Month: March 2025

Senator Maroney Celebrates $1.8 Million Being Allocated to West Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Celebrates $1.8 Million Being Allocated to West Haven

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) welcomed a vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) that will bring $1.8 million to West Haven.

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

The CIF is giving $1.8 million to the City of West Haven. The City of West Haven proposes to revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Upgrades will be transit-oriented and include traffic calming, pedestrian safety and accessibility, and paving several roads/sidewalks in disrepair.

“This investment will not only improve the safety and accessibility of our streets but also enhance the quality of life for our residents, especially those who have served our country,” said Sen. Maroney. “By focusing on these upgrades and much needed repairs, we are ensuring that West Haven continues to be a community where all can thrive. I am grateful West Haven is receiving this funding for these crucial improvements.”

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state.

Senator Gaston Celebrates $2.5 Million Being Allocated to Projects in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Celebrates $2.5 Million Being Allocated to Projects in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed a vote by the Community Investment Fund (CIF) that will bring $2.5 million to Bridgeport.

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

The CIF is giving $2 million to the Barnum Museum Foundation. The Barnum Museum, a historic cultural institution in Bridgeport since 1893, provides educational programs, community events, and accessibility initiatives for diverse audiences. It engages thousands of students, families, and seniors through partnerships with schools and local organizations. The proposed project will continue the Museum’s restoration, focusing on safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The CIF is also giving the Green Village Initiatives Inc. $250,000. Green Village Initiative is a nonprofit organization serving Bridgeport focused on addressing systemic inequities in the local food system through urban agriculture, education, and community empowerment. The Bridgeport Regional Food Hub & Community Empowerment Initiative is a planning project to develop a county-wide food hub in Bridgeport.

And the CIF is giving the Mercy Learning Center $250,000. Mercy Learning Center provides basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. CIF funding would finance specific assessments and plans to address elements that arise from the Organizational Strategic Plan and process prioritizing capital renovations and expansion.

“What a significant step forward for Bridgeport, this funding from the Community Investment Fund will help strengthen three vital pillars of our community: the Barnum Museum, the Green Village Initiative, and the Mercy Learning Center,” said Sen. Gaston. “These organizations have long served as cornerstones of education, empowerment, and growth in our city, and with this funding, they will continue to uplift and inspire individuals. From enhancing safety and accessibility at the Barnum Museum to addressing food inequities and expanding opportunities for women, this investment reflects our commitment to creating a more equitable and vibrant Bridgeport. I am proud to see these institutions thrive and look forward to the positive impact this funding will have on our community for years to come.”

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state.

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES VOTE SUPPORTING $250,000 STATE GRANT FOR EAST WINDSOR AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES VOTE SUPPORTING $250,000 STATE GRANT FOR EAST WINDSOR AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENT

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund 2030 board, commonly known as CIF, that will bring $250,000 to East Windsor to support affordable housing.

The $250,000 grant will support the development of two vacant parcels of land adjacent to the currently existing Park Hill senior and disabled apartment community.

The CIF vote is a necessary step toward final approval of the CIF plan by the State Bond Commission, which must vote in the next 60 days.

“The CIF program delivers strong results, helping towns and cities across the state access funds that support vital initiatives in their communities like this one,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s inspiring and reassuring to know East Windsor will benefit from these funds in support of new affordable housing development in town, with this grant speeding the planning process.”

The Housing Corporation of East Windsor will receive $250,000 for “Park Hill 2 & 3,” part of its nonprofit mission of expanding quality affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals in the East Windsor area. Park Hill 2 & 3 will be built adjacent to the existing Park Hill community, with project funds moving the planning process forward to prepare the 13-acre property for development.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding.

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. The CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

Grants are available for capital improvement programs, like brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development and home/public facility rehabilitation; small business capital programs like micro loan programs, gap financing and start-up funds supporting small businesses; and planning for capital projects, like community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plans and construction budgets.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES VOTE SUPPORTING $6.02 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS FOR NEW LONDON COMMUNITY HALL, PLANNED PARENTHOOD RELOCATION PROJECTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES VOTE SUPPORTING $6.02 MILLION IN STATE GRANTS FOR NEW LONDON COMMUNITY HALL, PLANNED PARENTHOOD RELOCATION PROJECTS

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund 2030 board, commonly known as CIF, that will bring $6.02 million in grant funding to New London to support two grants. The first will provide $4 million to New London’s Mercer Community Hall project, while the second will invest $2.02 million toward Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Inc.’s relocation to New London.

The CIF vote is a necessary step toward final approval of the CIF plan by the State Bond Commission, which must vote in the next 60 days.

“To know these funds are one step closer to providing a new venue for local events, adding another draw for the surrounding region, and promoting better health and access to care throughout New London is reassuring and wildly positive for our community,” said Sen. Marx. “They’re the kind of investments that revitalize our community and provide our city with valuable resources that will last for decades.”

