Senator Cabrera Releases Statement Regarding the Inauguration of President Joe R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Senator Cabrera Releases Statement Regarding the Inauguration of President Joe R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris


HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) released the following statement regarding Joe Biden’s swearing-in as the 46th President of the United States of America:

“Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Sen. Cabrera. “There is something rather poetic about an incoming administration inaugurating our country’s first Black, South Asian female vice president on the heels of the previous administration. It is a symbol of who we are as a nation. As I watched the inauguration, taking place at the same site of the heinous terror attack on January 6, I was reminded of our nation’s strength and our democracy’s resiliency. The months and years ahead may not be easy. However, today should be a symbol to all, regardless of political affiliation, that the United States of America can accomplish great things when we do so together. I wish the Biden administration the best of luck.”

About Sen. Cabrera: The senator is the son of Puerto Rican immigrants and was the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in Political Science from Quinnipiac University. The senator is a union organizer and has devoted the last 25 years fighting for working families across the 17th District and country. Sen. Cabrera is Senate Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Labor Committee.

Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden

Senator James Maroney Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden


Today, as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts progress to Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older can now schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) has released the following statement as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is now live.

“I am excited to announce that Connecticut has launched its online vaccine registration portal,” said Sen. Maroney. “We are one of the leading states in vaccinating its population and this tool will help ensure we can effectively deliver the vaccine to those who are in need.”

In the coming weeks, Phase 1b will include residents 65 years of age or older and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus, in addition to residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers. Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.

Family members and loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for residents 75 years of age or older by visiting portal.ct.gov/coronavirus, or by calling the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Individuals with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.

Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.

More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks. Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.

Senator Marilyn Moore Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden

Senator Marilyn Moore Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden


Today, State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) released the following statement regarding the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America:

“Today is a historical day. As President Joe Biden takes office following such a highly anticipated election, our first black female Vice-President, Kamala Harris, will also be representing our country and I couldn’t be more proud to have that team in the White House. To finally have the first black female Vice-President in office, the opportunities for women and women of color are endless. Women should feel empowered and I encourage women to continue to strive for excellence. I look forward to seeing what they will accomplish that will help our Country re-gain a sense of normalcy and re-build itself following a year of financial hardship for thousands of families amid the coronavirus pandemic.”


Old Saybrook Delegation Cheers $596,413 Community Connectivity Grant Award Investing in Local Sidewalks

Old Saybrook Delegation Cheers $596,413 Community Connectivity Grant Award Investing in Local Sidewalks


The Old Saybrook delegation of legislators, including State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and State Representative Devin Carney (R-Old Lyme), cheered the announcement that the town will receive a $596,413 Community Connectivity Program grant for the improvement of sidewalks on Elm Street and Boston Post Road. This project represents a significant investment in pedestrian access and local transportation, improving mobility, accessibility and safety for those traveling around town.

“This important investment will improve Old Saybrook in several ways,” said Sen. Needleman. “Runners, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts will have new terrain to cover safely, while those living nearby will have better connections to the rest of town. Overall, the entire town will have new, safer mobility and expanded outdoor recreation options for all to enjoy.”

“This investment will go a long way to improve how people commute in and around Old Saybrook for work, recreation and to visit local shops and restaurants,” said Sen. Formica. With people’s lives being much more home-based, they can now enjoy all this town has to offer safely and separated from vehicle traffic. This is an excellent investment in the area’s quality of life.”

“This grant will go a long way in improving pedestrian safety along Route 1 in Old Saybrook,” Rep. Carney said. “By completing and upgrading sidewalk connectivity, more residents will feel comfortable walking along this corridor to complete errands, visit local businesses, or to get exercise.”

The grant is one of 10 awarded to communities around the state in the latest funding round. Municipalities receiving funds will complete their projects by 2024. The projects selected are intended to facilitate social and economic opportunities for underserved areas of towns and cities as well, giving residents increased accessibility to safe and affordable transportation.

Senator Needleman Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th President of the United States

Senator Needleman Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th President of the United States


Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released the following statement regarding Joe Biden’s swearing-in as the 46th President of the United States of America:

“Joe Biden has spent his career building bridges and finding common ground. My hope is this administration can do that and help heal the country. It is time we realize that a house divided cannot stand. President Biden and Vice-President Harris have a lot of work ahead of them, but I know, with the help of their incredibly talented team, and the support of the American people, they will be successful.”

Senator McCrory, Representative McGee Cheer $500,000 Grant Investment in Windsor Meadows State Park

Education Committee Co-Chair Doug McCrory Congratulates Commissioner Cardona on Nomination to Serve as U.S. Secretary of Education


State Senator Doug McCrory and State Representative Brandon McGee, members of the Windsor legislative delegation, cheered the awarding of a $500,000 Community Connectivity Grant for the construction of a shared-use path and additional upgrades for Windsor Meadows State Park. Windsor was one of only 10 municipalities in Connecticut chosen to receive a grant in this distribution round of funds.

