West Haven Delegation Supports Bonding Approved for West Haven
Today, the West Haven Delegation consisting of state Senators James Maroney and Gary Winfield, and state Representatives Charles Ferraro, Dorinda Borer and Trenee McGee are supporting state bonding approved for West Haven. Funding is set to be allocated to make public safety improvements in the city and provide upgrades to the West Haven Public Safety Building.
“This funding for West Haven will help make significant improvements to both Lake Street and Colonial Boulevard neighborhood and the Public Safety Building,” said Sen. Maroney. “Our residents and public safety officers both deserve an environment they can thrive in and feel safe with substantial upgrades. I am thankful to the State Bond Commission for approving these funds.”
“I am thrilled the state will be investing in these important initiatives and thankful for the work of Governor Lamont and my fellow legislators and their commitment to supporting West Haven,” said Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven & West Haven). “By focusing on erosion prevention and resilient climate adaptation efforts, we are taking proactive steps to safeguard our community against the impacts of a changing climate. Furthermore, the significant investment at the West Haven Public Safety Building will allow for us to continue to provide a safer and more secure environment for everyone in our community.”
“I am incredibly proud of this state investment in our local infrastructure to support and protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for residents and guests of West Haven,” said Rep. Ferraro. “Thank you to the State Bond Commission for this generous grant.”
“This funding will address the erosion caused by climate change and will help West Haven take more climate resilient action,” said Rep. McGee. “I thank the West Haven delegation for their efforts in securing this funding and Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
“This funding will have countless benefits for the residents of West Haven,” said Rep. Borer. “Whether it be upgrading and replacing the Police Department’s critical phone system, making safety, health and environmental enhancements for the Lake Street community, or remodeling our animal shelter, I’m thrilled and proud to see the hard work on these projects pay off. “
The City of West Haven will receive $1.25 million to address stream bed and beach restoration, erosion prevention, public safety improvements, and resilient climate adaptation efforts for the Lake Street and Colonial Boulevard neighborhood.
West Haven will also receive $880,000 for upgrades, improvements, and equipment for the West Haven Public Safety Building. This project will include communication system upgrades, road monitors, police building improvements, and defibrillators.
The Bond Agenda was recently approved this morning. The West Haven Delegation plans to hold a press conference on the Lake Street project in the near future.
Senator James Maroney Welcomes Farm Viability Grant to Woodbridge
Senator James Maroney Welcomes Farm Viability Grant to Woodbridge
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) is welcoming the 2023 Farm Viability Grant to Woodbridge from the Department of Agriculture. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has awarded grants to 25 entities around Connecticut totaling over $750,000.
“The Massaro Community Farm is a Woodbridge treasure,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am thrilled to see the state recognize their value by providing them with this grant. The funding will be used so people can continue to enjoy their farms for years to come. They strive to not only create an environment encouraging others to get involved but they commit themselves to helping others through educational programs, sustainability workshops, and donations to local hunger relief agencies.”
The Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge is receiving $49,402 in the 4-H Camp and Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) Center Infrastructure for improving educational infrastructure. These funds will help to create a 100’x 125’ livestock education area and provide livestock water access and hand-washing stations. The funds will also help with materials and supplies for agricultural programming and support the Summer Youth Employment program.
Funded projects directly respond to problems, interests, or needs in the state’s agricultural industry, specifically within the areas of urban agriculture; food supply chain; diversity, equity, and inclusion in Connecticut agriculture; and farmland access.
Meriden Delegation Welcomes $2.7 Million in State Bonding to Meriden
Meriden Delegation Welcomes $2.7 Million in State Bonding to Meriden
Today, the Meriden Delegation comprised of state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden), and Representatives Michael D. Quinn (D-Meriden), Hilda E. Santiago (D-Meriden), and Jack Fazzino (D-Meriden), are welcoming $2.7 million in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for projects in Meriden. Funds will be allocated to the State Forensic Lab.
“This investment in these renovation repairs will create safer and more secure working conditions which leads to a more thorough investigation of evidence that is brought in,” said Sen. Hochadel. “Employees investigating crimes deserve to work in an environment that is up to date and code enforced. I am thankful to the State Bond Commission for their approval of these funds.”
“I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving these funds to make critical repairs and renovations,” said State Rep. Jack Fazzino (D-Berlin, Cheshire, Meriden). “As part of the Meriden delegation in the legislature, I applaud the commitment to give those who protect us everything they need to do their jobs and improve our community’s quality of life.”
