Month: April 2025

Looney, Duff, Slap Condemn Trump’s Latest Attack on Higher Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff, Slap Condemn Trump’s Latest Attack on Higher Education

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, issued a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s latest attack on institutions of higher education. In an Executive Order announced Wednesday night, President Trump took aim at the accreditation process which allows approved institutions to accept Pell grants and federal student loans, which account for more than $120 billion a year nationwide.

“One of Connecticut’s greatest resources is our colleges and universities and our belief in higher education as a pathway to opportunity.

“Institutions of higher education have always enjoyed freedom from government overreach as they foster free thinking and educate the future leaders of our country. Through attacking accreditors, Donald Trump continues his witch hunt to quell educational freedom in favor of advancing his own political agenda.

“While attacking long-standing accreditation agencies, the President is encouraging the creation of new, Trump-approved accreditors who will no doubt pave the way for bad actor institutions to discriminate against their students, or perhaps for a Trump University 2.0.

“The Trump Administration is hell-bent on expanding the reach of the federal government into every classroom, doctor’s office, research lab, board room, law office and nearly every facet of American life. He is following a very specific and a very chilling playbook and we urge Republicans in Connecticut to remember our shared oath and take a stand for their constituents and for our democracy.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff, Slap Condemn Trump’s Latest Attack on Higher Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff, Slap Condemn Trump’s Latest Attack on Higher Education

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, issued a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s latest attack on institutions of higher education. In an Executive Order announced Wednesday night, President Trump took aim at the accreditation process which allows approved institutions to accept Pell grants and federal student loans, which account for more than $120 billion a year nationwide.

“One of Connecticut’s greatest resources is our colleges and universities and our belief in higher education as a pathway to opportunity.

“Institutions of higher education have always enjoyed freedom from government overreach as they foster free thinking and educate the future leaders of our country. Through attacking accreditors, Donald Trump continues his witch hunt to quell educational freedom in favor of advancing his own political agenda.

“While attacking long-standing accreditation agencies, the President is encouraging the creation of new, Trump-approved accreditors who will no doubt pave the way for bad actor institutions to discriminate against their students, or perhaps for a Trump University 2.0.

“The Trump Administration is hell-bent on expanding the reach of the federal government into every classroom, doctor’s office, research lab, board room, law office and nearly every facet of American life. He is following a very specific and a very chilling playbook and we urge Republicans in Connecticut to remember our shared oath and take a stand for their constituents and for our democracy.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senate President Looney & Speaker Ritter Release Statement on Budget Before the Appropriations Committee

Posted on by Devin James

Senate President Looney & Speaker Ritter Release Statement on Budget Before the Appropriations Committee

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) released the following statement regarding the budget which is being voted out of the Appropriations Committee today.

“We want to extend our sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Senator Osten and Representative Walker for their tireless work crafting the committee’s budget proposal. Over the past months, they have listened intently to countless voices from constituents, fellow legislators, advocates, stakeholders, and the administration. Together, they worked through an incredibly complex set of needs and priorities to produce a document that reflects the values and concerns of our state.

“There is no question that building this budget was a difficult and delicate task. After years of constrained growth, flat funding, and the effects of inflation, the pressures from every sector in our state have grown significantly. Many of these needs are not new; they are the result of years of deferred investment. The budget produced today represents an honest attempt to catch up and move forward.

“This process has also made one thing abundantly clear: some of the current fiscal guardrails, while originally well-intentioned, are too rigid to allow for the basic investments Connecticut must make to meet its obligations and grow responsibly. To that end, we follow the lead of the Governor’s original proposed plan to raise the state’s volatility threshold. This will allow us to provide the level of service and opportunity our residents deserve.

“As this document moves out of committee today, we now enter the next phase of the process. We look forward to continuing conversations with Governor Lamont and his team as we work toward a final budget agreement before the conclusion of session on June 4th. Our shared goal is a responsible, compassionate, and forward-looking budget that reflects a consensus on Connecticut’s needs.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE UNVEILS ITS BIENNIAL STATE BUDGET PLAN

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE UNVEILS ITS BIENNIAL STATE BUDGET PLAN

HARTFORD – After 33 hours of quizzing Governor Ned Lamont’s agency heads about his proposed budget and another 60 hours of listening to public comment about it – and then dividing into 13 different bipartisan subcommittees to review all of that input  – the Democratic majority on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee today unveiled its spending plan for the next two years in Connecticut: a $49.3 billion biennial state General Fund budget plan that invests in local schools, higher education, nonprofits, criminal justice, libraries, veterans, seniors, and more.

“This is a real budget for real people in real life,” said state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who is Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “We’ve heard people talk about what is important to them. This is what the people of Connecticut told us they need.”

In February, Gov. Lamont proposed a $48.813 billion biennial state General Fund budget: a $23.838 billion General Fund budget for FY 2026 that increased spending 4.5% over 2025, and a $24.973 billion General Fund budget for FY 2027 that increased spending 4.8% over 2026.

Today, after months of work, Democrats on the Appropriations Committee proposed a $49.138 billion biennial General Fund budget: a $23.97 billion General Fund budget for FY 2026 that increases spending 5.1% over 2025, and a $25.168 billion General Fund budget for FY 2027 that increases spending 5.0% over 2026.

