Month: April 2025

STATE SENATOR NORM NEEDLEMAN CONGRATULATES MARISSA GILLETT, DAVID ARCONTI ON CONFIRMATIONS TO PURA

Posted on by Devin James

STATE SENATOR NORM NEEDLEMAN CONGRATULATES MARISSA GILLETT, DAVID ARCONTI ON CONFIRMATIONS TO PURA

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) congratulated Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Chair Marissa Gillett as she was reconfirmed by the Senate for a second term to lead the regulatory agency, which provides oversight of utilities in the state. He additionally congratulated David Arconti, a former state representative and member of the Energy and Technology Committee, for his confirmation as a PURA commissioner.

“Since Marissa Gillett was confirmed to lead PURA in 2019, she’s fought for ratepayers and enhanced the state’s regulatory frameworks. Energy is complicated in Connecticut, and our grid faces numerous challenges, but Chair Gillett is not to blame. In fact, her leadership played a direct role in saving millions for ratepayers and continually works to ensure utility customers across the state receive the quality of service they deserve. We need scrutiny and accountability for state utilities, and Gillett’s leadership provides that in spaces. She’s a loud, impactful advocate for consumers statewide and I know Connecticut ratepayers will be in good shape under her continued efforts.

Working together with David Arconti as co-chairs of the Energy and Technology Committee for four years exposed me directly to his work ethic, integrity and desire for a better Connecticut. He’s shown a true desire to serve the state in an honorable and even-handed way.

The only thing that protects the ratepayers of Connecticut from public utilities taking advantage of them are strong commissioners. I’m confident that Gillett and Arconti will continue to provide their services in support of our state and live up to that standard.”

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

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $1M for Branford, East Haven

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Welcomes $1M for Branford, East Haven

On Friday, State Senator Christine Cohen welcomed $1,050,000 in grants by the State Bond Commission for projects in East Haven and Branford. The Bond Commission voted to give final approval $250,000 to the Town of East Haven for the Family Resource Center expansion, which was previously approved by the Community Investment Fund (CIF). The Bond Commission also approved $800,000 for the Stony Creek Docks through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).

The funding for the East haven Family Resource Center will help begin an expansion at the Gerrish Avenue facility, ultimately with the goal of consolidating services into one location. The resource center serves approximately 200 children and supports 900 families. The center offers school readiness programs, before and after school care, weekly playgroups, food assistance and more.

Funding for the Stony Creek Docks will aid in repairs to the wharf, boardwalk, floating docks and gangways to allow for continued safe usage for both recreation and commercial activities.

“I am thrilled to see this state investment into Branford and East Haven,” said Sen. Cohen. “The Family Resource is a staple for the East Haven community, offering childcare, food assistance, educational resources and more and this funding will help support their mission to serve our students and families. Stony Creek is a well loved and visited part of our district and I am grateful that they are receiving this funding to upkeep infrastructure, keep our residents and visitors safe and allow for increased economic development in the area. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for investing in our community!”

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

Looney & Duff Call for Department of Labor Readiness Amid Growing Economic Concerns

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Call for Department of Labor Readiness Amid Growing Economic Concerns

HARTFORD – Citing troubling economic forecasts and the ongoing effects of Trump-era trade policies, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) have called on the Connecticut Department of Labor to ensure it is fully prepared to respond to a potential economic downturn and a possible surge in unemployment.

In a letter sent to Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo, Senators Looney and Duff expressed concern about national recession predictions and the compounding impact of lingering tariffs on Connecticut’s manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation sectors.

“We are already seeing signs of distress from businesses facing higher costs and supply chain complications,” the letter states. “We fear a flurry of layoffs may soon follow.”

The Senate leaders emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, requesting updates on the Department’s current operational readiness, including:

-Whether the unemployment claims system has recently undergone stress testing

-Plans for temporary staffing increases in the event of a spike in claims

-Strategies to quickly inform displaced workers about how to access assistance

Looney and Duff praised the Department of Labor for its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the challenges faced and the strides made since then to modernize systems and improve response capabilities.

“We stand ready to work with you to ensure the Department has the resources and support it needs to serve Connecticut residents efficiently and compassionately during what could be another trying time for working families,” the letter concludes.

The senators reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no worker is left behind during a potential economic downturn and pledged their full cooperation to ensure Connecticut is prepared to protect its workforce.

The full letter is below and a PDF can be found here.

