Senator Maroney Welcomes $433,933.20 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Senator Maroney Welcomes $433,933.20 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) welcomed the state’s announcement that $433,933.20 in state support will be released to schools in the 14th Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Our local schools are dealing with the fallout of the increases in anxiety and depression among children ever since the pandemic,” said Sen. Maroney. “The addition of necessary resources allows for the continued support of students in need. I am grateful these funds will be used to support mental health specialists in schools.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Orange, $249,763.50; Region 5, $184,169.70.

Senator Moore Welcomes $406,976.40 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Senator Moore Welcomes $406,976.40 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Today, State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the state’s announcement that $406,976.40 in state support will be released to schools in the 22nd Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Children deserve to have accessible mental health care and a place and/or person they feel comfortable going to,” said Sen. Moore. “Increasing mental health specialists in our schools is a great place to start. Children everywhere should have the resources available should they need to access it. Mental health is so important as it creates the foundation for one’s well-being.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Great Oaks Charter School, $244,976.40; Bridge Academy, $162,000.

STATE SEN. MATT LESSER VOTES TO APPROVE PLAN FOR $4 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ROCKY HILL, WETHERSFIELD

STATE SEN. MATT LESSER VOTES TO APPROVE PLAN FOR $4 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ROCKY HILL, WETHERSFIELD


HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser voted to approve the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Plan which includes $2 million in federal funding to renovate the Rocky Hill Housing Authority, as well as $2 million to renovate the Harvey Fuller Senior Housing in Wethersfield.

The Rocky Hill Housing Authority consists of 40 units built in the 1970s. These funds, if given final approval by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will allow the Housing Authority to replace the original 1970s windows in all 40 units, install new flooring in 35 units, replace the roofs of 7 buildings, bring ADA units up to code, create 9 new ADA parking spaces and 2 Electric Vehicle charging ports, as well as other necessary plumbing and electrical updates.

“These funds are critical to offering folks safe, clean and affordable housing options,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m eager to see these federal funds receive their final approval so we can provide necessary updates to these housing developments that are home to some of our most vulnerable residents.” Senator Lesser recently visited the Rocky Hill Housing Authority to meet with residents and staff, where he heard about the need for these upgrades.

“I’m excited to see this money finally come to fruition after a long and arduous grant writing process led by Executive Director Susan Moore and her entire housing authority team. Our investment in these homes will provide longevity in affordable housing stock that has a five year waiting list for entry. This is the start of what I hope will be a continued investment into more of this type of housing so that we can expand access and reduce wait times,” said Rep. Kerry Wood.

“On behalf of the Chairperson, the Board of commissioners and the Executive Director, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who assisted us in obtaining the CDBG funds. The 2 million dollars will be utilized for necessary ADA accessibility modifications in the apartments as well as in the community and building structure renovations. Sustainability and safety is our first and foremost priority for our older adult and disabled population who reside at RHHA.” said Susan Moores Carotenuti, Executive Director of the Rocky Hill Housing Authority.

“I would like to thank Senator Matt Lesser, Representative Wood, The Board of Commissioners and Executive Director Susan Carotenuti for all their hard work in obtaining the rehabilitation grant for the 36 Willow Road Project” said Ken Goldberg, Chair of the Rocky Hill Housing Authority.

The Small Cities CDBG Program’s goal is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate-income. The CDBG Program is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is under the cognizance of the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH). The funds will need approval from HUD within 45 days of submission of the state plan.

The plan was approved Thursday by a vote of the Housing, Commerce, and Appropriations Committees. Lesser serves as a member of Appropriations and as Vice Chair of Housing.

SEN. FLEXER WELCOMES $1.37 MILLION IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 9, 2023

SEN. FLEXER WELCOMES $1.37 MILLION IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

State Senator Mae Flexer today welcomed the news that a $1,371,683 in state grants will be released to seven nearby public schools to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years.

The state recently announced the release of a total of $15 million in funding for 72 school districts across Connecticut, supporting the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. Grant values range from $25,150 to $120,000 in each of the first two years and 70% of that amount in the third year.

The grant program uses funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and it was just awarded to Connecticut schools as a result of the 2022 passage of Senate Bill 1, Sen. Flexer and the Connecticut Senate Democrats’ top legislative priority that year, which aimed to address children’s mental health statewide.

