Valley Lawmakers Hail Sikorsky Deal

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour) are very pleased to announce the General Assembly has approved a deal that Sikorsky Aircraft, which has made its home in Stratford since 1929, will remain here until at least 2032. 

"This deal is historic,” said Rep. Gentile. “It ensures a long-term presence and a long-term commitment to hiring. The agreement is good for the present and for generations to come. It gives me great comfort to think that maybe someday in the future one of my grandchildren may be working at Sikorsky and earning a good living."

 

“There is a ripple effect with this deal,” Rep. Conroy said. “There are the jobs down in Stratford as well as jobs at small manufacturers and suppliers around the state – and right here in Seymour - that depend on Sikorsky.”

 

The helicopter giant will be eligible for financial incentives in exchange for building nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, in Connecticut. The deal will:

 

·         Build nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters – the largest maritime helicopter in the world - in Connecticut for the United States Navy until at least June 2032 

·         Keep the Sikorsky headquarters in the state and maintain its Stratford site as a primary production facility for its government based helicopter business

·         Retain and grow its full time employment in Connecticut to more than 8,000 by the end of year 14

·         Nearly double its spending of $350 million per year with local Connecticut suppliers throughout the state

·         Increase its capital spending for machinery and equipment by 22 percent

·         Drive an estimated $69.2 billion between 2016 and 2032 into the Connecticut economy

·         Allow Sikorsky to spend an estimated $21.1 billion on wages and benefits between 2016 and 2032

·         Support approximately 24,601 jobs directly and indirectly

·         Invest an estimated $744.8 million in contractor employment

·         Inject an estimated $384.4 million in direct and indirect average annual tax revenue into the Connecticut economy, totaling $6.54 billion from 2016 and 2032 

The incentives, worth up to $220 million, include exemption from sales and use taxes and annual grants during the term of the deal. In turn, Sikorsky and Lockheed will keep its HQ and primary manufacturing in the state, retain and expand its full-time staff, increase capital spending and give top priority to its Connecticut-based suppliers. 

This deal was approved in a Special Session Sept. 28 by the General Assembly.

 

(This is a press release from CT Democrats)

Conroy, Gentile Outline Tax Cuts for Seniors

 

SEYMOUR - State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls/Derby/Seymour), Rep. Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) and House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) outlined a series of policy proposals House Democratic candidates are bringing to voters throughout the state this fall election season.

 Proposals specifically designed to help seniors are featured prominently in the House Democrats vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future, including exempting social security from the state income tax, improved access to healthcare, and programs to help people age independently in their own homes.

 “This plan will make Connecticut a better place in which our seniors can live and retire,” said Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. “The proposals to support our community’s senior citizens, like exempting Social Security income from state taxes, supporting senior housing, and providing real retirement security, are critical to ensure that our seniors can afford to retire in Connecticut, close to friends and family, and with the dignity and respect that they deserve.”

 “Our parents and grandparents worked hard to care and provide for us, and they deserve to be cared for as they age,”Aresimowicz said. “The proposals we are making, like eliminating the state income tax on Social Security earned benefits, making sure that family members can take time-off to care for a loved one, and ensuring that older family members can stay in their homes, will improve the quality of life for all Connecticut seniors.”

 A press conference to help highlight the proposals was held at Seymour Democratic Headquarters, where area seniors expressed appreciation for having many of their concerns addressed in the House Democrats plan. 

 “I’m concerned about the affordability of our community,” said Gene Coppola, a former school superintendent in Seymour. “Exempting Social Security benefits from the state income tax is a real, workable solution that will help make it easier for retirees to stay in Connecticut close to friends and family.”

 “I hear from my older constituents that they love Connecticut and want to spend their retirement here,” said Rep. Gentile, who serves as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. “This plan makes retiring in Connecticut more affordable by giving seniors a tax break that they need and deserve. Working together, we will make Connecticut the best place for our seniors to retire.”

