Sen. Paul Honig (opinion): Looking down Conn.’s roads — and fixing them

Sen. Paul Honig (opinion): Looking down Conn.’s roads — and fixing them

Serving on Harwinton’s Board of Selectmen has given me a front-row seat to the challenges small towns face when it comes to maintaining basic infrastructure. Transportation upkeep is expensive and for many residents road conditions carry a symbolic significance. It’s hard to believe your local government is doing its job when potholes and frost heaves turn the daily commute into an obstacle course.

Here in Harwinton, we have roughly 66 miles of local roads. Public works officials say we should be investing more in paving and repairs just to keep up with normal degradation. Our largest source of road funding is the state’s Town Aid Road program, known as TAR, and our share has been about $230,000 a year.

When I joined the state Senate in January, that number had been unchanged for more than a decade. And I found out that Harwinton wasn’t alone. Overall state funding for TAR has remained frozen at $60 million a year since 2014.

In the time since then, costs for asphalt, equipment, and labor have steadily climbed. That’s a problem. Every time you hold funding flat while costs increase, you’re removing services at the rate of inflation. It means that each year, towns can do a little less with the same money. Eventually, the gap between what’s needed and what’s funded becomes too wide to ignore.

I made it a priority to take a closer look at programs such as TAR. The value of this funding is clear to every local official. Towns use it to pave, plow, treat roads, clear trees, install signs, and generally keep roads safe. Yet we were still asking them to pay 2025 prices on a 2014 budget. The math just didn’t add up.

I brought this concern to a colleague, state Sen. Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, who chairs the legislature’s bonding subcommittee, and suggested we do more. Because without additional support, either road conditions would continue to worsen or local taxpayers would be asked to pick up the slack.

This year’s bonding legislation delivers. TAR funding is slated to jump from $60 million to $80 million statewide, a 33% increase. It’s not everything towns need, but it is a big step in the right direction.

For the 8th Senate District, that translates to nearly $1 million in additional state support each year. Harwinton will receive about $70,000 in extra funding, Simsbury more than $120,000, and Torrington an additional $150,000.

Although those figures might seem small in the scope of the state budget, they are significant at the town level. That extra funding could mean the flexibility to treat secondary roads ahead of a big winter storm or resurfacing a bumpy stretch of pavement that would otherwise have to wait another year or two.

While I’m focused on the towns I represent, every Connecticut municipality that receives funding under TAR will be given a one-third increase for road repairs and that’s progress.

I’m proud that during my first year in office, I was able to deliver results that will make a real difference in people’s daily lives. This increase in funding will help towns keep roads safer and at the very least, it should make the daily commute a little smoother for drivers.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS REVOLUTION WIND STOP-WORK ORDER LIFTED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS REVOLUTION WIND STOP-WORK ORDER LIFTED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to a federal judge lifting a stop-work order filed against the Revolution Wind off-shore wind project off the coast of Connecticut, the first ruling since the Trump administration sought the stop of all work on the project in late August. The lifted order came after the U.S. District Court judge said the government provided no new information to justify the stop-work order:

“I am glad to hear the judge in this case came to a common sense ruling so the Revolution Wind project can continue. This decision will allow hundreds of skilled workers to get back to work on this vital project for the New England region, which was fully permitted and 80% complete before the stop-work order was issued. Once online, this project will generate more than 2% of the power for the entire New England power grid; it represents regional energy stability.”

Sen. Lesser Asks AG Tong to Review Nexstar/Tegna Merger

Sen. Lesser Asks AG Tong to Review Nexstar/Tegna Merger

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser wrote a letter requesting Connecticut Attorney General William Tong to review the proposed purchase by Nexstar Media Group of its rival Tegna for possible violations of the Connecticut Antitrust Act.

Not only would the merger violate the FCC’s longstanding 39% ownership cap in many media markets, but Senator Lesser also cites concerns over allegations that Nexstar pressured ABC to drop comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s television show in response to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. This pressure came shortly after Kimmel spoke critically of the administration and mainstream Republicans on his show earlier this week.

You can read the letter in it’s entirety below.
September 19, 2025
Dear Attorney General Tong,

I write to request that you use your powers to review the proposed purchase by Nexstar Media Group of its rival Tegna for possible violations of the Connecticut Antitrust Act, as incorporated in 35-24 et seq. of the Connecticut General Statutes.

In Connecticut, Nexstar owns WTNH Channel 8 and WTCX Channel 59 and Tegna owns WTIC Fox 61 and WCCT Channel 20.

