Category: News

Somers Applauds FBI Following Indictment of CMEEC Executives

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers reacted Thursday to reports five executives of the CMEEC utility co-operative were indicted following a two-year FBI probe. Somers led the fight to bring greater transparency to the utility co-op and hold its leadership accountable following revelations executives misused over $1 million hidden in a secret fund on lavish trips.

“The indictments handed down in federal court today represent the culmination of several years of work by legislators, journalists and law enforcement to expose corruption at a public utility co-op,” Somers said. “I applaud the FBI for their diligent investigation that led to these indictments.”

“While struggling Connecticut ratepayers wrestled with the highest electric costs in the continental United States, executives at CMEEC used funds intended to stabilize rates to fund extravagant trips for their own amusement,” Somers continued. “Even worse, the ringleaders of this behavior worked hard to hide their activities from their members, ratepayers and state officials.”

“That’s why I’m proud to have led the charge to bring greater accountability to CMEEC,” Somers said. “I introduced three bills to bring greater transparency to utility co-ops and to prevent this kind of unethical activity from happening again.”

The bills introduced by Somers during the 2017 legislative session included:

  • SB-413: An Act Making Municipal Utility Companies’ Books and Financials Subject to Disclosure Under the Freedom of Information Act
  • SB-78: An Act Concerning Municipal Electric Utilities Creating Joint Purchasing Agencies
  • SB-79: An Act Repealing Sections Regarding Municipal Electric Energy Cooperatives

In testimony in support of the three bills before the Energy and Technology Committee in February of 2017, Somers called for greater transparency and oversight of municipal co-ops to ensure “CMEEC is adhering to its mission to provide low cost, reliable power to the municipal utilities It serves and to ensure that its management and board uphold the highest standard of conduct as it carries out its essential government function.”

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Somers Reaffirms Commitment to Delivering Results, Challenging the Status Quo After Winning Re-Election for Second Term

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton reacted Tuesday evening to winning a second term representing the 18th district.

“I am incredibly honored to be given the confidence of 18th district voters to represent them for another two years,” Somers said. “I will continue to focus on delivering results for eastern Connecticut, challenging the broken status quo in Hartford and fighting to restore prosperity to our state.”

As of 9:40 p.m. Somers led with 18,645 votes to her Democratic challenger’s 15,645 with all but one precinct in the district counted.

The 18th Senate district includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Stonington, Sterling, Voluntown, Preston and Plainfield.

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Senator Somers Named “Legislator of the Year” by Emergency Physicians

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton was honored by the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians Wednesday as the organization’s 2018 Legislator of the Year.

“As co-chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, I’ve fought to improve the quality, availability and affordability of health care,” Somers said. “By supporting common sense policies, working diligently to improve our health care system and reaching across the aisle, we can continue to make Connecticut a better place for both providers and patients.”

The organization cited Somers’ efforts to pass SB-378 (Reimbursement of High Deductible Health Plans) during the 2018 session and commitment to fighting for more equitable reimbursement practices for health care providers.

“Putting the onus of collecting outstanding payments from patients on physicians increases overhead costs, puts a negative strain on the doctor-patient relationship and can cause patients to avoid necessary care from their physician,” Somers said. “That is why I’ll continue to fight for an equitable reimbursement process that protects physicians and patient care.”

THE CCEP announced its recognition of Senator Somers at a meeting of the organization on Wednesday, October 24 at the Sheraton Hartford South in Rocky Hill.

In addition to the award Somers accepted Wednesday, Somers has been recognized by eight organizations with awards for her work in the 2018 session as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

  • The Arc New London County – Legislative Service Award
    • Presented: June 19, 2018
    • For efforts on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • CT Children’s Medical Center-Recognition Award
    • Presented: September 12, 2018
    • For tireless advocacy on behalf of their most vulnerable patients and helping to facilitate their ECMO team.
  • Radiological Society – Patient Hero Award
    • Presented: September 13, 2018
    • For advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life saving breast cancer screenings.
  • CT State Medical Society – 2018 Legislative Recognition Award
    • Presented: September 27, 2018
    • For tireless efforts on behalf of the physicians of Connecticut and the patients they serve.
  • Keep the Promise Coalition – Legislative Leadership Award
    • Presented: October 9, 2018
    • For protecting the rights of people living with mental health challenges.
  • CT Association of Optometrists – Certificate of Recognition
    • Presented: October 2018
    • For outstanding leadership in promoting quality and safe vision care services for patients.
  • Hartford County Medical Association – Legislative Citation
    • Presented: October 10, 2018
    • For advocacy for Hartford County physicians and their patients.
  • CT College of Emergency Physicians – 2018 Legislator of the Year Award
    • Presented: October 24, 2018
    • For Senator Somers’ work on SB-378.

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Senator Somers Endorsed by Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Thursday the endorsement of the Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association.

“I am incredibly proud to say that after one term in office we have made tremendous progress toward giving our coastal communities, small businesses and independent operators the conditions they need to thrive,” Somers said. “I successfully fought to reduce taxes on boats, fuel and small businesses and have and will continue to fight for fair regulations that stop punishing our fishing community and protect their way of life for generations to come.”

