State Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Bonding Expected for Boys and Girls Club in Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC), in partnership with Senator Marilyn Moore and Housatonic Community College, today announced the Bridgeport Youth Engagement Resource Expo, being held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Housatonic Community College. The inaugural event will provide an opportunity for nonprofits to recruit Bridgeport youth for their programs, specifically eight to 24 year-olds.
“I hope parents will seize this opportunity to learn about the myriad of programs available for our children, adolescents, and young adults in Bridgeport,” said Senator Marilyn Moore, who created the collaborative.“Federal and state funds awarded to nonprofits are most effective when all children have access to enrichment programs.”
“Housatonic is excited to partner with the Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative to provide critical resources that can perhaps transform lives and shift the trajectory to a more meaningful future,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Housatonic Community College.
“At a time when COVID-19 has forced many of our youth into long-term isolation, it has never been more important to provide them with opportunities to connect them to community programs and resources available to them,” said Michael A. Jordan, founder of the Bernard Buddy Jordan Foundation and BYEC member. “This collaborative expo is a great opportunity for Bridgeport youth and the organizations with a passion to serve them to come together under one roof to network and grow together.”
Interested participants are encouraged to register online as soon as possible, as space is limited due to COVID-19. The expo will be divided into two sessions in order to accommodate for attendance. The event will follow CDC and State of Connecticut mask mandate guidelines and all attendees will be required to show proof of COVID019 vaccination before entry. The deadline to register is Friday, January 7, 2022.
Nonprofits can register here.
Parents, caretakers, or youth can register here.
Event Schedule:
9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Registration & networking opportunity (nonprofits only):
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Expo for Parents and Youth (Session 1):
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Expo for Parents and Youth (Session 2)
The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC) is committed to a holistic, threefold approach toward addressing the unmet needs of youth in Bridgeport, CT. By offering a network of programs focused on healing, empowering, and equipping our rising generations, BYEC aims to cultivate a young community characterized by loving service and ambitious achievement. Current membership of the collaborative, which launched in 2021, includes the Bernard “Buddy” Jordan Foundation, Color A Positive Thought, the Walter E. Luckett Jr. Foundation, Elevate Bridgeport, RYASAP, Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, #100 Girls Leading Inc., and the Willie & Sandra McBride Foundation.
Questions? Please email event coordinator Natasha Noel at nnoel@mitann.com.
Senator Osten Welcomes Emergency State Grants to Local Community College Students
Senator Osten Welcomes Emergency State Grants to Local Community College Students
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system has just completed the distribution of more than $3.6 million in emergency grants to community college students – including $304,500 to 203 students at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich and $105,000 to 70 students at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Killingly.
Funded with federal COVID relief money, more than 2,400 students applied for and received $1,500 payments. The grants do not have to be repaid and can be used for any expense related to the cost of attendance.
“I’ve always believed in the value of a good education, but that education doesn’t have to mean an expensive public or private four-year college,” Sen. Osten said. “There are people like me who go straight from high school into the Armed Forces, and others who got to community college to hone their skills and land good-paying, in-demand jobs and start earing a paycheck. This government support has helped thousands of students in eastern Connecticut stay in school, and stay in school at a lower cost. It’s been a great program.”
“Many of our community college students are facing difficult financial situations, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said CSUS President Terrence Cheng. “In advance of the holidays and as students register for spring semester classes, these grants are a lifeline. We truly appreciate our federal partners for looking out for students at our public colleges and universities.”
In addition, CSCU has delivered the final payment in the previously announced Student Support Program, distributing more than $21 million to all students enrolled in community colleges as of December 1, 2021.
The amount of each payment varies by institution based on enrollment and Pell counts before the pandemic. 3,030 students at Three Rivers CC each received $600, and 1,084 students at Quinebaug Valley CC each received $670.
Various CSCU institutions in Connecticut received $151 million in funding of federal funding to directly support students under the Higher Education Emergency Relief program, all of which must be expended by early 2022. This includes $64 million at the Connecticut State Universities, $760,000 at Charter Oak State College, and the $86 million Student Support Program at the community colleges. The disbursements to community college students this December are the final payments under this program.
Sen. Hartley, Gov. Lamont, and Rep. Currey Announce $25 Million in State Bonding for Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance Program
Sen. Hartley, Gov. Lamont, and Rep. Currey Announce $25 Million in State Bonding for Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance Program
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Middlebury and Naugatuck) and State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor), Co-Chairs of the Commerce Committee, welcomed the approval of $25 million by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission to replenish funding for the Small Business Express (SBE) program’s initiatives to support job creation and retention and minority-owned businesses in Connecticut. The significant investment comes several months after Sen. Hartley led legislative approval of improvements to the SBE that will strengthen its capabilities to support the state’s business community.
