Month: June 2024

Senators Cohen, Looney, and Duff Release Statement on Death of Connecticut Department of Transportation Employee Andrew DiDomenico

Posted on by Devin James

For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319

Senators Cohen, Looney, and Duff Release Statement on Death of Connecticut Department of Transportation Employee Andrew DiDomenico
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee State Senator Christine Cohen issued a statement on the tragic death of Department of Transportation employee Andrew DiDomenico.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Andrew DiDomenico today. At just 26 years old, Andrew had a whole life ahead of him that was tragically cut short during his service to our state. Our most heartfelt sympathies are with Andrew’s family, friends and fellow workers at the Department of Transportation and we once again urge Connecticut drivers to slow down, pay attention and share the road responsibly. Andrew’s death was entirely preventable and we are outraged by the carelessness displayed on our roads. Traffic fatalities are not just statistics, these are loved ones who had so much life left to live.”

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Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Chevron Deference

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Chevron Deference

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s 6-2 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Dept. of Commerce to overturn deference to agencies called “Chevron deference.” This precedent had been a foundation for administrative law since the Supreme Court ruled in the 1984 case Chevron v NRDC.

“This decision throws our country into a dangerous new legal paradigm. This ruling allows for judges to be the end-all, be-all deciding factors of any number of issues in years to come, forcing government into more and more narrow circumstances and neutering any power government has to prevent abuse and misuse of our systems. Judges now deem themselves experts in everything rather than relying on the subject matter experts at agencies in our state and federal governments. This ruling will subvert government’s capacity to do its job, adopt appropriate regulations, and uphold the standards of our society, leading to significant waste of taxpayer dollars. It sets up a confusing and ineffective future for government – which is perhaps what some Republican leaders want in the first place.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Chevron Deference

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Chevron Deference

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s 6-2 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless, Inc. v. Dept. of Commerce to overturn deference to agencies called “Chevron deference.” This precedent had been a foundation for administrative law since the Supreme Court ruled in the 1984 case Chevron v NRDC.

“This decision throws our country into a dangerous new legal paradigm. This ruling allows for judges to be the end-all, be-all deciding factors of any number of issues in years to come, forcing government into more and more narrow circumstances and neutering any power government has to prevent abuse and misuse of our systems. Judges now deem themselves experts in everything rather than relying on the subject matter experts at agencies in our state and federal governments. This ruling will subvert government’s capacity to do its job, adopt appropriate regulations, and uphold the standards of our society, leading to significant waste of taxpayer dollars. It sets up a confusing and ineffective future for government – which is perhaps what some Republican leaders want in the first place.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR MARONEY HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 28, 2024

SENATOR MARONEY HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT

Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) highlighted an announced $35,360 in mental health support programming grant funding that will be used to support Milford youth and Milford Public Schools over the next two years.

“This funding will support our local students who may need mental health aid when they can’t access it during their summer vacation,” said Sen. Maroney. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Education for recognizing that mental health is a year-round priority.”

The grant, awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, will utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding and provide resources for mental health supports in school programs over the summer this year and in 2025.

This will allow the school district to provide students with the supports they need year-round, especially important as some may only be able to access mental health aid during the school year.
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SENATOR MARX HIGHLIGHTS $120,271 IN LOCAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT SUPPORT

Posted on by Devin James

June 28, 2024

SENATOR MARX HIGHLIGHTS $120,271 IN LOCAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT SUPPORT

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) highlighted an announced $120,271 in mental health support programming grant funding that will be used to support Waterford youth over the next two years.

“It’s relieving to know local students will remain connected with the mental health support they need during the summer months; some may only receive that support in schools, meaning summer vacation can disconnect them from what they need,” said Sen. Marx. “This makes sure mental health aid will remain a year-round focus in our region. I’m grateful to the Governor and the Department of Education.”

The grant, awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, will utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding and provide resources for mental health supports in school programs over the summer this year and in 2025. Waterford Country School will receive $85,000 while the Waterford Youth Service Bureau will receive $35,271.

This will allow the school district to provide students with the supports they need year-round, especially important as some may only be able to access mental health aid during the school year.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR ANWAR HIGHLIGHTS MENTAL HEALTH GRANT SUPPORT FOR EAST HARTFORD SCHOOLS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 27, 2024

SENATOR ANWAR HIGHLIGHTS MENTAL HEALTH GRANT SUPPORT FOR EAST HARTFORD SCHOOLS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) highlighted the announced $85,000 in mental health support programming grant funding that will be used to support East Hartford Public Schools over the next two years.

