STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Bob Godfrey
Serving the 110th Assembly District
Legislative Office Building, Room 4107
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
Capitol: 800-842-1902
Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov
PROTECTING ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS
A new law prevents energy suppliers from offering short-term “teaser” contracts with low rates, then switching to higher variable rates within weeks. Termination fees are now capped at $50 and customers can switch back to the standard offer rate within 72 hours. The law also requires more transparent electric bills and an end to deceptive sales. PA 14-75
ENSURING QUALITY CARE AT OUR HOSPITALS
Increasingly, hospitals have been buying-up doctors’ private practices, leading to potentially higher fees for patients. This year we will require physicians to notify their patients in advance when they raise their facility fees. Now you will have more time to clear coverage with your insurance company or plan to visit a different doctor. Another law will provide more safeguards for the public when hospitals acquire physician’s practices, change access to care, or make major staffing changes. PA 14-145 & PA 14-168
STRENGTHENING THE DO NOT CALL LIST
Some companies continue to make unwanted calls. We increased penalties by nearly double and added text messages to the registry. PA 14-53
STOPPING “ROBO” CALLS
This year we doubled the fines for unsolicited pre-recorded calls when you want to hang up and they don’t properly disconnect. If you want to file a complaint, you can contact PURA at 1-800-382-4586. PA 14-14
SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CAMPUS
One in five women on college campuses experience sexual assault, and much of this violence goes unreported. The young women that have come forward to tell their stories inspired legislation that overhauls how colleges and universities respond to, and work to prevent campus sexual assault. There must be a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual violence on campus. Both students and parents should expect a safe learning environment at college. This year we also launched a plan for state agencies and local sexual assault crisis centers to create a statewide sexual abuse and assault awareness program for regional and local school boards. PA 14-11 & PA 14-196
MANAGING CHRONIC DISEASE
Chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, lupus and diabetes, are major causes of poor quality of life and even death. They are also major drivers of health care costs. With proper treatment, many chronic diseases can be prevented and managed. The Department of Public Health (DPH) will develop and implement a plan that will reduce the incidence of chronic disease, improve care coordination, and improve outcomes. This plan will be consistent with DPH’s Healthy Connecticut 2020 plan and the Healthcare Advocate’s State Innovation Model project to improve health care quality and control costs. PA 14-148
E-CIGARETTES BY MINORS IS NOW ILLEGAL
E-cigarettes have the potential to become a gateway to smoking for Connecticut children. We made it illegal for a minor to buy or possess an e-cigarette, and for anyone to sell, give or deliver one to a minor. Violators are subject to some of the same penalties imposed on those who commit similar violations regarding cigarettes. PA 14-76
A MEMORIAL AND A SANCTUARY
I championed legislation to devote 35 acres of open space in Newtown to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation. Catherine had been a student at Sandy Hook Elementary School who had loved animals. Her family and friends are keeping her memory alive with an animal sanctuary and wildlife preserve where children and adults can interact with the animals – finding a respite in nature that Catherine loved. SA 14-13
BUDGET REPORT: BALANCED, FAIR, NO NEW TAXES
Connecticut did what many other states struggled to do this year: We crafted a balanced budget that protects working families, gives more support to our cities and towns and does not raise taxes. This budget also takes the additional step of protecting us from future budget shortfalls by depositing the $33.2 million surplus into our Rainy Day Fund. By spending responsibly now and investing in our future we provide for a more financially stable state and economy.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Cities and towns will see an additional $80 million in funding for education and tax relief. We also provided for our most vulnerable populations with $6.5 million in rental relief for seniors, $23 million in additional funding to strengthen mental health services, and increased access to services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
INVESTING IN CONNECTICUT
Our budget makes strong investments in the state itself. Our state parks and water ways will benefit from increased investment and a new program designed to combat aquatic invasive species. This budget invests in transportation infrastructure with highway expansion, bus and rail line development, and the establishment of a Connecticut Port Authority.
MAKING OUR SCHOOLS SAFER
We authorized $21 million for another round of school security improvements. We also allowed our technical, private, and charter schools to access these funds.
PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT
Open space preservation has been an important initiative for me. We added $20 million in authorized funds for this effort.
BUILDING DANBURY
The Glen Apartments will get over $5 million for major rehabilitation, the War Memorial will get $875,000 for a new roof, and the Connecticut Institute for Communities will get $240,000 to begin upgrades at the old Danbury Armory for their after-school and community programs.
SCHOOLS GET HELP
The state is providing funds for the upgrades and expansions at Shelter Rock, Park Avenue, and Stadley Rough schools, and Henry Abbot Tech will get over $400,000 for new lathes and milling machines . We also authorized $21 million for the state’s schools - public, private and charter - to upgrade security.