Month: March 2025

Senator Duff Advocates for Law Enforcement Training to Improve Interactions with Individuals with Disabilities

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Duff Advocates for Law Enforcement Training to Improve Interactions with Individuals with Disabilities

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) voiced strong support for House Bill 7202, An Act Concerning Law Enforcement Training, emphasizing the need for comprehensive police training on interacting with individuals with mental or physical disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Senator Duff submitted testimony to the Public Safety and Security Committee urging the passage of the bill, particularly its provision requiring enhanced officer training.

Citing a 2021 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Senator Duff highlighted the alarming statistic that individuals with developmental disabilities, such as ASD, are seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement than those without disabilities. He pointed to multiple incidents nationwide where a lack of understanding led to unnecessary use of force, injuries, and tragic outcomes.

“Ensuring that police officers receive proper training on autism and other disabilities is not just a policy improvement—it is a necessity for public safety,” said Senator Duff. “Too often, misunderstandings escalate into harmful encounters that could have been prevented with the right knowledge and de-escalation techniques.”

“Autism training for law enforcement is crucial because when individuals with autism interact with law enforcement, they are at a higher risk of misinterpretation and escalation during these encounters, potentially leading to negative outcomes,” said Norwalk Chief of Police James Walsh. “Training can help officers recognize autism behaviors, de-escalate situations, and foster safer, more positive interactions. Overall, law enforcement officers felt they were better prepared and more knowledgeable about the autistic community and believed that the strategies they were taught were applicable in the field to provide better services.”

“In this day and age when we are asking so much of our First Responders when responding to emergencies and crises, it is in everyone’s best interest (particularly theirs) to have been provided with the tools that they will need to use their skills when interacting with persons with mental or physical disabilities or special needs (including those with autism),” said M. Jeffry Spahr of Families for Autism Acceptance, Inclusion and Recognition (FAAIR). “This Bill is designed to develop training curriculum that will assist them in delivering informed responses, procedures and techniques to a variety of situations involving persons who may need a specialized response. The need for this training has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other States. By making this training available and requiring its instruction, a huge benefit is being delivered to both our Law Enforcement personnel as well as our special needs community.”

The proposed training would equip officers with the tools to recognize behaviors such as stimming, sensory overload, and communication difficulties—common characteristics of ASD. The goal is to reduce misinterpretations of these behaviors as threats and to ensure safe and effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities.

“This legislation is about keeping both officers and community members safe,” Senator Duff added. “By passing HB 7202, we can foster more informed and compassionate policing, ensuring that those with disabilities receive the understanding and respect they deserve.”

Senator Duff urged the Public Safety and Security Committee to move forward with the bill, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive policies that promote safety, fairness, and dignity for all Connecticut residents.

Senator Duff’s full testimony can be found here and more information about the bill can be found here.

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

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $250k for East Haven Family Resource Center

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $250k for East Haven Family Resource Center

EAST HAVEN – Last week, State Senator Christine Cohen welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030 board that will bring $250,000 to the Town of East Haven for the Family Resource Center expansion.

The Town of East Haven plans to transform the Family Resource Center into a comprehensive community hub that includes a dynamic recreational area, designed to support local youth and families.

The CIF vote is a key step toward final approval of the plan by the State Bond Commission, which must come within 60 days of the CIF vote.

“The Family Resource Center is a staple for the East Haven community and I am grateful that they will be receiving these much needed funds,” said Sen. Cohen. “They offer childcare, food assistance, educational opportunities and more. Thank you to legislative leadership for approving these funds, and to Governor Lamont for continuing to use state dollars to increase economic and community development across the state.”

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

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPERIOR COURT UPHOLDS PURA DECISION ON UI RATE CASE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPERIOR COURT UPHOLDS PURA DECISION ON UI RATE CASE

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, issued the following statement following the New Britain Superior Court’s ruling this week to uphold the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s 2022 decision to reduce a United Illuminating rate request from $131 million to $23 million in 2022:

“Another court case, another victory for ratepayers. For years now, after consistent action by PURA to rein in rate cases and save ratepayers money – including this case, where more than $100 million in potential spending was cut back – I only grow more confident they’ll prevail when challenges are heard in court. PURA’s decision was based on a lack of evidence provided by United Illuminating, and that was upheld in this challenge, which is exactly how these proceedings should go. If utilities want to increase the rates they charge, they need to file thorough, evidence-based arguments supporting their claims. Otherwise, they’ll continue seeing outcomes like these.”

