Month: February 2025

SENATOR MAHER JOINS SENATE TO PASS SPECIAL EDUCATION, NONPROFIT FUNDING

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER JOINS SENATE TO PASS SPECIAL EDUCATION, NONPROFIT FUNDING

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the State Senate in voting to approve new investments in special education and nonprofit organizations across the state.

“Today, we’re listening to the people and organizations in our state that are providing benefits to their communities. These are the hardworking, tireless efforts of teachers and families who work to support children’s growth, and the nonprofits which provide countless services across the state,” said Sen. Maher. “This is a message that says we hear you and support you, and it helps them continue doing good work across our state.”

The legislation in question infuses $40 million in state funding to municipalities through the end of the current fiscal year to accommodate rapid increases in the cost of special education, added to $181 million that was previously appropriated for the 2025 fiscal year for a total of $221 million in the year. The funding will be allocated through the state’s excess cost grant program and acknowledges that while Connecticut continues to expand its investment in special education, the costs of that level of education continue to grow.

By administering these funds, the Senate acted to alleviate financial pressure that special education funding may pose to municipalities.

Additionally, the bill provides just under $3 million in supplemental funding to 24 nonprofit organizations through the end of the year. The $2.88 million allocated will support Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, regional gay and lesbian support organizations, and a number of additional groups addressing issues that impact children, immigrants, Jewish communities, women’s health, neighborhood and LGBTQ issues.

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

“While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the Senate’s plan to pass legislation to appropriate $2.88 million to 23 different organizations that address children’s, immigrant, Jewish, women’s health, neighborhood, LBGTQ, and other issues:

“Today’s legislation will bolster organizations that support the very communities that are being targeted by the Trump administration. We are funding Planned Parenthood to ensure that Connecticut women have access to abortion, cancer screenings, sexual health services, and more. We are funding organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community to ensure Connecticut residents can live safely and authentically. We are funding immigrant and refugee services to assist our neighbors legally seeking asylum and pursuing documentation. We are funding local food systems and hunger initiatives, children’s mental health services, public health programs, and organizations that take seriously their commitment to public service.

“Trump and Elon Musk’s funding freezes and federal worker witch hunt have already impacted so many of our constituents. While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values and do everything in our power to insulate the people of our state from the far-ranging and destabilizing implications of a second Trump term.”

The legislation appropriates:
• $800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
• $387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
• $225,000 for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
• $225,000 for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Another $62,500 was appropriated to each of the following organizations:
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
• Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition
• Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Anchor Health Initiative Corp.
• Middlesex Hospital
• Triangle Community Center
• Queer Youth Program of Connecticut
• Kids in Crisis
• OutCT
• Bridgeport Pride Center
• PFLAG Enfield
• PEERPRIDE
• The World Health Clinicians
• Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs
• Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
• City Seed
• Building One Community Corp.
• Havenly
• Junta For Progressive Action

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

“While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the Senate’s plan to pass legislation to appropriate $2.88 million to 23 different organizations that address children’s, immigrant, Jewish, women’s health, neighborhood, LBGTQ, and other issues:

“Today’s legislation will bolster organizations that support the very communities that are being targeted by the Trump administration. We are funding Planned Parenthood to ensure that Connecticut women have access to abortion, cancer screenings, sexual health services, and more. We are funding organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community to ensure Connecticut residents can live safely and authentically. We are funding immigrant and refugee services to assist our neighbors legally seeking asylum and pursuing documentation. We are funding local food systems and hunger initiatives, children’s mental health services, public health programs, and organizations that take seriously their commitment to public service.

“Trump and Elon Musk’s funding freezes and federal worker witch hunt have already impacted so many of our constituents. While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values and do everything in our power to insulate the people of our state from the far-ranging and destabilizing implications of a second Trump term.”

The legislation appropriates:
• $800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
• $387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
• $225,000 for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
• $225,000 for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Another $62,500 was appropriated to each of the following organizations:
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
• Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition
• Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Anchor Health Initiative Corp.
• Middlesex Hospital
• Triangle Community Center
• Queer Youth Program of Connecticut
• Kids in Crisis
• OutCT
• Bridgeport Pride Center
• PFLAG Enfield
• PEERPRIDE
• The World Health Clinicians
• Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs
• Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
• City Seed
• Building One Community Corp.
• Havenly
• Junta For Progressive Action

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the General Assembly’s plan to appropriate $40 million to help local school systems with rising special education costs.

