Attorney General: Press Releases 2005

Press Releases 2005

Charities
12/7/2005Attorney General Sues Charity Operators, Newton For Bribery And Embezzlement Schemes
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today sued former State Sen. Ernest E. Newton II, D-Bridgeport, and two other individuals to recover money for bribery and embezzlement schemes involving state bond money and a Bridgeport charity.
 
11/11/2005Attorney General Sues Former President Of Connecticut College Broadcasting Association For Diverting Funds
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today he is suing the former president of the Connecticut College Broadcasting Association (CCBA) for diverting several thousand dollars in donated CCBA funds for personal use.
 
3/15/2005DCP Distribute Holy Trinity Settlement To Cancer Charities
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced they are donating the remaining $110,000 in settlement money from a case of illegal charity solicitation to four cancer charities.
 
3/7/2005Attorney General, DCP Sue Former Seymour Ambulance Director For Diverting Charitable Funds
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a lawsuit against Frank Marcucio, III, former executive director and trustee of Seymour Ambulance Association, for improperly diverting charitable funds intended to benefit the association and a cancer stricken volunteer firefighter.
 
1/14/2005Attorney General Details Improper And Questionable Expenses, Financial Disarray At Seymour Ambulance
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today released a letter to Seymour Ambulance Association outlining tens of thousands of dollars in improper and questionable expenditures and serious problems with the organization's accounting, bookkeeping and financial controls.
 

Children's Issues
12/23/2005Attorney General Fights Motion To Dismiss No Child Left Behind Suit
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a brief opposing the federal government’s motion to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings for violating provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
 
12/5/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Federal Government’s Motion To Dismiss No Child Left Behind Lawsuit
  The federal government has launched a scorched earth assault on states’ rights to protect their citizens against arbitrary and capricious federal action. It is a serious and significant document.
 
10/31/2005Attorney General Lauds Probe Proving Sweetheart Deal In Wal-Mart Child Labor Law Violations Agreement
  This report constitutes an unexpected and virtually unprecedented indictment of the U.S. Department of Labor’s sweetheart deal with Wal-Mart. Its critical findings are searing and significant. It concludes that, ‘serious breakdowns’ in the process led to ‘significant concessions to Wal-Mart’ with virtually nothing in return.
 
8/24/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal Response To NCLB Suit
  Under the law, the federal government must pay for any additional testing. They have not done so. Diverting money from existing educational programs – as federal officials suggested – violates the law and robs our children of the resources needed to close achievement gaps.
 
8/22/2005State Sues Federal Government Over Illegal Unfunded Mandates Under No Child Left Behind Act
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced a lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. The federal government has repeatedly refused to grant the state waivers or full funding to comply with the NCLB Act – violating the express terms of the NCLB Act and the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
 
4/5/2005Attorney General Prepares Legal Action Against Federal Government For No Child Left Behind
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today he is preparing legal action against the U.S. Department of Education for imposing millions of dollars worth of illegal unfunded mandates under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
 
4/3/2005State Sweep Nets Arrests Of 30 Parents Who Owe More Than $1 Million In Child Support
  The Attorney General's Office, the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Judicial Branch and the State Marshal Commission this weekend conducted a joint sweep resulting in the arrests of 30 parents who owe a total of more than $1 million in child support payments.
 
4/1/2005Attorney General, Child Advocate Statement On Proposal To Close CJTS
  "This decision is right, but only because of wrong and tragic decisions in the past. Beginning in the earliest days after CJTS opened, we identified serious shortcomings, issued in-depth reports highlighting these problems, and several times made urgent recommendations for improvement that DCF repeatedly ignored.
 
2/14/2005Attorney General Discusses State Investigation Into Violation Of Child Labor Laws By Wal-Mart
  "The federal settlement with Wal-Mart involving violations of child labor laws raises very serious and profoundly significant potential violations of state law. I am alarmed and deeply troubled by such abhorrent practices.
 

Consumer Issues
12/22/2005Attorney General Vows Continued Fight Against 22 Percent CL&P Increase, Renews Call For Reform
  I have fought and will continue to fight this unconscionable rate hike as long and hard as possible, in every available forum. We will file a formal set of objections contesting a rate increase of this obscene magnitude and take other appropriate steps, beginning tomorrow.
 
12/21/2005Attorney General Orders Lead-Laden Lunchboxes Off Store Shelves
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today demanded that several lunchbox manufacturing companies and retailers remove lunchboxes containing lead from store shelves or face legal action.
 
12/19/2005Sullivan, Blumenthal Urge State Consumers To Take Steps To Fight Identity Theft
  Lieutenant Governor Kevin Sullivan and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today urged Connecticut residents to take advantage of a new state law to protect personal credit information. Beginning on January 1, 2006, consumers can activate a “security freeze” on their credit reports to help stop would-be identity thieves from gaining unauthorized access.
 
12/19/2005Attorney General Monitors Sale Of Gift Cards By Music Store Going Out Of Business
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has been monitoring the parent company of Media Play after reports that the retail chain has been promoting and selling gift cards despite plans to close Media Play stores by early next year.
 
12/15/2005Attorney General, Higher Ed, DCP Sue Defunct Massage School For Multiple Violations Of State Law, Seek Restitution For Students
  In a lawsuit announced today by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the state is taking action against the recently closed Galen Institute, LLC, a related company, its owner and his wife for multiple violations of state education, consumer protection and other laws.
 
11/28/2005Attorney General Announces Some Towns To Receive More Money Than Expected From Aon Settlement; Almost 6,000 Consumers Will Receive Money
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that more than 20 Connecticut municipalities, corporations and individuals will receive more money than anticipated from the Aon Corporation settlement after his office discovered miscalculations by Aon.
 
11/25/2005Attorney General Warns Black Friday Shoppers Of Illegal Mail-In Rebate Advertisements
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned “Black Friday” shoppers to beware of illegal mail-in rebate advertisements. Connecticut law requires retailers to advertise the price charged at the cash register before the mail-in rebate is redeemed, or the rebate must be given at the time of purchase.
 
11/21/2005Attorney General Launches Investigation Into Accuracy Of Wal-Mart Pricing
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that he will investigate Wal-Mart’s pricing practices in Connecticut in the wake of studies showing significant discrepancies between the chain’s posted and checkout prices.
 
11/18/2005Attorney General Warns College Students About Job Scam
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued a warning about a job scam targeting college students where victims are tricked into sending checks to initiate the job, but the work never materializes.
 
11/17/2005Attorney General Warns Consumers About Illegal Home Heating Oil Business
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued an urgent warning to consumers about unregistered fuel oil dealers offering to sell cheap fuel oil. Blumenthal said consumers should verify an oil dealer’s credentials with the state before giving them hard-earned money for fuel.
 
11/14/2005Attorney General Announces Multi-State Agreement With Western Union To Curb Fraudulent Money Transfers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that Western Union Financial Services, Inc., has agreed to adopt several measures to combat fraud involving money wire transfers and fund an $8.19 million national consumer awareness program.
 
10/28/2005Attorney General, DCP Announce Agreement With Kmart To Stop Selling Costumes With Concealed Lead Warnings
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced Kmart has agreed to remove from store shelves all costumes containing covered-up lead warnings.
 
10/21/2005Attorney General Will Participate In LICAP Settlement Process, But Still Believes System Should Be Dumped
  “Our door is always open to settlement discussions, and we will participate in this process. “My office will continue to fight unfair and unjust federally imposed subsidies for power plant owners that threaten our consumers and economy.
 
10/21/2005Blumenthal, Williams Propose Stronger Price Gouging Law In Energy Markets
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr., D-Brooklyn, today proposed strengthening state price gouging law to include natural gas, electricity and other energy needs – and increase penalties.
 
10/20/2005Paid Telephone Solicitors Pass On Smallest Percentage To Charities Since 1997
  The percentage of funds that telemarketers passed on to Connecticut charities in 2004 tumbled to its lowest level since 1997, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez announced today.
 
10/19/2005Attorney General Announces Health Net Settlement Of Claims It Illegally Collected Personal Injury Awards From Enrollees
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Health Net of Connecticut, Inc. has agreed to settle charges that it illegally collected money from its enrollees' personal injury awards. The company has agreed to pay 98 of its members a total of $166,671.
 
10/18/2005Attorney General, Chief State's Attorney Announce CT To Receive At Least $1.3 Million In National Medicaid Fraud Settlement
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Chief State's Attorney Christopher Morano today announced Connecticut will receive at least $1.3 million from a nationwide settlement with a Swiss drug maker that used gifts, kickbacks and unapproved diagnostic software to promote sales of its AIDS drug.
 
10/13/2005Attorney General Monitors Levitz Furniture Chain
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that his office is monitoring the Levitz furniture company, which this week filed for protection under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
 
10/11/2005Attorney General Warns About Phony FTC Officials Calling For Personal Information
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned about callers posing as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials who claim that a consumer's personal financial information may have been stolen and then ask the consumer to divulge Social Security, bank account and credit card numbers.
 
10/6/2005Attorney General Proposes Using Fuel Tax Surplus To Increase Heating Assistance, Backs Programs To Promote Energy Conservation
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today proposed that the state put $15 million of the projected gas tax surplus into the state program that provides emergency heating assistance to the needy.
 
10/3/2005Attorney General Encouraged By Heating Oil Partners' Setting Aside of $33 Million, $115 Million Line of Credit
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today he is encouraged that Heating Oil Partners Company won an order from U.S. Bankruptcy Court setting aside $33 million to fulfill its contracts with consumers this winter.
 
9/30/2005Attorney General Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Overturn Ruling Undermining State Anti-Predatory Lending Laws
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his appeal of a court decision that undermines Connecticut's ability to enforce its anti-predatory lending laws. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year upheld a lower court ruling that federal law “preempts” state authority to regulate mortgage subsidiaries of national banks.
 
9/28/2005Attorney General Warns Of Flood-Damaged Cars
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued a warning to Connecticut consumers regarding the purchase of vehicles from the flooded Gulf Coast area.
 
9/27/2005Attorney General's Statement On Chapter 11 Filing By Major Home Heating Oil Company
  The Governor's interest is well founded, as we know from monitoring this situation for some time, and share her concerns. We will continue to track the financial situation and capacity of Heating Oil Partners and take appropriate action to protect Connecticut consumers.
 
9/19/2005Attorney General Applauds SEC Chairman's Pledge To Implement New Hedge Fund Rule
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today endorsed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Christopher Cox's statement that he will support and implement requirements that hedge fund advisors register with his agency.
 
9/14/2005Attorney General Welcomes DCP Steps On Gas Price Gouging
  This hotline is welcome – and will hopefully help our investigation into possible gasoline price gouging. As I have told the commissioner, this hotline is a positive step, and we are committed to work with the DCP to stop anti-consumer practices potentially involved in the recent surge in gasoline prices.
 
9/12/2005Attorney General, OCC, Biz Group, Power Coop Seek $970 Million In Power Rate Cuts, End to Windfall Profits For Nuke, Coal Plants
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Consumer Counsel Mary J. Healey, the Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers (CIEC) and the Connecticut Municipal Energy Electric Cooperative (CMEEC) today filed a complaint asking federal regulators to change a rule that allows the state's nuclear and coal-fired power plants to reap huge, undeserved profits by pegging their rates to rising oil and natural gas prices.
 
9/8/2005Attorney General Seeks Information From Gasoline Retailers, Big Oil In Probe
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that letters and subpoenas will be sent to investigate possible price gouging and anti-trust violations during the recent run-up in oil prices. Responding to numerous consumer complaints, Blumenthal is sending letters to various retailers reported by motorists to be charging the highest prices in Connecticut.
 
9/7/2005Attorney General, 14 Other States Sue Federal Gov't To Force Tougher Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, 14 other states, the city of New York, and consumer and environmental groups today sued the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to force compliance with a law requiring the agency to set tougher energy efficiency standards for appliances.
 
9/2/2005Attorney General Launches Multi-State Price Gouging Investigation; Issues Opinion On Pollution Controls
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced an investigation into possible price gouging and anti-trust violations in gasoline sales jointly with state attorneys general across the nation. The task force was formed during the past few days in discussions involving attorneys general and their staff, including Blumenthal.
 
9/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Proposed Excessive Profit Tax For Big Oil Companies; Gov.'s Request For Opinion On Gas Rules
  Aggressive intervention is vital at the federal level – to tax the unconscionable profit of big oil and prevent profiteering at consumers' expense, and to stop monopolistic conspiracies and anticompetitive action by these companies. I will be reaching out to my colleagues, attorneys general around the country, to monitor and investigate market supplies and price spikes and stop violation of our state antitrust laws.
 
8/31/2005Attorney General Closely Monitoring Rising Gas Prices For Gouging
  We are actively monitoring and collecting information to determine whether violations of our consumer protection laws have occurred, most particularly the state's price gouging laws. We are looking into whether unconscionable prices prohibited by our laws have been charged and whether there are shortages that would justify the governor declaring an emergency.
 
8/31/2005Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner Announce $30 Million Settlement With Insurance Agency
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Susan F. Cogswell today announced a $30 million settlement with Hilb Rogal & Hobbs, the nation's eighth largest insurance agency, for surreptitiously steering clients to certain insurers in exchange for hidden commissions.
 
8/18/2005Attorney General, Sen. Fasano Blast Sale Of Air Bag Covers Without Air Bags, Vow Probe, Legislation
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, state Sen. Leonard A. Fasano and the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) announced today that they will join forces to stop an Alabama company from selling replacement air bag covers without the air bags in Connecticut and to crack down on the practice.
 
8/17/2005Attorney General Endorses Inquiry Into Decrease In Percentage Of CT Homes With Phones
  These statistics are strongly troubling. A faster-paced society demands that we be more connected, not less so. We need to know the reasons for this apparent decline in household telephone service.
 
7/28/2005Attorney General Wins Victory In Fight Against Illegal Gift Card Fees Charged By Crystal Mall Owner
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal this week won a round in his fight to stop Simon Property Group L.P. from slapping illegal inactivity fees and expiration dates on its gift cards when a federal judge dismissed the company's lawsuit challenging Blumenthal's jurisdiction.
 
7/21/2005Attorney General, DMV, DCP Announce $15,500 Settlement With Garage For "Ghost" Emissions Tests
  Brakes Plus violated the public trust and helped pollute our air by passing vehicles that should have failed," Blumenthal said. "This garage's illegal action – ghost testing – was unconscionable, causing more toxins to be spewed into Connecticut's environment and misleading consumers.
 
7/20/2005Attorney General Exploring Enforcement Measures Against Garage Employees Accused Of Emissions Fraud
  My office is exploring additional enforcement measures, including possible civil legal action, against anyone involved in falsifying emissions tests. We will pursue financial penalties against lawbreakers who defraud the state emissions program.
 
7/14/2005Attorney General's Statement On Ameriquest Settlement
  My office is continuing its active, intensive investigation into potential illegal practices by Ameriquest. This settlement is a positive step to remedy one category of misconduct.
 
7/12/2005Attorney General's Statement On Arrest Of Express Oil Owner Robert Desiderio
  "Robert Desiderio's alleged felony larcenies caused severe, lasting harm to countless consumers, who now deserve that he be prosecuted vigorously. I commend and thank the State's Attorney's Office and Waterbury police for this significant action.
 
7/12/2005Attorney General Says Marijuana-Flavored Candy Should Be Banned
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today said he will sponsor a statewide ban on marijuana-flavored candy – dubbed “Pot Suckers” or “Chronic Candy." The green marijuana candy is flavored with real hemp and is sold as lollipops and other hard candy.
 
7/12/2005Attorney General, Consumer Protection Sue Membership Club Company For Enrolling Consumers Against Their Will
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced a lawsuit against a nationwide membership club company for allegedly deceiving consumers into enrolling in its clubs.
 
7/7/2005Attorney General's Statement On Study Showing Epidemic Of Prescription Drug Abuse
  "This report is a chilling alarm and clarion call for action. Skyrocketing rates of teen drug use – and abuse – may have many causes, including excessive industry marketing, overfull medicine cabinets, Internet pharmacies, improper prescribing, or lax law enforcement.
 
7/7/2005Attorney General Calls For Immediate Review Of Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates; Cites Troubling Consumer Report
  In letters to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and state Insurance Commissioner Susan F. Cogswell, Blumenthal cited a study released today by a coalition of national consumer groups that reveals medical malpractice insurance premiums have increased more than 20 times the rate of claims paid.
 
6/30/2005Attorney General's Statement On Agreement To Stop Selling Illegal Fireworks
  I am pleased that TNT Fireworks is complying with our cease and desist order by stopping all sales of illegal 'Piccolo Petes' fireworks through the state. We also appreciate that Wal-Mart and Stop & Shop have removed these fireworks from their stores
 
6/30/2005Attorney General Warns Consumers Of Phone Scammers Claiming To Represent Wal-Mart
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned Connecticut consumers about a telephone scam in which callers claiming to be from Wal-Mart offer $500 in coupons
 
6/29/2005Attorney General Warns Consumers, Small Businesses Of Collect Call Scam
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned consumers – particularly small businesses – to beware of collect callers purporting to have an urgent message
 
6/27/2005Attorney General, Public Safety Commissioner Order Companies To Stop Selling Illegal Fireworks
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today sent letters to Wal-Mart and TNT Fireworks, ordering the companies to immediately cease selling illegal fireworks in Connecticut.
 
6/22/2005Attorney General's Statement On Call To Replace Defective Bullet-Proof Vests
  "This announcement is a long overdue admission that Second Chance vests are dangerously defective, jeopardizing the safety and lives of police officers across the state. It powerfully vindicates our lawsuit and confirms our claims.
 
6/13/2005Attorney General's Comment On Supreme Court Decision Forcing Reimbursement To Former SNET Consumers
  "This decision – compelling $2.8 million in reimbursement to Southern New England Telephone consumers – sends an important message: Utility companies cannot enjoy unreasonable profit out of a labor dispute. My office vigorously pursued reimbursement for consumers who continued to pay the same rates for impaired service, while SNET enjoyed increased profits because of diminished labor costs during a labor strike.
 
6/9/2005Attorney General, DCP Announce $70,000 Settlement With Business That Falsely Claimed Its Eggs Were "CT Grown"
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that Mitlitsky's Egg Farm of Lebanon has agreed to pay the state $70,075 for falsely claiming that eggs it sold were produced in Connecticut and to stop using "farm" in its trade name.
 
6/7/2005Attorney General Welcomes New England Regulators To Fight Against LICAP
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today welcomed the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners (NECPUC) to the fight against a new federally imposed electricity charge called Locational Installed Capacity (LICAP) that will impose more than $300 million in new costs on Connecticut consumers.
 
6/2/2005Attorney General Warns Bogus Job Offer Via Email Is Scam To Obtain Personal Financial Information
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued an urgent warning about a scam – disguised as a job offer – to obtain personal, financial information via email.
 
6/1/2005Attorney General Urges Consumers Use Newly Created Credit Security Freeze To Prevent Identity Theft
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today lauded the legislature for adopting a measure that allows consumers to freeze their credit – thereby preventing identity thieves from opening new lines of credit – and requires data collection companies to inform consumers in case of a security breach.
 
6/1/2005Citing Deep Throat, Attorney General Calls On U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Reporter's Privilege Case
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has joined 33 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a friend of the court brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a recent lower court decision ordering two reporters to name confidential sources.
 
5/26/2005Attorney General's Statement On Resignation At Major Insurance Broker; Investigation Ongoing
  "Counsel for Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company – a major national insurance broker with several state offices – has disclosed to my office information about conduct that caused the management changes announced today. This company is cooperating with my continuing broad investigation of anticompetitive practices in the insurance industry, which has been ongoing for nearly a year. We are continuing to investigate matters involving Hilb Rogal & Hobbs – and will pursue our inquiry vigorously."
 
5/26/2005Attorney General, Consumer Protection Win $1.5 Million In Forgiveness For CT. Businesses Hit By Telecom Scam
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez announced today that three national financial services companies will forgive more than $1.5 million owed by 64 Connecticut businesses victimized by a telecommunications scam.
 
5/20/2005Attorney General To Assist 'The Gathering' Gift Certificate Holders, Advises Filing Claim With Bankruptcy Court
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today advised holders of unredeemed gift certificates for The Gathering restaurant in Milford, which closed recently, to file claims with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Haven.
 
5/19/2005Attorney General's Statement On FCC Requirement That Internet Phone Services Offer Traditional 911 Access
  "This rule responds to emergency calls – including mine – for real 911 access through Internet-based phone service. The federal government has rightly ordered companies offering Internet-based phone service to provide traditional 911 service within 120 days from today. This deadline must be hard and fast – and we will closely monitor to ensure that it is.
 
5/17/2005Attorney General, DCP Win $143,000 In Forgiveness For CT. Businesses Hit By Telecom Scam
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that GE Capital will forgive $143,000 that it claimed was owed by ten Connecticut businesses victimized by a telecommunications scam.
 
5/17/2005Attorney General to Fight Federal Proposal To Weaken State Regulation Of State-Chartered Banks
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today joined six other state attorneys general in filing comments with federal banking authorities opposing proposed rule changes that would weaken the state's ability to enforce predatory lending and consumer protection laws.
 
5/16/2005Attorney General Says Consumers Owed Refunds From Huffman Koos Must Immediately Contact Estate Trustee
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Huffman Koos consumers who were previously notified that they qualified for a refund of deposits – but who never received them – must act immediately to receive the refunds through a process overseen by a court-appointed Bankruptcy Estate Trustee.
 
5/3/2005Attorney General, DCP Sue Broadbank Phone Company For Misrepresenting Its 9-1-1 Emergency Capabilities
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced a lawsuit against Vonage Holdings Corporation for misrepresenting its ability to connect broadband telephone consumers to local 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers.
 
5/2/2005Attorney General, Division Of Special Revenue Issue Scratch-Off Lottery Advisory
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Paul A. Young, executive director of the Division of Special Revenue (DSR), today advised consumers to verify whether top prizes have been claimed before purchasing scratch-off lottery tickets.
 
4/25/2005Attorney General Warns Consumers That Certain Internet Phone Service Offer Limited Or No 9-1-1 Access
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned consumers of potentially serious problems with emergency calls over Internet-based telephone services – also known as "Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)."
 
4/20/2005State Sues Landlord For Imposing Illegal Heat Surcharges On Tenants
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced he is suing an apartment management and leasing company that illegally billed tenants a total of $173,000 for "heating fuel surcharges" after misleading consumers that heat and hot water were included in rent under the lease terms.
 
4/19/2005Attorney General To Assure LEXISNEXIS Informs, Assists Possible CT Victims Of Identity Theft
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today his office will ensure that LexisNexis informs and assists approximately 2,000 Connecticut residents whose personal information may have been stolen by identity thieves.
 
3/31/2005Attorney General Warns Of Mail Scam Targeting Lebanese- And Arab-Americans
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned Connecticut businesses about a fraudulent scheme that appears to target Lebanese- and Arab-Americans, promising millions of dollars in exchange for cooperating with the widow of the late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
 
3/29/2005Attorney General, DCP Announce Settlement With Blockbuster For Deceptive "No Late Fees" Promotion
  Blockbuster, Inc., has agreed to correct its “no late fees” promotion and provide refunds or credits to consumers deceived by the campaign.
 
3/28/2005Attorney General, DCP Reach $196,000 Settlement With Reader's Digest For Deceptive Sweepstakes Marketing
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that The Reader's Digest Association has agreed to a $196,000 settlement for deceptive marketing of its sweepstakes contests.
 
3/24/2005Attorney General Says Pistol Creek Golf Club Membership Refunds En Route
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that the Pistol Creek Golf Club – which recently closed – has reserved $129,208.90 in an account to fully refund approximately 95 pre-paid membership fees for the 2005 golf season. Checks will be distributed next week by the former club owner's attorney.
 
3/23/2005Attorney General, Banking, DCP Announce North Fork Bank To Refund, Forgive $106,000 In Illegal Mortgage Fees
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Banking Commissioner John P. Burke and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that North Fork Bank has agreed to refund or forgive $106,252 in illegal mortgage fees charged to Connecticut consumers.
 
3/22/2005Attorney General, Rep. Stone, CCLU, CONNPIRG Announce Credit Security Freeze Bill To Clear Major Hurdle
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Rep. Christopher R. Stone, D-East Hartford, today called on the state House and Senate to pass a bill allowing consumers to freeze their credit, preventing identity thieves from opening new credit card or other accounts, and requiring data collection companies to inform consumers when there is security breach.
 
3/14/2005Attorney General Negotiates Golf Club Membership Refunds
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that he has received a written commitment that the Pistol Creek Golf Club in Berlin – which is abruptly closing – will soon refund fees to approximately 87 club members who paid in advance for the 2005 golf season.
 
3/4/2005Attorney General Announces AON To Pay $190 Million For Kickback Scheme To Steer Insurance Contracts
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that insurance broker Aon Corporation and a related company, Aon Consulting, Inc., have agreed to a $190 million nationwide settlement for soliciting and accepting kickbacks to steer business to favored insurers.
 
3/3/2005Attorney General Warns Consumers Hop Brook Tavern Has Abruptly Closed Leaving Outstanding Deposits
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned consumers that the Hop Brook Tavern in Simsbury has abruptly – and without prior warning to customers – closed its doors after its owner failed to pay thousands of dollars in rent to the landlord.
 
3/2/2005Attorney General's Statement On New York Settlement Of Mall Gift Card Lawsuit
  "This settlement has zero impact on my lawsuit against Simon Properties, which we will vigorously pursue. The New York settlement requires disclosure of fees that are banned by Connecticut law, which is stronger in protecting consumers.
 
3/1/2005Attorney General Announces Settlement With Internet Company That Illegally Billed Consumers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Alyon Technologies, Inc., has agreed to restitution for Connecticut Internet users whom it illegally billed for services they never ordered.
 
2/24/2005Attorney General Says Personal Information Leak Could Be More Widespread; Proposes Legislation And Demands More Information From Choicepoint
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today said he is demanding more details from ChoicePoint, Inc., after authorities in another state indicated that the company's information leak was far worse than the company has reported. He is also considering legal action against ChoicePoint for failing to safeguard private confidential consumer records.
 
2/21/2005Attorney General, Banking Dept, DCP Sue Torrington Builder, Realtor, Mortgage Firm For Lending Scam
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Banking Commissioner John P. Burke and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez have sued Litchfield County Realty, Heritage Builders, LLC, and Approved Mortgages, Inc., for predatory lending practices in the sale of new homes at the Pine Meadow Farms development in New Hartford.
 
2/18/2005Attorney General's Statement On Inspector General Investigation Into Wal-Mart
  "An internal investigation is a good first step – but shouldn't excuse or enable continued secrecy. It is obviously a response to the public pressure. The Inspector General's investigation should only redouble and reinforce our determination to investigate state law violations and apply appropriate remedies.
 
2/17/2005Details Demanded About Personal Information Leaked To Identity Thieves
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today demanded that ChoicePoint, Inc., a national information broker, take immediate corrective action after it inadvertently released highly sensitive personal information on about 140,000 citizens to identity thieves.
 
2/16/2005Attorney General Blasts U.S. Labor Dept. Response To Request For Wal-Mart Information
  "The response this afternoon from the federal Department of Labor to our request for information is grossly inadequate and disgraceful. It provides virtually no details as to the 69 child labor law violations – or other similar instances that may have been investigated.
 
2/16/2005Attorney General Files FOIA For U.S. Labor Dept's Full Investigation Of Wal-Mart Child Labor Law Violations
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a federal Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Department of Labor seeking the agency's full file and investigation into Wal-Mart's violations of federal child labor laws in Connecticut and other states.
 
2/10/2005Attorney General Launches Prescription Drug Website
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today launched a prescription drug price website that allows consumers to compare the cost of the most commonly prescribed drugs at pharmacies statewide.
 
2/8/2005Attorney General Urges Insurance Reform; Proposes Statewide Election Of Insurance Commissioner
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today proposed sweeping insurance reform, including statewide election of the insurance commissioner and a mandatory code of professional responsibility for insurance brokers and agents.
 
2/4/2005Attorney General's Statement On Agreement With Express Oil To Deliver Fuel
  "Express Oil consumers who pre-paid for fuel should expect to receive their heating oil – as they deserve under their contracts. The state has come to an agreement with Express Oil to fulfill its obligation to consumers who pre-paid for fuel.
 
2/1/2005Attorney General Proposes Identity Theft Protection Legislation
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today testified in support of stronger protections against identity theft, including a measure to allow consumers to seek a credit security freeze that prevents identity thieves from opening new credit cards in the consumers' name. The greatest sources of identity theft are through opening new lines of credit in another person's name and purchases on existing credit card numbers.
 
2/1/2005Attorney General, CRRA Announce Recovery Of $111 Million From Failed CRRA-Enron Deal
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) Chairman Michael A. Pace announced that the CRRA today will receive a $111.2 million bankruptcy settlement stemming from the authority's failed deal with Enron Corp.
 
2/1/2005Attorney General Announces Kick Off Of National SUV Safety Campaign Financed By Settlement Of Ford Suit
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced the launch of a nationwide $27 million advertising campaign to promote safe SUV driving.
 
1/21/2005Attorney General Sues Insurance Broker And Provider For Illegal Commission Scheme Involving State Contract
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today sued insurance broker Marsh & McLennan, Inc., and insurance provider ACE Financial Solutions, Inc., for a scheme in which ACE paid Marsh a secret $50,000 commission to steer an $80 million state contract to the company.
 
1/18/2005Attorney General, Consumer Protection Sue Former Cemetery Superintendent For Misusing Money
  HARTFORD -- Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that he is suing the former Oak Grove Cemetery superintendent for spending tens of thousands of dollars of the cemetery's money for personal use and for failing to properly record cemetery plots. Blumenthal, in coordination with Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the state.
 
1/17/2005Attorney General Drafts Legislation To Protect Against Wireless Directory; Sprint Decides Not To Join Directory
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced a legislative proposal to protect consumers from a new wireless directory assistance that could expose them to steep charges from telemarketing calls – pointing to Sprint's decision against joining it.
 
1/13/2005Sen. Looney, AG Blumenthal Announce Legislation Regarding Retail Stores' Return Policies Legislation Would Protect Consumers' Rights To Return Merchandise
  State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced legislation to clarify and strengthen state law regarding consumers' rights to return or exchange retail merchandise. Sen. Thomas A. Colapitero (D-Terryville), the Senate chair of the general Assembly's General Law Committee, joined in the announcement.
 
1/13/2005Attorney General, DCP Announce Settlement With Company That Sold Student Information To Marketers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that Connecticut has reached a settlement with National Research Center for College and University Admissions ( NRCCUA) for improperly selling personal information that the company collected from prospective college students.
 
1/12/2005Attorney General, Treasurer Win Victory In Fight Against Illegal Expiration Dates, Fees On Crystal Mall Gift Cards
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Treasurer Denise L. Nappier have won a significant victory in their fight to stop Crystal Mall owner Simon Property Group, L.P., from imposing illegal expiration dates and fees on its gift cards.
 
1/10/2005CT Attorney General Joins 48 States and DC in $40 Million Settlement With State Farm For Damages Vehicle Titles
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today joined officials from 48 other states and the District of Columbia in announcing a $40 million settlement with State Farm Mutual Insurance Company to compensate consumers who unknowingly bought salvaged vehicles.
 
1/10/2005Attorney General, DCP Announce Settlement Requiring SoBe Beverages To Halt False Health Claims
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that South Beach Beverage Company (SoBe) has agreed to cease making unproven claims about the health benefits of its products.
 
1/3/2005Attorney General Warns Huffman Koos Consumers About Deadline To Recover Deposits
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned consumers with outstanding deposits and store credits from Huffman Koos that they have until January 31 to file proofs of claim with the bankruptcy court. These proofs of claim are consumers' final chance to attempt to recover outstanding deposits and credits that Huffman Koos failed to honor.
 

Environmental Issues
12/21/2005Attorney General Orders Lead-Laden Lunchboxes Off Store Shelves
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today demanded that several lunchbox manufacturing companies and retailers remove lunchboxes containing lead from store shelves or face legal action.
 
12/20/2005Attorney General Calls Regional Agreement To Cap CO2 Pollution “Solid First Step”
  Today’s seven-state bipartisan agreement is a solid first step in capping carbon dioxide pollution from power plants – supporting our state enforcement action in federal court against the nation’s biggest carbon dioxide polluters. This pact is a firm foundation for future action.
 
12/15/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
  This regional agreement seems to be a significant step in the right direction. It will help stem greenhouse gas emissions, which we have sought to fight through our legal action against both the federal government and power plant polluters.
 
12/1/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Say Montville Commons Slope Stabilized For Winter, But More Protective Work To Be Done
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy announced today that, in a letter to the developers of Montville Commons, the slope appears to have been stabilized for winter, as required, but insisted that additional steps are necessary to address environmental, health and safety concerns.
 
11/29/2005DEP Proposing Rules to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Cars, SUVs and Light Trucks
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that proposed rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars, SUVs and light trucks are one step closer to completion.
 
11/11/2005Attorney General, Environmental Protection Commissioner Announce Settlement with Montville Commons Developers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a settlement with the Montville Commons developers that provides money to the state and sod on all properties disturbed by the construction.
 
11/10/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Order Halt To Montville Commons Work For Illegal Work, Violations Of Safety Zone
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental of Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today ordered a halt to construction at the Montville Commons shopping center after builders began illegally installing natural gas lines and placed equipment in the exclusion zone at the edge of the site’s slope.
 
11/9/2005Attorney General Praises Gov Romney and Urges Gov Rell To Join In Regional Greenhouse Gas Pact
  This pact of Northeast states – now endorsed by Gov. Romney – is a solid first step in capping carbon dioxide pollution from power plants. It supports our state enforcement action in federal court against the nation’s biggest carbon dioxide polluters.
 
11/3/2005Attorney General Receives Proposal To Permanently Stabilize North Slope Of Montville Commons
  My office today received the developers’ proposal to permanently stabilize the north slope of Montville Commons, as required. We will carefully and thoroughly review the proposal to determine whether it assures permanent stability and security at the site – meeting the mandate of the temporary injunction agreed to by the developers.
 
11/1/2005Attorney General, Environmental Protection Commissioner Announce Settlement with Montville Commons Developers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a settlement with the Montville Commons developers that provides money to the state and sod on all properties disturbed by the construction.
 
11/1/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Allow Limited Construction To Resume At Montville Commons
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today allowed limited construction to resume at Montville Commons after engineers for the developer, DEP and the neighbors concluded that the site is stable enough for some work
 
10/28/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Governor’s Letter To FERC Regarding Broadwater Project
  I’m encouraged by Gov. Rell’s expression of interest in the Broadwater project, and I hope it indicates that she will join me and our bipartisan alliance in opposing this environmental monstrosity. I urge her to support my strong and unequivocal opposition to this project – a direct assault on Long Island Sound, as well as an environmental and security nightmare.
 
10/26/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Announce Settlement Requiring Repairs To Montville Commons, Water Hookups For Residents
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced an agreement with the owners and builders of Montville Commons and Home Depot requiring them to assure the safety of the property and its dam, make emergency repairs and to pay to connect neighboring homes to the municipal water system.
 
10/17/2005Attorney General Wins Injunction Halting Construction Of Montville Commons Shopping Ce
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today won a temporary injunction halting construction of the Montville Commons shopping center and ordering the property owners and their construction firms to hire an engineer and begin repairing the property, the dam and adjacent homes.
 
10/14/2005Attorney General Slams EPA Rule Change That Will Increase Air Pollution, Further Gut NSR
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today condemned proposed changes to the New Source Review (NSR) section of the Clean Air Act that will increase air pollution and extend the life of older, dirtier power plants.
 
9/26/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Announce Connecticut Is First State To Challenge Federal Energy Act In Islander East Case
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced the state is filing a motion to dismiss Islander East's petition for review in federal court, saying it is unconstitutional for this private company to challenge a state ruling in federal court.
 
9/15/2005Attorney General, Three Other States Sue Feds To Halt Use of Ozone-Damaging, Marginally Effective Pesticide Against Destructive Insects
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today joined New York, California and Illinois in suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to halt the use of methyl bromide against destructive insect species, saying that the pesticide is marginally effective and environmentally damaging.
 
9/7/2005CT Supreme Court Backs Attorney General, DEP In Mercury Case, Orders $857,000 Penalty, Clean Up
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today applauded an unanimous state Supreme Court ruling ordering three related fluorescent light bulb manufacturers to pay an $857,000 penalty and clean up two sites in Milford and one in Orange that they contaminated with mercury.
 
8/31/2005Attorney General Condemns Draft EPA Regs That Will Allow Major Increases In Power Plant Pollution
  This proposal will drastically undermine and eviscerate the Clean Air Act, leaving Connecticut and other states to suffer the consequences. EPA has once again put power industry profit ahead of public health. This rule would condemn Connecticut residents to more asthma, respiratory disease and more premature deaths.
 
8/24/2005Attorney General Praises Northeast States' Pact To Reduce CO2 Pollution
  This pact is a powerfully positive step that will enhance our battle against global warming. This profoundly significant progress will give us cleaner air and stronger arguments, as we seek a court order against CO2 pollution from Mid-Western, coal-burning power plants in our battle by eight states led by Connecticut.
 
8/15/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Announce $1.15 Million Environmental Settlement With Wal-Mart
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a $1.15 million settlement with Wal-Mart involving environmental violations at 22 stores related to stormwater and other water management issues.
 
8/11/2005Attorney General, Environmental Protection Commissioner Announce Environmental Settlement With Cintas
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Department of Environmental Protection (DCP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a commercial laundry company has agreed to pay the state a $450,000 fine and stop using harmful laundry cleaning chemicals to settle a decades-worth of water pollution violations.
 
8/2/2005Attorney General's Statement On EPA Air Pollution Crackdown On Connecticut And Other States
  The EPA is laudably enforcing air pollution laws – but unfortunately is targeting the victims, not the real culprits. It has rolled back and retreated from strong air pollution enforcement against coal-burning Midwestern power plants that are the major source of air contamination in Connecticut and other Northeastern states.
 
7/15/2005Attorney General's Statement On Decision In CO2 Case
  This decision is wrong and deserves reversal on both law and policy. We will discuss the next step with our allies. The decision disregards the EPA's obligation to protect against the growing threat of global warming.
 
6/28/2005Attorney General, DEP Commissioner Announce Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Coal-Fired Power Plants
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a lawsuit against three coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania that violated federal law by failing to install required pollution controls.
 
5/19/2005Attorney General's Statement On Long Island Sound Dredging Agreement Between CT And New York
  "I'm pleased that this landmark and historic agreement will permit dredging work, while providing safe disposal of dredged materials. The agreement not only removes a key point of contention between New York and Connecticut, but also allows achievement of two long-term goals: use of our ports and harbors and protection of Long Island Sound's precious wildlife, wetlands and other critical resources."
 
5/18/2005Attorney General, Ten Other States Sue To Stop Federal Cap-And-Trade Mercury Emission Rule
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and ten other state attorneys general today sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop implementation of a cap-and-trade system for mercury emissions from power plants.
 
3/18/2005Attorney General, DEP Announce Settlement With Ohio Edison To Slash Air Pollution Blowing Into CT
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced that Ohio Edison has agreed to dramatically reduce Ohio and Pennsylvania power plant emissions that pollute Connecticut's air and to pay the state $1.1 million.
 
3/14/2005Attorney General Blasts Anticipated Bush Administration Mercury Emission Rule, Vows To Fight
  "The federal government's reported mercury emission rule fails to stem the toxic tide of mercury contaminating Connecticut. Out-of-state mercury poses a particular threat to Connecticut because so many of our lakes and streams are already heavily polluted with this deadly toxin.
 
3/10/2005Attorney General Proposes CT-New York Coalition To Battle Broadwater Proposal
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has written a letter proposing that Connecticut and New York public officials, environmental advocates and others unite to oppose Broadwater Energy's plan to build a huge natural gas storage facility in Long Island Sound.
 
3/8/2005Attorney General, DEP Announce Tentative Settlement In Longstanding Shepaug River Reservoir Dispute
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy today announced a tentative settlement ending a decade-long dispute over reservoir releases into the Shepaug River.
 
2/25/2005Attorney General's Statement On Multi-State Task Force Against Broadwater
  "The Broadwater proposal is a monstrosity in the making that must be stopped – and I will fight it in every forum, joining forces with other states and agencies to protect vital, shared environmental and safety interests. I will take this fight to both New York and federal courts, if necessary.
 
2/2/2005Attorney General's Statement On Preston Farm
  "This first-round victory moves us forward significantly toward enforcing legal protections against misuse of agricultural land. The judge's decision dismisses almost all the defenses and counterclaims made as a smokescreen to deflect this enforcement action. As today's decision shows, we have a solid legal basis to stop illegal and improper development of this farm into a golf club and course.
 

Health Issues
11/30/2005Attorney General’s Statement On FOIC Ruling That MCOS Serve Governmental Function, Subject To FOIA
  This decision confirms our repeated contention to DSS and the managed care organizations that it is simply good public policy and sound governmental practice that the actions of these vendors should be transparent.
 
7/19/2005State Announces $2.5 Million Settlement Over Improperly Inflated Drug Prices
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Dey Inc. has agreed to pay the state $1.7 million and donate $800,000 worth of pharmaceuticals to be used at free clinics, settling charges of illegally inflating drug costs.
 
7/15/2005Attorney General Says Consumers Will Receive Money In The Mail From Antitrust Suit Involving Heart Medication
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that more than 1,000 state consumers will soon receive checks in the mail as part of a nationwide distribution of $24 million – the result of an antitrust settlement involving the heart disease medication Cardizem CD.
 
6/14/2005Attorney General, UConn President, Co-Op GM Announce UConn Co-Op To Stop Selling Cigarettes
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, University of Connecticut (UConn) President Philip E. Austin and UConn Co-op General Manager William Simpson today announced that the UConn Co-op will stop selling cigarettes by the fall.
 
5/25/2005Attorney General's Statement On Letter From Coalition Of Healthcare Providers For EMF Safety
  "I appreciate and sympathize with concerns about potential health threats to children. I repeatedly and strenuously asked the Siting Council to bury more of the line to minimize as much as possible the potentially harmful impact of EMF. Working closely with affected towns and citizens, my office succeeded in convincing the council to take steps that will significantly reduce EMF exposure.
 
5/4/2005Attorney General Petitions FDA Demanding Agency Warn Of Thalidomide Blood Clot Risk, Consider Price Controls
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today submitted a citizen's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demanding that the agency strengthen warnings to doctors and patients about the risk of potentially fatal blood clots from the drug Thalidomide.
 
4/7/2005Attorney General's Statement On Withdrawal Of BEXTRA
  "I am pleased that Bextra has been removed from the market. My office and other state attorneys general already are conducting a joint investigation into whether Pfizer has been truthful in its claims about Bextra. We will continue to vigorously and aggressively pursue that investigation.“I am pleased that Bextra has been removed from the market. My office and other state attorneys general already are conducting a joint investigation into whether Pfizer has been truthful in its claims about Bextra. We will continue to vigorously and aggressively pursue that investigation.
 
4/1/2005Attorney General Announces Receipt Of $1.27 Million From Settlement Of Medicaid Drug Fraud Case
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Connecticut has received $1.27 million for illegal charges to the state's Medicaid program to purchase the drug Neurotin.
 
3/17/2005Attorney General Cracks Down On Internet Cigarette Sales
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that his office will join other state attorneys general and federal authorities in a nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale of cigarettes over the Internet.
 
1/26/2005State Settles Mismanagement Allegations With Residential Care Home
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Patricia Wilson-Coker today announced a $95,000 settlement with a Litchfield residential care home for alleged mismanagement that resulted in inflated charges to taxpayers.
 
1/19/2005Attorney General, DSS Announce $198,000 Restitution, Suspension Of Oxygen Supply Firm For Defrauding State
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Social Services (DSS) Deputy Commissioner Michael P. Starkowski announced today that the DSS has ruled that Goldstar Medical, Inc., of Farmington defrauded the state's Medicaid program.
 
1/10/2005Attorney General, DOCS, Lawyers Call For Hearing On Near Doubling Of Malpractice Insurance Premiums
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) joined today in calling on the Department of Insurance to hold a public hearing on General Electric Medical Protective Company's (MedPro) 89.6 percent increase in medical malpractice premiums.
 

Indian Issues
12/27/2005Attorney General Says Supreme Court Decision Victory For State Rights In Tribal Tax Case
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced the State Supreme Court has upheld a trial court ruling preserving the state’s right to collect income tax from Indian tribe members who live off the reservation, but on tribal-owned land.
 
12/8/2005Attorney General Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision Clarifying States’ Right To Tax Indian-Related Sales
  The court ruled that non-Indian distributors must pay the Kansas fuel oil tax, even when their product is sold to enterprises on Indian reservations. The court rightly limited the reach of tribal sovereignty, ruling that states can tax the off-reservation sale of goods bound for Indian country.
 
