Another day another piece of progressive legislation heading to Governor Dannel Malloy. Not long after passing legislation providing protection for transgender people against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations the Democratic led State House put the finishing touches on THIS.
The Connecticut House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation decriminalizing marijuana, with supporters calling it a "common sense reform." The measure heads to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who has promised to sign it into law.
After a nearly four-hour debate, the House voted 90-57 to soften the punishment for possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana to fines of $150 for a first offense and $200 to $500 for subsequent offenses. Current state law classifies marijuana possession as a misdemeanor, punishable by a possible jail term and larger fines.
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/...
WOW it's good to be living in a blue state. One of the few that actually saw Democratic gains last November. For the first time in god knows how long we have a Democratic Governor (to go along with Democratic majorities in both the State House and State Senate), and while he may not be perfect, we are witnessing a slew of common sense progressive legislation roll out in the final days of the session.
Now only if he'd sign single payer health care into law.
Oh BTW CT was one of the first states to allow gays to marry. SO a big HOORAY for the Land of Steady Habits. I welcome all fellow Progressives to come join us here. Plenty of space on the beach along the LI Sound.
7:35 PM PT: I just started a new group called [ http://www.dailykos.com/... Nutmeg State Progressives] for all things related to CT. I figured since we're on a roll here might as well have our own group as well. If anyone wants in, let me know. I'm not sure how this whole group thing works yet so any help would be great!!!
8:01 PM PT: h/t to hester for reminding me what the third progressive piece of legislation was that recently passed.
After 11 hours of debate this weekend, Connecticut legislators approved the paid sick-leave bill, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Dannel Malloy before going into effect at the start of next year.
Connecticut’s bill has a limited scope. The legislation only requires that service-sector employers with more than 50 workers provide paid sick-leave. The bill only covers hourly workers; employees would get one hour of sick leave for ever 40 hours worked, with a limit of 5 sick days per year. (Employees must have worked at least 10 hours per week during the previous quarter to qualify.) The legislation exempts manufacturers, nonprofits, as well as salaried workers, independent contractors, temporary workers and day laborers.
Still, the measure is estimated to cover some 200,000 to 400,000 workers, including waiters, cashiers, fast-food cooks, hair stylists, security guards and nursing home aides, the New York Times reports.
This one was a favorite of the Working Families Party which cross endorsed Dan Malloy for Governor in 2010 and provided him with enough votes to win. So h/t to the CT Working Families Party as well