Looney & Duff Call for Department of Labor Readiness Amid Growing Economic Concerns

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Duff Call for Department of Labor Readiness Amid Growing Economic Concerns

HARTFORD – Citing troubling economic forecasts and the ongoing effects of Trump-era trade policies, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) have called on the Connecticut Department of Labor to ensure it is fully prepared to respond to a potential economic downturn and a possible surge in unemployment.

In a letter sent to Department of Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo, Senators Looney and Duff expressed concern about national recession predictions and the compounding impact of lingering tariffs on Connecticut’s manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation sectors.

“We are already seeing signs of distress from businesses facing higher costs and supply chain complications,” the letter states. “We fear a flurry of layoffs may soon follow.”

The Senate leaders emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, requesting updates on the Department’s current operational readiness, including:

-Whether the unemployment claims system has recently undergone stress testing

-Plans for temporary staffing increases in the event of a spike in claims

-Strategies to quickly inform displaced workers about how to access assistance

Looney and Duff praised the Department of Labor for its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging the challenges faced and the strides made since then to modernize systems and improve response capabilities.

“We stand ready to work with you to ensure the Department has the resources and support it needs to serve Connecticut residents efficiently and compassionately during what could be another trying time for working families,” the letter concludes.

The senators reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no worker is left behind during a potential economic downturn and pledged their full cooperation to ensure Connecticut is prepared to protect its workforce.

The full letter is below and a PDF can be found here.

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Posted on by Devin James

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel and State Representatives Brandon Chafee and Kai Belton welcomed over $1.8 million to Middletown. The State Bond Commission voted to approve $350,000 for the City of Middletown to purchase and install a modular fire training building, and $1,472,736 for marina construction through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).

The City of Middletown applied for the SHIPP grant in order to replace the current aging harbor Emergency Response Dock. The dock has been damaged by years of flooding and seasonal ice flow, and the demand for dock space has increased in recent years, due in part to increased economic development in the area and recreational boaters on the Connecticut River.

“Last year, the Middletown delegation secured funding for the fire training facility as part of the state budget process. I am happy to see these funds be made available to the City to improve public safety. We know that affordability is first of mind, and that improved fire protection is associated with lower insurance costs for City residents. Separately, funding and moving the public safety dock is important for the general public on the Connecticut River as well as an important economic development step as part of our long term riverfront redevelopment efforts. I was happy to work closely with the City and the Governor’s office to secure these funds. Together these grants offer critical improvements to Middletown” said Sen. Lesser. “I am grateful to the Bond Commission for approving these funds and I look forward to continued collaboration to support our city.”

“New firefighter training facilities will help keep families safer, while the marina will boost the region’s economic development,” Sen. Hochadel said. “These are real investments that improve the quality of life for Middletown and the surrounding communities. I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission for recognizing the value of these projects and for their commitment to enhancing life in our region.”

“The current Harbor Emergency Response Dock has aged and has taken on considerable damage over the years due to seasonal ice flows and flooding events,” Rep. Belton said. “This funding will go toward replacing and relocating the dock, which all local, state, and federal agencies can use. The public recreation dock will see improvements as well. I couldn’t be more pleased that a modular fire training building is headed our way, too. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing Middletown and its need for this funding.”

“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for approving funding for a new fire training facility and construction of a new public safety dock in Middletown. The fire training facility will help ensure our firefighters are properly trained and keep homeowner insurance rates down. The public safety dock will provide crucial access to the river for first responders and is a key component and first step to redevelopment efforts along the riverfront,” said Rep. Chafee.

“The funding made available by the State of Connecticut to replace Middletown’s public safety dock and create a regional fire training school is a gratifying recognition of the outstanding leading role that Middletown’s public safety agencies play in our state. I am thankful for the support of Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Senator Lesser, and our entire legislative delegation for their support of these critical local priorities, and look forward to working with the agencies involved to bring these projects to life in the months and years ahead,” said Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim.

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Posted on by Devin James

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel and State Representatives Brandon Chafee and Kai Belton welcomed over $1.8 million to Middletown. The State Bond Commission voted to approve $350,000 for the City of Middletown to purchase and install a modular fire training building, and $1,472,736 for marina construction through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).

The City of Middletown applied for the SHIPP grant in order to replace the current aging harbor Emergency Response Dock. The dock has been damaged by years of flooding and seasonal ice flow, and the demand for dock space has increased in recent years, due in part to increased economic development in the area and recreational boaters on the Connecticut River.