Nationally the proposed merger would create a company that would exceed the FCC’s longstanding 39% ownership cap in many media markets. In Connecticut it would dramatically reduce consumer choice and lead to monopolization of news coverage in the Hartford-New Haven media market.

This would be concerning and potentially illegal under any circumstances and should warrant your attention, but I am alarmed by Nexstar’s apparent willingness to abuse its existing market power even before the merger increases its clout.

Specifically, numerous media reports suggest that Nexstar pushed ABC to drop comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s television show in response to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and potentially from President Trump himself. ABC swiftly did so.

Carr had publicly threatened to use his official powers to punish ABC for giving a platform to Kimmel. Carr then publicly praised Nexstar, which is awaiting FCC approval of its proposed merger, for its role in helping to get Kimmel canceled.

The Connecticut Antitrust Act gives you significant powers to protect the public from anticompetitive behavior.

In 1985, the Second Circuit suggested that your office could enjoin an unlawful merger under the state antitrust law. In 1992, your office argued a planned merger would violate federal and state antitrust law, which resulted in concessions from the business that resulted in a stipulated agreement. As a state senator, I support your continued efforts to strengthen the law including with 2025 proposed HB 7072, but urge you to examine this specific issue closely under your existing powers.

In addition to the issues raised above under Connecticut law, the misuse of official power to pressure a television network to drop a comedian raises serious and troubling constitutional questions because it seems to violate the plain meaning of the First Amendment.

However, Nexstar is not a victim nor is it blameless and its eagerness to buckle to pressure from the Trump Administration raises serious questions about whether it will have a greater ability to harm the public in the event that this merger is approved. The merger could jeopardize access to timely and accurate news coverage in the Hartford-New Haven media market and could harm the public interest.

Accordingly, I ask that you move swiftly to use your powers to review this proposed transaction and pursue additional actions as appropriate.

Sincerely,

Matthew Lesser

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO PURA CHAIRWOMAN STEPPING DOWN

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO PURA CHAIRWOMAN STEPPING DOWN

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Chairwoman Marissa Gillett will step down from her role on October 10:

“I am saddened that Chairwoman Gillett is stepping down from PURA. I am thankful for her work to save Connecticut ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars.”

SENATOR ANWAR ENCOURAGED BY REPORTED HARTFORD HEALTHCARE BID ON MANCHESTER, VERNON-ROCKVILLE HOSPITALS

SENATOR ANWAR ENCOURAGED BY REPORTED HARTFORD HEALTHCARE BID ON MANCHESTER, VERNON-ROCKVILLE HOSPITALS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, issued a statement in support of a reported court filing indicating Hartford HealthCare submitted a bid to purchase Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester and Rockville General Hospital in Vernon from the bankruptcy of current owner Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.:

“This is incredibly welcome news for health care in the state of Connecticut. I fully endorse and encourage Hartford HealthCare’s bid to purchase these hospitals, which would preserve local community care in Manchester, Vernon and their surrounding towns and cities. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on local health institutions like these, which made Prospect’s questionable ownership practices, including underinvesting in the hospitals, so concerning. Hartford HealthCare would be able to strongly enhance quality of care and investments in health care resources at both hospitals. Both of these hospitals have excellent staff and this shift would further enhance hiring and recruiting to ensure continued top-level care. Perhaps most hearteningly, if successful, this bid would reduce private equity’s presence in state healthcare.”

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF NORTHEAST PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF NORTHEAST PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, released the following statement after the official announcement of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a joint partnership between Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York City to coordinate public health recommendations including vaccine recommendations.

The Collaborative issued new recommendations for COVID vaccines on Thursday that differ from national ones. Children from the ages of 6 months to 2 years and all adults are encouraged to receive vaccines, especially those with risk factors for serious illness or at higher risk of exposure. Children and adolescents may be vaccinated, with those with high-risk conditions, living in high-exposure settings, who have never been vaccinated against COVID or who live with high-risk family members are recommended to get a shot. Vaccines are also recommended during pregnancy.

Conversely, the Centers for Disease Control has restricted vaccine access to adults under the age of 65 except for those at risk of serious illness and actively discouraged vaccination for children and during pregnancy. These guidelines conflict with numerous scientific studies showing COVID vaccination is safe and significantly safer than contracting the virus itself, drawing criticism from medical professionals and organizations and causing confusion and frustration among members of the public.

“Public health is not a game and I am highly encouraged to see New England and Northeastern leaders recognize that. We cannot trust Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to utilize science in its recommendations to the public. Firing the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replacing members with hand-picked vaccine opponents makes that crystal clear, as does restricting access to COVID vaccines in opposition to widely accepted medical consensus. As the autumn nears, respiratory viruses become more prevalent, and I hope the people of Connecticut take responsible, common-sense steps to protect themselves and their loved ones including vaccination.”

After Calling for Action, Senators Looney & Duff Welcome Northeast Public Health Collaborative

After Calling for Action, Senators Looney & Duff Welcome Northeast Public Health Collaborative

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Lamont’s announcement that Connecticut has formally joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative alongside several other Northeastern states and New York City.

“Earlier, we called on Governor Lamont for Connecticut to join our neighboring states in a regional public health partnership modeled after the West Coast effort, because we know that pathogens don’t stop at state lines. With misinformation and political gamesmanship coming out of Republican-controlled Washington, we can’t count on the federal government to defend science and accurate public health information. That’s why states must work together. We’re glad to see Connecticut embracing this approach and moving forward with our neighbors to protect the health and safety of every resident.”

After Calling for Action, Senators Looney & Duff Welcome Northeast Public Health Collaborative

After Calling for Action, Senators Looney & Duff Welcome Northeast Public Health Collaborative

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Lamont’s announcement that Connecticut has formally joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative alongside several other Northeastern states and New York City.

“Earlier, we called on Governor Lamont for Connecticut to join our neighboring states in a regional public health partnership modeled after the West Coast effort, because we know that pathogens don’t stop at state lines. With misinformation and political gamesmanship coming out of Republican-controlled Washington, we can’t count on the federal government to defend science and accurate public health information. That’s why states must work together. We’re glad to see Connecticut embracing this approach and moving forward with our neighbors to protect the health and safety of every resident.”

CT. TEACHERS GIVE SEN. KUSHNER AN “A” GRADE FOR 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

CT. TEACHERS GIVE SEN. KUSHNER AN “A” GRADE FOR 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) has received an “A” grade score of 95.5 out of 100 from the Connecticut Education Association for her pro-education votes during the recently concluded 2025 legislative session.

Sen. Kushner’s score was the highest in the state Senate and the sixth-highest in the entire General Assembly; she also had one of the five highest scores on the legislature’s Education Committee, where she serves as a member. The CEA scorecards can be found here: https://cea.org/legislator-report-card/.

“I know how much a public school education means to parents and children in Connecticut. We are consistently ranked as one of the best states in America for our public schools, and that is because of the hard work and dedication that our teachers put into their profession,” Sen. Kushner said. “Every vote I take is to ensure that our public schools remain strong, that our families are well-served, and that our teachers have the tools that they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.”

Sen. Kushner was scored on her votes on 76 different bills covering issues such as universal pre-K, teacher recruitment and retention, book bans, paraeducators, school indoor air quality, new charter school approval process, virtual learning, classroom safety, and more.

The CEA is Connecticut’s largest union for certified educators, representing about 43,000 public school teachers, retired teachers, and college students preparing for the profession.

Senator Duff Receives ‘A’ from Connecticut Education Association 2025 Report Card

Senator Duff Receives ‘A’ from Connecticut Education Association 2025 Report Card

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), received an ‘A’ grade from the Connecticut Education Association’s 2025 legislator report card, indicating his continued support for Connecticut education and the state’s teaching workforce.

Senator Duff received a 90.7% score for his 2025 legislative session, following his votes earlier this year in support of key educational priorities including the state budget’s increases to municipal education funding and expansions of special education funding.

“Education is the foundation of a strong future, and I am proud to continue fighting for the resources and support our teachers and students need in the classroom,” said Sen. Duff. “This recognition from the Connecticut Education Association reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background.”

Senator Duff received his score for supporting policies including the state budget, which increased education funding for many municipalities and expanded special education support; increases to special education grants statewide; support for universal pre-kindergarten supporting young children and families alike; and improvements to school indoor air quality through equipment upgrades. He also voted for legislation requiring procedures for the consideration of book challenges in school libraries, has increased Norwalk’s school construction state reimbursement rate to 60% from 22.5% and is actively working to build new schools here too.

Supporting teaching priorities, Sen. Duff also voted in support of expansions of scholarships for aspiring educators and the establishment of an improved legal standard and arbitration during teacher terminations.