Looney, Cohen & Paolillo Renew Call for Environmental Impact Statement at Tweed
Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) renewed their call for Tweed New Haven Airport to allow for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to show true long-term and short-term risks, as well as extending the comment period to a full 90 days.
Earlier this month, Tweed released an Environmental Assessment on the project, but the legislators feel that the airport authority needs to go further.
“While we appreciate Tweed finally releasing an Environmental Assessment, we still feel that alone it does not go far enough to examine the potential risks of the project, both to the wildlife and delicate ecosystems surrounding the airport and to our constituents living in the area,” Looney, Cohen, and Paolillo said in a combined statement.
A full Environmental Impact Statement will provide a more in-depth and comprehensive picture of these risks, both short-term and long-term. The legislators are urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that an EIS be completed for the proposed expansion.
“In addition, we also ask that the public comment period be extended beyond the original 45 days, and subsequent 15-day extension, to a full additional 45-day extension to provide at least a 90-day comment period. With the complexity of a several hundred-page report, we don’t think that’s too much to ask,” the legislators said. “We want to encourage public participation in this process and allowing public comment for a longer period of time is one way to do so.”
In letters addressed to the New England regional administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in October and November of last year, Looney, Cohen and Paolillo noted numerous constituents concerns, including pollution and noise resulting from more flights and changing flight paths, as well as late-night and early-morning arrivals and departures.
“The United States Environmental Protection Agency, in a report published in October 2022, reclassified New Haven County as being in severe non-attainment of national ozone standards, and the communities surrounding Tweed suffer from higher levels of fine particulate matter than many others in the state. Both conditions can have serious cumulative effects on health and quality of life, increasing the risk of lung and heart disease and shortening life expectancy. The potential increase in pollutants that would accompany the proposed Tweed expansion raises serious concerns about the health and safety of those living in the environmental justice communities surrounding the airport,” Sen. Looney and Rep. Paolillo noted in a November 23rd letter to the FAA.
“Based on the significance of the proposed changes and their suspected effects on the area ecosystem for which Tweed New Haven Airport has designated for expansion, I feel it is not only prudent, but necessary to undertake the most rigorous review possible and determine the appropriate path forward,” Senator Cohen stated in an October 21st letter to the FAA. “An EIS will provide a roadmap if you will, clarifying any detriments or benefits to the surroundings and highlighting the safeguards needed for a project of this magnitude.”
Senator Looney, Senator Cohen, and Representative Paolillo strongly encourage residents and stakeholders to participate in the public information workshop and hearing on the draft EA at East Haven High School Saturday, April 1, which will begin with an “open house” question-and-answer session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a more formal hearing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Looney, Cohen & Paolillo Renew Call for Environmental Impact Statement at Tweed
Looney, Cohen & Paolillo Renew Call for Environmental Impact Statement at Tweed
Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) renewed their call for Tweed New Haven Airport to allow for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to show true long-term and short-term risks, as well as extending the comment period to a full 90 days.
Earlier this month, Tweed released an Environmental Assessment on the project, but the legislators feel that the airport authority needs to go further.
“While we appreciate Tweed finally releasing an Environmental Assessment, we still feel that alone it does not go far enough to examine the potential risks of the project, both to the wildlife and delicate ecosystems surrounding the airport and to our constituents living in the area,” Looney, Cohen, and Paolillo said in a combined statement.
A full Environmental Impact Statement will provide a more in-depth and comprehensive picture of these risks, both short-term and long-term. The legislators are urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that an EIS be completed for the proposed expansion.
“In addition, we also ask that the public comment period be extended beyond the original 45 days, and subsequent 15-day extension, to a full additional 45-day extension to provide at least a 90-day comment period. With the complexity of a several hundred-page report, we don’t think that’s too much to ask,” the legislators said. “We want to encourage public participation in this process and allowing public comment for a longer period of time is one way to do so.”
