SEN. KUSHNER LEADS FINAL PASSAGE IN SENATE OF A BILL TO SUPPORT STRIKING WORKERS AND OTHER NEEDY FAMILIES

Posted on May 8, 2024May 22, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS FINAL PASSAGE IN SENATE OF A BILL TO SUPPORT STRIKING WORKERS AND OTHER NEEDY FAMILIES

State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today led final passage in the Senate of a bill that creates the “Connecticut Families and Workers Account” to be used by the state comptroller to assist low-income workers in the state – including union members who are out on strike.

The new account is financed with up to $3 million in unexpended funds from the Fiscal Year 2024 State Employees Health Services Costs within the State Comptroller – Fringe Benefits account that will be carried forward into Fiscal Year 2025, which begins July 1.

House Bill 5431 passed the Senate just before midnight Wednesday as the last bill of the 2024 session on a partisan 23-12 vote; it now heads to Governor Lamont for his signature into law.

“There was a lot of discussion over the past few months about the need to level the playing field for striking workers so they could exercise their rights under the law without fear of having to feed their families or maybe losing their homes,” Sen. Kushner said. “Now it’s up to the comptroller to administer this fund in the best way possible, which I’m sure he will do.”

“Labor law is heavily weighted in favor of employers. In fact, they have their thumb on the scale during negotiations,” said Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. “But the General Assembly took a major step towards leveling the playing field for working people by establishing a fund to aid striking workers. House Bill 5431 will allow workers to exercise their right to strike without simultaneously facing foreclosures, evictions and repossessions. It follows the example set by New York and New Jersey who have had similar laws on the books for several years.”

The concept of the “Connecticut Families and Workers Account” is rooted in House Bill 5164, “AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS,” which would have allowed striking employees to access unemployment benefits after a period of two consecutive weeks of striking. The bill received wide support at its public hearing and passed out of the committee on a partisan 8-4 vote.

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Senators Maher and Kushner Secure $405,000 For Ridgefield, Sen. Maher Secures $520,000 For Weston and Wilton

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

May 7, 2024

Senators Maher and Kushner Secure $55,000 For Ridgefield, Sen. Maher Secures $520,000 For Weston and Wilton

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $925,000 in projects supporting the 26^th Senate District in the 2024 legislative session. State Senators Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) secured $55,000 for Ridgefield, while Sen. Maher secured an additional $520,000 for Weston and Wilton.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday includes $55,000 for the Ridgefield Meeting House. It further includes $500,000 to support Weston emergency operations and $20,000 for dishwasher and utensil upgrades for Wilton High School, a project that Sen. Maher supported thanks to advocacy from Wilton High junior Danny Banashak.

“Our communities benefit from strong support in Hartford,” said Sen. Maher. “It’s rewarding to be able to deliver this funding; knowing these projects will impact so many members of our community is one of the best parts of being a State Senator.”

“The Meetinghouse prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone in the community. I know these funds to construct a handicapped accessible ramp on their new Martinsen Barn will help them further accomplish these goals,” Sen. Kushner said.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Note: A previous version of this press release listed funding of $100,000 to support the Ridgefield Playhouse and $250,000 for the Ridgefield Theatre Barn. Due to staff error, these were mislabeled as funding approved in 2024; they were part of the 2023-24 budget approved in June 2023.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Duff Secures Additional $5 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

Duff Secures Additional $5 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff led passage of House Bill 5523, An Act Concerning Allocations of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds and Provisions Related to General Government, Human Services, Education, and the Biennium Ending June 30 2025, which included an additional new allocation of $5 million in federal ARPA funding for the city of Norwalk.

“I’m proud to have led passage of this critical funding for the city of Norwalk,” said Senator Duff. “With the upcoming property tax revaluation and the shift of the property tax burden from commercial to more residential real estate property, this funding will go a long way to helping relieve the property tax burden on homeowners. This new state grant brings Norwalk’s 2025 state funding total to $32.6 million, which is a $6.4 million increase over last year.”

“I want to thank Senator Duff for his leadership in securing $5 million from the State for Norwalk,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “He always brings millions and millions of dollars to Norwalk and we are immensely grateful.”

Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Milford Delegation Secures More Than $700,000 For Local Projects

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 7, 2024

Milford Delegation Secures More Than $700,000 For Local Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $700,000 for local projects in the 14^th Senate District, which State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), State Representative Frank Smith (D-Milford) and State Representative Mary Welander (D-Orange, Derby, Hamden, Woodbridge) gladly welcomed.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Monday, includes $600,000 supporting Milford Public Safety, including support for the Fire Department, acquisition of a boat and a jetski, new fire hydrants, and road improvements toward the town’s boat ramp; $50,000 for the Orange Volunteer Fire Department; and $25,000 each for the Food2Kids food insecurity nonprofit in Milford, the WHEAT food insecurity nonprofit in West Haven and the Milford Boys and Girls Club’s summer programming for students.

