Labor and Public Employees Committee Labor & Public Employees Committee Public Hearing - 2/24 [Source] Translate

State Senator Julie Kushner, co-chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, opened the public hearing and welcomed Commissioner Dante Bartolomeo from the Connecticut Department of Labor, who presented several bills. Commissioner Bartolomeo discussed SB 271, which aims to improve the unemployment insurance claims process by expediting adjudications, broadening the definition of healthcare providers for medical forms, and allowing negotiations with reimbursing employers. He proposed repealing outdated statutes related to financial reporting and the Employment Security Advisory Board. He then addressed SB 268, which would allow the comptroller to withhold payments for violations of prevailing wage laws on public works projects, enhancing enforcement against misclassification of workers and wage violations. Next, he introduced HB 2580, concerning non-charge for employers in a shared work program, aiming to reinstate a previously supported provision. He also discussed HB 5276, which seeks to clarify OSHA's jurisdiction over volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies to extend health and safety protections to volunteers. During the Q&A, committee members inquired about the unemployment insurance department's challenges, including chronic underfunding leading to long wait times for claims processing. The commissioner highlighted the impact of federal funding cuts and the need for additional state support. Concerns were raised about threats to staff, including an incident involving roofing nails in a parking lot. The DOL is facing a $19 million deficit, resulting in a no backfill policy and a loss of 20 staff members since October 1st. The total staffing for the Unemployment Insurance program is approximately 328 FTEs, with a stable call center staff of 88. The commissioner noted that even if the deficit were addressed, wait times would still be unacceptable during peak periods. The discussion also covered the Wage and Hour Division, where progress in hiring new inspectors was noted, although the process has been slow. The commissioner is working on a three-year plan to enhance the UI system and improve user experience, which requires additional funding. Concerns about transparency regarding union financial reports were raised, with the commissioner explaining that proposed changes stemmed from an audit. The meeting also included discussions about the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters and the need for better safety measures and training. Several representatives shared personal stories related to disability retirement and the need for legislation addressing contractor responsibility for unpaid wages in construction. A representative advocated for legislation regarding PTSI coverage for first responders, emphasizing the importance of recognizing PTSD as a serious injury. Testimonies were heard in support of various bills, including HB 5278 for uninsured motorist coverage for DOT employees and HB 5279 for recognizing witnessing serious injuries as qualifying events for PTSD workers' compensation. The meeting concluded with expressions of support for the issues raised and a commitment to explore potential solutions. The meeting also featured discussions on wage theft and the need for legislative changes to improve accountability among contractors. Concerns were raised about the implications of proposed bills on construction costs and the potential impact on small and minority-owned subcontractors. The need for better enforcement of existing wage laws was emphasized, along with the importance of maintaining a competitive construction industry while protecting workers' rights. Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative reforms to protect workers' rights, improve mental health support for first responders, and address systemic issues within the construction industry. The next meeting was scheduled for the following week.