Author: Heather Somers

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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State Senator Heather Somers Endorsed for Re-Election by NFIB, Connecticut’s Leading Voice for Small Businesses

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton received the endorsement Thursday of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Connecticut PAC.

“I started a small business in the basement of an abandoned church with two partners that grew into a successful biotech manufacturing company that continues to thrive in Eastern Connecticut and has contributed over 30 million dollars to the state since it was founded in 1997,” Somers said. “I understand intricately the challenges facing small businesses in our communities because I have lived many of those challenges.”

“That is why I fight hard every day to reduce Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, streamline and eliminate red tape that makes it more and more difficult to start and operate a business, improve workforce education and hold the line against out-of-touch politicians in Hartford who would devastate our small businesses with unaffordable mandates,” Somers continued. “The pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on our small businesses and, if given the honor of continuing to serve the 18th district, I will continue to advocate for the policies and support these pillars of our community, our employers who need to succeed so we all succeed.”

In a letter informing Somers of the endorsement, Elizabeth Parks, NFIB CT Senior Grassroots Manager, and Wendy Traub, NFIB CT PAC Chair, wrote “The NFIB Connecticut PAC is pleased to inform you that we have endorsed your candidacy for the Connecticut General Assembly in this November’s election.”

“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 re-elected to serve in Hartford,” the letter continues. “Thank you for standing with NFIB on the issues important to small business.”

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Somers Endorsed for Re-Election by Connecticut REALTORS

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton received the endorsement of the Connecticut REALTORS on Friday for the November election.

“In the state senate, I fight tirelessly to reduce the punitive nature of Connecticut’s high property taxes, attract and retain good paying jobs, strengthen our schools and communities and create the conditions for all eastern Connecticut families and small businesses to grow and succeed,” Somers said. “I am honored to have the support of the Connecticut REALTORS, and will continue to deliver results for our communities if given the honor of representing the 18th district for another term.”

In a letter informing Somers of the REALTORS’ endorsement, Joanne Breen, president, and James Heckman, general counsel, wrote “On behalf of Connecticut REALTORS®, which represents 17,000 members involved in all aspects of real estate in Connecticut, we are pleased to relay our Association has voted to endorse your candidacy for Connecticut’s State Senate District 18.”

“The Association carefully evaluates candidates in determining who may best ensure there is a positive environment for living in or transferring property in Connecticut,” the letter continues. “Real estate is essential to economic recovery and stability in the state and helps to build communities.”

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Heather Somers Wins Unanimous GOP Endorsement for 2020 Reelection

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton won the unanimous endorsement of the Republican Party for a third term during an 18th district convention held remotely via web conference Monday evening.

“It is such an incredible honor to represent the hardworking families of the 18th district and I look forward to continuing to deliver results and challenge the status quo to strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities,” Somers said. “That is why I am working tirelessly every day to keep our communities and essential workers safe, support employees and small businesses and get Connecticut back to work as quickly and safely as possible.”

“It is why I’ve fought to successfully suspend, and keep suspended, the tax on plastic bags, supported policies to strengthen our health care workers and facilities and advocated for sensible solutions, like a regional approach to reopening — that takes into account the facts on the ground and input from experts in eastern Connecticut,” Somers continued. “I will continue working, across party lines, to safeguard our communities, support those who are struggling and empower individuals and small businesses to succeed, while protecting our environment and creating equal opportunities for all citizens of the 18th district.”

Delegates to the 18th district GOP convention pointed to Somers’ dedication, availability, commitment to delivering results and willingness to challenge the status quo as key traits that make her an effective voice for eastern Connecticut in Hartford.

Tracey Hanson, First Selectman, Voluntown
“I have seen firsthand the determination, dedication, experience and enthusiasm of Senator Somers. Whether it is a fire chief or a dairy farmer, she is always available and willing to pick up the phone to help residents and municipal leaders over any matter. She has delivered for the people of Voluntown and it is clear people are her priority and she will help anyone. We need to return Senator Somers to the State Senate to continue to represent us so well.”

Lauren Gauthier, Member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), Groton
“Senator Somers has been an inspiration for young women like myself entering public service and politics. She leads with compassion, integrity and purpose for each of her constituents. No issue is too small or large for her consideration, and we need to return Senator Somers to Hartford.”

Paul McGuirk, Republican Town Committee Chairman, Groton
“Senator Somers is the effective voice eastern Connecticut needs in these challenging times. Somers doesn’t just talk, but actually rolls up her sleeves and delivers concrete results for our communities and challenges the broken status quo in Hartford.”