10/12/2005Attorney General Says Schaghticoke/Eastern Pequot Denials Critical Victory For State And Legitimate Native American Groups
  This decision is a historic win for our state, but also for Native American groups, whose sovereign status deserves respect and whose own recognition would have been demeaned by granting it to these groups.
 
10/5/2005Attorney General Praises NLRB Ruling That Indian Casino Workers May Unionize
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised a recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling that employees of tribal casinos have the right under federal law to unionize and bargain collectively.
 
9/30/2005Attorney General Applauds Judge's Denial Of Extension For Schaghticoke Discovery, Quashing Of Subpoenas
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today applauded U.S. District Court Judge Peter C. Dorsey's decision to deny the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation more time to depose certain parties and nonparties opposed to its federal recognition. Blumenthal had objected to the Schaghticoke request for a time extension.
 
9/12/2005Attorney General's Statement On Delay Of Eastern Pequot Decision
  This delay is hopefully a sign that the BIA is giving this Eastern Pequot decision the careful deliberation – and denial – it deserves. The BIA has a responsibility to review the facts and uphold the law. In this case, that means denying recognition of both the Eastern Pequot and Schaghticoke.
 
8/11/2005Attorney General Praises Ruling That Foxwoods Internet Game Illegal; Vows To Take Action If Game Resumes
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today said he supports the state Division of Special Revenue's (DSR) decision to disapprove the PlayAway game to be played on the Foxwoods Resort and Casino web site because it violates state and federal law, as well as the gaming procedures, which govern the tribe's gaming activities.
 
7/29/2005Attorney General Announces Foxwoods To Hold Off On Playaway While State Reviews Game
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Foxwoods has agreed to continue suspension of its PlayAway on-line game until at least Aug. 15 while the Division of Special Revenue (DSR) reviews the game's legality.
 
7/22/2005Attorney General Applauds DSR Order To Halt Operation Of Foxwoods 'Playaway' Game
  In this situation – unprecedented – this step is absolutely correct, and I strongly support the Division of Special Revenue's (DSR) order compelling Foxwoods to immediately cease operation of its new 'PlayAway' game. PlayAway, as now constituted, appears to be on-line gambling, which is prohibited by federal law.
 
7/13/2005Attorney General's Statement On Governor's Letter To Judge In Schaghticoke Case
  "We regret that the Governor's letter – which strongly supports the points made in the brief I filed – was not prepared in time to be helpful or be included on the record. I will be pleased, nevertheless, forward the letter to the court. We will review the decision when we receive it.
 
5/23/2005Attorney General Announces BIA Will Accept No New Evidence On Schaghticoke, Eastern Pequot Petitions
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will accept no additional evidence before reconsidering the Schaghticoke and Eastern Pequot petitions for federal recognition – effectively streamlining the final determination process.
 
5/13/2005BIA Overturns Schaghticoke, Eastern Pequot Recognitions, Attorney General Announces
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today applauded the Interior Board of Indian Appeals' (IBIA) landmark decision overturning federal tribal recognition of the Schaghticoke and Eastern Pequot groups. Today's ruling is the first time the IBIA has overturned a BIA decision granting tribal recognition, Blumenthal noted.
 
5/10/2005Attorney General's Statement On Chief Velky Press Release
  "Chief Velky is simply wrong. My office and the towns most affected by Indian gaming – Preston, Ledyard and North Stonington – agree that this so-called 'checklist' drastically reduces state and local input into annexation decisions related to gaming.
 
5/9/2005Attorney General's Testimony Blasts New BIA Rules That Ease Annexation Of Land For Expansion Of Gambling
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today blasted the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for rule changes that make it easier for tribes to expand gambling and annex land for gaming-related purposes, while also severely curtailing the ability of states and local communities to contest such changes.
 
3/30/2005Attorney General Praises Dept. Of Interior's Final Denial Of Golden Hill Paugussett Recognition Petition
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton's final denial of the Golden Hill Paugussett's petition for federal tribal recognition.
 
3/29/2005Attorney General's Statement On U.S. Supreme court's Decsion On Oneida Indian Property Tax Dispute
  "This decision has enormous and profound significance for Connecticut and our nation. First, it rejects the idea that tribes can seize land long held by state residents and unilaterally declare it part of their sovereign reservation. This decision clearly establishes the principle that seizure of land through court action, based on possession of the land hundreds of years ago, is disruptive, unpractical and unfair. The Supreme Court rightly refused to 'rekindle embers of sovereignty that long ago grew cold' in land claims.
 
3/24/2005Attorney General Praises Sen. McCain's Decision To Call Hearing On Problems With Indian Recognition Process
  "Sen. McCain's decision to investigate the federal tribal recognition process is a profoundly significant step. He is a highly respected, independent-minded senator from a western state with a large Native American population, so his leadership will be pivotal.
 
3/4/2005Attorney General Comments On U.S. Rep. Johnson's Bill To Reverse Schaghticoke Recognition
  "I share completely the goal of reversing the Schaghticoke recognition, even as I am pursuing it by other means – through the Interior Department appellate process. The congressional battle may be uphill, unless others join this cause, but the facts and law are on our side in the administrative appeal.
 
2/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On BIA Leader's Resignation
  "David Anderson is a person of talent and dedication, but was completely unsuited to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His departure is good news – for the public, for him and for Indian tribes – because he was unable to perform highly significant, necessary responsibilities of his job. His recusal from recognition decisions was proper in light of his conflict of interest. His appointment was a grave mistake.
 

Other
12/29/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Connecticut Joining National Sex Offender Registry
  Our families and children will now be better protected through this significant link to a sex offender information bank that enables tracking these often highly dangerous convicted felons across state borders.
 
12/20/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Ruling Preserving Connecticut’s Election Registration System
  This decision is a striking victory for democracy – the principle that our election system should be set by democratically elected representatives, not by judges. The court rightly rejected an invitation to seize and manage our electoral process and impose election day registration by fiat.
 
12/14/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Court Refusal To Recuse Special Master
  I am deeply disappointed that the court has denied our motion to remove the Special Master. Even more disappointing is that the ruling fails even to acknowledge that the Special Master filed a deceptive response with the Pennsylvania court, which reflected negatively on his moral qualifications.
 
12/1/2005Attorney General Calls For Disclosure Of Failed Quasi-Public Loans, Ban On Aid To Directors’ Businesses
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today called on the legislature to require the Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) and other quasi-public authorities to disclose information about failed loans and to prohibit loans or other aid to businesses owned by authority directors.
 
11/23/2005Attorney General’s Statement On Decision In Michigan NCLB Lawsuit
  “This decision by a federal district court in Michigan is wrong and in no way legally binding on our lawsuit in Connecticut. The opinion itself is disappointing in dealing with major issues of statutory interpretation with barely a page and a half of analysis and without a single citation to any precedent in case law.
 
11/17/2005Attorney General, State Auditors To Investigate Hamden Charter School
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today that his office and the state auditors will investigate alleged financial irregularities and alleged diversion of state funds at the state-financed Highville Mustard Seed Charter School in Hamden.
 
11/15/2005Attorney General Files Motion To Remove Special Master Overseeing Southbury Training School
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that he has filed a motion to remove the Special Master overseeing the Southbury Training School after the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found he had deceived the board and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
 
11/7/2005State Sues Federal Government To Save Air Guard Base
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal went to court today to stop the federal government from illegally removing all Air National Guard aircraft from Connecticut without Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s consent.
 
10/25/2005State To Receive $1 Million As Part Of Federal Plea Agreement And State Settlement With Ellef And Tomasso
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Peter N. Ellef, William A. Tomasso and others have agreed to pay the state $1 million to settle Blumenthal’s lawsuit charging that they illegally steered contracts to construct two juvenile training schools to companies owned by the Tomasso family.
 
10/24/2005Attorney General Submits Legislative Proposals On American Crushing & Recycling Accident, Releases Records Showing Company Had $5 Million In Assets
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today submitted legislation to the General Assembly that would make it a felony for trucking companies to knowingly drop their insurance and then keep their trucks on the road.
 
10/21/2005Attorney General Urges DRS, Legislative Committee To Compromise On Access To Tax Data, Issues Opinion Finding DRS Must Provide Info
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today sent letters to the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) and co-chairs of a legislative committee conducting a study of the state’s tax system urging them to compromise over access to tax data and offering to mediate.
 
10/7/2005Attorney General Tells DOJ That State's Lever Voting Machines Are Legal
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal this week sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) saying that the state's lever voting machines comply with federal law and therefore should not be replaced before next year's congressional elections.
 
10/6/2005Attorney General Proposes Eminent Domain Reforms
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today proposed a package of eminent domain reforms, including restricting eminent domain to public uses and redevelopment of blighted areas, local voter input into takings, a strengthened appeals process and more compensation for property owners.
 
10/4/2005Attorney General's Office Wins Court Order Appointing Receiver To Oversee American Crushing & Recycling
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today said his office has requested and received a court order appointing a receiver to oversee the operation and assets of American Crushing & Recycling.
 
10/3/2005Attorney General Urges FEMA To Immediately Reconsider Indian Point Radiological Emergency Plan
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today submitted a formal petition urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately review and revise its emergency response plan for the Indian Point Nuclear Generating Facility because recent natural disasters indicate significant and dangerous flaws in warning and evacuation planning.
 
9/30/2005Attorney General Wins Court Order Forcing American Crushing & Recycling To Account For All Assets
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today won a court order prohibiting the owner of American Crushing & Recycling from removing any assets from his property. The order forces the company owner to appear in court and account for all of his assets and bars removal of any assets.
 
9/28/2005Attorney General Wins Court Order Freezing Assets Of American Crushing & Recycling
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today won a court order prohibiting American Crushing & Recycling from selling any trucks or other assets while the victims and their families seek compensation for a July 29 accident involving one of the firm's trucks that killed four people.
 
9/22/2005Attorney General Wins $437,000 In Multistate Settlement Of Medicaid Fraud Case
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Connecticut has reached a $437,118 multistate settlement with Gambro Healthcare, Inc., for defrauding the Medicaid program. Gambro, based in Tennessee, was accused of defrauding Connecticut, 39 other states and Washington D.C. in providing dialysis supplies, equipment and services.
 
9/22/2005Attorney General Announces New Allegations Against Marsh; Settles With Insurer Ace
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced new allegations in his lawsuit against insurance broker Marsh & McLennan, Inc., including bid rigging, price fixing and illegally steering Connecticut businesses and consumers to favored insurers in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in undisclosed kickbacks.
 
9/21/2005Attorney General Files Motion To Stop Convicted Rapist From Harrassing Victim With Lawsuits
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a motion in court to stop a continuing pattern of harassing litigation by a convicted rapist against his ex-wife, the victim of his assault, and numerous state officials involved in his prosecution and incarceration.
 
9/20/2005Attorney General Issues Legal Opinion On Recognition Of Out-Of-State Civil Union and Same-Sex Marriages
  "Civil unions performed in other states are entitled to full faith and credit in Connecticut, will be recognized, and need not be repeated here," Blumenthal said. "Out-of-state same-sex marriages have no legal force and effect here. Because out-of-state same-sex marriages are not recognized as marriages or civil unions under Connecticut law, same-sex couples may enter into a civil union in Connecticut."
 
9/16/2005Attorney General Proposes Protections In Court For Crime Victims
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today – responding to a case involving a rape victim being harassed by her perpetrator in court – proposed stronger legislation to protect crime victims from such harassment in court.
 
