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CCAG, in coalition with our state and national partners and Connecticut citizens, continues to take action on the planned issue agenda. Please join our email list to receive updates and our Connecticut Action Bulletin (CAB) which provides a deeper dive. Visit this page often for current actions and updates!

Take Action

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2024 LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
click here for the 2o23 Legislative Highlights

 Shareholders Rally May 21st 

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CCAG, alongside many climate finance advocates, have been leading the charge to pressure property and casualty insurers to end their underwriting and investments in fossil fuels.

On May 21st, our two biggest targets - Travelers and The Hartford - will be holding their annual shareholder meetings.


Join us on Wednesday, May 21st, in downtown Hartford, to make sure we have high visibility both outside and inside these crucial shareholder meetings.

​
RSVP here to receive updated information about timing and location.

Travelers shareholder meeting starts at 9am and is in person at the Marriott in downtown Hartford

Insurance is all about risk, and the riskiest thing they can do is turn their back on the climate crisis.

Let’s make sure they Insure OUR future, not fossil fuels.


Thank you to everyone who stepped up to Stop the Trump/Musk Attack on America on April 5th ​

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​On Saturday, April 5, something remarkable happened.

​From Stamford to Hartford, Norwalk to Middletown, Greenwich and beyond, tens of thousands of people across nearly 30 towns in Connecticut came together in defiance of the billionaire-backed attacks on our schools, our services, and our democracy. Together, we took a stand to say: Hands Off!

In Stamford alone, an estimated 5,000 people marched from Mill River Park to WWE Headquarters, making it one of the largest political demonstrations the city has ever seen. The rally featured a powerful lineup of speakers who brought urgency and inspiration to the crowd:
  • Attorney General William Tong, who declared: “Let Linda hear you from over here. Hands off the Department of Education. Hands off our kids. We are taking the fight to Donald Trump.”
  • Mary Yordon, President of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers and Vice President of AFT Connecticut
  • Joslyn DeLancey, Vice President of the Connecticut Education Association
  • State Representative Matt Blumenthal (D-Stamford)

​Their words fueled a march, and a movement, rooted in the belief that Connecticut belongs to the people, not to Trump, McMahon, Musk, or their billionaire allies.

At CCAG, we were proud to have been a lead organizer for Stamford's historic day alongside an incredible coalition of partners and endorsing organizations: Indivisible Stamford, Indivisible Fairfield County, Act Local NW CT REBS, Redding, Easton, Bethel Good Trouble, CT Working Families Party, Greater Danbury Area Justice Network, SEIU locals, the CT Tenants Union, and AFT Connecticut. Together along with thousands of protestors we helped send a message to Trump, McMahon, Musk and every billionaire trying to hijack our democracy: We will not back down, and we’re just getting started.​ Stay tuned for next steps and updates. 


Tell Congress to Vote NO on the Safe Act! 

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House Republicans have introduced the extreme anti-voter SAVE Act and declared it a top priorit​y ​in the 2025 Congressional session.

This dangerous bill would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, so we’re urging Congress to vote NO on the SAVE Act.


The SAVE Act would put up barriers to voting by requiring every single voter to provide a passport or an original copy of their birth certificate, in person when registering to vote and anytime they update their voter registration.

Twenty-one million American citizens don’t have these documents readily available.

​
Call Your Members of Congress​ at: 202-224-3121, tell them to vote NO on the Save Act. You can also​ email them here. 


Connecticut’s Key Industry must be held accountable for their role in climate disasters

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​CT companies like The Hartford, Travelers and WR Berkley all have significant investments and underwriting policies in climate destroying fossil fuel projects.

The carbon pollution from these projects lead to a warmer planet, exacerbating climate conditions that lead to deadly wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other climate-related devastation.

There are common sense solutions that can mitigate these deadly consequences but these continue to fall on the greedy, deaf ears of the insurance industry, fossil fuel projects and too many decision makers. 

As “the insurance capitol of the world”, Connecticut’s key industry should be one of the guiding lights in the rebuilding of devastated communities - after all, that is what property and casualty insurance is for.

Unfortunately, victims in California have seen their homeowners insurance revoked.

What can we do here in Connecticut? An immediate action you can take today is to contact Connecticut Treasurer Erik Russell.

Our State Treasurer, Erik Russell, is responsible for public investment management. His office manages where $50 billion gets invested and can influence corporate behavior as an investor.

Send a message to Treasurer Russell and tell him Connecticut must make both fiscally and ethically - smart investments, and to call out Connecticut insurers for their gross negligence.


The Next Roadmap Event is Scheduled for 2/27 in Bridgeport- Hope to See you There! 

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We’re coming to a town near you in 2025! Wondering why Connecticut has had billions of dollars in budget surpluses and yet we can’t invest in the things we need?

The State’s fiscal controls have been hampering our ability to invest in policies that children and families need, like a state-level Child Tax Credit, more affordable housing and healthcare options, affordable access to high-quality childcare, and more!

At this series of events we’ll share new research on the State’s fiscal controls (or what politicians are calling “fiscal guardrails”) that will shed light on how Connecticut can raise revenue to invest in all of our children and families.

We plan to offer child care, food and translation services at these free events.

We need your help to achieve the change we seek. You can help three ways: Join us (sign up below); share the research; and/or sponsor an individual event or the series.

REGISTER FOR AN EVENT (click on links below to get to the registration page for that particular event)


THE BRIDGEPORT EVENT IS FULL! THE NEXT EVENT WILL BE IN  TORRINGTON. FIND DETAILS HERE. ​


Take Action Against Healthcare Greed 

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Recent events have shown just how many Americans have direct and painful experience with the health insurance strategy of “guarding against unnecessary care.”
 
This is actually how insurance companies, in pursuit of ever increasing profits, deploy claims denials and other tactics. Your health is not their concern.

Want to join the fight? Click here to share your own healthcare story with CCAG and to sign up to receive healthcare updates and take part in coming actions.

We will be offering new events that uncover and explore healthcare greed. We will also share ways you can take part in the decision making this legislative session with CCAG and allies as we work for a strong Public Option for healthcare and to address insurance company’s abuses of prior authorization.

CCAG has been fighting healthcare greed since our founding more than 50 years ago. We are not stopping now, and we will be working this legislative session for real wins for Connecticut families.

Too many of us are being denied care – by insurance companies getting between us and our doctors.

 Enough is enough. Share your story and join the fight.


​Stop the Expansion of Fracked Gas Pipelines in Connecticut.

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​Environmental groups across the state are urging Governor Ned Lamont and DEEP Chairman Katie Dykes to keep CT’s climate promise, stand up for a clean energy future, and reject the permit for the Brookfield compressor station expansion & Project Maple (a fracked gas pipeline expansion).

​It is urgent that we stop the fracked gas compressor station expansion proposed for Brookfield, CT. The corporations that own the facility, TC Energy & Berkshire Hathaway, want to more than double the size of the facility. One of the most concerning things about this proposal is that the compressor station is located just 1900 feet away from the town's middle school. The final permit for the expansion in Brookfield is being reviewed right now by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). 


There are also many concerns around Enbridge's Project Maple, a proposed fracked gas pipeline extension from New Jersey to Rhode Island, running across Connecticut. Enbridge says new capacity is needed to keep up with demand. One major concern is leaking gas, which can lead to a range of health issues, from respiratory diseases to cancer.

​This pipeline threatens the health of our environment, communities, and the financial wellbeing of all Connecticut residents. Fracked gas infrastructure increases energy costs, strains household budgets, and further exacerbates our slow progress toward meeting Connecticut’s climate and carbon goals. Visit ccag.net to take action. Clean energy must be a priority!


You can take action on both projects here.

We need to put gas in the past, and invest in clean energy instead of more gas pipelines. Our energy bills, our air, and our climate are all at risk when we increase our dependence on fossil fuels. Connecticut residents deserve affordable energy bills and a healthier climate.



