Senators Moore, McCrory, Winfield Call for Increased Funding for Violence Prevention Programs to Address Shootings in Cities
The Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven Legislators Call for More Resources Follows the Shooting and Death of a 3-Year-Old in Hartford
In response to the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy and 16-year-old teenager from separate shootings in Hartford this past weekend, State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) and State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) are calling on Governor Lamont to increase funding to statewide violence prevention programs to bolster efforts to prevent future shootings that leave families and neighborhoods grieving.
“I am tired of the senseless taking of lives lost of loved ones to gun violence. The problem of gun violence impacts every community and it is imperative we take this problem on by creating a master plan and dedicate funding to support it. We need to more funding now for programs that will stop future tragedies and create needed changes to address the senseless gun violence that plagues Bridgeport and urban communities across our state,” said Sen. Moore. Gun violence intervention programs across the state must build a coalition, develop a five year plan funded by the State and supplemented with American Rescue Act dollars. “We have to do more in protecting the health and safety of families, friends, and the community at-large. We know what programs work and it is time that we fund these initiatives and put our money where our mouth is.”
“How many more mothers, families, have to mourn the loss of a child. We need to act, and we must increase resources for violence prevention initiatives and programs to keep our kids safe and stop more deaths from happening,” said Sen. McCrory. “Shootings and gun violence cause more than just injury and death, but also leave lasting trauma on survivors, family members and neighborhoods, particularly on kids and teenagers who become more likely to face mental health issues or their academic performance suffers because of exposure to such violence.”
“Children should never experience being unable to see their brother or sister again. No parent should understand what it means to bury their child,” said Sen. Winfield. “Gun violence has scarred far too many neighborhoods. It has to come to end now, not later. I am urging the allocation of more funding to intervention programs dedicated to stopping future deaths. We have put money into these programs for the safety of our children. If we do not, then it is their lives and neighborhoods that will suffer.”
While youth violence programs have received some funding in recent years. From Fiscal Year 2019 to 2021, Hartford received $350,000 in state funding to address youth gun violence through various initiatives, Bridgeport received $375,000, New Haven received $375,000, Meriden received $140,000, Waterbury received $361,800, and West Haven received $140,000. The ARA under President Biden is calling on Congress to include $5 billion over eight years in support of evidence-based community violence prevention programs. He is calling on Congress to invest in job training for formerly incarcerated individuals and justice-involved youth and in improving public safety. Combined, these funds are an opportunity to create, implement, and evaluate a plan to build statewide coalitions for cities most impacted by gun violence.
The shooting in Hartford last weekend follows an increase in shootings and gun violence in 2020 in Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven. The Hartford Police Department reported in fall 2020 that they had a 54% increase in shootings incidents from last year. Bridgeport experienced a substantial increase in shootings in 2020 as well. The city saw a 30 percent increase in shootings in 2020 compared to 2019. New Haven reported 274 incidents of shots being fired, which was up from 151 in 2019.
Gun violence carries a disproportionate impact on communities of color, especially on Black men. Statistics from to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence said that over 50 percent of Connecticut’s gun homicide victims were Black men though they are less than 6 percent of the state’s population. According to the same report, Black men between 18 to 35 years old were close to 39 times more likely to be murdered with a gun compared to white men in the state.
Further underscoring the need to build up resources for violence prevention programs, young people also make up a substantial portion of victims of gun violence. A 2020 news report found that around 10 percent of individuals murdered by guns in Connecticut’s three largest cities between 2010 and mid-2020 were 25 years old or younger.
These devastating acts of violence leave families grieving, but also young people witnessing such acts can be left with harm to their mental and physical health. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, children exposed to violence, crime, and abuse are more likely to suffer from depression and PTSD; and children living in neighborhoods where gun violence is a recurring feature can lead to them spending less time being physically active. Additionally, a study cited by Everytown found that high school students who experience violence have lower rates of graduation.
