Month: October 2025

SENATORS MAHER & KUSHNER WELCOME STATE FUNDING FOR WASTE REDUCTION IN BETHEL, NEWTON, RIDGEFIELD AND KENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATORS MAHER & KUSHNER WELCOME STATE FUNDING FOR WASTE REDUCTION IN BETHEL, NEWTON, RIDGEFIELD AND KENT

State Senators Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed $1.5 million in state grants to support waste reduction in these four towns.

The state awarded $1,542,527 to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority to support the deployment of additional satellite food scraps collection units, a new aerated static pile composting system in Bethel, the expansion of the aerated static pile composting system in Newtown, and waste diversion enhancements and improvements in Ridgefield and Kent.

The HRRA is a regional, governmental, waste management and recycling authority serving 14 municipalities in western Connecticut and a population of over 266,000 people.  HRRA municipalities include Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, Weston, Wilton.

“Composting through food scrap recycling is the way of the future – it reduces waste, creates a highly usable end product, and cuts down on costs,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m excited to see the support and growth of this effort in our area as a model for the state.”

“Waste disposal has nearly reached the level of unaffordability, so we have to be creative in our approaches to reducing and re-using the household trash that keeps being generated,” Sen. Kushner said. “I was proud to support these grants and I’m glad to see some of them  coming back to the region to help taxpayers and the environment.”

“With these grants, we’re continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to identify solutions to rising waste disposal costs that work for their communities,” Governor Ned Lamont said in announcing the grants today. “The smart and sustainable programs these grants will support give residents and municipalities more control over their disposal costs.”

“Separating organic materials from the trash should be thought of as a resource, not a waste. More food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in our everyday trash.  Compost added to gardens, construction sites, and poor soils makes great things happen,” the HRRA says on its website. “The HRRA is working to provide organics recycling programs throughout the region as a public service.  Our goals include reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering carbon, and improving ecosystem health.”

Connecticut is facing a growing waste crisis. With the closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority in Hartford, municipalities have fewer disposal options located within Connecticut’s borders, causing communities to rely increasingly on trucking waste to landfills in other states.

Restoring Connecticut’s self-sufficiency in waste management is critical for a reliable waste system and long-term stability in tipping fees. Many municipalities and regional organizations are taking positive steps to increase diversion and invest in waste management infrastructure, and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been supporting those efforts through multiple grant opportunities, including the first round of the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) grant program and the Materials Management Infrastructure grant program.

The SMM grant program helps municipalities and regional entities respond to this crisis by providing funds to develop and implement a wide variety of waste diversion and reduction programs and initiatives. These programs and initiatives include unit-based pricing systems operated at municipal transfer stations; decentralized food scrap collection units; technical assistance for the startup of an aerated static pile composting facility; curbside food scraps collection; regional composting enhancements paired with an in-vessel composter installation; technical support for the expansion of a regional waste authority’s operations; and a major urban initiative to launch curbside co-collection of municipal solid waste and food scraps within a unit-based pricing system.

The first round of the SMM grant program resulted in more than 1,000 tons of waste diverted across participating municipalities

SEN. MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW CHILD ADVOCATE

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW CHILD ADVOCATE

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee On Children, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of Christina  Ghio to become the new Child Advocate for the state of Connecticut:

“The Child Advocate is one of Connecticut’s most important protectors of our youngest and most vulnerable, and the holder of the office must be dedicated and determined in supporting their needs. With years of experience as associate child advocate and her service as acting child advocate, not to mention her decades of experience in law representing children’s issues, Christina Ghio has my full confidence as she steps into this new official role and continues advocating for those who need a voice.”

Senator Lopes Receives CWWA Legislator of the Year Award

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Lopes Receives CWWA Legislator of the Year Award

State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain) has received this years Connecticut Water Works Association Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Lopes was selected for the award in recognition of his advocacy on issues to protect the safety and quality of Connecticut’s water resources.

“I am honored to receive the Connecticut Water Works Association Legislator of the Year Award,” said Sen. Lopes. “Protecting the safety and quality of our state’s water is about ensuring every family in Connecticut has access to clean, safe drinking water. This award is an acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve done together to safeguard our water resources, and I remain committed to preserving and protecting what is one of our most valuable assets as it is a basic human need.”

Senator Lopes was presented the award at CWWA’s Annual Fall Conference. He was recognized for his advocacy for enhancing source water protection and addressing concerns regarding PFAS in consumer products. In addition, the award recognized Sen. Lopes’ commitment to ensuring that the state’s water utilities may continue to provide customers with safe, high quality drinking water at a reasonable cost.

Senator Anwar To Live On $6.20 Per Day In Solidarity With Connecticut Residents Set To Lose SNAP

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Anwar To Live On $6.20 Per Day In Solidarity With Connecticut Residents Set To Lose SNAP

HARTFORD, CT — Today, out of solidarity with the 17,437 individuals in Connecticut’s Third Senate District and the 391,200 residents statewide expected to lose access to SNAP benefits beginning Saturday, November 1, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced he will live on $6.20 of food per day, the average daily amount provided to SNAP recipients through federal assistance.