Rally for Climate Action & Affordable Energy Feb. 11TH - 3PM 

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​Thank you to all who came out to the Eversource corporate headquarters to protest unaffordable rate increases, harmful to low income customers, and the continued expansion of fossil fuels.

Watch this page for updates. 


In Massachusetts, Eversource publicly stated that they offered a bid on the expanded gas from Project Maple. In Connecticut, Eversource is the monopolistic electric utility for most of the state and also provides gas to many towns. Connecticut relies primarily on fossil fuels for both electricity and home heating, which raises rates, creates air pollution and destroys the climate. There are grave concerns about the continued increase in use of fossil gas and the possible purchase of additional gas from Project Maple in Connecticut.

We will rally to call out the role of our utility companies, especially Eversource, in the promotion and expansion of fossil fuels, as well as how they have consistently taken advantage of low income ratepayers. RSVP at: tinyurl.com/eversourcerally 


Methane Pipelines, Climate Change, & What Comes Next- Jan. 28th 

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting and informative webinar featuring Bill McKibben, the founder of Third Act, on January 28th at 7pm. Watch this page for updates. 

On this webinar you'll learn about how across New England and the
United States, the extraction, transportation, and burning of fossil fuels
continues to increase even as it destroys our climate.

​We'll discuss 
Project Maple, a proposed expansion of a methane pipeline in NY, CT, RI,
and MA which will continue to tie our region to dirty fossil fuels, raise
energy costs, pollute the air of our communities, and prevent our states
from meeting their climate goals.

In addition to Bill McKibben, author and founder of Third Act, we'll
hear from Dr. Sandra Steingraber, New York biologist and author, and local
organizers, Alycia Jenkins and Nick Katkevich.

RSVP today. We look forward to seeing you there!
Organized by CT Chapter Sierra Club 


What Hospital Consolidation Means for Our Health: Part 2 of the CCAG Healthcare Explainer Series

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important meeting leading up to the 2025 legislative session which convenes on January 8th.

With your help we are building the groundswell support it will take to fight against
 how greed affects our access to healthcare, and what we can do to combat private companies putting profit over their patients.

Featured Speakers included:
Brennan Bilberry, Fairmark Partners LLP
John Brady, American Federation of Teachers
Ernies Davis, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Ayesha Clarke, Health Equity Solutions
​
Watch for Part 3 of the series coming up soon. 

For questions, comments or to join the campaign,  contact Liz Dupont-Diehl at: Ldd.ccag@gmail. com


Thank you to the impressive number of folks who joined us for this important webiner re: Our State Treasurers Role in Our Climate Crisis 

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​Climate Impacts of Connecticut Treasurer Investments and Shareholder Activity.

On December 4th, CCAG co-hosted an informational webinar to share information about the CT State Treasurer and the powerful role the Treasurer can play in confronting the climate crisis. As an investor and shareholder, the Treasurer can stop financing for fossil fuel expansion, accelerate investments in clean energy, and hold polluters accountable.

We presented information about our State Treasurer Erick Russell, the actions taken by the Treasurer so far, and the next steps for sustainable finance and responsible investment practices to mitigate climate change.

We expect future action on or around January 7th. Please be sure to sign up for CCAG emails to be kept updated on this issue.

 For questions or to become more involved in CCAG’s climate work, contact: Helen Humphreys at: 
[email protected]

 Co-hosted by: Sierra Club CT, C3M, CCAG, IREJN and Third Act CT


Thank you to everyone who attended and/or supported the CCAG Anniversary and Awards Event on Nov. 14th! 

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Thank you for being part of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group’s Anniversary & Awards Celebration
 last week! Whether you attended, donated, or helped spread the word, your support made the evening a tremendous success.

Watch this page for photos, the consumer handbook and more coming soon! 


​To our incredible honorees, Lynne Ide and Reggy Saint Fortcolin—thank you for sharing your evening with us. Your stories and dedication inspired hope and renewed purpose among all who gathered.

​This event was not only a celebration but a powerful reminder of the strength we gain when we come together. The crowd was a beautiful reflection of the many skills, perspectives, and passions that enrich our collective actions. Each of you brought something unique, lifting spirits and building camaraderie at a time when many needed it most.

As we look ahead, CCAG is excited to work alongside each and every one of you to continue advocating for justice and progress. To strengthen our efforts:
  • Become a member through a small monthly donation to help sustain our work year-round.
  • Encourage others to join you by signing up for our email list to stay informed and take action in the critical months ahead.

​As Lynne Ide aptly said in her award acceptance speech: “Don’t mourn, organize!” Together, we will carry the energy of this celebration into the fights that lie ahead, stronger and more united than ever.


A heartfelt thank-you to the Host Committee members who made Nov. 14th and the upcoming auction possible: Donna Becotte & Rep. Gregg Haddad, Bill Bloss, Beverly Brakeman, Marc Caplan, Steve Derby, Chris Donovan, Juan Figueroa, Jeff Freiser, Heidi Green, Scott Harris, Rep. Susan Johnson, Anne Stanback & Charlotte Kinlock, Dan Livingston, Sen. Rick Lopes, Tessa Marquis & Mike Brown, Judy Maslen, Amy McLean, Jenny Lee Michel & Rep. David Michel, Sen. Marilyn Moore, John Murphy, Rep. Mary Mushinsky, Lucy Nolan, Nick Nyhart, Cheri Quickmire, Miles Rapoport, Ethan Rome, Phil Sherwood, Peggy Shorey, LJ Spring, Pat Rehmer & Rep. Peter Tercyak, Aaron Turner, and Jill Zorn. 

Your tireless efforts ensured this event was one to remember and created a space where hope and determination could flourish.

P.S. Our virtual Holiday Auction opened for preview on November 20tg, items will continue to be added until bidding goes live on November 30 at 8 AM. Bidding will close on December 10 at 8 PM. Pre-register today to get a leg up on the competition and secure your spot!



​CT Utilities Wanted to Invest in More Polluting Gas at Your Expense - Your Voice Made a Difference. RATE HIKES DENIED! 

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Thank you all, watch for updates here

Natural Gas Rate Hikes. CT Natural Gas (CNG), Southern CT Gas (SCG) and Yankee Gas have requested an increase in rates, and want to prolong our dependence on fossil fuels by making investments in gas infrastructure; they want to force us to pay for it with our wallets, our health, and our climate.
 
On October 4th a draft decision was made to not only deny the gas rate hikes for CNG and SCG but also reduce the rates. This decision is a win for ratepayers, but a disappointment for our climate.

The companies' proposed clean energy projects were found ineligible for recovery because they would not meaningfully reduce emissions. Gas companies must align long term planning for the gas distribution system with the state's decarbonization goals and avoid investment in the system beyond necessary safety repairs. The utilities had proposed to recover money for wholesale replacement of leak prone pipes. A better alternative is to evaluate all projects for targeted electrification, non-pipe alternatives, or networked geothermal/district heat pump systems.

Contact [email protected] if you have any questions or need help sending comments.

News Articles: 
  • Regulators Reject Rate Hike Requests From Natural Gas Providers -November 19th, 2924 - By  Jamil Ragland - CT News Junkie 
  • Connecticut Utilities Want to Invest in More Polluting Gas – at Your Expense FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | SHANNON LAUN Vice President of Conservation Law Foundation, CT

Electric Rate Shock - Two Critical Actions to Take NOW! 

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Republican leaders and utility companies are spreading lies about the cause of  skyrocketing energy bills - and throwing clean energy under the bus.

Here are the facts: In 2017, mostly Republican lawmakers caved to pressure from Dominion and voted to give it a sweetheart deal on power generated by the Millstone nuclear plant.

More recently, two PURA commissioners voted to recoup associated costs in just 10 months instead of 3 years.

Your voice is needed! Please take both of the following actions now!
  • Tell PURA Commissioners Betkoski and Caron to reverse their decision to recoup costs over a 10 month period and adopt Chairperson Marissa Gillett's recommendation that costs be spread out over three years. Let Commissioners Betkoski and Caron know we are sick and tired of energy corporations driving up our costs. Click here to send your message.
  • Tell Your Legislators to Support Efficiency to Lower Energy Costs and start addressing the real issues driving up electric bills. Send your message to your legislators and Republican leadership today! 


