Month: July 2024

Looney, Duff Statement on Biden’s Decision to Not Seek Re-Election

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Statement on Biden’s Decision to Not Seek Re-Election

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s decision to not seek re-election.

“President Biden’s selfless decision to step aside and pass the torch to Vice President Harris is indicative of his commitment to public service and dedication to the best interests of the American people. His tenure as president has led to a safer world, a cleaner environment, a once in a generation investment in our infrastructure, the fastest economic recovery from COVID, and a stronger health care system. Connecticut and the nation are indebted to President Biden’s lifetime of service.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $2.3M for Sidewalk Improvements in Madison, Guilford, East Haven

Posted on by Devin James

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

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $2.3M for Sidewalk Improvements in Madison, Guilford, East Haven

HARTFORD, CT – This week, State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, welcomes news that the Connecticut Department of Transportation has awarded $2.3 million for sidewalk improvements in the 12th District.

East Haven: Messina Drive Traffic Signal and Pedestrian Walkway ($781,004)

Guilford: Boston Post Road (Route 1) Sidewalk Extension to Madison Town Line ($739,765)

Madison: Scotland Avenue Roadway Improvements ($800,000)

The Community Connectivity Grant Program is a great example of using tax dollars to directly benefit our communities,” said Sen. Cohen. “By making our towns safer and more accommodating for modes of transportation like walking or biking, we can encourage our communities to get outside, move their bodies and not rely on single-use motor vehicle transportation for activities like grocery shopping or dropping their kids off at school. This initiative helps foster walkable neighborhoods which increases our connection to our neighbors and I am thrilled to see this funding in the 12th District and am grateful to Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for their partnership!”

The grants are being awarded through CTDOT’s Community Connectivity Grant Program. This state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer, more accommodating, and equitable for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural centers. This round awarded more than $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities across Connecticut for projects that will improve transportation accessibility and safety.

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Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Comments by CT GOP Chair Proto Regarding Vice President Harris

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Comments by CT GOP Chair Proto Regarding Vice President Harris

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement Friday in response to Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto’s remarks demeaning Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We wish it were surprising that the leader of the Connecticut Republican Party — a political party that has spent the last week shamelessly groveling at the feet of a convicted felon — has now attacked the qualifications of Vice President Kamala Harris solely because she is a Black woman. Vice President Harris’ resume includes decades of public service in roles such as

U.S. Senator, Attorney General of California, and San Francisco District Attorney. The candidacy of a woman with a track record of upholding the law must be an uncomfortable thought for the leaders of a political party that has devolved into a cult-like worship of a convicted felon whose lasting legacy includes stripping away the rights of women across America and ballooning our national debt in order to fund tax breaks for the rich.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Comments by CT GOP Chair Proto Regarding Vice President Harris

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Comments by CT GOP Chair Proto Regarding Vice President Harris

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement Friday in response to Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto’s remarks demeaning Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We wish it were surprising that the leader of the Connecticut Republican Party — a political party that has spent the last week shamelessly groveling at the feet of a convicted felon — has now attacked the qualifications of Vice President Kamala Harris solely because she is a Black woman. Vice President Harris’ resume includes decades of public service in roles such as

U.S. Senator, Attorney General of California, and San Francisco District Attorney. The candidacy of a woman with a track record of upholding the law must be an uncomfortable thought for the leaders of a political party that has devolved into a cult-like worship of a convicted felon whose lasting legacy includes stripping away the rights of women across America and ballooning our national debt in order to fund tax breaks for the rich.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Rahman Applauds State Aid for Glastonbury Sidewalk Project

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Applauds State Aid for Glastonbury Sidewalk Project

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, welcomed a nearly $800,000 Department of Transportation grant this week for Glastonbury to construct a sidewalk along a stretch of Manchester Road between Shoddy Mill Road and Hebron Avenue.

The town will receive $796,700 through the DOT’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, which provides financial support for local initiatives to create safer and more accommodating roads for bicyclists and pedestrians.

“These grants represent an important step in our ongoing efforts to make Connecticut roads safer for pedestrians,” Senator Rahman said. “This funding will ensure that Manchester Road is fully accessible, encouraging more residents to enjoy walking along our scenic roads. I am grateful for the Department of Transportation’s commitment to these vital improvements that enhance both safety and quality of life.”

Glastonbury was one of 17 towns and cities to receive a total of more than $12 million in grants under the sixth round of awards under the Community Connectivity Grant Program.

