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It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it. U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated..
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Governor’s Bill Approved by General Law Committee Last Week, Now Awaits Further Action by the Full Legislature
Governor Ned Lamont is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he proposed for consideration this session that will enact a new consumer rights law requiring upfront pricing on all event tickets, hotel and short-term rental accommodations, and food and beverage sale and delivery services, and accordingly prohibit the increasingly common practice of adding unexpected, mandatory hidden fees that are tacked on at the end of a consumer’s transaction.
These hidden fees, frequently known as junk fees, are often vaguely labeled as a “service fee” or “convenience fee.” It is estimated that they cost Connecticut families thousands of dollars each year and they disproportionally impact low-income families who may lack the time, resources, or financial literacy to filter through these fees or search for a competitive price.
The governor’s proposal is Senate Bill 15, An Act Requiring Fee Disclosures. It was unanimously approved last week by the members of the General Law Committee, and it now awaits further action by both chambers of the General Assembly. The governor is urging them to act on the legislation so that he can sign it into law.
“We are increasingly seeing situations in which a product or service is being advertised at a low price and then when a consumer gets to the very end of their transaction that price suddenly increases with any number of mandatory fees being tacked on, and frequently consumers will complete their purchase without even realizing the price jumped until well after it has already been finalized,” Governor Lamont said. “This proposal simply says that the price of a product or service cannot be misrepresented to consumers. Upfront pricing will ensure that consumers are able to make well-informed purchases, and it levels the playing field among competitors in these industries by requiring that they all be honest and transparent on the costs of their products and services from the get go.”
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli also support the enactment of this law, saying that if it is approved by the legislature it will be a major win for Connecticut consumers.
“Junk fees tacked on at the last minute add up to serious costs for consumers,” Attorney General Tong said. “These hidden charges make it next to impossible to compare costs and find affordable deals. Everyone hates these bait and switch charges, and I fully support the governor and the legislature in strengthening our state laws to ensure fair, transparent pricing.”
“Companies have increasingly found ways to gain more money from consumers, often by tacking on superfluous ‘service fees’ just when you’re ready to hit the final purchase button on an event ticket, hotel room, or food purchase,” Commissioner Cafferelli said. “By waiting until the last second to add on these junk fees, companies make it difficult for consumers to shop around, price compare and find the best deal. This legislation promotes open and honest transactions in the marketplace and raises consumer confidence in our retail and services industries, and putting money back in people’s pockets.”
This proposal builds on a provision included in Public Act 23-98, which the General Assembly approved and Governor Lamont signed into law last year. That law, which took effect on October 1, 2023, requires upfront disclosure of pricing for the purchase of tickets to live events, however some consumers have noted that since its enactment certain ticketing platforms continue to run advertisements or otherwise not disclose the full price of tickets until the consumer begins a transaction by selecting the tickets they want to purchase. Senate Bill 15 closes this loophole by requiring ticket platforms to disclose the full price of tickets beginning at the moment they are first advertised, displayed, or offered, even prior to the consumer selecting a ticket.
President Joe Biden, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently announced similar efforts to crack down on junk fees on a nationwide level. Governor Lamont applauds these efforts, and notes that until those federal rules are able to take effect, the states must act to protect consumers from deceptive pricing.
The General Assembly must act on the proposal prior to the adjournment of the regular session, which will occur on May 8, 2024.
On Friday, the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a Celebration of Black Men, an event highlighting the achievements of Black male leaders and entrepreneurs across the fields of professional sports, arts and design, media, academia, and finance. The event underscored the Administration’s commitment to investing in Black Americans’ ability to succeed by expanding access to economic opportunity – a key part of Bidenomics.
Event participants comprised over 120 Black men including members of national and local community organizations, university students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other regional institutions, government officials, and leaders from the private sector.
During a panel conversation moderated by Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Public Engagement Stephen Benjamin, Black entrepreneurs had the opportunity to discuss their respective journeys navigating different industries, and provided insights and advice for younger audience members in attendance. Participants also celebrated Black male White House and Agency leaders representing the most diverse Administration in history.
Officials emphasized the Administration’s dedication to furthering the implementation of the President’s policy agenda to secure and expand the unprecedented gains made for Black Americans. This historic event marked a continuation of the White House’s 2024 celebration of Black History Month.
Biden-Harris Administration Participants:
- Stephen Benjamin, Assistant to the President, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement
- Michael Smith, CEO of Americorps
- Eric Morrissette, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce Performing the Nonexclusive Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary for Minority Business Development
- Taylor Wright, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, Office of Public Engagement
Program Participants:
- Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24)
- Jason Wright, President, Washington Commanders
- Olajuwon Ajanaku, Founder, Eastside Golf
- Jarrid Tingle, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Harlem Capital
- Dr. Brandon Frame, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, TheBlackManCan Inc.