CT Senate Passes Bill Re: Health Insurance Coverage for Newborns
CT Senate Passes Bill Re: Health Insurance Coverage for Newborns
Today, the Connecticut State Senate passed legislation that would provide health insurance coverage for newborns. By law, certain health insurance policies that cover family members must cover newborns from birth. The coverage must include injury and sickness benefits, including for the care and treatment of congenital defects and birth abnormalities. State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), and Co-Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, led debate on this bill, that if enacted into law, would go into effect January 1, 2022.
“As a new parent, I know from my own experience that getting on the phone with your HR to add your newborn to your policy is the last thing on your mind,” said Sen. Lesser. “But this bill is specifically designed to protect parents of kids born with serious health conditions. Kids born prematurely often spend weeks in the hospital – and their parents can be stuck with surprise medical bills costing hundreds of thousands of dollars if they forget to fill out the necessary paperwork in time. This bill will ensure that coverage will extend automatically for the first 120 days – or the length of the hospital stay, whichever is longer, giving parents time to focus on what’s really important.”
Senate Bill 1005, bill extends insurance coverage from 61 days after birth to 121 days after birth or the length of the hospital stay of the newborn. During the time period the newborn is insured, the birth mother must notify the insurer or hospital about the birth and pay any required premium or subscription fee to continue the newborn’s coverage beyond that period. The bill is supported by Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Doctors say the extension to 121 days is needed. While 61 days sounds like a long time, when you are dealing with a situation that involves your newborn child and the unknown, doctors say the extra time gives parents relief knowing it’s one less thing they have to worry about.
Under this bill, individual and group health insurance policies can be delivered, issued, renewed, amended, or continued in Connecticut. The policies would cover basic hospital expenses, basic medical-surgical expenses, major medical expenses, accidents, or hospital or medical services, including those provided under an HMO plan.
State Senator Matt Lesser Leads Senate Passage on Legislation that Expands Travel Insurance to Cover Death by Suicide
State Senator Matt Lesser Leads Senate Passage on Legislation that Expands Travel Insurance to Cover Death by Suicide
Today, the State Senate voted to approve legislation that will expand travel insurance coverage for a person who die by suicide and for their traveling companion. State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Co-Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, led the debate on the Senate floor today on Senate Bill 89, ‘An Act Concerning Travel Insurance and Suicide.’ The bill, introduced by Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) will prohibit insurance companies that issue travel insurance policies in this state from excluding coverage because the insured or the insured’s spouse, child, dependent relative who resides in the insured’s household or traveling companion die by suicide.
“Travel insurance exists for a reason,” said Sen. Lesser. “This should never have been an issue in the first place, but I’m glad a tiny bit of good could come from the unspeakable pain experienced by this family. It’s my understanding that the travel insurance industry on a national basis is moving to ensure that no family ever has to fight for their travel insurance after experience such a tragedy.”
Senate Bill 89 stems from a family in West Hartford who suffered a tragedy in 2019. The Brennan family were planning to take an international trip, booked their flights and purchased travel insurance. However, on July 14, 2019, their 25-year old son died by suicide. Sean’s mother, Robin Brennan, could not continue on with their family trip and submitted a claim for a full refund. Two days before the trip, her claim was denied with the reason being the cause of death. The family fought the insurance company and eventually took this issue to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. Mental illness is a disease like any other. If Sean had died by cancer or another illness, the claim would have been approved.
If this bill becomes enacted into law, beginning October 1, 2021, no policy will exclude coverage for people who die by suicide or for their traveling companion and they will be financially protected when purchasing travel insurance.
Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams Joins Roundtable Discussion with State, Local Leaders to Discuss Education Investments
Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams Joins Roundtable Discussion with State, Local Leaders to Discuss Education Investments
MERIDEN – On Monday, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) joined state and local leaders including Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Department of Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, State Representative Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden), State Representative Michael Quinn (D-Meriden), State Representative Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden), Meriden Board of Education President Robert E. Kosienski, Jr., Meriden Superintendent Mark D. Benigni and Meriden Federation of Teachers President Lauren Mancini-Averitt at Meriden’s John Barry Elementary School for a roundtable discussion on investing in educational opportunities for children who have had their education impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meriden is expected to receive $25 million in support from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan, passed earlier this year; those gathered discussed and shared potential ideas on how the state can use funds to assist and improve educational opportunities and help the state’s children recover from interruptions and increased challenges spurred by necessary changes responding to the pandemic.
“This is the type of collaboration our kids deserve. We must work together to support students, their families and the hard-working staff and teachers at schools throughout the district to give them the best opportunity at success now and in the future,” said Sen. Abrams. “I’m anxious to engage with the community to figure out the best way to maximize these dollars in our district. When you combine community engagement with real time data, you can narrow down exactly what a district, a school and especially a child need. This pandemic has shined a light on the fact we face a lot of challenges when it comes to educating all students to the best of our ability and this money provides us with an opportunity to fund support programs and affect real change.”
Monday’s roundtable came as educators and state leaders face a significant challenge in returning students to the classroom amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the closures of many schools, the introduction of hybrid and at-home education models and frequently changing guidelines. Many school districts have seen rises in absenteeism and increased student disengagement, which could magnify the negative impacts that interrupted education has had on local students.
As part of an effort to counter these growing issues, the Governor’s administration today announced it is launching a new program to engage with impacted students. The LEAP, or Learner Engagement and Attendance Program, will utilize federal funding to bridge students back into their school communities, support student enrollment in summer camps and learning programs, and facilitate a seamless transition back to school in the 2021-22 school year for families in need. Meriden will be one of 15 school districts receiving aid in the program.
Senator Haskell, Rep. Steinberg Applaud State Release of Funding to Support Sherwood Island State Park Bridge Replacement
Senator Haskell, Rep. Steinberg Applaud State Release of Funding to Support Sherwood Island State Park Bridge Replacement
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) applauded the State Bond Commission’s planned commitment of just over $2.5 million to finance capital improvements at various state parks, specifically earmarking funds to replace a Sherwood Island State Park bridge in Westport.
“Sherwood Island is a treasure, connecting Fairfield County residents with the beauty of the Long Island Sound. As the oldest state park in Connecticut, it’s critical that we invest in the park’s maintenance and preserve it for the next generation of birders, bikers, hikers and beach goers,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m grateful that Governor Lamont recognizes the importance of funding project and replacing a bridge that’s currently in poor condition.”
“Westport is proud to be the home of the state’s first state park and I applaud the Governor’s decision to address the park’s infrastructure needs,” said Rep. Steinberg.
The State Bond Commission’s agenda for its Friday, April 16 meeting sees it agree to release funds to finance minor capital improvements at various state parks and wildlife management areas, as well as repair a bridge in serious condition in Sherwood Island State Park. Bridge W28, which dates to 1958, carries Sherwood Island Lane over Mill Creek. The bridge was recently rated in serious condition when inspected, and the project will involve the construction of a one-lane bridge that will then be placed where the existing bridge currently stands. The new bridge will be comprised of a new prefabricated, galvanized steel superstructure, with concrete abutments protected by permanent sheet pile enclosures.
Windham Delegation Welcomes State Investment in Windham Housing Renovations
Windham Delegation Welcomes State Investment in Windham Housing Renovations
WINDHAM – Windham’s state legislative delegation of state Senator Mae Flexer and Reps. Brian Smith and Susan Johnson announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve a $2.66 million loan for the Windham Housing Authority to renovate 90 two- and three-bedroom units at Hevrin Terrace, a neighborhood off of Holbrook Avenue in Willimantic.
The state loan will help pay about 42% of the projected $6.37 million renovation cost. The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet this Friday, April 16, to approve this and many other public investment projects in Connecticut.
