Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Posted on January 30, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, is issuing a statement following a journalist being charged with federal rights civil crimes in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota.

“People are being arrested for exercising rights explicitly guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This is not speculation—this is happening.

“When journalists and citizens alike are detained for speaking out, including the arrest of Don Lemon, it signals a deeply troubling moment for our democracy. These are frightening times. Freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is the foundation of our republic.

“It is our collective voice. It is what gives the people the ability to speak freely, to dissent, and to peacefully assemble without fear of retaliation. If we allow this erosion of constitutional rights to continue, if we remain silent in the face of injustice, we are not maintaining order; we are surrendering liberty. Silence becomes consent. And consent, in this moment, empowers a dangerous expansion of executive authority.

“Unchecked, this path leads away from democracy and toward authoritarian rule. History shows us that the loss of freedom does not happen overnight, it happens when people are intimidated into compliance and convinced that resistance is futile. We cannot allow that to happen here.

“The Constitution demands vigilance. Democracy demands courage. And this moment demands that we speak—clearly, loudly, and without fear.”

Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

Posted on January 28, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, applauded news that Yale University will provide free tuition for students whose families’ income and certain assets are under $200,000. Additionally, the university will cover all costs of attendance for families with incomes below $100,000.

“Yale understands that to truly fulfill their mission, cost cannot be a barrier. This is also true for other schools that are not as well resourced. That’s why I am pushing for a significant expansion in scholarship support for Connecticut students attending schools in the state. Connecticut ranks among the worst states when it comes to providing public scholarships and the result is that many of our students go out of state for college – and never return. Alternatively, other students simply opt out of college altogether due to cost. Debt-free community college has been a great success in our state, but we must do more for students pursuing a four year degree. It’s wonderful that Yale is expanding their institutional aid, but they are in a very different financial place than our other universities and colleges. Let’s celebrate Yale’s decision while acknowledging state government has a role to play to make this kind of move a reality at our other schools.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through increased investment in scholarships, debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

STATE SENATOR SAUD ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MINNEAPOLIS KILLING

Posted on January 26, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

January 26, 2026

STATE SENATOR SAUD ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MINNEAPOLIS KILLING

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement in response to the killing of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, January 24, the latest civilian death following federal immigration actions in the city by ICE and Border Patrol:

“Yet again, in high definition, we watch an innocent citizen murdered at the hands of federal agents, and yet again, the federal government lies about what we can plainly see with our own eyes. What is being called immigration enforcement seems to in fact be a terror campaign inflicted upon cities opposing the Trump administration. Lives have been lost, lives are at stake and the federal government seems to keep doubling down, putting us all at risk. Without accountability or the rule of law in place, our nation will crumble. The people of America deserve answers and they deserve an end to the endless chaos being forced upon them.”

Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Fatal Shooting by ICE in Minnesota

Posted on January 25, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Fatal Shooting by ICE in Minnesota

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota.

“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the recent killing in Minnesota involving federal immigration enforcement,” said Sen. Gaston. “This recent death has shaken communities across the nation and raised serious questions about the use of force by federal authorities. This loss of life is extremely troubling, and so are the growing concerns from immigrant families, neighbors, and advocates. As Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, I will continue to use my role to call for justice, accountability, and policies that protect every member of our communities.”

Looney & Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

Posted on January 24, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota:

“We are shocked, appalled, and angered by today’s fatal shooting of a man by ICE agents in Minnesota. This tragic loss of life is yet another demonstration of a dangerous escalation in federal tactics and a disturbing manifestation of authoritarian power. No immigration enforcement operation should end in death, nevermind a cold-blooded murder like the initial video indicates. This is not who we are as a nation.

“We call on our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly to join us in condemning this violent abuse of federal power. Now is the time for all elected officials, regardless of party, to stand together against the dangerous buildup of secret police and militarization of immigration enforcement and to speak with moral clarity against federal overreach that costs innocent lives.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we expect our Republican colleagues will once again remain silent on this clear abuse of power, or worse, attempt to deflect attention to entirely unrelated matters rather than confronting what is plainly wrong. We hope this time will be different. We hope they will find the courage to put principle before politics and join us in demanding an end to these violent abuses of power. The people of Connecticut deserve leaders who have the courage to speak out against injustice, even when it’s politically inconvenient.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Looney & Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

Posted on January 24, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Sen. Lesser Applauds Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period

Posted on January 23, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Sen. Lesser Applauds Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser applauded news that Access Health CT will offer a special enrollment period for customers eligible for the state subsidy announced late last year.

“Hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents have been hurt by the decision by Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington to break a critical piece of the Affordable Care Act and raise healthcare premiums. Constituents in my district and all across the state are still scrambling to find affordable options, and Connecticut has a crucial role to play in protecting our residents from the decisions happening in Washington D.C. We must do more to ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare options. This special enrollment period is an important step, but we must go farther to make the premium support announced by the Governor late last year is available to the public, and we must also bring down premiums to ensure quality healthcare is available to those who need it.”

Special enrollment will begin February 1. According to Access Health CT, customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:

Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.

More information can be found here, and customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com to enroll.

Senator McCrory Issues Statement on DECD Audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Devin James

Senator McCrory Issues Statement on DECD Audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association

Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, made the following statement Thursday in response to the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Wednesday release of an audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA).

“The Department of Economic and Community Development’s audit of the Blue Hills Civic Association and subsequent reporting by members of the media has raised questions related to state oversight of public funds provided to community nonprofits. Although I engaged in no wrongdoing, I was mentioned in the audit because I was involved in advocating at the Legislature for resources for organizations within my district, including BHСА, and some of the organizations that received funds were criticized in the audit. Having reviewed the audit, I want to share my perspective on some of its findings.

“First, the DECD audit makes clear that stronger oversight is needed to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively. I agree with this goal and will be supportive of reasonable measures to achieve it.

“At the same time, I also feel strongly that we need to recognize that nonprofit organizations are essential partners in our communities, delivering youth programs, job training, housing assistance, and other critical services that families in my district and across Connecticut rely on every day.

“Therefore, while Connecticut should seek to strengthen oversight for public funds, it must do so carefully and fairly, without creating unnecessary red tape that blocks resources from reaching residents that need them the most.”

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

Posted on January 22, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s commutation of the sentence of a real estate manager, Jacob Deutsch, convicted in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme that targeted lenders and communities in Hartford:

“Commuting this sentence sends a dangerous signal that large-scale financial crimes harming communities in Connecticut can be brushed aside. Our residents deserve a justice system that holds wealthy insiders to the same standards it expects from moderate-income Americans. This commutation is also a slap in the face to the federal investigators and prosecutors who spent countless hours investigating this case, pursuing justice, and holding a fraudster accountable.

“Unfortunately, this decision is another example of the Trump regime’s corruption of the American justice system. For President Trump, crime is acceptable if you’re a rich donor or well-connected individual, while ordinary citizens face the full force of the law. That kind of favoritism corrodes public trust, fosters cynicism, and represents one of the most disturbing demonstrations of corruption in modern American history.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

Posted on January 22, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193