The CID decision is in, thank you to everyone who took action! 

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Health insurance companies asked the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) for its blessing to raise your rates - again.

The CID heard you and on September 6, they issued their final rulings on 8 health insurance rate filings for the 2025 individual and small group markets. These were for plans that currently cover about 200,000 people.

The average rate increase requested in the individual market was reduced by 29% from the requested 8.3%, resulting in an average increase of 5.9%. The average rate increase requested in the small group market was reduced 35% from a requested average of 11.9%, resulting in an average increase of 7.8%.

​There is still more work to do. CCAG released a press statement:  "We appreciate the Insurance Department rolling back the proposed health insurance rate hikes and placing a cap on profits on health insurance. However, prices are still too high.  The review did not adequately analyze how vertical integration impacts rates and did not place limits on this. The legislature needs to give the Department the tools to do this analysis and limit insurers' schemes to profit at every level."

We are pleased that the hikes have been mitigated to a degree.
Clearly, our government needs to act in a much stronger manner to rein in these corporate profiteers.
​
  • Read the CID Announcement
  • Read the Rate Filings Fact Sheet
  • View CCAG's press release & report  revealing 2023 spending by just four health insurance companies on profits, CEO pay and stock buybacks. They are making billions by rejecting your claims and raising your rates.
​
​Stay tuned for updates and future action! 


Cycle4CT 24 Thank you to everyone who participated! 

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​The Cycle4CT Challenge raises funds to strengthen our organizing capacity in Connecticut  to make progress towards a Zero Carbon Future. Watch this site for updates! 

To Our Courageous Challengers

Your commitment helped raise crucial funds for CCAG's climate and environmental justice advocacy. Special thanks to: Tony Adamcyzk with Team Our Only Planet, Duste Dunn, Liz Dupont-Diehl with Team Dupont-Diehl Farm Riders, Daniel Livingston, Donald Rogers, and L.J. Spring with Team Power Peddling for Our Planet.

To Our Generous Donors

Your contributions have fueled our mission and empowered us to continue our vital work. We couldn't do this without you.

Heartfelt thanks to: Anthony Adamczyk, Bob Reutenauer, Chris Kelly, Daniel Braccio, Daniel Livingston, David Pickus, Debbie Caves, Deborah Green, Donald Rogers, Duste Dunn, Ed Davies, Emily Wolfe, Ethan Price-Livingston, Hilary Carpenter, Hildred's Farm, Jack Potter, Jazz Singh, Joanna James, Jody Barr, Kaia Yoga, Katherine Hermees, Laura Jordan, L.J. Spring, Louise Simmons, Marc Caplan, Marina Boccarossa, Melodie Erdmann, Michael Winkler, Nicole Rothgeb, Patricia Rogers, Patricia Rothgeb, Paul Filson,Paul Vakos, Rob Thomas, Robert Nixon, Samuel King Stuart and Carol Sisco, Thomas Pendagast, Tiana Holder, Tom and Meg Meiklejohn, Tracy Deegan, Tom Swan, Tricia G, and Win Heimer.

To Our Business Sponsors: Your partnership and support have been instrumental in making Cycle4CT a success. We are deeply grateful to you all.

Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn & Kelly, PC is a law firm based in Hartford, CT. The firm's experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing their clients with the best possible representation. Livingston, LAPMK is committed to fighting for the rights of their clients in employment, labor, and civil rights laws to ensure a more just workplace.


Kaia Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to yoga, meditation, teacher trainings, and wellness education. With 10 locations in CT and NY, as well as virtual classes, they provide accessibility and flexibility for individuals seeking a holistic and mindful practice. Their commitment to creating a sense of community and offering diverse class options sets them apart, making Kaia Yoga a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

CEUI is a labor union that has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and interests of workers in CT. Their team of experienced union representatives works tirelessly to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect.

Between the Lines on WPKN hosted by CCAG Alumni Scott Harris offers a platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of social, political, and environmental issues. With a commitment to independent journalism and grassroots activism, the show provides a valuable space for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives to be heard. Through thought-provoking interviews and insightful analysis, Between the Lines fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry.

ComForCare provides in-home care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer a variety of services, including personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. ComForCare has been recognized for it's high-quality care with numerous awards and accolades for its services. They are a trusted and reliable choice for anyone in need of home care services.

Sacrament is a local epicenter for creatives to exchange resources and heighten intuitive gifts. By cultivating our relationship with ourselves, we can create connections extending beyond our own inner worlds. Available resources at Sacrament include reiki healing & aura reading, a Sunlighten infrared sauna, custom Bach flower essences, custom essential oil blends and a shop offering vintage treasures and various tools for self-care rituals. Located at 95 Main St., Norwalk, CT. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sacrament.us to shop online or book an appointment.

Cycle4CT is more than just a fundraiser; it's a movement. Your involvement has not only helped us financially but has also raised awareness about the urgent need for climate action. Together, we are making a significant impact.

Contact Natasha Kuranko for questions regarding our climate work. If you're inspired by this year’s event and would like to participate as a challenger next year, we would love to hear from you! 

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of the CCAG community. Together, we’re pedaling towards a brighter, greener future. View the August Climate newsletter here. To see what your contribution supports. 

TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE OUR PLANET ONE REVOLUTION AT A TIME! 




Thank you to everyone who joined us to hold Travelers Insurance Company accountable on May 15th! 

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On May 15th, CCAG and Third Act CT activists attended the Travelers Insurance Company stockholder meeting in Hartford.

Travelers is one of the top fossil fuel insurers in the world. From inside the meeting, we presented our list of demands including that they stop insuring fossil fuel projects.  

Over the summer, we will continue to pressure these companies. If fossil fuel projects aren't insured or underwritten, they can't exist.
​
CCAG and Insure Our Future continue to work to hold insurance companies accountable for climate destruction. The Connecticut legislature failed to pass any regulatory policies for insurance companies in our state that invest in and underwrite fossil fuels this year.

Once again, we find we must take this issue into our own hands and directly to the insurance companies. Stay tuned for more actions coming soon. Be sure to join our email list for updates on this issue. 

For questions or comments contact Helen Humphreys at: [email protected]

PRESS & MEDIA: 
Climate activists in Hartford urge insurance giant Travelers to cut ties with fossil fuel companies
By Matt Dwyer, CT Public Radio, 5/15/24

What happened inside the meeting? Excerpt from Insure Our Future Twitter page. 

Connecticut Climate Activists to Rally at Travelers Shareholder Meeting
Travelers Shareholder Press Advisory, 5/14/24​

Student Climate Campaign Targets CT-Based Insurance Companies for Fossil Fuel Investments. Interview with Joanna Mallary, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Hartford, conducted by Scott Harris-
Counter Point, 5/13/24


Thank you to everyone who sent comments to PURA re: the most recent electric rate hike requests

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Eversource (Cl & P) and United Illuminating are back for more of your money with yet another rate hike request.

Utility rates are an essential pocketbook issue for Connecticut residents. Many of us are still struggling pay off the last increase and other household expenses like food and medicine. The economic effects of inflation and other pressures continue to impact Connecticut residents’ finances.

UPDATE: Electric bills for Eversource customers are slated to go up this summer, according to bill adjustments released by the utility this week.

In April, the state’s three-member Public Utilities Regulatory Authority voted 2-1 in favor of the 10-month rate increase in spite of the tremendous public outcry.

CCAG commends PURA Chairman Marissa Gillett who voted against the increase. She said that the increase should have been spread out over a longer time period to lessen the impact on customers. “Instead, customers will bear the brunt of this extraordinary volatility and anomalous conditions over the course of an unreasonably short period of time given the magnitude of costs at stake,” 

The rate adjustments come as residents enter the summer months, when people typically consume more power, turning on air conditioners to cool their homes.