“While our schools take a summer break, mental health needs year-round attention, and our state’s focus on this important issue will benefit a number of students in the next few years,” said Sen. Anwar. “Providing our youth with the resources they need to be their best selves is incredibly valuable and I’m grateful to the Governor and our Department of Education for recognizing this vital need.”

The grant, awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, will utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding and provide resources for mental health supports in school programs over the summer this year and in 2025.

This will allow the school district to provide students with the supports they need year-round, especially important as some may only be able to access mental health aid during the school year.

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN HIGHLIGHTS PORTLAND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 27, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN HIGHLIGHTS PORTLAND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) highlighted the announced $18,428 in mental health support programming grant funding that will be used to support Portland youth over the next two years. Portland’s school district will receive the funding.

“Mental health support is valuable year-round and I’m encouraged by this continued focus on its importance for youth,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Education for their support.”

The grant, awarded under the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program, will utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding and provide resources for mental health supports in school programs over the summer this year and in 2025.

This will allow the school district to provide students with the supports they need year-round, especially important as some may only be able to access mental health aid during the school year.
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Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Participates in White House Safer States Legislative Convening on Gun Violence Prevention

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Participates in White House Safer States Legislative Convening on Gun Violence Prevention

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, participated Wednesday in the White House Safer States Legislative Convening on Gun Violence Prevention. The event brought together 60 legislators from 30 states, senior federal officials, and prominent thought leaders to discuss and develop effective policies aimed at reducing gun violence.

Senator Gaston was the sole legislator from Connecticut to attend this prestigious event, underscoring the significance of his contributions to public safety and criminal justice policy in the state. During the convening, Senator Gaston highlighted Connecticut’s transformational gun safety policies, particularly the state’s red flag law, gun storage safety laws, and its investment in community nonprofit organizations working to prevent gun violence at a grassroots level.

“This event was an excellent opportunity to promote Connecticut’s groundbreaking gun safety policies,” Senator Gaston said. “I was proud to be among a select group of leading policymakers, engaging with top officials from across the country. This experience reinforced our state’s leadership on violence prevention and provided new ideas to benefit Bridgeport and Stratford in our ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence.”

Senator Gaston was also invited to be a part of a panel to discuss Connecticut’s efforts to address pervasive violence. He emphasized the importance of community partners, grassroots organizations that are directly addressing the problem on the ground, and the state’s proactive stance in investing in these essential programs.

The convening featured talks from senior White House officials and state leaders, including Tom Perez, senior advisor and assistant to the president and director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois. The event included breakout group discussions focused on developing and implementing effective gun violence prevention strategies.

Based on ideas discussed during the event, Senator Gaston hopes to explore securing Department of Justice grants to hire retired law enforcement officers to investigate cold cases. This initiative aims to bring closure to unresolved cases and further enhance community safety.

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, pictured here with key legislators from across the country during the White House Safer States Legislative Convening on Gun Violence Prevention.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Senators Looney, Duff, and Lesser Call for Explanation on Delay in Summer Food Aid

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, and Lesser Call for Explanation on Delay in Summer Food Aid

“Summer programs need to be active during the summer, not near the end of it”

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) called for a more detailed explanation from the state Department of Social Services on the six week delay in the Summer EBT program. The Senators stated:

“Families expecting these benefits during the summer will be unable to access them until their children will already be preparing for the new school year. Delays and issues happen, but the lack of explanation surrounding this change does not answer our constituents’ questions. The last-minute announcement will have a detrimental effect for thousands of families and will increase food insecurity across our communities. Summer programs need to be active during the summer, not near the end of it – we hope the Department of Social Services can provide more information regarding this delay and find ways to help the families who may struggle in its absence.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senators Looney, Duff, and Lesser Call for Explanation on Delay in Summer Food Aid

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, and Lesser Call for Explanation on Delay in Summer Food Aid

“Summer programs need to be active during the summer, not near the end of it”

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) called for a more detailed explanation from the state Department of Social Services on the six week delay in the Summer EBT program. The Senators stated:

“Families expecting these benefits during the summer will be unable to access them until their children will already be preparing for the new school year. Delays and issues happen, but the lack of explanation surrounding this change does not answer our constituents’ questions. The last-minute announcement will have a detrimental effect for thousands of families and will increase food insecurity across our communities. Summer programs need to be active during the summer, not near the end of it – we hope the Department of Social Services can provide more information regarding this delay and find ways to help the families who may struggle in its absence.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov