Join the Fairfield County Collaborative for an evening of learning, sharing & action about making bold Green New Deal policy a reality at the CT General Assembly in 2020.
CT Advocates & Legislators are fighting for a REAL Green New Deal for CT which include a 100% Clean Renewable Energy Future, a strong focus on Environmental Justice, and a 100% Just Transition.
Find out how you can become involved in Fairfield County and make a difference- for our environment- and our future. RSVP today!
Speaker: Larry Williams Jr- Coordinator for the National Labor and Economic Justice Program, Sierra Club
This is a free event. Light dinner provided. Childcare available. RSVP today!
Sponsors of this event: CCAG, Sierra Club CT, Democracy for CT, CT Clean Water Action, CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, Norwalk River Watershed Association.
Click here for a flyer to share.
CT Advocates & Legislators are fighting for a REAL Green New Deal for CT which include a 100% Clean Renewable Energy Future, a strong focus on Environmental Justice, and a 100% Just Transition.
Find out how you can become involved in Fairfield County and make a difference- for our environment- and our future. RSVP today!
Speaker: Larry Williams Jr- Coordinator for the National Labor and Economic Justice Program, Sierra Club
This is a free event. Light dinner provided. Childcare available. RSVP today!
Sponsors of this event: CCAG, Sierra Club CT, Democracy for CT, CT Clean Water Action, CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, Norwalk River Watershed Association.
Click here for a flyer to share.
DEMOCRACY 2020- Pre Covid.
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). Important voting reforms that would have increased participation, would have saved towns money, and would have eliminated the nightmares we saw in some municipalities on election day in 2018 were never voted on in the Senate in 2019. In 2020 we have another chance at passage. CCAG will be pushing AVR and early voting this year in order to ensure that our democracy becomes stronger and more vibrant than ever. A public hearing was scheduled for Feb. 28th.
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). Important voting reforms that would have increased participation, would have saved towns money, and would have eliminated the nightmares we saw in some municipalities on election day in 2018 were never voted on in the Senate in 2019. In 2020 we have another chance at passage. CCAG will be pushing AVR and early voting this year in order to ensure that our democracy becomes stronger and more vibrant than ever. A public hearing was scheduled for Feb. 28th.
CCAG's Legislative Scorecard for the 2019-2020 session.
This scorecard shows how legislators voted on key issues in a manner that is representative of the breadth of the issues we work on. Please note for 2020, it only includes the votes for voting by mail in the 2020 Special Session due to COVID cutting the regular session short.
We hope you will find this resource helpful leading up to this historic election. Let's make our voices heard.
This scorecard shows how legislators voted on key issues in a manner that is representative of the breadth of the issues we work on. Please note for 2020, it only includes the votes for voting by mail in the 2020 Special Session due to COVID cutting the regular session short.
We hope you will find this resource helpful leading up to this historic election. Let's make our voices heard.
Congratulations to all for a successful 2020 August Special Session, your voices have been heard! Due to thousands of citizen's efforts, the following protection passed.
HB 6002 An Act Concerning Absentee Voting and Reporting of Results at the 2020 State Election and Election Day Registration: This bill adds a one-time COVID-19 excuse to safely vote absentee in the most important election of our lives- the 2020 general election on November 3rd.The House passed this bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote 144-2. The Senate voted 35 to 1.
HB 6002 An Act Concerning Absentee Voting and Reporting of Results at the 2020 State Election and Election Day Registration: This bill adds a one-time COVID-19 excuse to safely vote absentee in the most important election of our lives- the 2020 general election on November 3rd.The House passed this bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote 144-2. The Senate voted 35 to 1.
Even with industry threats, millions in dark money advertising and lobbying to kill SB 842, the public options for health care bill was voted out of committee and has momentum.
While the current language remains unacceptable, the committee vote allows negotiations to continue. We need to keep the pressure on.
A Senate vote will be happening soon.
Please send a message to Governor Lamont and your legislators before it's too late!
April 13th, join a conversation with three smart, strategic and effective leaders in our state. They will be providing up to date information on healthcare, climate and housing. Ask questions and learn what you can do to make a difference! (Feel free to ask questions ahead of time when you RSVP)
Speakers:
Comptroller Kevin Lembo, who has led the effort to adopt a "public option" for CT Small Businesses and non-profit organizations will provide us with the current status of this effort- as well as answer overall health care related questions during this global pandemic. View The CT Plan info here.
Sierra Club Connecticut Director Sam Dynowski will speak to the progress achieved on the CT Green New Deal during this legislative session, as well as share actions being taken by a coalition of CT organizations to hold Insurance Companies accountable for their irresponsible investments in fossil fuels and fossil fuel projects.
