Month: May 2025

SENATOR HONIG WELCOMES CHFA, HOUSING INVESTMENTS IN NEW, AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN NORFOLK, SIMSBURY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR HONIG WELCOMES CHFA, HOUSING INVESTMENTS IN NEW, AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN NORFOLK, SIMSBURY

Today, State Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) welcomed the announcement that the Department of Housing and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority will invest $3.7 million in Norfolk to create 10 homeownership units and $4.5 million in Simsbury to develop 175 rental homes including 36 for middle-income households. This comes as part of a larger effort supporting more than 1,200 total housing units and 550 affordable units in Connecticut.

“Connecticut simply doesn’t have enough affordable housing, especially in certain regions of the state, and any investments and strategies to turn the tide are welcome,” said Sen. Honig. “I’m encouraged that our state is investing in Norfolk and Simsbury to create new and affordable housing to support households throughout our communities, and I’m grateful to state leaders for these investments.”

The CHFA will invest $4.5 million in Build For CT financing to support Luminary at Simsbury Center, which will offer 175 rental homes including 36 units set aide for households earning between 80% and 100% of area median income.

The Foundation for Norfolk Living, Inc. will receive up to $3.7 million in Affordable Housing Program funding to aid the Haystack Woods Project, creating 10 homes, after a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funded the purchase of the 38.92-acre site.

This comes as part of a larger investment of more than $34.3 million across the state, as well as $56 million in private investment and $15 million in first mortgage financing, to add more housing units to state resources. The Build For CT program, a collaboration between DOH and CHFA to support construction of affordable apartments for middle-income renters, also supported $18.75 million in financing agreements through the overall project.

Projects will undergo construction with financing agreements in place.

Senate Passes Bill Supporting Regional Police Forces

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Passes Bill Supporting Regional Police Forces

Today, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety Committee, led passage of a bill aimed at assisting municipalities in establishing regional police forces.

Senate Bill 1489, ‘An Act Concerning Regional Police Forces,’ will work to establish regional police forces streamlining the process for towns to collaborate on public safety services.

“Today’s passage is a critical step forward by enhancing public safety and fostering collaboration among our municipalities,” said Sen. Gaston. “By establishing regional police forces, we’re not only improving the efficiency of law enforcement, but also ensuring that smaller communities have the resources they need to keep their residents safe.”

“This bill represents a smart, forward-thinking approach to modern policing,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “Regional collaboration allows municipalities to pool resources, expand capabilities, and deliver more effective and equitable public safety services to residents across town lines. Connecticut is currently severely handicapped by the lack of regional initiatives.”

Under this bill, two or more municipalities that have a population of 50,000 people or less will be able to form a regional police force. Interested municipalities must submit an application to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) commissioner for approval.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Senator MD Rahman Leads Passage of Legislation to Reduce Foreclosures Based on Unpaid Sewer Assessments

Posted on by Devin James

Senator MD Rahman Leads Passage of Legislation to Reduce Foreclosures Based on Unpaid Sewer Assessments

Senator MD Rahman, Senate Chair of the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee, led passage Wednesday of legislation intended to reduce foreclosures by limiting the ability of water and sewer authorities to enforce liens on homeowners who are behind on their bills.

The bill passed on a 23-11 vote and will head to the House for consideration ahead of the legislative session’s June 4 adjournment date.

Senate Bill 1187 protects homeowners by preventing Municipal Water Pollution Control Authorities from enforcing a lien on homes with unpaid assessments until the outstanding bill reaches at least $3,000 or three years passes from the date the lien was first filed.

“No family should face losing their home over a some money owed on a water or sewer bill,” Senator Rahman, D-Manchester, said. “This legislation strikes a fair balance by ensuring utilities can still recover what they’re owed while protecting homeowners from aggressive foreclosure actions during times of hardship. It’s a practical step that gives people time to get back on their feet without fear of losing everything.”

Sen. Slap Passes Bill to Protect Student Scholarships

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Passes Bill to Protect Student Scholarships

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee led passage of a bill that protects students’ financial aid and scholarships from interference by institutions of higher education.

