Month: February 2026

SEN. CABRERA STATEMENT ON OFFICE OF CHILD ADVOCATE RECOMMENDAITONS FOR SUMMER CAMP SAFETY

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. CABRERA STATEMENT ON OFFICE OF CHILD ADVOCATE RECOMMENDAITONS FOR SUMMER CAMP SAFETY

HARTFORD – Nearly a year after responding to sexual assault charges at a Bethany, CT summer camp and introducing bill language that would have required municipal summer camps to be licensed by the state and have employees undergo criminal back checks, State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today issued the following statement regarding an Office of Child Advocate report that recommends various changes to Connecticut’s municipal summer camp operations.

The OCA report can be found at: Bethany Summer Camp report.

“The OCA recommendation that all summer camp employees — including those working for town summer camps – be mandated child neglect reporters and receive mandated reporter training, that’s just basic common sense. And the OCA recommendation that all employees receive ‘comprehensive’ background checks, I assume that means criminal background checks. That’s something we asked for in last year’s bill, which didn’t pass.

“Overall, the OCA report addresses some of the concerns in our bill last year. They get to the essence of what we were trying to do, and they really highlight the huge gap between what the State of Connecticut expects from most private camps, and what they expect from town- run camps.

“I know the Children’s Committee has introduced a bill this session to look at the issue of summer camps, and I’ll work to ensure that these OCA recommendations are included in the final bill. It’s the least we can do for our kids.”

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319
 

HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, responded to news that the Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a finding that determined greenhouse gases pose a public health risk, thus reducing the agency’s ability to regulate harmful emissions.

Despite overwhelming agreement in the scientific community that the climate is warming, and greenhouse gases are significant contributors, this move by the EPA represents a rejection of both settled science and the foundation for many climate rules under the Clean Air Act.

“The effects of burning fossil fuels on climate change are settled science. The Trump regime is once again politicizing the government to push an anti-science agenda and line the pockets of ultra-rich donors,” said Senators Looney and Duff.

They continued, “In Connecticut, we believe in science, and we want clean air, land, and water for our children and grandchildren. While Donald Trump wages his absurd war on windmills and scientific facts, we’ll keep fighting to deliver what our constituents actually care about. This regime’s reckless dismantling of environmental protections is a betrayal of America’s once-proud leadership on climate change.”

“The people of Connecticut expect state and local leaders to speak out when the federal government tramples on our values. We ask once again for Connecticut Republicans to join us in standing up. Unfortunately, we expect more silence and deflections while the Trump regime continues its chaos and destruction,” Senators Looney and Duff concluded.

“Make no mistake, Donald Trump intends to continue to use his elected position to allow the fossil fuel industry to get even richer, while directly putting at risk American’s health, worsening the climate crisis and leaving us completely ill prepared to manage the effects of climate change,” said Senator Cohen. “It will take time for these effects to be felt, but we do not have time to waste. We need to be making decisive and profound steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, slow climate change and prepare our communities for severe weather events, sea level rise and a warming climate. I am committed to continuing to do so here in Connecticut, but this is the greatest threat of our generation and the United States must be part of the global solution.”

 

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Newsletter Header

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, responded to news that the Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a finding that determined greenhouse gases pose a public health risk, thus reducing the agency’s ability to regulate harmful emissions.

Despite overwhelming agreement in the scientific community that the climate is warming, and greenhouse gases are significant contributors, this move by the EPA represents a rejection of both settled science and the foundation for many climate rules under the Clean Air Act.

“The effects of burning fossil fuels on climate change are settled science. The Trump regime is once again politicizing the government to push an anti-science agenda and line the pockets of ultra-rich donors,” said Senators Looney and Duff.

They continued, “In Connecticut, we believe in science, and we want clean air, land, and water for our children and grandchildren. While Donald Trump wages his absurd war on windmills and scientific facts, we’ll keep fighting to deliver what our constituents actually care about. This regime’s reckless dismantling of environmental protections is a betrayal of America’s once-proud leadership on climate change.”

“The people of Connecticut expect state and local leaders to speak out when the federal government tramples on our values. We ask once again for Connecticut Republicans to join us in standing up. Unfortunately, we expect more silence and deflections while the Trump regime continues its chaos and destruction,” Senators Looney and Duff concluded.

“Make no mistake, Donald Trump intends to continue to use his elected position to allow the fossil fuel industry to get even richer, while directly putting at risk American’s health, worsening the climate crisis and leaving us completely ill prepared to manage the effects of climate change,” said Senator Cohen. “It will take time for these effects to be felt, but we do not have time to waste. We need to be making decisive and profound steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, slow climate change and prepare our communities for severe weather events, sea level rise and a warming climate. I am committed to continuing to do so here in Connecticut, but this is the greatest threat of our generation and the United States must be part of the global solution.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Newsletter Header

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen React to EPA Repealing Greenhouse Gas Findings

HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, responded to news that the Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed a finding that determined greenhouse gases pose a public health risk, thus reducing the agency’s ability to regulate harmful emissions.