Erin Boggs, Executive Director of Open Communities Alliance will speak to municipal compliance- or lack thereof- regarding developing plans for increasing needed affordable housing within their communities.
Speakers:
Comptroller Kevin Lembo, who has led the effort to adopt a "public option" for CT Small Businesses and non-profit organizations will provide us with the current status of this effort- as well as answer overall health care related questions during this global pandemic. View The CT Plan info here.
Sierra Club Connecticut Director Sam Dynowski will speak to the progress achieved on the CT Green New Deal during this legislative session, as well as share actions being taken by a coalition of CT organizations to hold Insurance Companies accountable for their irresponsible investments in fossil fuels and fossil fuel projects.
Erin Boggs, Executive Director of Open Communities Alliance will speak to municipal compliance- or lack thereof- regarding developing plans for increasing needed affordable housing within their communities.
On April 23rd, CCAG and Sierra Club CT hosted a virtual Earth Day March for Accountability. Over 300 people tuned in to learn more about the Insure our Future campaign and urge major insurance companies here in Connecticut to stop backing fossil fuels. If you missed it, you can watch the livestream here.
During the march we left dozens and dozens of voicemails for Traveler's CEO, Alan Schnitzer, to urge him to insure our future by cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry. You can still take action to let Travelers know how important this issue is. Our call tool is still live!
Travelers has over $3.5 Billion invested in fossil fuels, and zero policies in place that address fossil fuel insuring or investing.
By using this call tool, you can leave messages for Patrick Linehan, VP of Corporate Communications and/or their general assistance line. We are urging Travelers to sell off its fossil fuel assets, stop insuring fossil fuels and align its business within the guidelines of the Paris global climate agreement.
Send your message urging climate leadership from our insurance industry now! Instructions provided when you click the link. Have your phone ready!
Thank you for all you do and for working with us to stop the money pipeline. Read the report here.
During the march we left dozens and dozens of voicemails for Traveler's CEO, Alan Schnitzer, to urge him to insure our future by cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry. You can still take action to let Travelers know how important this issue is. Our call tool is still live!
Travelers has over $3.5 Billion invested in fossil fuels, and zero policies in place that address fossil fuel insuring or investing.
By using this call tool, you can leave messages for Patrick Linehan, VP of Corporate Communications and/or their general assistance line. We are urging Travelers to sell off its fossil fuel assets, stop insuring fossil fuels and align its business within the guidelines of the Paris global climate agreement.
Send your message urging climate leadership from our insurance industry now! Instructions provided when you click the link. Have your phone ready!
Thank you for all you do and for working with us to stop the money pipeline. Read the report here.
PASSED IN SPECIAL SESSION!
CT Vote-by-Mail for the Nov. Election.
We thank Governor Lamont and Secretary of State Denise Merrill for their leadership on this initiative.This success is thanks to you and all of the other concerned citizens, activists and organizations who worked together to rally around protecting our community from Covid-19, while also protecting our democracy.
However, most experts predict this crisis will last well past November, so the work is not done.
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Related news:
- Lamont Loosens Absentee Ballot Restrictions by Christine Stuart | May 20, 2020 CT News Junkie
- Government watchdogs ask for freer absentee-voting rules in virus crisis. By Ken Dixon Updated March 20,
- Absentee ballots could be available for all as CT presidential primary still on schedule. By Pat Tomlinson, March 18, The Hour
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Nights before The Hartford annual meeting, CT Activists got creative and projected a message for Michael Morris aka The New Face of Climate Change. View the video to see what they had to say. Tell The Hartford that Morris’s position on the board undermines the company's credibility to take meaningful steps away from insuring and investing in fossil fuels Sign the Petition Here |
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CALLING ALL ARTISTS/NON-ARTISTS! ALL HANDS ON DECK TO PAINT #BLACKLIVESMATTER IN DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT. The Mayor has given the OK to paint on Broad Street, the Bridgeport P.D. will be blocking off the street for the painting action.
WHEN: JUNE 19TH - 6:00pm - 11:00pm WHERE: 999 BROAD ST BRIDGEPORT CT IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO DONATE, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NEEDED: *PAINT (GALLONS OR QUARTS) *ROLLERS w/HANDLES *BRUSHES *PAINT ROLLER STICKS *DUCK TAPE *HEAVY DUTY GARBAGE BAGS PLEASE WEAR A MASK! #BESAFE |
RSVP to join the Insure Our Future coalition for the 3rd online action July 21st at 12pm. We will hold W.R. Berkley accountable for their destructive investments in the Trans Mountain pipeline.
In round 1 we took on Travelers Insurance. In round 2 we took on The Hartford. Now it is time for round 3.
Recently, Greenwich-based W.R. Berkley was revealed as one of the companies insuring the Trans Mountain tar sands pipeline.
