Osten Welcomes State Bonding For Norwich, Sprague Projects
State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve funding for several regional school, transportation and building renovation projects when it meets next week in Hartford.
The State Bond Commission is expected to approve:
$849,920 for HVAC, floor replacement and playground improvements at the Integrated Day Charter School in Norwich
$580,000 in Alliance District funding for Norwich to make general improvements to school buildings (i.e. boilers, windows, HVAC, lockers, ceilings, etc.)
$500,000 to upgrade the school and community bus lot in the Baltic section of Sprague with permeable pavers and cost-saving LED lighting
$20 million in brownfield remediation funding through the state Department of Economic and Community Development, including a $200,000 state grant announced Monday by Governor Malloy for the investigation of the last undeveloped portion of the former Ponemah Mill site, a 5.5-acre site located at 555-559 Norwich Avenue in Norwich.
The Sprague bus lot and Norwich Alliance District bonding monies were included in the 2015 biennial state budget, which Sen. Osten voted for. The brownfield remediation monies were included in the latest biennial state budget which passed the legislature in late October on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.
“Within its limited resources and other fiscal constraints, Connecticut is going to continue to make investments in its communities and its community infrastructure that benefit the public, save local tax dollars, create jobs, and lay the foundation for future growth,” Sen. Osten said. “I’m thankful to the governor and the State Bond Commission for seeing the value in these projects, and I look forward to seeing these upgrades get underway in the near future.”
The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
New Britain Lawmakers Announce Funding for New Columbus Commons Housing Construction
Mixed-use building will provide affordable housing options near CTfastrak Station
Senator Terry Gerratana joined New Britain residents and other elected officials to break ground on Columbus Commons on October 17, 2017.
Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) joined the other members of New Britain’s legislative delegation to announce the imminent approval of funding for a mixed-use property in the vacant lot that used to hold New Britain’s old police station. The new building, which will be called “Columbus Commons,” will include commercial space for retail, office space and restaurants, along with 80 new housing units. The State Bond Commission is expected approve a $5,000,000 loan to the developer that will build Columbus Commons when it meets on November 29.
“Columbus Commons is an ambitious project that we have been working on for many years now, and it is very exciting to see the work being done now that shovels are in the ground,” said Senator Gerratana. “New Britain’s focus on transit-oriented development around the CTfastrak stations has been a successful strategy to grow our local economy, and this new development will be an important piece of the plan to move our city forward. In addition to the direct economic benefits of this project, it will provide a greatly needed boost to New Britain’s housing stock.”
“Access to reliable transportation and job attainment and retention go hand-in-hand—this project encompasses both those valuable properties,” Representative Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain) said. “Columbus commons will be an excellent addition to New Britain and I am looking forward to the many beneficial contributions it will make.”
“The construction of this flagship facility will not only strengthen our local economy, but it will become a focal point in the community helping to increase foot traffic downtown,” said Representative Rick Lopes (D-New Britain).
Columbus Commons will have commercial space available on the first floor, with apartment above. Of the 80 housing unit available, 64 will be priced to meet affordable housing guidelines. Additionally, Columbus Commons will provide supportive services for eight chronically homeless individuals and eight families with special needs.
Senate Democrats: Republican Tax Plan Would Have Devastating Impact on Connecticut’s Middle Class, Homeowners and Housing Market
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), members of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Connecticut realtors today highlighted the Republican Tax Plan and its devastating impact, including tax increases on the middle class and damage to home values.
“The Republican tax plan would be a catastrophe for Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The national Republican tax plan gives huge handouts to the super-rich, while Connecticut residents will be forced to pick up the bill. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Connecticut households will see a tax increase under the GOP’s plan.”
“This Thanksgiving, Republicans in Congress are serving up tax increases for Connecticut’s middle-class and homeowners,” said Senator Duff. “The Republican tax plan all but eliminates tax incentives for homeownership at a time when the market is strong and when we are seeing multiple buyers bid on a property. There is no surer way to slam the door on a hot real estate market than passing the Republican tax plan.”
Connecticut REALTORS President Michael Barbaro said, “Connecticut REALTORS are very concerned over the proposed GOP tax reform bills in the U.S. Congress. Due to the high costs of purchasing a home and property taxes in our state, Connecticut will be impacted particularly hard. Removing or even reducing tax incentives critical to home ownership such as the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deductions will have an immediate negative impact on our real estate market.”
Barbaro continued, “These changes can also decrease home values; this will drive many existing homeowners further underwater. Along with the National Association of REALTORS, we remain steadfast in our opposition to any taxation that furthers harms real estate.”