Despite overwhelming agreement in the scientific community that the climate is warming, and greenhouse gases are significant contributors, this move by the EPA represents a rejection of both settled science and the foundation for many climate rules under the Clean Air Act.

“The effects of burning fossil fuels on climate change are settled science. The Trump regime is once again politicizing the government to push an anti-science agenda and line the pockets of ultra-rich donors,” said Senators Looney and Duff.

They continued, “In Connecticut, we believe in science, and we want clean air, land, and water for our children and grandchildren. While Donald Trump wages his absurd war on windmills and scientific facts, we’ll keep fighting to deliver what our constituents actually care about. This regime’s reckless dismantling of environmental protections is a betrayal of America’s once-proud leadership on climate change.”

“The people of Connecticut expect state and local leaders to speak out when the federal government tramples on our values. We ask once again for Connecticut Republicans to join us in standing up. Unfortunately, we expect more silence and deflections while the Trump regime continues its chaos and destruction,” Senators Looney and Duff concluded.

“Make no mistake, Donald Trump intends to continue to use his elected position to allow the fossil fuel industry to get even richer, while directly putting at risk American’s health, worsening the climate crisis and leaving us completely ill prepared to manage the effects of climate change,” said Senator Cohen. “It will take time for these effects to be felt, but we do not have time to waste. We need to be making decisive and profound steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, slow climate change and prepare our communities for severe weather events, sea level rise and a warming climate. I am committed to continuing to do so here in Connecticut, but this is the greatest threat of our generation and the United States must be part of the global solution.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Honig Helps Secure State Funding to Restore Student Mental Health Services in Litchfield County

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Honig Helps Secure State Funding to Restore Student Mental Health Services in Litchfield County

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, released the following statement Monday after the state awarded an $830,000 grant to restore mental health services for thousands of students across 32 schools in Litchfield County:

“When the federal government broke its commitment to students in towns like Barkhamsted, Norfolk, and New Hartford, I knew Connecticut had to step up and restore this critical support,” Senator Honig said. “I’m proud we were able to act quickly to get these counselors back in our schools, providing frontline support for kids dealing with unprecedented challenges. Because Connecticut has been fiscally responsible, we had the resources available to preserve these services and I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for prioritizing Litchfield County kids.”

The state funding comes from a reserve fund created by the legislature during a special session last year to offset federal funding cuts. The federal grant, originally approved by Congress in 2022 as a five-year, $8.7 million commitment, was canceled last year by the U.S. Department of Education, well before its planned end date in December 2027.

EdAdvance, a nonprofit education service agency based in Litchfield, used the federal grant to hire 17 social workers who provided mental health services including classroom sessions on decision-making and social media awareness, as well as immediate intervention for students in crisis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Condemns Trump’s Racist Video

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Gaston Condemns Trump’s Racist Video

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is issuing the following statement, during Black History Month, condemning President Donald Trump’s posting of a racist video:

“Depicting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes is racist dehumanization—full stop. As a preacher, I condemn it as a moral evil that denies the God-given dignity of human beings. As a state senator, I denounce it as conduct that degrades our public life and poisons our democracy. This is not politics. It is hatred. It is pure evil. And it deserves no silence, no excuses, and no place in our society.”

Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Middletown Delegation Welcomes $1.8M for City Projects

Today, State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel and State Representatives Brandon Chafee and Kai Belton welcomed over $1.8 million to Middletown. The State Bond Commission voted to approve $350,000 for the City of Middletown to purchase and install a modular fire training building, and $1,472,736 for marina construction through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).
 
The City of Middletown applied for the SHIPP grant in order to replace the current aging harbor Emergency Response Dock. The dock has been damaged by years of flooding and seasonal ice flow, and the demand for dock space has increased in recent years, due in part to increased economic development in the area and recreational boaters on the Connecticut River.
 
“Last year, the Middletown delegation secured funding for the fire training facility as part of the state budget process. I am happy to see these funds be made available to the City to improve public safety. We know that affordability is first of mind, and that improved fire protection is associated with lower insurance costs for City residents. Separately, funding and moving the public safety dock is important for the general public on the Connecticut River as well as an important economic development step as part of our long term riverfront redevelopment efforts. I was happy to work closely with the City and the Governor’s office to secure these funds. Together these grants offer critical improvements to Middletown” said Sen. Lesser. “I am grateful to the Bond Commission for approving these funds and I look forward to continued collaboration to support our city.”
 