 Specifically, the House Democrats vision plan to help seniors include:

 • Exempting social security payments from the state income tax to make Connecticut more affordable for seniors

• Expanding a state program that helps pay for home modifications such as grab bars, ramps, and stair lifts to allow more seniors to live independently, and avoid more expensive nursing home care  

• Focusing on patient health, by convening all stakeholders - hospitals, insurers, patient advocates, community clinics, doctors, nurses - to better leverage taxpayer dollars, increase local healthcare options, and preserve community hospitals

• Supporting the thousands of skilled workers such as Home Health Aides, Visiting Nurses, and Homemaker Companions that help seniors remain in their homes  

 On a broader scale, featured in the House Democrats overall vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future are job creation initiatives, fairer taxes, and a closer scrutiny of all state spending, including:

 • Historic investment in the state’s vo-tech schools and community colleges to step up career development and directly match curriculum with employer needs 

• Cap state bonding, except for economic development initiatives, to reduce long term borrowing and state debt      

• Create an independent oversight board for transportation infrastructure projects to assess economic benefits and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently   

• Establish a dedicated 1-800 number and an “Angel Investor” program specifically for small business to encourage growth and job creation in this critical economic sector   

• Exempt new college graduates from the state income tax, and allow student loan debt to be deducted to encourage young people to live and work in Connecticut

 The complete House Democrats’ vision statement can be seen at www.CTHDCC.com

 (This is a press release from CT House Democrats)

State Teachers Endorse Conroy

 

 

The Connecticut Education Association (CEA), which represents 43,000 educators in

the state, has endorsed Theresa Conroy for State Representative.

 

Sheila Cohen, CEA president, said, “Theresa’s support of children, teachers and public

education is clear. CEA is proud to endorse Theresa Conroy for state representative.”

 

During her tenure in the legislature, state education funding to Seymour, Derby and

Beacon Falls has increased, despite difficult state budgets. In addition, Conroy has

worked to secure more than $4.5 million for her district in school construction grants.

Conroy also acquired state funds for a new athletic field and softball field at Seymour

High School.

 

In addition, Conroy has been a champion for advanced manufacturing training at the

state’s technical high schools.

 

“I was proud to have Sen. Chris Murphy accompany me on Platt Tech’s shop floor to see

how our young people are developing important skills for the future. They will be the

next generation of manufacturers in our state,” Conroy said.

 

Conroy noted that the state’s technical high schools and community colleges are terrific

resources that train students for high-skill careers.

 

(This is a press release from Linda Fusco, Conroy's campaign chairman)

 

Conroy Joins Blumenthal, Etsy to Promote Overdose Awareness Day

 

 

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day.

 

The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.

 

Rep. Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.

 

“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.”

 

To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.

 

The map was developed utilizing Governor Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.

 

Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state.  To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone.  Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.

 

Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).

 

Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).

 

Conroy Endorsed by Working Families Party

 

 

 

The Working Families Party has endorsed Theresa Conroy for State Representative in

the 105th Assembly District which includes the towns of Seymour, Beacon Falls and

Derby.

 

Conroy was one of the first lawmakers to recognize the opioid epidemic as a public

health crisis. She has been instrumental in limiting prescriptions to opioids and

increasing access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications.

 

“Representative Conroy is a tireless advocate for working families in her district. She's

worked hard to protect funding for hospitals, championed innovative healthcare

programs to reduce opioid use in the Valley, and has been an integral player in reviving

the manufacturing sector,” said WFP State Director Lindsay Farrell. “She's tough and

she consistently delivered results, and that's exactly the kind of candidate we endorse.

We're proud to support her candidacy.”

 

This year, Conroy took on Governor Malloy as he slashed funding to Griffin Hospital,

risking jobs and patient care. While Republicans all voted "no," Conroy and her

Democratic colleagues restored Griffin's money.

 

“Working families are the heart and soul of Seymour, Beacon Falls and Derby,” Conroy

said. “I will always fight for you in Hartford.

 

Conroy has been a vocal proponent of training students in advanced manufacturing and

has supported upgrades to programs at NVCC and Platt Tech.

 

Theresa Conroy is a legislator and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She worked

for 28 years at the VA Health Center in West Haven.

 

(This is a press release from Conroy's campaign)

 

Conroy to Hold Livable Communities Forum

 

 

DERBY- State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) is hosting a forum on livable communities on June 9th at the Derby Senior Center.  

