State News

Bob Stefanowski on Lamont’s Diesel Fuel Tax Increase

Branford, CT- Bob Stefanowski, candidate for Governor of Connecticut, reacts to today's announcement on the 9.1 cent increase on the Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax Rate on Diesel Fuel: “Governor Lamont says he is a tax cutter. Really? He raised taxes by $1.8 billion his first year in office, tried his best to put up tolls, settled for the truck tax, and today, with inflation at its highest level in 40 years, raised the diesel tax by over 20%. Higher costs for goods means higher inflation, and an even more expensive state. I urge Governor Lamont to suspend all state taxes on gas and diesel to help residents get through the current crisis that he and President Biden have created.”

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BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON NHTSA’S ELEVATED INVESTIGATION INTO TESLA’S AUTOPILOT SYSTEM

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, issued the following joint statement after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) upgraded its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis after identifying additional crashes at first responder sites:“We are encouraged that NHTSA has escalated its probe into Tesla’s Autopilot after discovering even more crashes that point to a disturbing, deadly pattern. The agency must swiftly complete this important investigation to determine if a recall is necessary while taking all steps in its power to prevent any more lives from being lost. NHTSA’s findings will be essential to improving the safety…

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CTDOT Announces First Universal EV Fast Chargers in CT Service Plazas Now Available

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that level three electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers are now available at the Interstate 95 Southbound service plaza in Madison. This is the first set of universal access fast chargers at a Connecticut service plaza and can fully charge a vehicle in less than 30 minutes. Additional publicly available fast chargers at service plazas in New Canaan, Greenwich, and Fairfield will be online over the next several weeks, with more to come. CTDOT made the announcement at a special event earlier today with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), elected officials and various stakeholders.“These universal fast chargers make it easier for people to travel to and through Connecticut. With convenient…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VICTORIA VELTRI TO LEAVE STATE SERVICE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Victoria Veltri will be stepping down from her role in state government at the end of this month to pursue a new professional opportunity. Veltri has accepted a position as executive director of the Malta House of Care, a private, nonprofit medical clinic that provides high-quality, free primary healthcare to uninsured adults in Greater Hartford. Veltri has served as the head of the Office of Health Strategy since its creation in February 2018 and was reappointed to the role in January 2019 when Governor Lamont took office. The Office of Health Strategy is responsible for implementing data-driven strategies that promote equal access to healthcare,…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT RECEIVES CREDIT RATING UPGRADE FROM S&P

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has received notification that the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) is raising Connecticut’s general obligation bond outlook from stable to positive. Governor Lamont said, “Building on last year’s credit rating increase, this improved outlook further demonstrates Connecticut is on solid financial footing. This progress is the direct result of historic payments to our unfunded liabilities, a record rainy day fund, and smart investments in the future of our state. Financial analysts continue to recognize that we have ended the proverbial practice of kicking the can down the road to future generations, and we have actively taken steps to put our fiscal house in order. Connecticut residents will benefit from…

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Memorial Tips For Drivers

With more travelers expected to head out over the Memorial Day weekend, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and AAA remind motorists to slow down and travel safe. According to AAA, road travel is expected to increase by nearly five percent compared to last year, which represents approximately 93 percent of pre-pandemic vehicle travel.“Memorial Day weekend is considered one of the busiest travel times in Connecticut. Vehicle crashes are rising to unprecedented levels and people continue traveling way too fast,” CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti said. “I urge motorists to put down the cell phone, buckle up, slow down, and always drive sober.”According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,600 people were killed during the Memorial Day…

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Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization launched a national public awareness advertising campaign in Connecticut. Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. The three video ads, ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, highlight rail safety protocols and aim to increase awareness among rail passengers and pedestrians. The OLI ads will run on Connecticut TV stations until mid-June for the first time. “Trains can run on any track at any time in either direction. This ad campaign reiterates the message: if you see train tracks, assume a train is nearby,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “We encourage all pedestrians and rail passengers to never cross over train tracks unless there…

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2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – The sponsors of Energize Connecticut℠, Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, are proud to announce that they have received the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the seventh time the sponsors have been recognized for their joint efforts, continued leadership and commitment to promoting the ENERGY STAR program in Connecticut.The Sustained Excellence award is the highest honor bestowed by the ENERGY STAR program. Winners in this distinguished group have made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change, protecting public health through energy efficiency and are continuing to increase adoption…

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