Sen. Marx wrote letters of support for both projects.

The Mercer Community Hall Project involves New London partnering with the Garde Arts Center to renovate and expand Mercer Community Hall. This seeks to enhance community engagement and accessibility through the arts, utilizing the hall’s downtown location to offer affordable event space, support local arts and workforce opportunities and keep local events local. The center is hoped to host 270 events in its first year and 540 events by its fifth year, with programming including town halls, cultural festivals and educational workshops.

Planned Parenthood’s relocation to New London will involve the renovation and expansion of the property at 467 Ocean Avenue in New London to become the organization’s New London health center. Planned Parenthood health centers promote high-quality family planning and reproductive services. Once work is complete, the center is expected to serve more than 5,500 people annually, increasing productivity and patient satisfaction and reducing the number of patients traveling to other Planned Parenthood health centers.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding.

The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. The CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

Grants are available for capital improvement programs, like brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development and home/public facility rehabilitation; small business capital programs like micro loan programs, gap financing and start-up funds supporting small businesses; and planning for capital projects, like community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plans and construction budgets.

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $2.5M for Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $2.5M for Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT – Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030 board that will bring $2.5 million to Bridgeport for a number of projects.

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

The projects include:

-$2 million for the Barnum Museum Foundation for a museum revitalization project to continue the museum’s restoration, focusing on safety, accessibility and energy efficiency.

-$250,000 for the Mercy Learning Center which provides basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income, using a holistic approach within a compassionate and supportive environment. The funding will be used for capital improvement planning, renovations and expansion.

-$250,000 for Green Village Initiatives Inc. to create a Regional Food Hub that serves all of Fairfield County.

“The Community Investment Fund is an incredible example of leveraging state funds to lift up underserved communities,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “These projects are critical investments into the health and betterment of our community – from the Barnum Museum which has long served as a cultural institution, to the Mercy Center that provides upward mobility for women, to a regional food hub that will serve the needs of the greater Fairfield County. I am grateful to the legislative leaders for recommending these important projects for approval, and to Governor Lamont for his commitment to fostering economic development in every corner of the state.”

SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE GRANT TO RE-MAKE EMPTY ART SCHOOL INTO AN ARTS HUB

Posted on by Devin James

SENATORS LOONEY & CABRERA WELCOME STATE GRANT TO RE-MAKE EMPTY ART SCHOOL INTO AN ARTS HUB 

HAMDEN – Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030 board that will bring $250,000 to Hamden to begin the process of renovating the former Paier College of Art campus into “HALO” – the Hamden Arts and Learning Oasis, an arts and culture hub.

It is envisioned that HALO will feature remodeled visual and performing arts studios equipped for painting, sculpture, dance, music, writing, performance, multimedia arts, and interdisciplinary fields such as wellness, culinary arts, and sustainability. A community gallery will showcase works by local artists and students, while workshops and classes will engage individuals of all ages in learning and artistic exploration. Additionally, a residency program will provide studio space and resources for emerging and established artists.

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

“Like law and literature, art, music and dance are just as significant a part of the fabric of our society. The desire to re-make a shuttered art school into a hub of art and culture in Hamden is a wonderful re-use of the facility that will benefit the community and expand the local arts scene,” Sen. Looney said.

“We have to put Paier behind us and find a way to move forward for the benefit of the community and of local artists. I think the HALO project has merit and I look forward to the community discussions and design plan to make it a reality,” said Sen. Cabrera.

The $250,000 grant has been awarded to Transcend The Trend, whose mission is to achieve equity in the local education system in and through the arts. Since its founding in 2021, TTT has focused on providing youth programs, fostering educational partnerships, and supporting the development of resources for underserved artists in Hamden and Stamford.

The architectural and design plans for HALO will be created after a community engagement meeting and a feasibility study. The project also includes the development of fundraising materials to pay for the cost of renovating the space. The goal of the arts and culture hub is to increase the number of youth and adults engaged in arts education programs annually to about 300 participants, and to provide at least 50 local artists with professional development and exhibition opportunities.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding. The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. The CIF will provide hundreds of millions of dollars to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

CIF grants are available for:

Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation.

Small business capital programs, including revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses.

Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget.

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $3 MILLION STATE GRANT FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK IN NAUGATUCK

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $3 MILLION STATE GRANT FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK IN NAUGATUCK 

NAUGATUCK – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed a vote by the bipartisan Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030 board that will bring $3 million to Naugatuck to further develop the abandoned, former Uniroyal tire site which will result in 600 to 800 new, permanent jobs and an increase of tens of millions of dollars in Naugatuck’s grand list of taxable property.