“We’ve just gone through a long and significant debate in Killingly about the need and the importance of mental health care for students. Parents made their voices loud and clear that this was a priority for them in Killingly, as I know it is for parents all across Connecticut,” Sen. Flexer said. “I’m overjoyed that a stand I took last year for more student mental health care is now coming to fruition for more than 7,500 public school students in the region.”

The following area school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years:

· Canterbury, $160,698.34

· Killingly, $162,000

· Putnam, $162,000

· Region 19, $164,840.40

· Scotland, $240,300

· Thompson, $319,844.70

· Windham, $162,000

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SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $865,000 IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 9, 2023

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $865,000 IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that $865,621 in state grants will be released to five nearby public schools to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years.

The state recently announced the release of a total of $15 million in funding for 72 school districts across Connecticut, supporting the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. Grant values range from $25,150 to $120,000 in each of the first two years and 70% of that amount in the third year.

The grant program uses funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and it was just awarded to Connecticut schools as a result of the 2022 passage of Senate Bill 1, which was Sen. Osten and the Connecticut Senate Democrats’ top legislative priority that year and which aimed to address children’s mental health care statewide.

“Many of our young students, especially young women, are struggling with mental health issues like sadness, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, Young women are twice as likely as young men to have these thoughts. And there have not been enough resources for them,” Sen. Osten said. “My hope is this three-year investment will make a difference.”

The following area school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years:

· Columbia, $167,400

· Integrated Day Charter School, $193,050

· Lebanon, $209,774

· Ledyard, $162,000

· Norwich Free Academy District, $133,397

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SENATOR COHEN WELCOMES OVER $460,000 IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS

SENATOR COHEN WELCOMES OVER $460,000 IN SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS

State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) welcomes the state’s announcement that over $460,000 in state support will be released to Regional School District 13 and the Madison School District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Mental health support is critical to student success in and out of the classroom, and the past few years have been incredibly tough on our students and their families,” said Sen. Cohen. “These funds will ensure students have access to the mental health care they need and will continue the important work of normalizing seeking help when you need it.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years:

Regional School District 13: $298,350; Madison School District: $162,000.

Senator McCrory Welcomes $724,739.48 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Senator McCrory Welcomes $724,739.48 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Today, State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) welcomed the state’s announcement that $724,739.48 in state support will be released to schools in the 2nd Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Encouraging our kids to talk about their mental health will help them on the road to recovery,” said Sen. McCrory. “Increasing access to mental health specialists in schools can help alleviate the lack of resources a child may need. This funding makes the opportunity possible for every child to receive care they may need while at school.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Bloomfield, $238,739.48; Jumoke Academy, $324,000; Windsor Locks, $162,000.

STATE SENATOR MARTHA MARX RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER STATE SENATOR MELODIE PETERS

STATE SENATOR MARTHA MARX RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER STATE SENATOR MELODIE PETERS

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) released the following statement following the death of former State Senator Melodie Peters. Peters, a former nurse and formerly of Waterford, represented the 20th Senate District for six terms and also served as Vice President of the American Federations of Connecticut and President of the American Federation of Teachers.

“Melodie Peters was a champion of workers’ rights in Connecticut, and not only served as my State Senator but as my union president,” said Sen. Marx. “I used to watch her and say ‘nurses can do anything.’ In her decades of work, she always fought for labor and workers, always seeking a better tomorrow. I am grateful for her service to our great state and join many others in mourning her loss.”

Senator Gaston Welcomes $406,976.40 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Senator Gaston Welcomes $406,976.40 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Today, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the state’s announcement that $406,976.40 in state support will be released to schools in the 23rd Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Students undergo serious stress every day and we need to be there to guide them with the resources needed and make sure help is available,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am thankful this funding will allow children to have easier access to mental health resources in their schools.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Great Oaks Charter School, $244,976.40; Bridge Academy, $162,000.

Senator Hochadel Welcomes $162,000 In Local School Mental Health Specialist Support In District In Next Three Years

Senator Hochadel Supports State Bonding Approved for Cheshire Park

Today, State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) welcomed the state’s announcement that $162,000 in state support will be released to schools in the 13th Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Mental health is the foundation of our emotions, thinking communication, resilience, hope and self-esteem,” said Sen. Hochadel. “It begins when you are a child. Creating a safe space for our children will allow them to have better relationships with themselves and others. I am thankful this funding will allow our school districts to provide more resources to students in need.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Cheshire, $162,000