In letters addressed to the New England regional administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in October and November of last year, Looney, Cohen and Paolillo noted numerous constituents concerns, including pollution and noise resulting from more flights and changing flight paths, as well as late-night and early-morning arrivals and departures.
“The United States Environmental Protection Agency, in a report published in October 2022, reclassified New Haven County as being in severe non-attainment of national ozone standards, and the communities surrounding Tweed suffer from higher levels of fine particulate matter than many others in the state. Both conditions can have serious cumulative effects on health and quality of life, increasing the risk of lung and heart disease and shortening life expectancy. The potential increase in pollutants that would accompany the proposed Tweed expansion raises serious concerns about the health and safety of those living in the environmental justice communities surrounding the airport,” Sen. Looney and Rep. Paolillo noted in a November 23rd letter to the FAA.
“Based on the significance of the proposed changes and their suspected effects on the area ecosystem for which Tweed New Haven Airport has designated for expansion, I feel it is not only prudent, but necessary to undertake the most rigorous review possible and determine the appropriate path forward,” Senator Cohen stated in an October 21st letter to the FAA. “An EIS will provide a roadmap if you will, clarifying any detriments or benefits to the surroundings and highlighting the safeguards needed for a project of this magnitude.”
Senator Looney, Senator Cohen, and Representative Paolillo strongly encourage residents and stakeholders to participate in the public information workshop and hearing on the draft EA at East Haven High School Saturday, April 1, which will begin with an “open house” question-and-answer session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a more formal hearing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
SENATOR SLAP, REPRESENTATIVE DELNICKI VISIT SOLOMON SCHECHTER SCHOOL TO DISCUSS IMPORTANCE OF BIPARTISANSHIP
SENATOR SLAP, REPRESENTATIVE DELNICKI VISIT SOLOMON SCHECHTER SCHOOL TO DISCUSS IMPORTANCE OF BIPARTISANSHIP
Amid a national political landscape that continues to be polarized, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and State Representative Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor) today visited eighth graders at West Hartford’s Solomon Schechter Day School to meet with students and discuss with them the importance of bipartisanship and working together for common goals despite potential differences. The Solomon Schechter Day School is a Jewish private school with the mission of educating students to make positive change in the world.
Though they are in opposing parties, Sen. Slap and Rep. Delnicki have a history of working collaboratively through their work in the General Assembly, including a current bill under consideration by the legislature that would add increased oversight to the Metropolitan District.
“Reaching across the aisle and listening to other viewpoints not only leads to better outcomes, it is what our constituents respect,” said Sen. Slap. “We will not always agree, but we can act with civility and humility – and that’s a great message for students today.”
“I enjoyed sharing our legislative experiences and engaging with the Solomon Schechter students today,” said Rep. Delnicki. “Despite the political climate that surrounds us, it’s gratifying to know that Sen. Slap and I can find common ground and work together in a bipartisan fashion on important legislation that benefits Connecticut residents.”
Sen. Slap and Rep. Delnicki discussed their work as legislators and their successes working with opposing parties, and each other, to pass legislation, as well as the importance of understanding and perceiving others’ perspectives and working collaboratively.
SEN. FLEXER, REP. BLUMENTHAL ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
SEN. FLEXER, REP. BLUMENTHAL ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
HARTFORD — State Senator Mae Flexer and state Representative Matt Blumenthal (D-Stamford), who are co-chairs of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, reiterated today Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring reproductive healthcare is safe, legal, and accessible in our state even as one national pharmacy chain store caves to political pressure from the far right on this issue.
Sen. Flexer and Rep. Blumenthal today reiterated their support for House Bill 6905, “An Act Concerning State Contracting and the Dispensing Sale and Distribution of Certain Pharmaceuticals,” which would ban any state contract with or payment to any business that has a policy of declining to dispense any reproductive healthcare medication where doing so is legally permitted.