“Last year, the Middletown delegation secured funding for the fire training facility as part of the state budget process. I am happy to see these funds be made available to the City to improve public safety. We know that affordability is first of mind, and that improved fire protection is associated with lower insurance costs for City residents. Separately, funding and moving the public safety dock is important for the general public on the Connecticut River as well as an important economic development step as part of our long term riverfront redevelopment efforts. I was happy to work closely with the City and the Governor’s office to secure these funds. Together these grants offer critical improvements to Middletown” said Sen. Lesser. “I am grateful to the Bond Commission for approving these funds and I look forward to continued collaboration to support our city.”

“New firefighter training facilities will help keep families safer, while the marina will boost the region’s economic development,” Sen. Hochadel said. “These are real investments that improve the quality of life for Middletown and the surrounding communities. I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission for recognizing the value of these projects and for their commitment to enhancing life in our region.”

“The current Harbor Emergency Response Dock has aged and has taken on considerable damage over the years due to seasonal ice flows and flooding events,” Rep. Belton said. “This funding will go toward replacing and relocating the dock, which all local, state, and federal agencies can use. The public recreation dock will see improvements as well. I couldn’t be more pleased that a modular fire training building is headed our way, too. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing Middletown and its need for this funding.”

“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for approving funding for a new fire training facility and construction of a new public safety dock in Middletown. The fire training facility will help ensure our firefighters are properly trained and keep homeowner insurance rates down. The public safety dock will provide crucial access to the river for first responders and is a key component and first step to redevelopment efforts along the riverfront,” said Rep. Chafee.

“The funding made available by the State of Connecticut to replace Middletown’s public safety dock and create a regional fire training school is a gratifying recognition of the outstanding leading role that Middletown’s public safety agencies play in our state. I am thankful for the support of Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Senator Lesser, and our entire legislative delegation for their support of these critical local priorities, and look forward to working with the agencies involved to bring these projects to life in the months and years ahead,” said Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim.

Stamford Delegation Welcomes State Funding for Stamford’s Oak Park Redevelopment

Posted on by Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes State Funding for Stamford’s Oak Park Redevelopment

Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Friday approval of $2 million to help Rippowam Corporation move forward with its ongoing redevelopment of Oak Park housing complex.

The funding will aid in the continuing renovation of Oak Park, a 166-unit affordable housing development, located on the East Side of Stamford. This project involves the demolition and replacement of residential buildings, which will be arranged in a new layout designed to ensure accessibility and address chronic flooding.

This financial support will facilitate the second of three planned phases led by Rippowam Corporation, a non-profit development and asset management affiliate of the Stamford Housing Authority.

“As a former employee, I know firsthand how important the redevelopment of Oak Park is to the hundreds of Stamford residents, who currently live in the aging structures that are frequently impacted by flooding,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Replacing more than two dozen buildings is a major undertaking, and this funding commitment from the Community Investment Fund and the State Bond Commission will make a real difference in the lives of those families. I’m grateful for this investment in Stamford.”

“I am glad to see that one of Stamford’s oldest affordable housing complexes is undergoing a much-needed transformation. Thanks to the funding approved by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission, we can move forward with Stage II of the three-phase redevelopment project at Oak Park,” Representative Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford, said. “This phase will include a redesigned layout that ensures greater accessibility and incorporates an enhanced drainage system to address the chronic flooding issues that have plagued the area for years. This investment is a crucial step toward improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring that Oak Park remains a vibrant, affordable community for generations to come.”

“The funding for the Oak Park project is a great investment for Stamford,” Representative Hubert Delany, D-Stamford, said. “I was proud to advocate for this funding, and I am thrilled to see the next phase move forward to improve the living conditions of residents and reaffirm our goal to expand affordable housing around the community.”

“The redevelopment of Oak Park will improve the quality of life for residents and support much needed economic growth in an underserved community,” Representative Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford, said. “This much needed funding will aid in improving accessibility and replace aged residential buildings.”

“Every Stamford resident deserves safe, comfortable, and affordable housing,” Representative Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize our housing stock, address long-standing infrastructure challenges, and increase access to affordable housing. This funding is a vital investment in Stamford and its people. By supporting redevelopment and critical flood mitigation, this investment will help ensure that residents have access to safe, resilient, and sustainable housing for years to come.”

“While Oak Park is located in Stamford’s east side, the project will benefit all of Stamford, as it addresses issues at one of our affordable housing complexes, including much-needed renovations for accessibility and plans to address chronic flooding issues,” Representative Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “Thank you to the Community Investment Fund (CIF), Governor Lamont, and the State Bond Commission, for seeing the need for this project in Stamford.”