“This funding is very timely for a number of reasons,” Sen. Flexer said. “The pandemic has kept people in and around their homes for longer periods of time, so any improvements are immediately appreciated. Affordable housing continues to be a challenge for much of Connecticut. Here in Willimantic, our community understands the need for affordable housing and know that neighborhoods like Hevrin Terrace are important for our community and should be well maintained. Affordable housing plays a role, and will play an even greater role, in the coming months, in our forthcoming state and national economic rebound. We would be a much better state if all communities supported affordable housing. This is an investment in Windham and its residents that is welcomed and very valuable.”
“The pandemic has underscored the need for expanded housing options in our state, but access to affordable and subsidized housing has been an issue long before COVID-19 hit. Every resident in our state deserves a safe, clean place to call home,” said Rep. Smith. “Investing in and renovating our existing housing stock will pay dividends in Connecticut’s rebound from the virus-induced recession. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for taking up this matter and investing in Connecticut’s future.”
“This is great news. Investing in our existing subsidized housing not only benefits Windham residents – it benefits our entire state and will help Connecticut move forward from the pandemic,” said Rep. Johnson. “Expanding subsidized and affordable housing options throughout our state remains a top priority, but equally important is renovating our current housing stock. I am pleased to see Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission’s support for this vital initiative. I also want to thank the Willimantic Housing Authority for its work maintaining these properties around our community and collaborating with various state and local officials to get this project on the Bond Commission’s agenda.”
Governor Ned Lamont also welcomed the state bonding for Windham and for a variety of other affordable housing investments across Connecticut.
“Access to housing that is affordable and stable is a key component toward building a stable economy that supports the growth of jobs and makes neighborhoods vibrant places to live and work,” Gov. Lamont said. “An investment in housing is an investment toward improving the economic health of our entire state.”
The Housing Authority of Willimantic is a “quasi-governmental agency”. While being neither a town, state, or federal agency, its commissioners are appointed by the Windham Town Council and it’s regulated by both the federal and state governments. The Housing Authority manages 576 units within Windham. The Town of Windham is home to a larger percentage of affordable housing units than any other community in Connecticut except for the City of Hartford.
Hevrin Terrace is a state-financed family development made up of two- and three-bedroom units for residents with incomes at 25-50 percent of the area median income and averaging between $657 and $719 a month. Tenants are responsible for their own natural gas heat and hot water, electricity, and water usage, and must furnish their own electric stove and refrigerator. Tenants are also responsible for mowing their own lawn and shoveling their walks, although trash removal is provided by the Town of Windham.
Sen. Slap Welcomes State Funding to Build 22 New Units at New Horizons Village in Farmington
Sen. Slap Welcomes State Funding to Build 22 New Units at New Horizons Village in Farmington
FARMINGTON — State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve funding next week to build 22 new units of supportive housing at New Horizons Village in Farmington.
“Connecticut is home to a wide variety of people with a wide variety of housing needs. New Horizons Village fills one of those needs with compassion and style in Farmington, and now they’ll be able to serve even more people,” Sen. Slap said. “I’m glad the State Bond Commission saw the value in this project, connecting people with the housing they need in a beautiful and supportive setting.”
Opened in 1986, New Horizons Village is an apartment complex offering up to 101 adults with physical disabilities the opportunity for self-directed living. The Village combines barrier-free housing with non-medical care and transport support services.
The State of Connecticut will contribute $2.2 million – or 35.5% — toward the $6.2 million total cost of the construction. The federal government will contribute another $2.67 million, or 43 percent of the total cost.
Duff Announces $3 Million in State Bonding for Norwalk’s MLK Corridor Economic Development Initiative
Duff Announces $3 Million in State Bonding for Norwalk’s MLK Corridor Economic Development Initiative
NORWALK – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, State Representative Travis Simms, and Mayor Harry Rilling applauded a $3 million state grant for the Norwalk Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor project to bolster economic development, employment, education programs and housing. The project was placed on the agenda for the April 16 State Bond Commission meeting where it will be approved.
