Month: September 2016

Senator Osten Announces STEAP Grants for Lisbon, Sprague

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Senator Osten Announces STEAP Grants for Lisbon, Sprague

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that the towns of Lisbon and Sprague have been awarded grant funding through the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

Lisbon and Sprague were among sixteen communities selected for the latest round of the competitive grant program, which assists smaller communities with infrastructure and capital improvement projects.

“This is tremendous news for our district and I give a lot of credit to our towns for putting together excellent applications for these worthy projects,” said Sen. Osten. “This funding will improve the safety of pedestrians on Sergeants Way in Lisbon through the construction of new sidewalks, which are sorely needed. It’s also great news that we have secured a grant for Sprague so we can better protect our public works equipment and the environment.”

Lisbon has been awarded a $435,000 STEAP grant to construct new sidewalks along Sergeants Way. The project will significantly reduce safety and liability concerns for the town by correcting the existing sidewalks which are currently hazardous.

Sprague has been awarded $420,000 through the program to construct a cold storage shed for the town’s Public Works Department. The structure will provide safe, dry storage of new and older equipment. It will also protect local environmental resources from contamination caused by run off or leakage from the equipment.

Berlin Lawmakers Announce State Grant To Fund Downtown Improvements

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Berlin Lawmakers Announce State Grant To Fund Downtown Improvements

New state investment part of an ongoing campaign to make a more walkable, attractive, and economically growing downtown Berlin

Berlin’s legislative delegation announced today that they have secured a $500,000 state investment in the ongoing Downtown Village Streetscape project. The funding will allow Berlin to continue improving commercial properties and pedestrian infrastructure around the train station, attracting new businesses and residents to the community.

“Downtown Berlin is the site of transformative revitalization that is going to shape the economic future of this community for years to come,” said Senator Gerratana. “We worked to secure this grant that will allow town officials to continue with their efforts to capitalize on the train station and other assets already present in the area. These streetscape improvements will make the downtown community more accessible and walkable, making it a more attractive area for both families and businesses.”

“Berlin has made great headway in the project to revitalize our downtown area and increase economic development,” said Representative Joe Aresimowicz. “With this grant we will continue that progress by creating a downtown Kensington Village area that is appealing to businesses, consumers and Berlin residents.”

“I am encouraged by the progress we are making in the revitalization of the Downtown Village Streetscape area,” Representative Cathy Abercrombie said. “STEAP grants are an important component in helping towns like Berlin with moving vital projects within our community. I look forward to the improvements in our Berlin Train Station area and all of the associated economic benefits.”

Berlin will receive $500,000 for the revitalization of the Downtown Village Streetscape. The streetscape improvement project in the Main Street area of Kensington is the second phase of a project now in construction. The construction of streetscape improvements in this area will be an important element in the continuing effort to create a community center in the Berlin Train Station area. This project complements the institution of commuter rail service in 2018, embraces the importance of walkability, and the creation of a more active business center. This grant follows several other Transit-Oriented Development grants awarded by the Office of Policy and Management for the same area of Berlin.

Osten Annouces State Aid for Traffic Improvements Around RHAM Campus in Hebron

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Osten Annouces State Aid for Traffic Improvements Around RHAM Campus in Hebron

Hebron, CT—State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) announced today that the State Bond Commission is poised to release $1.3 million to the town of Hebron for traffic improvements around the RHAM Middle and High School campus along Route 316.

The $1.3 million in grant-in-aid will be used to address safety concerns stemming from recent tragic accidents in Hebron that resulted in two deaths, including a beloved teacher.

Sen. Osten submitted the request for this funding in March of 2015 for Fiscal Year 2016.

“I am thrilled that funding to address this critical traffic issue at RHAM is expected to be approved. The completion of this project will protect our students, RHAM faculty and other motorists on Route 316 from the currently dangerous situation that has led to unimaginable tragedy time and again,” said Sen. Osten, who has been working to secure the state aid over the last two years. “Traffic designs can be fixed. What you can’t fix is the pain our community has suffered repeatedly because of a flawed traffic system. I am grateful that the State Bond Commission sees the value in this important project.”

