Senator Maroney Welcomes Over $530,000 in Funding to Milford and West Haven
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) is welcoming over $537,000 in funding approved by the State Bond Commission projects in Milford and West Haven. Funds will be allocated to the West Haven and Milford Police Departments, and the Bureau of Aquaculture in Milford.
“Both police departments deserve upgraded technology,” said Sen. Maroney. “Dash cameras and body cameras help improve officer safety and increase evidence quality. And, funding allocated to the Bureau of Aquaculture will help upgrade the environment for those employed. We need to make sure our employees feel valued when they come to work and with improved working conditions, it will have a significant impact on morale and productivity.”
Under the bonding agenda, funds will be allocated to nine police departments to reimburse them for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices. West Haven’s police department is set to receive $192,846 and the Milford police department is set to receive $66,996.
Also under the Bonding Agenda, $277,500 is set to be allocated to the Bureau of Aquaculture in Milford. These funds will be used to address unexpected repairs, including parking, roof failures, energy conservation, safety, code compliance and building renovations.
Sen. McCrory Welcomes $750,000 for Hartford Museum Upgrades and Beautification Projects
Sen. McCrory Welcomes $750,000 for Hartford Museum Upgrades and Beautification Projects
Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) welcomed Governor Lamont’s and the State Bond Commission’s approval of $750,000 to support historical museums and gardens projects in Hartford.
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their approval of this substantial funding to renovate two of Hartford’s historical spaces. These venues preserve the legacy of two literary figures who made a profound impact on society, while serving as forums to educate and inspire visitors,” said Sen. McCrory. “In addition, I’m happy to see this approved investment for enhancing the beauty that is the City of Hartford and motivating local residents to get outdoors to enjoy all that nature has to offer.”
“Hartford has an incredible history, and I am glad that the state can partner with these wonderful nonprofit organizations that are preserving this legacy and ensuring that generations to come can benefit from the opportunities they provide,” Governor Lamont said.
The State Bond Commission approved the following state funding:
- $250,000 for the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center to make improvements and renovations to Stowe’s preserved Hartford home and the museum within
- $250,000 for the Mark Twain House & Museum for upgrades and renovations
- $250,000 to Hartford for tree planting and urban garden installation for the Knox Park Urban Garden
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserves Stowe’s Hartford home, while offering an interactive tour discussing her life and work. The author born in Connecticut is best-known for her work, “Uncle Town’s Cabin.” The book published in 1852 describes the cruelties of slavery through the character of enslaved Tom and his family. It is credited with making the general public at the time more aware to the realities and injustice of slavery. Today, the center carries a mission of promoting vibrant discussion of Stowe’s life and work and a commitment to social justice.
The Mark Twain House & Museum preserves for visitors the Hartford-located house of Mark Twain and his family. During the 17 years, Twain resided in Hartford he finished some of his most well-known books including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Prince and the Pauper.” Today, the house and museum serve as a forum for discussion of current political events, offer education programs for thousands of students per year, and as a space for inspiration of other writers.
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $250,000 for Silas Bronson Library Upgrades
Sen. Hartley Welcomes $250,000 for Silas Bronson Library Upgrades
Today, State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) and the Waterbury legislative delegation. welcomed the approval of $250,000 in state funding by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for the Silas Bronson Library. The funding will support the modernizing of the library’s hydraulic passenger elevator.
“The Silas Bronson Library is an integral community partner in the City of Waterbury. The library goes above and beyond to provide city residents of all ages with a safe venue to learn, take part in activities and meet with friends,” said Sen. Hartley. “It is imperative that we ensure our libraries are operating at peak condition and this renovation funding will go to support that aim. My thanks to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for approving these funds and their continued support of the greater Waterbury region.
“Keeping our libraries in a state of good repair is important because these facilities are a central resource in our communities,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that the state is able to partner with Waterbury’s Silas Bronson Library to make these upgrades and ensure that the library has the continued ability to serve everyone in the city.”
The Silas Bronson Library is dedicated to serving as a focal point for fostering ideas and enrichment among Waterbury residents. In addition, the library seeks to contribute to the cultural heritage of the city. The library offers a variety of programs and services to visitors, such as one-on-one computer assistance and a summer learning club for children. In particular for youth, the library has offered numerous events and services including story time, introduction to coding, and meeting with the Waterbury Police Department’s K9 unit.
More information about the Silas Bronson Library and its wide variety of services can be found at http://www.bronsonlibrary.org
Senator Moore Welcomes $3.5 Million for Projects in Bridgeport
Senator Moore Welcomes $3.5 Million for Projects in Bridgeport
Today, state Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Bonding Committee, is welcoming funding approved by the State Bond Commission for two projects in Bridgeport. Funds will be allocated to help improve the facility at the Home for the Brave Rehabilitation Institute and the Mount Growmore Hydroponic Farming Greenhouse and Wellness Campus.
