U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and five other members of Congress will outline a legislative response Wednesday to state attempts to limit access to abortion services: the “Women’s Reproductive Health Act of 2013.” Their press conference will be streamed live 2:30 p.m. It can be viewed by clicking here.
Washington
Posted inHealth
Feds finally move on mental health parity
Washington — Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Friday that the Obama administration has finalized regulations that would bar insurers from treating mental illnesses differently from other ailments. Parity has been a longtime issue for mental health advocates, especially since Congress approved a law in 2008 that barred insurance companies from discriminating when it came to the treatment of mental illnesses.
Posted inNews
HUD allocates another $65 million in Sandy aid for Connecticut
As the first anniversary of super storm Sandy’s run through Connecticut arrives Tuesday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that Connecticut is eligible for $65 million more in block grants to help recovery from the devastating storm.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Obama administration delays mandate, contractors grilled over ACA website woes
The Obama administration has delayed the Affordable Care Act penalty for individuals who fail to purchase insurance by six weeks, but said the massive problems besieging the federal website , HealthCare.gov, is not the reason for the delay.
Posted inEducation
Panic at Head Start in Bridgeport, then a possible reprieve — from the private sector
Bridgeport — Closed because of the federal government shutdown, Head Start centers in six states, including Connecticut, are being offered a bailout by a retired Texas hedge fund manager. Philanthropists Laura and John Arnold Monday have offered an interest-free $10 million loan to temporarily reopen the programs in all six states. John Arnold was a hedge fund […]
Posted inNews
Quinnipiac poll: Americans blame GOP for shutdown
Washington — Americans may be divided about the Affordable Care Act, but most did not want the federal government to be shut down in an attempt to block implementation of Obamacare, a new Quinnipiac poll shows.
Posted inNews
Larson gets noticed with a full-volume speech
U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, is getting notice Tuesday for his midnight rant about the federal government shutdown. “Do you stand with your country?” Larson yelled on the floor of the House. “Do you stand for your country? Or do you want to take it down this evening? Stand up for your country. Stand […]
Posted inHealth
Senate strips budget resolution of Obamacare provision
Senate Democrats on Friday voted for a temporary spending bill that would fund the federal government until mid-December.
Posted inNews
Esty asks for congressional hearing on Metro-North disruption
Washington — Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, wasted no time in asking colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to request a congressional hearing on the Metro-North failure that will keep that commuter train line out of operations for weeks.
Posted inHealth
Obamacare is moving ahead in CT, but faces tougher time in other states
Washington — As the clock ticks toward implementation of the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act, its congressional opponents are making a last stand to derail the law. Other problems loom as well, even in states like Connecticut, that are eager to implement the law.
Posted inNews
Security crackdown at Sub Base New London prompted by shooting spree in D.C.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus on Tuesday ordered all Navy and Marine Corps facilities, including Naval Submarine Base New London, to conduct a full review of whether mandated security measures are in place and whether more are needed. “Our sailors, Marines and civilians are familiar with the dangers of service, but our security is something we […]
Posted inNews
Despite Murphy’s opposition, Senate panel approves Syria resolution
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was among a minority of Senate Foreign Relations Committee members Wednesday who voted against authorizing the use of military force in Syria. Murphy called U.S. reports the Syrian government used chemical weapons against opponents “a human rights atrocity and a blatant violation of international law.” “It’s impossible to see the horrific […]
Posted inNews
CT Hurricane Sandy victims can apply for homeowner grants
Washington — Nearly a year after Hurricane Sandy slammed into Connecticut, the super storm’s victims can apply for grants, in the amounts of between $10,000 and $150,000, to repair and fortify their homes. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Friday said Sandy-hit homeowners can apply for assistance through the state’s “Connecticut Recovers” website. The money for the […]
Posted inNews
White House announces new gun-control measures
Washington — At a ceremonial swearing-in Thursday for the new chief of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Todd Jones, Vice President Joe Biden said the Obama administration will use its authority to implement two new gun control measures. One new policy would end a government practice that lets military weapons, sold or donated […]
Posted inPolitics
Murphy urges cool heads over Syria
Washington — Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., may agree with President Obama on many things, but not on Syria. On Tuesday, Murphy said in a statement that he opposed Obama’s consideration of the use of force against the government of Bashar al-Assad, who is accused of using chemical weapons against opponents in the country’s civil war. Murphy […]