“Senator Osten has always been there for us, and in difficult financial times it’s a big boost in the arm for the town of Hebron and the Region 8 School District to get financial assistance to help with this project,” said Hebron Town Manager Andrew J. Tierney. “We want to thank Senator Osten, Governor Malloy, the Office of Policy and Management and the State Bonding Commission for making this possible. It is certainly a worthwhile cause and I really appreciate Hebron being considered for this funding.”

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to approve the Hebron bonding when it meets Friday, September 30, 2016 in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The plan calls for reconfiguring parking, providing additional parking, installing new and additional signage, relocating crosswalks, and the reworking of traffic control devices on and around the RHAM campus to improve pedestrian and motor vehicle safety.

RHAM serves students from the towns of Hebron, Andover and Marlborough.

New Britain To Receive Funding For Mental Health Facility’s Renovation

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New Britain To Receive Funding For Mental Health Facility’s Renovation

State Reps. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain), Rick Lopes (D-New Britain, Newington, and Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-Berlin, Farmington, New Britain) are pleased to announce the expected approval $2.5 million for renovations at the Community Mental Health Affiliate (CMHA) facility on 26 Russel Street in New Britain which houses the Central CT Winter Shelter and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Team Time Social Club.

“These renovations show our community’s commitment to these valuable programs,” Rep. Boukus said. “Social rehabilitation is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches of treating serious mental illness in a safe and welcoming environment. Also, a high percentage of homeless individuals suffer from mental illness and the Winter Shelter Program offers a break from the elements in the most dangerous months of the winter season.”

“This critical funding will allow Community Mental Health Affiliates to make necessary improvements to their facility while also expanding operational space, allowing them to improve and expand the services they offer,” said Sen. Gerratana. “CMHA is an incredible organization with close ties to our New Britain Community, providing vital mental health and behavioral assistance to children, adults and families. They have come to the aid of countless New Britain residents, and I’m glad we were able to return the favor and come to their aid by securing this funding.”

“CMHA, an organization that acts as an essential lifeline for those living with serious mental illness, will be receiving this grant from the state,” Rep. Lopes said. “Mental health services are a crucial component of a healthy community and these funds are part of the promise we made to improve those services.”

The Central CT Winter Shelter runs yearly from December through March to accommodate the increase in shelter participants during those months. Averages of more than 170 mentally ill homeless individuals use the facilities and are linked to other needed services through the program. The Team Time Social Club provides a peer-support program with opportunities to participate in group activities that promote social and life skills as well as connecting to other needed services.

Improvements will include total interior renovations: new kitchen, cafeteria, pantry, utility, dining room, bathrooms, game room, new HVAC system, windows, doors, flooring and a backup generator. An ADA-compliant elevator, entrances, and front patio will also be installed.

The State Bond Commission is slated to approve the funding at its next meeting on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. The New Britain funds are on item #41 on the agenda.

Beth Bye Named a “Legislative Champion” By State Environmental Group

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Beth Bye Named a ‘Legislative Champion’ By State Environmental Group

State Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) has been named a “2016 Legislative Champion” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for her thoughtful and heroic defense this year of Connecticut’s natural resources, and particularly for her leading role in the fight to protect Connecticut’s dwindling and embattled public water supply.

While Sen. Bye was generally lauded by the CTLCV for her commitment to protecting a variety of state environmental priorities, she was especially praised for her role in writing and leading the bipartisan Senate passage of Senate Bill 422, “An Act Concerning Residential Water Rates, Public Drinking Water Supply Emergencies and Sellers of Bottled Water.”

That bill came in response to the public outrage over a deal between the Metropolitan District Commission(MDC)—which provides drinking water to about half a million people in the greater Hartford region—and the Niagara Bottling company to use as much as 1.8 million gallons of MDC water every day at a proposed Bloomfield water bottling facility.

