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Free Discount Card Enables Consumers To Receive Savings on Certain Prescription Drugs

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced that effective today, Connecticut residents can now enroll in a newly launched program enabling them to receive a discount card that can be presented at pharmacies to receive savings on certain medication.

The discount card is provided through ArrayRx, a multistate consortium Connecticut recently joined that has a goal of providing accessible pharmacy solutions for state partners. Other participating states include Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The multistate consortium uses the leverage of bulk purchasing to offer up to 80% savings on generic prescription drugs and 20% savings on name-brand prescription drugs.

To receive a discount card, Connecticut residents must apply online at arrayrxcard.com. A valid physical Connecticut address and e-mail address are required to enroll. The card is provided to consumers digitally via e-mail and can be downloaded to smartphone wallets. There is no cost to receive a discount card, and there are no age or income restrictions.

Authorization for Connecticut to join the partnership was established by a provision of Governor Lamont’s health care affordability bill, which was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law earlier this year (Public Act 23-171). The program is administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.

“Obtaining this discount card is a way that consumers can save some money on medications they need to stay healthy,” Governor Lamont said. “I encourage all Connecticut residents to sign up for a discount card and use it at the pharmacy.”

“Affording prescription drugs is a significant obstacle many Connecticut residents are facing at a time when costs are rising and insurance covers less than it used to,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “Governor Lamont and I are working hard to rein in high healthcare costs, and the ArrayRx card is a free and secure tool all residents can use to save at their local pharmacy. Regardless of their health insurance status, I urge all Connecticut residents to take advantage of this free program.”

Anyone can visit arrayrxcard.com to search for their prescription and see the cost at local pharmacies, even before signing up. Some examples of potential savings include:

For more information on how the ArrayRx discount card works, including a list of frequently asked questions and a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

Why do it matters !!!\

Preserving Kensington Playground: Why It Matters

Tonight, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans. This bill ensures that active-duty troops will continue to get paid, travelers will be spared airport delays, millions of women and children will continue to have access to vital nutrition assistance, and so much more. This is good news for the American people.
 
But I want to be clear: we should never have been in this position in the first place. Just a few months ago, Speaker McCarthy and I reached a budget agreement to avoid precisely this type of manufactured crisis. For weeks, extreme House Republicans tried to walk away from that deal by demanding drastic cuts that would have been devastating for millions of Americans. They failed.
 
While the Speaker and the overwhelming majority of Congress have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine, there is no new funding in this agreement to continue that support. We cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted. I fully expect the Speaker will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment.

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For decades, Big Pharma blocked Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for seniors, while drug companies made record profits. President Biden and Congressional Democrats finally changed that when they passed the Inflation Reduction Act – while every single Republican in Congress sided with Big Pharma to keep health care costs high for millions of families.

Today’s ruling from the Southern District of Ohio affirms that Medicare will move forward with negotiating lower prices for millions of seniors. And, the Biden-Harris Administration won’t stop fighting for what we know to be true: that nothing in the Constitution prohibits Medicare from negotiating drug prices.

Because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and this program, millions of people with Medicare will continue to see prescription drug costs go down for some of the costliest drugs that treat common conditions like heart failure, blood clots, diabetes, arthritis, and more.

There is no reason why Americans should be forced to pay two to three times more for their prescription drugs that any other developed nation. President Biden and his Administration will continue fighting to lower health care costs for American families, no matter how many challenges Republicans and Big Pharma put in our way.

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Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American. A true trailblazer. And for Jill and me, a cherished friend.

In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. Serving in the Senate together for more than 15 years, I had a front row seat to what Dianne was able to accomplish. It’s why I recruited her to serve on the Judiciary Committee when I was Chairman – I knew what she was made of, and I wanted her on our team. There’s no better example of her skillful legislating and sheer force of will than when she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons. Dianne made her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. She’s made history in so many ways, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

Often the only woman in the room, Dianne was a role model for so many Americans – a job she took seriously by mentoring countless public servants, many of whom now serve in my Administration. She had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. Dianne was tough, sharp, always prepared, and never pulled a punch, but she was also a kind and loyal friend, and that’s what Jill and I will miss the most.