Indigenous, frontline and environmental advocates in the US and Canada have been fighting to stop the destructive Trans Mountain pipeline for years.
Now is the time to hold W.R, Berkley accountable, and stand with these affected communities. RSVP to take action!
Congratulations to all for a successful Special Session, your voices have been heard! Due to thousands of citizen's efforts all four of the following protections passed:
HB 6002 An Act Concerning Absentee Voting and Reporting of Results at the 2020 State Election and Election Day Registration: This bill adds a one-time COVID-19 excuse to safely vote absentee in the most important election of our lives- the 2020 general election on November 3rd.
The House passed this bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote 144-2. The Senate voted 35 to 1.
HB 6001 An Act Concerning Telehealth: Early in the pandemic Governor Lamont signed an executive order allowing patients and health care providers to communicate over a broad range of platforms rather than risking exposure to the virus by meeting in person. That order would have expired in September if not legislated to continue. The bill passed unanimously by both the House and Senate will extend services until March of 2021.
HB 6003 An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans: Will cap the cost of insulin and equipment for diabetics for anyone on a state-regulated insurance plan. This is a critical protection in the best of times and even more so in this time of crisis.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 142-4. Passed the Senate 35 to 1, and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
HB 6004 An Act Concerning Police Accountability: This bill will move us towards greater police accountability in our state, which is essential if we are to achieve a more just and equitable society. Police are supposed to serve everyone equally. Their responsibilities demand accountability. Black and brown residents are far too often treated differently by the police and by the overall judicial process. The alarming number deaths by police and the lack of accountability for these deaths is unacceptable This bill represents a start in tackling some of these issues.The House passed the bill 86-54, the Senate 22-14.
HB 6002 An Act Concerning Absentee Voting and Reporting of Results at the 2020 State Election and Election Day Registration: This bill adds a one-time COVID-19 excuse to safely vote absentee in the most important election of our lives- the 2020 general election on November 3rd.
The House passed this bill with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote 144-2. The Senate voted 35 to 1.
HB 6001 An Act Concerning Telehealth: Early in the pandemic Governor Lamont signed an executive order allowing patients and health care providers to communicate over a broad range of platforms rather than risking exposure to the virus by meeting in person. That order would have expired in September if not legislated to continue. The bill passed unanimously by both the House and Senate will extend services until March of 2021.
HB 6003 An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans: Will cap the cost of insulin and equipment for diabetics for anyone on a state-regulated insurance plan. This is a critical protection in the best of times and even more so in this time of crisis.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 142-4. Passed the Senate 35 to 1, and will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
HB 6004 An Act Concerning Police Accountability: This bill will move us towards greater police accountability in our state, which is essential if we are to achieve a more just and equitable society. Police are supposed to serve everyone equally. Their responsibilities demand accountability. Black and brown residents are far too often treated differently by the police and by the overall judicial process. The alarming number deaths by police and the lack of accountability for these deaths is unacceptable This bill represents a start in tackling some of these issues.The House passed the bill 86-54, the Senate 22-14.
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Connecticut is known as "The Insurance Capital of the World." However, the same insurance companies that operate in our backyard, are investing billions in the fossil fuel industry. Local climate activists have stepped up over this past year to call these destructive practices out.
Here are a few highlights of some of the work that has been accomplished so far, there is so much more to come in the days, months & year ahead. Please take the time to join the dedicated Cycle4CT donors and riders in supporting this work, together we all win! For questions contact [email protected] |
THE RIDE TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE Campaign extended! Our deadline has passed but you can still help.
Thank you to everyone who participated in CCAG's Cycle4CT Challenge. We are at 147% of goal & have raised $7,372 . That resource is hard at work as you read this.
Announcement of the winners & wrap up of the Challenge can be viewed here!
Your contributions at work: CCAG is part of a coalition of over a dozen CT groups called The Insure Our Future campaign. (IOF) is a part of an international coalition called Stop the Money Pipeline, which is over 91 organizations strong, all calling for climate and environmental justice.
Thank you to everyone who participated in CCAG's Cycle4CT Challenge. We are at 147% of goal & have raised $7,372 . That resource is hard at work as you read this.
Announcement of the winners & wrap up of the Challenge can be viewed here!
Your contributions at work: CCAG is part of a coalition of over a dozen CT groups called The Insure Our Future campaign. (IOF) is a part of an international coalition called Stop the Money Pipeline, which is over 91 organizations strong, all calling for climate and environmental justice.
Make your voice heard TODAY! The Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) will be accepting written public comments until Wednesday, October 21st @ 11:59 PM. Please submit your comments to: [email protected].
You can review the Working Group Draft Reports here.
CCAG urges activists to highlight some of the below issues:
You can review the Working Group Draft Reports here.
