State analysts also warned that the wage hike could add nearly $7 million in expenses to child care providers who participate in the state’s Care4Kids program.
Jenna Carlesso
Jenna is CT Mirror’s Health Reporter, focusing on health access, affordability, quality, equity and disparities, social determinants of health, health system planning, infrastructure, processes, information systems, and other health policy. Before joining CT Mirror Jenna was a reporter at The Hartford Courant for 10 years, where she consistently won statewide and regional awards. Jenna has a Master of Science degree in Interactive Media from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor or Arts degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University.
Posted inHealth
Bill that would make prison phone calls free advances
Members of the Judiciary Committee denounced the state’s method of profiting off prison phone calls. Connecticut hauled in $7.7 million from the calls last year.
Posted inHealth
Three key appointments, including public health chief, clear legislative committee
Three critical gubernatorial appointments appeared to easily clear the legislature’s joint committee on executive and legislative nominations Tuesday.
Posted inHealth
Judiciary Committee green lights marijuana legislation
A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana and erase the criminal records of people who have committed low-level drug offenses cleared a key committee on Monday.
Posted inHealth
Blacks dying from fentanyl at same rate as whites for first time
Experts aren’t sure what is driving up death rate for blacks, but point to spread of fentanyl in inner cities and the state’s declining prison population as possible reasons.
Posted inHealth
Bill allowing doctors to prescribe lethal doses of medication dies in committee
Strongly held religious beliefs and concerns from people with disabilities prevented the bill from advancing to the House.
Posted inHealth
Bill banning deceptive practices at faith-based pregnancy centers advances
The legislature’s Public Health Committee green-lighted a measure Friday that would ban deceptive practices by the state’s so-called crisis pregnancy centers.
Posted inHealth
How a repeal of the Affordable Care Act could affect Connecticut
Lawmakers in Connecticut called the possibility of an ACA repeal “stunningly irresponsible” on Thursday.
Posted inHealth
As DOJ asks court to invalidate the ACA, Connecticut joins legal fight to defend it
The future of the Affordable Care Act will be decided by a conservative-leaning appeals court.
Posted inHealth
Recreational marijuana bill clears first major hurdle
Lawmakers said legalizing pot is a necessary step in efforts to upend decades of inequality in arrests and convictions against minority communities.
Posted inPolitics
Lamont promotes paid leave, minimum wage to skeptical business leaders
The governor defended the legislation, along with his push for electronic tolls and the need for more investment in transportation.
Posted inHealth
Public option health insurance bills clear committee
The legislation would extend state health benefits to small businesses, nonprofits and individuals.
Posted inHealth
Undocumented families, advocates press for expansion of state-funded health care
Children like Emily Batista, an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy from Brazil, would have access to state-funded health insurance under the proposal.
Posted inHealth
Family members plead for passage of aid-in-dying bill
A public hearing on legislation that would give terminally ill patients access to medication to end their lives is expected to draw both supporters and opponents today.
Posted inHealth
Prescription drug bill advances to House
The bill seeks to lower the cost of prescription drugs in Connecticut, a frustration for seniors, the uninsured, and people on high-deductible plans.