 

The “Road to Livability” is an AARP program designed to provide individuals and families with tools to create a place where you can live in comfort and safety no matter what stage of life.  The 45 minute workshop includes a comprehensive packet of resources, step-by-step visuals to follow during the discussion and tools to get you started today!  Learn more at www.aarp.org/livable.

 

The forum will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Derby Senior Center.

 

(this is a press release from Conroy's office)

Forum on Heroin Epidemic

(Information shared from Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller's Facebook page)

Valley Lawmakers Hail Passage of Bill to Combat Opioid Crisis

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.  (D-Woodbridge) praised passage of legislation that will impact the state’s opioid crisis. The House of Representatives today approved HB 5053, An Act Increasing Access To Overdose Reversal Drugs.

 

The legislation will improve access to Naloxone, often known as Narcan, a medication that is used to treat opioid overdose; cap first-time painkiller prescriptions to a 7-day supply; strengthen the prescription monitoring program; and release health care professionals and good Samaritans from liability when they administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to treat an overdose.

 

“Heroin and prescription drug overdoses are claiming more lives in Connecticut every year,” Rep. Conroy, an APRN, said. “Expanding access to Narcan is an important step in this public health crisis. Allowing more first responders to carry Narcan will save lives.”

 

The 7-day cap on painkillers applies to first-time adult prescriptions and all prescriptions for minors, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.

 

“There are very few families who have not been touched in some way by the devastating impact of an opioid overdose,” Rep. Gentile said. “It is a public health epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, every ethnic background and every age.” 

 

The bill requires that local emergency medical services are equipped with and trained in the use of Narcan. It also allows doctors to write prescriptions for the overdose reversal drug without first getting permission from a patient’s health insurer.

 

“The world has awoken to the public health emergency that is prescription opioid addiction and the havoc it is wreaking on our friends and families,” Sen. Crisco said today. “This bill contains multiple provisions to help alleviate some of the pain and suffering caused by these addictions.”  

 

Public Health Committee House Chair, Rep. Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said, “This bipartisan legislation acts on two fronts by making it easier for those currently struggling with opioid addiction to access Narcan and preventing new cases of addiction by capping first-time pain killer prescriptions. We have a responsibility to all those who have lost a loved one to this deadly addiction to address Connecticut’s opioid epidemic, and today we took an important step forward.”

Valley Legislators hold Forum on Opioid Epidemic

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

DERBY- State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr (D-Woodbridge) and state Rep. Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) held a community forum on the prescription drug and heroin epidemic that is decimating communities across the nation and here in our backyard.

 

About 100 members of the community attended the forum March 29 at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

 

“Heroin overdoses are claiming more lives in Connecticut every year,” Rep. Conroy said. “Last year we had over 400 heroin-related deaths; in 2012 we had fewer than 90.”

 

Over the past two years, the Connecticut legislature has increased tools to address the state’s heroin crisis.  Connecticut has increased access to lifesaving opioid antagonists. Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that works to reverse the effects of opioids. Nalaxone is not addictive and has little side effects, as compared to other self-administered drugs such as an epi pen – It simply saves the lives of people who have overdosed on an opioid.

 

The legislature is currently reviewing  SB 352, An Act Concerning Prescriptions for and the Dispensing of Opioid Antagonists, which would limit first time adult opioid prescriptions for non-chronic pain to a seven day supply and limit all prescriptions for minors.

 

“Connecticut has recognized that the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis,” Rep. Conroy added. “Prescription painkillers are often the first step on a path to devastating addiction.”

 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised doctors to refrain from giving opioid prescriptions to patients suffering from non-chronic pain, stating that the risks for such patients include addiction and death. The CDC also reported that from 2000 to 2014, the numbers of overdose deaths involving opioids, which include prescription opioids as well as heroin, increased by 200 percent. 

 

Last year, the CDC reported that people who use prescription drugs are 40 times more likely to try heroin. 

