Month: October 2024

Senate Leaders Call on Republican State Senator to Retract Statement Undermining Connecticut Elections

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Leaders Call on Republican State Senator to Retract Statement Undermining Connecticut Elections

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement after today’s Hartford Courant report entitled “Senator claims CT elections not secure; 300 officials say otherwise” wherein Republican State Senator Rob Sampson attempted to undermine Connecticut’s democracy.

“Republican Senator Rob Sampson’s Trump-playbook, dishonest claim that voter fraud is occurring in various Connecticut cities and towns is a direct threat to our democracy. Falsely asserting there is widespread voter fraud in our state is nothing but a desperate attempt to sow doubt regarding the integrity of our elections. This Trumpian falsehood serves as a local version of national rumors and baseless accusations from the Republican party. It’s the same rhetoric that led to the events of January 6, 2021, and it’s the same rhetoric that’s been circulating nationally for months, well before any voter even cast a ballot, to lay seeds for another attempted overthrow of the American government.

“As the leaders of Connecticut’s State Senate, we have a duty to the General Assembly to defend our democratic representative government. We call on Senator Sampson to retract his statement and admit what every election official in the state knows as true: Connecticut’s 2024 election is free, fair, and secure.”

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

Senator Rahman Earns a Perfect Grade on 2024 Environmental Scorecard

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Earns a Perfect Grade on 2024 Environmental Scorecard

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, received a perfect score of 100% from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) this week based on his support of pro-environment legislation during the 2024 legislative session.

The CTLCV’s annual scorecard, released Tuesday, assigned Connecticut legislators numerical grades based on their support or opposition to proposals to reduce pollution, promote climate resilience, or preserve natural resources. This year’s scorecard evaluated votes on more than a dozen environmental bills to generate the overall score.

“Recent severe weather events have taken a toll on our neighbors and local farmers, many of whom have faced significant crop losses due to flooding. I am grateful to the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for recognizing my consistent support for policies that protect our environment and build resiliency in the face of these challenges,” Senator Rahman said. “By voting for these key environmental policies, we are safeguarding the agricultural community and helping to build a sustainable future for Connecticut’s next generation.”

Some new policies highlighted in this year’s scorecard included:

-SB 292, PFAS Ban: This law prohibits the use of toxic PFAS chemicals in a wide range of consumer products such as textiles, carpets, and children’s items.

-HB 5052, Supporting Solar Energy in Schools: This policy, adopted through state bonding, creates financing for solar energy and energy efficiency projects in public schools, reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions.

-HB 5219, Herbicides Along Railroads: This new law requires railroads to adhere to standards on the application of herbicides in railroad rights-of-way to protect water sources and wetlands.

-SB 301, Energy Efficiency Standards:  This policy, adopted through state bonding, updates Connecticut’s energy efficiency standards for consumer products and provides grants for retrofitting projects to reduce energy use and costs.

Senator Rahman was one of 18 senators — all of them Democrats — to receive a perfect score in this year’s environmental report card. Democratic senators scored an average grade of 97% for their votes to protect Connecticut’s environment. Republican senators scored an average of 50%, according to the CTLCV.

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

Connecticut’s Unemployment Rate Hits 23-Year Low

Posted on by Devin James

Connecticut’s Unemployment Rate Hits 23-Year Low

By Joe O’Leary
October 23 @ 12:15 pm

September was a banner month for the Connecticut economy, as the state’s unemployment rate plunged to levels not seen since nearly the beginning of the century, according to statistics from the Department of Labor.

The agency reported that the unemployment rate fell to just 3.2% in September, which Gov. Ned Lamont noted was the lowest level of unemployment seen in the Nutmeg State since September 2001. That data was collected prior to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania that spurred short-term economic headwinds nationally.

The decline in unemployment was welcome news for Connecticut and came as the state saw a slight decrease in government sector employment. In September, private employment across the state remained level while state government employment fell slightly due to student workers not yet being on payroll when the survey was taken. Evening that out, while August saw a net loss in jobs, those numbers were revised to account for 300 more jobs filled than expected.

These figures match trends reported by the Department of Labor where, in recent years, Connecticut has seen strong hiring early in the year that slows down in the latter half of the year with overall growth.

