Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff On Yet Another Gun Lobby Challenge To Connecticut’s Firearms Safety Laws
HARTFORD – State Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today in response to a federal lawsuit filed by two Republican state legislators from Connecticut and the Connecticut Citizens Defense League seeking to repeal Connecticut’s assault weapons ban:
“Right now, Connecticut is in the midst of a jury trial to determine how much money Alex Jones has to pay for spreading lies about the massacre of 26 people with an AR-15 rifle at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. And here we are 10 years later still having to fight in court to prove that owning AR-15s and other high capacity, semiautomatic rifles is not an inherent right and does not make you any safer – in fact, Republican states with little or no gun laws have the highest rates of gun violence in America.
“Our bipartisan 2013 Sandy Hook vote to ban certain firearms and high-capacity magazines was supported by Democrats and Republicans alike. Now, two Connecticut Republican legislators are leading the charge to overturn that bipartisan law. But the people of Connecticut have no intention of bowing to a well-armed gun lobby and allow them to kill our necessary, bipartisan, firearms safety laws.”
Sen. Slap Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
Sen. Slap Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
State Senator Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) announced today that 80 new state laws will take effect this Saturday, October 1, including enhanced suicide prevention measures, the creation of a new state holiday, stricter outdoor dog sheltering regulations, new juvenile crime laws, and safer online dating.
The laws are either new laws passed in the recently concluded 2022 legislative session or are sections of new laws passed in 2021 or 2022. Regardless, they all take effect this Saturday, October 1, 2022.
“These laws are the result of hard work over long periods of time, and they’re examples of bipartisan strength in the legislature,” said Sen. Slap. “We worked tirelessly across party lines to get these bills passed and improve our state’s laws. I’m grateful we were able to come together and pass legislation helping our communities. No party has a monopoly on good ideas and these bills reflect that.”
Among the 80 news laws taking effect this Saturday are:
- Senate Bill 350, which creates the new legal Connecticut state holiday of “Juneteenth Independence Day” on June 19 of every year to commemorate the final emancipation of all American slaves. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby freeing the slaves, but news of that decree was not delivered to the remote Confederate state of Texas until more than two years late by a Union general on June 19, 1865. President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national federal holiday last year.
- Senate Bill 116 requires pesticide companies to provide direct notice to individual homeowners living on lakes or ponds – instead of simply publishing notice in a local newspaper with general circulation in the area – of their intention to apply pesticides to the lake or pond on a particular day at a particular time.
- Senate Bill 334 makes commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams available to inmates who are within six months of their release date.
- House Bill 5349 requires police departments to notify a deceased person’s next of kin within 24 hours after identifying that deceased person. The new law stems from two incidents in 2021 when police failed to notify two different families of the death of their family member.
- House Bill 5170 requires adequate (which is defined) shelter for a dog if it is left outside for more than 15 minutes in extreme heat or cold, and requires dogs that are tethered to a stationary object to be provided with regular water.
- Sections of Senate Bill 4 seek to expand the electrification of the state’s motor vehicle fleet, allow condominium owners to install EV charging stations at their condos, and provide financial incentives for private-sector investments in battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
- Sections of Senate Bill 5 require online dating services operating in Connecticut to give their users a safety awareness notification as to whether they do or do not conduct criminal background checks on their members.
- Sections of Senate Bill 972 provide free communications services to inmates and child detainees in juvenile detention facilities – including phone calls, video and email – as a means of hastening their rehabilitation. Connecticut had a history of charging inmates $4.87 for a 15-minute phone call, the second-highest rate in the country after Arkansas.
- Sections of House Bill 5417 make far-reaching changes to procedures for juveniles who are arrested in Connecticut, generally requiring an arrested child to be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest and allowing courts to order electronic monitoring if a child is charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle or property theft offense. The bill also establishes a new penalty structure for larceny of a motor vehicle, with graduated penalties based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, rather than based on the vehicle’s value (as under current law). The bill also creates a new felony penalty structure and higher fines for larceny of a motor vehicle.
- Sections of House Bill 5373 now require police chiefs to notify POST (the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) anytime an officer has used unreasonable, excessive or illegal force which resulted in someone’s serious physical injury or death; intentionally harassed and threatened someone based on their class; or was terminated, resigned or retired due to previous malfeasance.
- Sections of House Bill 5001 establish a 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, and require that phone number to be printed on all Connecticut public college and university student ID cards.