Sen. Bye, area residents, the CTLCV and others opposed that deal, citing Connecticut’s ongoing drought, the MDC’s offer of reduced prices the more water that Niagara used, and how the private sale of water to commercial customers can be prioritized over private customers during water emergencies.

The bill passed in the Senate but was not raised for a vote in the House; Sen. Bye has already encouraged the bill’s debate and passage in the legislature next year.

“The bill that I helped pass in the Senate with the support of the CTLCV and so many area environmental activists was really groundbreaking inasmuch as it put water companies and super-users like bottling companies on notice that we recognize that water is a valuable and limited public resource, and that perhaps it is time that more thought is given to how this limited public resource is used and protected. It was a very energizing debate and vote,” Sen. Bye said. “Like they have been on so many other issues affecting the environment and our fantastic quality of life here in Connecticut, the CTLCV was with me every step of the way, so I see this award not so much as an individual award, but a team award, to be shared by me and the League and the environmental community and with everyone who cares about protecting and preserving Connecticut’s natural surroundings. It’s really a team effort, and one that I am proud to be a part of.”

The CTLCV is a bipartisan, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut’s environment by making it a priority for our elected leaders. As a legislative watchdog, the CTLCV helps to pass laws that protect Connecticut’s air, water, wildlife, and open space.

For more details from the CTLCV 2016 Environmental Scorecard, please visit: http://www.ctlcv.org/2016-scorecard.html

Senate President Looney and Majority Leader Duff Release Statements on Lockheed Martin’s Plans to Retain and Grow 8,000 Jobs in Connecticut

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Senate President Looney and Majority Leader Duff Release Statements on Lockheed Martin’s Plans to Retain and Grow 8,000 Jobs in Connecticut

Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today released the following statements on the announcement that the Governor and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement, subject to legislative approval, to retain and grow approximately 8,000 jobs at Sikorsky Aircraft until 2032. This agreement will keep the Sikorsky headquarters in Connecticut, and increase investments in in-state suppliers.

“In a global economy, this company could have chosen to move anywhere in the world but it chose to remain in Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The educational investments we are making in advanced manufacturing career training are creating a pipeline of workers—that will fill these jobs for a generation—who are better skilled and better educated than our competitors.

“This proposal represents a landmark victory not only for the eight thousand workers at Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin but for the small businesses, machine shops and workers across the entire supply chain. Hundreds of suppliers throughout the state will benefit from a strong Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin partnership with the State of Connecticut, and that means keeping good-paying jobs here in Connecticut for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s graduates.”

“What does this investment really mean?” said Senator Duff. “It means that Connecticut kids can go to school knowing that they’ll have jobs available to them right here in Connecticut when they graduate.

“Connecticut is continuing to make smart investments in industries with good-paying, reliable jobs that will be here today, tomorrow and over the next generation. This is part of a long-term strategy to continue building jobs for the future. It is the same strategy that secured biomedical companies like The Jackson Laboratory and Alexion Pharmaceuticals; media companies like NBC Sports and ESPN; and large advanced manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat and Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin.

“The King Stallion helicopter is the only one of its type in the world, and it is being built right here in Connecticut because we have the skilled workforce capable of producing the next generation helicopter. The economic impact of this project will create and sustain thousands in the manufacturing supply chain across all corners of the state for years to come.”

Senate President Looney and Majority Leader Duff Release Statements on Lockheed Martin’s Plans to Retain and Grow 8,000 Jobs in Connecticut

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Senate President Looney and Majority Leader Duff Release Statements on Lockheed Martin’s Plans to Retain and Grow 8,000 Jobs in Connecticut

Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today released the following statements on the announcement that the Governor and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement, subject to legislative approval, to retain and grow approximately 8,000 jobs at Sikorsky Aircraft until 2032. This agreement will keep the Sikorsky headquarters in Connecticut, and increase investments in in-state suppliers.

“In a global economy, this company could have chosen to move anywhere in the world but it chose to remain in Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The educational investments we are making in advanced manufacturing career training are creating a pipeline of workers—that will fill these jobs for a generation—who are better skilled and better educated than our competitors.