One small adjustment is that the hike will begin to show up in customers bills in July rather than May. United Illuminating customers will see an average of $359.36 and Eversource customers will see an increase of approximately $304.56 a year.


Thank Environment Committee Members for holding Insurers accountable!

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​For the last 4 years, CCAG has been working hard to hold insurance companies accountable for propping up fossil fuel projects and fueling the climate crisis.
the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee just voted a groundbreaking policy out of committee.

The committee voted to approve the Governor's Climate Resiliency bill (SB11) with an amendment that advances a climate resiliency fund to support communities in Connecticut harmed by extreme weather disasters fueled by climate chaos.

This piece of legislation would take a crucial step in highlighting insurers' role in the climate crisis, and hold them accountable for the devastation their underwriting policies have caused.

You can send a thank you note to the Environment Committee Members who voted YES on S.B.11.

​Thanks to them, the bill is headed to the Senate floor, and we have a real chance at holding insurers accountable. Here is the full vote tally list: 

We have until May 8th to get this passed through both chambers, so stay tuned for more actions!


Climate and Environment Advocacy Day! 3/15/24

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Come to the State Capitol in Hartford to advocate for strong and meaningful legislation to protect our environment and keep Connecticut's climate promise!

​At this event you will hear from speakers about bills before the legislature on topics including climate, clean energy, pollution reduction, toxics, and waste reduction. We'll have materials available for you to share with your legislators following the program. Once you have signed up, please reach out to your own legislators, invite them to the program, and ask to meet with them after the program ends at 10:30 am.

Cohosted by Sierra Club CT, CTLCV, Clean Water Action, CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance, CT NOFA, CCAG, Coalition for Pesticide Reform, Third Act CT, CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, CLF, Save the Sound, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental and Economic Justice
RSVP Here. 


Insure Our Future campaigns Global Week of Action- CT Action 2/26/24 ​

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Next week is the Insure Our Future campaigns Global Week of Action. There will be actions all around the world calling out insurance companies' role in the climate crisis, and in the US we are setting our sights on the insurers of the toxic LNG terminals.

Join us Monday (2/26) from 11:30am-1pm outside The Hartford insurance company in downtown Hartford to stand with Louisiana frontline activists and hold underwriters accountable!

On Monday (2/26) two activists from the Louisiana Gulf will be traveling all the way to Hartford to confront The Hartford, as they are one of the underwriters listed on US LNG export terminals. We will hear from activists and Lake Charles community members, Roishetta Sibley Ozane and James Hiatt, who have been fighting tirelessly to protect their community.

Insurance is Connecticut's keystone industry, and The Hartford touts themselves as one of the "world's most ethical companies" .

As Connecticut citizens, we must hold them accountable and stand in solidarity with the communities that are suffering from their greed.

Please feel free to share this action to your lists/contacts and let me know if you have any questions or would like to get more involved!

See you Monday! Helen Humphreys, CCAG Communications Coordinator


Public Hearing: Raise the Age for HUSKY4Immigrants! Wednesday February 21st, 2pm

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Over the last 3 years, as part of the HUSKY for Immigrants Coalition, CCAG helped to expand HUSKY Healthcare to kids under 15 and pregnant people We know health needs don’t stop at 15, so we’re ready to make noise again

The Appropriations Committee has called a Public Hearing on Wednesday February 21, at 2pm where individuals can speak out on what services our state should fund! We’re asking everyone to submit testimony asking the Appropriations Committee to fund HUSKY for immigrants up to age 18 in this year's budget

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED. The deadline to submit testimony is  February 21st by 10am!

Here is a "Testimony Writing Form", which allows you to easily and quickly draft your testimony! 


Clean cars - clean air

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State Republicans and a Koch brothers front group  are spreading extensive lies about what proposed new clean cars regs would do. 

Click here to write to lawmakers and let them know you stand with Governor Lamont in standing up to the Koch brothers and making sure Connecticut remains a leader in adopting clean energy!

A vote in the regulatory committee was delayed - but Governor Lamont and Democrat lawmakers have vowed to continue to work on passing these good regulations and on building a charging infrastructure that is fair and equitable and meets our human and climate needs.

Not only if it is the right thing to do - it means Connecticut won’t lose out on millions of federal dollars allocated for clean cars.

As the Governor and others pointed out, people in our cities breathe air that is far more polluted by fossil fuel emissions from gas-powered cars than their suburban neighbors. This is an equity issue as well as a climate emergency.

Show Governor Lamont and others that we have their backs as they fight for the right thing!
​
Click here today. Thanks for all you do.



2023

 Thank You to Everyone Who Took Action to Stop Health Insurance Greed On October 11th, 2023

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Health insurance companies are making trillions by denying people care. 

Wall Street is happy - but people are suffering, as for-profit insurance companies reject care recommended by doctors to ensure their profits, executive pay and stock buybacks.
Join us to march on two main offenders in Hartford - Aetna and UnitedHealth. Their CEO salaries and stock buybacks will curl your hair. And they are taking public money for Medicare Advantage meant to provide healthcare for seniors, people with disabilities, and poor people -- and instead using it to pad executive salaries and profits by denying medically necessary care.

Thank you to everyone who gathered with us and marched outside of Mother Aetna on Farmington Ave., and continued to UnitedHealth on Asylum St. ​


#MarchtoEndFossilFuels September 17th 2023 in NYC

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Thank you to everyone who joined us for this critical action on climate! You can help mitigate damaging climate changes that are affecting our lives and earth as we know it, both locally and globally.

On September 17th, CT citizens joined over 75,000 people for the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City. 

The march took place ahead of the first of its kind, UN Climate Ambition Summit. We called on President Biden to stop fossil fuel expansion, leveraging as much national and international pressure as possible to call on him to change course.

​Decisive action is needed now to prevent vast regions of earth from becoming practically or entirely uninhabitable. We need an emergency, unprecedented transition from fossil fuels to renewable power.


​Thank you to all who Supported PURA's UI Rate Denial!

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​UPDATE! August 25th. PURA makes final decision on UI's rate hike request. Thank you to everyone who participated!

In a press release, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said PURA "rejects The United Illuminating Company's proposed distribution rate increase of $131 million over three years. Instead, the Final Decision authorizes an increase of $22.957 million."

PURA also rejected UI's rejected UI's request for an extension to make their case.
There is no doubt that everyone who took action helped this to happen. Thank you!


Background:
  • UI requested an extra $36 million in revenue. PURA's decision was to agree to an increase of roughly $3 million. This is an increase in revenue - not a reduction - just not as large an increase as they requested.
  • In the last rate case UI promised to clean up English Station, which they never did. Our state must hold them accountable. UI should not continue to enjoy increasing profits from CT residents especially in environmental justice communities when they refuse to meet their previous legal and financial obligations.
PURA's decision is the result of years of reform in CT.  Our Governor made some strides by recruiting and appointing Marissa Gillett as Chair of PURA, passing the Take Back Our Grid 2020 Act, and supporting Take Back Our Grid 2023. We need to stand strong together and continue to protect ratepayers.


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​CCAG has brought you news that just four greedy health insurance companies reported taking $400 BILLION away from your care - to pay for CEO compensation, gross profits, and stock buybacks.

Now they want to raise your rates!


Requested increases are as high as 23% – from companies that are spending billions of your premium dollars on executive pay, stock buybacks, and profits.

The insurance department is holding an informational session Monday, August 21 at 9 am. Join us in front of the LOB to demand it reject the requested increases and instead take into account executive pay, vertical integration, stock buybacks and profits.  Click here to sign up for Monday's protest, and here to tell Commissioner Andrew Mais to reject the increases!

CCAG has revealed that 2022 spending by just four health insurance companies on profits, CEO pay and stock buybacks was just short of $400 billion.  Click here for our posts and for some of the feedback we have received!

Click here for more background.

Clearly, government needs to act in a much stronger manner to rein in these corporate profiteers! Make sure to  submit testimony and speak out at the public hearing!


CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
REGISTER TO VOTE
Check Your voting status



EARLIER IN 2023


It's CIGNA Week! 

For the next four weeks we will bring you details of how Anthem - now Elevance; CVS Health, UnitedHealth Group and Cigna -  have used $400 billion of premiums and tax dollars to enrich themselves and shareholders. 

CEO David Cordani raked in $37 million in compensation in 2022 and spent tens of billions buying back Cigna Healthcare's own stock -- now he wants CT to raise premiums to pay for it. 

Tell CT,  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. 

Send your comments to the CID to say NO TO THE RATE HI​
Click here for more information.



June 21st Insure Our Future Rally, Travelers Championship Tournament

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Travelers Insurance is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world.


For the last three years, CCAG has been urging Travelers to #InsureOurFuture and divest from fossil fuels.

However, we continue to be met with greenwashing and ineffective policies.

Travelers will be holding its annual Championship Golf Tournament in Cromwell, and Wednesday June 21st is their Pro-Am Day where Travelers Executives will be in attendance.


RSVP here to join CCAG, Sierra Club CT and the Insure Our Future coalition for a rally outside the gates of the Travelers Tournament! 
We will send logistics and more information after you RSVP.

Let's continue to hold Travelers accountable for their role in the climate crisis and urge them to #INSUREOURFUTURE!




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​As our lawmakers enter the last three days of session, we've got to keep up the pressure for a moral budget! 


11am: Revival For a Moral Budget (Emanuel Lutheran Church at 311 Capitol Ave, then march to Capitol). As part of our ongoing series of strike support actions for long term care workers, we'll be meeting for a speaker program at 11am at Emanuel Lutheran Church, then marching together to the Capitol. Please turn out! ​

​4:30pm: Time to Show Up! HUSKY 4 Immigrants (LOB, then march to Capitol). We have been hearing that the state legislature and the governor landed on an agreement on expansion up to age 15. This is unacceptable. We demand an additional 3 million dollars to at least cover up to age 18. We're gathering at the LOB at 4:30pm, then marching to the Capitol. Please turn out! 
Here's the signup link.


June 1st, ​Restore and Expand our Health Care Safety Net!

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Join us for the Recovery for All Solidarity Action with Striking Workers!

HUSKY for Immigrants, Expand Services to Save Lives Coalition, 1199 Home Care workers, and the Stop HUSKY Health Discrimination coalition are joining forces to support striking workers and demand a moral budget!


There will be a Story Wall display outside the Capitol, coordinated with stories shared on social media highlighting folks in the campaigns, their support for the striking workers, and their demand for a moral budget that includes all of the RFA issues. Health Care is a Human Right! FLYER HERE


Please contact Constanza if you have any questions or need more information: 
​[email protected]

​



May 24th Rally for Climate at the Travelers Annual Shareholder Meeting

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Join CCAG and the Insure Our Future campaign for a protest outside Travelers shareholder meeting at the Hartford Marriott on Columbus Blvd. We will be calling on them to #InsureOurFuture not fossil fuels!

We have very exciting news about this Wednesday's rally at Travelers shareholder meeting
Leadership from the Gwich'in Steering Committee will travel over 4,300 miles from Alaska to CT to protect sacred land from oil and gas.

Please join @OurArcticRefuge in support of Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff, who will deliver a statement at the AGM. Members of the GSC Youth Council will be joining the rally as well.
RSVP here for details!


Background
On May 24th, Travelers Insurance will hold their annual shareholder meeting in Hartford.

This year, investors will vote on shareholder resolutions calling on the insurance company to:

1. phase out underwriting of new fossil fuel projects,
2. to align its underwriting and investments portfolio 1.5ºC,
3. conduct a racial equity audit that incorporates considerations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

Travelers is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world and must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis.

RSVP & find more info here to rally for climate action at the Travelers Insurance annual shareholder meeting!


MAY 17TH DAY OF ACTIONS! SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW

SB 4 Lobby Day 5/17/23​

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Join us for a day of action at 2pm then stay after for the grand finale at 6pm. 

Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive housing bill that increases protections for tenants, increases the availability of affordable housing, and makes a meaningful investment in improved efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most.

Happening Wednesday, May 17 at the Legislative Office Building for a lobby day to urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 4. At this event, you'll hear about the bill from advocates and the lawmakers who are championing it. You'll learn how to talk to lawmakers about the bill, and then we'll talk to lawmakers!

RSVP today!

You can also click here to tell your lawmakers to  support SB4!

After this action, join us for the grand finale at 6pm! Scroll down for details. 



Rally for a Moral Budget 5/17/23

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​Join CCAG & Recovery For All as we demand a moral budget!¡Únase a Recovery For All mientras exigimos un presupuesto moral!

What: while the Governor and legislative leadership are negotiating the budget inside the Capitol, we will join Recovery For All to show up in force outside the Capitol and call on them to do the right thing. ​RSVP & find more info here. 


Where: State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT Capitolio estatal, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 

When: On May 17 at 6:00 PM


Download parking & transportation info



5/17 Support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of CT Lobby Day 

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Join Common Cause in CT on Wednesday, May 17th at 10:30 AM in Hartford, CT where their Lobby Day will be held at the Legislative Office Building Atrium, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. 

This Lobby Day will give community members (you!) an opportunity to speak with your legislators and encourage them to act on behalf of the overwhelming number of Connecticut residents who are in favor of equitable access to voting & to  urge legislators to support and co-sponsor the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of CT! 
You will also have the opportunity to provide stories of any barriers to voting you or someone you know may have encountered. 

RSVP & more info here.
Feel free to send this form out to anyone you think should be in attendance! 

Parking instructions for Lobby Day



Join us May 3!

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 Support major investment in EJ Communities - Join us May 17!

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Senate Bill 4 will bring millions in investment for cleaner air and energy conservation to low-income communities.

​Join us for a Day of Action May 17 from 2-5 pm at the Legislative Office Building to support this groundbreaking bill! 

SB 4 will increase affordable housing options, lower energy costs for low-income communities, and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. 


Join us May 17 - and click here to tell your lawmakers to  support SB4!



Earth Day is our Birthday! April 22nd

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Since its inception in 1970 on the First Earth Day as Earth Action, then incorporated as CT Citizen Action Group (CCAG) in 1971, the CCAG continues to take action on the issues you care about. You can read more about this year's environmental agenda here.

​If you are not a current donor, 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 an Earth Day birthday gift of $5, $10, $20 or more for those who can’t.

Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!

Values that drive our work: We are based on the belief:
  • that democracy is not a spectator sport and that an accountable government plays a vital role in any just society;
  • that it is imperative for people to be willing to challenge powerful interests;
  • that all people deserve an equal opportunity and to achieve this we must overcome our legacy of discrimination based upon race, gender, sexuality and ability;
  • that as a society we must work to end poverty and exploitation, guarantee health security for all of families and equal access to a quality public education, and
  • that we have a responsibility to leave future generations with a more sustainable and just place to live.
Mission: CCAG is a statewide membership-based organization dedicated to actively engaging the residents of CT to alter the relations of power in order to build a more just society.

Through its history CCAG has utilized a variety of strategies towards this end. It has included community organizing, mass canvasses, legislative advocacy, direct action, political endorsements, trainings, research, and coalition building. This experience can not be matched in Connecticut or arguably in any other state. The staff and leaders who have participated in these efforts continue to play significant roles in Connecticut and across the country in the fight to build a more just and sustainable society. Please consider a donation to support this work today.


April 4th is National Healthy Schools Day

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Join us as we celebrate this national day of action with our Breathe Better: Healthy Schools Forum. 

WHO: Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, CT Coalition for Healthy Air in Schools
WHAT: Breathing Better: Healthy Schools Forum
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1C
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, 11 am 

 We will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of Connecticut’s landmark 2003 School IAQ law and discussing opportunities for continued advocacy. We hope you will join us for this informative program.
 
