Month: April 2026

TUESDAY: SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD PREVIEW SENATE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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***NEWS ADVISORY***

TUESDAY: SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD PREVIEW SENATE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL

Sue ICE agents in federal court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – Democratic state senators tomorrow will debate and pass Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY,” that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

S.B. 397 also addresses the growth in government use of automated license plate reader systems to ensure that driver data is handled responsibly and not abused.

Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Judiciary Committee Co-Chairman Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) will discuss the need for the bill at Noon tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14, in Senator Looney’s Capitol office.

WHO: Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Judiciary Committee Co-Chairman Sen. Gary Winfield

WHAT: Press conference on the ICE bill to be debated and passed Tuesday in the state Senate

WHEN: Noon, Tuesday, April 14

WHERE: Sen. Looney’s Capitol office, Room 311

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

TUESDAY: SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF & WINFIELD PREVIEW SENATE PASSAGE OF ICE BILL

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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***NEWS ADVISORY***

TUESDAY: SENATORS LOONEY, DUFF

& WINFIELD PREVIEW SENATE PASSAGE

OF ICE BILL

Sue ICE agents in federal court, ban masks, give AG and IG broad new powers; Bill also addresses responsible use of license plate readers

HARTFORD – Democratic state senators tomorrow will debate and pass Senate Bill 397, “AN ACT CONCERNING DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY,” that could help reduce in Connecticut some of the horrific human rights and Constitutional abuses already committed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in multiple cities and towns across America.

S.B. 397 also addresses the growth in government use of automated license plate reader systems to ensure that driver data is handled responsibly and not abused.

Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Judiciary Committee Co-Chairman Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) will discuss the need for the bill at Noon tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14, in Senator Looney’s Capitol office.

  • WHO: Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Judiciary Committee Co-Chairman Sen. Gary Winfield
  • WHAT: Press conference on the ICE bill to be debated and passed Tuesday in the state Senate
  • WHEN: Noon, Tuesday, April 14
  • WHERE: Sen. Looney’s Capitol office, Room 311

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Hartley Champions Restoration of Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund, Bill Passes Committee Unanimously

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Hartley Champions Restoration of Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund, Bill Passes Committee Unanimously

State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), announced her strong support for Senate Bill 388, ‘An Act Concerning the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund’, following the bill’s unanimous passage out of the Appropriations Committee last week. Senator Hartley is a co-sponsor of the legislation, which would restore the fund to its original intent of distributing gaming revenues equitably to all 169 Connecticut cities and towns.

SB 388 would increase the fund’s distributions from $54 million to $152 million, ensuring that the 44 municipalities that have received no funding since 2019, including towns in Senator Hartley’s district, are once again made whole. The funding is drawn from existing tribal payments already flowing into state coffers, creating no new burden on the state budget or Connecticut taxpayers.

“For too long, municipalities across Connecticut have been shortchanged by the diversion of funds that were always meant to go to them,” said Senator Hartley. “With the state in a strong fiscal position, there is simply no justification for continuing to withhold this money from our towns and cities. This funding gives local governments the flexibility they need to maintain roads, support public safety, and ease the burden on property taxpayers.”

The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund was established to provide stable, non-property tax revenue to Connecticut’s municipalities from casino slot machine proceeds. For more than two decades beginning in 1993, every municipality received annual distributions through the fund. That changed in 2019, when the state overrode the statutory formula, eliminating funding for 44 communities and reducing allocations for many others as the state used the revenues to help balance its own budget.

With Connecticut now posting consistent budget surpluses and maintaining a historically strong reserve fund, advocates and legislators say the time has come to return these resources to their intended purpose.

The bill is also supported by First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr. In her written testimony, she says, “This bill takes an important and long-overdue step toward restoring the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund to what it was always intended to be: a reliable, equitable source of municipal aid for all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. When I campaigned for office last fall, all I heard was a cry to make Connecticut more affordable, especially for seniors and families. The simplest and easiest way to make progress toward this collective goal is to provide diverse revenue streams for towns and cities.”

Several other Mayors, First Selectwomen and First Selectmen have given their support with written testimony that can be found here.

SB 388 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.

