State News

GOVERNOR LAMONT AND COMMISSIONER RUSSELL-TUCKER URGE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO IMPLEMENT STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION-ADOPTED POLICIES ON PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY USE IN SCHOOLS

Guidance Includes Recommendations on the Use of Smartphones by Students in K-12 Public Schools (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker are urging local school districts in Connecticut to consider implementing recommendations contained in a position statement and policy guidance document regarding the use of personal technology, such as smartphones and similar devices, in K-12 public schools that was adopted today by the Connecticut State Board of Education. Created at the direction of Governor Lamont by the Connecticut State Department of Education, the document – titled Personal Technology Use in Connecticut Schools: Impact of Social Media and the Use of Cell Phones on Student Learning and Mental Health – provides school districts with guidance…

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Connecticut Leaders Call for Federal Assistance Following Historic Flooding

In response to devastating storms that brought unprecedented rainfall to Western Connecticut, state and federal officials are mobilizing to address the significant damage and support impacted communities. State Senator Tony Hwang and Governor Ned Lamont are at the forefront of efforts to secure federal assistance to rebuild infrastructure and protect public safety. Over the weekend, towns such as Oxford, Newtown, and Middlebury experienced severe flooding, receiving between 9 and 16 inches of rain. The storms led to two fatalities and widespread destruction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. In a joint press conference, Senator Hwang, Governor Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and other key officials updated the public on the response efforts and the ongoing push for federal emergency…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE FLOODING

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has declared a state of emergency in response to the significant flooding that is impacting portions of Connecticut due to the historically severe rainfall that began yesterday afternoon and has caused extensive structural damage to roadways. “The sudden and severe flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the western portion of the state, resulting in evacuations, rescues, and more than two dozen road closures that we anticipate will need to be closed for an extended period,” Governor Lamont said. “This emergency declaration may help expedite some of the resources needed for us to respond to this situation, and in particular can help prioritize potential federal resources such as equipment and…

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BLUMENTHAL & GRAHAM STATEMENT ON VISIT TO UKRAINE

[Hartford, CT]– Today U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued a statement following their visit to Ukraine. The senators met with United States and Ukraine government officials today, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.  “After our sixth visit to Kyiv, we are more hopeful than ever that the tide of war has turned against Putin and his cronies. Ukraine’s decision to go on the offensive in the Kursk region of Russia was bold and brilliant.   “Bipartisan support for Ukraine is critical to American interests, and we will do whatever we can in 2024 to build on these successes and secure additional future military aid necessary to maintain the momentum.   “We urge NATO to issue an invitation this…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT’S 2024 SALES TAX-FREE WEEK RUNS FROM AUGUST 18 TO 24

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut will hold its annual Sales Tax-Free Week from Sunday, August 18, to Saturday, August 24, 2024. During this weeklong sales tax holiday, retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption during Sales Tax-Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice. “This year’s tax-free holiday lands a little earlier to give families a head start for the back-to-school season, which will be here before we know it,” Governor Lamont said. “As always, I encourage shoppers to take the time to…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT AND U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY YELLEN ANNOUNCE CONNECTICUT JOINING IRS DIRECT FILE

Connecticut Residents Will Be Eligible To Use This Free Tax Filing Option Beginning in Filing Year 2025 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen today announced that, beginning in the 2025 filing season, Connecticut will join IRS Direct File – a newly launched option to file federal tax returns online that is provided to users at no cost, empowering residents to file with ease and without having to pay the fees associated with for-profit tax software companies. This free online tax filing option began as a pilot program in 12 states during the 2024 filing season, and during this time it enabled 140,000 taxpayers to claim more than $90 million in refunds,…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW STATE GRANT PROGRAM ON HOME HEALTH CARE WORKER SAFETY

Home Health and Access Agencies Can Begin Applying for the Grants on August 7, 2024 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the impending launch of the In-Home Safety Grant Program, a new state grant program administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services aimed at enhancing the safety and security of home health care workers in Connecticut. Established by the enactment of Public Act 24-19 – which was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2024 regular legislative session and then signed into law by Governor Lamont – this program will provide grants to home health and access agencies to fund improved safety protocols and support services for their workers. This includes items such as emergency alert buttons, buddy…

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BLUMENTHAL, WARREN & WATERS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM PAYMENT SCAMS

[Hartford, CT] - Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) joined Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, to announce introduction of the Protecting Consumers from Payment Scams Act, legislation to better protect consumers making online payments through digital payment platforms like Zelle. As payment fraud skyrockets, the legislation would update the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to clarify ambiguities and strengthen the law to better protect consumers harmed when they make payments. Specifically, it would protect consumers when they are defrauded into initiating a payment sent to a bad actor, when they lose funds through fraudulent bank wire transfers, and when their accounts are inexplicably frozen…

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ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO ENERGYBILLCRUNCHER OVER FALSE CLAIM THAT ‘GOVERNMENT WILL COVER THE COST TO INSTALL SOLAR’

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced he has opened an investigation into EnergyBillCruncher.com regarding false claims on social media that “Government will cover the cost to install solar.” In addition to falsely claiming that the “Government” will cover the cost of solar installation, the company inappropriately uses the Connecticut state seal and creates a false sense of urgency, claiming that homeowners must “do this before Friday.” In an inquiry letter sent today, the Office of the Attorney General seeks information on the ownership of the EnergyBillCruncher website and social media accounts. The inquiry also seeks information regarding the number of inquiries received from Connecticut residents, information the company provided to Connecticut residents, and any Connecticut solar financing,…

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BLUMENTHAL & BARRAGÁN INTRODUCE BICAMERAL LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE END-OF-LIFE CARE

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) today introduced the Compassionate Care Act,legislation to promote advance care planning and end-of-life care. Many Americans do not have plans in place in the event they experience severe illness. In order to help patients access the care they need and that is right for them, the Compassionate Care Act provides critical resources to educate patients and providers, develop core end-of-life quality measures, and expand access to advance care planning via telehealth.  “Our measure will empower Americans who are without plans for end-of-life care to be prepared in the event they experience severe illness,” said Blumenthal. “By promoting end-of-life care through public awareness, expanding telehealth services, and working with physicians, we can…

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