“This funding will make an incredible difference throughout our region and throughout our state,” said Sen. Maroney, “and it represents the long hours and hard work my colleagues and I have conducted this year in the legislature working toward a better Connecticut. I look forward to seeing how this funding aids our communities and our state with problems big and small.”

“Funding Milford’s fire department represents a commitment to keeping everyone safe on the road,” said Rep. Frank Smith. “New equipment will allow our first responders to conduct better training, respond faster to emergencies and foster positive relationships with the community.”

“This funding for the Orange Volunteer Fire Association is a crucial investment in public safety,” said Rep. Mary Welander. “Our firefighters are responding to an alarming number of traumatic events and these resources will help them continue to keep our community safe. I am absolutely thrilled that Sen. Maroney and I worked collaboratively to successfully secure this funding in support of the OVFA.”

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Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Today, Chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Gregg Haddad advocated for and helped to secure much needed investments into higher education funding. The House and the Senate voted on a stabilization bill that allocates $372.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, $160 million of that for Higher Education funding. $80 million will be allocated to UConn and another $80 million will be allocated to the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system. There is an additional $40 million set to be allocated.

“Higher education funding is essential to the success of our students, our workforce and our economy,” said Sen. Slap. “I am so pleased by this substantial investment into Connecticut’s future, especially the expansion of the successful PACT program. Removing barriers to higher education is one of the main charges of the Higher Education Committee and this program will do exactly that. I want to thank President Biden and our Congressional leaders for allocating this funding in the 2021 stimulus package, Senate President Marty Looney for hearing and responding to the needs of students, administrators, parents and staff – and our institutions of higher education for their collaboration and readiness to put these dollars to work.”

“The allocation and authorization of $200 million to UConn, UConn Health, our state universities, and CT State Community College, provides funding that is essential to maintaining quality post-secondary opportunities for students,” said Rep. Haddad. “Without this level of needed support, tuition increases, staffing cuts and program closures were imminent. Instead, students at our public colleges and universities can be assured that the legislature has their backs. Our institutions will continue to face significant fiscal hurdles, so state government must continue to reach for sustainable solutions to guarantee, which Connecticut students have a quality, affordable path to a degree in the future.”

The stabilization bill also:

Expands the Pledge to Advance CT (PACT) program which gives eligible Connecticut high school graduates the opportunity to attend a Connecticut community college debt-free by awarding them grants for the difference between the cost of tuition and fees and their scholarships, grants, and federal, state, or institutional aid. The program will now be available to students who are residents of Connecticut, but did not graduate from a Connecticut high school.

Additionally, the bill increases the program’s minimum awards from $250 to $500 for full-time students, and from $150 to $300 for part-time students and requires all grants made to eligible students under the debt free community college program to be designated as the “Mary Ann Handley Grant.

The bill passed the House 103-48 and the Senate 26-10.
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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 7, 2024

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $1.8 million in projects supporting the 3^rd Senate District and $5.5 million that will support several of Sen. Anwar’s foremost health priorities in the 2024 legislative session.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Monday, includes $200,000 to support the South Windsor High School Chemistry Lab, $50,000 for the East Hartford Career Quest Camp, $200,000 for East Hartford Youth Sports, $300,000 each for East Hartford Public Schools Career Training and East Hartford Chestelm All Day All Care adult care, and $650,000 supporting InterCommunity school-based health centers. Another $99,778 will support Ellington vehicle purchases.

The allocation also includes $3.5 million to support urgent care crisis centers in the state, an important health care priority for Senator Anwar, as well as $1 million to support the advancements gained in Senate Bill 1, which will provide increased protections for health care workers in the state among other enhancements and studies of pressing maladies statewide, $260,000 for a grant administrator further supporting that bill, and $1 million to support unhoused residents and fight the continuing problem in the state.

“Much of the work done every year at the state Capitol involves discussing with my colleagues the issues big and small that our communities face and working to solve those problems,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m proud to secure this valuable support for the residents of our district, knowing much of it will support our state as a whole as well.”

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Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

May 7, 2024

Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including $1.15 million to support six separate projects across the 33^rd Senate District. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was proud to deliver such support to the region as the bill in question passed by a 26-10 vote.

