Local lawmakers to host blood drive at Seymour Land Trust Hall

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, state Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, and state Sen. Eric Berthel, are asking the community to join them Feb. 17 during an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Seymour Land Trust Hall. “The Red Cross needs your help and they’re making it even easier for all of us by once again bringing this important mobile blood drive to the Land Trust Hall in Seymour,” Klarides-Ditria said. “Every donation helps save lives and I hope you’ll join me and my legislative colleagues by also donating on Thursday.” “The Red Cross is experiencing its worst blood shortage in over a decade. Low blood supplies could mean deferred surgeries that jeopardize people’s health. Supporting those in medical need by donating blood can be a lifesaving act of kindness. Please consider donating if you can,” Kelly said. “We all have the opportunity to lend a hand to those in need. The Red Cross will be right in our backyard to accept blood donations that can save someone’s life and I hope that you’ll support this important cause,” Berthel said. According to the Red Cross, the entire process takes about one hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average.  Restrictions due to weight, health, or travel may apply and donors are urged to check their eligibility beforehand by going to https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html or by contacting a local chapter. ***Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. You can make an appointment by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and using the sponsor code “Seymour.” Donors can also download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. This event is free and open to the public. For information about blood donation or other ways to help, please go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Sincerely,

Berthel backs GOP proposals to address violent crime in CT

State Sen. Eric Berthel

HARTFORD - State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32, Thursday issued a statement supporting the Connecticut Senate Republicans’ package of legislative proposals to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. 

The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut, includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

“Public safety should be our most essential priority. Right now, people do not feel safe in their own home or when out in the community. We see almost daily stories of violent crime with law-abiding citizens as the victims. This is not fear-mongering or playing politics. This is a fact - simply looking at a newspaper proves this point,” said Berthel.

“We must restore law enforcement’s ability to prevent and stop crime and also look at the root causes for those crimes. This is a holistic plan that addresses these matters. 

"Everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to succeed and this success begins with access to jobs. For youthful offenders, as a ranking member of our Education Committee, this includes a strong pipeline to these jobs by way of mentors and apprentice/internships. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join me in supporting these initiatives to restore a Connecticut where everyone has the tools to succeed,” he said.

READ the plan in full at CTSenateRepublicans.com (https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf).

WATCH the press conference: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=19011


PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

Part 1: Crime Response
Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity
Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
Workforce development programs
Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
Summer jobs program
Vocational program recruitment
Safe housing policies

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities
Law enforcement recruitment
Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

CRIME STATISTICS:

HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of Oct. 2. A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sept. 12, 2021.
WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.


Berthel represents Connecticut's 32nd District, which includes the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. 

www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from Berthel's office.

Berthel opposes extension of Lamont''s emergency powers

HARTFORD- State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32,  Tuesday issued a statement on the Senate's passage of a Democratic resolution extending Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID emergency executive powers through Feb. 15, 2022. 

This is the sixth time that these powers have been extended, which will now total nearly two years of state government under the emergency executive authority of Governor Lamont.

“It is time to move on. Our state boasts the highest vaccination rate in the nation, a fact of which Governor Lamont continues to be vocal. Meanwhile, the state is kicking off a $1.4 million fall season marketing campaign, enticing out-of-state residents to visit Connecticut's local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other public places. These conflicting messages defy logic. If we are truly in a public health emergency, the legislature has proven to be capable of convening in short order to debate and vote on policies relative to public health or otherwise," said Berthel.

 "These debates and decisions must be made in the 'People's House' by their elected representatives; not by unilateral edicts from a Governor and select individuals. Today, I voted 'no' on this measure, as I have done each time it has come before the legislature. I will continue to use my seat to support the ideals of co-equal branches of government, which allow the collective voices of those in the 32^nd District to be heard."

 The resolution, which passed the House on Monday, cleared the Senate 18-15 with three absent.

 

Berthel represents Connecticut's 32^nd Senatorial District, which includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from his office.