Senators Looney and Duff Release Committee Assignments for 2023-2024 Legislative Term
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the Senate Chair and Vice Chair committee assignments for the 2023-2024 General Assembly term.
“We are very excited to announce the Senate Chairs and Vice Chairs for the 2023 and 2024 General Assembly sessions,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Our Democratic State Senators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their committees. We look forward to another productive term for the benefit of the people of Connecticut.”
Committee assignments can be found here and are also listed below.
Senators Looney and Duff Release Committee Assignments for 2023-2024 Legislative Term
Senators Looney and Duff Release Committee Assignments for 2023-2024 Legislative Term
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the Senate Chair and Vice Chair committee assignments for the 2023-2024 General Assembly term.
“We are very excited to announce the Senate Chairs and Vice Chairs for the 2023 and 2024 General Assembly sessions,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Our Democratic State Senators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their committees. We look forward to another productive term for the benefit of the people of Connecticut.”
Committee assignments can be found here and are also listed below.
Senator Cabrera Appointed to Chair Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Vice Chair Labor Committee
Senator Cabrera Appointed to Chair Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Vice Chair Labor Committee
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) was appointed to Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and Vice Chair of the Labor Committee. Sen. Cabrera, who was re-elected to serve his second term in the state Senate, served as Senate Chair of Veterans’ Affairs his first term.
“I am extremely grateful to state Senators Martin Looney and Bob Duff for trusting me with this important responsibility of serving as Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee,” said Sen. Cabrera. “I’m excited to continue the good work with my colleagues in both committees, as we continue to address issues of affordability in the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and work to ensure people in our state have favorable working conditions with fair wages and good benefits.”
In his first term in the state Senate, Sen. Cabrera successfully delivered essential worker bonuses for the courageous frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he secured millions of dollars in funding for the 17th state Senate District, which included funding for development and non-profit organizations. He voted for the passage of legislation which protects the reproductive rights of people in Connecticut and those coming to our state seeking reproductive care. The senator also voted for one of the largest tax cuts in Connecticut history and the temporary gas tax cut and free public bus service while also making robust investments in our schools.
“Senator Cabrera’s time in the General Assembly thus far has been a success and I strongly believe that will only continue as he leads these two committees,” said Sen. Looney. “I look forward to working alongside him again this upcoming legislative session.”
The legislative session begins January 4, 2023.
Senator Needleman Reappointed As Senate Chair Of The Energy & Technology Committee
Senator Needleman Reappointed As Senate Chair Of The Energy & Technology Committee
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), preparing for his third term in the State Senate, today was reappointed as Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee in the General Assembly. Sen. Needleman was also named Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee. He has served as Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee since his election to the Senate in 2018.
“In the last four years, Connecticut has seen progress due to my colleagues’ hard work on the Energy and Technology Committee, and I’m excited to get more good work done,” said Sen. Needleman. “With the momentum provided us by the Take Back Our Grid Act, bills supporting data center development and stronger access to broadband internet and continued focus on energy costs and technology advancements in our state, I’m encouraged by the prospects of another two years chairing this committee. I am also looking forward to working with my colleagues on the Planning and Development Committee regarding the future of our towns.”
“Senator Needleman’s extensive work in support of clean energy, ratepayers’ interests and pushing technology forward in our state makes him the perfect choice to continue chairing this committee,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “We’re excited to see the further advances he can provide our state.”
Senator Lesser to Chair the Human Services Cmte. and Vice Chair of Housing Committee Cmte.
Senator Lesser to Chair the Human Services Cmte. and Vice Chair of Housing Committee Cmte.
State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), was named as Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Housing Committee for the 2023-24 legislative sessions as announced by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). In addition to chairing the Human Services Committee, Sen. Lesser is expected to take up leadership of MAPOC, the Medical Assistance Program Oversight Committee, and the Human Services subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.
“The last couple years have exposed massive gaps in health care and support services available to Connecticut residents. In my new role, I’ll have a powerful platform to rebuild from the pandemic, expanding coverage, lowering costs and advancing critical goals of health care reform,” said Sen. Lesser. “We will leave no stone unturned in fighting for patients and providing critical oversight over billions of state tax dollars while strengthening our social safety net. Our job is staggering – from the cost of prescription drugs, to safety-net hospitals, to our nursing homes, community health centers and our vast non-profit provider community. I appreciate Sen. Looney’s trust in appointing me to serve as co-chair on the Human Services Committee and to take a leading role on the Housing Committee. I also congratulate newly appointed House co-chair, Rep. Gilchrest on her appointment and look forward to working closely with her.”
“Senator Lesser has been an unwavering advocate for his constituents and helping them achieve a better quality-of-life. He’s the right person at this moment in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to lead the Human Services Committee, which is vital to ensuring that families have access to the resources and services that they rely upon,” said Sen. Looney.
A cancer survivor and father of a young child, Sen. Lesser has been at the forefront of fighting for access to high-quality, affordable health care. He led Senate passage of legislation supporting mental health and expanding health insurance coverage of newborns. Also, the senator passed legislation to support greater health insurance coverage for screenings and treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The Human Services Committee has cognizance of issues regarding to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, along with institutions under its jurisdiction, and the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services. Furthermore, the Housing Committee oversees matters related to housing programs in Connecticut, housing affordability and homeownership.
Senator Anwar Named Senate Chair Of The Public Health Committee, Vice Chair Of Insurance Committee
Senator Anwar Named Senate Chair Of The Public Health Committee, Vice Chair Of Insurance Committee
State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today was named Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee in the General Assembly. In addition to taking leadership of the committee on which he has been Vice Chair since 2019, Sen. Anwar was also renamed Vice Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.