The legislation prohibits the practice of scholarship displacement, in which a college or university awards a student a certain amount of financial aid, and then later reduces the student’s financial aid package based on scholarships the student received from organizations outside of the university. For example, if a student receives a financial aid package of $10,000 from a university, and then receives a local scholarship for $1,000, the school may decrease their financial aid amount to $9,000.

“We are facing a college affordability crisis across this country, which stifles opportunity and limits our workforce development,” said Sen. Slap. “Students work tirelessly to gain admittance to a college, secure financial aid, and then spend hours applying for private scholarships to make the most of every dollar of aid and minimize their reliance on student debt. A student does not secure these external scholarships in order to save the institution money, and their financial aid should not be negatively affected.”

This bill received strong support in public testimony from organizations and individuals, including current and former students. The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving testified in support of its efforts to ensure students receive all resources available to them when needing financial aid, noting this proposal’s effort “to ensure that private and public investments in scholarship programs are used to complement rather than supplant” financial aid resources at Connecticut colleges and universities.

Yale student Anthony Dominguez testified that recipients of private scholarships do not often see the financial benefits of their awards; his own friends had to take multiple jobs in order to stay in school, and this proposal would positively impact first generation low income students to maximize their college experiences.

Esperance Han of Yale testified that she comes from a low-income family and received a four-year full scholarship to the university, but learned that any further scholarships she received would go to the University and not her family; that constrained her ability to move to Connecticut and prepare for studies. Libby Lamport, also a Yale student, testified she had to send back scholarship money due to university policies on financial aid, which she said “penalizes students for seeking out additional resources.”

According to the Pew Research Center, as of June 2024 Americans owed $1.6 trillion in student loans, which is 42% more than what they owed a decade earlier and 1 in 4 American adults have student loan debt.

As of 2024, six states – California, Maryland, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington and Pennsylvania – have created laws to end award displacement.

Senator Slap also led passage of legislation which would create a task force to support promise programs across the state. There are currently several Promise Programs in cities across the state that provide scholarship and college success support for students, however each of them operate independently. This legislation would explore a statewide, coordinated approach to college access and success.

Both bills passed the Senate unanimously and now head to the House.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS STRIKE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS STRIKE

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement in support of striking at Pratt & Whitney’s factories in Connecticut. About 3,000 workers are striking after contract negotiations between the company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers broke down:

“East Hartford depends and relies on the workers and economic powers of Pratt & Whitney, and no business can succeed without its workers. I stand with the machinists who are seeking to ensure the financial security of their families and the longevity of their careers.”

MIDDLETOWN LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS, CITING JOB SECURITY, GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

Posted on by Devin James

MIDDLETOWN LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS, CITING JOB SECURITY, GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown state legislative delegation today announced its full support for the Pratt & Whitney workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), who are set to go on strike starting at midnight.

The workers are demanding stronger job protections amid escalating fears that the company could relocate key manufacturing operations to Germany or North Carolina.

The Pratt & Whitney facilities in Middletown produce the F135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet and the advanced, fuel-efficient Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used in Airbus’ A320neo aircraft.

These are highly strategic, high-skill manufacturing operations critical to both U.S. defense and international aerospace commerce. Parent company RTX recently announced stronger-than-expected earnings, but warned investors that tariffs could cost the company $850 million in 2025.

Middletown’s lawmakers are sounding the alarm about the broader risks at stake—not only to local jobs but to economic stability and national security.
“I have deep respect for the hardworking members of IAM Locals 700 and 1746, and I stand with them as they raise their voices for fair treatment and long-term security,” State Representative Kai Belton said. “These machinists play a critical role in Connecticut’s economy and deserve a contract that reflects their value and dedication. I hope both sides can return to the table and reach an agreement that honors the contributions of these skilled workers and supports strong, stable jobs in our communities.”

“The workers in Middletown and East Hartford helped build Pratt & Whitney’s legacy through generations of hard work, innovation, and excellence,” said Senator Matt Lesser. “Now, with global tensions rising, they’re rightly demanding job security and respect. These jobs must stay here.”

“The hardworking employees of Pratt & Whitney helped make Connecticut a leader in aerospace manufacturing. Now these workers would like basic assurances their jobs won’t be shipped overseas or sent to other locations,” Sen. Jan Hochadel said. “Sadly, the federal mediators who have helped resolve these conflicts in the past are no longer available. I stand firmly with these dedicated workers, who want to ensure they can continue to provide for their families.”