CCAG urges activists to highlight some of the below issues:
- Prioritize equity in all recommendations of this workgroup.
- Ensure funding for low-income equitable access
- Requirements for insurance companies- read more
- Reintroduce and enact SB 345
The Fabulous Host Committee:
Christine Bartlett-Josie, Bill Bloss, Beverley Brakeman- Dir. UAW Region 9A, Mike Brown, Isabel Carrasquillo,
Bill Collins, Steve Derby, Chris Donovan, Rep. Gregg Haddad, Anne Hulick- CT Dir. Clean Water Action, Diane Keefe,
Sen. Julie Kushner, Sen. Matthew Lesser, John Levin, Dan Livingston, Jennine Lupo, Tessa Marquis,
Honorary Host Bernie "Terrible" McKinnon, Amy McLean Salls, Max Medina, Sen. Marilyn Moore, John Murphy,
Hank Murray- Board Chair of CCRG, Rep. Mary Mushinksy, Rep. Robyn Porter, Cheri Quickmire- Dir. Common Cause in CT,
Rep. Peter Tercyak, Aaron Turner, Rep. Edwin Vargas, Sylvia Vargas, Gretchen Vivier
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the CCAG 49th Anniversary, Awards & Auction Celebration!
If you were unable to attend you can see the show here
AWARDEES:
Senator Gary Winfield
The Laddie Michalowski Community & Labor Award
Bridgeport Generation Now
President & Co-Director Callie Heilmann
Vice President/co-director Gemeem Davis
The Nancy Benedict Social Justice Award
Join our list for updates and action alerts: click here Contribute: click here
The most important climate talks since the Paris Agreement happened in Glasgow, Scotland on November 1st, 2021. The outcomes of these negotiations — including public and private sector commitments — will go a long way to determining our ability to combat the climate crisis. That’s why we’re launching a new campaign: Defund Climate Chaos.
Sign the petition and join the campaign: In order to take climate change seriously, we cannot continue to accept empty promises. Stop funding climate change NOW!
We are in a code red for humanity. It is time to take action.
Our planet is sending urgent warnings: record breaking temperatures, more extreme storms, historic droughts, flooding and sea level rise. If we fail to act, things will get worse.
Unfortunately, Connecticut is falling short on climate. Governor Lamont is not acting fast enough or boldly enough to respond to the accelerating climate crisis already impacting Connecticut families, businesses and communities.
We do have solutions. Send your message to Gov. Lamont today! Connecticut must lead the nation on climate justice!
Opinion: Climate emergency requires more from Lamont.
Our planet is sending urgent warnings: record breaking temperatures, more extreme storms, historic droughts, flooding and sea level rise. If we fail to act, things will get worse.
Unfortunately, Connecticut is falling short on climate. Governor Lamont is not acting fast enough or boldly enough to respond to the accelerating climate crisis already impacting Connecticut families, businesses and communities.
We do have solutions. Send your message to Gov. Lamont today! Connecticut must lead the nation on climate justice!
Opinion: Climate emergency requires more from Lamont.
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As a state-wide organization, CCAG and our members have an unique opportunity to move major U.S. insurers out of fossil fuels, and into a sustainable future. Local climate activists have stepped up over this past year to call these destructive practices out. View the video to see what together, we've accomplished so far this year. Together we have made it very clear to companies Travelers Insurance, The Hartford, and WR Berkley we are out of time. Want to take action with the campaign in the future? Join the CT IOF email list to be kept up to date on these and other issues and actions. These companies must stop insuring fossil fuels in order to #InsureOurFuture. Let's make sure they know we are ready to hold them accountable. |
Please share the video far and wide to let insurance companies in CT know we are just getting started.
Retweet the video here
Share the video on Facebook here
Retweet the video here
Share the video on Facebook here
ENVIRONMENT
Restricting PFAS Chemicals. Research has linked these toxic “forever” chemicals to various types of cancer, reproductive and childhood development problems, immune system issues, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The Public Health Committee has raised a bill to limit food packaging and food service ware that contains PFAS. It also limits polystyrene, which we support. We'll have a short window to prepare for a public hearing and provide testimony.
Modernizing the Bottle Bill: Connecticut’s bottle bill is a critical piece of our state’s recycling infrastructure. The program carries multiple economic and environmental benefits for our state, including saving municipalities millions, and preventing pollution that threatens our waterways, open spaces, and climate. Modernizing the program would go a long way toward increasing the efficiency and quality of recycling in Connecticut, creating green jobs, and cleaning up our communities, all while saving taxpayer money. Connecticut lawmakers have waited far too long to address these important issues, and as a result, recycling in our state has suffered. We need to expand and modernize Connecticut’s bottle bill and make it a top priority for the 2020 regular legislative session.