The $1.15 million in funding includes $250,000 for Clinton’s Town Beach; $250,000 for the Lyme Public Library and Town Hall’s HVAC systems; $200,000 for carpet replacements at Colchester’s Bacon Academy; $200,000 for East Haddam’s I-Park Foundation; and $150,000 for the Essex Fire Department. It also includes $100,000 to support the regional Deep River, Essex and Cheshire Dog Pound.

“This funding will play an important role supporting and improving facilities in towns across the 33^rd Senate District, and I’m ecstatic to see its approval helping neighbors and friends throughout our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “This is an excellent investment in our towns’ futures.”

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Senator Marx Secures Millions Supporting Early Childhood Education, Shore Line East, Local Parks, Child Care, Military, Youth Services

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

May 7, 2024

Senator Marx Secures Millions Supporting Early Childhood Education, Shore Line East, Local Parks, Child Care, Military, Youth Services

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $372.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including $2 million to support the Early Childhood Center at B.P. Learned Mission, which offers day classes and special education classes to the community; $5 million for services on Shore Line East, and $200,000 for the Thames River Heritage Park as it became part of the Passport to the Parks program. It further provided $1.8 million for regional child care support, $5.224 million to support a microgrid at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London and $107,500 for local youth service organizations.

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) was proud to see this funding included as the bill passed 26-10.

The B.P. Learned Mission Early Childhood Center opened in 2021 to provide Birth to Age 8 child care services. It allows New London’s school district to shift all of its preschool programs from the Harbor School to the new building. It also hosts social service programs and additional town resources.

The $5 million for Shore Line East will support the resumption of an additional peak service train in the morning and evening. Public comment will be sought for the best times to restore service.

The Thames River Heritage Park will be one of two parks added to the Passport to the Parks program’s funding benefits, receiving up to $200,000 annually in support.

The Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program will receive $1.8 million supporting child care in New London County, including support for Electric Boat employees.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may reimburse the costs up to $5.224 million associated with the design and construction of a microgrid at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London.

Finally, 11 local youth service preservation organizations will receive support, including $10,000 for the Drop-In Learning Center, $5,000 for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, $15,000 for Higher Edge, $10,000 for the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut, $7,500 for New England Sailing and Swimming, $10,000 each for New London Babe Ruth, New London Football, New London Cheerleaders and New London Little League, $10,000 for Safe Futures and $10,000 for Whales Helping Helpers.

“Delivering support for vital early childhood education for our local community is a proud accomplishment, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this valuable support for the 20^th District and the region,” said Sen. Marx. “From supporting our parks to public transportation, from supporting our military to smaller grants benefitting so many local organizations, I’m excited for these funds to benefit learning and growth for local children for years to come.”

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Rahman Secures $1.25 Million in Additional Funding for Manchester and Glastonbury Projects

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Rahman Secures $1.25 Million in Additional Funding for Manchester and Glastonbury Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including roughly $1.25 million to more support projects championed by Senator MD Rahman, including upgrades to a park in Manchester and the development of affordable housing in Glastonbury.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included $500,000 to support a project to support a commercial redevelopment project on Nye Road in Glastonbury, where developers are expected to begin constructing affordable housing units next year.

“These funds will help preserve a vital piece of Manchester’s historic downtown and boost the availability of housing in Glastonbury,” Senator Rahman, D-Manchester, said. “I am glad I could do my part to secure this critical support for our communities.”

The allocation also includes $500,000 for the expansion and upgrade of Charter Oak Park in Manchester. Another $250,000 will support the Cheney Hall Foundation, which manages the business and property of the town-owned historic building, which is now home to the Little Theatre of Manchester.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Senator Hochadel Secures More Than $1 Million in Additional Funding for Meriden and Cheshire

Posted on May 7, 2024May 8, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Secures More Than $1 Million in Additional Funding for Meriden and Cheshire

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including $1 million in additional funding to support projects championed by Senator Jan Hochadel, including resources for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club and the Cheshire Health District.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included significant funding for programs and nonprofits benefiting residents and children in Meriden, Cheshire and Middlesex County.

“By securing funding for quality programs like the Meriden Boys & Girls Club and the Middlesex YMCA, I worked to put these federal dollars to work improving the lives of children throughout my district,” Senator Hochadel, D-Meriden, said. “These initiatives will complement a boost in municipal funding for Meriden, ensuring the town can continue to provide quality education to its youngest residents.”

Among the projects funded by the ARPA legislation were $500,000 for the town of Meriden, $50,000 for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club, and $50,000 for the Middlesex YMCA. The bill also included $350,000 to renovate the local health district in Cheshire and $150,000 to support the Community Empowerment Foundation, a nonprofit book store in Cheshire that employs residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.