“This plan cuts deep into the pockets of Connecticut residents, including middle class families, students who want to attend college, seniors on Medicare, and the disabled, just to name a few,” said Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford). “We’re here today to speak up on behalf of the people of our state stand against the Republican tax plan in Washington.”
Additionally, Republicans in the United State Senate have included provision in their version of the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and increase the number of uninsured Americans by 13 million.
“The Republican tax plan being considered in Washington is going to make health care more expensive for many middle-class families, while simultaneously raising taxes on them so they have less money with which to pay those increased medical bills,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain. “This so-called tax reform is nothing but a gift for the wealthiest one percent, financed by middle-class and working families in Connecticut and around the country. Washington Republicans should reject this plan, go back to the drawing board and work on a bipartisan basis like we did here in Connecticut.”
The United States House of Representatives voted last week 227-205 to approve the Republican Tax Plan with 13 Republicans joining every Democrat in voting against it. The United States Senate is considering its own version.
“I represent a very economically diverse district. But this plan manages to hurt people on all sides of the economic scale whether they are from Bridgeport, Trumbull, or Monroe,” said Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport). “By gutting the state and local tax deductions, Connecticut homeowners making between $50,000 and $200,000 would pay 14 percent more in taxes under the republican plan. It hurts seniors by slashing tax credits for people retired on disability. It eliminates work opportunity credits for veterans and youth. To me, it looks like Republicans are not interested in doing what’s best for the working people of our state. They just want to protect the wealthiest among us.”
Senate Democrats: Republican Tax Plan Would Have Devastating Impact on Connecticut’s Middle Class, Homeowners and Housing Market
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), members of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Connecticut realtors today highlighted the Republican Tax Plan and its devastating impact, including tax increases on the middle class and damage to home values.
“The Republican tax plan would be a catastrophe for Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The national Republican tax plan gives huge handouts to the super-rich, while Connecticut residents will be forced to pick up the bill. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Connecticut households will see a tax increase under the GOP’s plan.”
“This Thanksgiving, Republicans in Congress are serving up tax increases for Connecticut’s middle-class and homeowners,” said Senator Duff. “The Republican tax plan all but eliminates tax incentives for homeownership at a time when the market is strong and when we are seeing multiple buyers bid on a property. There is no surer way to slam the door on a hot real estate market than passing the Republican tax plan.”
Connecticut REALTORS President Michael Barbaro said, “Connecticut REALTORS are very concerned over the proposed GOP tax reform bills in the U.S. Congress. Due to the high costs of purchasing a home and property taxes in our state, Connecticut will be impacted particularly hard. Removing or even reducing tax incentives critical to home ownership such as the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deductions will have an immediate negative impact on our real estate market.”
Barbaro continued, “These changes can also decrease home values; this will drive many existing homeowners further underwater. Along with the National Association of REALTORS, we remain steadfast in our opposition to any taxation that furthers harms real estate.”
“This plan cuts deep into the pockets of Connecticut residents, including middle class families, students who want to attend college, seniors on Medicare, and the disabled, just to name a few,” said Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford). “We’re here today to speak up on behalf of the people of our state stand against the Republican tax plan in Washington.”
Additionally, Republicans in the United State Senate have included provision in their version of the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and increase the number of uninsured Americans by 13 million.
“The Republican tax plan being considered in Washington is going to make health care more expensive for many middle-class families, while simultaneously raising taxes on them so they have less money with which to pay those increased medical bills,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain. “This so-called tax reform is nothing but a gift for the wealthiest one percent, financed by middle-class and working families in Connecticut and around the country. Washington Republicans should reject this plan, go back to the drawing board and work on a bipartisan basis like we did here in Connecticut.”
The United States House of Representatives voted last week 227-205 to approve the Republican Tax Plan with 13 Republicans joining every Democrat in voting against it. The United States Senate is considering its own version.
“I represent a very economically diverse district. But this plan manages to hurt people on all sides of the economic scale whether they are from Bridgeport, Trumbull, or Monroe,” said Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport). “By gutting the state and local tax deductions, Connecticut homeowners making between $50,000 and $200,000 would pay 14 percent more in taxes under the republican plan. It hurts seniors by slashing tax credits for people retired on disability. It eliminates work opportunity credits for veterans and youth. To me, it looks like Republicans are not interested in doing what’s best for the working people of our state. They just want to protect the wealthiest among us.”
Senate Democrats: Republican Tax Plan Would Have Devastating Impact on Connecticut’s Middle Class, Homeowners and Housing Market
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), members of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Connecticut realtors today highlighted the Republican Tax Plan and its devastating impact, including tax increases on the middle class and damage to home values.