“In my work as a pulmonologist, in my work as a State Senator and in my experiences meeting with and hearing from constituents, I’ve learned a lot about the public health system and look forward to applying that knowledge to this leadership role,” said Sen. Anwar. “It is exciting to take this chairmanship, as well as retaining vice chairmanship in the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. I am thankful to Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate President Martin M. Looney for their leadership and look forward to the start of session for important work to continue.”
“Senator Anwar is a staunch supporter of public health and has played a pivotal role in guiding important bills protecting the public into law,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney. “He was instrumental in our efforts to raise the age of tobacco access from 18 to 21 and in helping to fund children’s mental health, among many other accomplishments. He is the perfect person to lead this committee and help lead several others; his work speaks for itself.”
Senator Maher Appointed to Chair Children Committee, Vice Chair Higher Education
Senator Maher Appointed to Chair Children Committee, Vice Chair Higher Education
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) was appointed to Senate Chair of the Children Committee and to serve as Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. Sen. Maher was elected to serve her first term in the state Senate in November.
“I am grateful to state Senators Martin Looney and Bob Duff for the chance to serve as Senate Chair of the Children Committee and as Vice Chair of Higher Education,” said Sen. Maher. “I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues in the General Assembly as we build on the successes of the previous four years. Providing the resources children need to thrive sets them up for a lifetime of success. I’m eager to get to work in the Children Committee, not only to bring my experience, but also the voices of the people in our community for the best path forward. I’m also excited to join my colleagues in the Higher Education Committee to work to make higher education more accessible and affordable so everyone has a chance at a post-secondary education, in whatever form that takes.”
Prior to joining the state Senate, Sen. Maher led the growth of educational opportunity programs at the Horizons National Student Enrichment Program for five years, expanded the reach of Person-to-Person when she was the executive director from serving 15,000 people to serving 25,000 people per year, providing food for more than 2 million meals per year to people in need in seven towns in lower Fairfield County, and led Sandy Hook Promise as interim executive director.
“I am incredibly excited for the upcoming legislative session and happy to have Sen. Maher serve as Chair of the Children Committee and Vice Chair Higher Education,” said Sen. Looney. “She possesses an extensive and successful track record of leading local nonprofits that deal in matters pertaining to our youth and I have no doubt she will excel in all of her committee leadership assignments.”
New Britain Delegation Welcomes Over $810K to Support New Britain Schools
New Britain Delegation Welcomes Over $810K to Support New Britain Schools
Today, members of the New Britain legislative delegation – Senator Rick Lopes, Rep. Manny Sanchez, Rep. Peter Tercyak, Rep. Bobby Sanchez, and Rep. Gary Turco – welcomed Governor Lamont’s and the State Bond Commission’s approval of $811,484 to support improvements at three schools in New Britain. The school improvement funding for technology lab and instructional technology upgrades will benefit Northend Elementary School, Slade Middle School, and Pulaski Middle School in New Britain.
“We welcome this funding to support New Britain’s students and upgrade their places of learning,” said the New Britain delegation members. “For many students, school is a second home. We need to take every opportunity to invest in our schools so that students have high-quality spaces to learn and grow. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of educational opportunity for Connecticut’s young leaders.”
“This state funding will help New Britain Public Schools make much-needed upgrades to its technology labs that are proving important educational services to students in the city,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “I am glad we can get this funding out the door and to these schools.”
The three schools in New Britain were part of a larger group of schools across Connecticut to be approved for grants-in-aid to promote the health, safety, and learning of students. Each of the schools are part of the state’s Commissioner’s Network, which is focused on improving student achievement.
Sen. Cabrera Applauds $300,000 in Bond Funding for Derby Middle School
Sen. Cabrera Applauds $300,000 in Bond Funding for Derby Middle School
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) applauded the state’s Bond Commission for approving $300,000 in funding for Derby Middle School. The $300,000 will go to address various improvements, alterations and repairs to promote the health, safety, and learning of the students.
“I’m grateful to the Bond Commission for approving funding for Derby Middle School on their agenda,” said Sen. Cabrera. “These funds will go a long way to making the in-school environment even better and will help to bolster each students’ confidence when they witness the improvements being made to their school.”
Governor Ned Lamont said this funding provides timely improvements to the middle school that will benefit the entire school community.
“This state funding will help Derby Middle School make the necessary upgrades to its infrastructure that are necessary for the school to continue its mission of providing a quality education to its students, and I am glad we could partner with the city to get this released,” Governor Lamont said.
Sen. Cabrera Applauds $6.5 Million in Bond Funding for Ansonia Brass Site Redevelopment Project
Sen. Cabrera Applauds $6.5 Million in Bond Funding for Ansonia Brass Site Redevelopment Project
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) applauded the state’s Bond Commission for approving $6.5 million in funding for the redevelopment project at the Brass Site on 75 Liberty Street in their most recent bond agenda. The commission also approved $71,233 for body and dash cameras and video storage devices for Ansonia’s police department.
The $6.5 million enables the town to modernize the property that once was home to a historic copper and brass property. The funding for the Ansonia Police Department best positions them to continue providing top-tier service to the community and keeping residents safe.
” I’m grateful to the Bond Commission for approving these community-focused items,” said Sen. Cabrera. “75 Liberty Street is an exciting project and gets us closer to further improving the economic future of the lower valley. Additionally, anything we can do to make the difficult job our police officers perform less cumbersome I support. Body and dash cameras make policing safer for everyone.”
Governor Ned Lamont agreed with the senator and added this project presents Ansonia with options for the copper and brass property that are advantageous to people in the city and those traveling into the city.
“It is long overdue for the former Ansonia Copper and Brass complex to be redeveloped and renovated into something that can provide a productive use for residents of the city, and I am glad that we could get this state funding released and help Ansonia in this effort,” Gov. Lamont said.