Recently I came across an article in the Hartford Courant (my local newspaper) that a Connecticut lawmaker wants to introduce legislation that would ban insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners with pit bulls. How great is that?
Last week I attended a public hearing on this bill – House Bill 5361. As I listened to arguments, pro and con, I was pleased to see the amount of bi-partisan support this proposal was receiving among legislators and members of the public alike. Of course the insurance companies are opposed, but at least on this day, they were in the minority!
Last week I attended a public hearing on this bill – House Bill 5361. As I listened to arguments, pro and con, I was pleased to see the amount of bi-partisan support this proposal was receiving among legislators and members of the public alike. Of course the insurance companies are opposed, but at least on this day, they were in the minority!
Best of all, I was given the opportunity to speak before members of the State Insurance Committee. While I only had three minutes, I was able to share my experience of discrimination by the insurance industry because I was honest about the breed of dog I own. Despite owning property in Connecticut since 1981 and having owned dogs for this entire time, I have never had a claim involving any of my dogs. Although my dog is neutered, never allowed to roam off leash and never left outside in my fully fenced yard unsupervised, when it came time to look for homeowners insurance, I was rejected out of hand by more than thirty companies. Others offered insurance with conditions or at a higher rate. In the end, I only found one company that did not discriminate.
While it was exciting to feel like my voice had been heard by many, there was one legislator who made it no secret that he opposed the bill, which is certainly his prerogative. However, the disturbing part was that when people spoke in favor of the bill he appeared to be engaged in a private conversation with the person next to him and not paying attention to the comments. At one point he actually got up and left while people were talking. I found this to be rude and disrespectful and I am happy to say he is not from my district.
I understand there will be those we will never reach and that is something I reluctantly accept but, in my opinion, manners and common courtesy should be universal, especially among those who have been elected to serve the public.
But, are we making progress? I believe the answer is yes.
I understand there will be those we will never reach and that is something I reluctantly accept but, in my opinion, manners and common courtesy should be universal, especially among those who have been elected to serve the public.
But, are we making progress? I believe the answer is yes.
In my state of Connecticut a law has already been enacted a law prohibiting municipalities from adopting breed-specific ordinances. (2013, Public Act 13-103).
In 2014, breed bans were overturned in Maryland, South Dakota and Utah. Also, in the past six months over 100 municipalities across the country have done the same.
It was exciting for me to observe the workings of our government first hand and have the opportunity to share my own experience with the people who make our laws. It gave me reason to hope for better days ahead and optimism that things may finally be changing.
Next up for me – Humane Lobby Day at our State Capitol tomorrow. I encourage others to join the fight and engage in the process. Together we can be part of the solution.
Next up for me – Humane Lobby Day at our State Capitol tomorrow. I encourage others to join the fight and engage in the process. Together we can be part of the solution.
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