Duff and Moms Demand Action to Host “Vigil for Lives Lost”

Duff and Moms Demand Action to Host “Vigil for Lives Lost”

Norwalk, CT (August 6, 2019) – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America announced a “Vigil for Lives Lost” this Thursday, August 8, at 7 p.m. at Norwalk City Hall.

The vigil will be held on the East Avenue side of city hall in response to the two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.

“We should not have to live with this type of violence,” said Senator Duff. “When one incident like this occurs in other countries decisive action is taken at the national level to curb mass shootings. At every turn Connecticut has passed laws to combat gun violence and it is long past time for Washington to follow our lead.”

“I am proud to join Moms Demand Action in sponsoring the Vigil for Lives Lost on Thursday,” continued Senator Duff. “We invite all members of the public to join us that evening to reflect and grieve together.”

“In recent days, mass shootings have devastated El Paso,Texas and Dayton, Ohio,” said Kara Nelson Baekey, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteer and Norwalk resident. “But also in recent weeks, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven have been directly and gravely impacted by gun violence. Every day, 100 Americans are shot and killed and hundreds more are wounded. This is a public health crisis that demands urgent action.”

“Every time we turn around, we have another act of gun violence,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling. “Malls, movie theaters, festivals – these are places where happy memories are supposed to be made, not the locations of mass shootings. When will we, as a country, stand up and say ‘enough is enough?’ I applaud the efforts of Moms Demand Action and other grassroots groups who are pushing for comprehensive gun reform legislation to help keep communities safe.”

Senate Democrats Photo

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Attending Rally Against Gun Violence Monday

Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Attending Rally Against Gun Violence Monday

Senate Democrats Photo
Senate Democrats Photo


State Senator Saud Anwar stands among a gathering of political leaders Monday to denounce gun violence. Senator Anwar stands with members of Connecticut Against Gun Violence.

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after joining Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, United States Congressman John Larson, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Attorney General William Tong Monday to rally against gun violence. The rally came as a response to the events of this weekend, where two shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio left 29 dead and dozens more injured.

“Today, I joined Senator Blumenthal, Governor Lamont, and Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, among other state and national representatives, to stand united against gun violence. While we recognize the good work that the state of Connecticut has already done with common sense gun laws, we also must make sure that we do not allow any loopholes which would threaten to put our communities at risk. We spoke with a unified voice about the need for the Senate to take up votes on this issue and be supportive to protect our citizens in the country. The lack of decision and lack of actual votes is not only undemocratic but irresponsible, leading to deaths of American citizens.”

 

Sen. Osten: Date Set for Hearing on CT Port Authority

Sen. Osten: Date Set for Hearing on CT Port Authority

HARTFORD — State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who on July 25 was the first state legislator to call for an informational hearing with the Transportation Committee to discuss recent and disturbing leadership changes at the state’s Port Authority, said today that a hearing date has now been set for Tuesday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“I’m glad to have a date where we can air some questions and concerns and try to right the floundering ship that is the Port Authority,” Sen. Osten said. “Five years ago we all passed a bill creating the Port Authority, hoping to better utilize our ports in New London, New Haven and Bridgeport. We’re talking economic and business growth here, and it’s not getting done. It needs to get done. This dysfunction will end one way or the other, I can guarantee you that. I want to thank the Transportation Committee chairs for quickly arranging this hearing.”

Sen. Osten’s request for an informational hearing came after the Connecticut Port Authority’s executive director was placed on administrative leave and the chair of the Board resigned. The state’s Port Authority was established five years ago by the legislature in order to best position Connecticut to make good on economic development opportunities at state ports.

Senator Needleman Announces Overnight Tree Removal Work on Interstate 95 From Clinton to Old Lyme

Senator Needleman Announces Overnight Tree Removal Work on Interstate 95 From Clinton to Old Lyme

CLINTON – State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Clinton) announced nighttime tree and vegetation removal along Interstate 95 will cause changes to traffic due to northbound lane closures from Exit 62 in Clinton to Exit 71 in Old Lyme. This work will begin Tuesday, Aug. 6 and continue through Friday, Sept. 27.

The Department of Transportation announced motorists can expect lane and shoulder closures on that route during the scheduled work time of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. overnight. Crash attenuator vehicles and signing patterns will be used to guide motorists during that time. The DOT said the schedule may be updated or extended if weather delays or other complications arise.