The 2008 Legislative Session is officially behind us, and so it is time to publish our annual Legislative Roundup. The four page report covers the progress made in the Connecticut General Assembly on legislation related to our key issues of Health Care, Democracy, the Environment, and Economic Justice.
You can download the full report here (144 kb .pdf), or continue reading for a brief summary of the items.
- Health Care
- A major victory on health care is still forthcoming, but progress was made and groundwork was laid to that end. The Healthcare Partnership Bill (HB 5536), which would have opened up the state employee health insurance pool to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses passed by significant majorities in both the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Rell on advice of insurance industry lobbyists. In other health care news, a "Commission on Health Equity" was established to address racial and ethnic disparities in the health care system.
- Democracy
- At present, Connecticut does not require individuals who lobby at the municipal level to register with the state, which contributes to a lack of transparency. CCAG worked to pass legislation that would have this bare minimum reform that required municipal level lobbyists to register with the state and abide by the same rules in place for lobbyists at the Capitol.
- Environment
- CCAG and the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy CT won the passage of two bills (HB 5650 and HB 5025) that will protect children from exposure to lead and asbestos. Connecticut is one of only a few states to restrict lead and asbestos, a protection necessary at the state level due to inaction on this issue at the federal level. Legislation was also passed to set restrictions enabling us to reach goals for decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 2050.
- Economic Justice
- On June 23rd, the General Assembly voted to override Governor Rell's veto of the minimum wage increase. Minimum wage will go up to $8 per hour on January 1, 2009 and $8.25 per hour on January 1, 2010. However, a living wage in Connecticut is estimated to be about $17 per hour.
