on a variety of important issues,” Crisco said. 
“We need to know what impact such a huge merger would have on health insurance premiums in Connecticut, on access, and on patient care. In my opinion, public hearings are as much a fundamental part of the merger review process as looking at issues like company balance sheets and plan enrollments.”

If the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger is ultimately approved by dozens of U.S. states, state attorney generals, the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Justice Department, the resulting company would control 64 percent of the health insurance market in Connecticut, allowing that single company greater control of provider networks, physician reimbursement rates, insurance premiums, and deductibles.


This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

State commission to host hearing on transit issues in Derby

DERBY - The Connecticut Public Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St. 

This will be the first of four hearings that the Commission holds statewide this fall to gather testimony from the public, transportation providers, public officials and other entities concerning the operation of public transportation services, dial-a-ride and ADA transportation and other issues.  

The Commission seeks public comment on the extent to which existing services are meeting public needs and on improvements or new services to address unmet travel needs.  

Local and regional issues of particular interest include service on the Waterbury Branch of Metro-North, the lack of evening and weekend bus service in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, limited transit options in communities between Derby and Waterbury, the Valley Transit District’s bus service, the Naugatuck River Greenway, and other topics of interest to the public.

The Commission will use the testimony received at this public hearing as well as from other hearings conducted across the state in preparing recommendations for its annual report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Transportation and the Transportation Committee of the General Assembly. 

In addition, the Commission’s other fall public hearings will be Sept. 30 in Old Saybrook at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, Oct. 6 at Windsor Locks Town Hall, and Oct. 13 in Stamford at the Western Connecticut Council of Governments office in the Stamford Government Center, all at 7 p.m. 
The Commission  held three hearings this spring in Norwich, Hamden, and Plainville.



This is a press release from the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission.