Cathy Osten

Cathy Osten
Member of the Connecticut Senate
from the 19th[1] district
Assumed office
January 9, 2013
Preceded by Edith Prague
Personal details
Nationality American
Political party Democratic
Residence Sprague, Connecticut
Alma mater Mohegan Community College
Website osten2012.com
Military service
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Sergeant

Catherine A. Osten is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Connecticut Senate representing District 19 since January 9, 2013. Osten was a three term First Selectman from Sprague, Connecticut.

Graduating from the Norwich Free Academy in 1973, Osten enlisted in the United States Army. After four years of active duty, Osten returned to the United States, taking up residence in Norwich and attending Mohegan Community College. In 1990 Osten joined the Connecticut Department of Corrections serving for 21 years and becoming an officer.[2]

Osten was elected as the President of the Corrections Supervisors' Council of CSEA/SEIU 2001. As a State Senator she supports a living wage for Connecticut workers.[3]

Megan's Law

Osten was a leading advocate for Megan's Law, legislation that created a registry for convicted child molesters and gave parents tools to keep their children safe.[4]

Service Employee International Union (SEIU)

As an SEIU leader and Connecticut corrections employee, Osten successful led an effort to unionize Lieutenant management. She then joined and led the effort to sue Connecticut in a class action sexual harassment and hostile work place lawsuit.[5][6]

As the President of SEIU 2001 she successfully led efforts for Connecticut health care Sustinet, paid sick leave and aligning prevailing union wage[7] and minimum wage to annual CPI increases. She was the union leader for multiple bargaining negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor. These negotiations produced no layoffs and more spending to support essential services.[8]

Osten joined union leaders and proposed the state of Connecticut, which underfunds their teacher and employee pensions at 42 and 55%, start and administer a retirement fund for low income workers.[9] Local Wealth Management firms questioned the idea, "Why create a new product when knowledge is what is needed? The products already exist.”

Defined benefit plans

Osten supports a defined benefit retirement system for state employees.[10]

Medical marijuana

Osten said she was dismayed that Norwich lost a chance to be host of an emerging high-tech industry.[11] During a 2010 debate Selectman Osten stated, "Marijuana would be one of her top priorities."[12]

Election spending

Osten voted for unlimited spending for state elections HB 6580.[13] This legislation enabled Connecticut Democrats and Republicans to raise unlimited funds through their PACs.[14]

Elections

The 2010 47th State Representative District race Coutu beat Osten 57 to 43%.[15]

The Day newspaper stated, "He faces Sprague First Selectwoman Catherine Ann Osten, a retired corrections lieutenant who served as a union official and organizer. Ms. Osten seeks tax reform and says tax increases must be part of the budget solution..."[16]

2012

Osten beat Representative Tom Reynolds to win the primary for State Senate.[17] Senator Edith Prague, SEIU, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) endorsed Osten.

The 2012 Senate race included multiple debates.[18] In these debates there was much discussion on job creation, union intervention and the role of government.

In November 2012 Osten won the 19th Senatorial district by 51 to 49%.

2013

In November 2013 Osten earned her third term as Spragues First Selectman over her previous Democratic Selectman Buddy Meadows.

References

  1. ↑ "State Senator Cathy Osten". Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut Senate. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
  2. ↑ Cathy Osten For State Senate
  3. ↑ Norwich Bulletin, Minimum Wage Should be $15
  4. ↑ Cathy Osten Leading Advocate for Megans Law
  5. ↑ CaseLaw STATE of Connecticut v. CONNECTICUT STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, SEIU Local 2001
  6. ↑ Hartford Courant, Lieutenants Speak
  7. ↑ CT News Junkie, Prevailing Wage Unions vs. Towns, Cathy Osten Chair of Labor Committee
  8. ↑ State Employee Unions Ratify Agreements
  9. ↑ The Day, Senator Osten Proposes Government Administered Retirement Fund
  10. ↑ CT News Junkie, Osten Defends Defined Benefit Plans
  11. ↑ Norwich Bulletin, Marijuana in Norwich Fails
  12. ↑ Norwich Bulletin, Chamber Debate stays Sedate
  13. ↑ Osten Votes for Unlimited Spending for State Elections
  14. ↑ CT Mirror, Connecticut Democrats Raise 1.4 million - 19-1 ratio against Republicans
  15. ↑ Norwich Bulletin, Coutu beats Osten
  16. ↑ The Day, Endorses Coutu
  17. ↑ East of River, Osten beats Reynolds
  18. ↑ Norwich Bulletin, Coutu Osten Debate
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