Click HERE to Register Today!

The forum is sponsored by The Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut, CCAG, ConnectiCOSH, and the national Healthy Schools Network.

 We hope you’ll join us and share this flyer with your members!


Support Worker Rights - Public Hearing Thursday 3/9!

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In Connecticut, hundreds of thousands of working people are struggling to raise families, while a handful of wealthy corporations and wealthy residents are getting even wealthier.

​Adding insult to injury, working people in Connecticut are also contributing a greater share of their income for the services we all rely on while the wealthiest fail to pay what they owe to state and local governments. 

This isn’t an accident.  Decades of bad policy choices have made Connecticut ground zero for the most extreme racial, economic, and gender inequities in the country.

We have an opportunity to right some of these wrongs by supporting 4 workers rights bills at the Labor Committee this Thursday.


These bills will help protect workers! 
HB 6859 AN ACT CONCERNING PREDICTABLE SCHEDULING. [talking points]
SB 1177 AN ACT CONCERNING ONE FAIR WAGE. [talking points]
SB 1178 AN ACT EXPANDING CONNECTICUT PAID SICK DAYS. [talking points]
SB 1180 AN ACT CONCERNING RIDESHARE AND DELIVERY DRIVER MINIMUM STANDARDS. [talking points]

Recovery for All's TESTIMONY GUIDE is  HERE (si necesita ayuda en español, avíseme: [email protected])

​Deadline to register for live testimony:
this Wednesday, March 8 at 3pm.


Submit written testimony 
Register for live testimony 

If you need RFA to help you, sign up here by Wednesday March 8th 2pm and we will help prepare & submit testimony.

Public Hearing 2/28 for Senate Bill 4

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​Low-income and Environmental Justice Communities. SB 4 is an historic opportunity to invest in clean energy, reduce bills, improve indoor health, and create job opportunities for our most vulnerable communities.

The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A of the LOB and via Zoom. The deadline to register to testify/submit testimony is Monday, February 27th at 3:00 PM. 

​Individuals who wish to testify in-person or via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Please submit written testimony using the On-line Testimony Submission Form.

Need help? Find  sample testimony & talking points Here.

Skyrocketing energy prices are disproportionately harming Connecticut's most vulnerable communities, and this bill will help to reduce bills through energy efficiency and improved housing. You can make a difference! Please consider testifying in person, via zoom or submitting written testimony today! ​

MORE: Renters Rights... 
​


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Join us Monday, February 27th at 6pm  to write testimony for the the hearing on SB 4

Info on the full bill from CT Renews:
  • Testimony Guide
  • S.B. 4 Talking Points
  • S.B. 4 Written Testimony Template
  • Info and sample testimony on the Energy parts of the bill here.  

​
Zoom link



Economic Justice Hearing 2/27 

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​ Can’t Stop / Won’t Stop  But actually we are almost done with public hearing season — good work crew!

THIS COMING MONDAY the two Recovery For All revenue bills will have a public hearing!  SB351 + HB5673 

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 9:00am in Room 2E of the LOB and via Zoom. You can also watch it on
YouTube.

Connecticut leads in income inequality, leaving the poorest residents to deal with education gaps, health disparities, unattainable home ownership and other hardships. Years of austerity and disinvestment have worsened inequities and hampered economic growth. Vulnerable populations, who struggled to make ends meet before, are battling to survive. Yet the wealthy continue to profit from a booming stock market, adding billions to their portfolios.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.  We’re the majority.  

 TESTIMONY GUIDE HERE [ English + Español ]
  • Submit written testimony Choose the 2/27 hearing date from drop down, click “support”, and while holding ctrl click both Senate Bill 351 and House Bill 5673
  • Register for live testimony deadline to register is Sunday 2/26 at 3pm

Anyone needing help should contact Norma Martinez-HoSang [email protected] (203-507-7120) or Constanza Segovia [email protected] (860-307-3359)


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​Wednesday, February 22nd at 10:00AM there is a public legislative hearing on proposed implementation plans for Early Voting, on the proposed resolution to allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting and on improving current access to Absentee Ballots.  

Although Connecticut is known to be a progressive state, we still have some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. These bills are crucial step to rectify our history of voter suppression and discrimination.

The hearing is in-person in Room 2A of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford, AND via Zoom and will be broadcast on YouTube Live.

Here is how you can take action...  
  • DOWNLOAD THIS SAMPLE TESTIMONY and make your own edits (yellow highlights are prompts for your own input). The hearing agenda is here.
  • ATTACH YOUR TESTIMONY AND EMAIL IT directly to [email protected] (the Assistant Clerk for the Government Administration & Elections (GAE) Committee. Or submit your testimony by using this On-line Testimony Submission form.
  • SIGN UP TO PROVIDE IN-PERSON TESTIMONY OR LIVE VIRTUAL ZOOM TESTIMONY for the 10:00AM, Weds. Feb. 22nd hearing.  The deadline to register is 3PM TODAY Feb. 21st!

​We must make sure our legislators listen to their constituents and make Connecticut's elections more fair and accessible. A healthy democracy is one that works for ALL of us.
Let's make it happen.


February 21 Healthcare Hearings

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Human Services Committee Hearing, 11 am: HB 991, An Act Concerning Medicaid Reimbursement for Community Health Workers. Community health workers are known to be extremely effective in conveying critical health and wellness information - yet too many providers struggle to fund these critical positions, often relying on grants which are inherently time-limited.

Please submit written testimony in Word or PDF format here. Our partners, Health Equity Solutions, have provided testimony templates here, and Fact Sheets, here.

If you plan to testify via zoom or in person, register using this Online Testimony Registration Form by 3:00 P.M. Feb.  20th.The first hour of the hearing is reserved for public officials. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live.

Insurance and Real Estate Committee Hearing, 2:30 pm
Bills being heard include;
  •  HB 983, An Act Limiting Anticompetitive Healthcare Practices, and HB 6620, An Act Promoting Competition in Contracts Between Health Carriers and Health Care Providers.  
HB 983, the Governor’s bill, gives the Attorney General authority to bring action against health care providers, health carriers or health plan administrators for various anticompetitive practices, and requires them to provide price and cost data to the Office of Health Strategy to to monitor compliance and support transparency.
  • HB 6629 would require a waiver from the Insurance Commissioner for anti-competitive practices including any an all-or-nothing clauses, anti-steering clauses, or gag clauses.

Click here to submit written testimony. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live and CT-N.com.   Anyone wishing to testify must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form by 3:00 P.M. February 20th. To register to testify by phone, call 860-240-0510 to leave your contact information.  

All of these bills are important. Join us in demanding that the health care profiteers -- health insurance companies, pharma, and hospitals engaging in anticompetitive practices -– are held to account.  

We need these bills, and beyond them – a review of the greedy practices of the health insurance industry. Demand that our taxes and premium dollars go towards keeping people healthy – not deepening inequality by making rich shareholders even more wealthy.

Just imagine if health insurance companies had paid for community health workers during COVID - instead of raking in billions in profits and spending billions more buying back their own stock.

In addition to testifying Tuesday, please like and share the Connecticut’s Five Families facebook page for continuing news of health insurance greed, and check out our update last August on their 2021 stock buybacks, executive pay, and obscene profits.




Share Your Healthcare Story

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Many of us are not able to access health care, experiencing medical debt or high co-pays and deductibles, or unable to access insurance or health care at all.  

​CCAG wants to hear your story.
Fill out this form to schedule an appointment with a CCAG organizer. We will protect your privacy, and you can share your story anonymously if you wish.

We will use your stories to tell lawmakers that enough is enough, and demand they prioritize your health over the greed of the healthcare system.


We will also keep you updated about bills this legislative session on these issues, and of opportunities to take action this year and beyond.




2022 


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​We can't let utilities continue to run roughshod over all of us.

Join us  Sunday at noon at the Capitol.


We need to make sure our leaders know these rate hikes are on Connecticut citizen’s radar.

Please attend and spread the word!

Now is the time for the Governor and legislature to act.

Long term costs can be helped by building a robust efficiency program around the state. This would help reign in utility companies who continue to find opportunities for profiteering.
​
Thanks to the Nonprofit Accountability Group, GTA860, C3M and Power Up CT for organizing Sunday's action! ​


Join us to fight for Education Equity

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Connecticut's broken education funding system is failing too many children.

In New York, the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE) has made real gains in improving funding to schools and advancing equity in education.
​
Join us Tuesday, November 22,  for a Zoom presentation by Rosemary Rivera of AQE. We will strategize with other Connecticut leaders about how we can work together for a more equitable funding system and better outcomes for our kids!  This event is co-sponsored by Recovery for All.Click here to register. 


Get Involved and Vote Yes on Question One! 

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This November in Connecticut, there is a Constitutional Amendment (Question 1) on the ballot. It’s important.

The purpose is to permit in-person Early Voting in Connecticut by allowing the state legislature to establish a system of Early Voting, much like nearly every state in the nation.  

Currently, 46 states permit Early Voting.  Connecticut does not, which often discourages or prevents eligible voters in our state from voting. Early Voting can help families, commuters, employees, employers, seniors and students – virtually everyone who is eligible to vote.  

As Americans, voting is among our most fundamental rights. Especially in Connecticut – the Constitution State – eliminating obstacles so that residents can exercise that right is why Question 1 is so important.

VOTE YES FOR EARLY VOTING!

Pollstanders are needed! To sign up for a training, click here.

A web site with more information is here. 

A printable flyer is here. 


Protect the Arctic Refuge

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Join CCAG, Sierra Club Connecticut and Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign partners on November 10 to tell Travelers Insurance:  Take a stand and cut ties with the companies drilling in the Arctic!

When projects are too inherently damaging and risky to ecosystems and humankind -- like plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- no insurance company should be involved.

And when insurance backs out, companies cannot drill.

We've been putting pressure on Travelers all year, with actions at their headquarters, letters, and social media. Now, join us in delivering the thousands of petitions that have been collected to their CEO calling on them not to underwrite oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.

Sign up and receive details here. ​

We'll hear from speakers working on this campaign, then deliver the petitions. Dress warmly!

QUESTIONS: Helen Humphreys- [email protected]

Coalition Partners Include: Gwich'in Steering Committee, Environment America and Environment Connecticut, Seeding Sovereignty, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, The Wilderness Society, First Peoples Worldwide, Insure our Future, Rainforest Action Network, and the Alaska Wilderness League.


Share Your Health Care Story!

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​Are problems with your insurance stopping you from getting the care you need? Getting organized with the CT Citizen Action Group, and the national Care Over Cost campaign, can help. 

Click here to sh
are what you are experiencing with your health insurance, and to learn about resources to help if you are experiencing a claims denial.

With our partner, People’s Action, we are collecting stories of claim denials to inform our work and to share with lawmakers.   We will not share your story without your permission – but it’s important to make known how insurance companies are denying you care while asking for rate hikes.

 We will also offer you state and local resources to help with any denied claims. 

Share your story, learn about resources to challenge unfair claims denials, and help us challenge the commodification of health care!


Educational forum on new fracked gas pipelines

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​Eversource plans to build a new fracked gas pipeline in Wilton, which is grandfathered into the recently terminated methane system expansion program (SEP) and therefore will be subsidized by ratepayers!

This appalling gas expansion plan has already driven electricity costs higher for EVERYONE, hurt the climate and damaged people's health. More methane is not needed or wanted but Eversource will stop at nothing to increase profits. 
 
Join us on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilton Grange for an educational forum on why new fracked gas pipelines in Wilton, or anywhere in Connecticut, are the wrong choice for our economy, climate and health. 


Protest against new fracked gas pipeline in Wilton

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Despite mountains of evidence that we must use less fossil fuels to mitigate the impacts of climate change, new pipelines are being built to increase the use of
fracked gas.

Meet up at the Wilton Town Green at 4 pm, October 14, 2022,  for a march and protest in opposition to Eversources’s ratepayer subsidized fracked gas pipeline extension in Wilton.

Join the Sierra Club and others to oppose this gas expansion project in Wilton.

For more information visit https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000
001buxhAAA


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​This panel discussion featured community leaders and advocates working to protect sacred land and Gwich’in leadership  working to protect the sacred coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from destructive and unwanted oil and gas development. 

This was a free and family friendly event.

Click here for video!


​Health insurance companies want to raise your rates. Tell them no!

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Why CT residents should support obscene stock buybacks, profits and executive pay!

Insurance companies are seeking rate hikes averaging 20%.

  • The public may submit testimony until a decision is announced.  You can submit testimony here.  

And ---  take CCAG's health care survey, which will also connect you with resources to help you with any denied claims.

The CT Insurance Department held a  hearing Monday, August 15 to hear public input on the requests. CCAG greeted visitors entering the LOB with a reminder that Insurance Greed Kills.  CCAG also  testified, and several lawmakers cited information from our recent report, questioning CIGNA for CEO David Cordani's $91 million compensation in 2021 and for spending hundreds of millions buying back their own stock and enriching insiders.

CT-N's video of the hearing is here. CCAG Executive Director Tom Swan's testimony is here and and Associate Director Liz Dupont-Diehl's testimony is here.  Tom points out how insurance companies blame hospitals and drug company prices to distract attention from their own cartel-like behavior - and that a new regulatory framework is needed to prevent this runaway greed detracting from our health. 

Make sure to check out, and like and share, our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, calling out the outrageous amount of money being spent on executive pay, profits and stock buybacks.

A decision is expected in September. 

Here is a sampling of coverage of the hearing:

Health Insurance Rate Hikes Focus of Public Meeting
NBC News, 8/15/22
​
State officials question insurance companies about proposed double-digit rate hikes
Fox 61 News, 8/15/22

Elected Officials Call on Insurance Regulators To Deny Rate Hikes

CT News Junkie, 8/13/22

Good Government Group Says Health Insurance Rate Hikes Are Not Justified
CT News Junkie, 8/13/22


Share your health care story!

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Are problems with your insurance stopping you from getting the care you need? Getting organized with the CT Citizen Action Group, and the national Care Over Cost campaign, can help. 

Click here to sh
are a basic overview of the issue(s) you are experiencing with your health insurance, and to learn about resources to help if you are experiencing a claims denial.

With our partner, People’s Action, we are collecting stories of claim denials to inform our work and to share with lawmakers. We will not share your story without your permission – but it’s important to make known how insurance companies are denying you care while asking for rate hikes.

 We will also offer you state and local resources to help with any denied claims. This survey will remain open for the rest of the summer and fall

Share your story, learn about resources to challenge unfair claims denials, and help us challenge the commodification of health care!


Comment on PURA Low Income Electric Rate- Deadline to Submit 7/15/22

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Send your comments before the July 15th deadline! 

PURA has issued a Notice of Request for Written Comments on Docket No. 17-12-03RE11 PURA Investigation into Distribution System Planning of the Electric Distribution Companies - New Rate Design and Rates Review. 

We need an equitable low-income discount rate of electricity as a critical part of a larger strategy to make energy more affordable for low-income, energy burdened households as Connecticut moves toward a cleaner and more efficient grid. Public comment is critical to accomplishing this. Find more information and send your comments here. 


Claim your child tax credit!

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The 2022 CT Child Tax Rebate, which was recently authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont is a one-time rebate that is intended to help Connecticut families with children.

To assist you in determining if you qualify for a child tax rebate, the Department of Revenue Services (“Department”) has developed this application, which will be available here through July 31, 2022.


If you have any questions concerning the 2022 Child Tax Rebate, we encourage you to visit the Department’s website at portal.ct.gov/DRS or call the Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 860-297-5999.


More to come - Travelers Championship Tournament 2022

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For the last two years, CCAG has been urging Travelers to #InsureOurFuture and divest from fossil fuels. 