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

Senate Priority Bill Tackling Prescription Drug Costs Advances

Posted on by Devin James

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Senate Priority Bill Tackling Prescription Drug Costs Advances

HARTFORD – Thursday evening, Senate Bill 11, which seeks to address prescription drug affordability, passed out of the Human Services Committee. The Senate Priority legislation now heads to the Senate floor.

According to a 2022 study of more than 1,300 Connecticut adults from the Healthcare Value Hub found that:

-Over half (55%) experienced at least one healthcare affordability burden in the past year;

-Nearly 4 in 5 (78%) worry about affording healthcare in the future;

-Over 1 in 4 (28%) of those surveyed with household incomes under $50,000 had rationed medication in the last 12 months due to cost.

-Lower-income respondents and respondents with disabilities are more likely to go without care and incur debt due to excessive and burdensome healthcare costs; and

-Across party lines, respondents express strong support for government-led solutions.

Connecticut Democrats have worked to address various barriers in access to prescription drugs, including capping the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $25, allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control, and authorizing the ArrayRx discount drug program, Senate Bill 11 will build upon this work through a number of proposals:

-Establishes a fiduciary duty for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to act in the best interest of the health carrier or other health benefit plan sponsor, and requires disclosure of pricing and profits when one parent company owns a PBM, insurer and/or pharmacy

-Prohibits PBMs from charging their plan sponsor more for a prescription than the PBM paid to the dispensing pharmacy, protecting community pharmacies from monopolistic market pressure

-Requires PBMs to use a pricing model that compensates them based on the amount of claims they process rather than the price of drugs sold, thus removing the incentive to drive up prices to increase profit margins

-Requires that drugs purchased by the state are tied to reference prices like those negotiated under the Inflation Reduction Act, allowing Connecticut to leverage federal negotiating power

-Requires certain health benefit plans to make the lowest wholesale acquisition cost insulin available to the beneficiary with no copay

-Establishes a program to import safe, low cost drugs from Canada

-Expands emergency Medicaid coverage consistent with federal law to treat emergency medical conditions, including high risk pregnancies, type 1 diabetes in patients under 21, diabetic emergencies, hypertensive emergencies, labor and delivery and other emergency procedures.

-Requires HUSKY coverage to include GLP-1 prescription drugs (like Ozempic or Weygovy) to treat weight loss, and creates an advisory council to look at lowering the cost of these drugs to the HUSKY program

-Prohibits private insurance from imposing arbitrary time limits on general anesthesia during medically necessary procedures

-Gradually reduces the HUSKY C asset limit until completely eliminated by FY 2030

“Corporate greed is harming consumers in nearly every sector, and the pharmaceutical industry may be one of the greatest offenders,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “The cost of prescription drug prices affects nearly every household in the state and puts extreme pressure on our state budget. This legislation tackles the issue from several angles, from addressing Pharmacy Benefit Managers and determining who exactly they benefit, to exploring cost saving measures like bulk purchasing and a Canadian importation program.”

“People across the country are grappling with prescription drug prices and it can often feel like an issue too large to undertake,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “But here in Connecticut, we have a piece of legislation that increases transparency and holds corporate partners accountable, seeks to create international partnerships to import cheaper drugs and creates consumer protections for nursing home residents. Connecticut is just one state affected by this nationwide issue, but instead of waiting in vain for leadership at the federal level, we are taking matters into our own hands to provide relief for Connecticut residents.”

“This bill is a landmark bill to lower prescription drug prices and save taxpayer dollars and the votes on SB11 and the Bipartisan Prescription Drug Task Force mark an important step forward,” said Sen. Matt Lesser, Chair of the Human Services Committee. “I am grateful to the members of the committee for their strong support.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Senator Norm Needleman(D-Essex), are urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to address the growing vulnerabilities of the state’s critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and malicious use of artificial intelligence.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman wrote a letter to PURA on February 18 highlighting the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting essential services beyond electricity, gas, and water. They stressed the need for heightened vigilance and proactive defense across hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications, financial institutions, and civic organizations. The senators called for PURA to assess and report by the end of 2025 on measures to enhance Connecticut’s preparedness, security, and resilience.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman are requesting that PURA provide a detailed plan by the end of the year for strengthening cybersecurity efforts and defending against potential disruptions.

