Duff, Norwalk Delegation Celebrate Successful Advocacy for Norwalk

NORWALK – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Representatives Lucy Dathan, Dominique Johnson, Kadeem Roberts, and Travis Simms today celebrated the nearly $74 million in total state aid that he and Norwalk’s Democratic legislative delegation were able to bring to Norwalk and the region in 2025, funding everything from MLK student scholarships and the Norwalk Symphony to a college, an aquarium, a marina, and the City of Norwalk itself.

“Norwalk is one of the fastest-growing cities in Connecticut, and as such the city and its people need the state support that keeps them moving forward while keeping local property taxes in check and maintaining a high quality of life. That has been my goal this year in securing tens of millions of dollars in state funding or Norwalk and the region,” said Sen. Duff. “The life of a city is built on a myriad of things, all of them important to someone and all of them contributing in some way. All of it together makes for a very attractive and dynamic place to live. My family goes back five generations in Norwalk, and I graduated from Norwalk High School. I’m invested in this community, and I’m determined to see it flourish.”

As the respected state Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Duff plays a key role in the development of the Connecticut state budget and public policy. As the newly elected vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Sen. Duff  collaborates in a bipartisan manner with legislators from all 50 states to tackle the issues and solve the problems facing America. “Public service is both an enormous responsibility and enormously satisfying, and when holding public office in service to your community, the sky is the limit if you have the will and the ability. I’m fortunate enough to have both and I’m committed to delivering for the people of Norwalk,” said Sen. Duff.

“I want to thank the Norwalk Delegation for delivering over $73 million to the City of Norwalk, especially Senator Duff who is always advocating for Norwalk residents.” said Mayor Rilling. “The community organizations receiving this funding from the State are the heartbeat of Norwalk and these investments will go a long way in helping to enhance equity and the quality of life for all Norwalkers.”

“I am proud of the results we have collaboratively delivered to our districts this year,” said Rep. Dathan. “By combining our diverse strengths and shared commitment to public service, we have effectively addressed the needs of our communities. It is an honor to serve our constituents, and through cooperation and with our thoughtful delegation, we continue to ensure their voices are heard and their priorities advanced.”

“I am overjoyed that the Norwalk delegation was able to secure over $73 million in state aid for the city. Like America, Norwalk is a giant melting pot – full of individuals that have different cultures and economic backgrounds. This aid is an investment in the whole city. Every resident of Norwalk will be able to reap the benefits,” said Rep. Roberts.

“2025 has been a successful year for Norwalk! Our delegation has worked tirelessly to secure funding for several diverse projects all over the City. These investments not only support and benefit current residents of Norwalk, but will also build on our foundation for a bright future. I am grateful that the Norwalk delegation is united in the fight to make our community as great as possible,” said Rep. Johnson.

“This historic investment is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to prioritize the needs of our community. These funds will strengthen Norwalk’s educational institutions, support our small businesses and nonprofits, expand opportunities for our youth, and improve the overall quality of life for our residents. I’m especially proud to see resources going toward programs that uplift working families, empower entrepreneurs, and create pathways for our young people to succeed. As a lifelong Norwalker and representative of the 140th District, I remain committed to ensuring that every dollar we bring home builds a stronger, safer, and more equitable future for all,” said Rep. Travis Simms.

Senators Looney & Duff Call on CT Republicans to Join Them in Urging Trump to Release Over $5 Billion in SNAP Funding

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D–New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D–Norwalk) today called on Connecticut Republicans to join Democrats in demanding that the Trump administration immediately release over $5 billion in federal reserve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding to sustain the program during the ongoing Republican federal shutdown.

The Republican-led U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it would not tap into the SNAP contingency reserve to support the program during the shutdown. This action is jeopardizing food assistance for more than 360,000 Connecticut residents and over 42 million Americans nationwide.

“Putting food on the table is a moral issue, not a cynical political calculation,” said Senator Looney. “The existence of this fund underscores that we are dealing with a manufactured crisis and that the federal government is willing to see people suffer despite having the resources to mitigate that, even during a shutdown. Connecticut families rely on SNAP to get through tough times. If the Trump administration refuses to act, Republicans here in Connecticut should have the courage to speak up and put people ahead of politics.”

“This is the first time in our country’s history that the President of the United States is willfully starving his own people,” said Senator Duff. “Trump is holding hungry families hostage to his chaos. There is over $5 billion sitting in reserve that could be released today but instead is being used to pressure Democrats to agree to Trump’s health insurance rate hikes. We call on our Republican colleagues to join us in demanding that the President release these funds immediately.”

Looney and Duff noted that Governor Ned Lamont has already announced $3 million in emergency state aid to Connecticut Foodshare to help fill the gap but said that “state funds can only go so far.”

“The federal government has the ability and the responsibility to prevent a hunger crisis,” the Senate leaders said in a joint statement. “This is a moment for Connecticut Republicans to show leadership and to demand action from their party’s standard-bearer in Washington.”

In a memo to state agencies, the USDA claimed that it cannot use the SNAP contingency reserve because those funds are only available to supplement benefits “when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits.” USDA argues that because Congress has not enacted a fiscal year 2026 appropriation, there are no existing benefits to supplement, and therefore, the contingency fund cannot be accessed.

However, that interpretation contradicts USDA’s own previously published shutdown contingency plan, which explicitly stated that the multi-year reserve funds “are also available to fund participant benefits in the event that a lapse occurs in the middle of the fiscal year.” The plan further noted that “Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue” during a government shutdown. Legal and policy experts say the agency retains complete discretion to use the reserve to maintain operations and prevent a lapse in benefits, particularly given that the funds were established precisely to ensure continuity of essential nutrition programs in emergencies. Prior administrations—Republican and Democratic alike—have consistently used available funding sources, including the reserve, to prevent any lapse in benefits during shutdowns including the 2018–2019 Trump-era shutdown.

The issue of SNAP funding is a bipartisan one. According to CT Data Haven, Connecticut’s 11 Republican state senators will see 11,364 families in their districts lose $2.6 million a month in federal SNAP funding – nearly $86,000 a day.

Senator              Families Affected  

Martin                 1,785

Sampson             1,600

Somers                1,232

Perillo                 1,121

Gordon                1,088

Cicarella              1,029

Harding                  998

Kissel                     877

Berthel                   711

Fazio                      517

Hwang                    406