- Sections of House Bill 6548 adjust the methods by which people are summoned for jury duty in order to ensure better gender and demographic diversity in jury pools.
Sen. Moore Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
Sen. Moore Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) announced today that 80 new state laws will take effect this Saturday, October 1, including enhanced suicide prevention measures, the creation of a new state holiday, stricter outdoor dog sheltering regulations, new juvenile crime laws, and safer online dating.
The laws are either new laws passed in the recently concluded 2022 legislative session or are sections of new laws passed in 2021 or 2022. Regardless, they all take effect this Saturday, October 1, 2022.
“This Saturday, several new laws take effect that will help to protect our residents, provide opportunities, and bring forth celebrations,” said Sen. Moore. “I am grateful these laws are going into effect. No one should ever have to deal with a loss of a loved one and find out their family member has been dead for 24 hours. I am also proud Connecticut is recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. We need to celebrate the work that has been done in our state.”
Among the 80 news laws taking effect this Saturday are:
- Senate Bill 350, which creates the new legal Connecticut state holiday of “Juneteenth Independence Day” on June 19 of every year to commemorate the final emancipation of all American slaves. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby freeing the slaves, but news of that decree was not delivered to the remote Confederate state of Texas until more than two years late by a Union general on June 19, 1865. President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national federal holiday last year.
- Senate Bill 116 requires pesticide companies to provide direct notice to individual homeowners living on lakes or ponds – instead of simply publishing notice in a local newspaper with general circulation in the area – of their intention to apply pesticides to the lake or pond on a particular day at a particular time.
- Senate Bill 334 makes commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams available to inmates who are within six months of their release date.
- House Bill 5349 requires police departments to notify a deceased person’s next of kin within 24 hours after identifying that deceased person. The new law stems from two incidents in 2021 when police failed to notify two different families of the death of their family member.
- House Bill 5170 requires adequate (which is defined) shelter for a dog if it is left outside for more than 15 minutes in extreme heat or cold, and requires dogs that are tethered to a stationary object to be provided with regular water.
- Sections of Senate Bill 4 seek to expand the electrification of the state’s motor vehicle fleet, allow condominium owners to install EV charging stations at their condos, and provide financial incentives for private-sector investments in battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
- Sections of Senate Bill 5 require online dating services operating in Connecticut to give their users a safety awareness notification as to whether they do or do not conduct criminal background checks on their members.
- Sections of Senate Bill 972 provide free communications services to inmates and child detainees in juvenile detention facilities – including phone calls, video and email – as a means of hastening their rehabilitation. Connecticut had a history of charging inmates $4.87 for a 15-minute phone call, the second-highest rate in the country after Arkansas.
- Sections of House Bill 5417 make far-reaching changes to procedures for juveniles who are arrested in Connecticut, generally requiring an arrested child to be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest and allowing courts to order electronic monitoring if a child is charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle or property theft offense. The bill also establishes a new penalty structure for larceny of a motor vehicle, with graduated penalties based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, rather than based on the vehicle’s value (as under current law). The bill also creates a new felony penalty structure and higher fines for larceny of a motor vehicle.
- Sections of House Bill 5373 now require police chiefs to notify POST (the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) anytime an officer has used unreasonable, excessive or illegal force which resulted in someone’s serious physical injury or death; intentionally harassed and threatened someone based on their class; or was terminated, resigned or retired due to previous malfeasance.
- Sections of House Bill 5001 establish a 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, and require that phone number to be printed on all Connecticut public college and university student ID cards.
- Sections of House Bill 6548 adjust the methods by which people are summoned for jury duty in order to ensure better gender and demographic diversity in jury pools.
Sen. McCrory Welcomes New Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, Oct. 1
Sen. McCrory Welcomes New Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, Oct. 1
State Senator McCrory announced today that 80 new state laws will take effect this Saturday, October 1, including enhanced suicide prevention measures, the creation of a new state holiday, stricter outdoor dog sheltering regulations, new juvenile crime laws, and safer online dating.
The laws are either new laws passed in the recently concluded 2022 legislative session or are sections of new laws passed in 2021 or 2022. Regardless, they all take effect this Saturday, October 1, 2022.
“Over many hours during the legislative session, my colleagues and I are hard at work collaborating with constituents and local advocates to craft bills that will make our state a fairer place to live that uplifts all residents,” said Sen. McCrory. “Many of the laws that we pass start by a constituent reaching out to speak to us. As always, I encourage people to be civically engaged in their communities and to share ideas on how we can make Connecticut a greater place to live, work, and open a business.”