As we mourn with her daughter Katherine and the Feinstein family, her team in the Senate, and the people of California, we take comfort that Dianne is reunited again with her beloved Richard. May God Bless Dianne Feinstein.

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Vice President Kamala Harris on the Passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the greatest public servants that California and our nation has ever known.
 
As the first woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco, and the longest-tenured woman to serve in the United States Senate, Dianne Feinstein broke barriers, inspired generations of women to run for office, and improved the lives of millions of Americans through her vision, courage, and leadership.
 
From her work to help pass the Assault Weapons Ban in 1994, to her work to safeguard California’s public lands, and her longstanding advocacy for reproductive rights, marriage equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, Senator Feinstein helped build a better America.
 
For years, I witnessed Senator Feinstein’s leadership, when the cameras were on and when they were off. In 2008, when I was re-elected District Attorney of San Francisco, it was Senator Feinstein who swore me in. As a United States Senator, it was my honor to serve the people of California alongside Senator Feinstein.

On the Senate Intelligence Committee, we spent a great deal of time together—in classified, bipartisan briefings and hearings—working on issues critical to America’s national security and the stability of the world. Senator Feinstein and I shared a fundamental belief in the importance of strong American leadership. And I saw firsthand how she worked courageously to ensure that our leadership was guided by our nation’s values.
 
In the tradition of so many great Senators from California, she was not only a leader for our state, but for our nation and our world. Through her long career, Senator Feinstein worked across the aisle to help our nation live up to its promise.
 
Doug and I send our prayers to Senator Feinstein’s family.

Pregnant women must have access to the emergency medical care they are entitled to under federal law. However, last night, the Ninth Circuit blocked a federal judge’s order that protected women in need of emergency medical care from Idaho’s extreme and dangerous abortion ban. The Ninth Circuit’s decision puts women’s health at risk, threatening doctors with prosecution for providing emergency care.

The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply concerned by this decision. In Idaho and in states across the country, far too many women are suffering the devastating consequences of delayed care, which is threatening their health and lives. 

The President and I will never stop fighting for reproductive rights. Congress must pass a bill that restores the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law.

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is approving the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects.

The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

“Our small towns are an integral part of what makes Connecticut such a special place to live and work,” Governor Lamont said. “By working with them on these grants, the state can help get these vital projects completed so these towns can continue to grow, thrive, and attract businesses, while improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Towns seeking funding under this round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to OPM by August 18, 2023. Those whose applications have been approved will soon receive official award notification and instructions from OPM.

Funding to support these grants was approved at a recent meeting of the State Bond Commission, a group that Governor Lamont leads as chairperson. In addition to the grants from the state, municipalities are also contributing funding to support the projects, bringing the total spent on the 60 projects to $46.7 million in state, local, and other funding sources.

The grants awarded in this round of STEAP grants include:

