Tag: Heather Somers

Senator Somers Serving, Supporting 18th District Communities Through COVID-19

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton has been working across party lines to combat the COVID-19 crisis and serving 18th district communities to support senior centers, health care facilities and workers, small businesses, families and others through these challenging times.

“Through these challenging times I have been inspired by the resilience, ingenuity and compassion of our eastern Connecticut communities,” Somers said. “Our shared sense of purpose and commitment to helping those in need is why I strap on a mask and go out every day, delivering masks, supplies and support to senior centers, health care facilities, small businesses and families.”

“It is why I’m working tirelessly and across party lines as a member of the state task force to combat this crisis, keep the public informed, help individuals and small businesses navigate options, safeguard our communities and deliver much needed relief,” Somers continued. “And I know and deeply appreciate the sacrifice of our health care workers every time my husband Mark comes home from treating the sick at Lawrence and Memorial and puts his scrubs in the laundry.”

“By staying united, working together and each doing our part, we will get through these tough times and emerge from this stronger on the other side,” Somers said. “I want people in our communities to know that I am here to help in any way I can as we all work through these challenging times.”

Senator Somers has kept the public informed, advocated for solutions to protect the safety and health of eastern Connecticut communities, helped individuals and small businesses navigate government programs and worked tirelessly to support health care workers, first responders, non-profits, senior centers and health care facilities.

Somers has helped secure and personally deliver masks and other supplies to Academy Point at Mystic, the Griswold Senior Center, Mystic Healthcare and Rehabilitation and for local surgeons operating at ambulatory centers. On March 12, Somers held a live-streamed virtual town hall with medical experts to brief the public about the virus, safety measures and to answer questions. On April 20, Somers volunteered at the New London Community Meal Center, serving meals to those impacted by the crisis.

Somers has been in contact and coordinated efforts with local police, fire chiefs and state and federal officials. She has been critical of the Department of Labor for taking too long to process unemployment claims. She has also spoken with numerous small businesses in the district, as well as large employers including Electric Boat and the Mystic Aquarium about their needs and challenges.

As ranking member of the Public Health Committee, Somers led the successful charge to suspend the tax on plastic bags in grocery stores in response to concerns about the safety of reusable bags from grocery workers. And Somers has worked with policymakers and the private sector to support relief for families and small businesses, including advocating for solutions to expand coverage for telehealth solutions and do more to protect nursing home populations.

Somers is committed to continuing to work tirelessly to protect the health and safety of eastern Connecticut communities, secure relief for families and small businesses and support those on the front lines of this crisis. She encourages anyone who is looking for information or assistance to call, email or contact her legislative office.

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Heather Somers Announces 2020 Re-Election Bid for State Senate

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Monday she will seek re-election to the 18th district, looking to continue her record of leading with an independent voice to deliver results for eastern Connecticut, challenge the status quo in Hartford and fight for policies to improve the lives of hardworking Connecticut families.

“I look forward to continue my record of leading with an independent voice to expand opportunity, support small businesses, honor our veterans, improve the quality and affordability of health care, protect our environment, strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and hold Hartford accountable,” Somers said. “It is an incredible honor to represent hardworking eastern Connecticut families and I look forward to continuing to serve and deliver results to strengthen our communities.”

In Hartford, Somers has established a reputation as a uniquely effective and independent advocate for eastern Connecticut. Somers has successfully passed legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, protect women from sexual harassment, care for first responders with PTSD, repeal the boat tax, fund priorities for 18th district communities, protect eastern Connecticut from damaging education cuts and more. In the 2020 legislative session, Somers is championing plans to lower prescription drug costs, protect patients, safeguard the environment and increase economic opportunity.

“I am proud of my record of results and to be continuing to lead the fight on issues that matter to hardworking eastern Connecticut families, like reducing Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding economic opportunity,” Somers continued. “I am proud to be an independent leader in Hartford, working across party lines to protect and strengthen the environmental health of our state, improve access to quality, affordable health care and increase economic opportunity for the hardworking families who suffered as misguided policies and tax hikes kept Connecticut lagging our neighbors in jobs and wages.”

Building on a reputation for holding Hartford accountable and tackling corruption in her first term, Somers helped lead the charge to expose mismanagement at the Connecticut Port Authority, hold the quasi-state agency accountable and put forward solutions to reinstall public confidence. Last month, Somers sent a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont calling for greater transparency and additional reforms at the Port Authority before the administration rubber stamped an agreement concerning the state pier in New London.

“I will continue to fight for hardworking Connecticut taxpayers by shining a light on mismanagement, corruption and abuse in state government and at quasi-public agencies and lead the fight for reform,” Somers said. “That is why I’ve repeatedly demanded greater transparency and lasting reforms to correct the mess created by political insiders at the Connecticut Port Authority.”

Somers has earned recognition from numerous organizations representing seniors, physicians and health care providers as a champion for improving the quality, affordability and availability of health care and to improve Connecticut’s treatment of mental health. Somers also has a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her support of positions to protect and preserve the environment and a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) for championing policies to improve Connecticut’s economic competitiveness and business climate.

Somers was first elected to the State Senate representing the 18th district in November 2016 and was reelected in November 2018 with 55 percent of the vote.

Before serving in the State Senate, Somers served as a town councilor for eight years in Groton, including two years as the town mayor. Somers also has a successful record in business. She founded and helped grow a biotech manufacturing company that continues to expand and support more than 100 jobs in eastern Connecticut. Somers resides in Groton City with her husband Mark and daughter Grace. She has two adult children, Hayley and Ian.

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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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