Connecticut State Senate February 25th Session [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Duff introduced several items for consideration, including Senate Joint Resolutions 11, 18, and 19, and Senate Resolution 3. Senator Winfield moved for the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 11, confirming the nomination of James Sicilian as a senior judge of the Superior Court, supported by Senators Kissel and others. Senate Joint Resolution 18 followed, nominating Thomas A. Bishop as a state referee, with Senators Winfield, Kissel, and Summers expressing their support. Senate Joint Resolution 19 confirmed John M. Aylander as a state referee, also receiving support from Winfield and Kissel. Senate Resolution 3, proposing approval of an arbitration award between the Judicial Branch and employee unions, was discussed. Senator Austin moved for acceptance, explaining its financial implications, and it passed with a roll call vote of 33 in favor and 2 against. Senator Duff then addressed emergency certified bills, particularly Senate Bill 298, which reallocates state funds related to education and public safety. Senator Harding raised concerns about the urgency of the bill, while Senator Looney defended the emergency certification process. The meeting included significant debate over the definition of "emergency," with one senator opposing the bill for including non-emergency provisions. A roll call vote upheld the chair's ruling on the bill's emergency status. Further discussions on Senate Bill 298 included various sections addressing appropriations, educational initiatives, and labor protections. Specific sections were highlighted, such as those allowing the Chief Court Administrator to step down while completing her term, mandating law enforcement training for interactions with individuals with disabilities, and increasing Medicaid rates for intermediate care facilities. Senator Fazio proposed amendments aimed at addressing the affordability crisis in Connecticut, including eliminating occupational licensing fees and reducing payroll taxes. The amendments faced opposition from Senator Duff, who urged a no vote, emphasizing a comprehensive affordability agenda to be addressed later. The meeting also featured discussions on the sale of the Aquarian Water Company, with concerns raised about potential negative impacts on utility customers and the need for regulatory oversight. An amendment to clarify the authority of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) was supported by several senators. Senator Sampson criticized the legislative process, arguing that the use of emergency certifications bypassed public input and transparency. He proposed an amendment for improved transparency in funding allocations, which ultimately failed. The meeting concluded with a roll call vote on Senate Bill 299, addressing out-of-state beverage container redemption, which passed. The session ended with a motion to adjourn.