9/15/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal Advisory Ordering Replacement Of Lever Voting Machines
  My office is prepared to begin discussions with the Department of Justice in support the Secretary of the State's position, which is defensible under the statute, in our view. The commission's opinion is only advisory, not binding on any state or the Department of Justice. The authority to decide whether, when, and how to enforce the statute belongs to the Department of Justice.
 
9/14/2005Statements Of Governor M. Jodi Rell and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on BRAC Decision
  Governor M. Jodi Rell and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced their plans concerning the state's legal options in opposing the Department of Defense plans to remove the A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter jets from the Connecticut National Guard's 103rd Fighter Wing, based at Bradley International Airport.
 
9/9/2005Attorney General's Statement On Appeals Court Decision Granting Emergency Stay
  This action is a temporary setback in today's skirmish, but the battle is only beginning and we will fight it tenaciously and relentlessly. The federal government made a crucial concession in court today that our legal challenge can be heard before any aircraft are removed, giving us ample time and opportunity to contest action that would harm Connecticut citizens or the 103rd fighter wing.
 
9/8/2005Attorney General's Statement On U.S. Supreme Court Decision Denying Emergency Motion To Stay
  This U.S. Supreme Court decision preserves the District Court's profoundly important injunction, preventing the BRAC from including our Air National Guard realignment in its recommendation to the President today. At 10 a.m. tomorrow, we continue our fight at the Court of Appeals. Our message tomorrow will be: No one is above the law. Not BRAC. Not the Department of Defense.
 
8/30/2005Judge Grants Temporary Order In Lawsuit To Bar Transmittal of BRAC Air Guard Decision To President
  U.S. District Court Judge Alfred V. Covello today granted Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's request for a temporary restraining order preventing BRAC from transmitting to President Bush its recommendation to strip Connecticut of National Guard aircraft.
 
8/29/2005Attorney General's Statement On Filing Of Lawsuit To Block Transfer of National Guard Air Wing
  Our joint command and control of our Air National Guard unit is firmly rooted in tradition and history – and in law – which is our mission in court to preserve. Just as we support our military men and women when they go to war abroad, we will fight to for them here – to serve and train where they enlisted, here in Connecticut
 
8/26/2005Attorney General Calls BRAC Decision To Move Bradley Air Wing To Mass. Illegal, Vows Court Fight
  We are now armed with powerful new ammunition in today's federal court decision upholding Pennsylvania's right to block closure of that state's Air National Guard Unit without its governor's approval. I have spoken to the governor, and I commend her commitment to this battle. I will be communicating further with her as to the timing of our filing suit.
 
8/24/2005Attorney General Praises Decision To Save Groton Sub Base, Calls For New Focus On Saving Guard Air Wing
  This fight was won on indisputable facts and figures solidly rooted in the real world of military security, financial cost, environmental threat and legal obligation. We won against the Pentagon bureaucracy's mindless and mistaken underestimates of the danger and costs of closing the base and its unique, vital value to national security. Teamwork was key to exposing facts that collapsed the case for closure.
 
8/12/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal Government's Claim It Can Close Air Natl. Guard Base Without State's Permission
  The federal government is wrong – and repeating its mistaken legal position won't make it right. The law is absolutely clear that moving or realigning our National Guard units is illegal without the governor's consent and approval. "In the meantime, we will critically scrutinize the Justice Department's opinion for any new facts or law that it may raise."
 
8/8/2005Attorney General, Labor Commissioner Announce Lawsuit Against Printing Company For Unpaid Wages
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Shaun B. Cashman today announced a lawsuit against a Portland printing company and its owner to recover $173,798.53 in unpaid wages to employees.
 
8/2/2005Attorney General's Statement On Guilty Plea By Non-Profit Head Who Admitted Bribing Public Official, Misusing State Funds
  will take vigorous action to recover any misused state funds related to today's guilty plea involving thousands of dollars intended for work training programs. This criminal conduct victimizes taxpayers and our most needy and vulnerable citizens.
 
8/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On CJTS Closure
  Closing CJTS is the default decision – correct for both taxpayers and children to end a colossal waste of public funds and human care. The facility's faults resulted largely from corrupt contracting and became beyond repair.
 
7/28/2005Attorney General's Statement On Filings In Same Sex Marriage Case
  We will respond to the brief, after we have an opportunity to review it, defending the state's statutory framework. The civil union law will not assist the challenge in the way the plaintiffs contend
 
7/28/2005Attorney General Rules Gov's Order Creating Contract Review Board Mostly Constitutional, Calls For Legislation To Fully Implement Goals
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued a formal opinion finding that core provisions of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's executive order creating the State Contracting Standards Board are constitutional and recommending modifications and legislation to strengthen the order against possible attack by unscrupulous contractors and to fully implement its goals.
 
7/18/2005Attorney General Report Details Accounting Problems For New Britain High School Football Fundraising
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued an interim report saying an investigation has so far found insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations that former New Britain High School football coach Jack Cochran misapplied donations to the football program for personal use.
 
7/15/2005Attorney General Calls Memo "Powerful Ammunition" In Fight To Keep Air Guard In CT
  This memo provides powerful legal ammunition in our battle. It's absolutely compelling in reinforcing exactly the points that I first made when I wrote the governor in May urging that our state object to the move and that we take appropriate legal action.
 
7/8/2005Attorney General Files Brief Seeking Dismissal Of Klewin Motion To Quash GAE Committee Subpoenas
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today asked the court to dismiss a motion to quash subpoenas issued by the legislature's Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) that seek testimony from Klewin Building, Inc., officials about their consulting contract with ex-Gov. John G. Rowland.
 
7/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal Lawsuit Over Defective Bullet-Proof Vests
  "The federal government's lawsuit fortifies our longstanding fight to vindicate police departments who purchased defective vests. Second Chance vests are dangerously defective – creating a false sense of security for officers who put their lives in jeopardy.
 
7/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Resignation Of Sandra Day O'Connor
  "Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman justice, and one of the most thoughtful and insightful justices ever. She avoided labels and stereotypes – ideological or political – and addressed each case on its merits.
 
6/27/2005Attorney General's Statement On U.S. Supreme Court's Failure To Hear Reporter's Privilege Case
  The Supreme Court's refusal to hear this case is a setback for our free press and democracy. Safeguarding confidential sources has enabled vital revelations of systemic abuse of power and wrongdoing
 
6/23/2005Attorney General Praises U.S. Supreme Court Decision In New London Eminent Domain Case
  "In upholding the city's eminent domain authority, the court has established a national precedent and sent a message that local officials should have the power to determine whether and how private property may serve the public interest.
 
6/22/2005Attorney General's Statement On U.S. Department Of Education Letter Failing To Grant Waivers Or Funding Under NCLB
  "This response gives us less than nothing. It is inflexible and unyielding on the key points that concern Connecticut and cause these unfunded mandates to be illegal. Our state and local government will begin spending hundreds of millions of dollars on illegal unfunded mandates such as testing beginning July 1, as the fiscal year begins.
 
6/21/2005Attorney General's Statement On Wal-Mart Child Labor Law Violations
  "These damning findings further support my call for continuing investigation of Wal-Mart's apparent contempt for child labor protections. Unfortunately, my claims about Wal-Mart's illegal practices have been vindicated by our state's investigation.
 
6/17/2005Attorney General's Statement On Navy Letter, Information Regarding Groton Sub Base Cleanup Costs
  "There is nothing new in this letter – no new facts, no new data, no new analysis – to address the concerns that we have raised about the unknown, potentially huge costs of cleaning up contamination at the Groton Submarine Base.
 
6/13/2005Attorney General's Statement On Gov's Demand That DOD Halt Transfer Of Bradley Air Guard Wing
  "We're pleased that the Governor has written the Secretary of Defense – in accordance with advice I provided on May 23 – formally objecting to 'realignment' of the 103rd fighter wing of Connecticut's Air National Guard located at Bradley International Airport. This step provides a clear factual record for future legal action that may be necessary to protect Connecticut's interests. The position articulated by the Governor – for reasons set forth in my May 23 letter – is clearly correct.
 
6/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Status Of No Child Left Behind
  "We are on course to go to court. These unfunded mandates are illegal and illogical, which is why the vast majority of Connecticut citizens, educators and public officials strongly support a challenge in court. Our hope is to begin this action before any state or local funds are illegally spent on annual tests or any other unfunded federal mandate."
 
6/1/2005Attorney General's Report Concludes That Former CRRA Management Gave Manafort Trucks In Sweetheart Deal
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has released a report concluding that Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority's (CRRA) former management illegally gave CWPM, Inc., previously known as Manafort Brothers-CWP, trucks worth approximately $1 million and received virtually nothing in return.
 
5/12/2005Attorney General's Statement On Legal Challenge Alleging Ross Execution Will Lead To Prisoner Suicides
  "We are determined to fight and defeat this totally unfounded last-minute maneuver seeking to delay and derail the Ross execution.
 
5/12/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal District Court Judge's Denial Of Stay In Ross Inmate Case
  "This decision is the right result for the right reasons, and we are prepared for any appeal or continuing last-minute maneuvers. The appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court, have been alerted to this possible ongoing action, and we anticipate knowing the next step within the next few hours."
 
5/11/2005Attorney General's Statement On FOI Decision In Ross Case
  "I will consult with Commissioner Lantz about a possible appeal of the FOI Commission's ruling. My office's top priority remains to ensure the safety of the public, DOC staff and inmates. That priority and the law will guide our decision."
 
5/6/2005Attorney General Announces Law Day Essay Contest Winners
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced the winners of the 12th Annual Law Day Essay Contest. A panel of judges selected the winners from a pool of 364 entries from eighth grade students throughout Connecticut.
 
4/26/2005Attorney General To Look Into DMV Plan To Charge Some Motorists $20 Twice In Two Years For Emissions Testing
  "Testing twice in two years and charging $20 for each one certainly seems unfair and problematic legally. State statutes limit the charge to $10 for annual inspections and permit a $20 charge only for tests every two years. A $20 charge in successive years may be illegal because it appears to exceed the statutory limit. The emissions testing company may welcome the additional revenues or administrative convenience, but fees are set by statute, which limits annual testing fees to $10.
 
4/26/2005Attorney General's Statement On Supreme Court Denial Of Missionary Society Case
  "This denial of an expedited appeal is eminently correct and appropriate, in light of the trial court's very persuasive and well-reasoned decision. The Missionary Society has no legal or factual basis to challenge existing policies relating to death sentences. We will continue to oppose actively any claim that might delay or block the Ross execution. All citizens of our state – most especially the victims' families – have a right to the legal process reaching finality."
 
4/24/2005Attorney General Announces Major Victory In Corruption Lawsuit Against Tomasso, Ellef And Others
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that the court has rejected virtually all the motions challenging his corruption lawsuit against William A. Tomasso, Peter N. Ellef and others.
 
4/22/2005Attorney General's Statement On Judge's Ruling On Ross Competency
  "The finding of competency was reached after an extraordinarily thorough, objective and fair proceeding that included extensive expert testimony and legal argument. This decision should lead to finality and closure, which the criminal justice system has an obligation to provide and families of victims have a right to expect."
 
4/20/2005Attorney General's Statement On NEA Lawsuit Over No Child Left Behind
  "This action is a powerful, positive step in stopping illegal federal unfunded mandates under No Child Left Behind. It will add weight to our independent legal action against unfunded mandates imposed unlawfully on Connecticut and other states. We are determined to fight in court – working independently, but cooperatively, with others who aim to hold the federal government accountable.
 