“The co-equal branch of government in charge of appropriating funding has rightfully determined that we have the fiscal ability to support special education with an immediate infusion of $40 million.

“The General Assembly acted responsibly when we instituted various budget reforms in 2017 prior to Governor Lamont’s tenure. We acted responsibly when we filled the Rainy Day Fund to the full $3.9 billion. We acted responsibly when we paid off billions in pension debt. We are still acting responsibly by planning to spend 0.1% of the annual budget to provide supplemental education funding when we have a surplus of $390 million and a volatility cap adjustment of $1.4 billion, resulting in a $1.8 billion aggregate surplus.

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the General Assembly’s plan to appropriate $40 million to help local school systems with rising special education costs.

“The co-equal branch of government in charge of appropriating funding has rightfully determined that we have the fiscal ability to support special education with an immediate infusion of $40 million.

“The General Assembly acted responsibly when we instituted various budget reforms in 2017 prior to Governor Lamont’s tenure. We acted responsibly when we filled the Rainy Day Fund to the full $3.9 billion. We acted responsibly when we paid off billions in pension debt. We are still acting responsibly by planning to spend 0.1% of the annual budget to provide supplemental education funding when we have a surplus of $390 million and a volatility cap adjustment of $1.4 billion, resulting in a $1.8 billion aggregate surplus.

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Arrests

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Arrests

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox released a statement on the arrest of five Bridgeport individuals in connection to absentee ballot abuse in in the 2023 mayoral race.

“As Senate Chair of the new Government Oversight committee, we are tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in government and that begins with free and fair elections. We cannot have a functioning democracy without ensuring that every vote is fairly counted. I am alarmed to hear of the numerous charges alleged against three members of the Bridgeport city council and two others related to absentee ballot fraud and abuse in the 2023 mayoral election. That this news comes on top of allegations in previous election cycles raises even more concerns. I hear these concerns from voters in Bridgeport. Everyone must be sure that their vote is counted fairly as part of a transparent voting process and it is our job to ensure that happens. It is incumbent on Connecticut to extend and strengthen its safeguards, such as election monitors, so that the abuse alleged does not occur in the future.”

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE LEADERS SPEAK UP FOR OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS AS PUBLIC HEARING HELD

Posted on by Devin James

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

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE LEADERS SPEAK UP FOR OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS AS PUBLIC HEARING HELD

Today, the Senate and House Chairs of the Public Health Committee, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield), joined advocates and allies in Hartford in support of overdose prevention centers, an alternative strategy to support and treat individuals with substance use disorder, as the concept was considered in a public hearing.

Advocates joined by Sen. Anwar and Rep. McCarthy Vahey included Dita Bhagrava, a parent advocate; Cameron Breen, an outreach case manager and overdose survivor; Livia Cox, co-founder of the Middletown Harm Reduction Initiative; Liz Evans, senior director of harm reduction at Liberation Programs; and Mark Jenkins, founder and executive director of the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition.

Many of the dozens of supporters on Friday carried pictures of loved ones who have died from overdoses. The full press conference is available to stream on CT-N.

“We need to have an important conversation about two choices – continuing to mourn and bury our loved ones or take a stand and choose life,” said Sen. Anwar. “Overdosing is not a crime – it’s a crisis. When an individual experiences an overdose, there are mere minutes before they start to die, but there’s time to intervene and save a life. Only people who live can go to rehab. Overdose prevention centers are not facilities, but a lifeline for people, and we are in urgent need of lifelines. More than a thousand people a year don’t get that lifeline. How long are we going to wait?”

“When I first learned about overdose prevention centers, I was skeptical,” said Rep. McCarthy Vahey. “When I started listening to advocates, I heard so clearly that this is something that will help save lives. I heard so clearly there have not been deaths at these centers, and how many people die alone of overdoses. We want people to be able to heal. I’ve thought about the fact that legislators often focus on legality, but we need to focus on humanity as well. When it comes to people who experience addiction, our family members, friends and neighbors in this epidemic, not one person should die. You cannot recover if you are dead, and that’s the message that struck home with me. My hope is that we can figure out a way to say yes to something we know will provide help, healing and life for so many.”