The MLK Corridor Initiative, focused on South Norwalk, has been convening for a two-year period to support increased economic activity to benefit the community and residents and to help solve some of the chronic problems that face urban areas, like unemployment, housing and education. Working in partnership with the MLK Corridor Initiative and the City of Norwalk, areas for infrastructure improvement and community investment have been identified by the group and public. These priority areas focus on enhanced mobility, connectivity and safety, including but not limited to crosswalk installations and sidewalk construction. In addition, streetscape improvements, including but not limited to neighborhood clean ups, public art, playground investment and an enhanced urban canopy. The funding will also be used to reconstruct a staircase to connect two sections of the neighborhood, which will support first and last mile connections to the train station. Lastly, the funding will support an investment in residential buildings, with a façade improvement program which will help to make improvements to the area.
“The Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor Initiative is an incredible collaboration between advocacy groups, community members and leaders from the public and private sectors to bolster our community through targeted and measured improvements.” Sen. Duff said. “Dr. King was a revered civil rights activist whose impact continues to this day. I want to thank Governor Lamont for his support of this project and the work of the Norwalk state delegation, the City of Norwalk, and the local South Norwalk residents that has made this possible so we continue the great work of the MLK Corridor Initiative and further the legacy of the leader who inspired its name.”
“I pulled together faith-based groups and leaders in the private and public sector in South Norwalk to form the MLK Corridor Initiative. Our group has been working hard to identify projects and plans for the area. This funding is going to help beautify the area and enhance economic activity for residents and the entire community,” Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling said. “Senator Duff continues to be a real champion for all of Norwalk. I appreciate his voice and leadership representing us in Hartford, and for helping secure this much needed funding. Thank you Senator Duff, and thank you Governor Lamont, for your continued support of Norwalk.”
“A major contributor to the overall quality of life is the conditions and esthetics of surrounding neighborhoods,” Rep. Simms said. “This investment in the beautification of the MLK corridor sends a clear message that we care and are paying attention and providing the necessary resources to positively transform this important section of Norwalk.”
The MLK Corridors Initiative is a community planning and development program for qualifying communities with streets, avenues and boulevards named after Martin Luther King Jr. Across 41 states there are over 900 streets named after the civil rights leader, but these areas do not always reflect the opportunity their namesake fought for. This initiative serves to spur economic development in these areas through addressing key issues in housing, economic development, sustainability and education.
The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. on April 16, 2021 to approve the funding.
Senator Needleman Announces Bridge Construction in Middletown and Portland, Bridge Maintenance in Clinton
Senator Needleman Announces Bridge Construction in Middletown and Portland, Bridge Maintenance in Clinton
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced the Department of Transportation will begin its next phase of construction on the Arrigoni Bridge in Middletown and Portland will start on Tuesday, April 13, continuing through September 2021, while bridge maintenance is scheduled for the bridge carrying Nod Road over Interstate 95 in Clinton beginning Monday, April 19 and concluding Friday, May 28.
The Department of Transportation’s Stage 3 of the Arrigoni Bridge construction will consist of placing temporary barriers on the bridge in each direction to allow work on the eastbound lanes of the bridge’s approach spans. The bridge will reduce itself to one travel lane in each direction, with periodic alternating one-way traffic sometimes necessary in overnight hours. After this stage is completed, with an estimated completion date of September 2021, the project will progress to finalizing and completing remaining rehabilitation.
In Clinton, Bridge 00220, which carries Nod Road over Interstate 95, will see bridge maintenance begin April 19 with a tentative completion date of Friday, May 28, with work ongoing between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists can expect various lane closures on Interstate 95 southbound between the Exit 63 off-ramp and the bridge, and northbound from the Exit 62 off-ramp to the bridge. Traffic control staff and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone, and motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to the schedule may become necessary due to potential delays.