“This proposal represents a landmark victory not only for the eight thousand workers at Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin but for the small businesses, machine shops and workers across the entire supply chain. Hundreds of suppliers throughout the state will benefit from a strong Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin partnership with the State of Connecticut, and that means keeping good-paying jobs here in Connecticut for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s graduates.”

“What does this investment really mean?” said Senator Duff. “It means that Connecticut kids can go to school knowing that they’ll have jobs available to them right here in Connecticut when they graduate.

“Connecticut is continuing to make smart investments in industries with good-paying, reliable jobs that will be here today, tomorrow and over the next generation. This is part of a long-term strategy to continue building jobs for the future. It is the same strategy that secured biomedical companies like The Jackson Laboratory and Alexion Pharmaceuticals; media companies like NBC Sports and ESPN; and large advanced manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat and Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin.

“The King Stallion helicopter is the only one of its type in the world, and it is being built right here in Connecticut because we have the skilled workforce capable of producing the next generation helicopter. The economic impact of this project will create and sustain thousands in the manufacturing supply chain across all corners of the state for years to come.”

Senator Flexer, Representative Johnson Laud Expansion of Successful College Prep Organization in Willimantic

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Senator Flexer, Representative Johnson Laud Expansion of Successful College Prep Organization in Willimantic

photo of Senator Flexer

Willimantic, CT—State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) joined State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham), U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney (D-2) and other community partners for the launch of the second Higher Edge site in the state at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Higher Edge is a New London-based college completion organization that currently serves over 200 students in high school and college, and is the only organization that is solely dedicated college completion for low-income and first-generation, college-bound students.

“This is a wonderful addition to our region’s educational opportunities. We have worked hard to ensure our kids have access to higher education, especially at the excellent colleges here in eastern Connecticut, like ECSU. But it is just as important that we focus on ensuring our young people succeed during their time in college and that they have the support they need in order to graduate,” said Sen. Flexer. “As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate the system without the benefit of having someone who went before you leading the way. Higher Edge will be a tremendous asset and resource for students in our community who are smart, capable and willing, but need a little more help when it comes to getting across the finish line.”

“By bringing Higher Edge to our community, Chris Soto is fulfilling a big part of the vision I’ve had for this region since I began my work, and that is to make sure all of our educational institutions are working together. I’m very excited about this new satellite office in Willimantic, because Higher Edge is the piece of the puzzle that will allow the coordination of all of our assets and educational institutions so students in our region can access the services they need to be ready for college and the labor market,” said Rep Johnson. “I am so pleased to see the work being done by Chris Soto and others in our community to make sure the under-served in Windham have access to all the services and skills they need to find quality employment with a bright future.”

“The expansion of Higher Edge into Windham will be a helpful development for our first generation, college-bound students,” said Congressman Courtney. “Higher Edge has been an invaluable resource to local students in New London since 2011. I am happy to celebrate their expansion in order to serve more students across eastern Connecticut.”

“The work that Higher Edge is performing in our communities is life-changing. They are proving the power of one-on-one coaching as a means to helping students achieve their dream of a college education,” said Dr. Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University.

Chris Soto, Higher Edge’s Executive Director said, “Expanding this work into Willimantic further underscores our commitment to serve Connecticut’s smaller cities who are often forgotten about but have the same talented students who want to enter college. Our students are thriving at Eastern CT State University so we’re naturally thrilled that our partnership will be strengthened by serving the Windham region’s high school students.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday in the Johnson Room at Eastern Connecticut State University’s Library to celebrate Higher Edge’s expansion into Willimantic.

Flexer Recognized by Two National Military Organizations for Championing Legislation Benefitting Veterans in Connecticut

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Flexer Recognized by Two National Military Organizations for Championing Legislation Benefitting Veterans in Connecticut

photo of Senator Flexer

Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) was recognized by two national military service organizations for her dedication to enacting legislation in Connecticut to improve the lives of veterans, active duty military personnel and their families.