“I am proud to stand in solidarity with the workers of Pratt and Whitney,” State Rep. Brandon Chafee said. “Pratt and Whitney has been a major employer in Connecticut since it was founded here one hundred years ago. These workers are an integral part of our community, and they deserve decent wages, benefits, and assurances that their jobs won’t be shipped overseas to further enrich shareholders and executives. I am urging management to come to the table and bargain in good faith with the workers who have made the company what it is today.”

Lawmakers also raised concerns about increasing economic disruption tied to President Trump’s renewed tariffs on European aerospace components and ongoing tensions with NATO allies. These dynamics threaten global supply chains and could complicate the production of both military and commercial engines.

The delegation called on RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, to return to the bargaining table with good-faith proposals that protect jobs, honor the workforce, and invest in Connecticut’s manufacturing future.

The lawmakers also plan to join workers on the picket line this week.

MIDDLETOWN LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS, CITING JOB SECURITY, GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

Posted on by Devin James

MIDDLETOWN LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING PRATT & WHITNEY WORKERS, CITING JOB SECURITY, GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown state legislative delegation today announced its full support for the Pratt & Whitney workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), who are set to go on strike starting at midnight.

The workers are demanding stronger job protections amid escalating fears that the company could relocate key manufacturing operations to Germany or North Carolina.

The Pratt & Whitney facilities in Middletown produce the F135 engine for the F-35 fighter jet and the advanced, fuel-efficient Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used in Airbus’ A320neo aircraft.

These are highly strategic, high-skill manufacturing operations critical to both U.S. defense and international aerospace commerce. Parent company RTX recently announced stronger-than-expected earnings, but warned investors that tariffs could cost the company $850 million in 2025.

Middletown’s lawmakers are sounding the alarm about the broader risks at stake—not only to local jobs but to economic stability and national security.
“I have deep respect for the hardworking members of IAM Locals 700 and 1746, and I stand with them as they raise their voices for fair treatment and long-term security,” State Representative Kai Belton said. “These machinists play a critical role in Connecticut’s economy and deserve a contract that reflects their value and dedication. I hope both sides can return to the table and reach an agreement that honors the contributions of these skilled workers and supports strong, stable jobs in our communities.”

“The workers in Middletown and East Hartford helped build Pratt & Whitney’s legacy through generations of hard work, innovation, and excellence,” said Senator Matt Lesser. “Now, with global tensions rising, they’re rightly demanding job security and respect. These jobs must stay here.”

“The hardworking employees of Pratt & Whitney helped make Connecticut a leader in aerospace manufacturing. Now these workers would like basic assurances their jobs won’t be shipped overseas or sent to other locations,” Sen. Jan Hochadel said. “Sadly, the federal mediators who have helped resolve these conflicts in the past are no longer available. I stand firmly with these dedicated workers, who want to ensure they can continue to provide for their families.”

“I am proud to stand in solidarity with the workers of Pratt and Whitney,” State Rep. Brandon Chafee said. “Pratt and Whitney has been a major employer in Connecticut since it was founded here one hundred years ago. These workers are an integral part of our community, and they deserve decent wages, benefits, and assurances that their jobs won’t be shipped overseas to further enrich shareholders and executives. I am urging management to come to the table and bargain in good faith with the workers who have made the company what it is today.”

Lawmakers also raised concerns about increasing economic disruption tied to President Trump’s renewed tariffs on European aerospace components and ongoing tensions with NATO allies. These dynamics threaten global supply chains and could complicate the production of both military and commercial engines.

The delegation called on RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, to return to the bargaining table with good-faith proposals that protect jobs, honor the workforce, and invest in Connecticut’s manufacturing future.

The lawmakers also plan to join workers on the picket line this week.

Middletown Legislative Delegation Condemns NEA Decision to Cut Funding for Oddfellows Playhouse

Posted on by Devin James

Middletown Legislative Delegation Condemns NEA Decision to Cut Funding for Oddfellows Playhouse

“One More Lawless Attack on the People of Connecticut”

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel and State Representatives Kai Belton and Brandon Chafee issued a unified and forceful condemnation of the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) decision—under the direction of President Trump’s administration—to abruptly withdraw previously committed federal funding for Oddfellows Playhouse, a cornerstone of youth arts education and social engagement in Central Connecticut.