“I’m a grieving mom who has felt the devastating impact of addiction firsthand,” said Bhagrava. “This legislation represents hope, healing and the potential to save many lives in our communities. For too long, our state has struggled with a silent but catastrophic crisis. Over the past few years, thousands of lives have been lost to accidental overdoses. Every number represents a son, daughter, friend, sibling – someone with dreams and aspirations that had their life cut short. My own son fell victim to this crisis on his 26th birthday. Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate and it thrives in the shadows of shame and stigma. Research shows that harm reduction strategies save lives by ensuring individuals have access to support when they need it the most. Overdose prevention centers provide not only a safe place to reverse overdoses but also access to important resources such as addiction treatment, harm reduction services and health education. We’ve seen successful OPC models around the world and in New York and Rhode Island. Now it’s time for Connecticut to take that bold step forward.”

“On a late night in 2016, I used drugs alone in my bathroom,” said Breen, who noted his mother found him experiencing an overdose and saved his life – and that not everyone is that lucky. “I’m tired of burying my friends and looking at their family members as they sob and weep, knowing their lives will never be the same. Culturally, we condone the death of people who use drugs, believing in order for someone to get well, they must hit rock bottom, but because of our toxic drug supply, rock bottom is sometimes six feet under the ground. I’m here to support overdose prevention centers because they are lifesaving interventions that have been proven to work all over the world. People who use drugs do not deserve to die simply because they use drugs. Today, we can save lives by supporting this policy. While we continue to talk about this and the moral implications of what centers do, people will continue to use drugs alone, and people will continue to die.”

On Friday, the Public Health Committee’s public hearing included Senate Bill 1285, “An Act Establishing An Overdose Prevention Center Pilot Program,” introduced by Sen. Anwar. The bill calls for the state to develop a pilot program for overdose prevention centers to be established in four municipalities in the state in 2026. Each center would employ licensed health care providers with experience treating substance use disorder to monitor individuals who use substances there, providing medical treatment in the event one has an overdose.

The location would also offer test strips and drug testing technology to anyone seeking them and provide referrals for substance use disorder or other mental health treatment. An advisory committee would also be formed to make recommendations regarding the centers’ public health and safety benefits and operational matters.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, centers have operated in a number of countries overseas for more than 20 years; studies found the centers have not experienced a death from overdoses and in fact have been connected with reductions in public drug use, lower demand on local health care and reduced demand on emergency response services. The centers are also tied to increased access to substance use disorder treatment, according to the NIDA.

The Drug Policy Alliance found the societal impact of overdose prevention centers lead to reductions in discarded syringes, reduced risks that substance users experience physical or sexual violence, and reduce risky behaviors that have previously been associated with serious infectious illnesses including hepatitis and HIV.

In 2022, Data for Progress found that these centers were supported by 64% of Americans surveyed with both major political parties having majority support for the concept.

Senator Miller Welcomes Funding to Make Stamford Streets Safer

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Welcomes Funding to Make Stamford Streets Safer

Sen. Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, welcomed Thursday a $4.8 million investment of federal funding from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to help Stamford make pedestrian safety improvements on East Main Street.

“Too many of our neighbors have been struck by motorists while walking or biking on our city’s streets, often with devastating consequences,” Senator Miller said. “This funding will help make East Main Street safer for Stamford residents, ensuring they can use our roadways without fear regardless of whether they’re on foot or behind the wheel. I’m grateful to the Department of Transportation for investing in our community and prioritizing the safety of our residents.”

Stamford was one of 14 municipalities to receive funding, totaling $56 million, for projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The funding is part of the most recent solicitation of the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, which is administered by the state Department of Transportation.

“These investments provide pedestrians and cyclists safe access to Connecticut’s vibrant urban areas and scenic rural landscapes,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “Through close collaboration with our Councils of Governments, we’re ensuring these projects meet each community’s needs and help build safer, more connected neighborhoods.”