While September did not spur significant growth, Connecticut’s economy has remained resilient amid murky national trends. From the end of 2023 to September 2024, the state added 14,500 total jobs, and compared to the national Labor Force Participation Rate of 62.7%, Connecticut’s stands just over 64%, with more than 75,000 jobs left to be filled for job-seekers.

In a press release, Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said the state was trending in the right direction.

“While we’ll see monthly ups and downs, the underlying economy remains solid; we must keep our focus on workforce development, housing, and other issues that attract and retain a talented workforce,” she said.

The Department of Labor’s Director of Research, Patrick Flaherty, said that Connecticut was experiencing challenges in improving hiring.

“Stronger economic growth is constrained by the size of the workforce and high retirements in key industries such as manufacturing,” Flaherty said.

In further good news for workers and consumers, on a year-over-year basis, hourly earnings rose 6.1% in the Nutmeg State while the Consumer Price Index went up 2.4%. Not only was the CPI pacing with national inflation year-over-year, hourly earnings were strongly outpacing them, while average weekly earnings surged 8% from a year prior with increases in numbers of hours worked.

Senator Hochadel Receives a Perfect Grade on 2024 Environmental Scorecard

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Receives a Perfect Grade on 2024 Environmental Scorecard

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, received a perfect score of 100% from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) this week based on her support of pro-environment legislation during the 2024 legislative session.

The CTLCV’s annual scorecard, released Tuesday, assigned Connecticut legislators numerical grades based on their support or opposition to proposals to reduce pollution, promote climate resilience, or preserve natural resources. This year’s scorecard evaluated votes on more than a dozen environmental bills to generate the overall score.

“The environmental decisions we’re making now will impact the future we leave for the next generation of Connecticut residents. That’s why I’m proud to receive this perfect score from the CTLCV,” Senator Hochadel said. “These votes reflect my belief that we can work together to protect Connecticut’s natural resources while forging more resilient communities and I’m committed to keeping our state on a healthy and sustainable path.”

Some new policies highlighted in this year’s scorecard included:

-SB 292, PFAS Ban: This law prohibits the use of toxic PFAS chemicals in a wide range of consumer products such as textiles, carpets, and children’s items.

-HB 5052, Supporting Solar Energy in Schools: This policy, adopted through state bonding, creates financing for solar energy and energy efficiency projects in public schools, reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions.

-HB 5219, Herbicides Along Railroads: This new law requires railroads to adhere to standards on the application of herbicides in railroad rights-of-way to protect water sources and wetlands.

-SB 301, Energy Efficiency Standards:  This policy, adopted through state bonding, updates Connecticut’s energy efficiency standards for consumer products and provides grants for retrofitting projects to reduce energy use and costs.

Senator Hochadel was one of 18 senators — all of them Democrats — to receive a perfect score in this year’s environmental report card. Democratic senators scored an average grade of 97% for their votes to protect Connecticut’s environment. Republican senators scored an average of 50%, according to the CTLCV.

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

SEN. LESSER WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR MIDDLETOWN YMCA, ROCKY HILL INFRASTRUCTURE, WETHERSFIELD FARM

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RLEEASE

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

 

SEN. LESSER WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR MIDDLETOWN YMCA, ROCKY HILL INFRASTRUCTURE, WETHERSFIELD FARM

Senator Matt Lesser (center) with Executive Director Michele Rulnick and Volunteer Teresa Opalacz of the Middletown YMCA celebrating the State Bond Commission approval of $8 million to renovate the Y.

 

HARTFORD – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) today welcomed State Bond Commission approval of more than $8 million for projects in Middletown, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield.

The bond commission today gave final approval to $8 million in Community Investment Funds to renovate and expand the Northern Middlesex YMCA facility in Middletown, including ADA access, multi-generational spaces and increased childcare/preschool care.

Rocky Hill received $175,000 in state aid for sewer extension and infrastructure improvements along Cedar Hollow Drive.

The Friends of Kycia Farm in Wethersfield also received $150,000 to help preserve the farm. The Friends is a non-profit organization of the Kycia Farm, which is owned by the Town of Wethersfield to promote farming, land preservation, and community engagement.