“New firefighter training facilities will help keep families safer, while the marina will boost the region’s economic development,” Sen. Hochadel said. “These are real investments that improve the quality of life for Middletown and the surrounding communities. I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission for recognizing the value of these projects and for their commitment to enhancing life in our region.”
 
“The current Harbor Emergency Response Dock has aged and has taken on considerable damage over the years due to seasonal ice flows and flooding events,” Rep. Belton said. “This funding will go toward replacing and relocating the dock, which all local, state, and federal agencies can use. The public recreation dock will see improvements as well. I couldn’t be more pleased that a modular fire training building is headed our way, too. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing Middletown and its need for this funding.”
 
“I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for approving funding for a new fire training facility and construction of a new public safety dock in Middletown. The fire training facility will help ensure our firefighters are properly trained and keep homeowner insurance rates down. The public safety dock will provide crucial access to the river for first responders and is a key component and first step to redevelopment efforts along the riverfront,” said Rep. Chafee.
 
“The funding made available by the State of Connecticut to replace Middletown’s public safety dock and create a regional fire training school is a gratifying recognition of the outstanding leading role that Middletown’s public safety agencies play in our state. I am thankful for the support of Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Senator Lesser, and our entire legislative delegation for their support of these critical local priorities, and look forward to working with the agencies involved to bring these projects to life in the months and years ahead,” said Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim.


Sen. Lesser Responds to Concierge Apartments

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Sen. Lesser Responds to Concierge Apartments

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser issued a statement in response to representation from Rocky Hill’s Concierge Apartments, where tenants have been without hot water for over a week and have been forced to evacuate.

“ The response from J.R.K Residential Group is cruel and inhumane, and sadly it falls perfectly in line with their long history of neglect and inattention. There are families with young babies, the elderly, the critically ill – all without suitable housing as we approach a weekend with below zero temperatures – but it appears J.R.K. sees these tenants as nothing more than a rent check. I’m grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Tong on this issue and I look forward to working alongside him to make things right for our constituents.”

Senator Lesser sent a letter with Attorney General William Tong to J.R.K. Property Holdings and J.R.K. Residential Group, the private equity backed real estate firm that owns Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill. Concierge has been plagued with issues of neglect and failure to keep up with code enforcement. In the latest incident, pipes have burst in the recent freezing temperatures, leaving tenants without hot water for well over a week. The Town of Rocky Hill has been forced to issue evacuation orders as the town has determined parts of the complex to be unsafe for occupancy.

On Thursday, representation for the property group responded.

This Monday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. Senator Lesser will co-host a free virtual workshop with attorneys from Connecticut Fair Housing to discuss legal options available to tenants. To sign-up, visit bit.ly/conciergetenants
 

Looney & Duff Condemn Trump’s Racist Video

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Racist Video

“If this isn’t rhetoric that crosses the line, what is?”

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today, at the start of Black History Month, condemning President Donald Trump’s posting of a racist video:

“President Trump’s racist video depicting President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys is abhorrent, disgraceful, and has no place in our political discourse. Whenever President Trump seems to have hit bottom, he always seems to find a new way to shock his fellow citizens and embarrass himself. Whether it is blatantly racist behavior like this or him being mentioned hundreds if not thousands of times in the Epstein files, President Trump would not be tolerated in our politics if we had a normal Republican Party.

“We call on Connecticut Republicans to publicly denounce this racist attack on the first Black president and first lady in our nation’s history. Republican leaders are always quick to call for us to ‘take the rhetoric down’ and ‘lower the temperature’—if this isn’t rhetoric that crosses the line, what is? If a leader stays silent when the head of his political party has normalized an explicitly racist attack, he becomes complicit in that racism. We believe our colleagues in Connecticut are better than that, and we call on them to make their integrity known.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney & Duff Condemn Trump’s Racist Video

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Newsletter Header

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Racist Video

“If this isn’t rhetoric that crosses the line, what is?”

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today, at the start of Black History Month, condemning President Donald Trump’s posting of a racist video:

“President Trump’s racist video depicting President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys is abhorrent, disgraceful, and has no place in our political discourse. Whenever President Trump seems to have hit bottom, he always seems to find a new way to shock his fellow citizens and embarrass himself. Whether it is blatantly racist behavior like this or him being mentioned hundreds if not thousands of times in the Epstein files, President Trump would not be tolerated in our politics if we had a normal Republican Party.

“We call on Connecticut Republicans to publicly denounce this racist attack on the first Black president and first lady in our nation’s history. Republican leaders are always quick to call for us to ‘take the rhetoric down’ and ‘lower the temperature’—if this isn’t rhetoric that crosses the line, what is? If a leader stays silent when the head of his political party has normalized an explicitly racist attack, he becomes complicit in that racism. We believe our colleagues in Connecticut are better than that, and we call on them to make their integrity known.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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