“I am glad to see the Bond Commission’s approval of funds coming to the lab to help them continue working on the repairs needed to keep their important work going strong,” said Rep. Hilda E. Santiago (D-Meriden). “It is always a pleasure to work together with our legislative delegation to bring more resources to Meriden.”
“I am thrilled to see additional state funding allocation has been approved to keep improving upon the remarkable forensic service offered at this facility,” said Rep. Michael D. Quinn (D-Meriden). “Many thanks to the governor and the Bond Commission for including this project on the agenda.”
Under the Bonding Agenda, $2.7 million is set to be allocated to the Forensic Lab in Meriden. $1.5 million of that is set to help with Phase 3 renovations of the building. The other $1.2 million will be used to install a new load generator which is a system used to simulate load for performing performance testing.
In 2022, the Meriden Delegation also secured additional funding for the forensic lab. $1.2 million was allocated to the lab to help clean room renovations and $1.2 was appropriated to help fund heating system installations at Mulcahy Campus in Meriden.
The Bond Agenda was recently approved this morning.
Senator Hochadel Supports State Bonding Approved for Cheshire Park
Senator Hochadel Supports State Bonding Approved for Cheshire Park
Today, state Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) is thrilled to welcome funding approved by the State Bond Commission for Cheshire. A total of $500,000 has been approved to be allocated to Bartlem Park South’s Great Lawn in Cheshire.
“This project will greatly benefit our community here in Cheshire,” said Sen. Jan Hochadel. “This lawn will be a nice place for residents to gather for concerts and other wonderful events that will soon take place. I am thankful to the State Bond Commission for approving this funding that will help move this project forward.”
Under the bonding agenda, $500,000 is set to be allocated for a Regional Community Arts and Entertainment Space at Bartlem Park South’s Great Lawn. This entertainment space will be added to the construction of the new park. The park was originally planned with input from town residents and officials with the assistance of professional engineers and designers. It will offer a variety of activities.
The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The Bond Agenda was recently approved this morning.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN GRATEFUL AS WESTBROOK, ESSEX RECEIVE STATE BOND FUNDING FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN GRATEFUL AS WESTBROOK, ESSEX RECEIVE STATE BOND FUNDING FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) thanked the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their investment in the 33rd Senate District as Westbrook and Essex were each approved to receive $250,000 and $195,000, respectively, for safety and equipment upgrades in their communities.
“I’m grateful that Connecticut is investing in local safety and emergency services,” said Sen. Needleman. “These funds represent significant improvements for the entire region in the event of future emergencies and will benefit residents when they are in need. I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
“When it comes to emergency management resources, I think it is critical that our state government partner with municipalities to ensure that these tools are available and ready for when residents who live in these towns need them the most,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission and sets its agenda. “I am glad we could get this state funding out to Westbrook and Essex for these important purposes.”
The State Bond Commission today approved a number of funding releases, including an allotment of $250,000 in Westbrook for the assessment and conceptual design of the Valley Shore Regional 9-1-1 Center. The Center provides emergency services to residents of towns including Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Old Lyme and Westbrook.
The funds also included $195,000 to Essex for the construction of an emergency radio tower, upgrades to emergency equipment, and installing a generator. This comes as the Commission approved $165,000 in 2022 to support this project – the project needed additional funding, which the state provided through this funding.
Sen. Lesser Releases Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Student Loan Forgiveness
Sen. Lesser Releases Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Student Loan Forgiveness
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser(D-Middletown) issues a statement on the Supreme Court ruling which strikes down President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness program, which would have forgiven up to $10,000 in debt for borrowers earning less than $125,000 a year and an additional $10,000 for Pell Grant recipients.
“This is yet another egregious ruling by an activist Supreme Court increasingly out of touch with the American people,” said Sen. Lesser. “In this case, Secretary Cardona’s debt relief plan was clearly authorized by Congress in the 2003 HEROES Act – which was put into use by Democratic and Republican Secretaries of Education during the pandemic. Today’s decision will hurt Connecticut’s economy and I urge the Biden Administration to explore other administrative avenues for relief. Here in Connecticut, our newly funded Office of Student Loan Ombudsman will soon help borrowers navigate a complicated and confusing landscape and access help and support. I strongly encourage residents to use this resource. Higher education remains a critical pathway to prosperity and the middle class, but the Supreme Court’s decision today makes things harder for a vast number of people.”