The grant funding will be used to construct a 12’ wide paved shared-use path of around 825’ long across Windsor Meadows State Park. In addition, a bridge or box culvert, depending on stream flow requirements, across Decker’s Brook will be built to finish connecting the Windsor and Hartford Riverwalk Systems. Plus, the state park will be made accessible to people at 100 Meadow Road in Windsor.

“Our state parks have been a refuge for many people looking to safely engage in outdoor family activities and exercise the past few months,” said Sen. McCrory. “This grant investment will support the recreation options of local residents and outdoor enthusiasts, while providing beneficial upgrades to the park for its long-term use.”

“Access to the outdoors has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic for our community to stay active and social,” said Rep. McGee. “It is imperative that our parks are accessible to everyone in the community to ensure physical and mental well-being. By adding a paved walkway and an additional park entrance, this grant provides accessibility to all.”

The Community Connectivity Grant Program (CCGP) is an infrastructure improvement program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation that provides construction funding for local initiatives focused on improving the safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists in and around community centers in Connecticut. The CCGP is a part of the Community Connectivity Program.

Statement from Senator McCrory on Today’s Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Education Committee Co-Chair Doug McCrory Congratulates Commissioner Cardona on Nomination to Serve as U.S. Secretary of Education


State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) today issued the following statement on the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris:

“The inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President gives our nation the steady leadership we need to deliver relief to struggling families and build back our economy from the devastation of COVID-19. Further, this is an opportunity to address long-existing inequalities in our institutions from criminal justice reform to addressing health disparities in underserved communities. I hope this opportunity is used to the fullest to give people a renewed sense of optimism.

I want to also acknowledge the history that has been made today in seeing Kamala Harris become the first woman, the first Black American and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President. It is my hope that today is a message to so many young people that they too can aspire to serve in the highest offices of our country. As my Madam Vice President said she may be the first, but she won’t be the last.”

Statement of Senator Cathy Osten on Today’s Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Statement of Senator Cathy Osten on Today’s Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris


State Senator Cathy (D-Sprague) today issued the following statement on the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris:

“I like Joe’s calm demeanor. He’s very down to Earth. He gives the impression of someone who can get the job done. I also like the diversity that he and Vice-President Harris have selected for their administration – I think it’s truly representative of the diversity of our nation. On the public policy front, I’m glad he’s looking to extend the hold on payments of student loan debt, I like his plan to spend $400 billion on ‘Buy American’ goods and materials, I support his desire to increase access to the Affordable Care Act and expand access to Medicaid, and of course I applaud his plan for millions of coronavirus vaccinations. I think Joe Biden is committed to getting our schools and businesses reopened, which is really going to help our national economy and job creation.”

Senator Kushner Releases Statement After Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th President of the United States

Senator Kushner Releases Statement After Inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th President of the United States


Today, State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) released the following statement after President Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America:

“Today’s inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States is a welcome beginning of a bright new future for America, a new journey for our country.

Watching Vice President Kamala Harris take the oath of office was especially moving – making history as our first woman in national office, our first vice president of Black and South Asian descent.

The inauguration brings a new day, a new era punctuated by moving performances, today, of the Star-Spangled Banner and This Land Is Your Land and America The Beautiful. National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s recitation of her poem, “The Hill We Climb” underscored a message of hope and unity.

There are many challenges the new administration will face moving quickly to bring Covid-19 under control, rebuild our economy, and address systemic racism. The new administration’s focus on climate change, rebuilding government agencies, and providing support to all of us is both encouraging and inspiring.

Let’s work together to achieve a stronger, more prosperous nation with justice for all.”


Senator Haskell Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden

Senator Haskell Releases Statement Regarding Inauguration of President Biden


State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today released the following statement regarding the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America:
“For the first time in quite some time, I haven’t been able to stop smiling today. As Joe Biden and Kamala Harris take their respective oaths to preserve, protect and defend our constitution, we’re all reminded that decency and compassion still have a place in politics. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of work in front of them. COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, and our political discourse has turned neighbor against neighbor. But in their call for unity, we’re reminded that government has the capacity to be a force for good. A force for efficient vaccine distribution, affordable healthcare, investment in renewable energy and a commitment to make higher education more affordable. They’ve got what it takes to make us look toward Washington, DC with confidence, calm, and perhaps even a smile. I can’t wait to partner with the incoming administration to improve life here in Fairfield County.”