4/18/2005Attorney General's Statement On Sternberg-Spellings Meeting Regarding No Child Left Behind
  "Better manners, same message. This meeting yielded vague, soothing happy talk, but no specific commitment to end unfunded mandates. So far nothing has changed. As long as the federal government insists on imposing any unfunded mandates under No Child Left Behind, we plan to take legal action.
 
4/15/2005Attorney General's Statement On Decreased Job Loss In Travelers Acquisition
  "Gov. Rell has informed me that MetLife has agreed to reduce job losses to 490 in its Travelers acquisition.
 
4/11/2005Attorney General To Seek Denial Of State Approval For Travelers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today that he will oppose MetLife's acquisition of Travelers Life & Annuity by intervening in the state Department of Insurance approval proceeding.
 
4/11/2005Attorney General Applauds Judge's Rejection Of Challenge To Pardon Board Rules In Ross Case
  Superior Court Judge Robert E. Beach Jr. today dismissed the Missionary Society of Connecticut's challenge to the Board of Pardons and Paroles' rules for commutation of death sentences.
 
4/11/2005Attorney General's Statement On Proposed Metlife Layoffs
  "I am committed to fight the job cuts planned by MetLife, working in alliance with the governor. The loss of so many high-paying, high-skilled jobs at Travelers would be a devastating blow to Hartford and the surrounding area. I call on MetLife to reconsider these drastic and draconian job reductions, as I urged in my letter of April 1, 2005.
 
4/7/2005Attorney General's Statement On WTO Decision On Internet Gambling
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised a decision by the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Appellate Body, saying United States law against international Internet gambling in this country does not violate international trade rules. The decision was part of an international trade proceeding brought by the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
 
4/7/2005Attorney General's Statement On Federal Education Official's Policy Announcement
  "This new federal pronouncement affects only one limited area – a small segment of special education testing – and only for states the Secretary deems 'worthy.' This supposed initiative offers less than meets the eye. Our determination to sue continues.
 
4/4/2005Attorney General's Statement Agreement To Attach Home Of Former Ambulance Association Chief
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a lawsuit against Frank Marcucio, III, former executive director and trustee of Seymour Ambulance Association, for improperly diverting charitable funds intended to benefit the association and a cancer stricken volunteer firefighter.
 
4/4/2005Attorney General's Statement On State Supreme Court Decision In American Car Rental Case
  "This rental car company has reached the end of its legal road with a brighter sign from the state's highest court: You cannot secretly track drivers' speeds, gouge them under the guise of safety or vehicle expense. No logic or law warrants a private company ambushing consumers with a $150 fee for exceeding a random speed limit.
 
3/23/2005Attorney General's Statement On Rep. Caruso's Call For Criminal Investigation Into Ex-Gov. Rowland's Business Activities
  "I welcome Rep. Caruso's request for investigation of former Gov. Rowland's business relationships with Klewin and The National Science Center Foundation.
 
3/22/2005Attorney General's Statement On Underage Drinking Ordinance Adopted In Kent and Sherman
  "I'm grateful that Kent and Sherman are sending the unmistakable message that enabling underage drinking is intolerable. I was pleased to participate in the town meetings that approved their ordinances, as I have visited other towns and cities to support this measure. Some 43 towns and cities now have adopted similar underage drinking ordinances – penalties against irresponsible adults to protect against youth drinking. I will continue to vigorously advocate for the same safeguards throughout the entire state."
 
3/18/2005Attorney General's Statement On Ex-Gov. Rowland's Business Activities
  "Any improper activities by former Gov. John Rowland since his resignation are part of our continuing investigation. A number of significant and severe issues have been raised relating to these activities, and our investigation is active and ongoing. We will also work with agencies, as appropriate."
 
2/10/2005Attorney General's Statement On New Execution Date In Ross Case
  "Judge Clifford has set a new execution date and a reasonable process to reach it. It seems sensible and balanced. The process should be followed faithfully and fairly to achieve a just result. My hope is that there will be finality and justice as soon as possible for the sake of all our citizens, most particularly the victims' families who have already suffered such unspeakable anguish and pain."
 
2/3/2005Attorney General's Statement On Judge Chatigny's Dismissal Of Ross Cases
  "We are pleased that Judge Chatigny has removed himself from all cases involving Michael Ross' execution by dismissing actions filed by Dan Ross and the Public Defender's office. We are strongly convinced that he could not continue to preside over the cases because his actions, at a minimum, appeared to undermine his role as an impartial, objective arbiter.
 
2/3/2005Attorney General Rules State Employees Called To U.S. Military To Earn Credit In State Retirement Plan
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued an opinion finding that all state employees serving in the National Guard who are called to duty with the U.S. military will continue to earn state retirement credit during their service.
 
2/2/2005Attorney General's Response To Complaint Letter Against Federal Judge In Ross Case
  "I have been asked to comment on a letter by General Assembly minority leaders to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee concerning alleged judicial misconduct by U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny in the Michael Ross case. I cannot comment on the letter.
 
1/28/2005Attorney General Files Motion With U.S. Supreme Court, Requests That Ross Execution Proceed
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a motion at 3:30 p.m., asking the U.S. Supreme Court to dissolve the temporary stay left in effect by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court had ordered the stay to continue until 12:01 a.m. Sunday after its hearing today.
 
1/27/2005Attorney General's Statement On U.S. Supreme Court Decision To Lift Stay Of Ross Execution
  "This historic decision is profoundly important in vindicating the rule of law. It heightens the importance of tomorrow's hearing seeking to dissolve the same judge's order stopping the state from upholding and enforcing a lawful conviction and sentence. We have filed necessary papers in the appeal, and I will argue tomorrow in favor of dissolving the judge's temporary restraining order."
 
1/24/2005Attorney General's Statement On State Supreme Court Decision Regarding Board Of Pardons In Ross Case
  "The Supreme Court reached the right decision for the right reasons. This decision will have immense impact in the long run, although the delay ordered today by the federal court may obscure it temporarily. The decision is profoundly important because it reaffirms that no prisoner – whether on death row or elsewhere – has a right to clemency or commutation.
 
1/20/2005Attorney General's Statement On Final Agreement Regarding Protestor Rights At Ross Execution
  "I'm pleased that we've reached common ground – setting sensible, fair rules as to the place and time for expressive activities on the morning of January 26. Corrections and police officials have made every effort to respect valid free speech rights consistent with their vital responsibility to preserve public safety. With good will and good faith on both sides, I'm confident this agreement will be workable and successful."
 
1/19/2005Attorney General's Statement On Tentative Resolution Of Lawsuit On Protestor Rights At Ross Execution
  "This tentative agreement is fair and sensible – balancing valuable First Amendment rights of free expression with valid safety and security concerns. I'm very hopeful that the final details will be resolved by tomorrow and the agreement can be submitted to the judge. We are committed to respect the rights of protestors, but preserve legitimate interests of law enforcement."
 
1/19/2005Attorney General Calls For Stronger Whistleblower Protections, Ethics Reform
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today, joined by two whistleblowers, called on the legislature to adopt stronger protections and incentives for whistleblowers as part of the contracting reform proposals that he has advocated.
 

Tobacco Issues
11/30/2005Attorney General “Outraged” That CT Ranks 45th Among States In Spending To Protect Kids From Tobacco
  We should be outraged and ashamed that Connecticut ranks virtually dead last – 45th among the states – in spending to discourage children from smoking.
 
11/16/2005Attorney General Asks Hollywood To Add Anti-Smoking Message To DVDs
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that he has asked Hollywood’s major motion picture studios to insert anti-smoking public service announcements in all DVDs, videos and other home movie-viewing formats in which smoking is depicted.
 
8/11/2005Attorney General Announces Multi-State Agreement With 7-Eleven To Curb Tobacco Sales To Minors
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that 7-Eleven, Inc. – the nation's largest seller of tobacco products – has agreed with Connecticut and other states to implement procedures nationally to reduce tobacco sales to minors.
 
7/26/2005Attorney General Joins In Suing RJ Reynolds For Falsely Claiming Eclipse Brand Cigarettes May be 'Safer'
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal joined eight other states and the District of Columbia today in suing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for falsely claiming that its Eclipse cigarettes may pose a lower health risk than other brands. The action also charges that Eclipse advertising violates the Master Settlement Agreement that ended the multi-state lawsuit against the tobacco industry.
 
6/20/2005Attorney General Announces Tobacco Ad Ban In Time, Newsweek, People, Sports Illustrated School Library Editions
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that Time, Newsweek, People and Sports Illustrated have agreed to ban tobacco advertising from their school library editions.
 
1/26/2005Attorney General's Statement On Tobacco Spending Report
  "We should be outraged and ashamed that Connecticut ranks 45th in the amount it spends on smoking cessation programs with tobacco settlement money. The state has received about $700 million from big tobacco companies, but spent far less than 1 percent of that amount on anti-tobacco efforts. The average age that people in our state begin smoking is 11 years. Sixty Connecticut children begin every day and two-thirds are addicted to nicotine by the time they are 18.
 

Utilities
12/28/2005Attorney General’s Statement On 22.4 Percent CL&P Rate Hike
  This rate hike is savage and unprecedented – extracting outrageous sacrifice from both consumers and business. A secret process has contributed to a catastrophic outcome.
 
12/23/2005Attorney General Applauds DPUC Denial Of Rate Increase Yankee Gas Sought Because Consumers Conserved
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today applauded the Department of Public Utility Control’s (DPUC) rejection of Yankee Gas’ request for a 2.3 percent rate increase. The company sought the increase because consumer conservation reduced its profits and the already high price of natural gas increased the number of customers unable to pay their bills.
 
12/23/2005Attorney General Takes Additional Action To Fight Historic CL&P Rate Hike
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a brief opposing Connecticut Light & Power’s (CL&P) extraordinary 22.4 percent rate hike – likely the largest in Connecticut’s history.
 
12/21/2005Attorney General Disappointed By DPUC Failure To End Secret Power Bidding
  “One reason for this excessive 22 percent rate increase – seeming better only when compared to 27 percent – is the secret system that produced it. The DPUC should scrap secret power auctions.
 
12/20/2005Attorney General Calls On DPUC To Scrap Secret Electricity Auctions In Wake Of 27 Percent Rate Hike
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today called on the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to scrap secret electricity auctions in the wake of recent bidding resulting in a 27 percent rate increase for Connecticut Light & Power’s (CL&P) residential customers.
 
12/9/2005Attorney General To Fight Yankee Gas Request To Increase Rates Because Consumers Conserved
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today vowed to fight Yankee Gas’ request for a 2.3 percent rate hike, which the company says it needs because already high prices caused consumers to conserve and increased the number of customers unable to pay their bills.
 
12/6/2005Attorney General Calls Southern CT Gas 8.4 Percent Rate Hike Too High, Will Seek Reconsideration
  I will ask the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to reconsider its decision granting Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) an 8.4 percent rate. SCG ratepayers cannot afford such a huge hike on top of other recent natural gas price increases.
 
11/18/2005Attorney General Calls On DPUC To Reject UI Request For 8.5 Percent Rate Increase
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today filed a brief calling on the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to reject United Illuminating’s (UI) request for an 8.5 percent rate hike over four years.
 
11/16/2005Attorney General Calls Inadequate ISO-NE Proposal To Stop Generators Going Offline During Extreme Cold
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal this week filed a motion with federal energy regulators saying that ISO-New England’s (ISO-NE) proposed rule changes are inadequate to prevent power generators from shutting down and selling their natural gas during a winter weather crisis.
 
