CSFA Legislative Update from Leon Collins, June 6th, 2017
No Budget Passed
It appears that the Connecticut General Assembly will not be able to agree on a budget before the close of the legislative session at midnight on Thursday, June 8th.
New Fire EMS Caucus
However, the best news is that two legislators, Representatives Boyd and Ohler, have re-organized a Fire EMS Caucus in a bipartisan effort to give us greater support among our state’s legislators. Both of these legislators are Volunteer Firefighters.
Rep. Boyd is a Democrat from the 50th District representing Pomfret, Eastford, Brooklyn, Union and Woodstock).
Rep. Ohler is a Republican from the 54th District representing Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salibury, Sharon and Torrington.
So far, the following legislators have volunteered to participate on the Fire EMS Caucus:
- William Buckbee (R) New Milford
- Kim Rose (D) Milford
- Christie Carpino (R) Cromwell, Portland
- Gary Byron (R) Newington
- Ben McGorty (R) Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull
- David Arconti (D) Danbury
- J.P. (R) Sredzinski Monroe, Newtown
- Mitch Bolinski (R) Newtown
- Michael Winkler (D) Vernon
- Scott Storms (R) Windsor, Windsor Locks
- Jay Case (R) Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington, Winchester
- Linda Orange (D) Colchester, Lebanon, Mansfield, Windham
- Anna Dauphinais (R) Killingly, Plainfield
- Rob Sampson (R) Southington, Wolcott
- Tom Delnicki (R) South Windsor
- Cathy Abercrombie (D) Berlin, Meriden
- Henry Genga (D) East Hartford
- Linda Gentile (D) Ansonia, Derby
I sent individual notes of thanks from CSFA to every legislator who has signed on so far. Please reach out to the legislator from YOUR town or district and let them know we appreciate his or her participation in this effort to help the Fire Service.
The “Apparatus Bill” Goes to the Senate
The most notable action this week for legislation we have been tracking is that the “Apparatus Bill” (H.B. 7047) is now on the Senate Calendar after successfully passing the House by a healthy margin.
Also, there is no news regarding funding sources for the “Cancer Bill” (Public Act 16-10) nor is there news regarding funding for the operating budgets of the Region Fire Schools.
The expectation is that legislators will return later in June to work on the state budget during a Special Session. We will continue efforts to have funding for the Region Fire Schools included in the state budget.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA Online 2017
Special CSFA Legislative Update from Leon Collins, May 17th, 2017
New Fire Service EMS Caucus in Connecticut General Assembly
Representative Pat Boyd and Representative Brian Ohler have collaborated in a bipartisan effort to organize more support the Fire Service in the Connecticut legislature. Ohler and Boyd, are two legislators who are both also Volunteer Firefighters and are actively recruiting their peers to actively participate as members of a Fire and EMS Caucus sent out a letter to all Connecticut legislators today.
Rep. Boyd is a Democrat from the 50th District representing Pomfret, Eastford, Brooklyn, Union and Woodstock). Rep. Ohler is a Republican from the 54th District representing Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salibury, Sharon and Torrington.
The two representatives sent out the letter below just this afternoon and several legislators have already responded and are eager to participate:
Greetings,
It is with great honor we announce the resurrection of the bipartisan Fire and EMS Caucus.
This caucus previously drove legislation focused on issues critical to the emergency services provided by women and men who are there when our constituents need it most. Today, those dedicated servants face a myriad of new challenges—from budgetary constraints and technological advances to shifting responsibilities driven by societal change in our communities. Fire and EMS personnel deserve a strong and diverse panel of lawmakers that can drill down on this important subset of public safety issues.
Caucus membership is open to any member of the Connecticut General Assembly—House and Senate.
We kindly ask that you reach out to either of us with questions or your intention to join. Thank you all in advance.
Sincerely,
Rep. Brian Ohler (R)
64th House District
Rep. Pat Boyd (D)
50th House District
I will explain more about the new caucus at our CSFA meeting tomorrow evening in Wethersfield.
The Apparatus Bill Passed Today!
Also, H.B. 7047 (“The Apparatus Bill”) passed the House today with this amendment with a vote of YEA 139, NAY 5 with 5 legislators Not Voting. We will report how the bill continues to move forward through the Senate.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update: Revised Republican and Democrat Budgets
Revised Republican Budget Proposal
Here is the House Republican revised budget in three documents( House Republican Budget, House Republican Concessions and House Republican Revenue); see page 14 of “House Republican Budget.” Reductions appear in red ink. The other documents contain recommended concessions and revenue proposals.