 

The letter they wrote to PURA is below:

February 18, 2025

 

Commissioners

Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, Connecticut 06051

 

Dear Commissioners:

We write with regard to Connecticut’s growing vulnerability to disruption from cyberattack and malicious use of artificial intelligence. We share the concern of many colleagues and Connecticut residents as to how PURA maintains vigilance, supports defense, and prepares to participate in recovery efforts subsequent to cyber compromise or disruption by use of artificial intelligence.

Given the increasing frequency, sophistication and breadth of probes and interference in our critical infrastructure in the broadest sense, we face significant harm from more numerous and powerful sources of threat. Connecticut needs to be aware of and prepared to thwart or manage cyber and artificial compromise to our essential government and private sector services.

Our interest goes beyond the scope of what we frequently discuss as “critical infrastructure” – the distribution and available use of electricity, natural gas and water – to critical infrastructure in the broadest sense. We need to focus on these normal areas of concern, but also on a range of other potential targets such as hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications systems, financial structures and operations and civic organizations whose disruption would cause significant damage to Connecticut’s security, safety and wellbeing.

We rely on the reliability and safe functioning of our social fabric more than ever, making us dependent on institutions for the necessities of life. We need to expand our concept of “critical infrastructure” to consider how we can best identify and detect potential threats, prevent their execution and defend against possible attacks, and recover from potential damage. We need to create, manage and rehearse programs in all of these areas. Connecticut requires both ongoing vigilance to ensure reliability as well as practiced contingency plans to manage actual damage.

Specifically, we request from PURA an assessment and report by the end of 2025 assessing the points in this letter and setting forth plans for PURA to work with Connecticut’s utilities, relevant government authorities including federal, state and local agencies and private business to identify what constructive steps PURA can take to add regulatory strength to our urgent need for security and integrity in the continued functioning of our critical infrastructure.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this request with you and urge you to work with the urgency our vulnerabilities require to protect Connecticut from cyber and artificial intelligence threats.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Senator Norm Needleman(D-Essex), are urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to address the growing vulnerabilities of the state’s critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and malicious use of artificial intelligence.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman wrote a letter to PURA on February 18 highlighting the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting essential services beyond electricity, gas, and water. They stressed the need for heightened vigilance and proactive defense across hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications, financial institutions, and civic organizations. The senators called for PURA to assess and report by the end of 2025 on measures to enhance Connecticut’s preparedness, security, and resilience.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman are requesting that PURA provide a detailed plan by the end of the year for strengthening cybersecurity efforts and defending against potential disruptions.

 

The letter they wrote to PURA is below:

February 18, 2025

 

Commissioners

Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, Connecticut 06051

 

Dear Commissioners:

We write with regard to Connecticut’s growing vulnerability to disruption from cyberattack and malicious use of artificial intelligence. We share the concern of many colleagues and Connecticut residents as to how PURA maintains vigilance, supports defense, and prepares to participate in recovery efforts subsequent to cyber compromise or disruption by use of artificial intelligence.

Given the increasing frequency, sophistication and breadth of probes and interference in our critical infrastructure in the broadest sense, we face significant harm from more numerous and powerful sources of threat. Connecticut needs to be aware of and prepared to thwart or manage cyber and artificial compromise to our essential government and private sector services.

Our interest goes beyond the scope of what we frequently discuss as “critical infrastructure” – the distribution and available use of electricity, natural gas and water – to critical infrastructure in the broadest sense. We need to focus on these normal areas of concern, but also on a range of other potential targets such as hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications systems, financial structures and operations and civic organizations whose disruption would cause significant damage to Connecticut’s security, safety and wellbeing.

We rely on the reliability and safe functioning of our social fabric more than ever, making us dependent on institutions for the necessities of life. We need to expand our concept of “critical infrastructure” to consider how we can best identify and detect potential threats, prevent their execution and defend against possible attacks, and recover from potential damage. We need to create, manage and rehearse programs in all of these areas. Connecticut requires both ongoing vigilance to ensure reliability as well as practiced contingency plans to manage actual damage.

Specifically, we request from PURA an assessment and report by the end of 2025 assessing the points in this letter and setting forth plans for PURA to work with Connecticut’s utilities, relevant government authorities including federal, state and local agencies and private business to identify what constructive steps PURA can take to add regulatory strength to our urgent need for security and integrity in the continued functioning of our critical infrastructure.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this request with you and urge you to work with the urgency our vulnerabilities require to protect Connecticut from cyber and artificial intelligence threats.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Senator Norm Needleman(D-Essex), are urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to address the growing vulnerabilities of the state’s critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and malicious use of artificial intelligence.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman wrote a letter to PURA on February 18 highlighting the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting essential services beyond electricity, gas, and water. They stressed the need for heightened vigilance and proactive defense across hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications, financial institutions, and civic organizations. The senators called for PURA to assess and report by the end of 2025 on measures to enhance Connecticut’s preparedness, security, and resilience.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman are requesting that PURA provide a detailed plan by the end of the year for strengthening cybersecurity efforts and defending against potential disruptions.

