New Laws, July 2019
First Responder PTSD
The adversity our first responders face on the job every day is stressful and difficult. As the First Selectman of Essex, I know this first-hand – I have responded to tragedies that last with a person long after they conclude. First responders make sacrifices to protect our safety, and in experiencing this trauma, they often suffer mental consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder, but far too few seek or receive help. That will change with legislation recently approved by the governor. Under new state law, first responders including police officers and firefighters can now receive medical benefits after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, helping them recover and preparing them to resume their important work.
I want to note that while this bill does not include EMS workers, that was not done out of malice. Detailed, complicated negotiations between worker unions, municipalities and state officials that stretched for years prevented that. However, the General Assembly updated the legislation to study the feasibility of adding these workers in the future; I am confident that we will extend this support to them as soon as next year.
5G Technology
To position itself best for the future, Connecticut must be welcoming and accepting of new technologies – and the earlier we use them, the better our results will be. I joined Governor Lamont in Stamford for the signing of a bill accommodating the expansion of wireless 5G high-speed technology across the state. 5G offers a significant speed and service quality improvement for our state, not only helping families looking for more stable service but businesses and government as well – it’s an opportunity for us to embrace this technology and benefit from it. Our economy, our businesses and our infrastructure will all benefit.
Invasive Species
In our District, we know firsthand the troubles that invasive species can cause for our ponds, lakes and rivers. Algae, weeds and similar pests pose a risk to ecosystems, in some cases causing these bodies of water to be unusable. With a new law put in place effective New Year’s Day 2020, the state will take new action. A new boat stamp, costing $5 for state residents and $25 for out-of-state residents, will raise funds for the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation Fund to support programs raising awareness and supporting efforts to fight these invasive species, preventing them from wreaking further havoc on our waterways.
These are just some of the many bills passed this year that will have an impact on Connecticut. Others, though they did not have official signing ceremonies, will positively help our state as well. One I’m especially proud of will establish standards for acceptable staffing and performance by electric distribution companies – that change will ensure employees respond quickly, swiftly and effectively to any power outages in our district. In the Senate and the General Assembly, we’re just getting started, and are already looking to how we can positively help our state in 2020.
Submitted by Sen. Norm Needleman, 7/25/19