• Andover: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Andover Recreation Facility Enhancements Phase II. This will be matched by $150,000 from the town.
• Barkhamsted: $384,246 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of roads. This will be matched by $93,400 from the town.
• Beacon Falls: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of West Road. This will be matched by $1,987,000 from the town and $150,000 in additional funding.
• Bethany: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of the Department of Public Works Building and parking area. This will be matched by $103,715 from the town.
• Bolton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades to Herrick Park Field. This will be matched by $102,000 from the town.
• Bridgewater: $232,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the Burnham Library roof. This will be matched by $58,000 from the town.
• Brookfield: $489,000 in state funding is approved for town hall campus renovations. This will be matched by $100,000 from the town.
• Brooklyn: $250,000 in state funding is approved for reconstruction of Church Street. This will be matched by $20,000 from the town.
• Canton: $374,485 in state funding is approved for treatment plant capacity improvements. This will be matched by $93,620 from the town.
• Cheshire: $500,000 in state funding is approved for Cheshire Community Pool enhancements. This will be matched by $364,303 from the town.
• Clinton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for fire department radio replacements. This will be matched by $576,000 from the town.
• Colebrook: $418,479.50 in state funding is approved for roads and parking lot reconstruction. This will be matched by $104,619 from the town.
• Coventry: $315,000 in state funding is approved for improvements at Patriots Park. This will be matched by $30,000 in town funds and an additional $5,000 in other funding.
• East Granby: $500,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades at East Granby Farms Recreation Area. This will be matched by $360,000 in town funds.
• East Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Plants Dam. This will be matched by $137,900 in town funds.
• Eastford: $156,616 in state funding is approved for the town parking lots and playground resurfacing and paving. This will be matched by $39,154 in town funds.
• Essex: $444,000 in state funding is approved for Ferry Street improvements. This will be matched by $111,000 in town funds.
• Farmington: $500,000 in state funding is approved to install sidewalks on Meadow Road. This will be matched by $534,832 in town funds.
• Glastonbury: $500,000 in state funding is approved to construct new parking areas to support up to 70 units of affordable housing on Nye Road. This will be matched by $295,700 in town funds.
• Goshen: $500,000 in state funding is approved for a new public works facility. This will be matched by $500,000 in town funds.
• Granby: $126,8000 in state funding is approved for senior center kitchen renovations. This will be matched by $9,680 in town funds and $30,000 in additional funding.
• Harwinton: $464,000 in state funding is approved for sewer collection system rehabilitation. This will be matched by $96,000 in town funds.
• Hebron: $474,000 in state funding is approved for the Hebron Green pedestrian connection and parking improvement. This will be matched by $80,000 in town funds.
• Litchfield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of East Litchfield Road. This will be matched by $771,784 in town funds.
• Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Lymes’ Senior Center renovations and expansion. This will be matched by $937,731 in town funds. Project is a regional shared service with the town of Old Lyme.
• Madison: $401,600 in state funding is approved for the town campus gym floor replacement. This will be matched by $100,400 in town funds.
• Marlborough: $262,000 in state funding is approved for the Blish Memorial Park Boat Ramp reconstruction and ADA improvements. This will be matched by $256,839 in town funds.
• Monroe: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the upgrades and expansion of the animal control facility. This will be matched by $384,083 in town funds.
• Morris: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the John Weik Bridge reconstruction. This will be matched by $200,000 in town funds.
• New Fairfield: $475,272 in state funding is approved for upgrades to the town green. This will be matched by $413,117 in town funds.
• Newington: $240,000 in state funding is approved for the Mill Pond Falls pedestrian bridge replacement. This will be matched by $60,000 in town funds.
• North Haven: $427,512 in state funding is approved for a new fire department apparatus garage. This will be matched by $106,879 in town funds.
• North Stonington: $380,922 in state funding is approved for town building and athletic field improvements. This will be matched by $95,231 in town funds.
• Old Lyme: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Lymes’ Senior Center renovations and expansion. This will be matched by $2,813,193 in town funds. Project is a regional shared service with the town of Lyme.
• Old Saybrook: $500,000 in state funding is approved for fire department radio upgrades. This will be matched by $85,878 in town funds.
• Plainfield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the construction of a community pavilion. This will be matched by $500,000 in town funds and $49,473 in additional funding.
• Plymouth: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the road improvements. This will be matched by $498,724 in town funds and $501,276 in additional funds.
• Portland: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the High Street water main. This will be matched by $100,000 in town funds and $1,200,000 in additional funds.
• Ridgefield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of the Mountain Road culvert. This will be matched by $266,100 in town funds.
• Roxbury: $250,000 in state funding is approved for the removal of two underground storage tanks and new tank installation. This will be matched by $50,000 in town funds.
• Salem: $198,560 in state funding is approved for town hall upgrades. This will be matched by $49,700 in town funds.
• Seymour: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the HVAC upgrades at the community center. This will be matched by $242,604 in town funds.
• Shelton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the upgrades to sports fields. This will be matched by $523,100 in town funds.
• Sherman: $240,000 in state funding is approved for new recreational facilities. This will be matched by $48,000 in town funds.
• Somers: $152,729 in state funding is approved to replace the fire department roof. This will be matched by $38,182 in town funds.
• Southbury: $276,412 in state funding is approved for reconstruction and safety improvements at the transfer station. This will be matched by $70,000 in town funds.
• Southington: $500,000 in state funding is approved for athletic field reconstruction. This will be matched by $206,663 in town funds.
• Stafford: $209,274 in state funding is approved for the replacement and paving of the community center parking lot and lower parking area at the Kealy Complex. This will be matched by $10,000 in town funds and $21,228 in additional funding.
• Stonington: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the Mystic River Boathouse Park project. This will be matched by $2,200,000 in town funds and $753,889 in additional funding.
• Thompson: $500,000 in state funding is approved for Thompson schools track and athletic field reconstruction. This will be matched by $1,046,166 in town funding.
• Tolland: $332,000 in state funding is approved for upgrades at Heron Cove Park. This will be matched by $83,000 in town funds.
• Union: $400,000 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Webster Road. This will be matched by $70,850 in town funds.
• Voluntown: $424,000 in state funding is approved for the Gate Street Playground. This will be matched by $106,000 in town funds.
• Warren: $51,873 in state funding is approved to repair the Warren Public Library. This will be matched by $15,000 in town funds.
• Watertown: $500,000 in state funding is approved for renovations at the highway garage. This will be matched by $100,000 in town funds.
• Weston: $438,240 in state funding is approved for roof repairs and solar panel installation at the Department of Public Works garage. This will be matched by $109,560 in town funds.
• Westport: $500,000 in state funding is approved for sidewalks along Cross Highway. This will be matched by $411,000 in town funds.
• Wilton: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the police department storage facility. This will be matched by $150,838 in town funds.
• Winchester: $250,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of the community resource center.
• Woodbridge: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the fire department training and storage facility. This will be matched by $180,000 in town funds and $160,000 in additional funds.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Manufacturing has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the rapid deployment of smart manufacturing technologies into Connecticut’s supply chain. The goal of the initiative is to help small and medium-sized companies in the state reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improve energy efficiency.

