Summer 2009 Issue

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 3300
Hartford, CT 06106-1595

E-mail
Williams@senatedems.ct.gov

On the Web
www.SenatorWilliams.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-8634
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420

Dear Friends,

“Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” — Thomas Paine

This famous quote is applicable to what’s been happening at the State Capitol lately. By vetoing so many bills, Governor Rell has stood in the way of significant legislation that would grow jobs, help small businesses afford the cost of health care, and assist economic development in an Eastern Connecticut town.

Thankfully, the General Assembly was able to override many of the governor’s vetoes and ensure that Connecticut is well-positioned for an economic recovery.

Health Care Reform Is
Really On Its Way

With a record number of businesses closing and families declaring bankruptcy, it is clear that the status-quo on health care isn’t working and the cost of doing nothing is taking its toll on Connecticut's economy.

That’s why I am thrilled to report that earlier this week we put in place the building blocks for universal health care in Connecticut by overriding the governor’s veto and passing the SustiNet Health Partnership Act. The new initiative will address a full range of health care issues including infrastructure, health insurance reimbursement rates, and implementation of new health information technology to streamline the system and avoid such things as the expensive duplication of medical exams and procedures. Making quality health care affordable and accessible is good for Connecticut’s economy and its taxpayers.

Health Insurance for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Help is on the way for the thousands of families in Connecticut with children who suffer from autism spectrum disorders. The General Assembly has approved, and the governor signed, ground-breaking legislation that makes Connecticut the 13th state in the nation to mandate comprehensive health insurance for autism. It requires certain health insurance policies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral therapy for a child age 15 or younger and certain prescription drugs and psychiatric and psychological services. This will improve treatment for children with autism and provide a substantial savings in medical costs for their families.

Efforts to Help Putnam

Unfortunately Governor Rell vetoed a bill that would have helped Putnam further develop its downtown. The bill granted the town ownership of the now empty National Guard Armory Building. The 3.56-acre property, located at 15 Keech Street, is contiguous with school and park lands already held by the town and would have assisted Putnam’s development while preserving its unique character. Depsite the veto, I will continue to work hard to help Putnam and other towns in my district to develop economically and grow jobs.

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Copyright © 2009 Connecticut Senate Democrats. All rights reserved.