The CCPBA endorsement was signed by the organizations officers, including President- Capt. Marc Berger, Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth, Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski and Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri.

“The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District,” the organization said in a statement.

“Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower boat and diesel sales tax,” the statement continued. “Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.”

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

A copy of the statement from CCPBA is below.

Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association

President Capt. Marc Berger, V.Pres. Capt. Bob Wadsworth, Treasurer Capt. TJ Karbowski, Secretary Capt. Mike Pirri

Senator Heather Somers
Re: Endorsement for Senator Somers to the 18th District

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District.

Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower Boat and Diesel Sales tax.

Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.

Respectfully Submitted,
Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association
President- Capt. Marc Berger
Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth
Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski
Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri

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Senator Somers Endorsed by Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Friday the endorsement of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) — an active organization in Connecticut promoting pro-business policies that would spur job and wage growth in the state.

“I am incredibly honored to be the clear choice of Connecticut’s small businesses and job creators who understand we need balance and a new direction in Hartford,” Somers said. “I am proud to have fought for pro-jobs policies including successfully rolling back taxes on small businesses, marinas and fuel and slashing bureaucratic red tape to give small businesses the flexibility and responsiveness they need to thrive.”

“If given the honor of continuing to represent the 18th district, I will continue fighting to reverse the Malloy agenda and to restore prosperity to our state,” Somers continued.

CBIA describes itself on its website as “the voice of business in Connecticut, with thousands of member companies championing change at the State Capitol, shaping debate about economic competitiveness, and fighting for a better future for all.”

Somers has won the endorsement of every organization promoting a strong business climate and jobs in Connecticut that has picked a candidate in the 18th district race to date. In addition to CBIA, Somers has been endorsed by the Connecticut chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the Connecticut Association of Realtors.

Somers has also received recognition and awards from eight health care organizations for her bipartisan leadership as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

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State’s Leading Voice for Small Business Backs Heather Somers for Second Term

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Monday the endorsement of NFIB Connecticut PAC. The organization described itself in the endorsement as “the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy.”

“It is vitally important we continue to elect results-oriented leaders with experience in business to fight for lower taxes, smarter, less onerous regulations, and a strong business climate that gives small businesses and families the chance to succeed,” Somers said. “I am honored to accept NFIB’s endorsement and remain absolutely committed to fighting for the kind of policies that will lift Connecticut small businesses and create jobs.”

The endorsement letter from NFIB Connecticut PAC thanked Senator Somers “for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business.”

“The NFIB CT PAC believes that you will be committed to the needs of thousands of Main Street small businesses and their employees in Connecticut when you are elected to serve in Hartford,” said the letter signed by NFIB CT PAC chair Wendy Traub and Grassroots Manager Sharon Sykes. “Thank you for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business… best wishes for your campaign.”

“NFIB is the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy,” the endorsement letter continued. “For more than 75 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today.”

In addition to NFIB, Somers has received the endorsement of the Connecticut Association of Realtors and recognition from eight organizations for leadership on health care issues.

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Senator Somers: Opponent Desperate for Debate About Process to Distract from Radical, Malloy-Inspired Agenda

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton slammed her Democratic opponent Thursday for trying to generate a debate about process in order to distract from the issues — and for avoiding opportunities to answer questions of critical importance for Connecticut voters.

“My opponent is clearly desperate to engage in a debate about process in order to distract from the issues that are critically important to the prosperity of our region and Connecticut families,” Somers said. “It is clear he is more interested in scoring cheap political points than attempting to defend his extreme, Malloy-inspired agenda and the impact it would have on eastern Connecticut’s economy.”

Somers noted that Bob Statchen skipped a recent candidate forum hosted by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut and the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors and has ducked committing to a scheduled debate on October 16 to be hosted by the HBRAC.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for a political candidate to claim an opponent is avoiding debates — while skipping candidate forums and ducking debates that are actually scheduled and on the books,” Somers said. “This is the kind of political nonsense my opponent has learned from the school of Dan Malloy that voters are so tired of hearing.”

Somers also pointed out that it was her campaign that suggested high school students be given an opportunity to participate in The New London Day debate to be held on October 17.

“My opponent claims he wants to give high schoolers a chance to participate in the process — yet he’s done nothing to help facilitate an actual opportunity for that to happen,” Somers said. “In contrast, my campaign has suggested to The Day that all high schoolers be given an opportunity to participate in their scheduled debate.”

“I spend every day fighting for results for eastern Connecticut, challenging the status quo in Hartford and working for stronger, more prosperous communities,” Somers continued. “I am thrilled to have so many opportunities to discuss all that we’ve been able to accomplish, and all that we can do together to improve our state, at forums, debates and with voters door-to-door.”