“When patients seek care, the facility should be accessible for all individuals,” said Sen. Moore. “The funding will address access and help make Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute a safer space for all. Awarding funding to address our environment and access to fresh foods in an indoor urban agriculture environment allows for the development of a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits to the surrounding communities.”
Under the Bonding Agenda, $1.5 million is set to provide funding to the Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. for facility improvements at the Home for the Brave Rehabilitation Institute in Bridgeport.
Also under the Bonding Agenda, $2 million is set to be used to advance indoor urban agriculture and delivery of community-designed services at the Mount Growmore Hydroponic Farming Greenhouse and Wellness Campus.
Sen. Looney Releases Statement on Texas School Shooting
Sen. Looney Releases Statement on Texas School Shooting
Today Sen. Looney released the following statement on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
“My heart breaks for the families of the victims of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. The people of Connecticut know all too well what your community is experiencing. We know there are no words that can provide significant comfort in this moment.
After the senseless slaughter in Sandy Hook, we in Connecticut took action to help prevent future mass shootings. Democrats and Republicans came together because we knew our laws and policies have an impact and we could not simply just wring our hands and hope it never happened again.
Since that time, other states have taken similar action. However, far too many states, including Texas, have passed legislation to make tragedies like yesterday more rather than less likely. Controlled by the views of the far right, Texas and other states have irrationally and incorrectly viewed any reasonable regulation on firearms as a threat to the 2nd Amendment.
Some, like Governor Abbott of Texas, attempt to sidestep the question of access to firearms by asserting that the problem is exclusively one of a growing mental health crisis. The mental health crisis is indeed real, but a deranged person with ready access to an AR-15 is infinitely more dangerous to the community at large than one without such access.
Judge your leaders not on their words today but their actions over the coming months.”
Senator Needleman Releases Statement in Response to Shooting at Texas Elementary School
Senator Needleman Releases Statement in Response to Shooting at Texas Elementary School
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released the following statement in response to Tuesday’s tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman who purchased two high-powered rifles on his 18th birthday forced entry to the school and killed 19 children and two teachers:
“Today is another tragic day for our country, the residents of Uvalde and the loved ones and parents of those lost. It is a sad and tragic statement about where the United States stands as a country that we cannot find any path forward in resolving mass shootings in schools and gun violence in general. What’s especially tragic is, without action, we will simply continue to face tragedy after tragedy as we have for years.”
Senator Anwar Releases Statement in Response to Shooting at Texas Elementary School
Senator Anwar Releases Statement in Response to Shooting at Texas Elementary School
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement in response to Tuesday’s tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman who purchased two high-powered rifles on his 18th birthday forced entry to the school and killed 19 children and two teachers:
“Today, I stood with Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, Congressman Larson, Congresswoman Hayes, my fellow legislators and leaders of organizations combatting gun violence, including the Sandy Hook Promise. A few months ago, when two children died from tainted baby formula, production was shut down at one of the country’s largest plants to ensure the safety of future products. Ten years after 20 children were killed in Sandy Hook, 19 more were murdered with brutal violence this week. I fear nothing will change, but know we must force change to save lives. The United States Senate must remove its filibuster to approve legislation requiring background checks for firearm ownership, legislation passed by Congress fourteen months ago, legislation supporting ideals that 90% of Americans approve of. For the protection of our children, our elected leaders must listen to the overwhelming majority of Americans and take action on lifesaving legislation.”
Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Joining Governor Lamont At Hate Crime Investigation Unit Bill Signing
Senator Anwar Releases Statement After Joining Governor Lamont At Hate Crime Investigation Unit Bill Signing
May 24, 2022
SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER JOINING GOVERNOR LAMONT AT HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION UNIT BILL SIGNING
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement after joining Governor Lamont in Middletown for his signing into law of legislation establishing a hate crimes investigative unit within the division of state police, enhancing the state’s response to such events:
“I look forward to the day we will not need a special team to address hate crimes. Until then, I am sure this law will keep people in our communities better protected against threats. As a state, we need to work on preventing hate crimes. Our police will have all the tools they need to protect citizens with this legislation. I am honored to be a cosponsor of this bill.”
Senators Slap, Anwar Highlight Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Nonprofits in May Bond Commission Agenda
Senators Slap, Anwar Highlight Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Nonprofits in May Bond Commission Agenda
Houses of worship and eligible nonprofit organizations at heightened risk of being the target of a hate crime or violent act will soon have access to $5 million in funds to improve security, according to the State Bond Commission’s May 26 agenda. State Senators Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and Saud Anwar (South Windsor) highlighted the scheduled release of funding, as they have been strong advocates for increasing protections in recent years amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship, most recently an attack on a California church in mid-May that killed one and injured five.
In 2019, Sen. Slap and Sen. Anwar introduced the original bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed. A total of $15 million in funds is dedicated to it over time; this is the second $5 million allocation to be approved by the Bond Commission.