Among the 80 news laws taking effect this Saturday are:
- Senate Bill 350, which creates the new legal Connecticut state holiday of “Juneteenth Independence Day” on June 19 of every year to commemorate the final emancipation of all American slaves. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby freeing the slaves, but news of that decree was not delivered to the remote Confederate state of Texas until more than two years late by a Union general on June 19, 1865. President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national federal holiday last year.
- Senate Bill 116 requires pesticide companies to provide direct notice to individual homeowners living on lakes or ponds – instead of simply publishing notice in a local newspaper with general circulation in the area – of their intention to apply pesticides to the lake or pond on a particular day at a particular time.
- Senate Bill 334 makes commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams available to inmates who are within six months of their release date.
- House Bill 5349 requires police departments to notify a deceased person’s next of kin within 24 hours after identifying that deceased person. The new law stems from two incidents in 2021 when police failed to notify two different families of the death of their family member.
- House Bill 5170 requires adequate (which is defined) shelter for a dog if it is left outside for more than 15 minutes in extreme heat or cold, and requires dogs that are tethered to a stationary object to be provided with regular water.
- Sections of Senate Bill 4 seek to expand the electrification of the state’s motor vehicle fleet, allow condominium owners to install EV charging stations at their condos, and provide financial incentives for private-sector investments in battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
- Sections of Senate Bill 5 require online dating services operating in Connecticut to give their users a safety awareness notification as to whether they do or do not conduct criminal background checks on their members.
- Sections of Senate Bill 972 provide free communications services to inmates and child detainees in juvenile detention facilities – including phone calls, video and email – as a means of hastening their rehabilitation. Connecticut had a history of charging inmates $4.87 for a 15-minute phone call, the second-highest rate in the country after Arkansas.
- Sections of House Bill 5417 make far-reaching changes to procedures for juveniles who are arrested in Connecticut, generally requiring an arrested child to be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest and allowing courts to order electronic monitoring if a child is charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle or property theft offense. The bill also establishes a new penalty structure for larceny of a motor vehicle, with graduated penalties based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, rather than based on the vehicle’s value (as under current law). The bill also creates a new felony penalty structure and higher fines for larceny of a motor vehicle.
- Sections of House Bill 5373 now require police chiefs to notify POST (the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) anytime an officer has used unreasonable, excessive or illegal force which resulted in someone’s serious physical injury or death; intentionally harassed and threatened someone based on their class; or was terminated, resigned or retired due to previous malfeasance.
- Sections of House Bill 5001 establish a 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, and require that phone number to be printed on all Connecticut public college and university student ID cards.
- Sections of House Bill 6548 adjust the methods by which people are summoned for jury duty in order to ensure better gender and demographic diversity in jury pools.
Sen. Cohen Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
Sen. Cohen Welcomes New State Laws Taking Effect This Saturday, October 1
State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) announced today that 80 new state laws will take effect this Saturday, October 1, including enhanced suicide prevention measures, the creation of a new state holiday, stricter outdoor dog sheltering regulations, new juvenile crime laws, and safer online dating.
The laws are either new laws passed in the recently concluded 2022 legislative session or are sections of new laws passed in 2021 or 2022. Regardless, they all take effect this Saturday, October 1, 2022.
“I am incredibly proud of the work that has come out of the legislature, which is by and large the result of collaboration between the legislators and our constituents. We are listening to residents and advocates and finding new ways to make Connecticut an even better place for people to live, work and play,” Sen. Cohen said.
Among the 80 news laws taking effect this Saturday are:
- Senate Bill 350, which creates the new legal Connecticut state holiday of “Juneteenth Independence Day” on June 19 of every year to commemorate the final emancipation of all American slaves. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby freeing the slaves, but news of that decree was not delivered to the remote Confederate state of Texas until more than two years late by a Union general on June 19, 1865. President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national federal holiday last year.
- Senate Bill 116 requires pesticide companies to provide direct notice to individual homeowners living on lakes or ponds – instead of simply publishing notice in a local newspaper with general circulation in the area – of their intention to apply pesticides to the lake or pond on a particular day at a particular time.
- Senate Bill 334 makes commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams available to inmates who are within six months of their release date.