Some of the reductions to highlight:
1. $2.3 million by enacting a 6 to 1 Supervisor ratio for Troopers.
2. $2 million by reducing OT
3. $2.7 million by cutting OE by 10%
They also restore funding to the Regional Fire Schools:
Other proposals carried over from their original budget proposal:
1. No more than one DC per agency
2. No more than one Exec. Sec. per agency
3. Consolidate Attorneys under AG’s office
4. Consolidate Human Resources in DAS
5. Consolidate Communications in OTG
6. Consolidate IT positions
Revised Democrat Budget Proposal
Here are links for a revised Democrat Budget summary and revised Democrat budget spreadsheet.
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – May 16th, 2017 from Leon Collins
Now that the revised Governor’s Budget was released today, everyone awaits the release of the budgets from the both the Republicans and the Democrats which are expected to be released sometime Tuesday, May 16th. Governor Malloy’s latest budget has reduced state contribution to the Regional Fire Schools to zero levels. This is the last thing we wanted to hear, however, many of us have quietly expected this considering CT’s worsening fiscal condition as a result of our state’s growing deficit.
Similar to most agencies and services awaiting necessary state funding, we don’t know what will happen regarding our primary funding needs (i.e., operating budgets of the Regional Fire Schools).
There is still is a chance that the concept of HB 5207 (the bill to fund the operating budgets of the Regional Fire Schools) might be amended to some bill that reaches the floor this session, however, the pathway for that to happen is not evident because so much hangs in limbo at this point with the state budget.
Some good news is that one of the bills we have supported JFed out of committee (HB 7047, “The Apparatus Bill”), however, there was some vocal opposition to the bill last Friday at the Appropriations Committee meeting from some legislators representing smaller towns.
We are making every effort to lobby legislators to have the funding levels for the Regional Fire Schools operating budgets restored to levels that allow us to continue to operate.
As soon as the additional budgets are released, I will post them.
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our updated CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – May 3rd, 2017 from Leon Collins
As most of you know by now, the Appropriations Committee did not pass a budget before their April 27th deadline last week. Right now, it is not clear when legislators will come to an agreement on a budget as talks between party leaders and Governor Malloy continue. We continue to lobby members of the House and Senate to support an increase in the operating budgets of the Regional Fire Schools as part of the state budget they ultimately hand up to the governor we hope before the end of the session. We are all aware that decreased state income tax revenue this year and next will make will make a balanced budget more of a challenge for legislators to achieve.
Several bills we are following have successfully JFed out of various committees. The latest language, bill summaries and OFA Fiscal Notes can be found in the LCO File Copies listed and linked below:
- HB 5176 (AN ACT INCREASING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL) See File Copy No. 167 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-05176-R000167-FC.pdf
- HB 5278 (AN ACT CONCERNING PAID SICK LEAVE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHERS AND CALL RECEIVING OPERATORS) See File Copy No. 65 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-05278-R000065-FC.pdf
- HB 5298 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND PATIENTS DURING EMERGENCIES) See File Copy No. 278 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-05298-R000278-FC.pdf
- HB 5755 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPALITIES’ LOCAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN) See File Copy No. 115 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-05755-R000115-FC.pdf
- HB 6038 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) See File Copy No. 169 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-06038-R000169-FC.pdf
- HB 6258 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) See File Copy no. 170 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-06258-R000170-FC.pdf
- HB 6329 (AN ACT CONCERNING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WASTE IN CONNECTICUT) See File Copy No. 388 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-06329-R000388-FC.pdf
- HB 6954 (AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY INSPECTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY LOCAL FIRE MARSHALS) See File Copy No.285 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017HB-06954-R000285-FC.pdf
- HB 7047 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE APPARATUS SAFETY AND TESTING) See File Copy No. 90 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-07047-R000090-FC.htm
- SB 27 (AN ACT INCLUDING CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF “PERSONAL INJURY” UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION STATUTES) See File Copy No. 60 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017SB-00027-R000060-FC.pdf
- SB 649 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE ASSESSMENT OF CERTAIN FEES BY BUILDING OFFICIALS) See File Copy No. 562 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017SB-00649-R000562-FC.pdf
- SB 889 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF A FIRE MARSHAL AND POLICE OFFICERS AT THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY) See File No. 303 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017SB-00889-R000303-FC.pdf
- SB 890 (AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL REGARDING THE STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE AND LICENSES FOR DEMOLITION) See File Copy No. 304 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/pdf/2017SB-00890-R000304-FC.pdf
Additionally, the last report we received from the UPFFA regarding the issue of alternative funding for the Cancer Bill (Public Act 16-10) is that the success and direction of the search by the Governor’s Office for funding is contingent on the budget that has yet to be submitted by legislators this session.