CLIMATE
No New Fossil Fuel Plants: Despite the legislature passing strong greenhouse gas reduction targets in the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, and more recently with Governor Lamont setting a goal of 100% carbon free electricity by 2040, significant action to reduce fossil fuel generation has not followed. In June, a new gas-burning power plant was approved for construction in Killingly. To date, the Governor and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) have not taken steps to reduce our reliance on natural gas.
#StopTheMoneyPipeline: In January, a coalition of over a dozen groups launched Stop the Money Pipeline: a major new mobilization targeting the financial sectors responsible for the funding of climate chaos.
Here in Hartford, we are in the insurance capital of the world, and we have a unique opportunity to move major U.S. insurers out of fossil fuels.
Connecticut based insurers are all sensitive to public opinion, with brands to protect and customers to retain. When we unveil their complicity in the destruction of our climate, we threaten their profits and their ability to attract customers. The more we increase their reputational risk, the more we increase their financial risk of continuing to support new fossil fuel projects and deforestation. We are currently mobilizing for a major event on April 23rd, and for Earth Week’s youth-led climate strikes.
Restricting PFAS Chemicals. Research has linked these toxic “forever” chemicals to various types of cancer, reproductive and childhood development problems, immune system issues, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The Public Health Committee has raised a bill to limit food packaging and food service ware that contains PFAS. It also limits polystyrene, which we support. We'll have a short window to prepare for a public hearing and provide testimony.
Modernizing the Bottle Bill: Connecticut’s bottle bill is a critical piece of our state’s recycling infrastructure. The program carries multiple economic and environmental benefits for our state, including saving municipalities millions, and preventing pollution that threatens our waterways, open spaces, and climate. Modernizing the program would go a long way toward increasing the efficiency and quality of recycling in Connecticut, creating green jobs, and cleaning up our communities, all while saving taxpayer money. Connecticut lawmakers have waited far too long to address these important issues, and as a result, recycling in our state has suffered. We need to expand and modernize Connecticut’s bottle bill and make it a top priority for the 2020 regular legislative session.
CLIMATE
No New Fossil Fuel Plants: Despite the legislature passing strong greenhouse gas reduction targets in the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, and more recently with Governor Lamont setting a goal of 100% carbon free electricity by 2040, significant action to reduce fossil fuel generation has not followed. In June, a new gas-burning power plant was approved for construction in Killingly. To date, the Governor and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) have not taken steps to reduce our reliance on natural gas.
#StopTheMoneyPipeline: In January, a coalition of over a dozen groups launched Stop the Money Pipeline: a major new mobilization targeting the financial sectors responsible for the funding of climate chaos.
Here in Hartford, we are in the insurance capital of the world, and we have a unique opportunity to move major U.S. insurers out of fossil fuels.
Connecticut based insurers are all sensitive to public opinion, with brands to protect and customers to retain. When we unveil their complicity in the destruction of our climate, we threaten their profits and their ability to attract customers. The more we increase their reputational risk, the more we increase their financial risk of continuing to support new fossil fuel projects and deforestation. We are currently mobilizing for a major event on April 23rd, and for Earth Week’s youth-led climate strikes.
CCAG and Sierra Club CT hosts a virtual 2020 Earth Day March for Accountability. Over 300 people tuned in to learn more about the Insure our Future campaign and urge major insurance companies here in Connecticut to stop backing fossil fuels. If you missed it, you can watch the livestream here.
During the march we left dozens and dozens of voicemails for Traveler's CEO, Alan Schnitzer, to urge him to insure our future by cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry. You can still take action to let Travelers know how important this issue is. Our call tool is still live!
Travelers has over $3.5 Billion invested in fossil fuels, and zero policies in place that address fossil fuel insuring or investing.
By using this call tool, you can leave messages for Patrick Linehan, VP of Corporate Communications and/or their general assistance line. We are urging Travelers to sell off its fossil fuel assets, stop insuring fossil fuels and align its business within the guidelines of the Paris global climate agreement.
Thank you for all you do and for working with us to stop the money pipeline. Read the report here.
During the march we left dozens and dozens of voicemails for Traveler's CEO, Alan Schnitzer, to urge him to insure our future by cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry. You can still take action to let Travelers know how important this issue is. Our call tool is still live!
Travelers has over $3.5 Billion invested in fossil fuels, and zero policies in place that address fossil fuel insuring or investing.
By using this call tool, you can leave messages for Patrick Linehan, VP of Corporate Communications and/or their general assistance line. We are urging Travelers to sell off its fossil fuel assets, stop insuring fossil fuels and align its business within the guidelines of the Paris global climate agreement.
Thank you for all you do and for working with us to stop the money pipeline. Read the report here.