Senator Flexer was presented with a plaque at the War Memorial at Minuteman Park in Hartford by Colonel Robert Hill, the Vice President of Reserve Officers Association, and Colonel Greg Miller, the Vice President of the Military Officers Association of America, to express the organizations’ appreciation of her contributions to veterans’ causes.

“We gave Sen. Flexer this award to thank her for the significant time and effort she has spent working on behalf of veterans in the state of Connecticut, and for passing legislation that honors and supports our military members,” said. Col. Hill.

In 2016, Senator Flexer, who chairs the General Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, championed a new law that gives veteran-owned small businesses additional preferences that will make it easier for them to start and grow businesses and bid on state contracts.

Her efforts also led to a change in the law which doubled the maximum property tax exemption that a municipality may provide to wartime veterans or their surviving spouses to $20,000, while disabled veterans may be eligible for a further property tax exemption of $3,000. Now municipalities can opt in to this program and help local veterans save on their property taxes.

In 2015, Senator Flexer championed legislation that established a program within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide information and services specifically to women veterans, who are statistically far less likely to take advantage of programs that are available for veterans, following military service.

During that session, she also pushed forward a bill to evaluate and enhance services and programming at Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members (OASIS) centers at Connecticut’s public colleges and universities in Connecticut.

Senator Flexer also led passage of a bill adding the Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs to the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission, in an effort to help track veterans who are incarcerated and determine what services they may be eligible for upon release, in an effort to lower recidivism rates in that population.

In total, 24 bills aimed at supporting veterans, service members and their families were signed into law by Governor Dannel P. Malloy during Senator Flexer’s tenure as chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Flexer Highlights Longstanding Putnam Business

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Flexer Highlights Longstanding Putnam Business

Flexer: Chase Graphics Inc. shows that “small businesses stay competitive through customer service and quality products”

photo of Senator Flexer at Chase Graphics

Putnam, CT—One local printing company is alive and well and keeping its employees busy—even in the digital age of internet click-through design and shopping sites.

Founded in 1929, Chase Graphics Inc. in Putnam continues to compete with other, larger companies in the region and serves over 2,000 customers within a 30 to 50 mile radius of its School Street printing and sales shop. The company, owned by Jim and Deb St. Jean, has evolved along with print technology, and has invested in high-tech equipment—including a state of the art four-color Komori printing press and large format banner printer—in order to provide its customers with high-quality designs and merchandise.

Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) recently visited Chase Graphics and met with staff, to tour the facility and learn about what has made the company a continued success.

“The scale and quality of what Chase Graphics is doing in Northeastern Connecticut is really impressive, and shows that small businesses can stay competitive through excellent customer service and quality products,” said Sen. Flexer. “This industry is particularly tough for small businesses, which basically have to compete with the entirety of the internet now. But companies and everyday customers appreciate that they’re going to get a great product, done exactly the way they want it done, for a good price when they come to Chase. And they know they’re going to get personal service with a ‘real person’ who makes sure their product comes out exactly how they hoped it would. That’s a reputation they’ve earned, and I am glad to see that they are continuing to embrace the community values that have made them a staple of our region.”

Chase Graphics does in-house design and printing for projects ranging from business brochures and wedding invitations, to large banners and blueprint copies. The majority of Chase’s ten employees have worked there for at least sixteen years, and consider it a family.

“This business has definitely changed over the years and there have been challenges, but the community has really started promoting the ‘buy local’ mentality, and we see that in the new costumers who come in—they seek us out because they want to buy local and they hear about us from other people who have worked with us and are very satisfied,” said Jim St. Jean, who has owned and operated the business with his wife Deb since 1988.

“We have a lot of loyal customers who stay with the company, because once they trust you, they know they are going to get a great product—so they always come back,” said Account Executive Jennifer Beckett, who has been with Chase for sixteen years and began as a driver, before working her way up to her current position. “People come here because of customer service and quality control, and that builds long-term relationships.”