Looney: Trump’s Attack on the Pope Is ‘an Affront to the Faith of More Than a Billion Catholics’

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney: Trump’s Attack on the Pope Is ‘an Affront to the Faith of More Than a Billion Catholics’

HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s social media attacks on Pope Leo XIV:

“As a lifelong Catholic, I find President Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV to be deeply offensive and, frankly, beneath the dignity of the office he holds. The Bishop of Rome does not answer to any political figure, and the suggestion that this Pope owes his position to Donald Trump is an affront to the faith of more than a billion Catholics worldwide. Pope Leo has spoken with moral clarity about the obligations we owe to one another as human beings, including the poor, the vulnerable, and those fleeing violence and persecution. That the President finds this threatening says far more about him than it does about the Holy Father. Catholics in Connecticut and across this country deserve a President who respects their faith, not one who treats the leader of their Church as a political prop to be attacked when he fails to offer sufficient deference.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney: Trump’s Attack on the Pope Is ‘an Affront to the Faith of More Than a Billion Catholics’

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney: Trump’s Attack on the Pope Is ‘an Affront to the Faith of More Than a Billion Catholics’

HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s social media attacks on Pope Leo XIV:

“As a lifelong Catholic, I find President Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV to be deeply offensive and, frankly, beneath the dignity of the office he holds. The Bishop of Rome does not answer to any political figure, and the suggestion that this Pope owes his position to Donald Trump is an affront to the faith of more than a billion Catholics worldwide. Pope Leo has spoken with moral clarity about the obligations we owe to one another as human beings, including the poor, the vulnerable, and those fleeing violence and persecution. That the President finds this threatening says far more about him than it does about the Holy Father. Catholics in Connecticut and across this country deserve a President who respects their faith, not one who treats the leader of their Church as a political prop to be attacked when he fails to offer sufficient deference.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES $38,000 IN STATE ARTS GRANTS FOR RIDGEFIELD AND DANBURY

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES $38,000 IN STATE ARTS GRANTS FOR RIDGEFIELD AND DANBURY

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed $38,042 in Connecticut Arts Endowment grants for seven different arts organizations in Ridgefield and Danbury.

The grants, administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and managed by the Office of the State Treasurer, provide unrestricted general operating support that organizations can direct toward programming, administrative costs, capital projects, equipment, or building their own endowments.

“Western Connecticut is home to some of the finest, most diverse, most robust arts organizations in the state. I’m thrilled to see these groups receive the support that they so richly deserve,” Sen. Kushner said. “Remember that in October 2024 we received a $250,000 state grant for the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut and the City of Danbury to do a feasibility study on creating an arts hub in Danbury. It’s a symbol of just how dynamic this region is when it comes to arts and culture.”

The following organizations received funding:

  • A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut in Ridgefield, $10,784
  • The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, $10,784
  • The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield, $9,727
  • Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Ridgefield, $2,851
  • The Danbury Music Centre, Inc., Danbury, $2,071
  • Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, Ridgefield, $1,012
  • The Ridgefield Chorale, Ridgefield, $813

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly to support the long-term stability of Connecticut’s arts sector. Grant amounts are calculated based on each organization’s private donor contributions, rewarding arts groups that have built strong community fundraising.

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Senator Honig Applauds $200,000 Grant to Torrington’s Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Honig Applauds $200,000 Grant to Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

TORRINGTON — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today welcomed a $200,000 state grant to the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub in Torrington through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program.

The Northwest Connecticut Food Hub will use the funding to purchase food from local farms and distribute it to families across western Connecticut through schools, pantries, and community programs, strengthening the connection between district farms and the families who depend on them.

“This grant does two things at once: it gets fresh, locally grown food to families across our region who need it most, and it creates a reliable market for farms in Harwinton, Torrington, and the towns around them that are working hard to keep northwest Connecticut’s food supply strong,” Senator Honig said. “The Food Hub has built something real here, and this investment will help them keep building it.”

The grant is part of $1.55 million the state released today to 12 organizations statewide to purchase locally grown food for distribution to food-insecure residents. The grants are expected to benefit approximately 60,000 Connecticut residents statewide. The program was previously supported by federal funding and continues as a state-funded initiative following recent federal cuts.

“Every family should be able to access nutritious, locally grown food, and this program aims to eliminate barriers to healthy eating while also supporting Connecticut farmers and their operations,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “This program was effective when it was supported by federal funding, and by releasing these state dollars we can help ensure that it continues to function and its mission can endure.”