 

The letter they wrote to PURA is below:

February 18, 2025

 

Commissioners

Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, Connecticut 06051

 

Dear Commissioners:

We write with regard to Connecticut’s growing vulnerability to disruption from cyberattack and malicious use of artificial intelligence. We share the concern of many colleagues and Connecticut residents as to how PURA maintains vigilance, supports defense, and prepares to participate in recovery efforts subsequent to cyber compromise or disruption by use of artificial intelligence.

Given the increasing frequency, sophistication and breadth of probes and interference in our critical infrastructure in the broadest sense, we face significant harm from more numerous and powerful sources of threat. Connecticut needs to be aware of and prepared to thwart or manage cyber and artificial compromise to our essential government and private sector services.

Our interest goes beyond the scope of what we frequently discuss as “critical infrastructure” – the distribution and available use of electricity, natural gas and water – to critical infrastructure in the broadest sense. We need to focus on these normal areas of concern, but also on a range of other potential targets such as hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications systems, financial structures and operations and civic organizations whose disruption would cause significant damage to Connecticut’s security, safety and wellbeing.

We rely on the reliability and safe functioning of our social fabric more than ever, making us dependent on institutions for the necessities of life. We need to expand our concept of “critical infrastructure” to consider how we can best identify and detect potential threats, prevent their execution and defend against possible attacks, and recover from potential damage. We need to create, manage and rehearse programs in all of these areas. Connecticut requires both ongoing vigilance to ensure reliability as well as practiced contingency plans to manage actual damage.

Specifically, we request from PURA an assessment and report by the end of 2025 assessing the points in this letter and setting forth plans for PURA to work with Connecticut’s utilities, relevant government authorities including federal, state and local agencies and private business to identify what constructive steps PURA can take to add regulatory strength to our urgent need for security and integrity in the continued functioning of our critical infrastructure.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this request with you and urge you to work with the urgency our vulnerabilities require to protect Connecticut from cyber and artificial intelligence threats.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, & Needleman Urge PURA to Strengthen Cybersecurity and AI Protections

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Senator Norm Needleman(D-Essex), are urging the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to address the growing vulnerabilities of the state’s critical infrastructure to cyberattacks and malicious use of artificial intelligence.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman wrote a letter to PURA on February 18 highlighting the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats targeting essential services beyond electricity, gas, and water. They stressed the need for heightened vigilance and proactive defense across hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications, financial institutions, and civic organizations. The senators called for PURA to assess and report by the end of 2025 on measures to enhance Connecticut’s preparedness, security, and resilience.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney, and Needleman are requesting that PURA provide a detailed plan by the end of the year for strengthening cybersecurity efforts and defending against potential disruptions.

 

The letter they wrote to PURA is below:

February 18, 2025

 

Commissioners

Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority

10 Franklin Square

New Britain, Connecticut 06051

 

Dear Commissioners:

We write with regard to Connecticut’s growing vulnerability to disruption from cyberattack and malicious use of artificial intelligence. We share the concern of many colleagues and Connecticut residents as to how PURA maintains vigilance, supports defense, and prepares to participate in recovery efforts subsequent to cyber compromise or disruption by use of artificial intelligence.

Given the increasing frequency, sophistication and breadth of probes and interference in our critical infrastructure in the broadest sense, we face significant harm from more numerous and powerful sources of threat. Connecticut needs to be aware of and prepared to thwart or manage cyber and artificial compromise to our essential government and private sector services.

Our interest goes beyond the scope of what we frequently discuss as “critical infrastructure” – the distribution and available use of electricity, natural gas and water – to critical infrastructure in the broadest sense. We need to focus on these normal areas of concern, but also on a range of other potential targets such as hospitals, schools, transportation systems, communications systems, financial structures and operations and civic organizations whose disruption would cause significant damage to Connecticut’s security, safety and wellbeing.