The governor’s FY 26 proposed budget is at the state spending cap, while the Democrats’ FY26 budget is one-half of 1 percent (0.5%) over the state spending cap.

The Democrats’ budget varies from Governor Lamont’s in several respects, including (for example):

 

-$280.95 million more for UCONN, the Connecticut State Colleges and University system, and the UCONN Health Center

-$40 million more for the state Dept. of Higher Education, primarily for increased scholarships and student loan forgiveness

-$40 million more in special education funding for K-12 schools

-Maintains $26.2 million in ECS funding for towns that are ‘overfunded’ under the new, stricter ECS formula

-$19 million for non-profits providing state services

-$15.65 million more for the state Dept. of Correction

-Restores $12.9 million for various arts, culture, and tourism grants

-$8.27 million more for the Division of Criminal Justice, including 20 new employees by 2027

-Rejects increasing bus fares and fees, saving commuters $6.175 million

-$2.75 million in funding for various tourism grants

-Maintains $2 million in funding for CT Grown for CT Kids

-Maintains $1 million in funding for fish hatcheries

-$577,000 for state Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs advocacy and assistance

-Maintains $500,000 funding in both FY 26 and FY 27 for various non-profit library programs

-Maintains $384,000 in funding for the Fall Prevention Program in the state Dept. of Aging

-53 new employees in the Public Defender’s Office

-13 new employees in the Secretary of State’s office

 

The Appropriations Committee and the governor’s budgets will now form the basis for budget negotiations between the Executive and Legislative branches over the next six weeks before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Wednesday, June 4.

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Senior Pastor of Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, is releasing a statement following the passing of Pope Francis.

“With the passing of Pope Francis, the world has lost a humble servant of God, an advocate for peace, and a compassionate voice for the voiceless,” said Senator Gaston. “As a pastor, I will carry forward the profound lessons Pope Francis taught us—of humility, mercy, and unwavering commitment to serving others with love and compassion. His dedication to God, his call for mercy, and his deep love for humanity have touched hearts across the globe. As we mourn his loss, we remember his example of love and humility, and strive to continue his mission of justice, compassion, and unity.”

Looney & Duff Stand with Higher Education Protests Against Trump’s Assault on CT Universities

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Stand with Higher Education Protests Against Trump’s Assault on CT Universities

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement supporting protests today from Yale University and University of Connecticut students and faculty against the actions of the Trump administration.

“We stand with the UConn and Yale communities and share their outrage at the unprecedented and ongoing Republican attacks on higher education, scientific research, freedom of speech, and human rights. The students and faculty who are protesting in peaceful defiance of these senseless and often cruel actions should be commended for their conviction. Senate Democrats are committed to doing everything in our power to protect Connecticut’s colleges and universities from these assaults on our shared values. We encourage our Republican colleagues to do the same.”

Looney & Duff Stand with Higher Education Protests Against Trump’s Assault on CT Universities

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Stand with Higher Education Protests Against Trump’s Assault on CT Universities

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement supporting protests today from Yale University and University of Connecticut students and faculty against the actions of the Trump administration.

“We stand with the UConn and Yale communities and share their outrage at the unprecedented and ongoing Republican attacks on higher education, scientific research, freedom of speech, and human rights. The students and faculty who are protesting in peaceful defiance of these senseless and often cruel actions should be commended for their conviction. Senate Democrats are committed to doing everything in our power to protect Connecticut’s colleges and universities from these assaults on our shared values. We encourage our Republican colleagues to do the same.”

Looney & Duff Announce Proposal to Strengthen Connecticut’s Tax Fairness in Response to Federal Giveaways for the Wealthy

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Announce Proposal to Strengthen Connecticut’s Tax Fairness in Response to Federal Giveaways for the Wealthy

Hartford, CT – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff announced a proposal to adjust Connecticut’s income tax code if new federal tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy go into effect. The proposal raises state income tax rates on high earners to ensure Connecticut can continue investing in its people, schools, and infrastructure while protecting working- and middle-class families from additional burden.

Under the proposed changes, income tax rates for the vast majority of Connecticut residents will remain unchanged. The new top brackets would take effect only if federal income tax rates for the wealthiest are slashed again, triggering the state-level adjustments. These higher state tax income brackets will apply only to families earning more than half a million dollars a year.

Specifically, the income tax rate for couples making between $500,000 to $999,999 and individuals making between $250,000 and $499,999 would change from 6.9% to 7.5%. Likewise, the income tax rate for couples making over $1 million and individuals making over $500,000 would change from 6.99% to 7.99%.

Under the last Trump administration, the wealthiest 1% in Connecticut saved $1.2 billion on their federal taxes annually after Republicans enacted their budget. Those individuals earned over $1 million annually and averaged $3 million annually. The next richest 4% in Connecticut (those who made $350,000 to $1 million) saved over $1.3 billion in federal taxes every year.