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

“From sidewalks and multi-use trails to ADA compliant ramps, these 17 projects focus on providing safety enhancements and mobility options to schools, jobs, public transit, and local economic centers,” Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for supporting these important capital improvements across the state.”

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

HADDAM LEADERS WELCOME $800,000 IN SIDEWALK CONNECTION GRANTS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
July 17, 2024

HADDAM LEADERS WELCOME $800,000 IN SIDEWALK CONNECTION GRANTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christine Palm (D-Haddam) and Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry welcomed the state’s announcement that the Department of Transportation and Governor Ned Lamont will release $800,000 in grant funding through the Community Connectivity Grant Program to support sidewalk repairs in Haddam. Specifically, those funds will go toward Higganum Center connections, seeking to connect the Village Center to town landmarks.

“It’s excellent to know our community will receive this key support from the state to support Higganum Center, an economic centerpiece for Haddam, and will help connect it to town for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m excited to see how this work benefits our communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support.”

“As the people of Higganum seek to make their village more walkable, this grant will be a vital step in increasing  both aesthetics and safety,” said Rep. Palm. “We talk a lot about how government funds are apportioned; this is a great example of state funds being used in a creative, efficient, and targeted way for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to be awarded this grant,” said First Selectman McGarry. “We’re working hard to revitalize Higganum Center.  The sidewalks this grant funds will make a major improvement to the area.”

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”
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PORTLAND LEADERS WELCOME $612,000 IN SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
July 16, 2024

PORTLAND LEADERS WELCOME $612,000 IN SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Portland) and Portland First Selectman Ryan Curley welcomed the state’s announcement that the Department of Transportation and Governor Ned Lamont will release $612,000 in grant funding through the Community Connectivity Grant Program to support sidewalk repairs in the community. Specifically, those funds will go toward the Complete Streets Main Street Sidewalk Improvements’ third phase of development.

“It’s wonderful news that our community is receiving key support to improve the safety and connectivity of our sidewalks for walkers, runners, bicyclists and anyone wanting to get around town easier without a car,” said Sen. Needleman. “This work will benefit many town residents and improve local quality of life through support of outdoor travel and recreation. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support.”

“Safe and accessible sidewalks in Portland benefit the entire town as well as visitors,” said Rep. Carpino. They serve to connect our community on both social and economic fronts. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of the governor, our delegation, and the agency for prioritizing Portland.”

“We are thrilled to be awarded this Connectivity Grant,” said First Selectman Curley. “These funds will enable the Town to complete our sidewalk replacement project along Main Street, significantly enhancing walkability and connectivity in one of the most heavily traversed areas in our town. This project is a vital step towards creating a safer and more accessible environment for all our residents and visitors. My thanks to Sen. Needleman, Rep. Carpino, Governor Lamont, and the Department of Transportation for supporting this initiative.”

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

This work will build on existing efforts for Portland’s streets to become more accessible between neighborhoods, allowing for increased access by foot and bicycle to important town resources and fostering better community interconnectivity.
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SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $325,000 FOR NEW CANAAN LAKESIDE AVENUE SIDEWALKS

Posted on by Devin James

July 16, 2024

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $325,000 FOR NEW CANAAN LAKESIDE AVENUE SIDEWALKS

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement that New Canaan will be among 17 communities in Connecticut to receive grants through the Community Connectivity Grant Program. The $325,680 in funds will help move forward the town’s Lakeview Avenue Sidewalk Project, which will help interconnect the local community and make conditions safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“It’s excellent news to hear that New Canaan will be closer to achieving its goal of interconnected neighborhoods. These investments make a difference in the quality of life for all in the community who use the sidewalks,” said Sen. Maher. “This grant program represents areal opportunity for our towns and cities to see better safety and increased access for walkers and bikers. The more connected we can be, the better. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support of New Canaan.”

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

In recent years, New Canaan town officials have worked to support new sidewalk installations on Lakeview Avenue, with targeted areas including the section of the avenue between Millport Avenue and Main Street. Town residents have called for sidewalks in the region for some time.

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

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Shooting at Trump Rally

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Shooting at Trump Rally

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement concerning the shooting at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump:

“The incident in Pennsylvania today involving former President Trump is truly shocking. We are praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery. There is no place for political violence in our country.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Shooting at Trump Rally

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Following Shooting at Trump Rally

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement concerning the shooting at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump:

“The incident in Pennsylvania today involving former President Trump is truly shocking. We are praying for President Trump’s safety and recovery. There is no place for political violence in our country.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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