- House Bill 5349 requires police departments to notify a deceased person’s next of kin within 24 hours after identifying that deceased person. The new law stems from two incidents in 2021 when police failed to notify two different families of the death of their family member.
- House Bill 5170 requires adequate (which is defined) shelter for a dog if it is left outside for more than 15 minutes in extreme heat or cold, and requires dogs that are tethered to a stationary object to be provided with regular water.
- Sections of Senate Bill 4 seek to expand the electrification of the state’s motor vehicle fleet, allow condominium owners to install EV charging stations at their condos, and provide financial incentives for private-sector investments in battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
- Sections of Senate Bill 5 require online dating services operating in Connecticut to give their users a safety awareness notification as to whether they do or do not conduct criminal background checks on their members.
- Sections of Senate Bill 972 provide free communications services to inmates and child detainees in juvenile detention facilities – including phone calls, video and email – as a means of hastening their rehabilitation. Connecticut had a history of charging inmates $4.87 for a 15-minute phone call, the second-highest rate in the country after Arkansas.
- Sections of House Bill 5417 make far-reaching changes to procedures for juveniles who are arrested in Connecticut, generally requiring an arrested child to be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest and allowing courts to order electronic monitoring if a child is charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle or property theft offense. The bill also establishes a new penalty structure for larceny of a motor vehicle, with graduated penalties based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, rather than based on the vehicle’s value (as under current law). The bill also creates a new felony penalty structure and higher fines for larceny of a motor vehicle.
- Sections of House Bill 5373 now require police chiefs to notify POST (the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) anytime an officer has used unreasonable, excessive or illegal force which resulted in someone’s serious physical injury or death; intentionally harassed and threatened someone based on their class; or was terminated, resigned or retired due to previous malfeasance.
- Sections of House Bill 5001 establish a 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, and require that phone number to be printed on all Connecticut public college and university student ID cards.
- Sections of House Bill 6548 adjust the methods by which people are summoned for jury duty in order to ensure better gender and demographic diversity in jury pools.
Sen. Kushner Welcomes New Laws Taking Effect Saturday, Including Pesticide Notification Law
Sen. Kushner Welcomes New Laws Taking Effect Saturday, Including Pesticide Notification Law
State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) announced today that 80 new state laws will take effect this Saturday, October 1, including a new law that requires pesticide companies to provide direct notice to individual homeowners living on lakes or ponds of the date and time of any application of pesticides in the area.
“The Senate district that I represent includes Candlewood Lake, which has 64 different neighborhoods along its 60 miles of shoreline in five different towns. Every single one of those families deserves to know if there are potentially harmful chemicals being applied to the water that they swim in,” Sen. Kushner said. “This was a bipartisan and unanimous vote in the Senate and I’m glad I could work with all of my colleagues to make this new notification law a public policy success.”
The new law, Public Act 22-83, which Sen. Kushner voted for, now requires any pesticide or herbicide application business to notify shoreline property by telephone, mail, or by personal notice at least 24 hours before the application to soil or water.
The new law comes after some Connecticut lake shoreline property owners complained that pesticide and herbicide application companies were giving very broad ranges – sometimes as much as a range of 71 days – of notice that herbicides (including possible carcinogens) would be applied to the water that they would be swimming, boating, or fishing in.
The 80 laws taking effect on Saturday are either new laws passed in the recently concluded 2022 legislative session or are sections of new laws passed in 2021 or 2022. Regardless, they all take effect this Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Among the 80 news laws taking effect are:
- Senate Bill 350, which creates the new legal Connecticut state holiday of “Juneteenth Independence Day” on June 19 of every year to commemorate the final emancipation of all American slaves. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, thereby freeing the slaves, but news of that decree was not delivered to the remote Confederate state of Texas until more than two years late by a Union general on June 19, 1865. President Biden recognized Juneteenth as a national federal holiday last year.
- Senate Bill 334 makes commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams available to inmates who are within six months of their release date.
- House Bill 5349 requires police departments to notify a deceased person’s next of kin within 24 hours after identifying that deceased person. The new law stems from two incidents in 2021 when police failed to notify two different families of the death of their family member.
- House Bill 5170 requires adequate (which is defined) shelter for a dog if it is left outside for more than 15 minutes in extreme heat or cold, and requires dogs that are tethered to a stationary object to be provided with regular water.