“In the new year, the Small Business Express program will continue to be an important tool to help businesses grow and create new jobs. This substantial funding empowers the program to remain an active partner in supporting businesses build up their operations, in turn boosting Connecticut’s economy,” said Sen. Hartley. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for recognizing the success of the program.”
“The Small Business Express program has been a successful initiative in Connecticut’s economic development toolkit to help local entrepreneurs, including woman and minorities, build their businesses and create jobs right here” said Governor Lamont. “Ensuring this program can continue operating means the continued growth of many small businesses in Connecticut.”
“The funding the State Bond Commission approved today to strengthen small business growth, create jobs, and aid our revitalization efforts will go a long way to as our communities and state recover from the economic fallout of COVID-19,” said Rep. Currey. “To better support our small businesses during these evolving circumstances, Senator Hartley and members of the Commerce Committee championed essential improvements to Connecticut’s Small Business Express Program so that small businesses can access the resources necessary for recovery and spur additional economic growth. This is a critical investment in our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local and state economies.”
The $25 million total in funding is allocated into two sections. First, $21 million to refill the Small Business Express program’s general fund, which supports initiatives including:
- A revolving loan fund offering loans to businesses to help them retain current full-time employees
- The Job Creation Incentive Loan Program, which supports business-recipients scale up their operations, in addition to creating or retaining full-time jobs. The loans can be deferred or forgiven if the business is able to reach job creation goals
- A matching capital grant program, which prioritizes distribution of grants based on how likely the business applicant will maintain job growth
The remaining $4 million is a grant-in-aid for HEDCO, Inc. targeted toward minority business initiatives under the SBE, namely, the Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund (MBRLF). The MBRLF is administered by HEDCO, Inc. The loan fund is dedicated to offering loans and lines of credit to women-owned and minority-owned businesses in Connecticut.
During the 2021 legislative session, Sen. Hartley championed passage of legislation to increase the financial investment tools at the SBE’s disposal to help businesses grow and to streamline the program. Improvements made include, but not limited to:
- Expanding the types of financial support the program’s revolving loan fund can provide to include loan guarantees, loan portfolio guarantees, portfolio insurance, and grants
- Increasing the highest amount a loan can be provided through minority business revolving loan funds to $500,000
- Simplifying the maximum employment requirement to an eligible business has no more than 100 employees
More information on the SBE can be found here and about the senator’s enhancements to the program here.
New Britain Delegation Welcomes $2.5 Million in State Bonding for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain
New Britain Delegation Welcomes $2.5 Million in State Bonding for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain
The Approved Funds Will Support Renovations to a Youth Camp Owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain that has Historically Served Children from the New Britain Area
Today, the New Britain legislative delegation – state Senator Rick Lopes, state Representatives Robert Sanchez, Manny Sanchez, and Peter Tercyak – applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of $2.5 million to make needed renovations and improvements to Camp Schade, located in Burlington, which is owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain. For years, the camp afforded young people who came from lower-income backgrounds and marginalized urban communities the opportunity to come together for camp activities and explore the natural green spaces.
However, the camp’s deteriorating conditions have caused it to stop serving as a space for New Britain’s youth to enjoy fun summer activities. Presently, water and plumbing at the camp needs to be brought up to health code. Also, numerous amenities at the camp, such as the pool, require significant repairs.
The legislators view the mission of Camp Schade as having even greater importance due to the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The community environment would offer campers a chance to interact with other youth in a safe, supervised setting and participate in outdoor activities that they may have been unable to enjoy the past couple summers due to COVID-19.
“This funding is a big step toward fixing up Camp Schade and supporting the outstanding programs that the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain has provided generations of young people. It is important that children have spaces where they can have fun and do activities, they might not always have the opportunity to enjoy. Making repairs to Camp Schade would help to re-open a space for New Britain’s youth to explore the outdoors and make lasting memories with their friends,” said Sen. Lopes. “I want to thank my fellow delegation members for their work to achieve this needed funding for New Britain’s young people. Thank you also to the governor for his support. Also, I want to recognize Executive Director James Jones for his partnership in advocating for this project.”
“I thank Governor Ned Lamont and all my colleagues for their support and congratulate the Boys and Girls Club that has been enriching young and adult lives for many years,” Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “These funds send a clear message that we are in full support of their indispensable work in New Britain and look forward to the same dedicated commitment well into the future.”
