Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
HARTFORD – “It is with the deepest sorrow that we extend our condolences to the family, the friends, and the fellow law enforcement officers of Sergeant Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy who were murdered last night in the line of duty in Bristol. We ask the people of Connecticut to keep these two officers and their families, and wounded Bristol Police Officer Alec Iurato, in their thoughts and prayers as we anticipate the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the perpetrator, their means and their motives in committing this monstrous and unforgivable crime.”
Sen. Lopes Welcomes $2 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in New Britain
Sen. Lopes Welcomes $2 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in New Britain
State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain) welcomed the awarding of a $2 million state grant to support improvements along Myrtle Street in New Britain that will better connect residents to public transportation and make the area more pedestrian friendly. New Britain was one of only six municipalities in Connecticut to be awarded funding through the competitive Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.
“My thanks to Governor Lamont and his administration for their shared recognition of how these improvements to Myrtle Street will benefit long-term community development in New Britain. This grant is a major boost to improving 2,600 feet of street area and improving access to public transit,” said Sen. Lopes.
The $2 million state grant will be used to improve pedestrian infrastructure, erect bus shelters, and implement Complete Streets enhancements to provide better connectivity to alternative methods of transportation. This first part of the improvements project will benefit 2,600 feet along Myrtle Street in between Washington Street and Curtis Street.
The Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program is competitive program for “shovel-ready” projects that are based within a one-half mile of public transportation facilities. The additional aims of the program are to encourage infrastructure development that creates walkable and mixed-use spaces, supports economic activity, and creates jobs. More information about Connecticut’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program can be found here
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
HARTFORD – “It is with the deepest sorrow that we extend our condolences to the family, the friends, and the fellow law enforcement officers of Sergeant Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy who were murdered last night in the line of duty in Bristol. We ask the people of Connecticut to keep these two officers and their families, and wounded Bristol Police Officer Alec Iurato, in their thoughts and prayers as we anticipate the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the perpetrator, their means and their motives in committing this monstrous and unforgivable crime.”
Senator Needleman Joins East Haddam Leaders For Groundbreaking Of New Track At Nathan-Hale Ray High School
Senator Needleman Joins East Haddam Leaders For Groundbreaking Of New Track At Nathan-Hale Ray High School
On Wednesday evening, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined East Haddam leaders including East Haddam Superintendent of Schools Brian Reas and Board of Education Chairman Marc Pisciotti at Nathan-Hale Ray High School for the official groundbreaking ceremony for a new track to be installed at the school for students participating in track and field. The project comes as the State Bond Commission released $1.4 million in funding to support it earlier this year, allowing for the work to move forward.
The project will see a new running and walking track installed around the school’s soccer field to support lane running, additional areas to be developed for holding track and field events, field irrigation and a concessions facility with restrooms and storage areas for members of the public.
“This is an example of the community coming together and working toward a common purpose,” said Sen. Needleman. “This effort dates back to before the COVID-19 pandemic, when East Haddam’s young athletes drew my attention to their need for a track. After hard work by many people working for the benefit of the town, I’m proud that we’re here today celebrating this groundbreaking.”
“If it wasn’t for Senator Needleman, we never would have gotten the funding we need from the state,” said Chairman Pisciotti. “He was instrumental. He came out, talked to the kids and said he would be an advocate and he certainly was one. The citizens of East Haddam were here for us, Senator Needleman fought for us and the Purple Fund helped with contributions. When this thing gets kicked off, it’ll largely be because of Senator Needleman.”
“We are really excited to see this project get off the ground,” said Reas. “It’s been a long time coming and we really appreciate the groundswell of support that we’ve seen for it.”
In 2021, Sen. Needleman toured Nathan Hale-Ray High School to learn about this project and its benefits for the East Haddam Community, and has worked alongside East Haddam leaders including Board of Education Chairman Marc Piscotti and Superintendent Brian Reas to advocate in favor. In addition to providing improved resources to local athletes, the project will provide the local community with new opportunities to come together and cheer on teams.
The project will take an existing lighted field at the school and convert it into an improved soccer field, adding six to eight lanes for running and further enhanced amenities. In addition to the advantages for students, the enhanced complex will provide a draw for East Haddam to host and hold local and regional athletics events.
Senator Patricia Billie Miller Receives 2022 LeadingAge Connecticut Legislator of the Year Award
Senator Patricia Billie Miller Receives 2022 LeadingAge Connecticut Legislator of the Year Award
Today, state Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford), Chair of the Aging Committee, received the 2022 LeadingAge Connecticut Legislator of the Year Award on behalf of LeadingAge Connecticut. This prestigious award is presented to legislators who have distinguished themselves by developing and supporting public policies that are beneficial to LeadingAge Connecticut members and the older adults they serve.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by such a distinguished and respected association,” said Sen. Miller. “LeadingAge Connecticut is a leader in helping to serve older adults in our community. It is a privilege to be a voice for individuals in our state that need advanced care.”
Senator Miller has been a strong advocate for residents in need of long-term care facilities. In 2021, Sen. Miller led unanimous passage of a bill that would allow residents of long-term care facilities the right to treat their living spaces as their homes and have better access to virtual monitoring or virtual visitation. The bill adds to the nursing home patients’ bill of rights which applies to patients in nursing homes, residential care homes, and chronic disease hospitals. For these patients, they are given the right to treat their living quarters as their own home.
Senator Miller is committed to supporting advanced care for elderly residents in Connecticut. Sen. Miller is dedicated to expanding access to affordable healthcare and creating a more equitable society, giving tax relief to veterans and seniors. She has served as a voice for the voiceless, particularly in vulnerable communities and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.