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Senator Somers Receives State Medical Society Award for Leadership in “Promoting the Practice of Medicine”

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton accepted the “2018 Legislative Recognition Award” from the Connecticut State Medical Society at an event in North Haven Thursday, it is Somers’ eighth award this year from various health care and advocacy organizations related to her leadership on the issue of health care as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the work we’ve done to improve the quality, availability and cost of health care for Connecticut families,” Somers said. “Whether working to expand telemedicine opportunities, fighting the scourge of opioids, ensuring we are attracting physicians to work here in Connecticut, bringing care to those most in need or holding state agencies who are failing those in their care accountable, I am immensely proud of the results I’ve been able to achieve.”

The award from the Connecticut State Medical Society recognized Somers for “dedication to preserving and promoting the practice of medicine in addition to your efforts to identify and address existing barriers currently hampering the recruitment and retention of physicians in Connecticut.”

In addition to the award Somers accepted Thursday, the freshman legislator from Groton has been recognized by eight different organizations with awards for her work this year as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

  • The Arc New London County – Legislative Service Award
    • Presented: June 19, 2018
    • For efforts on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • CT Children’s Medical Center-Recognition Award
    • Presented: September 12, 2018
    • For tireless advocacy on behalf of their most vulnerable patients and helping to facilitate their ECMO team.
  • Radiological Society – Patient Hero Award
    • Presented: September 13, 2018
    • For advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life saving breast cancer screenings.
  • CT State Medical Society – 2018 Legislative Recognition Award
    • Presented: September 27, 2018
    • For tireless efforts on behalf of the physicians of Connecticut and the patients they serve.
  • Keep the Promise Coalition – Legislative Leadership Award
    • To Be Presented: October 9, 2018
    • For protecting the rights of people living with mental health challenges.
  • CT Association of Optometrists – Certificate of Recognition
    • To Be Presented: October 2018
    • For outstanding leadership in promoting quality and safe vision care services for patients.
  • Hartford County Medical Association – Legislative Citation
    • To Be Presented: October 10, 2018
    • For advocacy for Hartford County physicians and their patients.
  • CT College of Emergency Physicians – 2018 Legislator of the Year Award
    • To Be Presented: October 24, 2018
    • For Senator Somers’ work on SB-378.

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Senator Heather Somers to Participate in Debate Hosted by Connecticut Homebuilders

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton accepted an invitation Wednesday to participate in an upcoming debate hosted by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut and challenged her Democratic opponent, who skipped a recent candidate forum, to swiftly agree to participate in the important discussion on key issues facing the state.

“Changing course in Connecticut to kickstart our economy and housing market, to invest in job training and workforce development and to support the trades have been among my top priorities in office,” Somers said.

“Under the last eight years of ruinous leadership from Gov. Malloy, Connecticut’s housing and construction industries have been held back from reaching their potential,” Somers continued. “The tax-hiking agenda of this governor and Democratic leaders in Hartford has left Connecticut with the slowest home value growth in the nation,” Somers noted, according to a recent report from the Yankee Institute.

“I am thrilled this important voice for an industry impacted by the Malloy economy is getting engaged to sponsor an open and fair discussion of the candidates’ differing plans to bring greater prosperity to our state,” Somers said.

Somers said she hoped her Democratic opponent, who recently skipped a candidate forum hosted by the HBRA and the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors, would agree to participate in the debate.

“I hope my Democratic opponent will swiftly agree to this important debate and answer tough questions about the impact his radical, Malloy-inspired plans would have on Connecticut workers, families and small businesses,” she said.

The debate is scheduled to be held October 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas. Candidates for the neighboring 20th State Senate District were also invited to participate.

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Somers: Potential Racist Intimidation at State Agency Demands Immediate Answers and Greater Accountability from Malloy Administration

Posted on by Heather Somers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday September 10, 2018

Senator Somers: Potential Racist Intimidation at State Agency Demands Immediate Answers and Greater Accountability from Malloy Administration

Deeply Disturbing Images and Information Increase Questions Surrounding Culture and Management of DDS and Other State Agencies

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton reacted Monday to information and photographs claiming a noose was left hanging in an office at the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in Torrington and was discovered by an African-American employee.

“The information and photographs I received over the past several days are deeply disturbing and demand immediate and transparent answers from the Malloy administration as to what exactly is being done to investigate this incident, what we know about the incident to date and what we know about the status of any employee suspected of engaging in this behavior and their motivation,” Somers said.

Somers noted the DDS incident comes on the heels of a major abuse scandal involving the agency at the Whiting Forensic Division of Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown — raising concerns about the wider culture and management of the agency.

“This disturbing incident raises very serious concerns that a broken culture that tolerates and encourages abuse and intimidation extends beyond what we uncovered at Whiting Forensic Hospital far deeper into DDS and Connecticut state agencies,” Somers noted.

Somers also pointed to recent incidents involving other state agencies — including the tragic death of a child in the DCF system and evidence of defective care for prison inmates in the DOC system — as evidence of a breakdown of leadership in the administration.

“It is clear greater accountability and transparency are needed from the administration to protect state workers and those in the care of the state,” Somers said.

Somers has been in contact with concerned employees at the Department and pledged to continue to stay engaged until a full accounting of this incident is known and appropriate remedies administered.

“I have already been in contact with concerned employees at DDS and will continue to fight for transparency and accountability across our state agencies,” Somers said.

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