“Upgrading the facilities at Camp Schade allows the Boys and Girls Club to provide another great option for recreational activities for the youth of New Britain and surrounding communities. This is a long time coming,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “I thank Governor Ned Lamont, House Leaders Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas, and the New Britain delegation for their hard work to get this project done. Most importantly, I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, James Jones, for his vision and advocacy for this well-deserved project.”
“My brother and I went to day camp when we were kids and it’s one of our fondest memories from childhood. Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for working and organizing so long for this. A special thanks to Governor Lamont for choosing to help New Britain. This is a Christmas present we should all be happy about” said Rep. Tercyak.
“For many decades, the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain has provided so many opportunities to children in the city and I am glad that we are able to partner with them on this project. This state funding will go a long way to support the revitalization of Camp Schade, bring it back into operation, and ensure that kids who live in New Britain have the opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors,” said Governor Lamont.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, founded in 1891, provides a nurturing environment for young people ranging in ages from 6 to 18. Among the many services provided, the Club offers an open-door/drop-in environment for youth, educational enrichment programs, and helps youth receive peer-mentoring. More information on this year-round safe and uplifting space can be found at
Posted in Lopes News
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Representatives Frank Smith (D-Milford), Charles Ferraro (R-Milford), and Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford), are supporting state bonding approved for Bridges Healthcare, Inc. in Milford. This community health center provides comprehensive and effective mental health services and addiction recovery programs to adults, children, and families.
Bridges Healthcare Inc. will receive $600,000. This funding will provide upgrades to the HVAC system in the clinic.
“Mental health is so important for everyone, adults and children, and to have the utmost upgraded facility will only improve the environment families can access the best quality healthcare,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont for approving this request and I appreciate Representative Borer’s persistence on working to secure this funding.”
“We are delighted and grateful for the grant award to Bridges-Milford, one of the truly great and most deserving service organizations in our city,” said Rep. Smith. “My deepest thanks to the Governor, Representative Borer and the bond commission for helping to secure this much needed funding.”
“Over the years Bridges has put a tremendous effort into our community with their various programs, including the MATT’s Van,” said Rep. Ferraro. “I’m thrilled that they will be the recipients of these monies so that they may continue the good work we’ve come to see.”
“It’s great news to hear that Bridges has been awarded the state funding, they so desperately need to upgrade their HVAC system which is over 30 years old. The upgraded system means a more energy efficient system, and ultimately a significant savings in heating over time,” said Rep. Kathy Kennedy. “I am proud to be a member of the Milford legislative team, working together and recognizing the vital needs and community benefits of Bridges, which serves as a mental health facility that provides so many services for the residents of Milford, Orange and West Haven, especially during the ongoing backdrop of a global pandemic.”
“Bridges is just so grateful for these dollars to support the purchase of a new HVAC system,” said Jennifer Fiorillo, President/CEO of Bridges Healthcare. “Ours is at least thirty years old and in a constant state of disrepair. Our first priority is to provide a safe and comfortable environment to the people we serve and our staff. We appreciate the advocacy of Dorinda Borer, Senator James Maroney, and Kathy Kennedy for supporting our organization and being committed to our mission.” DURHAM – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and the members of the Durham state legislative delegation today announced that the State Bond Commission today approved a $147,000 state grant to help support renovations to the Durham Public Library. “This bonding for the Durham Public Library shows government and bipartisan advocacy at its best,” Sen. Cohen said. “We listened to local officials, did our due diligence, and worked together as a team for the benefit of the people of Durham. I want to thank my legislative colleagues and Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for seeing the value of this public project and for bringing it over the goal line.”
For several years, the Durham Public Library has been developing a plan to update the library interior, which is essentially unchanged from the 1980s. The library developed a plan that will provide new quiet study areas, community gathering spaces, and updated technology access. The project will also add automated entry doors and ADA-compliant furnishings to improve access.