The move comes as food assistance for more than 40 million Americans is expected to end Saturday as federal Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate on health insurance policy, stretching the current federal government shutdown into a second month.

Sen. Anwar noted the the Trump administration last week refused to authorize a $5 billion SNAP contingency reserve actively held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Those funds could be released to ensure uninterrupted support for families facing food insecurity across the nation, but federal leaders are refusing to take action.

“No elected official should ever look away from the pain of a mother choosing between food and medicine, or a senior deciding whether to skip a meal to keep the lights on,” said Sen. Anwar. “This is the daily reality for too many of our neighbors — and it’s about to get much worse if this lifeline is severed. To live their experiences is to gain deeper understanding of the severe challenges too many will soon face. This is not a partisan issue — it’s a human issue. We must act now, with compassion and urgency, to prevent hunger in our communities.”

Sen. Anwar‘s efforts are aligned with the 13,850 residents in East Hartford, 1,614 in East Windsor, 1,216 in South Windsor, and 757 in Ellington who are slated to lose SNAP aid, just some of the hundreds of thousands who will have food aid stripped by the weekend.

Senator Anwar called on state and federal leaders to form a clear and coordinated response to compel the USDA to deploy its statutory transfer authorities to bridge the funding gap, establish a SNAP funding bridge and strengthen community food response networks and efforts. He emphasized the need for collaboration among local stores, grocers, community organizations, and faith groups to ensure that every family in need can access food in the coming weeks.

Senators Looney and Duff Call on Lamont Administration to Alert Residents to Republican Role in Service Disruptions

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Call on Lamont Administration to Alert Residents to Republican Role in Service Disruptions

Today, Senate President Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff called on Governor Ned Lamont to follow the example of Pennsylvania and other states and prominently post information on state agency websites alerting residents to the cause of recent service disruptions: inept Republican governance.

The ongoing Republican shutdown threatens critical services that Connecticut families depend on, including nutrition assistance, Head Start programs, and healthcare services. Although these are federal programs, residents often interact with state agencies to access these services, making clear communication about disruptions essential.

“Republicans have once again demonstrated the core principles of their governance philosophy: chaos and hardship for everyday families; legal pardons and generous tax breaks for the wealthy elite,” Senator Looney said. “Working-class Connecticut residents deserve to know who turned their backs on them. President Trump and Congressional Republicans control every branch of the federal government, yet they have chosen to shut it down rather than work constructively to protect working families. Voters have a right to understand who is responsible for this manufactured crisis.”

“Nothing illustrates Republican contempt for working people more clearly than President Trump demolishing an entire wing of the White House during his own shutdown to build a lavish ballroom for his rich friends,” Senator Duff said. “Pennsylvania has shown the way forward. Governor Shapiro’s administration is clearly communicating to residents why their services are disrupted. Our state government has the same responsibility.”

The legislative leaders specifically called for Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, to inform enrollees that the premium increases they will face next year are a direct consequence of the Republicans’ refusal to accept the Congressional Democrats’ proposal to protect Americans from these hikes. Democrats offered solutions to prevent premium spikes for families purchasing coverage through the marketplace, but Republicans rejected these protections.

With Republicans in complete control of the federal government—the White House, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives—there is no ambiguity about who is responsible for the shutdown and its consequences for Connecticut families. Looney and Duff urged the Lamont administration to ensure Connecticut websites, particularly Access Health CT, prominently display information about service disruptions and their cause, allowing Connecticut residents to make informed judgments about their elected officials’ priorities.

Senators Looney and Duff Call on Lamont Administration to Alert Residents to Republican Role in Service Disruptions

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Call on Lamont Administration to Alert Residents to Republican Role in Service Disruptions

Today, Senate President Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff called on Governor Ned Lamont to follow the example of Pennsylvania and other states and prominently post information on state agency websites alerting residents to the cause of recent service disruptions: inept Republican governance.

The ongoing Republican shutdown threatens critical services that Connecticut families depend on, including nutrition assistance, Head Start programs, and healthcare services. Although these are federal programs, residents often interact with state agencies to access these services, making clear communication about disruptions essential.

“Republicans have once again demonstrated the core principles of their governance philosophy: chaos and hardship for everyday families; legal pardons and generous tax breaks for the wealthy elite,” Senator Looney said. “Working-class Connecticut residents deserve to know who turned their backs on them. President Trump and Congressional Republicans control every branch of the federal government, yet they have chosen to shut it down rather than work constructively to protect working families. Voters have a right to understand who is responsible for this manufactured crisis.”

“Nothing illustrates Republican contempt for working people more clearly than President Trump demolishing an entire wing of the White House during his own shutdown to build a lavish ballroom for his rich friends,” Senator Duff said. “Pennsylvania has shown the way forward. Governor Shapiro’s administration is clearly communicating to residents why their services are disrupted. Our state government has the same responsibility.”

The legislative leaders specifically called for Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, to inform enrollees that the premium increases they will face next year are a direct consequence of the Republicans’ refusal to accept the Congressional Democrats’ proposal to protect Americans from these hikes. Democrats offered solutions to prevent premium spikes for families purchasing coverage through the marketplace, but Republicans rejected these protections.

