Heather Somers Unanimously Nominated for Reelection

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers issued the following statement after being unanimously nominated for a fifth term serving the people of eastern Connecticut by delegates to the GOP convention for the 18th District last week and surpassing the fundraising threshold to participate in the Citizens Election Program (CEP) for the 2024 election.

“I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of support I’ve received from around the 18th district and filled with determination to build on what we’ve been able to accomplish together in recent years by securing results to strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and challenging the status quo in Hartford to expose corruption, mismanagement and broken priorities to make our state government be accountable to taxpayers,” Somers said. “I am so thankful to everyone who has supported my campaign to once again earn the trust of voters to serve as an effective and independent voice for the 18th district and humbled to have qualified for the Citizens Election Program so quickly with the support of more than 420 individual contributors.”

Somers’s campaign for reelection has raised more than $21,000 in qualifying contributions for the CEP program from more than 420 contributors.

Somers will seek to build on a demonstrated track record of delivering results and fighting for lower taxes, safe communities, a strong education system that prepares students for the 21st century economy, quality, affordable health care, and opportunity and prosperity for Connecticut small businesses and families.

In the recently concluded 2024 legislative session, Somers successfully passed legislation to honor and support law enforcement, promote patient access to health care, protect Connecticut’s agricultural communities, support Connecticut’s commercial fishing industry and more.  Among the bill’s successfully championed by Somers this session, was “Broko’s Law” which will help honor K9 police officers and support local law enforcement by ensuring restitution for law enforcement K9s killed in action goes to the agency they served. Somers also successfully helped pass legislation (SB1) to increase access to screening that can help detect a patient’s risk for heart attack or heart disease, protect against discrimination in long term care facilities based on psychiatric history and establish working groups to address specific areas for improvement in the health care system, including pediatric hospice. Somers also helped pass legislation to tackle key priorities for 18th district communities, including addressing the challenge of roaming livestock in eastern Connecticut, securing purchase power agreements for Plainfield renewable energy and supporting southeastern Connecticut’s commercial fisherman by prioritizing their access to additional revenue from safety and scout work for offshore wind projects, which is well-suited to their maritime expertise and depth of knowledge about the local marine topography.

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

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Connecticut Marine Trades Association Recognizes Heather Somers with “Honorary Crew Member Award”

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton was recognized by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association this week with the organization’s “Honorary Crew Member Award” for her leadership in support of the state’s coastal businesses, workers and economy.

“Connecticut’s marine trades industry is vital to the prosperity of our coastal communities and the economic wellbeing of our state,” Somers said. “I am proud to champion policies to support this critical industry, including leading the fight to successfully eliminate the tax on boats, which helped make Connecticut small businesses more competitive and increase boat sales.”

See the full announcement from the Connecticut Marine Trades Association here:

State Senator Heather Somers Endorsed for Re-Election by NFIB, Connecticut’s Leading Voice for Small Businesses

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton received the endorsement Thursday of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Connecticut PAC.

“I started a small business in the basement of an abandoned church with two partners that grew into a successful biotech manufacturing company that continues to thrive in Eastern Connecticut and has contributed over 30 million dollars to the state since it was founded in 1997,” Somers said. “I understand intricately the challenges facing small businesses in our communities because I have lived many of those challenges.”

“That is why I fight hard every day to reduce Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, streamline and eliminate red tape that makes it more and more difficult to start and operate a business, improve workforce education and hold the line against out-of-touch politicians in Hartford who would devastate our small businesses with unaffordable mandates,” Somers continued. “The pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on our small businesses and, if given the honor of continuing to serve the 18th district, I will continue to advocate for the policies and support these pillars of our community, our employers who need to succeed so we all succeed.”

In a letter informing Somers of the endorsement, Elizabeth Parks, NFIB CT Senior Grassroots Manager, and Wendy Traub, NFIB CT PAC Chair, wrote “The NFIB Connecticut PAC is pleased to inform you that we have endorsed your candidacy for the Connecticut General Assembly in this November’s election.”

“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 re-elected to serve in Hartford,” the letter continues. “Thank you for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business.”

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Heather Somers Wins Unanimous GOP Endorsement for 2020 Reelection

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton won the unanimous endorsement of the Republican Party for a third term during an 18th district convention held remotely via web conference Monday evening.

“It is such an incredible honor to represent the hardworking families of the 18th district and I look forward to continuing to deliver results and challenge the status quo to strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities,” Somers said. “That is why I am working tirelessly every day to keep our communities and essential workers safe, support employees and small businesses and get Connecticut back to work as quickly and safely as possible.”

“It is why I’ve fought to successfully suspend, and keep suspended, the tax on plastic bags, supported policies to strengthen our health care workers and facilities and advocated for sensible solutions, like a regional approach to reopening — that takes into account the facts on the ground and input from experts in eastern Connecticut,” Somers continued. “I will continue working, across party lines, to safeguard our communities, support those who are struggling and empower individuals and small businesses to succeed, while protecting our environment and creating equal opportunities for all citizens of the 18th district.”

Delegates to the 18th district GOP convention pointed to Somers’ dedication, availability, commitment to delivering results and willingness to challenge the status quo as key traits that make her an effective voice for eastern Connecticut in Hartford.

Tracey Hanson, First Selectman, Voluntown
“I have seen firsthand the determination, dedication, experience and enthusiasm of Senator Somers. Whether it is a fire chief or a dairy farmer, she is always available and willing to pick up the phone to help residents and municipal leaders over any matter. She has delivered for the people of Voluntown and it is clear people are her priority and she will help anyone. We need to return Senator Somers to the State Senate to continue to represent us so well.”

Lauren Gauthier, Member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), Groton
“Senator Somers has been an inspiration for young women like myself entering public service and politics. She leads with compassion, integrity and purpose for each of her constituents. No issue is too small or large for her consideration, and we need to return Senator Somers to Hartford.”

Paul McGuirk, Republican Town Committee Chairman, Groton
“Senator Somers is the effective voice eastern Connecticut needs in these challenging times. Somers doesn’t just talk, but actually rolls up her sleeves and delivers concrete results for our communities and challenges the broken status quo in Hartford.”

Bob Carlson, Member of the Board of Selectman, North Stonington
“North Stonington, being the rural town that we are, is definitely not considered a ‘Hot Spot’ when discussing the current pandemic, but Senator Somers has been there for us, communicating and offering guidance to our first selectman and helping keep our community safe. Heather has the ability to make each of the towns feel comfortable knowing that she has our backs in Hartford.”

Chuck Sneddon, Co-Owner of Simply Majestic, Mystic
“Now, more than ever, it is important to have leaders representing our communities who work tirelessly every day. I have never seen a senator more available and more connected to citizens in the district than Senator Somers. She is compassionate, honest, resourceful and willing to actually do the work, not just talk about it, every day!”

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

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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Somers Applauds FBI Following Indictment of CMEEC Executives

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

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

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

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)

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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