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

“It’s almost impossible to describe what this state funding means to the people of Naugatuck and to the plans we have to redevelop the former Uniroyal tire site. It’s a massive, massive project that is going to pay unbelievable dividends to the town and the region, both in terms of hundreds of new jobs and tens of millions of dollars back onto the grand list,” Sen. Cabrera said. “I see very bright times ahead for Naugatuck with investments like this.”

Sen. Cabrera wrote a letter for support for the state funding along with Senator Joan Hartley,  Representative Seth Bronko, and various community organizations.

Naugatuck Industrial Park III, formerly known as the Uniroyal Chemical/United States Rubber Company, is an 86-acre former brownfield. Throughout history, heavy industry contributed significantly to war efforts by way of manufacturing rubber for the boots and tires of American and British soldiers throughout the World Wars, leaving the site overwhelmingly contaminated. Thanks to combined efforts of the federal and state governments, the site has moved from the remediation phase to the redevelopment phase. This long-standing vacant land now has the opportunity to be placed back on the tax rolls for the benefit of the Naugatuck Valley workforce.

The Phase II project, located in the Naugatuck Industrial Park III, will expand progress made to-date on site, directly connecting to a previous CIF investment. Phase II will construct temporary and permanent access roads, including streetscaping, and utilities, in the public-right-of-way, allowing lot access for end users, as well as connection to utilities. Naugatuck has interested end users who will begin construction in the short-term in Phase II, necessitating the construction of Phase II roadways. Phase II will include the re-construction of a middle-mile roadway that will run east-west through the site, unleashing the economic development potential of all lots to the north and south. The roadway is an established dirt roadway that is not suitable for the needs of 21st century business. This regional project has the capability to create an estimated 600 to 800 permanent jobs for communities throughout the Naugatuck Valley, including Waterbury, Ansonia, Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby.

The site appraised at $1.75 million in 2022, but redevelopment of the parcel is expected to increase its value to between $50 million and $75 million.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) was created by a bipartisan vote of the General Assembly in 2021 and is funded through state bonding. The CIF fosters economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. The CIF will provide hundreds of millions of dollars to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

CIF grants are available for:

Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation.

Small business capital programs, including revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses.

Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget.

Veterans’ Committee Advances Legislation Protecting Vets from Benefits ‘Claim Sharks’

Posted on by Devin James

Veterans’ Committee Advances Legislation Protecting Vets from Benefits ‘Claim Sharks’

Today, the legislature’s Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee voted to advance House Bill 6874, a proposal from Gov. Ned Lamont intended to protect Connecticut veterans from so-called claims sharks— unaccredited companies, who try to convince veterans they need to pay for their services in order to apply for benefits.

The bill, which now moves to the House floor for consideration, includes new requirements that these companies explicitly notify veterans of any associated fees and make clear that their services are not affiliated with state or federal veterans agencies. Additionally, the bill gives the state attorney general authority to enforce its provisions.

“Veterans have earned their benefits through sacrifice and service, and no one should be permitted to exploit them for profit,” Sen. Paul Honig, Senate chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, said. “I’m proud to help advance this legislation on behalf of our vets to make sure they’re protected from predatory companies trying to take advantage of them during the claims process. We’re standing up for our veterans and ensuring they receive the support they deserve—without exploitation.”

Federal agencies and states across the country have considered steps to restrict claims sharks since the 2022 PACT Act expanded benefits for many veterans and led to a spike in unaccredited entities seeking to charge for application assistance.

In addition to charging vets for services available for free through state and federal veterans agencies, claim sharks often require applicants to share sensitive information in order to facilitate access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims system. Sharing this information leaves veterans unnecessarily exposed to fraud and identity theft.

The Veterans’ Committee has complemented its efforts to crack down on claims sharks by bolstering the available assistance for Connecticut veterans. This session, the committee raised House Bill 6441, a proposal that would increase the number of Veteran Service Officers and clerical personnel available to help veterans apply for claims. That bill is currently before the legislature’s Appropriations Committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov 

SENATOR MARX, HOUSING COMMITTEE ADVANCE FLAGSHIP SENATE HOUSING BILL

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX, HOUSING COMMITTEE ADVANCE FLAGSHIP SENATE HOUSING BILL

On Thursday evening, after a marathon committee meeting, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, led the committee’s advancement of Connecticut Senate Democrats’ flagship housing bill for 2025 to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Senate Bill 12, “An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Housing Needs,” seeks to take steps toward improving the state’s most pressing housing pressures. Among its focuses include studying restrictions limiting development of starter homes; creating new affordable housing projects to foster increased construction employment; investing millions of dollars into state rental assistance program certificates; and finding new strategies to increase affordable housing development and ensure all communities are addressing high rental costs.

“When we have a variety of problems to fix, we need a variety of solutions,” said Sen. Marx. “This bill looks to increase our housing stock and help people squeezed by high prices in a tight market. It’s studying issues we can solve, incentivizes new construction and looks for short- and long-term ways to take deeper, more significant steps forward. Connecticut’s housing crunch is a huge problem that’s holding back our state’s residents and economy; this bill represents concrete steps forward to fix that.”