Back in 2015, Senator Lesser fought to create the Student Loan Bill of Rights, which authorized a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Banking. Connecticut was the first state in the country to regulate student loan servicer companies. This session, the budget included funding for the Student Loan Ombudsman to directly help Connecticut borrowers navigate loan repayment and other issues.
Senator Martha Marx Releases Statement on Passing of Governor Lowell Weicker
Senator Martha Marx Releases Statement on Passing of Governor Lowell Weicker
State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) released the following statement on the passing of Governor Lowell Weicker.
“Former Governor Weicker was such a strong force in our community. I looked up to him as he was someone I admired and respected for his dedication to our constituents. When I was campaigning for my seat in the Senate, he was so very kind to me. I will never forget his compassion for others and his commitment toward making Connecticut a better community for everyone. Lowell Weicker will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with his family.”
Senator Saud Anwar Releases Statement Following Assault on Representative Maryam Khan
Senator Saud Anwar Releases Statement Following Assault on Representative Maryam Khan
Today, state Senator Saud Anwar (D-Windsor) released the following statement after Representative Maryam Khan was assaulted leaving a service marking Eid al-Adha in downtown Hartford.
“I was saddened to learn about the attack on Representative Khan as she was leaving a service marking a peaceful day in the Muslim community. It is horrible to see a Muslim American woman targeted especially on a holy day. We need to come together, now more then ever, and show support for our Muslim Community. My heart is with Representative Khan and her family. Muslim Americans and all other communities in Connecticut should feel safe to practice their faith. They should feel safe no matter where they are. There is no place for hate here.”
SENATOR ANWAR CHEERS STATE BOND COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF $1.3 MILLION FOR SOUTH WINDSOR ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM
SENATOR ANWAR CHEERS STATE BOND COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF $1.3 MILLION FOR SOUTH WINDSOR ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) cheered the State Bond Commission’s approval of $1.3 million in funds to support the replacement of equipment that is expected to reduce a significant nuisance in parts of town. The $1.3 million will support the replacement of the South Windsor Water Pollution Control Facility’s centralized odor system, following complaints from residents recently that the system’s inefficiencies have caused serious issues with lingering smells in parts of town.
“This funding is important because it will fix an issue causing headaches for a number of constituents. They have regularly contacted me to share their plight, and I worked to help secure these funds for our community,” said Sen. Anwar. “By replacing this system at the town’s facilities, I’m confident that these issues will be alleviated, helping clear the air and improve residents’ experiences. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of this project.”
The $1.3 million committed to the replacement of the centralized odor system, with the project in total costing $2.6 million, with half funded by other means including town funding.
Town residents have expressed concerns over odors from the WPCA; while a report commissioned by the town did not find significant issues with smell, dozens of residents complained at a June 2022 meeting, according to the Journal Inquirer newspaper. Some residents have expressed that the odors impact their daily lives. Improvements to the equipment in question are expected to rectify the situation.
The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Releases Statement Condemning Attack on State Representative Maryam Khan and Her Family at a Prayer Service
The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Releases Statement Condemning Attack on State Representative Maryam Khan and Her Family at a Prayer Service
HARTFORD, CT – Today, the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC) released the following statement condemning the actions of a man who attacked state Representative Maryam Khan and her family while they participated in an Eid-al-Adha prayer service at the XL Center in Hartford.
“I am disgusted by the hateful and vile actions of this individual,” said state Senator and BPRC Chair Pat Billie Miller. “During a time for prayer, togetherness and peace, Rep. Khan and her family were subjected to obscenities and violence. This public attack highlights the audacious nature of hate in our country and unfortunately in our state and must be snuffed out. No one should have to look over their shoulder when they are out with family, in prayer no less. I am praying for Rep. Khan and her family during this traumatic time, one in which should never take place anywhere in Connecticut.”
“I know that many, if not all of us, in this caucus are a part of it because of our obligation to fight hate and discrimination in all of its forms,” said state Representative and BPRC Vice Chair Antonio Felipe. “Rep. Khan is a kind soul who deserves the same freedom as anyone to express her religious beliefs, to practice peacefully and be in fellowship with her family and community. My heart goes out to Maryam, her children, her family and the entire Muslim community. I know she is resilient and will be back fighting for her community very soon.”
According to reports, the representative was grabbed, struck and thrown to the ground by a man who approached her while she was with her sister, a female friend, and her three children, 15 and 10-year-old daughters, and a 12-year-old son. The man also made vulgar remarks towards Rep. Khan and her family. According to reports, the representative sustained minor injuries.