“Connecticut is a leader in advanced manufacturing, and this grant reflects the confidence in our federal government for us to continue taking this lead,” Governor Lamont said. “Working to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency meets two important goals of our administration – meeting our targets to combat the impacts of climate change and lowering the cost of doing business for Connecticut manufacturers.”

“Connecticut is home to a thriving advanced manufacturing industry that is especially critical to our national security,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “These federal funds will supply Connecticut manufacturers with energy-efficient technology to reduce carbon emissions and help tackle the climate crisis. I am proud to have fought for these funds alongside the Connecticut delegation, and I will continue to push for clean energy solutions for our state’s manufacturing sector.”

“Connecticut manufacturing is the backbone our state’s economy, and these companies play a major role in helping us reach our climate goals,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “This $2 million federal grant is going to help smaller manufacturers across the state begin implementing innovative technology to lower their carbon emissions and help them become more energy efficient. I’ll continue pushing for more federal government investments in the future of Connecticut manufacturing.”

“Federal funding we secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bolster Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and support both public and private efforts to lower energy costs and reduce emissions,” Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said. “Since President Biden took office, we’ve seen record job growth, including thousands of new, good-paying manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut. The State Manufacturing Leadership Program will bring new jobs to the state and expand our presence as a hub for clean energy manufacturing and innovation.”

“Connecticut is one of America’s great manufacturing hubs – thanks in part to federal investments like this $2 million award and the outstanding workforce training programs that have prepared workers to take on new jobs in clean energy manufacturing, infrastructure development, defense manufacturing, and more,” Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. “In fact, this week, Connecticut was rated one of the top ten states for defense spending, highlighting the large role the defense industry and manufacturing plays in our state. I look forward to seeing how this new investment will help Connecticut’s manufacturing industry continue to lead the way and improve energy efficiency across the sector.”