The bill is a direct response to Walgreens, which is America’s second-largest pharmacy chain, and AmerisourceBergen Corp., one of the largest pharmaceutical-distribution companies in the world, who quietly responded to letters from multiple Republican attorneys general by stating that they would not distribute medication-abortion pills in as many as 31 states—including states where abortion is legal and protected by law.
The specific medication that Walgreens vowed not to distribute, mifepristone, is legal in every state and prescribed for uses independent of abortion.
“Walgreens said it was acting out of an abundance of caution after receiving legal threats from Republican attorney generals. Well maybe our bill will help Walgreens and every other major American pharmacy act out of an abundance of courage to do the right thing in the face of right-wing politics,” Sen. Flexer said. “And if American pharmacies can’t find the strength or the courage to do the right thing, like continue to sell or plan to sell a legal drug in a state where it’s legal until the day it’s outlawed, then the State of Connecticut isn’t going to waste its tax dollars by rewarding the private sector for its cowardice.”
“As reproductive healthcare has come under attack by extremist politicians across the country, Connecticut has led on defending it,” said Rep. Blumenthal, who is also co-chair of the General Assembly’s Reproductive Rights Caucus. “Companies that sell and distribute medications have an obligation to stand up for their patients. If a company won’t lift a finger to protect patients’ access to the medication they need, our state shouldn’t be doing business with it. H.B. 6905 will ensure that our state, its employees, and their families can rely on their pharmacies for care—and trust those companies won’t put profit over their patients.”
Democrats passed H.B. 6905 on Monday, with all Republican GAE Committee members voting “No.” The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Sen. Maher Welcomes $20,000 in State Grants for Maintenance of Neglected Cemeteries in Darien, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield
Sen. Maher Welcomes $20,000 in State Grants for Maintenance of Neglected Cemeteries in Darien, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed state grants totaling $20,000 for maintenance of neglected cemeteries in Darien, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield.
“The love for a family member or friend that has passed away endures forever,” said Sen. Maher. “Ensuring our neglected cemeteries are cared for not only is a showing of respect for those that are no longer with us, but it also provides comfort to those grieving. I am grateful to Governor Lamont for releasing these funds.”
Per the governor’s office, each grant is $5,000 per municipality. These funds are being released under the state’s Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program, administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. This program was established in 2014 and is funded by revenue collected by the Connecticut Department of Public Health from the issuance of death certificates. Municipalities can use grants to support basic maintenance of cemeteries, including the clearing of weeds, briars, and bushes; mowing of the ground’s lawn areas; repairing the ground’s fences or walls; and straightening, repairing, and restoring memorial stones.
Sen. Maher Welcomes Over $630,000 in State Funding for Arts Grants in Ridgefield, Wilton, Westport
Sen. Maher Welcomes Over $630,000 in State Funding for Arts Grants in Ridgefield, Wilton, Westport
HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) celebrated recently awarded state grants to local arts organizations in Ridgefield, Wilton and Westport. The total amount of $631,869 is from General Operation Support grants (GOS), the Connecticut Arts Endowment and the Supporting Arts grants.
“This funding will assist our local arts organizations in managing the day-to-day costs associated with creating enriching entertainment, while also providing opportunities for people to engage with the arts,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m grateful for this funding and for the important art and culture all of these organizations offer.”
Per the state’s website, GOS grants provide general operating support grants to Connecticut-based theaters and performing groups whose primary purpose is to present the performing arts to the public. The grant funding is intended to support these local organizations in their pursuit to promote the arts in their communities, The state’s arts endowment, created by the General Assembly, aims to stimulate development of private sector funding, and ensure the long-term stability of the state’s arts industry through funding to organizations, according to the state’s website. Similar to GOS grants, the state’s Supporting Arts grants provide general operating support for arts organizations and municipal arts departments through coverage of programmatic costs associated with their mission-related work, per the state’s website. For GOS recipients click here, Endowment Fund recipients click here and Supporting Arts, click here. The following organizations received grant funding to continue their pursuit to enrich their communities through the arts.