Bob Carlson, Member of the Board of Selectman, North Stonington
“North Stonington, being the rural town that we are, is definitely not considered a ‘Hot Spot’ when discussing the current pandemic, but Senator Somers has been there for us, communicating and offering guidance to our first selectman and helping keep our community safe. Heather has the ability to make each of the towns feel comfortable knowing that she has our backs in Hartford.”

Chuck Sneddon, Co-Owner of Simply Majestic, Mystic
“Now, more than ever, it is important to have leaders representing our communities who work tirelessly every day. I have never seen a senator more available and more connected to citizens in the district than Senator Somers. She is compassionate, honest, resourceful and willing to actually do the work, not just talk about it, every day!”

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Senator Somers Serving, Supporting 18th District Communities Through COVID-19

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton has been working across party lines to combat the COVID-19 crisis and serving 18th district communities to support senior centers, health care facilities and workers, small businesses, families and others through these challenging times.

“Through these challenging times I have been inspired by the resilience, ingenuity and compassion of our eastern Connecticut communities,” Somers said. “Our shared sense of purpose and commitment to helping those in need is why I strap on a mask and go out every day, delivering masks, supplies and support to senior centers, health care facilities, small businesses and families.”

“It is why I’m working tirelessly and across party lines as a member of the state task force to combat this crisis, keep the public informed, help individuals and small businesses navigate options, safeguard our communities and deliver much needed relief,” Somers continued. “And I know and deeply appreciate the sacrifice of our health care workers every time my husband Mark comes home from treating the sick at Lawrence and Memorial and puts his scrubs in the laundry.”

“By staying united, working together and each doing our part, we will get through these tough times and emerge from this stronger on the other side,” Somers said. “I want people in our communities to know that I am here to help in any way I can as we all work through these challenging times.”

Senator Somers has kept the public informed, advocated for solutions to protect the safety and health of eastern Connecticut communities, helped individuals and small businesses navigate government programs and worked tirelessly to support health care workers, first responders, non-profits, senior centers and health care facilities.

Somers has helped secure and personally deliver masks and other supplies to Academy Point at Mystic, the Griswold Senior Center, Mystic Healthcare and Rehabilitation and for local surgeons operating at ambulatory centers. On March 12, Somers held a live-streamed virtual town hall with medical experts to brief the public about the virus, safety measures and to answer questions. On April 20, Somers volunteered at the New London Community Meal Center, serving meals to those impacted by the crisis.

Somers has been in contact and coordinated efforts with local police, fire chiefs and state and federal officials. She has been critical of the Department of Labor for taking too long to process unemployment claims. She has also spoken with numerous small businesses in the district, as well as large employers including Electric Boat and the Mystic Aquarium about their needs and challenges.

As ranking member of the Public Health Committee, Somers led the successful charge to suspend the tax on plastic bags in grocery stores in response to concerns about the safety of reusable bags from grocery workers. And Somers has worked with policymakers and the private sector to support relief for families and small businesses, including advocating for solutions to expand coverage for telehealth solutions and do more to protect nursing home populations.

Somers is committed to continuing to work tirelessly to protect the health and safety of eastern Connecticut communities, secure relief for families and small businesses and support those on the front lines of this crisis. She encourages anyone who is looking for information or assistance to call, email or contact her legislative office.

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Heather Somers Announces 2020 Re-Election Bid for State Senate

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Monday she will seek re-election to the 18th district, looking to continue her record of leading with an independent voice to deliver results for eastern Connecticut, challenge the status quo in Hartford and fight for policies to improve the lives of hardworking Connecticut families.

“I look forward to continue my record of leading with an independent voice to expand opportunity, support small businesses, honor our veterans, improve the quality and affordability of health care, protect our environment, strengthen our eastern Connecticut communities and hold Hartford accountable,” Somers said. “It is an incredible honor to represent hardworking eastern Connecticut families and I look forward to continuing to serve and deliver results to strengthen our communities.”

In Hartford, Somers has established a reputation as a uniquely effective and independent advocate for eastern Connecticut. Somers has successfully passed legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, protect women from sexual harassment, care for first responders with PTSD, repeal the boat tax, fund priorities for 18th district communities, protect eastern Connecticut from damaging education cuts and more. In the 2020 legislative session, Somers is championing plans to lower prescription drug costs, protect patients, safeguard the environment and increase economic opportunity.

