Month: October 2020

Health Care Organizations Recognize State Senator Heather Somers as Legislative Champion

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced Saturday she has been recognized as a “Legislative Champion” by the Radiological Society of Connecticut and the Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care.

“In Hartford, I’m using my experience in business and health care to combat the pandemic and fight for more accessible and affordable health care for all Connecticut residents,” Somers said. “I’m proud to be recognized by these organizations for helping to expand breast cancer screenings and access to skilled respiratory therapists.”

In a letter informing Somers of the Radiological Society of Connecticut recognition, President Michael Crain, MD., said: “Senator Heather Somers has been a strong and tenacious advocate for programs that provide assistance to women who need help with their annual mammograms. We appreciate her work in this regard and believe that lives will be saved as more women have the important imaging test.”

In a letter informing Somers of the Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care’s recognition, President Margaret Guerrera MS RRT, said: “Sen. Somers is a leader in working to see that state healthcare laws are patient friendly. Without Sen. Somers’s decisive action to support this important endeavor and update to our scope of practice, patients might have encountered barriers to the knowledge and technical expertise of highly skilled respiratory therapists.”

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Plainfield Police Union Endorses State Senator Heather Somers for Reelection

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced the endorsement Friday of Plainfield Police Officers Union, United Public Services employees Union C.O.P.S. Division, Unit #564.

“I’m honored to have the overwhelming support of our men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Somers said. “If reelected, I will continue to stand behind our local police and resident state troopers, work to strengthen our communities with collaborative solutions and hold the line against dangerous policies that would undermine public safety.”

In a letter informing Somers of the organization’s endorsement, Sergeant William Wolfburg, president of the Plainfield Police Officers Union, wrote: “On behalf of the men and women of the Plainfield Police Officers – United Public Services Employees Union C.O.P.S. Unit #564, we are pleased to endorse your reelection to the State Senate.”

“Our officers appreciate your backing of law enforcement during these turbulent times,” Wolfburg continues. “Most important your opposition against the recent Bill No. 6004 An Act Concerning Police Accountability has cemented our support for you and the principles you stand for. In addition, your vow to overturn and amend this ‘misguided plan’ is a true testament to your willingness to standby and work on behalf of all law enforcement officers in the State of Connecticut.”

Somers has overwhelming support from law enforcement organizations, and in addition to the Plainfield Police Officers Union, has been endorsed by the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police, Stonington Police Union, Police Officers Association of Connecticut and the New London Police Union. Her opponent has received no endorsements from organizations representing law enforcement.

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Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police and Stonington Police Union Endorse Heather Somers

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton received the endorsement Tuesday of the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police and the Stonington Police Union, as overwhelming law enforcement support for her reelection continues to build.

“I’m proud to stand with local law enforcement and support common sense solutions to keep our communities safe,” Somers said. “From fighting crime to saving lives from overdose, the men and women who protect our communities always answer the call to serve and I am honored to have overwhelming support from law enforcement.”

“Unlike my opponent, I will never abandon our local police and resident state troopers in order to score political points,” Somers said. “If given the honor of serving the people of the 18th district for another term, I will continue to lead with common sense policies that strengthen and respect, rather than vilify and undermine our police.”

In a letter informing Somers of the organization’s endorsement, Sgt. John Krupinsky of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police wrote: “It is our honor as members of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police to endorse you for re-election to the 18th Senate District. You have been a long standing friend of law enforcement. There is no question in our mind that you will continue to support law enforcement and keep the people of your district safe at a time when law and order has never been so important. I urge all citizens living in the 18th Senate District to join us in voting for Senator Heather Somers and keep your communities safe.”

In a letter from Lieutenant Peckham, president of the Stonington Police Union, he wrote: “On behalf of the men and women of the Stonington Police Union, we are pleased to announce our body has voted to endorse your reelection to the State Senate. As a legislator representing Stonington, you have been a reliable champion for law enforcement and common-sense solutions to keep eastern Connecticut communities safe.”

