STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Jonathan Steinberg
Serving the 136th Assembly District
Legislative Office Building, Room 4032
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
Capitol: 800-842-8267
Jonathan.Steinberg@cga.ct.gov
Energy
Variable Electric Rates: I fought last year to regulate predatory third-party electric providers who were taking advantage of consumers with “bait-and-switch” teaser variable electric rates. This year, we imposed limits on these providers ability to switch consumers into inflated variable rate plans. (SB 573)
Grid Modernization/Fixed Fees: We succeeded in putting a limit on fixed fees utilities can charge consumers for a base rate, and made a small start in setting the stage for tomorrow’s interactive electric grid. (SB 570)
Shared Solar Pilot: We are now permitting community solar projects, so those who can’t put solar panels on their houses can still benefit from the expansion of solar energy in Connecticut.
(SB 928)
Environment
LIS Blue Plan: A landmark piece of legislation which enables planning and mapping of Long Island Sound to assure responsible management for recreation and the ecosystem.
(HB 6839)
Pesticides: Municipalities are now required to notify parents before spraying pesticides not just at schools but at public parks as well.
Microbeads: An important first step in banning environmentally-toxic plastic microbeads found in many cosmetic products. Concerns center on effects to marine life on the microscopic level.
Transportation
Let’s Go CT: Over $4 billion for the Governor’s grand initiative to remake the state’s transportation infrastructure, including funding for Fairfield County’s Metro North and highway fixes.
As Chair of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, I would be eager to convene the legislature to revive plans for a statutory “Lock Box” on state transportation funds, as well as further conversation on how we’re going to fund the huge infrastructure investment we need.
Uber and Tesla: Changing the face of transportation options was debated during session; time will tell.
Aging
CARE Act: Requires hospitals to document a designated caregiver in a patient’s discharge plan and instruct that caregiver on any post-discharge tasks with which the patient will need assistance. (SB 290)
Education
MORE Special Ed recommendations: As Chairman of the MORE Commission, I recommended reforming special education to improve effectiveness for all students and save money through regional collaboration.
Justice
Second Chance Society: Decreases penalties for some non-violent, drug-related felonies to decrease incarceration and ultimately save on prison costs.
(SB 952)
Immunizations: Notarized statements from the parents or guardian of a child seeking a religious exemption from a required immunization is now necessary.
(HB 6949)
Small Victories
Anti-Spoofing: We all hate those annoying phone calls, displaying false phone numbers, from telemarketers pushing fraudulent credit scams. I introduced legislation which improves chances of nabbing them by offering a share in penalty fines for those who turn them in.
(SB 99)
Diastat: I fought for four years to get legislation passed which now allows trained laypeople to administer emergency, life-saving epilepsy medication to students when a school nurse isn’t available.
(HB 7023)
Concussions: We worked hard to improve concussions education in school sports programs last year; this year we extended the concussion education program to youth sports leagues. (HB 6722)