A month into the legislative session, “let’s have a conversation” has been the favored phrase of Democrats who control the state’s purse strings.

Unfortunately, that “conversation” has centered on proposals far afield from what’s needed to get our state’s finances back on track and our economy finally firing. Rarely has that “conversation” turned toward tackling issues driving our state’s biggest problems, such as unfunded pension liabilities. Instead, they’ve used the word to deflect hefty criticism that’s come each time they’ve unveiled ideas they say got them elected.

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Photo: State Representative Robin Green (R-55) and State Senator Cathy Osten (D-19) present a legislative citation to the Big Y management team during their Grand Opening event in Marlborough. The Big Y World Class Market is expected to hire more than 100 full and part-time employees.

HARTFORD – Fighting to protect Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) funding from being cut mid-year, State Representative Robin Green (R-55) has introduced a bill that would prevent the executive branch from doing just that.

HB-5172, if implemented, would prohibit the governor from making any recessions or other reductions to ECS
Funding during the fiscal year.

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As you may have heard or read, electric rate increases affecting Eversource and United Illuminating customers went into effect January 1st.

The rate increases were approved last fall by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), which operates independent of the legislature and is statutorily charged with providing oversight for the rates and services of Connecticut’s investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies.

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I wanted to take a minute to update you on a few new laws that have gone into effect as of January 1st. New legislation effective dates are typically January 1st, July 1st, and October 1st throughout the calendar year.

AN ACT CONCERNING MAMMOGRAMS, BREAST ULTRASOUNDS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BREASTS

This new law, PA 18-159, redefines mammogram, and eliminates copayments and deductibles for certain breast ultrasounds. For a summary, click here.

AN ACT CONCERNING DUAL ARRESTS AND THE TRAINING REQUIRED OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITH RESPECT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This new law, PA 18-5, will reduce the number of dual arrests that occur in domestic violence cases and enhance domestic violence training offered to state and local law enforcement agencies. For a summary, click here.

AN ACT AUTHORIZING PREGNANCY AS A QUALIFYING EVENT FOR SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS

This new law, PA 18-43, permits certain pregnant individuals to enroll in a health insurance policy or plan not later than thirty days after the individual’s pregnancy has been certified by a licensed health care provider. For a full summary,click here.

If you’re interested in learning more about other laws, you can take a look at the full list found here. Please contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these new laws.

Photo: State Representative Robin Green stands alongside her son Nathan Green during Wednesday’s opening day ceremonies.

HARTFORD – State Representative Robin Green (R-55) was sworn into office early Wednesday morning beginning her second-term as State Representative for the 55th district, representing the towns of Andover, Bolton, Hebron, and Marlborough.

“I am so honored to be representing the 55th district for another two years. I want to say thank you for your support and for voting me back to Hartford represent you,” Rep. Green said.

For the upcoming legislative session, Rep. Green was selected to serve as ranking member of the Children’s committee. She will also serve a member of the Human Services and Higher Ed Committees.

The 2019 regular legislative session is scheduled to run from January 9th to June 5th.

For more information or to contact Representative Green, you can email her at Robin.Green@housegop.ct.gov , or call (800) 842-1423. You can also follow her legislative activity by visiting www.repgreen.com.

HARTFORD – State Representative Robin Green (R-55) has been selected to serve as the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Children’s Committee by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides.

In her role as Ranking Member, Rep. Green will work alongside fellow committee leadership on legislation relating to children’s health and safety, child protection and welfare, courts and criminal law, early childhood and childcare programs and juvenile justice.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the ranking member of the children’s committee,” Rep. Green said. “I have a lot to bring to the table and I look forward to using the skills and experience I’ve gained working with children to further advocate on their behalf.”

Green, re-elected to her second term in November, will also serve on the legislature’s Human Services and Higher Education Committees. The legislature’s Human Services Committee which has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families. The Higher Education Committee and Employment Advancement Committee oversees job training programs, apprenticeships, institutions of higher education, the Board of Regents and the Office of Higher Education.

Her new committee assignments will begin at the start of the 2019 legislative session which convenes on January 9th.

The National Weather Service has issuing a heat advisory for all towns throughout the state. During Extreme Heat, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) and Department of Public Health (DPH) have offered several ways to stay cool and safe during these warmer temperatures.

Those most at risk:
1. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to the effects of high temperatures.
2. People 65 or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
3. People who overexert themselves during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
4. People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease, high blood pressure or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

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HARTFORD – On Tuesday, more than a dozen of my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate sent letters to the President of the United States, Senate Majority Leader, and House Speaker urging them to support three amendments from U.S. Senators Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, and representatives John Larson and Joe Courtney that would provide assistance to those homeowners who have been affected by a crumbling foundation.

Wednesday we received word that two of the amendments we asked for passage received support.

House Amendment 292 to H.R. 3354 seeks to provide funding in the Community Development Block Grant program to examine the application of grant funds to mitigate and remediate the effects of pyrrhotite-related damage.

House Amendment 881 to H.R. 6147 seeks to provide funding for the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a map showing pyrrhotite occurrences across the United States. This would help to ensure residents of other states never have to grapple with this crisis in the future.

I want to thank Ben Carson, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, for visiting Connecticut in late May and getting a firsthand look at the issue that has affect many of our residents. This meeting has now opened the door on the federal level to help foster ongoing discussions and it is of vital importance that we continue to work alongside the current Republican administration in Washington D.C. in order to do all that we can to ensure this issue is resolved.

To view the letters click the links below:

• President
• Senate Majority Leader
• House Speaker