“Our officers appreciate your support for law enforcement, leadership to combat opioid addiction, and work to help first responders with PTSD get access to the care and treatment they deserve — without jeopardizing their careers or retirement,” the letter continued. “We look forward to your reelection.”

In addition to the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police and Stonington Police Union, Somers has received the endorsement of the Police Officers Association of Connecticut and the New London Police Union. Her opponent has received no endorsements from organizations representing law enforcement.

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Heather Somers Receives Endorsement of Police Officers Association of Connecticut

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton received the endorsement Friday of the Police Officers Association of Connecticut (POACT), which represents “municipal police unions across the state of Connecticut” including more than 3,000 sworn police officers.

“In these challenging times we need leaders who support common sense reforms that strengthen, rather than vilify, our police,” Somers said. “As an independent leader committed to keeping our communities safe, I’m proud to stand with local law enforcement to tackle challenges we face and ensure justice for all.”

“That’s why I led the charge to successfully help first responders with PTSD get access to the care and treatment they deserve,” Somers continued. “It’s why I ensured local police were included in the state’s opioid addiction task force and worked with local hospitals to provide life-saving overdose reversal medication to police departments at no cost.”

“Unlike my opponent, I oppose dangerous legislation, forced through by insiders in Hartford without input from the public, that would dramatically increase legal costs for towns and cities, leading to only two potential outcomes: budget cuts to law enforcement or higher property taxes,” Somers added. “If given the honor of continuing to serve the hardworking people of the 18th district, I will continue leading with an independent voice to bring people together, including our local law enforcement, to tackle the challenges we face.”

“I’m honored to have growing support from the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Somers said. “They deserve our respect.”

In a letter informing Somers of the endorsement, John J. Healey, President of the Waterbury Police Union and Advisory Board Member for POACT, wrote “Our endorsement is based upon your support and advocacy on the public safety issues that affect the citizens of Connecticut, and on your commitment to the fair working conditions of the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve our communities.”

Somers has also been endorsed for reelection to the State Senate by the New London Police Union AFSCME Local 724.

“On behalf of the 68 men and women rank and file officers of the New London Police Union – AFSCME Local 724 we are pleased to formally announce our Executive Board has unanimously voted to endorse you for re-election to the State Senate citing your reliable and unwavering support for police officers both in your district and throughout the state,” union President Todd Lynch said in a letter. “In these troubling times for police throughout the country and especially here in Connecticut you have been a good friend on issues important to us and all public safety professionals. Many of our members reside in your district and are honored to stand with you endorsing you for another term as Senator for the 18th district.”

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Connecticut Marine Trades Association Recognizes Heather Somers with “Honorary Crew Member Award”

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton was recognized by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association this week with the organization’s “Honorary Crew Member Award” for her leadership in support of the state’s coastal businesses, workers and economy.

“Connecticut’s marine trades industry is vital to the prosperity of our coastal communities and the economic wellbeing of our state,” Somers said. “I am proud to champion policies to support this critical industry, including leading the fight to successfully eliminate the tax on boats, which helped make Connecticut small businesses more competitive and increase boat sales.”

See the full announcement from the Connecticut Marine Trades Association here:

State Senator Heather Somers Endorsed by Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton announced her campaign received the endorsement of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) Thursday.

“Growing up, my father taught me to always value and protect the incredible coastline, landscapes and environmental assets we are blessed to have in eastern Connecticut,” Somers said. “That’s why I’ve made safeguarding our environment, critical habitats and state parks a top priority as a state senator.”

“I’m proud of my work to improve waste collection and efficiency, keep plastic out of our waterways, strengthen our coastline and protect our state parks,” Somers added. “If reelected, I look forward to continuing to lead with an independent voice to protect our environment and natural assets.”

In a letter informing Somers of the endorsement, Lori Brown, executive director of the CTLCV said: “We are proud to support candidates like you who are committed to protecting Connecticut’s environment and will make it a high priority at the state legislature … Thank you for your leadership and enthusiasm in tackling important environmental issues. We look forward to your successful election on November 3rd.”

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