“The library is dedicated to providing the residents of Durham with reliable access to books, programming, and other informational resources,” the Durham lawmakers wrote earlier this year in a joint letter urging support for the library. “It is a vital asset to our community, serving over 100,000 patrons annually. The library’s appearance and functionality are of upmost importance to encourage an adequate learning environment.” Durham’s legislative delegation s comprised of Sen. Cohen, state Senator Paul Cicarella (R-34), House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-84) and Representative John-Michael Parker (D-101). HAMDEN – Today, members of the New Haven delegation – state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) state Representatives Mike D’Agostino (D-Hamden), Robyn Porter (D-Hamden/New Haven) and Josh Elliott(D-Hamden) – applauded the State Bond Commission’s expected approval of $4.3 million for a modern emergency operations center at the Humphrey Fire House. “We know how crucial it is to ensure efficient and effective communication during an emergency, which is why it is so important to secure these funds and why I am pleased to see the Bond Commission add this to the agenda,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The Hamden delegation and I are hopeful to see these funds be approved and the Humphrey Fire House receive the funds needed to modernize its emergency operations center.” “This investment of state bonding is a big win for Hamden,” said Sen. Looney. “The replacement of Fire Station 2 has been a much-needed and long-sought-after project to modernize the facilities where our public safety officials spend every day keeping us safe. Additionally, the State Bond Commission is also approving money for substantial renovations at Mount Carmel Congregate Housing which will not only mean a better quality of life for the residents there, but helps maintain a critical asset that allows seniors to retire in the town they love. I want to thank all of my legislative colleagues that represent Hamden for their continuous work to make these projects a reality and Governor Lamont for approving these needed investments.” “Fire Station 2 is in a 100-year-old building that currently violates OSHA standards for safety and accessibility,” said Rep. D’Agostino. “The Hamden Fire Station 2 firefighters have selflessly protected our community from there but they, and the community, need a new building. I am excited that this will no longer be the story for Hamden’s busiest fire station, serving a population of traditionally underserved residents.”
“I can’t tell you how elated I was when I got the word that Governor Lamont and Secretary McCaw had signed off on our Fire Station 2, $4.3 million bonding request,” said Rep. Porter, who also serves as the House Labor and Public Employees Committee Chair. “So, first let me thank the governor’s office for honoring our appeal. Second, I want to thank my Hamden delegation for reinforcing the fact that ‘teamwork is what makes the dream work’. This truly affirms that we are putting our first responders first by putting their needs and safety first. Not to mention, Fire Station 2 is the town’s most hardworking fire station, serving one-third of town residents. Now, with this project shovel-ready and funding in place, Hamden citizens will benefit from improved emergency service. Therefore, making this not only a win for our brave firefighters but also a win for our beloved community.”
“Funding for Fire Station 2 is long overdue,” said Rep. Elliott. “I am excited that this critical public safety facility will finally be replaced, modernized, and continue to serve Hamden for another century. I want to thank Governor Lamont for taking action on this essential project.” “Over time, we’re seeing more and more severe weather due to the changing climate, and our need to respond to these emergencies continues to grow,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I am glad that the state is able to partner with the Town of Hamden to create a new, modernized emergency operations center, which will serve as a critical resource for everyone who lives in the area during these emergencies.”
The funds, $4,300,032, will go toward a modern emergency operations center (EOC). A modernized EOC will assist in making the management and facilitation of activities during an emergency even more efficient and greatly benefit the Hamden residents. The Humphrey Fire House, founded back in 1908, is located on the South end of Hamden and houses the Hazardous Materials Response Unit. The State Bond Commission will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, December 21 at 2 p.m.
State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Representative Lucy Dathan (D-Norwalk/New Canaan), State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk), State Representative Travis Simms (D-Norwalk), and State Representative Stephanie Thomas (D-Norwalk/Westport/Wilton) announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve funding for the Norwalk YMCA and Gallaher Mansion.
“I am glad that we can approve this state funding for Norwalk on each of these projects, which ultimately will help ensure that our nonprofit organizations in the city can continue providing the quality services that make Connecticut a great place to live and do business,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
“The Gallaher Mansion is the gem of Cranbury Park and this state bonding will ensure it remains a tremendous place for Norwalkers,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Additionally, this bonding will support a complete rejuvenation of the Norwalk YMCA to become an even better destination for families. I’d like to thank Governor Lamont for his support of Norwalk and to the entire Norwalk delegation for their support in getting these projects across the finish line.”
“It gives me great satisfaction to see the work of our legislative delegation delivering this critical funding for the Norwalk YMCA and the Gallaher Mansion,” said Rep. Chris Perone. “From promoting healthy living to providing valuable social and cultural experiences to our residents and visitors, both facilities bring diverse benefits to Norwalk. I am proud to be able to support them.”
“I am thrilled to see this substantial funding heading to Norwalk for much needed upgrades to one of our local treasures, the Gallaher Mansion and to the Norwalk YMCA, which offers our children and youth amazing programs to help them maximize their potential,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “The community value of these two structures is priceless and I am grateful we are working together to keep them in optimal condition.”