Renew CT- an newly formed alliance of environmental justice, community and labor partners- has a bold, ambitious plan calling for 100% clean, renewable energy, healthy and sustainable housing, accessible transportation, clean air and water and food justice.
- Each event will have the same program, but YOU have a choice which event will work best for you. Please RSVP here.
- Find out more about our Renew Proposals here.
- We would like to hear from you about these proposals. Please take a moment to take our Renew Survey.
Nights before The Hartford 2020 annual meeting,
CT Activists got creative and projected a
message for Michael Morris aka The New Face
of Climate Change.
View the video to see what they had to say.
Tell The Hartford that Morris’s position on the board
undermines the company's credibility to take
meaningful steps away from insuring and investing
in fossil fuels
Sign the Petition Here
CT Activists got creative and projected a
message for Michael Morris aka The New Face
of Climate Change.
View the video to see what they had to say.
Tell The Hartford that Morris’s position on the board
undermines the company's credibility to take
meaningful steps away from insuring and investing
in fossil fuels
Sign the Petition Here
THE RIDE TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE 2020 Campaign extended! Our deadline has passed but you can still help.
Thank you to everyone who participated in CCAG's Cycle4CT Challenge. We are at 147% of goal & have raised $7,372 . That resource is hard at work as you read this.
Announcement of the winners & wrap up of the Challenge can be viewed here!
Your contributions at work: CCAG is part of a coalition of over a dozen CT groups called The Insure Our Future campaign. (IOF) is a part of an international coalition called Stop the Money Pipeline, which is over 91 organizations strong, all calling for climate and environmental justice.
Thank you to everyone who participated in CCAG's Cycle4CT Challenge. We are at 147% of goal & have raised $7,372 . That resource is hard at work as you read this.
Announcement of the winners & wrap up of the Challenge can be viewed here!
Your contributions at work: CCAG is part of a coalition of over a dozen CT groups called The Insure Our Future campaign. (IOF) is a part of an international coalition called Stop the Money Pipeline, which is over 91 organizations strong, all calling for climate and environmental justice.
Make your voice heard TODAY! The Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) will be accepting written public comments until Wednesday, October 21st 2020 @ 11:59 PM. Please submit your comments to: [email protected].
You can review the Working Group Draft Reports here.
CCAG urges activists to highlight some of the below issues:
You can review the Working Group Draft Reports here.
CCAG urges activists to highlight some of the below issues:
- Prioritize equity in all recommendations of this workgroup.
- Ensure funding for low-income equitable access
- Requirements for insurance companies- read more
- Reintroduce and enact SB 345
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Travelers Insurance has made the naughty list... This year, Santa delivered Travelers Insurance CEO exactly what he wants for the holidays: coal. Of 30 global insurance companies examined in Insure Our Future’s 2020 scorecard, Travelers is one of only four that hasn’t taken a single step to restrict fossil fuel support. Take a look at the breakdown here: https://insurance-scorecard.com/ |
Congratulations to all for a successful Special Session, your voices have been heard! Due to thousands of citizen's efforts the following legislation passed:
HB 6004 An Act Concerning Police Accountability: This bill will move us towards greater police accountability in our state, which is essential if we are to achieve a more just and equitable society. Police are supposed to serve everyone equally. Their responsibilities demand accountability. Black and brown residents are far too often treated differently by the police and by the overall judicial process. The alarming number deaths by police and the lack of accountability for these deaths is unacceptable This bill represents a start in tackling some of these issues.The House passed the bill 86-54, the Senate 22-14.
Congratulations to all for a successful Special Session, your voices have been heard! Due to thousands of citizen's efforts the following legislation passed:
HB 6004 An Act Concerning Police Accountability: This bill will move us towards greater police accountability in our state, which is essential if we are to achieve a more just and equitable society. Police are supposed to serve everyone equally. Their responsibilities demand accountability. Black and brown residents are far too often treated differently by the police and by the overall judicial process. The alarming number deaths by police and the lack of accountability for these deaths is unacceptable This bill represents a start in tackling some of these issues.The House passed the bill 86-54, the Senate 22-14.
2020 CCAG Active Health Care Archive
Price Gouging & Profiteering. The need for safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 treatments and vaccines is critical. U.S. taxpayers are contributing billions of dollars to R&D efforts but so far the Trump Administration has refused to guarantee affordability or disclose the terms of contracts it has entered into with prescription drug corporations.
It’s up to Congress to make sure our taxpayer dollars get us vaccines and treatments that we can all afford by stopping the drug companies from profiteering off of today’s pandemic. That means Congress must include safeguards that will:
H.R. 7296, the MMAPPP Act, and H.R. 7288, the TRACK Act are the current CCAG supported federal bills.