“The Republican tax plan would be a catastrophe for Connecticut,” said Senator Looney. “The national Republican tax plan gives huge handouts to the super-rich, while Connecticut residents will be forced to pick up the bill. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Connecticut households will see a tax increase under the GOP’s plan.”
“This Thanksgiving, Republicans in Congress are serving up tax increases for Connecticut’s middle-class and homeowners,” said Senator Duff. “The Republican tax plan all but eliminates tax incentives for homeownership at a time when the market is strong and when we are seeing multiple buyers bid on a property. There is no surer way to slam the door on a hot real estate market than passing the Republican tax plan.”
Connecticut REALTORS President Michael Barbaro said, “Connecticut REALTORS are very concerned over the proposed GOP tax reform bills in the U.S. Congress. Due to the high costs of purchasing a home and property taxes in our state, Connecticut will be impacted particularly hard. Removing or even reducing tax incentives critical to home ownership such as the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deductions will have an immediate negative impact on our real estate market.”
Barbaro continued, “These changes can also decrease home values; this will drive many existing homeowners further underwater. Along with the National Association of REALTORS, we remain steadfast in our opposition to any taxation that furthers harms real estate.”
“This plan cuts deep into the pockets of Connecticut residents, including middle class families, students who want to attend college, seniors on Medicare, and the disabled, just to name a few,” said Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford). “We’re here today to speak up on behalf of the people of our state stand against the Republican tax plan in Washington.”
Additionally, Republicans in the United State Senate have included provision in their version of the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and increase the number of uninsured Americans by 13 million.
“The Republican tax plan being considered in Washington is going to make health care more expensive for many middle-class families, while simultaneously raising taxes on them so they have less money with which to pay those increased medical bills,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain. “This so-called tax reform is nothing but a gift for the wealthiest one percent, financed by middle-class and working families in Connecticut and around the country. Washington Republicans should reject this plan, go back to the drawing board and work on a bipartisan basis like we did here in Connecticut.”
The United States House of Representatives voted last week 227-205 to approve the Republican Tax Plan with 13 Republicans joining every Democrat in voting against it. The United States Senate is considering its own version.
“I represent a very economically diverse district. But this plan manages to hurt people on all sides of the economic scale whether they are from Bridgeport, Trumbull, or Monroe,” said Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport). “By gutting the state and local tax deductions, Connecticut homeowners making between $50,000 and $200,000 would pay 14 percent more in taxes under the republican plan. It hurts seniors by slashing tax credits for people retired on disability. It eliminates work opportunity credits for veterans and youth. To me, it looks like Republicans are not interested in doing what’s best for the working people of our state. They just want to protect the wealthiest among us.”
Winfield, Environment CT Stand Against Trump Administration’s Attacks on Oceans
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Tracy Romano, Dr. Peter Auster, Kelsey Lamp, Bill Lucey, State Senator Gary Winfield
NEW HAVEN—As threats from elected officials in Washington mount against our oceans and coasts, State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), Environment Connecticut, and local marine experts gathered at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale Restaurant on Long Wharf today to remind Connecticut residents of the value of our coastline and the need to stand up for our shores and marine life.
Sen. Winfield emphasized that healthy oceans should be a priority for us all.
“Our oceans affect every single one of us. So as the Trump administration attempts to undo decades of work protecting our precious environmental resources, it’s important that we speak out against these harmful policies,” Sen. Winfield said. “I stand behind Environment Connecticut and will do everything in my power as a state legislator to support protecting our oceans.”
New Haven was visited by Echo the Whale, a 15-foot blow up sperm whale. Like many other endangered marine species, whales rely on us to protect them from oil and gas exploration, drilling and other threats. This reminder couldn’t be timelier as Congress considers a bill that would dramatically expand offshore drilling, and as the Trump administration begins the process to lift the protections that prevent drilling off the Atlantic Coast.
“Long Island Sound and the Atlantic are places of wonder and beauty,” said Kelsey Lamp, Oceans Associate with Environment Connecticut. “We need to protect whales like Echo, as well as dolphins, birds and other marine life. We must stand up for New England’s only marine national monument, and prevent offshore drilling and seismic testing in the Atlantic. Connecticut residents should speak up for our coasts. All of our elected officials need to stand with us to save our shores.”
Marine Scientists from Mystic Aquarium highlighted the need to take the health of our oceans seriously. Dr. Tracy Romano, Vice President of Research & Chief Scientist, explained the dangers of noise pollution and seismic surveys for whales and other marine life. Dr. Peter Auster, Senior Research Scientist, spoke about the beauty and scientific importance of the Northeast Canyons & Seamounts Marine National Monument, the Atlantic’s only national marine monument.