- Rashan Brown, Founder, Poetry Me, Please
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation approved this afternoon by the Connecticut General Assembly that allocates $17 million to cover a gap in federal assistance to the state this winter from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Federal LIHEAP money is used by the state to fund the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and helps low-income residents afford to heat their homes during the winter months. This year, Congressional Republicans blocked consideration of President Joe Biden’s request for additional funding for LIHEAP, rolling this aid back to the lowest levels since the winter of 2018-2019.
The legislation signed into law today by Governor Lamont designates $13.5 million in supplemental aid for CEAP this winter season, and $3.5 million for Operation Fuel, a nonprofit that provides energy assistance support to Connecticut residents.
“The federal LIHEAP program is an important safeguard to assist our most vulnerable residents, seniors, and families with children,” Governor Lamont said. “Working with the state legislature, we have identified one-time funds that can be used to supplement the decline in assistance that our state received this winter. The Connecticut Department of Social Services and Operation Fuel will work to ensure this funding gets to those in need. I continue to urge bipartisan leaders in Congress to follow the example of what Connecticut’s Congressional delegation have repeatedly demanded – more federal funding for LIHEAP next winter.”
The legislation is Senate Bill 111, An Act Concerning Home Energy Assistance. It was approved in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 0 and in the House of Representatives by a vote of 147 to 0. The bill took effect immediately upon being signed by the governor this afternoon
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Good afternoon. Let me start by welcoming His Majesty, the King of Jordan. He’s been a good friend. Abdullah, welcome back to the White House, man. Welcome back. And, by the way, Barack is looking at you in the corner over there.
And along with Qree- — Queen Riana [Rania], who is meeting with Jill now, and the Queen — and the Crown Prince Hussein. Where — is the Prince out here? I thought he was coming out. Any rate.
We’ve known each other for many years. And His Majesty has been a good friend all those years, a steadfast partner alongside the Queen, and a beloved leader to their people. The partnership between the United States and our ally Jordan is strong and it is enduring.
the King and I discussed with our senior foreign policy staffs what — the issue that’s front and center in the Middle East and well beyond: the war between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas. Over four months ago, on October the 7th, Hamas attacked Israel in an act of sheer evil, massacring more than 1,200 innocent women, men, and children — the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
More than 250 hostages were taken. A hundred and thirty-four are still being held hostage by Hamas. We don’t know how many are still alive. The anguish that their families are enduring week after week, month after month is unimaginable. And it’s a top priority for the United States to bring them home.
I’ve made clear the United States shares the goal of seeing Hamas defeated and ensuring long-term security for Israel and its people.
After the October 7th attacks, Hamas retreated back into Gaza, where its leaders live in underground tunnels, stretching for over 100 miles beneath civilian infrastructure, including — including schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
The past four months, as the war has raged, the Palestinian people have also suffered unimaginable pain and loss. Too many — too many of the over 27,000 Palestinians killed in this conflict have been innocent civilians and children, including thousands of children. And hundreds of thousands have no access to food, water, or other basic services.
Many families have lost not just one but many relatives and cannot mourn for them or even bury them because it’s not safe to do so. It’s heart-breaking.
Every innocent life [lost] in Gaza is a tragedy, just as every innocent life lost in Israel is a tragedy as well. We pray for those lives taken — both Israeli and Palestinian — and for the grieving families left behind.
Not only do we pray for peace, we are actively working for peace, security, and dignity for both the Palestinian people and the Israeli people. And I’m working on this day and night with the King and others in the region to find the means to bring all these hostages home, to ease the humanitarian crisis, and to end the terror threat and to bring peace to Gaza and Israel — an enduring peace with a two-state solution for two peoples.
As the King and I discussed today, the United States is working on a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, which would bring immediate and sustained period of calm into Gaza for at least six weeks, which we could then take the time to build something more enduring.
Over the past month, I’ve had calls with Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, to push this forward. The key element of the deals are on the table. There are gaps that remain, but I’ve encouraged Israeli leaders
to keep working to achieve the deal. The United States will do everything possible to make it happen.
The King and I also discussed the situation in Rafah. As I said yesterday, our military operation in Rafah — their — the major military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible plan — a credible plan for ensuring the safety and support of more than one million people sheltering there. Many people there have been displaced — displaced multiple times, fleeing the violence to the north, and now they’re packed into Rafah — exposed and vulnerable. They need to be protected.
And we have also been clear from the start: We oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Today, the King and I also discussed in detail how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza. From the very beginning, my team and I have relentlessly worked to get more aid in. I urged Congress for months to make sure that our nation’s support for Israel and — also includes urgently needed aid for Palestinians. And I’ve spoken repeatedly with partners across the region, including the King, to help facilitate the flow of such aid into Gaza as much as possible and that will actually get to the people that there — that are — need it.