House Bill Status Report
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our CSFA House Bill Status Report. This week, I have reduced the number of bills on the status report because several did not pass out of various committees before their JF deadlines.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – April 12th, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
This week we need Connecticut Fire Service officials from across the state to assist our efforts to acquire funding for the Regional Fire Schools. Right now, our best chance for success is to convince the members of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to support adequate funding for the operational needs of all nine schools. In the Governor’s budget that was released on February 9th, 2017, it was proposed that the current funding for the Regional Fire Schools remain at $20,000 for each school. This level of funding is woefully inadequate and is similar to previously proposed budgets from the Governor.
If you have a legislator on the Appropriations Committee, please ask your legislator to support increased funding for the Regional Fire Schools for the Fiscal Year 2018 and Fiscal Year 2019 biennium budget. At this point, please do not mention a specific funding source for doing this – several are being researched and it is not clear yet which one may be proposed as an alternative to the surcharge proposed earlier this session in H.B. 5207.
Appropriations is scheduled to release its budget by the end of April, so please look at attached list of senators and representatives who are now members of the Appropriations Committee. The list includes all current Appropriations Committee members and the town or cities they represent. If there is an senator or representative from your town or city on Appropriations, write a letter to him or her and send it to the email address provided on the attached list as soon as possible. When you right your note, please send me a copy so I can keep track.
We need everyone to help in this effort and please keep the tone of the notes positive as we try to gain bipartisan support.
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our updated CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 494-7842 voice and text
(203) 481-1446 fax
collins@csfa.org email
http://csfa.org website
CSFA: Thanks to all who helped make our 2017 Hall of Fame Dinner a success
Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Dinner 2017
Congratulations to our members who we honored this year at our annual Hall of Fame Dinner.
Firefighters, families and friends once again celebrated those of us who have risen above the ranks with their exemplary service. We express our greatest appreciation for their many years of commitment and hard work.
CSFA Hall of Fame Class of 2017
William Abbott (Hartford)
Edward B. Amatrudo (Poquonnock Bridge, Noank, Westbrook, Nichols, Branford, North Branford)
Wayne Fletcher (Ashford)
Charles Flynn (Suffield/Wethersfield)
Burt Hale (Westfield)
Kevin Kowalski (Simsbury)
James O’Neil (Thomaston)
George H. Quinn (Bethany)
Clarence Rees (Bethel)
David A. Sandford (West Redding, Danbury, Wilton, Westport)
Robert G. Sawyer III (North Stonington)
And a special thanks to WFSB’s Kevin Hogan who emceed our top event of the year at the Aqua Turf in Plainville. This year, to show our appreciation, CSFA presented Kevin with a gift of $250 to be donated to the Channel 3 Kids Camp. We hope our gift helps their wonderful program.
Special Thanks to WFSB and our Master of Ceremonies Kevin Hogan
CSFA presents $250 Check to Kevin Hogan and the WFSB Kids Camp
Again we’d like to thank all of this year’s inductees and their families for their dedication and service over the years.
CSFA Online 2017
Hope you’ll join us Fire Service Day at the Capitol, Wednesday, March 29th
Fire Service Day Starts with Breakfast at the Officer’s Club at 8am
Hope to see you at the Capitol this Wednesday for Fire Service Day. We begin the day with a breakfast at 8am at the Officer’s Club in the State Armory sponsored by Shipman’s Fire Equipment Co.
Breakfast at the State Armory will be Sponsored by Shipman’s
Our sponsor will also be showcasing two new products that Fire Service representatives should find very interesting: the Scott Sight Mask and the Scott RIT Pak Fast Pak will be on display and available for demonstration at the breakfast.
Click this link to see a youtube video on the the Scott Sight Mask.
Click this link to see a youtube video on the RIT Pak Fast Pak.
Fire Service Day at the Capitol – See you at the Legislative Office Building March 29th!!!
Fire Service Day, March 29th, 2017
Thanks for your support!!!
CSFA Online 2017
CSFA Legislative Update with House Bill Status Report – March 23rd, 2017 from Leon Collins
All,
HB 5207 (AN ACT IMPOSING A SURCHARGE ON CERTAIN PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE POLICIES TO FUND REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS’ OPERATING BUDGETS AND CERTAIN FIREFIGHTER TRAINING COSTS) had a public hearing but has stalled in the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. The best news is that we still have a commitment from Sen. Tim Larson to assist Rep. Linda Orange’s bill perhaps by amending it to another bill in Public Safety and Security Committee.