We rely on the reliability and safe functioning of our social fabric more than ever, making us dependent on institutions for the necessities of life. We need to expand our concept of “critical infrastructure” to consider how we can best identify and detect potential threats, prevent their execution and defend against possible attacks, and recover from potential damage. We need to create, manage and rehearse programs in all of these areas. Connecticut requires both ongoing vigilance to ensure reliability as well as practiced contingency plans to manage actual damage.

Specifically, we request from PURA an assessment and report by the end of 2025 assessing the points in this letter and setting forth plans for PURA to work with Connecticut’s utilities, relevant government authorities including federal, state and local agencies and private business to identify what constructive steps PURA can take to add regulatory strength to our urgent need for security and integrity in the continued functioning of our critical infrastructure.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this request with you and urge you to work with the urgency our vulnerabilities require to protect Connecticut from cyber and artificial intelligence threats.

Labor Committee Advances Bill from Senator Hochadel on Breastfeeding Accommodations

Posted on by Devin James

Labor Committee Advances Bill from Senator Hochadel on Breastfeeding Accommodations

Sen. Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, applauded the legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee for its Thursday vote to advance her bill to ensure that Connecticut employers provide breastfeeding parents adequate time to express milk or feed their children.

Current state law includes language permitting employees to express breastmilk at their workplace during that person’s meal or break period. Senator Hochadel proposed Senate Bill 1030 to broaden that language so breastfeeding parents are allowed opportunities whenever those employees have the need to express breastmilk or breastfeed.

The Labor and Public Employees Committee voted Thursday to advance the proposal to the Senate floor for consideration.

“Returning to work after giving birth is challenging enough without the added discomfort of needing to express milk when your work schedule does not provide the opportunity,” Senator Hochadel said. “Breastfeeding parents have needs that don’t always align with scheduled lunch breaks, especially in jobs like nursing or teaching, where those breaks are often determined by the needs of patients and students. This bill provides those parents some basic dignity, and I’m grateful to the Labor Committee for moving it one step closer to becoming law.”

LOONEY, DUFF, MAHER OUTRAGED AS FEDERAL AGRICULTURE FOOD PURCHASING PROGRAMS CANCELED

Posted on by Devin James

LOONEY, DUFF, MAHER OUTRAGED AS FEDERAL AGRICULTURE FOOD PURCHASING PROGRAMS CANCELED

“Harming American students, food banks and farmers at the same time”

Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) were outraged this week as the United States Department of Agriculture announced its cancellation of a program supporting schools, food banks and farmers in Connecticut and nationally.

The cancellation involves programs that provided schools and food banks with funds to purchase locally-grown food from local farms and ranchers, representing $1 billion in federal spending. According to the School Nutrition Association, roughly $660 million supporting the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program has been canceled nationwide after being previously allocated. The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program has also been cut.

According to the state Department of Education, that will represent the loss of about $5.6 million in future funding for fresh food in Connecticut schools and child care facilities, with about $1.8 million in existing funds still usable. In addition, the Department of Agriculture expects to lose $3.7 million in funding. The direct financial impact on food banks is not yet known.

“Cutting funds supporting hardworking Connecticut farmers is bad enough. Cutting funding for meals in schools and child care centers is even worse,” said Sen. Looney. “Like many decisions coming out of Washington since January 20, this is a short-sighted decision with real suffering inflicted on the American people. Farmers are already facing rapidly changing conditions, only to see another important source of funding now disappear. Students won’t be able to enjoy fresh, healthy foods in school. I’m puzzled at what sense this decision makes, if any, as I am appalled at the cruelty evident in such a policy.”

“It’s almost impressive, in a horrifying way, that the Trump Administration is harming American students, food banks and farmers, all at the same time,” said Sen. Duff. “These funds were already approved for use, making their cancellation simply cruel. People in our communities – young students and their teachers, local farmers, those in need – will struggle without this support. And all this for negligible savings at best; this program, which helped countless people, has a cost representing a rounding error in the federal budget. Is harming children and farmers making America great?”

“After years of discussing children’s nutrition, and extensive efforts to connect Connecticut children with healthy, fresh foods, it’s astonishing to discover the federal government actively working against those goals,” said Sen. Maher, Senate Chair of the Committee on Children. “Programs like Local Food for Schools are a lifeline for youth in communities across the state and provide financial opportunities for Connecticut farmers. To see them unceremoniously cut, with agriculture and children’s health and nutrition no longer a federal priority, is a travesty.”

USDA spokespersons said funding announced in October 2024 is no longer available, with previous agreements to be canceled after a 60-day notification period. They claimed the programs “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.”

More than 40 states utilized the LFS program before its cancellation.