No matter where you come from, what you look like or what’s in your wallet, we could all get sick from the current pandemic. We all need affordable medicine to get healthy and to take care of our families
Insurance Coverage Due to Job Loss. The number of uninsured in our state continues to rise as a result of unemployment from COVID 19. A pandemic is not the time to lose health care. With your help, CCAG is working to open Medicaid to all residents regardless of income or immigration status.
It’s up to Congress to make sure our taxpayer dollars get us vaccines and treatments that we can all afford by stopping the drug companies from profiteering off of today’s pandemic. That means Congress must include safeguards that will:
- Require fair and reasonable prices for all COVID 19 drugs or vaccines developed with taxpayer funds so we can all afford them.
- Block drug monopolies that enable Big Pharma profiteering off of COVID 19 treatments and vaccines.
- Mandate that the Trump Administration disclose to the public how much taxpayer money is going to drug companies to create treatments and vaccines.
- Congress must include safeguards in the next relief package that will ensure that taxpayer-funded medicines will be affordable, and that the company that finds the cure pays taxes on their profits.
H.R. 7296, the MMAPPP Act, and H.R. 7288, the TRACK Act are the current CCAG supported federal bills.
No matter where you come from, what you look like or what’s in your wallet, we could all get sick from the current pandemic. We all need affordable medicine to get healthy and to take care of our families
Insurance Coverage Due to Job Loss. The number of uninsured in our state continues to rise as a result of unemployment from COVID 19. A pandemic is not the time to lose health care. With your help, CCAG is working to open Medicaid to all residents regardless of income or immigration status.
Now more than ever, COVID-19 has shown us that we pull through by pulling together, no matter what we look like or where we live.
The CT Citizen Research Group (CCRG) is joining with members, partners, allies and friends to create a more just, equitable and sustainable Connecticut. With your help, we will do this by taking action at the local, state and national level- calling for a fair & just economy, affordable quality health care, a climate justice plan that invests in frontline communities- and a commitment to fully fund all of Connecticut’s public schools. View our current agenda here.
This year the IRS is allowing people to take up to $300 worth of cash deductions for donations to qualified charities such as Connecticut Citizen Research Group, even if they do not itemize.
This $300 deduction is designed for taxpayers who aren’t normally able to do this. At this time this is a 1-time exception, and may not be available next year. Please make your 2020 Tax-deductible donation before the clock runs out on 2020!
For close to 50 years CCRG & AG have been at the forefront of educating & galvanizing the public to take action on the issues affecting all of us. Together, we can protect our future and ensure we have a Connecticut that works for all, not just a few.
If you prefer to make a non-deductible donation to CT Citizen Action Group you can do that here.
Thank you for helping to make the work possible- together we can win!
Ann Pratt- Executive Director,
CT Citizen Research Group
The CT Citizen Research Group (CCRG) is joining with members, partners, allies and friends to create a more just, equitable and sustainable Connecticut. With your help, we will do this by taking action at the local, state and national level- calling for a fair & just economy, affordable quality health care, a climate justice plan that invests in frontline communities- and a commitment to fully fund all of Connecticut’s public schools. View our current agenda here.
This year the IRS is allowing people to take up to $300 worth of cash deductions for donations to qualified charities such as Connecticut Citizen Research Group, even if they do not itemize.
This $300 deduction is designed for taxpayers who aren’t normally able to do this. At this time this is a 1-time exception, and may not be available next year. Please make your 2020 Tax-deductible donation before the clock runs out on 2020!
For close to 50 years CCRG & AG have been at the forefront of educating & galvanizing the public to take action on the issues affecting all of us. Together, we can protect our future and ensure we have a Connecticut that works for all, not just a few.
If you prefer to make a non-deductible donation to CT Citizen Action Group you can do that here.
Thank you for helping to make the work possible- together we can win!
Ann Pratt- Executive Director,
CT Citizen Research Group
EARTH DAY IS OUR BIRTHDAY! Since its inception in 1970 on the First Earth Day as Earth Action, then incorporated as CT Citizen Action Group in 1971, CCAG has been committed to building a more sustainable, just Connecticut. In coalition with our state and national partners- CCAG continues to take action (online) on the issues you care about.
Covid has taken our ability to throw an in person birthday party. We are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action group in the nation! If you can, please consider a donation for those who can’t.
Send your generous donation here today! No gift is too small...or large!
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!Thank you.
This fundraiser will remain open until midnight on April 31st.
Covid has taken our ability to throw an in person birthday party. We are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action group in the nation! If you can, please consider a donation for those who can’t.
Send your generous donation here today! No gift is too small...or large!
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!Thank you.
This fundraiser will remain open until midnight on April 31st.