- Sections of Senate Bill 4 seek to expand the electrification of the state’s motor vehicle fleet, allow condominium owners to install EV charging stations at their condos, and provide financial incentives for private-sector investments in battery-powered medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
- Sections of Senate Bill 5 require online dating services operating in Connecticut to give their users a safety awareness notification as to whether they do or do not conduct criminal background checks on their members.
- Sections of Senate Bill 972 provide free communications services to inmates and child detainees in juvenile detention facilities – including phone calls, video and email – as a means of hastening their rehabilitation. Connecticut had a history of charging inmates $4.87 for a 15-minute phone call, the second-highest rate in the country after Arkansas.
- Sections of House Bill 5417 make far-reaching changes to procedures for juveniles who are arrested in Connecticut, generally requiring an arrested child to be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest and allowing courts to order electronic monitoring if a child is charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle or property theft offense. The bill also establishes a new penalty structure for larceny of a motor vehicle, with graduated penalties based on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, rather than based on the vehicle’s value (as under current law). The bill also creates a new felony penalty structure and higher fines for larceny of a motor vehicle.
- Sections of House Bill 5373 now require police chiefs to notify POST (the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council) anytime an officer has used unreasonable, excessive or illegal force which resulted in someone’s serious physical injury or death; intentionally harassed and threatened someone based on their class; or was terminated, resigned or retired due to previous malfeasance.
- Sections of House Bill 5001 establish a 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, and require that phone number to be printed on all Connecticut public college and university student ID cards.
- Sections of House Bill 6548 adjust the methods by which people are summoned for jury duty in order to ensure better gender and demographic diversity in jury pools.
Senator Maroney Named Connecticut Legislator of the Year
Senator Maroney Named Connecticut Legislator of the Year
The Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA) named state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) the 2022 Legislator of the Year for his support of the pharmacy profession in Connecticut. Senator Maroney Chairs the General Law committee, which oversees pharmacy regulation in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Pharmacists Association awarded Sen. Maroney for his support in shepherding through the state legislature major revisions to the state law concerning collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) agreements. This law makes it easier for the agreements to be established; it allows pharmacists and authorized prescribers to better coordinate care; and helps expand patient access to pharmacist care services.
“I am honored to receive an award from the Connecticut Pharmacists Association,” said Sen. Maroney. “Pharmacists and patients in our state need our advocacy and I am prepared to fight in order to help provide crucial care that is necessary. This significant expansion of authority allows pharmacists to provide advanced therapy management. Pharmacists play such a vital role and I am proud to support what is needed in order to help our community.”
“CPA is very proud to honor Sen. Maroney as our Legislator of the Year for his support of Connecticut’s pharmacists,” said Nathan Tinker, PhD, CEO of CPA. “Sen. Maroney was the driving force in shepherding through the state legislature major revisions to the state law concerning collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) agreements. This law makes it easier for the agreements to be established; it allows pharmacists and authorized prescribers to better coordinate care; and helps expand patient access to pharmacist care services.”
“Sen. Maroney’s leadership has made it possible for pharmacists to have an even greater impact in the community, to help drive down healthcare costs, and to improve health equity in Connecticut,” said Sean Jeffery, PharmD, Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services at Hartford Healthcare. “He understands the vital role pharmacists play in our hospitals, long-term care facilities, and neighborhoods, and he richly deserves this honor. I speak for all Connecticut’s pharmacists in congratulating Sen. Maroney on this award.”
“Pharmacists are vital to the health and well-being of Connecticut’s citizens,” said Rod Marriott, PharmD, Director of Drug Control, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). “DCP actively engaged with Sen. Maroney and the pharmacy community to assure that the revised CDTM statutes would strengthen patient access to healthcare while ensuring appropriate regulatory oversight and patient safeguards.”
The new CDTM law took effect on July 1 and allows pharmacists, in accordance with an applicable CDTM agreement or CDTM policy and care plan, to manage drug therapy for individual patients as well as (1) drug therapy of patient populations; (2) devices prescribed to individuals and patient populations; and (3) therapeutic classes of drugs with respect to the applicable patient or patient population.
Senator Needleman Selected To Receive Cost’s “Town Crier” Award For Supporting Connecticut Small Towns
Senator Needleman Selected To Receive Cost’s “Town Crier” Award For Supporting Connecticut Small Towns
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was selected to receive the Connecticut Council of Small Towns’ “Town Crier Award” for 2022 in recognition of his leadership role in championing the interests of small towns in the state at the state Capitol. Sen. Needleman was one of four lawmakers to receive the designation, for reasons including his support of energy policies benefitting small towns, seeking solutions to major issues impacting the state and his status as the first selectman of Essex in addition to his work in the Senate.