“The funding will directly improve the quality of life for residents at Oak Park, setting the homes in a new layout designed to ensure accessibility and address chronic flooding,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “It’s the kind of work that delivers welcomed improvements for hundreds of people, an admirable accomplishment. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission and the Community Investment Fund for this local support.”

“Investing in the redevelopment of Oak Park is not just about improving buildings, it’s about enhancing the lives of the residents who call our community home,” Senator Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, said. “This significant investment will ensure that Stamford remains a place where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Together, we are turning a vision for revitalization into a reality for Stamford residents.”

“This $2 million investment in Oak Park is about strengthening our neighborhoods and ensuring residents have access to safe, modern, and dignified living spaces,” Representative Tina Courpas, R-Greenwich, said. “These upgrades will make a real difference in the daily lives of families and individuals who call Oak Park home.”

The State Bond Commission’s approval followed March recommendations from the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board, where Senator Miller serves as a voting member in her capacity as Senate chair of the General Assembly’s Bonding Subcommittee. CIF supports economic growth in historically underserved communities by providing funding to eligible municipalities, non-profits, and community development corporations.

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

Senator Maroney Welcomes State Funding to West Haven and Orange

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Welcomes State Funding to West Haven and Orange

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) is welcoming over $200 thousand in funding approved by the State Bond Commission for projects in West Haven and Orange. Funds will be allocated to provide a grant to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department for new equipment. Funds will also be allocated to West Haven for improvements to the April Street Boat Ramp.

“This approved funding is critical for our district and I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding,” said Sen. Maroney. “The new equipment for the Orange Fire Department is vital. It provides life-saving protection allowing firefighters to perform their duties where they are exposed to smoke, fire, gases, and more. The upgrades to the April Street Boat Ramp will not only enhance our waterfront access, but also ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.”

The state bond commission has approved $50,000 for the Orange Volunteer Fire Department to acquire a new self-contained breathing apparatus.

The state bond commission has also approved $152,900 to provide improvement to the Small Harbor, specifically the April Street Boat Ramp.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $371,173 INVESTMENT IN NEW LONDON, OLD LYME BY STATE BOND COMMISSION

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $371,173 INVESTMENT IN NEW LONDON, OLD LYME BY STATE BOND COMMISSION

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $371,173 in funding to support projects supporting projects in New London and Old Lyme, providing aid to emergency services and local aquatic resources.

Among the items approved in the Bond Commission agenda today were:

-$228,500 to support the expansion of Old Lyme’s Town Dock, adding the ability to support transient small boats and dockage for town emergency services vessels

-$33,000 for permitting in Old Lyme to start the process of maintenance dredging the Four Mile River

-$109,673 to reimburse purchases of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices for the New London Police Department

“I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their recognition of our communities,” said Sen. Marx. “In Old Lyme, these investments will greatly improve local nautical resources, providing more access for traveling boaters and allowing emergency boats to respond to duress calls in much quicker fashion. Supporting first responders is also a priority in New London, reimbursing the town’s police for acquiring dash and body cameras to increase transparency and facilitate better trust between the town and its officers.”

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $2.64 MILLION INVESTMENT IN EAST HARTFORD, SOUTH WINDSOR BY STATE BOND COMMISSION

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $2.64 MILLION INVESTMENT IN EAST HARTFORD, SOUTH WINDSOR BY STATE BOND COMMISSION

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of $2.64 million in financial support for projects in East Hartford and South Windsor. These funds will support school repairs, improvements to town resources and provide important resources for local law enforcement.
Among the items approved in the Bond Commission agenda today were:

-$1,551,577 to make ADA upgrades to Great River Park’s boat ramp and replace its current public fishing pier with an ADA compliant steel pier

-$710,000 for a grant-in-aid supporting improvements to East Hartford’s Computer Science and Engineering Middle School

-$335,000 for a grant-in-aid supporting improvements to the Academy of International Studies Elementary School in South Windsor

-$41,043 to reimburse the South Windsor Police Department for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices.

“Today reinforces Connecticut’s continued investments in and commitments to our local towns,” said Sen. Anwar. “These funds will go a long way to support local recreation, needed repairs and enhancements to local schools – the money will support important upgrades to their resources – and support our police departments as they adopt new technology. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their support of our communities.”

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