“This blue park off our coast is host to a diverse ecosystem full of whales, dolphins, and coral,” Dr. Auster said. “We need to protect this area for scientific discovery and future generations.”
Also out to support was Bill Lucey, the Long Island Soundkeeper with Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Save the Sound, and a representative from Senator Murphy’s office. Lamp said Connecticut residents can take action to protect our coast and Echo the whale along with her real life counterparts.
Hosted by Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale Restaurant on Long Wharf, the views of New Haven Harbor drove home the point. “We were happy to host Echo,” said Ed Carlona, Manager at Lenny & Joe’s. “Healthy oceans are important to our business and our customers.”
Larson, Currey Welcome State Funding for Blighted Property in East Hartford
EAST HARTFORD – Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) and Rep. Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford/Manchester/South Windsor) welcomed a state grant to remediate and revitalize a blighted property in East Hartford. The $200,000 state grant will be used to abate hazardous building materials in a former public housing site on a 1.4-acre parcel at 590 Burnside Avenue.
“Projects like these are always welcome to the neighborhood here in East Hartford” Sen. Larson said. “Keeping ahead of blight helps keep our neighborhoods safe, boosts property values, and creates a sense of pride in our community. I look forward to the completion of this project.”
“Revitalizing blighted properties is a smart economic investment that creates a positive ripple effect for the whole neighborhood,” Rep. Currey said. “I’m glad that the town can now begin cleaning up the property and attracting private investment. I look forward to seeing what the future of this property holds.”
East Hartford is one of 14 municipalities in Connecticut to be awarded state funding to assess, remediate and revitalize blighted properties in their communities. A total of $13.6 million is being distributed across the state, Governor Dannel Malloy announced Monday. The projects encompass 89 acres of redevelopment across Connecticut.
For every dollar the state has invested in brownfield redevelopment, non-state partners have invested or will invest $11.41. Since 2012, the State of Connecticut has invested more than $220 million in brownfield redevelopment, resulting in the creation of more than 3,000 permanent jobs and over 15,000 construction jobs in the state.
Monday’s round of funding announcements includes a total of $12.1 million that will be awarded to eight remediation and redevelopment projects, totaling just over 34 acres. An additional $1.5 million will be awarded to eight assessment projects that will prepare for the future revitalization of additional properties, consisting of almost 52 acres. All of the funds will be awarded through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
For more information about DECD’s brownfield redevelopment programs, visit www.ctbrownfields.gov.
McCrory Welcomes State Investment in Homestead Avenue Building Renovations
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) today joined state and local officials on Homestead Avenue to announce a major state investment in the demolition and remediation of three abandoned buildings there, hoping to spur private-sector investment in the city.
The state will spend $1.9 million to demolish and remediate the abandoned buildings at 367, 393 & 424 Homestead Avenue—which include a former metal foundry manufacturing facility—preparing them for redevelopment.
“Today’s announcement is just the first step. What we really need is a developer to get in here and create jobs for residents,” Sen. McCrory said. “We have a real opportunity to make this community better and to make the State of Connecticut better.”
The Hartford building renovations are part of $13.6 million in state funding that Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today for a multitude of blighted property renovations across Connecticut.
“These kinds of properties that have been vacant for decades are causing blight in neighborhoods, draining local resources, and having a negative impact on towns and cities,” Gov. Malloy said. “We can add value in our communities by making smart investments that repurpose these properties, resulting in a boost for local economies and spurring growth and private investments.”
For every dollar the state has invested in brownfield redevelopment, non-state partners have invested or will invest $11.41. Since 2012, the State of Connecticut has invested more than $220 million in brownfield redevelopment, resulting in the creation of more than 3,000 permanent jobs and over 15,000 construction jobs in the state.
Today’s round of funding announcements includes a total of $12.1 million that will be awarded to eight remediation and redevelopment projects, totaling just over 34 acres. An additional $1.5 million will be awarded to eight assessment projects that will prepare for the future revitalization of additional properties, consisting of almost 52 acres. All of the funds will be awarded through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney Regarding Secretary Barnes Letter to Comptroller Lembo
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today released the following statement regarding Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes letter to State Comptroller Kevin Lembo
“The legislative leaders have agreed to meet early next week for bipartisan discussions in order to determine next steps regarding the state budget.”
Statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Looney on Governor Malloy’s Budget Holdbacks
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today released the following statement:
“We will continue to work with the legislative leaders and the administration to manage the budget. Our funding priorities in the bipartisan budget were clear. And while lapses were inevitable, it is a source of grave concern that the administration chose to carry out the cuts in this manner.”