Senate Bill 12 takes a wide-ranging view of Connecticut’s housing needs and the active challenges buyers and renters face in the current market. Its focuses include:

-Developing a working group to study barriers preventing starter homes from being built in the state, with study focus including zoning, subdivision, building and fire codes

-Utilizing the State Bond Commission to sell bonds financing affordable housing projects that create employment opportunities in the construction industry

-Extending the CFHA SmartRate pilot program decreasing mortgage rates for people in first-time mortgage programs with $15,000+ in student debt

-Investing $8.7 million each year to add at least 700 rental assistance program certificates to state programs; 425 certificates would support elderly or disabled individuals and 275 would support Headstart on Housing, which fights homelessness by connecting housing-insecure families with children receiving Head Start services

-Towns with populations under 25,000 will either create a fair rent commission, form a joint commission with another town or join a regional fair rent commission under a council of governments

-Increasing reimbursement percentages for school building project grants for municipalities, including 20% increases for municipalities with 10%+ affordable housing, 8% for 8+% affordable housing and 5% for 6+% affordable housing, with increases lasting five years

-Landlords will need to install separate meters for utilities for renters’ dwelling units

-Allowing as-of-right single-family and multi-family housing construction on commercially zoned property. This directive is inspired by Montana legislation allowing multiple-unit and mixed-use developments on parcels where zoning regulations meet municipal requirements.

As of 2023, Connecticut has the fewest available housing units in the United States, missing 135,000 affordable housing units to support its residents. Half of the state’s residents pay at least 30% of their monthly income on housing costs, limiting their economic viability and holding back larger economic growth and participation.

The bill further seeks to provide additional incentivization of new construction, especially affordable housing. It seeks to expand fair-rent commissions in smaller communities in Connecticut, provide more resources to aid residents in need and take an overarching approach toward the state’s housing crunch.

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN SENDS FLAGSHIP BILL SUPPORTING INFANTS, TODDLERS AND DISCONNECTED YOUTH TO SENATE FLOOR

Posted on by Devin James

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN SENDS FLAGSHIP BILL SUPPORTING INFANTS, TODDLERS AND DISCONNECTED YOUTH TO SENATE FLOOR

Today, the Committee on Children advanced Senate Bill 6, flagship legislation from Senate Democrats supporting infants, toddlers and disconnected youth in Connecticut, to the Senate floor for further consideration.

The bill’s intention is to improve access to nutritious food in early childhood education programs, advance early childhood education through implementation of kindergarten preparatory academies and close a loophole preventing municipal camps from avoiding licensure requirements of other private camps.

It passed the Committee on Children by a 12-5 tally, with all Democrats voting in support and all Republicans voting against.

“Addressing food insecurity and childhood nutrition, as well as disconnected youth in our communities, remains an intensive priority for legislators. The more supports we can offer children, from improved nutrition to educational and workforce connections, the better their whole-life outcomes become,” said State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children. “We are directly dedicated to restoring and improving connections between children in need and resources that can and will directly help them.”

Senate Bill 6 has provisions including, if made law:

     -Increasing awareness of access and ability to participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program for early childcare centers, group homes and family care homes. As of 2019, as much as $30.7 million in federal funding may have been foregone by these care centers foregoing aid from the program, potentially impacting more than 20,300 children in low-income areas.

    – Shifting oversight of the CACFP to the Office of Early Childhood from the state Department of Education.

     -Expanding oversight of state reports on disconnected youth and better incorporating data from state departments regarding early childhood support programs.

     -Including kindergarten preparatory academies, which enroll children turning five on or after September 1 and cannot enroll for kindergarten in a given year, under the Connecticut Smart Start competitive grant program.

     -Municipal agency-sponsored youth camps must acquire or maintain licensing through the Office of Early Childhood.

     -The executive director of the Connecticut Library Consortium will join the Early Childhood Cabinet.

     -The Office of Early Childhood will regularly update a one-page document provided to parents who express concern about their child’s development, including information regarding its Help Me Grow program.

     -Families of children ineligible for the state’s birth-to-three program will receive information about the Help Me Grow program, including emphasis for teen parents in communities with high teen birth rates.

     -The OEC will analyze use of the Sparkler mobile application that provides development screenings and access to support programs to find ways to improve efficiency.

The United Way of Connecticut testified in support of the bill’s focus on receiving accurate, up-to-date data on the best methods of supporting disconnected youth statewide. It called for additional regional coordination and support centered around youth programs to better bring disconnected youth back to school and the workforce.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving “applauded” Senate Bill 6’s comprehensive approach to support young children and disconnected youth, endorsing its efforts to improve nutrition and eliminate food insecurity and increase outreach about available programs to parents and families.