 

(This is a press release from Conroy's office)

 

Conroy Qualifies for "Clean Election Funding"

As a proponent of clean elections and removing special interest money from the State Capitol, Theresa Conroy has qualified for funding under the state Citizens’ Election Program. Conroy is seeking re-election as the state representative for the 105th Assembly District in Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby.

“I couldn’t have qualified for the Citizens’ Election Program without the support of the residents of the Valley,” Conroy said.

In order to qualify, candidates must receive donations from at least 150 residents of the towns in their district.

“I am dedicated to serving the people of the 105^th District,” Conroy said. “Whether it’s pushing job-growth initiatives or securing funding for our schools, I will continue to fight for the residents of Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby.”

The Citizens' Election Program is a voluntary program which provides public financing to qualified candidates for statewide offices and the General Assembly. To participate, candidates must agree to abide by certain guidelines, including contribution and expenditure limits and disclosure requirements. This voluntary public campaign financing program was designed to encourage citizen participation and limit the role of special interest money in the State of Connecticut's political process.

Conroy serves on the Legislature’s Public Health Committee and has been a leader in the state’s policy response to the Opioid epidemic.

“Our state has taken important steps to help addicts and their families,” Conroy said. “But our work is not done. Prescription narcotic pain medication has become a highway to heroin addiction. We are losing too many Connecticut residents to this deadly addiction.”

Conroy said she remains committed to pursuing policies that aid seniors and expand options to age at home.  She has led efforts to develop livable communities.

Conroy is a strong advocate for servicemen and servicewomen and their families and an ally to veterans. She worked as a nurse for 28 years at the West Haven VA Health Center. She holds a master's degree from Fairfield University's Family Nurse Practitioner Program, a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University and an ADN from Quinnipiac University. She is currently an advanced practice nurse for CVS Minute Clinic.

 

(This is  a press release from Conroy's campaign)

 

Rep. Conroy Calls on Malloy to Restore Hospital Funds

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) is calling on Governor Dannel Malloy and the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to release Medicaid reimbursement payments to the state’s hospitals.

 

This week, Governor Malloy and OPM suspended millions-of-dollars in payments to Connecticut's hospitals – a potential loss of $728,516 to Griffin Hospital in Derby.

 

“Governor Malloy needs to make these payments to hospitals,” Rep. Conroy said. “He is ignoring the will of the legislature and the voice of the people. I know this will hit Griffin Hospital and the Valley hard.”

 

Over the past year, legislators have repeatedly worked to restore funding Governor Malloy has cut from hospitals. 

 

In June of 2015, Legislative Democrats approved a state budget that included $4.8 million for Griffin Hospital. In September, Governor Dannel Malloy unveiled a package of budget rescissions that included up to $84 million in cuts to hospitals and reduced Griffin’s state funding to $1.2 million. Rep. Conroy worked to ease the impact to Griffin Hospital and by early October, Governor Malloy agreed to restore $14.1 million to the state’s small hospitals.

 

In early December, Legislative Democrats approved a bill that restored funding for Griffin to $4.72 million.

(This is a press release from Conroy's office)

Conroy's Bill to Combat Opiod Epidemic Moves to House

HARTFORD - Legislation (HB5053) sponsored by State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) aimed at combatting the growing opioid epidemic in Connecticut was unanimously approved by the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee.  
 

The bill instructs cities and towns to ensure first responders are equipped and trained to administer the drug naloxone when encountering a person experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone has a proven record of quickly reversing the effects of an overdose. 

 

“This is a statewide crisis that needs to be addressed in a non-judgmental, humane manner,” said Rep. Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. “Naloxone is effective and fast-acting, and it is important to get it out on the streets in our towns so lives can be saved.”       

 

According to the Department of Public Health, naloxone was administered by paramedics over 2,000 times per year in the state from 2012-14.  

 

Also under the bill, commercial health insurers would be prohibited from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone. In addition, a provision in the bill helps protect a provider who administers an opioid antidote from civil liability.

 

The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for the consideration of the full General Assembly.  

(This is a press release from Conroy's office) 

Coffee and Conversation with state Rep. Theresa Conroy

SEYMOUR - State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) will meet with constituents Wednesday, January 27^th in Seymour for coffee and conversation.

 

The session will provide residents with an opportunity to discuss any issues and concerns with Rep. Conroy.

 

The coffee hours will run from 10 a.m. - noon at Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine Street. Refreshments will be served.

 

Rep. Conroy is House Chair of the Internship Committee and a member of the legislature's Public Health, Planning & Development, and Veterans committees.

(This is a press release from state Rep. Theresa Conroy's office)

Rep. Conroy Praises Restored Funding for Griffin Hospital

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) is pleased to announce Democrats in the General Assembly have restored significant funding to thestate’s hospitals, including 3.5 million in funding for Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

 

The legislature met in special session last night to approve a package of spending cuts and reforms to close a deficit in the current year’s state budget. Included in the package is the restoration of approximately $50 million in hospital funds.

 

“On September 23, I pledged to fight Governor Malloy’s cuts to Griffin Hospital; in October we secured funding for small hospitals; and now the legislature approved a budget reform package that restores $3.5 million of the Governor’s cuts to Griffin,” Rep. Conroy said.

 

In June of this year, Legislative Democrats approved a state budget that included $4.8 million for Griffin Hospital. In September, Governor Dannel Malloy unveiled a package of budget rescissions that included up to $84 million in cuts to hospitals and reduced Griffin’s state funding to $1.2 million. Rep. Conroy worked to ease the impact to Griffin Hospital and by early October, Governor Malloy agreed to restore $14.1 million to the state’s small hospitals. Last night, the Legislative Democrats approved a bill that restored funding for Griffin to $4.72 million.

 

“We appreciate Rep. Conroy’s continued advocacy on behalf of Griffin Hospital,” said Patrick Charmel, Griffin Hospital President and CEO. “The reduction in the Governor’s rescission cuts contained in the legislation passed today will help to preserve Griffin’s ability to fulfill its care giving mission.”

 

“This week in 1909, Griffin Hospital opened a 24-bed hospital on Seymour Avenue in Derby,” Conroy said. “The first patient was admitted on Dec. 9th where the price was 31 cents a day. The Connecticut General Assembly has always had a part in the history of Griffin, from granting the charter in June 1901 to today – ensuring that we maintain funding to keep this great institution in the Valley to serve our residents.”

(This is a press release from Conroy's office)

State Rep. Theresa Conroy Honored

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, was recognized recently by the Connecticut State Medical Society with its 2015 Legislative Recognition Award.

"We are grateful for your support during the 2015 legislative session as CSMS worked to stop attempts to worsen the medical liability climate in our state,” CSMS President Robert Russo, M.D. said. 

 

“Connecticut Physicians and their patients value your continued support for the practice of affordable quality medicine.”

 

“I am honored to be recognized by Connecticut’s physicians,” Conroy said. “Connecticut continues to make important steps to make sure all residents have access to quality health care.”

 

Conroy, an advanced practice nurse, was the chief proponent to expand access to life-saving anti-overdose drugs earlier this year.

 

(This is a press release from Conroy's office. She represents Seymour, Derby and Beacon Falls.)

Substance Abuse Action Council Honors Conroy

Theresa Conroy and Pamela Mautte

Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) was recognized by the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action

 Council at their 2015 Community Champion Awards Ceremony on New Haven.

 

Pamela A. Mautte, Director Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, “Theresa has worked on several substance abuse prevention and intervention initiatives over the past several years. It was my pleasure working side by side with Theresa this past year on opiate issues, banning powdered alcohol and other prevention issues.”

 

Rep. Conroy has been a strong advocate for many prevention issues. Rep. Conroy was instrumental in the passage of legislation that improves the monitoring and reporting of narcotic prescriptions and increases access to life-saving opioid antagonists. Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that works to reverse the effects of opioids.

 

Between 2009-2014, there were over 2,000 accidental and unintentional opioid involved deaths that occurred in 150 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.  

 

“I want to thank the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council for their incredible work and advocacy,” Rep. Conroy said. “They are true champions of prevention.”

(This is a press release from Conroy's office) 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Seymour Sept. 26th

SEYMOUR - State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) is asking residents with old prescription drugs to properly dispose of them during this weekend’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

 

This Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can bring your old prescriptions for safe disposal to the Seymour Police Department on Franklin Street.

 

According to the state Department of Consumer Protection, flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams. Research has shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic organisms.

 

Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources, including the flushing of unused medications. A nationwide study done in 1999 and 2000 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested.

 

It is also important to avoid tossing unused medicines in the trash. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is on the rise at alarming rates, along with accidental poisonings and overdoses.

 

“Prescription drug abuse is fueling a rise in heroin addiction as well. A growing number of young people who start abusing expensive prescription drugs are switching to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to buy,” Rep. Conroy said.

 

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the DEA, aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing prescription medications.

(This is a press release from Theresa Conroy's office)  

Rep. Theresa Conroy named to advisory panel on state medicaid program

House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz recently appointed state Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby, to the state Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight as an advocate for persons with substance abuse disabilities, according to a release from the CT House Democrats.

“Theresa Conroy is a strong advocate for individuals and families that are struggling with the disease of addiction,”Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said in the release. “She is one of the first state policy-makers to face the state’s opioid epidemic head on and will be a great addition to the council.”

“I want to thank Majority Leader Aresimowicz for this new challenge,” Conroy said in the release. “Making sure all Connecticut residents who are insured through Medicaid Managed Care have access to quality care is an important goal.”

The Council on Medical Assistance Program was established under Connecticut statute (CGS 17b-28) as a collaborative body consisting of legislators, Medicaid consumers, advocates, health care providers, insurers and state agencies to advise DSS on the development of Connecticut's Medicaid Managed Care program and for legislative and public input to monitor the implementation of the program, the release states.

Due to the large volume of work the Council addresses, committees have been established – Complex Care, Consumer Access, Quality Improvement, Women's Health, and Care Management. The full Council and each committee meet once a month. The Council holds public hearings, issues surveys and holds provider forums to assess the impact of Medicaid Managed Care, the release states.

The next meeting of the full Council on Medical Assistance Program is Friday, Sept. 18, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

AARP CT recognizes Rep. Theresa Conroy with legislative achievement award

AARP advocacy volunteers Rich Alage, Pat Bright and Rich Bright
present state Rep. Theresa Conroy with the
Legislative Achievement Award from AARP CT. Contributed photo

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) received the Legislative Achievement Award from AARP CT for her work on legislation to help seniors, according to a press release.

“AARP thanks Representative Conroy for championing legislation that removes barriers to full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses, expanding access to high-quality health care for Connecticut residents,” Nora Duncan, state director of AARP, which serves nearly 600,000 members age 50 and older in Connecticut, said in a release. “She provided integral leadership to pass legislation last year that will help make the lives of Connecticut’s family caregivers – and those that they care for – a little bit easier.”

“I am committed to working for seniors,” Conroy said in a release. “From healthcare issues, to aging at home to making our town centers easier to navigate, I want to make sure seniors have the support they need.”

The presentation was held at the Seymour Senior Center.

Rep. Theresa Conroy working to improve government efficiency

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) has been appointed by Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey to serve on the bipartisan Regional Entities sub-committee and Municipal Efficiencies sub-committee of the MORE (Municipal Opportunities & Regional Efficiencies) Commission.

Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, Rep. Kevin Ryan, Rep. Peggy Sayers and
Rep. Theresa Conroy at the MORE Commission organizational
meeting March 9 at the Legislative Office building
 in Hartford. (Photo by Brian M. O’Connor)

“We must continue to search for ways to do more with less,” Sharkey said. “The ability of cities and towns to operate efficiently and in partnership with surrounding towns and the state is critical to supporting our economy.”

With an emphasis on cost efficiency through regional collaboration, the sub-committees will look for ways to regionalize some of the functions of local government and other entities.

“Finding regional ways to provide services saves money and streamlines government,” Conroy said.

In 2010, Sharkey formed the original Municipal Opportunities & Regional Efficiencies Commission. The group worked in a collaborative manner, bringing together legislators with town officials, advocates and concerned citizens.

This is a press release from CT House Democrats.