11/4/2005Attorney General Calls On ISO-NE To Change Market Rules To Assure Region Has Sufficient Power This Winter
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today called on ISO-New England (ISO-NE) to reform its market rules as part of its effort to assure that tight natural gas supplies do not cause electricity shortages this winter.
 
9/20/2005Attorney General's Statement On FERC LICAP Hearing
  LICAP is an economic disaster that will impose almost $4 billion in unnecessary charges on Connecticut consumers and businesses, while providing generators with excessive and unearned windfall profits.
 
9/19/2005Attorney General, Gov, DPUC, OCC To Call On Feds To Reject LICAP At D.C. Hearing
  In an oral argument before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's office will call on federal regulators Tuesday to reconsider a proposal to increase New England's power bills by $13 billion over five years.
 
9/13/2005Attorney General Seeks Full, Contested Hearing On Alternatives To Federally Imposed Electricity Charges
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to schedule a full, contested hearing to consider alternatives to ISO-New England's proposal to impose $13 billion in new electricity charges on the region's consumers and businesses over the next five years.
 
9/8/2005Attorney General Criticizes Final DPUC Decision Not To Review Proposed Telecom Mergers
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today criticized the Department of Utility Control's (DPUC) decision not to review proposed mergers between SBC and AT&T and Verizon and MCI, and said he is weighing his legal options.
 
8/22/2005Attorney General Urges DPUC To Reconsider Preliminary
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today urged the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to reconsider its preliminary decision not to review proposed mergers between SBC and AT&T and Verizon and MCI.
 
8/11/2005Attorney General's Statement On CL&P's Appeal Of Streetlight Decision
  This appeal shows that CL&P is not stopping its efforts to shortchange our state's municipalities. Outrageously, the company historically overcharged municipalities for streetlighting – and then tried to limit refunds due to towns. The Department of Public Utility Control ordered CL&P to recalculate those refunds – applying a reasonable look-back period and rate of interest.
 
8/9/2005Attorney General, DPUC, Consumer Counsel Respond To FERC Delaying LICAP, Allowing Connecticut To Voice Concerns
  ATTORNEY GENERAL RICHARD BLUMENTHAL SAID: "This delay hopefully is a signal of stronger scrutiny – only the first crack in LICAP's armor. It gives us a window of opportunity to stop this potential economic nightmare. Public comment is only reasonable in the face of a growing groundswell of grassroots opposition to LICAP.
 
8/8/2005Attorney General's Response To Bush Approval Of Energy Bill
  President Bush today has signed a blank check to the energy industry – stripping state authority over the siting of massive projects such as Islander East and Broadwater. The stakes for Connecticut are huge – virtual emasculation of power over energy projects that impact our environment, economy and public health.
 
8/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Action Forcing Meriden Gas Turbines & NRG Energy To Turn Over Property To Meriden And Berlin
  The state approved this power plant on clear and unconditional terms: Build the power plant and then turn over 800 acres to Meriden and Berlin. My office – on behalf of the Connecticut Siting Council – will vigorously pursue this unprecedented enforcement action in court.
 
7/26/2005Attorney General Blasts Energy Bill Provision Stripping States Of Power To Regulate LNG Sitings
  This proposal is a colossal gift to the energy industry at the expense of consumers and the environment. If it becomes law, the measure will greatly impede our fight against the Broadwater project and future environmental monstrosities in Long Island Sound and elsewhere.
 
7/18/2005Attorney General To Fight UI Request For 10 Percent Rate Increase
  Can you believe – in today's economic climate – this request for an 11.6 percent profit? UI seeks a profit far higher than other state utilities, an undeserved windfall at the expense of ratepayers.
 
7/6/2005Attorney General's Statement On Start Of Trial In American Electric Power Pollution Case
  "This trial seeks to stop these Ohio coal-burning plants from harming our citizens by creating smog and acid rain, causing asthma and severe respiratory problems.
 
6/30/2005Attorney General Applauds DPUC Decision That Slashes Municipal Streetlight Costs
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today applauded a Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) ruling that will save municipalities millions of dollars in streetlight costs and make it easier for them to buy lights.
 
6/29/2005Attorney General, DPUC, OCC Unite With New England Officials, Businesses To Fight Federal Power Charges
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's office, the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) and the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) have joined an unprecedented alliance of New England elected officials, regulators, businesses and consumer advocates in demanding that federal regulators reject a proposal to increase the region's power rates as much as 25 percent starting next year.
 
6/23/2005Attorney General's Statement On Proposal To Strip State Authority Over Natural Gas Facilities
  "My office will continue to fight this ill-conceived energy plan – a straightjacket for states seeking to stop environmental monstrosities in their own backyards. This proposal – not yet law – is a radical, damaging departure from well-established state rights and responsibilities.
 
6/15/2005Attorney General, DPUC, OCC Vow To Fight $4 Billion In Federally Imposed Electricity Charges
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) Chairman Donald W. Downes and Consumer Counsel Mary J. Healey today vowed to fight a federal ruling that will increase Connecticut power rates $4 billion over five years.
 
6/10/2005Attorney General's Statement On UI Request for 10 Percent Rate Increase
  "This rate request is staggering in size and scope. We need additional details to evaluate it completely, but it seems audacious and unacceptable. It could threaten our economy and consumers at a time when they are threatened by a base closing, unemployment, and inflation. We are preparing to fight it if it proves as onerous and unsupportable as now it seems."
 
5/27/2005Attorney General Announces Utility Project Legislation; Says He Will Not Appeal Transmission Line
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that – in lieu of a court appeal – he is urging the legislature to adopt measures to protect municipalities and residents in the siting of major utility projects, including the Siting Council's order allowing a 345 kv transmission line between Middletown and Norwalk.
 
5/13/2005With Backing of Gov, DPUC, OCC, Attorney General To Continue Fight Against FERC-Imposed Electricity Charges
  With support from Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) Chairman Donald W. Downes and Consumer Counsel Mary J. Healey, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today vowed to re-file as soon as possible the state's appeal of unfair federally imposed electricity charges and rules.
 
5/5/2005Attorney General Says Utilities Must Stop Illegal Surcharges For Credit Card Payments
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today urged the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to act immediately to stop utility companies from imposing surcharges on customers who pay bills with credit cards. Imposing surcharges on buyers based on their method of payment – including credit cards – violates state law.
 
4/29/2005Attorney General To Oppose Southern Connecticut Gas Request For 11 Percent Rate Hike
  "I will vigorously fight this completely unreasonable $35 million rate increase – a request that would raise consumer costs by 11 percent. The ripple effect on our economy will be egregious. As other energy costs skyrocket, Southern customers should not be hit with this one. Southern's proposal is a sweetheart deal for the company, but a raw deal for ratepayers. The company is seeking an outrageous rate of return – nearly 20 percent higher than comparable utilities – at a time when consumers can afford it least."
 
4/28/2005Attorney General's Statement On Bush's Reported Energy Proposal
  "The president's proposal marks a drastic, radical departure from well-established state rights and responsibilities to protect their citizens. It straightjackets states seeking to stop environmental monstrosities posing as energy projects.
 
4/7/2005Attorney General's Statement On Citing Council's Expected Final Approval of 345 KV Power LIne
  "I am disappointed that the Siting Council's final decision failed to heed certain concerns raised by my office, the affected towns and cities and others. The council could have taken additional significant steps to address the potential health, safety and environmental impacts of this enormous project.
 
4/5/2005Attorney General's Statement On Draft Siting Council Power Line Decision
  "The Siting Council decision is still a work in progress – leaving key gaps and unanswered issues. My office is critically scrutinizing this draft decision – seeking to assure that it respects residents' legitimate health, environmental and quality-of-life concerns.
 
3/31/2005Attorney General To Probe Levco Energy Statements That It Sells "Green" Electricity
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today that his office will investigate statements by Levco Energy that it supplies consumers "100 percent renewable" electricity.
 
3/31/2005Attorney General Urges Careful Consideration Of Transmission Line Proposal
  Attorney General Blumenthal today – in an oral argument – said the Siting Council must consider critical and significant environmental and public health and safety factors before approving the design and construction of a proposed 345 kV transmission line from Middletown to Norwalk.
 
3/29/2005Attorney General's Statement On Draft Siting Council Decision On Transmission Line
  "This draft opinion clearly reflects the need for more work – because it raises as many questions as it answers. Many critical issues are not addressed including how the Siting Council will define and design a buffer zone around overhead lines, mitigation measures that would reduce environmental impacts of this line, and the route of the line in key, sensitive residential and other areas. The council appears to still be considering the health impacts associated with electro and magnetic fields, and necessary steps to address this significant problem.
 
3/23/2005Attorney General's Statement On Preliminary Siting Council Findings Of Fact In Power Line Case
  "My office will thoroughly and critically review the Siting Council's preliminary findings to determine if they fully address environmental and other concerns raised by towns and citizens. The council's decision must safeguard the environment and public health, while ensuring that adequate transmission moves power to wherever it is needed. I will work to assure that this process is as transparent and accountable as possible."
 
3/22/2005Attorney General Blasts FERC For Refusing To Repeal Unfair Federally Imposed Electricity Charges, Splitting State Into Two Rate Zones
  "We will immediately and vigorously appeal this appalling decision to federal court. This fight is far from finished. My office stands united with our business community and consumer advocates to fight these unnecessary and outrageous charges in court.
 
3/17/2005Attorney General's Statement On Siting Council's Agreement To Take Public Input On Energy Policy
  "The Siting Council's decision is a victory for public health and safety. I'm grateful that the Council has decisively agreed to rescind its revised best management practices for electric and magnetic fields – opening the process to all citizens. Now everyone can review any proposed changes to such practices –minimizing exposure to electric and magnetic fields and protecting the public.
 
3/8/2005Attorney General Seeks Details About Contact Between Siting Council And Energy Industry Concerning Proposed Transmission Line
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today asked the Siting Council to respond to allegations of improper contact with representatives of the "energy industry" concerning the transmission line proposed to run from Middletown to Norwalk.
 
3/1/2005Attorney General's Statement On Request For Injunction Agains Siting Council Over Transmission Line
  "I share these concerns and sympathize with their goals, and we will very carefully evaluate whether any action should be taken. The points they raise are serious and significant. I have advocated placing as much of this line underground as possible and we will examine whether injunctive action is possible and appropriate."
 
1/25/2005Attorney General Says United Illuminating Has Agreed To Refund Thousands After Billing Mix-Up
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that United Illuminating – responding to action by his office – will refund money to thousands of customers who were erroneously over billed.
 
1/18/2005Attorney General Issues Report On Near-Disastrous Electric Shortage During Cold Snap
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued a report on the near-disastrous electric shortage that happened during the January cold snap almost exactly one year ago. The prospect of voltage reductions and power outages on the coldest days of the year jeopardized the health and safety of millions of New England residents.
 
1/11/2005Attorney General, Westport First Selectwoman Announce Petition By 54 Towns Against LICAP
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today submitted a petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on behalf of 54 towns and cities to reject ISO New England's (ISO-NE) plan to impose a massive surcharge on Connecticut ratepayers.
 
1/4/2005Attorney General, DPUC, Consumer Counsel Ask Court To Overturn Federally Mandated Electricity Charges
  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) Chairman Donald W. Downes, and Consumer Counsel Mary J. Healey today asked a federal appeals court to overturn a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling imposing more than $300 million a year in new charges on state electricity consumers.