“The Y has been a fixture at the corner of Main and Union streets in Middletown for nearly a century. It needs some work to continue serving the residents here for another 100 years,” Sen. Lesser said. “I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for helping the people of Middletown, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield improve their quality of life.”

SEN. KUSHNER AND REP. LEEPER – CO-CHAIRS OF SCHOOL INDOOR AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP – WELCOME $11.5 MILLION IN STATE BONDING FOR CLEAN AIR FILTERS IN SCHOOLS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

 

SEN. KUSHNER AND REP. LEEPER – CO-CHAIRS OF SCHOOL INDOOR AIR QUALITY WORKING GROUP – WELCOME $11.5 MILLION IN STATE BONDING FOR CLEAN AIR FILTERS IN SCHOOLS

 

HARTFORD – The two Democratic co-chairs of Connecticut’s School Indoor Air Quality Working Group today welcomed an $11.5 million state investment to build classroom air

purifiers – part of their ongoing efforts to improve air quality in Connecticut’s school classrooms to benefit students, teachers, administrators, and visitors.

The State Bond Commission today approved an $11.5 million grant to purchase equipment and materials for the construction and installation of individual classroom air purifiers by the University of Connecticut as part of the Supplemental Air Filtration for Education program under the Clean Air Equity Response Program. The air purifiers are to be built along the lines of so-called do-it-yourself “Corsi-Rosenthal” boxes, which are typically made of a box fan, four common furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard.

Connecticut’s School Indoor Air Quality Working Group was founded in 2022, and state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and state Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield) were appointed co-chairs. The group is charged with developing requirements to inspect and evaluate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Connecticut’s public schools.

“After a lot of hard work and advocacy, Connecticut is on track to improve the air quality in our public schools with these low-cost but highly effective classroom air purifiers,” Sen. Kushner said. “When you combine this low-tech approach with the millions of dollars we are investing in wholesale HVAC change-outs at schools – like in Ridgefield – we are making giant strides in improving the learning environment for our students and teachers.

“I’m thrilled to see the Bond Commission approve funds for University of Connecticut’s Indoor Air Quality Initiative to receive these funds to rapidly get their more affordable Corsi-Rosenthal  air filters directly into classrooms and enhance air quality for students and staff,” Rep. Leeper said. “These filters are safer and more efficient, providing a win-win for the students, staff, and faculty of UConn. Serving as co-chair of the Indoor Air Quality Working Group has shown me the importance of providing the highest level of air quality to all schools, and Senator Kushner and I are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for every student across the state. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for your support of our mission, and to Senator Kushner for being such an effective partner.”

Far from some kitschy kitchen-table invention, these boxes – named after engineers Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal who invented it during the COVID-19 pandemic – have been tested by the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency and shown to remove 97% of infectious aerosols in just 30 minutes, and 99.4% within 60 minutes – including the virus that causes COVID-19. A recent study in published in Environmental Science & Technology showed the boxes also significantly decrease the concentrations of several PFAS and phthalates in a room. PFAS, a type of synthetic chemical found in a range of products including cleaners, textiles and wire insulation, decreased by 40% to 60%; phthalates, commonly found in building materials and personal care products, were reduced by 30% to 60%.

Today’s state bonding for these classroom air purifiers comes just five months after Sen. Kushner announced a major state investment in clean air for Ridgefield’s classrooms. In May, Sen. Kushner announced that the state Department of Administrative Services had unveiled its 2024 list of Indoor Air Quality grants for public schools in Connecticut, and that eight Ridgefield schools were receiving a total of $191,454 to help pay for a variety of projects, including the installation of ventilators, mini-split air conditioners, roof exhaust fans, upgraded heating and cooling, air exchange and heat recovery, heat pumps, and other air quality-related work.

Senator Maroney Welcomes State Funding to Milford and West Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Welcomes State Funding to Milford and West Haven

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) is welcoming $1.25 million in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for projects in Milford and West Haven. Funds will be allocated to provide a grant to redesign the roadway and parking lots at Wilcox Park and Founders Walk in Milford and to help with development planning for the West Haven Village Improvement District.

