Senator Heather Somers Announces Legislative Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2024
Media Contact:
Hannah Lemek
860-406-1939
[email protected]

Senator Heather Somers Announces Legislative Priorities

Somers to push for enhancing mental health services, protecting the environment, boosting tourism, advocating for early detection measures, and expanding access to essential resources.

HARTFORD, CT – Deputy Senate Republican Leader Heather Somers (R-Groton) announced her legislative priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session that begins on Feb. 7. While legislative sessions that fall on even years are statutorily confined to budget-related proposals, lawmakers may submit requests for other individual concepts to be raised through the legislative committees of cognizance. A summary of Sen. Somers’ legislative requests is below:

Mental Health Services:

One of Sen. Somers’ top priorities is to improve access to mental health services. She will propose legislation that allows recovery coaches to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. This step aims to enhance support for individuals seeking recovery and encourage their successful integration into society. Additionally, Sen. Somers will push for policies that prohibit long-term care facilities from rejecting patients based solely on their prior treatment in mental health facilities or use of psychiatric medication drugs. These proposals aim to promote inclusivity and eliminate discrimination within the healthcare system. Sen. Somers also recognizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and will propose a policy requiring the DMV to design and issue Connecticut mental health trust license plates. These plates will display the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed. The funds received from the plates will go toward municipal services related to mental health and suicide prevention.

Supporting the Environment:

Sen. Somers is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of the 18th district, stretching from Plainfield to Stonington. She will introduce legislation to promote transparency in biosolids history related to PFAS, ensuring that farmers and fishermen have access to accurate information. Sen. Somers will also propose a protocol and procedure for testing wells, landfills, and incinerator ash for PFAS contamination. With the recent increase in rainfall and floods, stormwater sewage has posed challenges for the oyster farms in Eastern Connecticut. Sen. Somers plans to address this issue by proposing a policy to study the impact of stormwater sewage treatment on the oyster industry, aiming to find sustainable solutions. Additionally, she will introduce policy to establish a mitigation fund to respond to the impacts of offshore wind on marine mammals, birds, and fisherman. As a member of the Environmental Standards Committee Sen. Somers will propose that the sixteen-million-dollar Avangrid fine be placed into the established fund.

Promoting Tourism:

Sen. Somers takes great pride in sharing the beauty of her district with residents and visitors alike. To further promote tourism, she will introduce policies to help promote the Chamber of Commerce’s profile in Mystic. Additionally, Sen. Somers will advocate for increased funding to enhance the Shoreline East rail service between New Haven and Mystic on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. This expansion aims to bring more people to the district, thereby stimulating economic growth and supporting local businesses.

Early Detection and Increased Access:

Recognizing the importance of early detection and access to quality care, Sen. Somers, as the Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee, encourages the public to utilize all available resources. She will propose legislation that requires health insurers to cover the cost of CT calcium coronary score, a life-saving test. Additionally, Sen. Somers plans to promote increased access to healthcare by proposing legislation to establish school-based health clinics that operate outside of normal school hours. These clinics will remain open at night and be staffed with qualified medical professionals, aiming to provide convenient healthcare services. To encourage these medical professionals to work in the clinics, the proposal would provide student loan relief.

Workforce Development:

Sen. Somers is passionate about promoting workforce development and ensuring that individuals with work experience are given opportunities to share their knowledge. She will push for legislation that provides a credit to tradespersons and healthcare professionals for their work experience in place of required classes or other prerequisites towards teacher certification. This innovative step will allow these individuals to teach courses in their respective fields, contributing to the growth and diversification of the education system.

State Police K-9 Broko:

Finally, in honor of the late State Police K-9 Broko, who was tragically killed in the line of duty last year, Sen. Somers will call for a policy that requires individuals convicted of intentionally injuring or killing a police K9 to reimburse the municipality for the costs associated with the K9, including training and care. This legislation aims to deter such acts and ensure accountability.

Please note that the above topics represent just a few of the pieces of legislation that Senator Somers will be advocating for strongly in the 2024 Legislative Session. She believes that these proposals will have a significant impact on her district and throughout Connecticut.

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