With Republicans in complete control of the federal government—the White House, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives—there is no ambiguity about who is responsible for the shutdown and its consequences for Connecticut families. Looney and Duff urged the Lamont administration to ensure Connecticut websites, particularly Access Health CT, prominently display information about service disruptions and their cause, allowing Connecticut residents to make informed judgments about their elected officials’ priorities.

SEN. MARX RELEASES STATEMENT SUPPORTING ELECTRIC BOAT PURCHASE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL MALL

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. MARX RELEASES STATEMENT SUPPORTING ELECTRIC BOAT PURCHASE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL MALL

Today, following Electric Boat’s announcement that it purchased the Waterford Crystal Mall, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) issued the following statement:

“After years of concerns over the future of the Crystal Mall, Waterford can rest assured knowing the property will be put to good use by Electric Boat, one of our region’s biggest and most important employers. This reused space will provide hundreds of new jobs and preserve this vital local resource for years to come.”

Senator Miller Applauds State Funding for Stamford After-School Programs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Applauds State Funding for Stamford After-School Programs

Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, today celebrated the announcement of state funding that will bring expanded after-school programming to Rogers Middle School, Westover Middle School, and Turn of River Middle School.

Stamford’s schools will receive $307,760 through two grants to support after-school programs at the three middle schools. ROSCCO Stamford School and Community Organization will receive $153,880 to operate programs at Rogers Middle School and Westover Middle School, while Stamford Public Schools will receive $153,880 for Turn of River Middle School.

“After-school programs are essential to closing Connecticut’s education opportunity gap,” Senator Miller said. “These initiatives help prepare students for success while providing working parents with the peace of mind that comes with supervised after-school care. I appreciate this commitment to Stamford’s next generation and look forward to these programs making a real difference in their lives.”

The funding will support initiatives that offer academic assistance like mentoring, science and technology enrichment, community service, as well as extracurriculars such as music, arts, athletics, and health.

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced a total of $5.3 million in state funding this week for programs across 30 municipalities through the Connecticut Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program.

Senator Miller has been a longtime champion of education equity and literacy initiatives, including leading passage of Connecticut’s “Right to Read” policy, designed to improve literacy outcomes through science-based curriculum.

Sen. Slap Applauds Increase in CSCU Student Enrollment

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Applauds Increase in CSCU Student Enrollment

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, welcomed news that the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) system reported a 6.7% increase in student enrollment for the fall 2025 semester.

According to CSCU, the four Connecticut State Universities have seen student enrollment increase by 9.8% compared to last fall:

Central Connecticut State University: 12.7%
Eastern Connecticut State University: 9.6%
Southern Connecticut State University: 6.9%
Western Connecticut State University: 9.7%
CT State Community College (12 campuses): 4.3%

In the last several years, the Higher Education Committee and the legislature have renewed their focus on expanding access to affordable higher education pathways. The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) allows high school students with a certain grade point average to be automatically admitted to participating schools, waiving the application fee, student essays and recommendation letters. Additionally, the legislature passed the Mary Ann Handley Award, previously known as the PACT Program offers debt-free community college tuition to qualifying students.

According to CSCU, nearly 2,000 students enrolled at one of CSCU’s four universities through the CAAP program and nearly 71% of students who use CAAP choose to apply to one of the Connecticut State Universities.

“Here in Connecticut we have some world class state universities and an outstanding community college system, but we keep hearing that affordability is a top concern for students and their families,” said Sen. Slap. “In the Higher Education committee we have been focused on expanding accessibility and ensuring that students who want to pursue a higher degree have the opportunity to do so. It is fantastic to see that these policies are having a positive influence on enrollment, making Connecticut more affordable for young folks and building out our workforce development. I look forward to continuing to build upon this progress.”

In the 2025 legislative session, the legislature increased funding into the Roberta B. Willis scholarship program that offers funding to high achieving students who demonstrate financial need to continue their education. This funding will be available to students graduating in the Spring of 2026 and beyond.

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT – Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox welcomed new state funding for after-school programs in Bridgeport. The funding is part of $5.3 million in state funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program to support 41 grants for expanding high-quality, after-school programs that provide academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day.

Bridgeport will receive $461,640 for the City of Bridgeport Lighthouse Program. $153,880 will be allocated to the Multi-Cultural Magnet School district, (JFK), Jettie S. Tisdale School & Roosevelt School, $153,880 will be allocated to Black Rock School District, Geraldine W. Johnson School & Winthrop School, and $153,880 will be allocated to the Blackham School district, Interdistrict Discovery, Magnet School, & Hallen School.

“After school programs are a lifeline for students and for their families,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “Continued academic enrichment helps students succeed academically, while providing families with affordable and educational childcare while parents finish their workdays. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker for their commitment to a holistic approach to education.”

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) selected recipients through a competitive process that evaluated each applicant’s ability to address local student needs, foster family and community engagement, provide academic enrichment, promote student wellness, and demonstrate effective program planning and organization.