Additionally, we had a good long meeting with Sen. Steve Cassano and his staff today March 23rd in which we discussed how the senator might use his SB 538 (AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC PROTECTION TO FUND FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS) to help in our efforts with Rep. Orange’s HB 5207. We discussed some alternative funding sources and have another meeting on Tuesday to follow up the research Sen. Cassano has asked his staff to do between now and then.
HB 5089 (AN ACT ELIMINATING THE CITIZENS’ ELECTION PROGRAM AND TRANSFERRING FUNDS TO STATE AND REGIONAL FIRE TRAINING SCHOOLS) has not had any movement in the Government Administration and Elections Committee. Rep. Sampson has not provided any further action on the bill.
Several bills have moved forward in various committees (each bill listed bellow is followed by a link to the latest available version of the bill):
- HB 5176 (AN ACT INCREASING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 5176 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-05176-R01-HB.htm
- HB 5278 (AN ACT CONCERNING PAID SICK LEAVE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCHERS AND CALL RECEIVING OPERATORS) moved to a Joint Favorable report in the Labor Committee. See File No. 65 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-05278-R000065-FC.htm
- HB 5298 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND PATIENTS DURING EMERGENCIES) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 5298 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-05298-R01-HB.htm
- HB 5755 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPALITIES’ LOCAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Health Committee. See File No. 115 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-05755-R000115-FC.htm
- HB 6038 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6038 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06038-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6258 (AN ACT CONCERNING GOOD SAMARITAN PROTECTIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS WHO RENDER EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANIMALS) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. Committee Bill No. 6258 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06258-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6329 (AN ACT CONCERNING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WASTE IN CONNECTICUT) is still in the Environment Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6329 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06329-R01-HB.htm
- HB 6715 (AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES FOR THE INTENTIONAL INJURY OR KILLING OF POLICE ANIMALS OR DOGS IN VOLUNTEER CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS) was recommended Joint Favorable and referred to the Judiciary Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6715 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06715-R02-HB.htm
- HB 6954 (AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY INSPECTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY LOCAL FIRE MARSHALS) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Committee Bill No. 6954 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06954-R01-HB.htm
- HB 7047 (AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE APPARATUS SAFETY AND TESTING) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Planning and Development Committee. See File No. 90 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017HB-07047-R000090-FC.htm
- HB 7139 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTIES FOR OBSTRUCTING EMERGENCY VEHICLES) failed the Joint Favorable vote. See Raised Bill 7139 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07139-R00-HB.htm
- HB 7263 (AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS AND TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE TAX AND RELATED STATUTES) was referred to the Finance Committee. See Raised Bill No. 7263 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07263-R00-HB.htm
- SB 27 (AN ACT INCLUDING CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF “PERSONAL INJURY” UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION STATUTES) was substituted and recommended Joint Favorable by the Labor Committee. See File No. 60 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017SB-00027-R000060-FC.htm
- SB 889 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF A FIRE MARSHAL AND POLICE OFFICERS AT THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety and Security Committee. See Raised Bill No. 889 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/s/2017SB-00889-R00-SB.htm
- SB 890 (AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL REGARDING THE STATE FIRE PREVENTION CODE AND LICENSES FOR DEMOLITION) was recommended Joint Favorable by the Public Safety Committee. See Raised Bill 890 https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/s/2017SB-00890-R00-SB.htm
Still no word from the UPFFA or the Governor’s staff regarding progress with finding an alternative funding source for 2016’s Public Act 16-10 (“The Cancer Bill”).
To see the full list of proposed bills that we are tracking, see our downloadable CSFA House Bill Status Report.
Please contact me if you have any questions or requests related to legislative issues.
Sincerely,
Leon Collins
Legislative Representative
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association
49 Midwood Road
Branford, CT 06405
Want to bring in new volunteers to your Fire Department? Come learn how this weekend in Branford!
Learn How to Bring in More Volunteers to your Fire Department
The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association is working with Volunteer Workforce Solutions again to help train and inform local Fire Departments across the state to take advantage of the training and financial opportunities made available by Phase III of the FEMA SAFER program.
The program is being offered in separate sessions on Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and 25th from 9am to 12:30pm and registration is still available today and at the door.
Go to https://ctvws_phase3.everbrite.com to register for either session.
Learn about Fire Department Financial and Training Opportunities
Where: Branford Fire Department Headquarters
When: Saturday or Sunday, March 24th or 25th from 9am -12:30pm
For more information see the flyer below:
CSFA Online 2017
