State Senator Toni Nathaniel Harp
October 19, 2009
Harp Honored by Community Action Groups for Her ‘Courage and Leadership’
State Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven), Senate chair of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, was recognized today by community action groups and social services providers for her steadfast defense of human services programs despite this year’s very difficult economic climate.
Senator Harp received a formal Certificate of Appreciation earlier today at a Hartford conference co-hosted by several groups entitled “2009: Prospering Communities, Thriving Families.”
“Year in and year out, Senator Harp has stood up for Connecticut’s poorest and most vulnerable individuals and families. Her diligent work has ensured health care, housing, food, energy assistance and basic dignity to those we serve,” according to Joe Mann, vice chairman of the Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA), who presented the award. “Time after time, she asks the tough questions of the administration and provides the critical leadership needed in the General Assembly to sustain a decent safety net for those in need, in this the wealthiest state in the nation.”
“Senator Harp and other legislative leaders stood firm to ensure that the huge budget gap would be closed with revenue increases and not just budget cuts. This was the way to both prevent devastating cuts to essential human services and to avoid worse damage to our economy,” said Jim Horan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association for Human Services. “Advocates and service providers appreciate Senator Harp's courage and leadership.”
“Senator Harp . . . provides important leadership and a critical voice for Connecticut's low-income and working poor families — she is truly the champion for our most vulnerable residents,” added Edith Pollock Karsky, Executive Director of Connecticut Community Action.
“I have a long-held belief that our state budget is a moral document as well as a book full of figures and, despite this year’s extraordinary revenue shortfall and resulting deficit, I worked to make sure we didn’t abandon our moral obligations to those who are struggling,” Senator Harp said. “It is a genuine honor to be recognized by a coalition of those who devote themselves day and night to provide for the less fortunate, and I am grateful for their kindness.”
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Senator Harp’s |
Listing of Senator Harp’s recent press releases and a Press Kit with official head shots and bio. |
Press Aide Laurence Grotheer |