This proposed state-level tax adjustment would take effect only if similar federal tax cuts are enacted again. In that event, Senate Democrats propose increasing rates on the wealthiest to raise revenue for the state. This revenue will be significantly less than these individuals will save from any federal tax cut being considered. Unfortunately, this revenue cannot compensate for the hundreds of millions already cut in federal support to the state and the potential billions more.

“In the wake of yet another federal tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Americans, Connecticut cannot afford to fail to take action at a time of crisis,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “Under the last Trump administration, Connecticut’s top 1% saved $1.2 billion in federal taxes, while working families saw crumbs. If Washington insists on handing billionaires another tax break, we will ensure some of that windfall comes back to the people of Connecticut to help deal with the massive federal cuts we anticipate.”

“Connecticut families shouldn’t have to pay the price for reckless decisions in Washington,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “This is a proactive, conditional measure that protects core services, invests in education and infrastructure, and maintains a level playing field. If the wealthiest once again get a massive federal tax break, then it cannot be at the expense of hard-working Connecticut residents.”

Senate Democrats emphasized that the proposed tax increase on the wealthiest residents would generate significantly less revenue than those same individuals are expected to gain from pending federal tax cuts. However, even modest increases at the state level will help backfill the hundreds of millions already lost in federal support and help prevent deep cuts to essential state services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney & Duff Announce Proposal to Strengthen Connecticut’s Tax Fairness in Response to Federal Giveaways for the Wealthy

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Announce Proposal to Strengthen Connecticut’s Tax Fairness in Response to Federal Giveaways for the Wealthy

Hartford, CT – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff announced a proposal to adjust Connecticut’s income tax code if new federal tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy go into effect. The proposal raises state income tax rates on high earners to ensure Connecticut can continue investing in its people, schools, and infrastructure while protecting working- and middle-class families from additional burden.

Under the proposed changes, income tax rates for the vast majority of Connecticut residents will remain unchanged. The new top brackets would take effect only if federal income tax rates for the wealthiest are slashed again, triggering the state-level adjustments. These higher state tax income brackets will apply only to families earning more than half a million dollars a year.

Specifically, the income tax rate for couples making between $500,000 to $999,999 and individuals making between $250,000 and $499,999 would change from 6.9% to 7.5%. Likewise, the income tax rate for couples making over $1 million and individuals making over $500,000 would change from 6.99% to 7.99%.

Under the last Trump administration, the wealthiest 1% in Connecticut saved $1.2 billion on their federal taxes annually after Republicans enacted their budget. Those individuals earned over $1 million annually and averaged $3 million annually. The next richest 4% in Connecticut (those who made $350,000 to $1 million) saved over $1.3 billion in federal taxes every year.

This proposed state-level tax adjustment would take effect only if similar federal tax cuts are enacted again. In that event, Senate Democrats propose increasing rates on the wealthiest to raise revenue for the state. This revenue will be significantly less than these individuals will save from any federal tax cut being considered. Unfortunately, this revenue cannot compensate for the hundreds of millions already cut in federal support to the state and the potential billions more.

“In the wake of yet another federal tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Americans, Connecticut cannot afford to fail to take action at a time of crisis,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “Under the last Trump administration, Connecticut’s top 1% saved $1.2 billion in federal taxes, while working families saw crumbs. If Washington insists on handing billionaires another tax break, we will ensure some of that windfall comes back to the people of Connecticut to help deal with the massive federal cuts we anticipate.”

“Connecticut families shouldn’t have to pay the price for reckless decisions in Washington,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “This is a proactive, conditional measure that protects core services, invests in education and infrastructure, and maintains a level playing field. If the wealthiest once again get a massive federal tax break, then it cannot be at the expense of hard-working Connecticut residents.”

Senate Democrats emphasized that the proposed tax increase on the wealthiest residents would generate significantly less revenue than those same individuals are expected to gain from pending federal tax cuts. However, even modest increases at the state level will help backfill the hundreds of millions already lost in federal support and help prevent deep cuts to essential state services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Gaston Leads Passage of Bill to Enhance School Bus Safety

Posted on by Devin James

Gaston Leads Passage of Bill to Enhance School Bus Safety

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee led senate passage on a bill that will extend the expiration dates for the live bus violation detection monitoring systems.

Senate Bill 1390, ‘An Act Concerning Live Digital Video School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring Systems,” will help maintain safer streets for pedestrians and other drivers by ensuring continued enforcement of traffic laws around school buses.

“These systems play a crucial role in identifying and deterring illegal passing of stopped school buses, which puts children at risk,” said Sen. Gaston. “Extending the use of these monitoring systems is a common-sense step to protect our children, hold drivers accountable, and make our streets safer for everyone. This bill reinforces our commitment to public safety, especially around our schools and communities.”

In 2024, the legislature passed Senate Bill 420 which came from a study that took place in Bridgeport where over 10,000 drivers did not yield to the stop sign on the school buses. The law dictates that drivers must stop 10 feet from the front or back of a stopped school bus that displays flashing red signal lights. Drivers must also remain in place until the bus stops displaying its signal lights. If a person violates this law, the penalty for the first offense is $450 and then between $500 to $1,000. Some municipalities have opted to install stop arm cameras and impose

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michelle Rappaport | 860-604-6982 | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov local fines of up to $250