“We know places of worship as community centers, where we can come together with our friends and neighbors to practice our beliefs,” said Sen. Slap. “We need to preserve the safety and security of these important places in the face of tragic, horrific attacks. This funding will help make them safer and provide important support to allow all of us to worship freely.”
“No one should have to fear for their or their family’s safety when they go to a place of worship,” said Sen. Anwar. “Unfortunately, as of right now, there are real concerns for safety in our society. While we all work to make people love and respect each other and each other’s ways of connecting with the beloved, we have a responsibility to work to make places of worship safe. This current grant brings us closer to that.”
“We continue to see a rise in hate crimes and shootings at houses of worship across the United States,” said Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut Executive Director Michael Bloom. “We are grateful for Governor Lamont and the legislature for securing and releasing these critical dollars to help protect our institutions and our communities.”
In the Bond Commission’s agenda, $5 million in funds are set to be released pending approval on May 26. These funds, financing the Nonprofit Organization Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program, include investments and grants-in-aid to eligible nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation and at heightened risk of violence. These organizations can receive up to $50,000 in grant funding to reinforce properties, including installation of ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, electronic locks, remote locks, buzzer systems, cameras, strong vestibules and other security metrics.
Houses of worship, unfortunately, have seen a rise in violent incidents and attacks in recent years. Churches have seen attacks including the Charleston, South Carolina shooting in 2015 in which a white supremacist killed nine African Americans during a church meeting and the Sutherland Springs, Texas shooting in 2017 where a gunman killed 26. In 2018, an antisemitic mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue killed 11. In New Zealand, in 2019, a gunman killed 50 people in an attack on two mosques in New Zealand, with the attack cited as inspiration for a recent mass shooting by a white supremacist in Buffalo, New York.
In Connecticut, a man fired 30 shots at the Ahmadiyya Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden in 2015, while a fire was set at a New Haven mosque in 2019, which was investigated as arson; just weeks ago, a man forced entry into a Waterbury mosque and vandalized the property.
Senators Slap, Anwar Highlight Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Nonprofits in May Bond Commission Agenda
Senators Slap, Anwar Highlight Security Funding for Houses of Worship, Nonprofits in May Bond Commission Agenda
Houses of worship and eligible nonprofit organizations at heightened risk of being the target of a hate crime or violent act will soon have access to $5 million in funds to improve security, according to the State Bond Commission’s May 26 agenda. State Senators Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and Saud Anwar (South Windsor) highlighted the scheduled release of funding, as they have been strong advocates for increasing protections in recent years amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship, most recently an attack on a California church in mid-May that killed one and injured five.
In 2019, Sen. Slap and Sen. Anwar introduced the original bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed. A total of $15 million in funds is dedicated to it over time; this is the second $5 million allocation to be approved by the Bond Commission.
“We know places of worship as community centers, where we can come together with our friends and neighbors to practice our beliefs,” said Sen. Slap. “We need to preserve the safety and security of these important places in the face of tragic, horrific attacks. This funding will help make them safer and provide important support to allow all of us to worship freely.”
“No one should have to fear for their or their family’s safety when they go to a place of worship,” said Sen. Anwar. “Unfortunately, as of right now, there are real concerns for safety in our society. While we all work to make people love and respect each other and each other’s ways of connecting with the beloved, we have a responsibility to work to make places of worship safe. This current grant brings us closer to that.”
“We continue to see a rise in hate crimes and shootings at houses of worship across the United States,” said Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut Executive Director Michael Bloom. “We are grateful for Governor Lamont and the legislature for securing and releasing these critical dollars to help protect our institutions and our communities.”
In the Bond Commission’s agenda, $5 million in funds are set to be released pending approval on May 26. These funds, financing the Nonprofit Organization Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program, include investments and grants-in-aid to eligible nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation and at heightened risk of violence. These organizations can receive up to $50,000 in grant funding to reinforce properties, including installation of ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, electronic locks, remote locks, buzzer systems, cameras, strong vestibules and other security metrics.
Houses of worship, unfortunately, have seen a rise in violent incidents and attacks in recent years. Churches have seen attacks including the Charleston, South Carolina shooting in 2015 in which a white supremacist killed nine African Americans during a church meeting and the Sutherland Springs, Texas shooting in 2017 where a gunman killed 26. In 2018, an antisemitic mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue killed 11. In New Zealand, in 2019, a gunman killed 50 people in an attack on two mosques in New Zealand, with the attack cited as inspiration for a recent mass shooting by a white supremacist in Buffalo, New York.
In Connecticut, a man fired 30 shots at the Ahmadiyya Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden in 2015, while a fire was set at a New Haven mosque in 2019, which was investigated as arson; just weeks ago, a man forced entry into a Waterbury mosque and vandalized the property.