“The Norwalk YMCA has been an indispensable foundation in our community that has served to enhance lives, young and old alike, with a rich selection of programs and activities that divert attention away from detrimental sedentary social media. The Gallaher Mansion is a gem in our community that also serves many functions including options to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Rep. Travis Simms. “This latest round of funding is the result of a delegation that effectively works together on behalf of Norwalk and I thank Governor Ned Lamont for including these items on the agenda.”
“I’d like to thank the Bonding Commission for their support of these important projects that will benefit Norwalk and the surrounding towns. The funding will support renovations that will ensure that these organizations will continue to serve residents for the foreseeable future,” said Rep. Stephanie Thomas. The State Bond Commission is expected to approve: The Bond Agenda is set to be approved next Tuesday, December 21. Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury), Senate and House Chairs of the Energy and Technology Committee, released the following statements after the announcement that Comcast will not pursue imposing data caps on internet customers in the Northeast in 2022. The publication Light Reading reported this week that Comcast will not activate data caps in the Northeast in 2022, extending an earlier announced delay that initially only ran until the end of 2021. In late 2020, Comcast announced the planned imposition of a 1.2-terabyte monthly data limit on internet customers starting in 2021; Sen. Needleman, Rep. Arconti and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong put significant pressure on the communications company in response, citing the financial issues and consumer-unfriendly practices such a change in policy would represent. Leaders of several northeast states acted similarly. In February 2021, the company delayed such plans, and delayed them further this week. “It’s extremely encouraging that Comcast is further delaying its introduction of data caps, a practice that harms the consumer and pulls money out of households’ pockets,” said Sen. Needleman. “This policy would impact thousands of Connecticut residents every month and provide significant profits to Comcast if it goes in place. But delaying isn’t enough. When data use continues to spike and becomes a necessity for education, employment and entertainment alike, I’d rather see Comcast permanently end plans to impose caps. Comcast heard us loud and clear earlier this year, and I don’t plan on remaining quiet for the foreseeable future when families are already struggling to make ends meet.” “I am proud of the work we have done pushing back against Comcast’s plans to implement data caps on their already hefty data packages,” said Rep. Arconti. “Back in February when we talked about the temporary halt on their data cap decision, I knew we had to continue our push against this idea. It is a good sign that they are committing to not pursuing their plan in 2022. I will continue working to get this bad proposal off the table and making it easier for consumers to get the access they need daily.” HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) released the following statements regarding the passing of former State Senator Edith Prague:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and former colleague Edith Prague,” said Senator Looney and Senator Duff. “To say that Edith Prague was energetic, determined, principled and loyal would be a grave understatement. She dedicated so much of her life to the people of this state as a State Representative, a State Senator, and as Commissioner of Aging. During her time in the General Assembly, she was a relentless fighter in her advocacy for workers, for the elderly, and for her constituents. If you found yourself allied with her on an issue of passion, you were in luck. If you were on the opposite side of her, you knew you were in for a battle. But along with her passion was a profound empathy and a deep respect for others. She often served as a guiding light and voice of conscience for the Senate Democratic caucus. During contentious times she would often break the stalemate with her common sense, wit, and genuine values. We will miss her immensely. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve the passing of such a extraordinary human being.”
“Edith Prague was a state treasure, she was a faithful crusader for working people and the elderly, and the positive impact of the public policies that Edith championed and passed into law will be felt in Connecticut for decades to come,” said Senator Osten. Senator Maroney, Reps. Smith, Ferraro and Kennedy Support Bonding Approved for Bridges in Milford
Senator Maroney, Reps. Smith, Ferraro and Kennedy Support Bonding Approved for Bridges in Milford
Sen. Cohen, Durham Lawmakers Announce State Funds for Durham Library Renovations
Sen. Cohen, Durham Lawmakers Announce State Funds for Durham Library Renovations
Sen. Cabrera, Hamden Delegation Applaud Expected Bonding Package for Hamden Fire Station
Sen. Cabrera, Hamden Delegation Applaud Expected Bonding Package for Hamden Fire Station
Duff, Dathan, Perone, Simms, & Thomas Applaud New State Bonding for Norwalk
Duff, Dathan, Perone, Simms, & Thomas Applaud New State Bonding for Norwalk
Energy and Technology Chairs Release Statements After Comcast Announces it Will not Pursue Data Caps in Northeast In 2022
Energy and Technology Chairs Release Statements After Comcast Announces it Will not Pursue Data Caps in Northeast In 2022
Looney, Duff, Osten Release Statements on Passing of Former Senator Edith Prague
Looney, Duff, Osten Release Statements on Passing of Former Senator Edith Prague