CCAG 2020 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA- pre covid
ENVIRONMENT
Restricting PFAS Chemicals. Research has linked these toxic “forever” chemicals to various types of cancer, reproductive and childhood development problems, immune system issues, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The Public Health Committee has raised a bill to limit food packaging and food service ware that contains PFAS. It also limits polystyrene, which we support. We'll have a short window to prepare for a public hearing and provide testimony.
Modernizing the Bottle Bill: Connecticut’s bottle bill is a critical piece of our state’s recycling infrastructure. The program carries multiple economic and environmental benefits for our state, including saving municipalities millions, and preventing pollution that threatens our waterways, open spaces, and climate. Modernizing the program would go a long way toward increasing the efficiency and quality of recycling in Connecticut, creating green jobs, and cleaning up our communities, all while saving taxpayer money. Connecticut lawmakers have waited far too long to address these important issues, and as a result, recycling in our state has suffered. We need to expand and modernize Connecticut’s bottle bill and make it a top priority for the 2020 regular legislative session.
CLIMATE
No New Fossil Fuel Plants: Despite the legislature passing strong greenhouse gas reduction targets in the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, and more recently with Governor Lamont setting a goal of 100% carbon free electricity by 2040, significant action to reduce fossil fuel generation has not followed. In June, a new gas-burning power plant was approved for construction in Killingly. To date, the Governor and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) have not taken steps to reduce our reliance on natural gas.
#StopTheMoneyPipeline: In January, a coalition of over a dozen groups launched Stop the Money Pipeline: a major new mobilization targeting the financial sectors responsible for the funding of climate chaos.
Here in Hartford, we are in the insurance capital of the world, and we have a unique opportunity to move major U.S. insurers out of fossil fuels.
Connecticut based insurers are all sensitive to public opinion, with brands to protect and customers to retain. When we unveil their complicity in the destruction of our climate, we threaten their profits and their ability to attract customers. The more we increase their reputational risk, the more we increase their financial risk of continuing to support new fossil fuel projects and deforestation. We are currently mobilizing for a major event on April 23rd, and for Earth Week’s youth-led climate strikes. Visit our website for more information and to register for events.
Connecticut Advocates & Legislators are fighting for a REAL Green New Deal for CT. This will help tackle the climate crisis, create good jobs, and will have a strong focus on equity and environmental justice.
Find out how you can become involved and make a difference on climate change. Contact Ann Pratt at [email protected] or 860-209-1234
DEMOCRACY
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR). Important voting reforms that would have increased participation, would have saved towns money, and would have eliminated the nightmares we saw in some municipalities on election day in 2018 were never voted on in the Senate in 2019. In 2020 we have another chance at passage. CCAG will be pushing AVR and early voting this year in order to ensure that our democracy becomes stronger and more vibrant than ever. A public hearing was scheduled for Feb. 28th.
CONSUMER
Proposed HB 5225: AAC Consumer Protections of Customers of Electric Suppliers: There are many key provisions of this bill that CCAG supports. These include: adding additional requirements for electric suppliers regarding telesales calls and face-to-face marketing; permitting the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to order fines; restitution to customers or a
combination of fines and restitution; and prohibiting the assignment or transfer of customers without prior approval of the
Authority. The most important provision is the elimination of cancellation fees from all third party electric contracts. Those fees often are what keep customers in bad contracts because the cancellation fee is often greater than the amount of money being overpaid in the contract.
CCAG would like to see language added to the bill that would end the practice of auto-renewing third party contracts. This is often the practice that most frequently catches people into rates that are at times significantly higher than the standard service. AARP suggests that, at a minimum, the practice of auto renewing contracts be banned unless the new rate is at or below the standard service rates.
HEALTHCARE
The Connecticut Plan. CT small businesses and non-profits who struggle to afford health coverage are sick and tired of the high cost of health care insurance- that does not even cover them- and their employees- when they are sick.
There is a bill now before the state legislature- (SB 346) that would help to fix this issue. Its called "The Connecticut Plan" and would provide high-quality health care with affordable premiums and no high deductibles. (Details here.)
For updates, upcoming action and to show your support for this issue, join us here.
For more information visit: theconnecticutplan.com Find CTPlan on FB
UPDATE! SB 346 passed out of committee and is on it's way to the legislature!
Medicaid Restoration. Last year CCAG and allies were able to help restore HUSKY A to roughly 4,000 working poor adults. While this was a great relief, it still left many with no coverage. We will be working to expand that restoration to parents of children enrolled this year.
Prescription Drug Prices: There are numerous bills being raised at this time. On the wide array of legislation being proposed will be putting a cap on out-of-pocket drug expenses and prohibiting insurers from mid-year bait and switch of covered drugs or moving list of covered drugs to a higher tier.
Hospital Community Benefits. CCAG is helping to advance statewide standards for benefits programs in the communities hospitals serve, to improve the health status of working families and populations at risk.