Ridgefield ($420,649): ACT of Connecticut – $84,457, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum – $17,531, Artful Visual Arts Initiative, LLC – $1,000, Camerata d’Amici – $2,170, Ridgefield Chorale, The Ridgefield – $13,868, Ridgefield Guild of Artists – $9,488, Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, Inc. – $225,214, Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Inc – 26,644, Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts (Ridgefield Theater Barn) – $15,047, Thrown Stone Theatre Company – $13,349, Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra – $11,881; Wilton ($27,573): Music on the Hill – $12,043, Weir Farm Arts Center – $500, Wilton Playshop – $11,345, Wilton Singers – $3,685; Westport (183,647): American Chamber Orchestra – $5,764, Beechwood Arts, Inc. – $10,000, Fairfield County Chorale – $12,987, JIB Productions (Play With Your Food) – $2,371, Levitt Pavilion, Friends of Westport – $54,909: MoCA Westport, Inc. – $60,782, Music for Youth Westport – $5,954, Suzuki Music School of Westport & Orange – $3,128, Westport Community Theatre – $9,417, Westport Country Playhouse – $12,959, Westport School of Music – $5,376.
Sen. Cabrera Welcomes $74,795 in State Funding for Arts Grants in Beacon Falls, Hamden and Woodbridge
Sen. Cabrera Welcomes $74,795 in State Funding for Arts Grants in Beacon Falls, Hamden and Woodbridge
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) welcomed state grants recently awarded to local arts organizations in Beacon Falls, Hamden and Woodbridge. The total amount of $74,795 is from General Operation Support Grants (GOS), the Connecticut Arts Endowment and the Supporting Arts grant.
“Arts, culture and theater are integral parts of a community and I’m pleased to see these organizations receive grant funding to continue the excellent work they do,” said Sen. Cabrera. “These organizations not only entertain, but they also provide people of all ages with the opportunity to get involved in the arts, which can be very fulfilling for those creatively inclined, or people interested in trying something new in their community. I can’t wait to enjoy more of the great work these organizations produce.”
Per the state’s website, GOS grants provide general operating support grants to Connecticut-based theaters and performing groups whose primary purpose is to present the performing arts to the public. The grant funding is intended to support these local organizations in their pursuit to promote the arts in their communities. The state’s arts endowment, created by the General Assembly, aims to stimulate development of private sector funding and ensure the long-term stability of the state’s arts industry through funding to organizations, according to the state’s website. Similar to GOS grants, the state’s Supporting Arts grants provide general operating support for arts organizations and municipal arts departments through coverage of programmatic costs associated with their mission-related work, per the state’s website. For GOS recipients click here, Endowment Fund recipients click here and Supporting Arts, click here. The following organizations received grant funding to continue their pursuit to enrich their communities through the arts.
Beacon Falls ($2,929): Beacon Falls Youth Theater Company – $2,929; Hamden (57,694): Arts for Learning-$7,811, Best Video Film & Cultural Center – $20,068, Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop, The Hamden – $3,950, New Haven Oratorio Choir – $6,483
Nu Haven Kapelye, Inc.- $2,701, Whitney Players Theater Company – $15,627, Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective – $1,054; Woodbridge ($14,172): Amity Teen Center (10seldon) – $13,598, Palestine Museum US – $574
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Indictment of Former President Trump
Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Indictment of Former President Trump
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement committee on the indictment of former Republican President Donald Trump:
“We are not surprised that Donald Trump, who openly flaunted the rule of law and disdained our legal institutions, has now been indicted. We will be following the facts of the case closely and hope justice will be served.”
Sen. Miller Welcomes $282,567 in State Funding for Arts Grants Throughout Stamford
Sen. Miller Welcomes $282,567 in State Funding for Arts Grants Throughout Stamford
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) welcomed state grants recently awarded to local arts organizations throughout Stamford. The total amount of $282,567 is from General Operation Support grants (GOS), the Connecticut Arts Endowment and the Supporting Arts grants.