Senator Maroney is thankful to the State Bond Commission as more funding is necessary to help with completing the parking lots in Milford. As a State Representative, Senator Maroney began this major project, secured money, and chaired the committee that oversaw the project. Sen. Maroney is also pleased the funding was approved for the planning of the West Haven Village Improvement District.

“I am grateful to the members on the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for approving additional funding needed to work on enhancing the safety of the roadways and parking lots at Wilcox Park and Founders Walk,” said Senator Maroney. “Securing funds for the West Haven Village Improvement District is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the well-being of our residents. By enhancing our neighborhoods today, we are creating a safer, more resilient community for those in the future.”

“I would like to thank Senator Maroney, the State Bond Commission, and Governor Lamont for their support of our parks and neighborhoods,” said Rep. Frank Smith. “This funding will ensure our green spaces are more accessible, safer, and more enjoyable for families and visitors for years to come.”

“It’s important to invest in local recreational resources that make our communities safe and attractive places for families and residents,” said Rep. Kathy Kennedy. I am grateful for the bipartisan efforts in securing this funding to improve our infrastructure and expand access to our beautiful parks.”

In 2021, the state bond commission approved $1.5 million that helped to enhance Founders Walk and Wilcox Park. The funds began with redesigning the roadways and parking lots. Today, the State Bond Commission approved an additional $1 million to work on completing the roadways and parking lots.

Founders Walk is a beautification project along the head of the harbor where Milford’s settlers landed in 1639. The walkway runs from the Hotchkiss Bridge up to Memorial Bridge on New Haven Avenue.

The State Bond Commission also approved $250,000 today for West Haven Downtown Revitalization Planning. This funding will help to add a parking garage downtown.

“A truly thriving community is built by investing in the well-being of its residents, enhancing public spaces, and fostering an environment where everyone can live, work and grow,” said Sen. Winfield. “I am thankful to the State Bond Commission for their commitment to the people of West Haven. Approving this funding will help produce a stronger neighborhood for everyone.”

“This is welcomed funding for West Haven’s downtown Village Improvement District,” Rep. McGee said. “The potential for West Haven Center is great and I’m excited to see it come to fruition. I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving the funds.”

“I thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for officially approving the $250,000 request for the City of West Haven’s Revitalization Planning,” said Rep. Bill Heffernan. “This funding continues to move us in the right direction and I thank Mayor Dorinda Borer for her vision for West Haven’s future.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 508-479-4969

Senator Lopes Welcomes Half A Million Dollars to Trinity on Main in New Britain

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-304-2319

Senator Lopes Welcomes Half A Million Dollars to Trinity on Main in New Britain

Today, state Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain) is welcoming $500,000 in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for the Trinity on Main Theater in New Britain. These funds will help improve much needed repairs in the venue.

“I am incredibly grateful for this funding approved by the State Bond Commission that will allow for the continued preservation and enhancement of this beautiful, historic venue,” said Sen. Lopes. “This necessary funding will work to repair so many significant issues including the boiler that has been broken for months. The restoration of the boiler will bring a safe and warm environment for those to enjoy the Trinity on Main this upcoming winter. The upkeep of this significant venue will ensure that future generations can continue to experience and enjoy the rich legacy of this special place.”

“With the strong efforts of Senator Lopes and the New Britain legislative delegation in securing funds, we will be able to prepare for our next phase,” said Former President of the Board of Directors, Brendan Kennedy. “In making the case to support our efforts we highlighted the fact that we will soon be welcoming 600 to 700 new residents once the new apartment complexes open later this year. These new apartments are all located with one block of Trinity-on-Main. We will also be embarking on a capital campaign to raise additional funds in support of additional projects.”

Today, the State Bond Commission approved $500,000 to help with repairs at Trinity on Main in New Britain. The funding will be used to help with roof leaks, replacing steam pipes and exit signs in the basement and theater, replacing the annex boiler and repairing the steam boiler in the basement, electrical work, HVAC repairs, and other smaller projects to help maintain the safety of the Theater.

