Senator Somers Named “Legislator of the Year” by Emergency Physicians

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton was honored by the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians Wednesday as the organization’s 2018 Legislator of the Year.

“As co-chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, I’ve fought to improve the quality, availability and affordability of health care,” Somers said. “By supporting common sense policies, working diligently to improve our health care system and reaching across the aisle, we can continue to make Connecticut a better place for both providers and patients.”

The organization cited Somers’ efforts to pass SB-378 (Reimbursement of High Deductible Health Plans) during the 2018 session and commitment to fighting for more equitable reimbursement practices for health care providers.

“Putting the onus of collecting outstanding payments from patients on physicians increases overhead costs, puts a negative strain on the doctor-patient relationship and can cause patients to avoid necessary care from their physician,” Somers said. “That is why I’ll continue to fight for an equitable reimbursement process that protects physicians and patient care.”

THE CCEP announced its recognition of Senator Somers at a meeting of the organization on Wednesday, October 24 at the Sheraton Hartford South in Rocky Hill.

In addition to the award Somers accepted Wednesday, Somers has been recognized by eight organizations with awards for her work in the 2018 session as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

The Arc New London County – Legislative Service Award
- Presented: June 19, 2018
- For efforts on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
CT Children’s Medical Center-Recognition Award
- Presented: September 12, 2018
- For tireless advocacy on behalf of their most vulnerable patients and helping to facilitate their ECMO team.
Radiological Society – Patient Hero Award
- Presented: September 13, 2018
- For advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life saving breast cancer screenings.
CT State Medical Society – 2018 Legislative Recognition Award
- Presented: September 27, 2018
- For tireless efforts on behalf of the physicians of Connecticut and the patients they serve.
Keep the Promise Coalition – Legislative Leadership Award
- Presented: October 9, 2018
- For protecting the rights of people living with mental health challenges.
CT Association of Optometrists – Certificate of Recognition
- Presented: October 2018
- For outstanding leadership in promoting quality and safe vision care services for patients.
Hartford County Medical Association – Legislative Citation
- Presented: October 10, 2018
- For advocacy for Hartford County physicians and their patients.
CT College of Emergency Physicians – 2018 Legislator of the Year Award
- Presented: October 24, 2018
- For Senator Somers’ work on SB-378.

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Senator Somers Endorsed by Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Thursday the endorsement of the Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association.

“I am incredibly proud to say that after one term in office we have made tremendous progress toward giving our coastal communities, small businesses and independent operators the conditions they need to thrive,” Somers said. “I successfully fought to reduce taxes on boats, fuel and small businesses and have and will continue to fight for fair regulations that stop punishing our fishing community and protect their way of life for generations to come.”

The CCPBA endorsement was signed by the organizations officers, including President- Capt. Marc Berger, Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth, Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski and Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri.

“The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District,” the organization said in a statement.

“Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower boat and diesel sales tax,” the statement continued. “Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.”

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

A copy of the statement from CCPBA is below.

Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association

President Capt. Marc Berger, V.Pres. Capt. Bob Wadsworth, Treasurer Capt. TJ Karbowski, Secretary Capt. Mike Pirri

Senator Heather Somers
Re: Endorsement for Senator Somers to the 18th District

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District.

Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower Boat and Diesel Sales tax.

Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.

Respectfully Submitted,
Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association
President- Capt. Marc Berger
Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth
Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski
Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri

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Senator Somers Endorsed by Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Friday the endorsement of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) — an active organization in Connecticut promoting pro-business policies that would spur job and wage growth in the state.

“I am incredibly honored to be the clear choice of Connecticut’s small businesses and job creators who understand we need balance and a new direction in Hartford,” Somers said. “I am proud to have fought for pro-jobs policies including successfully rolling back taxes on small businesses, marinas and fuel and slashing bureaucratic red tape to give small businesses the flexibility and responsiveness they need to thrive.”

“If given the honor of continuing to represent the 18th district, I will continue fighting to reverse the Malloy agenda and to restore prosperity to our state,” Somers continued.

CBIA describes itself on its website as “the voice of business in Connecticut, with thousands of member companies championing change at the State Capitol, shaping debate about economic competitiveness, and fighting for a better future for all.”

Somers has won the endorsement of every organization promoting a strong business climate and jobs in Connecticut that has picked a candidate in the 18th district race to date. In addition to CBIA, Somers has been endorsed by the Connecticut chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the Connecticut Association of Realtors.

Somers has also received recognition and awards from eight health care organizations for her bipartisan leadership as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.

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State’s Leading Voice for Small Business Backs Heather Somers for Second Term

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Monday the endorsement of NFIB Connecticut PAC. The organization described itself in the endorsement as “the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy.”

“It is vitally important we continue to elect results-oriented leaders with experience in business to fight for lower taxes, smarter, less onerous regulations, and a strong business climate that gives small businesses and families the chance to succeed,” Somers said. “I am honored to accept NFIB’s endorsement and remain absolutely committed to fighting for the kind of policies that will lift Connecticut small businesses and create jobs.”

The endorsement letter from NFIB Connecticut PAC thanked Senator Somers “for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business.”

“The NFIB CT PAC believes that you will be committed to the needs of thousands of Main Street small businesses and their employees in Connecticut when you are elected to serve in Hartford,” said the letter signed by NFIB CT PAC chair Wendy Traub and Grassroots Manager Sharon Sykes. “Thank you for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business… best wishes for your campaign.”

“NFIB is the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy,” the endorsement letter continued. “For more than 75 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today.”

In addition to NFIB, Somers has received the endorsement of the Connecticut Association of Realtors and recognition from eight organizations for leadership on health care issues.

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