We continue to be met with greenwashing and ineffective policies.

Travelers will be holding its annual Championship Golf Tournament in Cromwell from June 20-26. For the last two years, climate activists have protested at the event to raise awareness and keep holding the company accountable for its inaction. 

We are doing it all again this year, too. Stay tuned for more information on how you can join us in June!  

 Rally For Climate: Travelers Company Annual Shareholder Meeting 5/25/22

Travelers claims to be a climate leader but it is one of the biggest oil & gas insurers in the world.

Thank you to everyone who joined CCAG, CT Sierra Club, Insure our Future CT Coalition and more at the Travelers annual shareholder meeting in Hartford with activists outside and inside the meeting urging the company stop greenwashing & take real action!


 
The results are in!  
  • The first resolution asking Travelers to report on its' underwriting and investment emissions passed with 55% of the vote!
  • The second resolution proposing to end underwriting of all new fossil fuels unfortunately failed, but received 13% of the vote.
 
​Learn more about Travelers Current policies here. 
#InsureOurFuture 
​

Education Equity & The American Rescue Plan

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​What does Education Equity look like for you, your family and your community?
 
With over $1.1 billion being sent to Connecticut schools from the federal government, our communities have an unprecedented opportunity to build back our schools better than ever!

The state of Connecticut is required to provide "meaningful consultation" with school communities, stakeholders and the public." Will you help us with this process? 

We are interested in hearing how you would like these resources to be used in your community. Please visit https://bit.ly/ccagEEsurvey to take the survey. 


Earth Day Climate Strike 4/22/22

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As the climate crisis accelerates we need to see action at every level of government that is at the scale of the crisis we face, and centers around our state’s most vulnerable communities.

Thank you to everyone who participated on Earth Day!   We demanded that Governor Lamont direct the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to immediately stop permitting all new fossil fuel power plants. 

We demanded he support the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as they raise the following climate change concerns about s
hifts in suitable habitat for culturally significant species due to climate change; Climate change effects on culturally relevant species more broadly; Climate change effects on traditional food sources (Ex. through water chemistry and temperature changes); Climate change effects on traditional reliance and understanding from changing phenology; Climate change effects of higher temperatures on the health of the community, especially for members of the community with greater vulnerability;  and mental health effects from ecological and cultural changes associated with climate change.

For more information about this and CCAG's other climate work, contact: Angel Serrano


Advocacy for a strong indoor air quality bill!

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Thank you to everyone who joined CEA, CCAG and allies to demand action on S.B. 423, An Act Improving Indoor Air Quality in Public School Classrooms.

Because of your action this bill will establish school temperature and humidity limits and provide bond funding for remediation and installation of modern HVAC systems.




 CT Climate Justice March Feb 8, 2022

Thank you to everyone who participated in the CT Climate Justice March on February 8th

​Climate disruption is disproportionately harming the most vulnerable communities and stealing the future from our youth.

Yet, the Connecticut government and corporations are failing us on climate action. Join us as we plan to gather for a March in Hartford to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable communities and urge Connecticut to Lead on Climate.

The March was led by drummers with stops at Eversource (CT's largest utility), Travelers (the worst insurer for climate in the world), DEEP, and finishing at the State Capitol where the Governor and legislators kicked off the 2022 legislative session. 

Our legislative demands can be found here. 

Sponsors: Acadia Center, Blue Earth Compost, Collaborative Center for Justice​, Congress of Community Colleges (4Cs),​ Connecticut Chapter Sierra, Club, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Connecticut Clean Water Action , Connecticut Climate Crisis Mobilization (C3M), CT Coalition for Environmental & Economic Justice​, CSEA SEIU Lcl 2001, Democracy4All, Drinking Liberally Meriden, Eastern Connecticut Green Action, Efficiency for All, Indivisible West Hartford, First Church in Windsor UCC, National Association of Social Workers, No More Dirty Power in Killingly,  Recovery4All Coalition, Save the Sound, Sunrise Movement Connecticut, UAW Region9A, Unitarian Universalist Society East Sustainable Living Committee, Uconn Praxis, 350 CT   ​

Connecticut's Five Families

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Health insurance companies are making billions by denying you care.
 
Five of them sent a letter to Governor Lamont in April, threatening to move jobs out of Connecticut if we passed a Public Option.  It worked, and the Public Option was scrapped in the final days of the 2021 session.
 
CCAG is investigating, and bringing you information you need about the greed and profiteering of these companies. 

Our third report, Pandemic Profiteering: Making a Killing on COVID, finds that what these companies reported in profits, and spent on stock buybacks, could have funded the entire state of Connecticut for two years.
 
Our first report, on CEO compensation, showed that those five companies paid their CEOs $137.7 million in the last year. Our second, Games Insurers Play: How Low Will They Go?, explores the tactics and money spent in the 2021 legislative session. It shows that the industry, these Five Families, and dark money groups who don't disclose their donors spent at least $1.3 million lobbying in just six months.
 
By adding thousands of small businesses, nonprofits and individuals to the state's Partnership Plan, a Public Option would have offered affordable, quality coverage to tens of thousands of people. But it would have impeded the skyrocketing profits of the insurance industry. It's time our lawmakers listened to the people of Connecticut, rather than millionaire insurance executives.

Make sure to like, follow and share our new Five Families Facebook page,  and click here to take action and sign up for updates.

Related News: No way to run a healthcare system. CT Viewpoints by Liz Dupont-Diehl- October 25, 2021 



Coalitions
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Renew New England Alliance

​​Friends, as you may know, we are proud members of the Renew New England Alliance, a coalition of grassroots organizers, racial justice organizations, labor unions, and frontline communities dedicated to winning a racial, economic, and climate justice across New England.

We are so glad to have you in this work with us. These are dark times, but there’s hope up ahead.  Now, let's make sure this is  the year we truly win power for our communities.

Insure Our Future

Please share the video far and wide to let insurance companies in CT know we are just getting started.

Retweet the video here
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Share the video on Facebook here
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 recently.

​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.

CCAG's Fairfield County Organizing Collaborative is on the Move

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Taking Action on Housing, Health Care & Climate Change. 
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​CCAG members, friends and neighbors are joining together to educate, engage and take action on the fight for quality, affordable health care - pushing CT to take bold, aggressive action to fight our climate emergency - and working with Fairfield County allies to demand affordable accessible housing for ALL people in this state. 

Interested in finding out more?  Contact Bill Collins at [email protected]  or 203.846.1109  


Connect the Dollars Project (CDP)

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​CONNECT THE DOLLARS PROJECT (CDP) is a collaboration of Common Cause in CT and CT Citizen Action Group to expose attempts to buy our state.

Connecticut super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose electoral candidates, are being used as a tool for a handful of wealthy individuals, lobbying organizations, and businesses to buy our elections to serve their interests. A massive influx of millions of dollars in super PAC donations thus far in 2018 — more than half of it from out-of-state interests — drowns out the voices of Connecticut citizens and candidates, undermines the goals of Connecticut’s strong campaign finance laws, and damages public confidence in the integrity of our election system.

Who is Buying Our Elections? A Pre-Election Guide to Connecticut Super PACS
Download the guide

Connecticut Republicans Maintain Huge Advantage in Super PAC Money:  party_pac_report_rev._10-31-18.pdf
Download File
​
Read the Executive Summary here. 

​Like & Share the CDP Faceboook page to follow the money and connect the dollars! 




2021 Cycle4CT Bicycle Ride to Fight Climate Change

Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2021 Cycle4CT ride to fight climate change!  

Enjoy the photos sent in from challengers who participated in Connecticut and from as far away as Maine & Omaha. 

Join our email list and/or watch this page for exciting updates about Cycle4CT 2022 tentatively scheduled for Oct. 15th & 16th! Together we can save our planet one revolution at a time!
Sign Up to Receive Updates
CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL

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Connecticut Citizen Action Group, 30 Arbor Street Ste 107, Hartford, CT 06106 
(860) 233-2181   - 
[email protected]t


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