“Continued state support for these programs strengthens the link between Connecticut farmers and the communities they serve,” Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said. “By investing in expanded market access, we’re helping farms remain financially steady and creating room for new and beginning farmers to gain their footing. These efforts broaden the reach of Connecticut Grown food, reinforce our agricultural economy, and carry forward the administration’s commitment to a resilient, growing farm sector.”

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENATOR OSTEN UNVEILS BRONZE PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE AMERICAN SOLDIER POWS AND MISSING IN ACTION

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR OSTEN UNVEILS BRONZE PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE AMERICAN SOLDIER POWS AND MISSING IN ACTION

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), a Vietnam-era Army veteran and an American Legion Post commander, today helped unveil a new memorial bronze plaque in the veterans’ memorial area of the state Legislative Office Building that commemorates those American soldiers who are either missing in action or considered prisoners of war.

According to the U.S. Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense), more than 80,000 American service personnel are listed as either missing or prisoners of war from previous conflicts, and 38,000 of those are estimated to be recoverable. About 41,000 are listed as missing at sea.

“At our American Legion Post 85 in Baltic, every single meeting starts with a recognition of those who are still missing in action and those who are still prisoners of war from any of the conflicts that we’ve had,” Sen. Osten said. “It takes a lot of humility to accept that we haven’t brought everybody home yet. But I think it’s important to let people know that even though not every soldier is home yet, we are thinking of them. remembering them, and honoring them, and that’s exactly what this plaque will do.”

The nonprofit American Ex-Prisoners of War has designed and fabricated a series of bronze commemorative plaques that it is donating to each participating Capitol building in America to raise awareness of American POWs and those missing in action.

“Our project is to raise visibility and awareness, and it leads to the respect and honor that all our veterans deserve,” said  AMEXPOW CEO Charles Susino. “We are honored by the warm welcome we received here from Connecticut, we’re honored that our plaque is here, and the people of Connecticut need to be proud of what you’ve all done.”

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $200,000 STATE GRANT SUPPORTING THE NEW LONDON COMMUNITY MEAL CENTER

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $200,000 STATE GRANT SUPPORTING THE NEW LONDON COMMUNITY MEAL CENTER

April 10, 2026

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the state’s announcement of a $200,000 grant to the New London Community Meal Center, Inc. to support and improve access to locally grown and healthy food.

The grant is one of 12 being delivered to organizations around the state including food pantries, community health centers and nonprofits to connect fresh products from Connecticut farms to populations experiencing food insecurity.

“This is an awesome grant for our community as it supports those in need and aids Connecticut farmers at the same time,” said Sen. Marx. “It’s a common-sense way to connect our agricultural initiatives and make sure no one in our community goes hungry, expanding residents’ access to healthy options in the process. I’m grateful to the Governor and state leaders for continuing to support southeastern Connecticut.”

These funds will be released as part of the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program, which at once seeks to increase access to healthy food while supporting Connecticut farmers and agriculture.

The Community Meal Center, through this grant, can expand local access to locally grown food through its meal programs, market and wellness hub, supporting low-income residents and seniors in southeastern Connecticut.

Senator Honig Celebrates State Funding for Warner Theatre and Four Other District Arts Groups

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Honig Celebrates State Funding for Warner Theatre and Four Other District Arts Groups

HARTFORD — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today celebrated the award of more than $35,000 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund grants to five arts organizations in the 8th Senate District.

The grants, administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and managed by the Office of the State Treasurer, provide unrestricted general operating support that organizations can direct toward programming, administrative costs, capital projects, equipment, or building their own endowments.

The following district organizations received awards:

  • Northwest CT Association for the Arts (Warner Theatre), Torrington: $30,932
  • Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Torrington: $1,632
  • Northwest CT Arts Council, Torrington: $966
  • Fermata Arts Foundation, Avon: $953
  • New England Ballet Theatre of Connecticut, Avon: $580

“Arts organizations do something that’s hard to put a dollar figure on,” Senator Honig said. “They give people a reason to gather, a way to make sense of things, and something to be proud of in their community. The Warner Theatre has been doing that for Torrington for generations, and the Nutmeg Conservatory, the Arts Council, Fermata, and New England Ballet are doing it across northwest Connecticut every day. I’m glad the state found a way to recognize that.”

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly to support the long-term stability of Connecticut’s arts sector. Grant amounts are calculated based on each organization’s private donor contributions, rewarding arts groups that have built strong community fundraising.

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury, and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington and serves as Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.