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Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, announced news of the "bounty" on his Facebook page here.
This Illegal Dumping Campaign is designed to prevent bulk trash and garbage from being dumped in neighborhoods in order to improve life for city residents, the mayor said.
“The unlawful disposal of garbage needs to stop, and law enforcement will take action against those who perpetrate dumping in our city. To that end, we need the help of residents who witness illegal dumping — take pictures and report it."
Those caught illegally dumping will be arrested and fined, and have their vehicles seized by Bridgeport Police, according to the mayor's office.
Connecticut state regulations allow law enforcement agencies to seize assets and property used to commit crimes, including illegal dumping. Those caught unlawfully disposing of garbage and other material are subject to a minimum of a $200 fine and can be charged with a misdemeanor.
The reward comes from Bridgeport's Anti-Blight Initiative. Email evidence may be sent to pickinitup@bridgeportct.gov or call 203-330-4203.
Have Concerns, Need Information On Legislative Session?
Do you have questions or concerns about the legislative session in progress? State Senator Will Haskell will host a community conversation about it Monday, March 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.for residents. This event is at the Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road. Bring your questions.
Duff Supports Lowest Insulin Cap Legislation In County
Diabetics can soon see a reduction in their vital medication and supplies. Legislation that would cap the cost of insulin at $50, the lowest in the country, passed in a bipartisan vote in the state Senate this week, Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Sen. Martin Looney (D-New Haven), jointly announced.
"According to the AARP, Americans with diabetes face insulin prices that average more than $5,000 per year," Duff said in the statement.
"The rising cost of medicines like insulin is an issue that patients across the country are facing and here in Connecticut, we decided to make it a Senate Democratic Caucus priority for this legislative session," his statement continued. "Patients should not have to struggle to afford their medications and bypassing this bill, we hope to reduce that burden on residents across Connecticut."
In an interview Duff stressed the impact of this legislation as far-reaching.
"When (insulin) was first patented it was purchased for a dollar so it was designed to almost give it away and make sure people who need it have access," he said. "It's become life and death for some people, who may or may not take it because they cannot afford it. There should never be anyone to have to make a choice."
All four caucuses agreed on the policy, Duff told Daily Voice. "Other states are addressing this. I look forward to putting Connecticut in with the good guys and ladies."
The bill, SB 1, includes several provisions to make insulin and diabetes supplies more affordable:
- Capping insulin costs including for all insulin and diabetes supplies at $150/month total (the toughest cap in the country)
- Insulin cost $50 per 30-day
- Non-insulin drugs (glucose) is $50 per 30-day
- Devices/equipment is $100 per 30-day
- Insulin plus devices is $100 per month
- Insurance companies must cover the cost of emergency insulin up to three times a year for their policyholders and everyone will have access to emergency insulin if they go to a pharmacist
According to the Health Care Cost Institute, the cost of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, then doubled from that between 2012 to 2016. According to the AARP, "Americans with diabetes, the majority of whom are older adults, face insulin prices that average more than $5,000 per year," Duff's announcement says.
Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in Connecticut.
Click here to read the Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans.
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