“Connecticut’s 169 municipalities all operate separately. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that will meet the needs of every town and city, and many attempts to find such solutions lead to small towns facing significant issues,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud to receive this designation from COST for my support of small towns, which comprise the majority of my Senate District. I will continue to fight for full municipal funding, continuation of vital local services and policies putting small communities on even footing with Connecticut’s largest.”
COST awards the Town Crier Award to individuals who distinguish themselves as leaders supporting Connecticut’s small towns. COST Executive Director Betsy Gara said Sen. Needleman understands the impacts of policies on property taxpayers and operations in local offices.
“COST appreciates his longstanding commitment to fighting for Connecticut’s small towns, both as a first selectman and state senator,” Gara said.
Among specific policies inspiring COST’s provision of the award, the organization mentioned Sen. Needleman’s efforts to expand clean energy production and increase solar installation capacity, as well as his help in the development of common-sense solutions to address issues affecting small towns including municipal solid waste management and enhancements to the Resident State Trooper program.
State Senator Tony Hwang, State Representative Maria Horn and State Representative Joe Zullo additionally received the distinction from COST.
Sen. Hartley, Waterbury Delegation Welcomes $10 Million for Waterbury’s Freight Street Corridor Redevelopment
Sen. Hartley, Waterbury Delegation Welcomes $10 Million for Waterbury’s Freight Street Corridor Redevelopment
Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Middlebury) and the Waterbury delegation welcomed the Community Investment Fund 2030 board’s approval of $10 million toward the City of Waterbury’s Freight Street Corridor Redevelopment Project. The funding would be utilized for finalizing demolition and remediation activities at three separate parcels – together around 20 acres in the city’s West End – to support the long-term goal to spur new mixed-use transit-oriented redevelopment and extend Waterbury’s downtown.
“This funding approved in the inaugural round of the Community Investment Fund will enable the city to boost the completion of a reimagined Freight Street District culminating in hundreds of mixed-used and commercial jobs in a previously blighted and abandoned industrial wasteland. My thanks to the Community Investment Fund board and especially the Waterbury delegation and Mayor O’Leary for their superb team-work in securing this funding,” said Sen. Hartley.
The implementation of this project has the potential to enhance local and regional transportation infrastructure – along with the accompanying jobs – in a part of city’s West End that is underutilized and blighted. Additionally, it will complement the numerous improvements made to the nearby Waterbury Branch Line, the rail line’s downtown station and Waterbury’s downtown overall through state, local, and federal investment.
Senator Haskell Encourages Constituents To Comment On Connecticut’s State Rail Plan
Senator Haskell Applauds State Infrastructure Grants In Redding, Weston, Westport
Plan will receive public hearing Friday
State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) encourages his constituents to review the draft 2022-2026 Connecticut State Rail Plan and provide feedback through public comment. The Freight Plan focuses on the best practices for Connecticut train operations, looking to support the state’s interconnected rail system, grow it to connect to adjoining states, and ensure the rail systems are maintained in good condition with investments intended to maximize services.
“There’s no one who can provide feedback on how our trains operate than people who ride trains themselves,” said Sen. Haskell. “”This plan has huge implications for Fairfield County, and I hope my constituents who support high-quality rail infrastructure will weigh in. Take a moment to look over this important document, which outlines our plans to increase train speed, provide better connectivity, and bring our rail system into the 21st century. Join our hearing on Friday, virtually or in person, to provide your feedback.”
Sen. Haskell is drawing attention to the Rail Plan as the Transportation Committee will hold an informational public hearing on Friday at 2:30 p.m. to discuss and provide more information on it. That hearing will be held in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford and will be broadcast on https://ct-n.com/Default.asp
The Freight Plan is intended to aid a comprehensive strategy for passenger rails across the state, with hope that it will enhance reliability of rail transportation and will aid infrastructure investment and decision-making in the future.
The freight plan can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Publictrans/Office-of-Rail/Connecticut-State-Rail-Plan
Comments on the Rail Plan can be made through October 31. Comments should be sent to DOTPLANNING@CT.GOV. Public comment can also be made on September 30 over Zoom – click here to register.