“I am proud of my record of results and to be continuing to lead the fight on issues that matter to hardworking eastern Connecticut families, like reducing Connecticut’s punitive tax burden, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and expanding economic opportunity,” Somers continued. “I am proud to be an independent leader in Hartford, working across party lines to protect and strengthen the environmental health of our state, improve access to quality, affordable health care and increase economic opportunity for the hardworking families who suffered as misguided policies and tax hikes kept Connecticut lagging our neighbors in jobs and wages.”

Building on a reputation for holding Hartford accountable and tackling corruption in her first term, Somers helped lead the charge to expose mismanagement at the Connecticut Port Authority, hold the quasi-state agency accountable and put forward solutions to reinstall public confidence. Last month, Somers sent a letter to Gov. Ned Lamont calling for greater transparency and additional reforms at the Port Authority before the administration rubber stamped an agreement concerning the state pier in New London.

“I will continue to fight for hardworking Connecticut taxpayers by shining a light on mismanagement, corruption and abuse in state government and at quasi-public agencies and lead the fight for reform,” Somers said. “That is why I’ve repeatedly demanded greater transparency and lasting reforms to correct the mess created by political insiders at the Connecticut Port Authority.”

Somers has earned recognition from numerous organizations representing seniors, physicians and health care providers as a champion for improving the quality, affordability and availability of health care and to improve Connecticut’s treatment of mental health. Somers also has a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her support of positions to protect and preserve the environment and a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) for championing policies to improve Connecticut’s economic competitiveness and business climate.

Somers was first elected to the State Senate representing the 18th district in November 2016 and was reelected in November 2018 with 55 percent of the vote.

Before serving in the State Senate, Somers served as a town councilor for eight years in Groton, including two years as the town mayor. Somers also has a successful record in business. She founded and helped grow a biotech manufacturing company that continues to expand and support more than 100 jobs in eastern Connecticut. Somers resides in Groton City with her husband Mark and daughter Grace. She has two adult children, Hayley and Ian.

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Somers Applauds FBI Following Indictment of CMEEC Executives

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers reacted Thursday to reports five executives of the CMEEC utility co-operative were indicted following a two-year FBI probe. Somers led the fight to bring greater transparency to the utility co-op and hold its leadership accountable following revelations executives misused over $1 million hidden in a secret fund on lavish trips.

“The indictments handed down in federal court today represent the culmination of several years of work by legislators, journalists and law enforcement to expose corruption at a public utility co-op,” Somers said. “I applaud the FBI for their diligent investigation that led to these indictments.”

“While struggling Connecticut ratepayers wrestled with the highest electric costs in the continental United States, executives at CMEEC used funds intended to stabilize rates to fund extravagant trips for their own amusement,” Somers continued. “Even worse, the ringleaders of this behavior worked hard to hide their activities from their members, ratepayers and state officials.”

“That’s why I’m proud to have led the charge to bring greater accountability to CMEEC,” Somers said. “I introduced three bills to bring greater transparency to utility co-ops and to prevent this kind of unethical activity from happening again.”

The bills introduced by Somers during the 2017 legislative session included:

  • SB-413: An Act Making Municipal Utility Companies’ Books and Financials Subject to Disclosure Under the Freedom of Information Act
  • SB-78: An Act Concerning Municipal Electric Utilities Creating Joint Purchasing Agencies
  • SB-79: An Act Repealing Sections Regarding Municipal Electric Energy Cooperatives

In testimony in support of the three bills before the Energy and Technology Committee in February of 2017, Somers called for greater transparency and oversight of municipal co-ops to ensure “CMEEC is adhering to its mission to provide low cost, reliable power to the municipal utilities It serves and to ensure that its management and board uphold the highest standard of conduct as it carries out its essential government function.”

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Somers Reaffirms Commitment to Delivering Results, Challenging the Status Quo After Winning Re-Election for Second Term

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton reacted Tuesday evening to winning a second term representing the 18th district.

“I am incredibly honored to be given the confidence of 18th district voters to represent them for another two years,” Somers said. “I will continue to focus on delivering results for eastern Connecticut, challenging the broken status quo in Hartford and fighting to restore prosperity to our state.”

As of 9:40 p.m. Somers led with 18,645 votes to her Democratic challenger’s 15,645 with all but one precinct in the district counted.

The 18th Senate district includes Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Stonington, Sterling, Voluntown, Preston and Plainfield.

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