Senator Anwar Joins Governor Lamont, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz in East Windsor to Discuss the Importance of Supporting Children’s Mental Health
Senator Anwar Joins Governor Lamont, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz in East Windsor to Discuss the Importance of Supporting Children’s Mental Health
EAST WINDSOR – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined state officials and leaders including Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Vanessa Dorantes and East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza to tour the Alfred J. Solnit Children’s Center in East Windsor with Dr. Brett Rayford, interim superintendent of the center. The leaders extolled the benefits the center provides for children including teaching them business and entrepreneurship skills, also assisting children through troubling and traumatic experiences from their pasts and assisting them to achieve a better future.
“It’s truly heartwarming to be here this morning to highlight something we should all be proud of: in our state, we are taking care of our vulnerable young boys in this facility in a manner other parts of the world should see what we’re able to do,” said Sen. Anwar, who is Senate Chair of the Children’s Committee. “We have to identify ways of strengthening this and making sure the DCF’s work gets more resources and can be expanded. Everyone knows the challenges young boys and girls are having during the pandemic; we have a way to address some of them, and in severe cases, there is a comprehensive strategy in place to benefit their wellbeing and ability to sustain themselves through jobs and opportunities in the future. As the co-chair of the Children’s Committee, this is absolutely something we need to further strengthen.”
“Children’s centers and rehabilitative therapy don’t tell the story of what we saw in there,” Governor Lamont said after touring the center. “I saw a place that says ‘we love you’ to each and every one of those kids, ‘you’re special, we love you and we’re going to find out what you love, give you that opportunity so you can shine.’ I saw kids so proud that they were on their way to become champion chefs, describing their favorite food they enjoy. One of them is starting to do some car detailing and said my black governor’s car is starting to look dull, and they can bring some pizazz to it, and I took that to heart. If you have young children, think about visiting and taking advantage of the great resources here. Connecticut loves its kids, and I was reminded of that every step of the way.”
“We’re so happy to be here to highlight the great work that’s going on at the Children’s Center,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz. “Every child is unique and every child faces different challenges, and those challenges have become more significant during the pandemic. It’s up to all of us to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We are here today to see the learning opportunities and environments that nurture kids, primarily boys between the ages of 13 and 17, and we have the opportunity to see how kids with complex needs learn new things, the programs benefitting them and the many things kids can learn while they’re here. We even had the opportunity to meet a staff member who used the Heimlich maneuver to save the life of someone while they were choking. This is an incredible staff who do great work for our kids.”
“We’re a psychiatric residential treatment facility, working with boys ages 13-17 who come to us with complex backgrounds with histories of trauma, psychosis, depression or anxiety, and we have a talented team of people who create a holding environment for those young people, not only treating their psychiatric needs but the whole person and the entire family that young person lives in,” said Dr. Rayford. “We have individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and milieu therapy and showcased one of our more focused treatments, called sensory immersion, for the Governor. The work we do here is really powerful thanks to our dedicated staff. In addition to the treatment, we educate these young men and develop their work ethic through a very intensive vocational training program, with several youth businesses where the young men learn to work and earn money that they save, also learning how to keep a small business running. It’s with great pleasure we welcome the Governor and his team to see how Connecticut maintains great treatment.”
“To have the chair of the Children’s Committee here and see this wonderful facility is a way for us to emphasize the standards of care we expect for children in Connecticut,” said Commissioner Dorantes. “Children’s behavioral health is something we have to pay attention to. Outside of the pandemic, we understand children have unique needs that sometimes can’t be met in an adult system. In the pandemic, we know the social isolation and the separation from friends and usual routines have left children needing additional support. The boys here have been here throughout the pandemic and understand the need for wraparound services to make sure they’re OK. In Connecticut, we’re committed to the mental health needs of all children and the standards they need.”