We worked to get the Rafah Crossing open. We worked to get Kerem Shalom open. And we insist that we remain — it remain open — both remain open. We’re working to open other routes as well. And we’re also working relentlessly to make sure aid workers can get the aid where it’s needed once it gets through.
I want to recognize Jordan and the King specifically for all he has done to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, including just a few days ago. He personally got in a plane and helped conduct an air drop of urgently needed medical supplies into Gaza.
I understand that two of his children have also joined those air drops. They helped fly humanitarian supplies in. And for years, the Queen has been passionate — a passionate advocate for the Palestinian people, particularly women and children. Your family’s leadership, Your Majesty, and humanitarian commitment are commendable.
And at the same time, we’re working to create the conditions for a lasting peace, as we talked a lot about upstairs, with the Israeli security guaranteed and Palestinian aspirations for their own state fulfilled. I say this as a long — lifelong supporter of Israel. That’s the only path that guarantees Israel’s security for the long term. To achieve it, the Palestinians must also seize the opportunity.
As I discussed with the King today, the Palestinian Authority must re- — urgently reform so it can effectively deliver for the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza. Once Hamas’s control of Gaza is over, they must prepare to build a state that accepts peace, does not harbor terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
And together, we will keep working to complete what has — what we started: to integrate the region, to bring about peace between Israel and all its Arab neighbors, including a Palestinian state. That effort was already underway before the October 7th attacks. It’s even more urgent today.
No one — no one understands better than our allies and partners in the region, including the King, what we need. I’m grateful to him for his friendship, including his and Jordan’s unique role — unique role: custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
We’re grateful for this friendship. We saw that again just two weeks ago when three brave American servicemembers were killed in an attack at a military outpost in Jordan, close to the Syrian border, by radical militant groups backed by Iran, operating in Syria and Iraq. Since then, U.S. military forces have struck targets in Iraq and Syria, and our response will continue.
We’re grateful for our partners and allies like the King who work with us every single day to advance security and stability across the region and beyond. It’s difficult times like these when the bonds between nations are more important than ever.
And Jill and I are pleased to welcome him and the Queen and the Crown Prince to the White House today.
Your Majesty, over to you.
KING ABDULLAH II: Thank you, sir.
(President Biden moves from one side of the podium to the other.)
Mr. —
PRESIDENT BIDEN: I switched sides on you.
KING ABDULLAH II: Sorry.
Mr. President, thank you for your gracious hospitality accorded to me and my delegation today.
My visit today carries an added meaning as our countries this year mark 75 years of exemplary strategic partnership. However, we had hoped we would be marking this major milestone during better circumstances in my region and the world.
Unfortunately, one of the most devastating wars in recent history continues to unfold in Gaza as we speak. Nearly 100,000 people have been killed, injured, or are missing. The majority are women and children.
We cannot afford an Israeli attack on Rafah. It is certain to produce another humanitarian catastrophe. The situation is already unbearable for over a million people who have been pushed into Rafah since the war started.
We cannot stand by and let this continue. We need a lasting ceasefire now. This war must end. We must urgently and immediately work to ensure the sustainable delivery of sufficient aid to Gaza through all possible entry points and mechanisms. And I thank you, Mr. President, for your support on this.
Restrictions on vital relief aid and medical items are leading to inhumane conditions. No other U.N. agency can do what UNRWA is doing in helping the people of Gaza through this humanitarian catastrophe.
Its work in other areas of operation — especially in Jordan, where 2.3 million are registered — is also vital. It is imperative that UNRWA continues to receive the support it needs to carry out its mandate.
The potential threat of Palestinian displacement beyond the borders of Gaza and the West Bank is something we view with extreme concern and cannot be allowed.
At the same time, we must ignore — we must not ignore the situation in the West Bank and in the holy sites in Jerusalem.
Nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7th, including almost 100 children, and over 4,000 injured.
Continued escalations by extremist settlers in the West Bank and Jerusalem’s holy sites and the expansion of illegal settlements will unleash chaos on the entire region.
The vast majority of Muslim worshippers are not being allowed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. Christian churches have also voiced concerns about increasing and unprecedented restrictions and threats.
It is also important to stress that the separation of the West Bank and Gaza cannot be accepted.
Seven decades of occupation, death, and destruction have proven beyond any doubt that there can be no peace without a political horizon.
Military and security solutions are not the answer. They can never bring peace. Civilians on both sides continue to pay for this protracted conflict with their lives.
All attacks against innocent civilians — women and children — including those of October 7th, cannot be accepted by any Muslim, as I have previously stressed.