In a letter received this week by Oddfellows Director Dic Wheeler, the NEA informed the organization that its $10,000 grant, which was intended to support a theater production centered on the lived experiences of underserved high school youth, had been revoked due to new policy priorities dictated by the Trump administration.

The NEA justified its decision by stating that the project “does not align” with new federal directives which now prioritize political and ideological goals such as “celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence,” “fostering AI competency,” and “making the District of Columbia safe and beautiful,” among others.

“This is one more lawless attack on the people of Connecticut by an out-of-control administration that is targeting arts, truth-telling, and young people,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “Oddfellows Playhouse has spent decades providing an essential platform for creative expression, empowerment, and community-building. For the federal government to strip funding from a program that uplifts underserved youth—simply because it doesn’t fit a political agenda—is disgraceful, retaliatory, and deeply un-American.”

Oddfellows Playhouse, founded in 1975, has served generations of Connecticut youth, particularly from marginalized communities. The canceled production was designed to amplify the voices of high school students whose stories are too often left out of public discourse—a mission that aligns precisely with the NEA’s founding purpose: to support creativity, inclusion, and free artistic expression.

The delegation called for immediate congressional oversight of NEA decision-making, transparency in the implementation of these new funding priorities, and a reversal of what they describe as “ideological cleansing masquerading as arts policy.”

“This isn’t just an attack on a theater. It’s an attack on free expression, local communities, and the very idea that art belongs to everyone—not just to those who serve the President’s agenda,” the statement concluded.

Middletown Legislative Delegation Condemns NEA Decision to Cut Funding for Oddfellows Playhouse

Posted on by Devin James

Middletown Legislative Delegation Condemns NEA Decision to Cut Funding for Oddfellows Playhouse

“One More Lawless Attack on the People of Connecticut”

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel and State Representatives Kai Belton and Brandon Chafee issued a unified and forceful condemnation of the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) decision—under the direction of President Trump’s administration—to abruptly withdraw previously committed federal funding for Oddfellows Playhouse, a cornerstone of youth arts education and social engagement in Central Connecticut.

In a letter received this week by Oddfellows Director Dic Wheeler, the NEA informed the organization that its $10,000 grant, which was intended to support a theater production centered on the lived experiences of underserved high school youth, had been revoked due to new policy priorities dictated by the Trump administration.

The NEA justified its decision by stating that the project “does not align” with new federal directives which now prioritize political and ideological goals such as “celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence,” “fostering AI competency,” and “making the District of Columbia safe and beautiful,” among others.

“This is one more lawless attack on the people of Connecticut by an out-of-control administration that is targeting arts, truth-telling, and young people,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “Oddfellows Playhouse has spent decades providing an essential platform for creative expression, empowerment, and community-building. For the federal government to strip funding from a program that uplifts underserved youth—simply because it doesn’t fit a political agenda—is disgraceful, retaliatory, and deeply un-American.”

Oddfellows Playhouse, founded in 1975, has served generations of Connecticut youth, particularly from marginalized communities. The canceled production was designed to amplify the voices of high school students whose stories are too often left out of public discourse—a mission that aligns precisely with the NEA’s founding purpose: to support creativity, inclusion, and free artistic expression.

The delegation called for immediate congressional oversight of NEA decision-making, transparency in the implementation of these new funding priorities, and a reversal of what they describe as “ideological cleansing masquerading as arts policy.”

“This isn’t just an attack on a theater. It’s an attack on free expression, local communities, and the very idea that art belongs to everyone—not just to those who serve the President’s agenda,” the statement concluded.

Looney, Duff, and Kushner Release Statement on Pratt & Whitney Strike

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff, and Kushner Release Statement on Pratt & Whitney Strike

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), co-chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Pratt and Whitney strike.

“We stand in solidarity with the machinists at Pratt & Whitney. These workers are vital to Connecticut’s economy and national defense, and they deserve a fair contract that reflects their contributions. We urge Pratt & Whitney to return to the table with a genuine commitment to negotiating in good faith. A strong middle class begins with strong labor protections, and Connecticut’s future depends on honoring the dignity of work.”