“These local arts organizations are an incredibly important part of our community, and I am elated to see them receive funding to assist in day-to-day operations,” said Sen. Miller. “Through these organizations, we don’t only gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and culture, we are also provided opportunities to get involved, be creative and contribute to Stamford’s rich cultural scene.”
Per the state’s website, GOS grants provide general operating support grants to Connecticut-based theaters and performing groups whose primary purpose is to present the performing arts to the public. The grant funding is intended to support these local organizations in their pursuit to promote the arts in their communities, The state’s arts endowment, created by the General Assembly, aims to stimulate development of private sector funding, and ensure the long-term stability of the state’s arts industry through funding to organizations, according to the state’s website. Similar to GOS grants, the state’s Supporting Arts grants provide general operating support for arts organizations and municipal arts departments through coverage of programmatic costs associated with their mission-related work, per the state’s website. For GOS recipients click here, Endowment Fund recipients click here and Supporting Arts, click here. For totals and the full list of recipients, see below. Since November 2022, the following organizations received grant funding to continue their pursuit to enrich their communities through the arts.
The following will receive funds: Stamford ($282,567): Avon Theatre Film Center – $56,920, Ballet School of Stamford – $11,120, Connecticut Ballet – $17,805, Curtain Call – $51,793, INTEMPO – $14,636, New Paradigm Theatre Company, Inc. – 9,466, Orchestra Lumos (formerly Stamford Symphony) – $77,650, Project Music – $2,050, Stamford Art Association – $2,920, Stamford Arts Commission – $2,189, Stamford Center for the Arts (The Palace Theatre) – $3,363, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – $20,092, Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic – $11,563, La Tertulia De Stamford – $1,000
Sen. Miller leads Right to Read Roundtable Discussion
Sen. Miller leads Right to Read Roundtable Discussion
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator and Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Chair Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) led a roundtable discussion on the implementation and district transformation of the Right to Read legislation in Connecticut schools. The roundtable table discussion was hosted by the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO), the Right to Read CT Coalition, and the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. The conversation enabled those involved to provide an update on the progress of this law.
“Reading is the building block for all learning and we must continue, through the Right to Read agenda, to target learning loss made worse by the pandemic and address opportunity gaps that still persist in our state,” said Sen. Miller. “Reading and literacy is not only a fundamental component of any person’s success, but also a matter of civil rights. I am very proud of the work everyone has done to implement this important law and I look forward to continuing the work to ensure every student can reap the benefits of the development of evidence and scientifically based curricula that we know is proven to work.”
Joining Sen. Miller for the discussion was Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Charlene Russell-Tucker, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Director of Reading and Literacy for the Connecticut State Department of Education Dr. Melissa Hickey, Chief Academic Officer for Bridgeport Public Schools Dr. Melissa Jenkins, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Colchester Public Schools Dr. Charles Hewes, CREC Museum Academy and Bloomfield Public Schools Principal Shandra Brown and Supervisor of Elementary Reading and Language Arts and Waterbury Public Schools Dena Mortensen.
Right to Read legislation was passed in 2021. Per the Right to Read Coalition’s website, this law “systematizes a statewide reading response—based on the Science of Reading—by requiring the state to oversee all state and local efforts related to literacy, including setting reading curriculum requirements for districts, providing professional development, hiring external literacy coaches, and coordinating with teacher preparation programs. A newly established Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success is the hub of this work.” Through this law, every district is required to implement evidence and scientifically based curricula and to provide educators with aligned professional development to ensure the research and work done by the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success reaches every kindergarten-to-Grade 3 classroom statewide.
In order to best position school districts for this new way of teaching reading, recently legislation passed out of the Education Committee that will adjust the timelines for implementation of the Right to Read law. This could not have been done without the collaboration of all parties working together.