“This investment from the U.S. Department of Energy will increase Connecticut’s competitiveness on a global stage, creating good-paying American jobs, and accelerating our clean energy economy,” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said. “This funding will allow us to be on the cutting edge of nationwide efforts to promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy strategies. By deploying these energy efficiency technologies, we can begin building upon and supporting our states robust manufacturing sector. I am proud that Connecticut is able to play a part in meeting the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals.”

“I’m glad to see manufacturing companies in Connecticut awarded the funds they need to invest in innovative technologies that will reduce costs, improve efficiency, and cut harmful emissions,” Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said. “Federal investments like these allow our manufacturing sector to continue to lead and flourish, providing good jobs and contributing to a cleaner energy future.”

“Investing in lowering carbon dioxide emissions and improving energy efficiency produces jobs, fights climate change, and strengthens our advanced manufacturing industry in Connecticut,” Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said. “Enhancing our supply chain with high-quality manufacturing technologies increases production and grows skilled workers across our state.”

The DECD’s Office of Manufacturing is partnering with the University of Connecticut, the Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., and CONNSTEP to launch the two-year pilot program that this grant is supporting. DECD will be matching the grant with $654,648 in funding.

“Connecticut’s manufacturing supply chain is known around the world for its skilled workforce, innovation, and productivity, but we know we can’t rest on our laurels,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “Strategically planning for and investing in our manufacturing future is critical to our long-term economic success, and this award will help build capacity and resilience throughout our manufacturing ecosystem.”

For more information about the state’s efforts to support and strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector, visit the Office of Manufacturing’s website at manufacturing.ct.gov.

Governor Lamont: Flags Lowered Nationwide in Honor of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that pursuant to U.S. Flag Code and in accordance with a proclamation from President Joe Biden directing flags to be lowered throughout the country as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S. and state flags in Connecticut should be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff.

“Senator Feinstein has made a legendary mark in Congress and her passing is a substantial loss for our country,” Governor Lamont said. “In particular, I am incredibly appreciative of her commitment toward enacting commonsense policies on gun violence prevention, as well as her trailblazing work on equal rights. My condolences are with Senator Feinstein’s family and her colleagues in Congress. I am deeply grateful for her service to the United States and the legacy she leaves.”

United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(m) directs flags to be lowered to half-staff upon the passing of a sitting member of Congress.

Connecticut Parent Leadership Summit (CTPLS), which is an annual event designed by parents, for parents and parent-leader allies from across the state.

 Connecticut Department of Transportation

Announces CTpass Program to Support Workforce Development Applications Now Available

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that eligible organizations can now submit applications to participate in the CTpass program. CTpass offers 31-day bus passes to eligible organizations at a 10% discount per pass for CTtransit and CTfastrak bus services throughout the state, including Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, New Britain, Bristol, Waterbury, Meriden, and Wallingford service areas.

The CTpass program was developed to support workforce development and increase access to Connecticut’s bus transportation system. The Governor’s Workforce Council Legislation developed the CTpass program idea, which was passed through state legislation in 2022.

“Public transportation plays a vital role in expanding Connecticut’s economy by breaking down barriers to employment and connecting more people to opportunities throughout the state,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. “CTpass will make a big difference in supporting Connecticut’s existing and future workforce. I encourage eligible organizations to apply and contact us with any questions. Our staff is here to help.”

Eligible organizations in Connecticut who can apply to participate in the CTpass program include: 

• Organizations that provide a training program listed on the State of Connecticut Labor Department’s Eligible Training Provider List
• An apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program sponsor
• A provider of an alternate route to certification program that the State Board of Education has approved
• An institution of higher education
• A private occupational school
• A private employer
• A state or municipal agency
• A public of nonprofit social service provider in Connecticut

Any organization that meets the criteria may apply. Upon the application submission, CTDOT will review the application and contact the organization for the next steps. The application period does not close.

For more information on the CTpass program and how to submit the initial application, visit ct.gov/dot/CTpass.

Organizations that want additional information or have questions about the CTpass program and application process are encouraged to email DOT.CTpass@ct.gov.

Click the link below

Connecticut new laws take effect October 1st 2023