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

SENATOR MARX LEADS HOUSING COMMITTEE IN ADVANCING BILLS SUPPORTING HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION EFFORTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX LEADS HOUSING COMMITTEE IN ADVANCING BILLS SUPPORTING HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION EFFORTS

Today, the Housing Committee advanced two bills supporting homeless populations in Connecticut, led by State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the committee. These bills seek to establish an interagency council on homelessness, with the expressed purpose of improving homelessness prevention and response efforts in the state, and providing funding to the Department of Housing to continue programs aiding those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

The bills both passed the Housing Committee by unanimous bipartisan 18-0 tallies with two members absent.

“Our state has thousands of residents experiencing homelessness, and increasing financial pressures nationally and locally threaten to send that number much higher,” said Sen. Marx. “By putting this new council in place to better advise and study the state’s current outlook, as well as ensuring Department of Housing programs supporting those in need will receive valuable aid, our Committee is taking strong steps to help make numbers go down, not up, and get more people into stable, safe homes.”

House Bill 6894, “An Act Establishing An Interagency Council on Homelessness,” would develop this interagency council to advise and assist the Housing Commissioner. The council would be assigned to improve homelessness prevention and response efforts in Connecticut.

The state’s housing, aging and disability services, children and families, corrections, labor, mental health and addiction services, social services and veterans affairs departments, as well as the Office of Policy and Management, Court Support Services division of the Judicial Department and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority would all have representatives on the council working toward that purpose. Other departments with intersections with homeless populations would also be eligible to join the council.

Once it starts meeting, the council would be tasked with considering ways to strengthen existing homelessness support programs, such as increasing housing stability and affordability; improving the effectiveness of current stare programs, including faster access to resources for individuals in need; and meeting housing demands by maximizing use of funds for housing supports.

House Bill 6893, “An Act Appropriating Funds For Programs To Assist Homeless Persons,” would provide $33.5 million in state funding for the Department of Housing’s homelessness support programs.

The bills today were approved to proceed to the House floor for further consideration.

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

Pivotal Public Hearing for Bill Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Posted on by Devin James

Pivotal Public Hearing for Bill Impacting Thousands of CT Students

Senate Bill 5 would implement the largest increase in scholarship funding in decades

From left to right: Mustapha Muhammad, student at CCSU
Anthony Byers, Executive Director at Hartford Youth Scholars
State Rep. Bill Heffernan
State Rep. Gregg Haddad, co-chair of Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
State Sen. Derek Slap, co-chair of Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee

Today, the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5 – An Act Concerning Higher Education Affordability and Accountability. This legislation is a top priority of the Senate Democrats and takes aim at college affordability by fully funding the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation which provides financial relief on a needs-basis for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities in Connecticut.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are on average between $4,500 and $5,200. In FY 22 only 31% of eligible students received the scholarship, leaving 16,000 students that qualified for the scholarships without state assistance. This legislation would ensure that all eligible students could receive the scholarship.

With the future of federal funding for financial aid programs in question, this legislation seeks to invest in Connecticut students, schools and our workforce.

Connecticut’s investment into needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a NASSGAP survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40-percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“This legislation is an investment into our state’s future,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “By offsetting the cost of Connecticut colleges and universities, we are encouraging students to stay in our state for their education and beyond, growing our economy while enjoying the high quality of life that we have built here in Connecticut.”

“Today we are hearing directly from those who stand to benefit from this legislation – our students,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “This legislation seeks to not just relieve the burden of affording higher education for students and their families, but invests in workforce development by keeping our highly skilled workers here in Connecticut, working for Connecticut companies and building their lives in this great state.”

“Connecticut is a prolific exporter of college students and this legislation is designed to slow the brain-drain,”  said Sen. Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “Connecticut drastically underfunds our needs-based scholarship program, and with this proposal we can tell every Connecticut student that we are willing to invest in them and Connecticut is a place where they can start a career and pave the way toward more opportunity.”

“Investing in college students fuels our economy,” said Rep. Gregg Haddad, House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “A skilled workforce drives growth and scholarships don’t just change lives — they power our state’s future.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319