Connecticut
California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole
The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.
How states can tackle vaccine hesitancy with data
From school safety to 'Tis the Sneezin’ public health campaigns, states are using public, local vaccination data to help people make better choices.
How Connecticut is developing untapped talent to fill 30,000 open jobs statewide
COMMENTARY | Three strategies bring together employers, community organizations and education providers in a new skills-based ecosystem.
This state’s ‘unsexy’ AI policy takes transparency to the next level
From AI “nutrition labels” to keeping an inventory of artificial intelligence tools, Connecticut is embracing sweeping rules that would “talk to people about why we're using it, how we're using it.”
Governor Paves the Way for an 'AI Bill of Rights'
The Connecticut legislation calls for an inventory of the technology’s use in government and establishes an artificial intelligence working group to make recommendations.
Digital Atlas Could Reveal Zoning's Social Impact
An initiative to map out states’ zoning codes could help policymakers and citizens address urgent challenges in their communities.
States Take New Steps to Stop Election Mistruths From Going Viral
To combat the rising threat, some states are bringing on cybersecurity specialists to comb social media and flag posts that spread falsehoods about the voting process. Others have launched ad campaigns to counter disinformation.
A Wave of Retirements is Offering One State a Unique Chance to Diversify Its Workforce
Connecticut recently saw thousands of state employees retire in response to benefit changes. Now, some see the rehiring process as a major opportunity to close equity gaps with race, ethnicity and gender at state agencies.
States and Cities are Moving to Make Virtual Hearings Permanent
In the nation's statehouses and city halls, officials want remote meetings to outlast the Covid-19 crisis. Disability advocates are among those who support the idea. Others worry about the loss of in-person interactions and diminished oversight.
The Democratic States Moving to End Mask Mandates
Governors and other officials in at least five blue states took steps this week to dial back the requirements.
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Why States are Expanding Domestic Violence Laws to Include Emotional Abuse
Connecticut is the latest state to do so, updating its laws to provide new protections for people victimized by damaging psychological tactics and controlling behavior.
State Employee Unions Sue Governor Over Return-To-Work Order
A coalition of public employee unions in Connecticut say the governor’s decision to mandate that workers return to their offices violated a previous agreement between the organization and the administration.
One State Begins to Grapple With Pandemic’s Toll on Youth Mental Health
A sweeping bill passed by lawmakers in Connecticut would grant minors unlimited counseling sessions without parental consent, among other changes.
As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen
State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.
Block of Three Northeast States Will Move Toward Reopening
Governors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut plan to ease limits on businesses beginning May 19. States in other parts of the country have already gone further unwinding pandemic-era rules.
Connecticut Using Canvassing, ‘Virtual House Parties’ to Coax Black and Latino Residents to Get the Covid-19 Vaccine
The $2.9 million initiative funded by the federal government will focus on knocking on doors through Labor Day to boost vaccination rates among these groups.
What Can Parks Do When Demand Rises as Budgets Decline?
Though there may be greater appreciation for the nation’s parks, many are still fighting for funding. Some states are finding solutions.
Families Say Athletic Bans Would Exact Toll on Rural Transgender Youth
This year, state lawmakers across the country have filed more than two dozen bills that would ban transgender youth from playing on sports teams that don’t align with their sex at birth.
New Connecticut Law Will Ban Discrimination Based On Hairstyles
The state is the eighth to enact legislation to address hair discrimination historically associated with race.
One State Will Use Education College Students to Plug Ongoing Teacher Shortage
Education students in Connecticut can serve as apprentice teachers in classrooms, getting paid the same rate as substitute teachers without needing to be certified.