We must make sure the horrors of the past few months since October 7th are never repeated nor accepted by any human being.
We must together, along with Arab partners and the international community, step up efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and immediately start working to create a political horizon that leads to a just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution — an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital but living side by side with Israel in peace and security. This is the only solution that will guarantee peace and security for the Palestinians and the Israelis, as well as the entire region.
Your leadership, my dear friend, Mr. President, is key to addressing this conflict. And Jordan is ready to work, as always, with you towards peace.
Thank you.
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank
Photo Jordan news
The Vice President and the King also discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the West Bank. The Vice President thanked the King for his continued leadership in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to a two-state solution, and noted it is the best path to durable peace and security. She emphasized the Palestinians’ right to dignity, security and self-determination.
Governor Lamont Orders Executive Branch State Office Buildings Closed to the Public Tuesday Due to Winter Storm
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering all State of Connecticut executive branch office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, due to the significant winter storm that is anticipated to impact the state throughout the day.
For the duration of this storm-related closure, the governor is directing that:
- All level 1 executive branch state employees should report to work as scheduled or directed;
- All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties can be completed remotely should telework, or they may request use of accrued leave; and
- All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties cannot be completed remotely should not report to work in-person.
The terminology used for state employee classifications was established through an executive order issued in 2018. Level 1 state employees include those who were previously designated as “essential” based on their respective job duties. Level 2 state employees include those who were previously designated as “nonessential.”
The governor’s storm-related directive applies to executive branch offices. Decisions regarding the operations of offices within the judicial and legislative branches are made by the leaders of those respective branches of state government.
“The timing of winter storm is of particular concern, especially considering that snowfall rates are expected to be heavy during the morning rush hour commute and continue through the afternoon,” Governor Lamont said. “Out of an abundance of caution, I am directing all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday. Level 2 state employees who work in those buildings should stay home, and those who can complete their jobs remotely should work from home for the day. I strongly encourage everyone in Connecticut to stay off the roads on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the height of the storm so that plow crews can clear the roads and keep everyone safe. Please check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or need assistance, to make sure they are safe.”
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 trucks and more than 900 drivers prepared to respond to the storm and clear the roads.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares. That website also contains a useful list of contact information for each of the state’s utility companies, should a customer experience an outage.
- Twitter: @GovNedLamont
- Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont
Governor Lamont Implements Ban on All Tandem Tractor Trailers and Empty Tractor Trailers Ahead of Winter Storm
Ban on All Limited Access Highways Takes Effect at Midnight 12:01 am Tuesday and Remains in Effect Until Further Notice
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to the severe winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut, he has signed an order banning all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers from traveling on all limited access highways statewide effective at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, and remaining in effect until further notice.
This travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers is being implemented in coordination with the neighboring states of New York and Massachusetts, who are enacting similar bans on their roads during the storm.
Limited access highways are those designed to carry large volumes of traffic at generally high speeds and have controlled access with on and off ramps. (For a list of limited access highways in Connecticut, click here.)
“During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating treacherous conditions that will make travel very difficult,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve consulted with our neighboring states and have decided as a region that it’s in the best interest of safety to enact this travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers during the duration of the storm.”
The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when it has been determined when this ban will be lifted.
- Twitter: @GovNedLamont
- Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont
Mayor Justin Elicker with an important message for New Haven residents about the snowstorm headed our way. Por favor espere para escuchar este mensaje en español.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our region beginning tonight and through most of the day Tuesday with a projected snowfall of 6 to 10 inches.
In order to help ensure that our snowplows can quickly and efficiently clear city streets, a citywide parking ban will be in effect beginning tonight at 12 midnight. In residential areas, there is no parking on the odd-numbered side of the streets. On all posted snow emergency routes and in the downtown area, there is no parking on both sides of the street. There is also no parking within 25 feet of a fire hydrant, intersection or bus stop.
For residents in need of an off-street parking option, there are multiple free and low-cost options available, including selected school parking lots, Yale University parking lots and downtown parking garages. The full list is available on the city’s website at newhavnenct.gov/snow.
For individuals who might need a warm and safe place to stay, our walk-in winter Warming Centers will be open with extended hours, beginning Monday 7 pm and operate continuously through Wednesday
7 am. The list of warming centers can also be found on the city's website or by calling 2-1-1.
Finally, please stay off the roads if you can, please shovel your sidewalks so there is a path at least 3 feet wide to ensure wheelchair and stroller access, and please check on your family, friends and neighborhoods who might need a helping hand. Finally, as always, please call 9-1-1- for any life-threatening emergencies.
Thanks for your cooperation everyone, stay safe and enjoy the snow!
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Usher, Her , Alicia keys, Lil Jon
ATL half time performance..