Trinity on Main is a premier venue for live performances, events and rental space. The architect of 69 Main Street, formerly the Trinity United Methodist Church, was Amos P. Cutting, one of New England’s most prestigious architects in the late 19th century. In 2000, the congregation of the church was unable to meet expenses and unfortunately voted to demolish the church. This led to a community effort to save the New Britain landmark. It is now known as Trinity on Main and its goal is to create a much-needed cultural center for Central Connecticut for arts, community and education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-304-2319

Senator Gaston Welcomes $10 Million to Bridgeport to Address Flooding

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Welcomes $10 Million to Bridgeport to Address Flooding

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming $10 million in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for the Rebuild by Design pilot project. The funds will be used to make improvements to address flooding in the south end of Bridgeport at the Marina Village/Windward Apartments.

“This has been an issue for years for residents living in the south end of Bridgeport,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am hopeful with this funding we can provide a sense of relief to many of our neighbors at the Marina Village and Windward Apartments. I am grateful to the State Bond Commission for approving this much needed funding that will lower the risk of the chronic flooding while improving the health and safety of the community.”

The South End neighborhood experiences flooding resulting from both coastal and inland flooding and regular rainfall events. These chronic flooding issues are the result of both an aged and combined stormwater sewer system. These funds will help support stormwater and resiliency improvements to address these flooding issues. The Rebuild by Design project includes installing diverse types of stormwater detention methods and flooding prevention methods.

The Rebuild project will continue in the South End of Bridgeport, which experienced the most significant impacts during Superstorm Sandy and has also faced acute challenges in other storms (e.g., Hurricane Irene) and chronic flooding challenges posed by an aged and combined stormwater sewer system. The intended combined effect of these project components is to create flood resiliency within the study area including residents and businesses, during typical rain events as well as more intense storms, improving overall health and safety for the area.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MILLIONS IN STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORT IN NEW LONDON, WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Posted on by Devin James

October 22, 2024

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MILLIONS IN STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORT IN NEW LONDON, WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $8.988 million in support for New London and Waterford to support projects important to the local community. The projects in question include new radios for Waterford’s first responders, redevelopment of key downtown buildings in New London, and reallocation of funds to support work at Seaside State Park in Waterford.

Additional approvals give final approval to Community Investment Fund grants that will aid Montville town planning, New London senior housing redevelopment and New London resources for addiction recovery.

“I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of our communities,” said Sen. Marx. “These funds will support important local projects, ranging from improved public safety in Waterford and important downtown redevelopment in New London, as well as updated work in Seaside State Park and final approval of several key local projects. I’m excited to see the benefits they’ll bring to our region.”

On October 21, the State Bond Commission approved dozens of items supporting projects around the state. In Waterford, $500,000 will be allocated to support the replacement of the town’s public safety radio systems. Such upgrades serve to provide first responders with improved access and availability of communication, which serves to bolster the town’s response to emergencies and other significant issues as they arise.

In addition, in New London, grant funding valued at $1,237,500 will be reallocated from the Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant Program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, to the city.

The funds will support The Day Devco, LLC, a subsidiary of High Tide Capital, for façade repairs, energy efficiency upgrades and window and roof replacements. High Tide Capital is a Maine-based development company that purchased the New London Day’s former buildings, along with several others adjacent to the Amtrak Station, and seeks to redevelop them for plans that include a potential 120-room hotel, apartments and retail spaces. The new complex is hoped to serve as a centerpiece for New London’s downtown.

Another $7 million in funding will support investments and improvements to Seaside State Park in Waterford. The funds were initially allocated via American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2023, but its funding source has shifted to a larger $30 million allocation for statewide improvements and repairs and new construction at various state park, forest, boat launch and wildlife management areas approved by the Bond Commission today.

Formerly home to a sanitorium, the state park is being converted into a passive recreation park, designed to remove deteriorated buildings, add restrooms, picnic areas and walking trails, and improve the shoreline area and parking to better suit visitors’ needs. The funds are part of a larger $30 million allocation of funds supporting improvement, repair and construction work at state parks, forests, boat launches and wildlife management areas.

Three Community Investment Fund projects, which initially were announced in September, also received final approval in the bond agenda. These include $250,000 each for an investment plan on Route 32 in Montville, for planning for redevelopment of Gordon Court senior housing in New London, and to support the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.’s planned New London Recovery Community for individuals in recovery on Colt and Reed Streets.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov