Month: July 2026

Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal ICE Shooting in Biddeford, Maine

Posted on by SDO Automation

Newsletter Header

Looney & Duff Condemn Fatal ICE Shooting in Biddeford, Maine

“The terror that ICE has inflicted from Minneapolis to Houston has now reached New England, and a 26-year-old man is now dead because of it. This morning in Biddeford, Maine, a young man who was authorized to work in this country and who was building a life here was killed by ICE agents, and his family and community are left grieving while federal authorities offer nothing but silence. This is a dangerous escalation of the same authoritarian tactics we have watched spread across our country, and it demands a full, transparent, and independent investigation into exactly what happened and who is accountable.

No immigration enforcement operation should end in a death. When federal agents can kill a person in a car on an American street, and then refuse to answer basic questions, no family in any state is safe from the fear that this regime is deliberately spreading. New England is not immune, and Connecticut will not look away.

We call on Connecticut Republicans to join us in condemning this killing and demanding accountability. This should not be a partisan question. A man is dead. Standing up for the rule of law and the sanctity of human life is the least we owe him. Unfortunately, if past experience is any guide, we expect our Republican colleagues will stay silent or change the subject. We hope this time they find the courage to put principles before politics.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) in response to the fatal shooting of a man by ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine.

Those who wish to support the people affected by ICE actions in Maine can contribute to the Maine Solidarity Fund: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/maine-solidarity-fund.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Rahman Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

Senator Rahman Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD — In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) a score of 92.9 in recognition of his support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“Every student in Connecticut deserves a classroom where they can learn and a teacher who has the support to teach,” Senator Rahman said. “As a father, I know how much these protections and investments matter for the people who show up for our kids every day. I’m proud of the work we’ve done this session, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our schools have what they need.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Rahman’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.

Senator MD Rahman represents the 4th Senate District covering Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover, and Bolton and serves as Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee.

TODAY: Accessible Parking Awareness Day to be Recognized at Guilford Police Department

Posted on by SDO Automation

ADVISORY: Accessible Parking Awareness Day to be Recognized at Guilford Police Department

WHAT:
A recognition event organized by the Department of Motor Vehicles in coordination with state legislators, local law enforcement, and disability advocates. Accessible parking access and enforcement remain a persistent issue for Connecticut residents with disabilities, and the event will highlight available resources and ongoing work to protect accessible parking statewide.

WHEN:
Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Guilford Police Department
400 Church Street
Guilford, CT 06437
(Event staging expected in the front parking lot near accessible parking spaces. Parking will be available behind the police department.)

WHO:
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee
DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera
State Representative Vincent Candelora, House Minority Leader
Guilford First Selectman Matthew Hoey
Guilford Police Chief Christopher Massey
Mary Caruso, Founder, and Alex Bode, Executive Director, Peace, Love ACCESSibility
Members of the Accessible Parking Advisory Council
Members of the local legislative delegation and Transportation Committee leadership

MONDAY: Accessible Parking Awareness Day to be Recognized at Guilford Police Department

Posted on by SDO Automation

ADVISORY: Accessible Parking Awareness Day to be Recognized at Guilford Police Department

WHAT:
A recognition event organized by the Department of Motor Vehicles in coordination with state legislators, local law enforcement, and disability advocates. Accessible parking access and enforcement remain a persistent issue for Connecticut residents with disabilities, and the event will highlight available resources and ongoing work to protect accessible parking statewide.

WHEN:
Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Guilford Police Department
400 Church Street
Guilford, CT 06437
(Event staging expected in the front parking lot near accessible parking spaces. Parking will be available behind the police department.)

WHO:
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee
DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera
State Representative Vincent Candelora, House Minority Leader
Guilford First Selectman Matthew Hoey
Guilford Police Chief Christopher Massey
Mary Caruso, Founder, and Alex Bode, Executive Director, Peace, Love ACCESSibility
Members of the Accessible Parking Advisory Council
Members of the local legislative delegation and Transportation Committee leadership

Senator Miller Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

Senator Pat Billie Miller Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD– In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford) a score of 93.2 in recognition of her support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“This year’s votes were about giving Connecticut classrooms what they need to function, from universal pre-k and free school breakfast to stronger protections for the educators who show up every day for our kids,” Senator Miller said. “Extending teacher certification regulations and expanding the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program help us keep good teachers in the classroom and support a strong pipeline of new talent. Connecticut students learn better when their teachers are supported, and that’s what these votes reflect.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Miller’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.

Senator Pat Billie Miller represents the 27th Senate District covering portions of Stamford and Darien and serves as Senate Chair of the Banking Committee.

 

Senator Hochadel Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

Posted on by SDO Automation

Senator Hochadel

Senator Hochadel Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD– In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) a score of 97 in recognition of her support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“As an educator, I know how much of a difference it makes when we invest in the people who teach our kids and the systems that support them,” Senator Hochadel said. “This year’s session included real wins for Connecticut students and teachers, from expanding scholarships for aspiring educators to protecting fair treatment for those already in the classroom. I’m proud that our work reflects the priorities Connecticut families and educators have been asking for, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure every student and every teacher in Meriden and beyond has what they need to succeed.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Hochadel’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 222: opposition to a proposal that would have exempted student-athletes from physical education requirements, a change that would have undermined the value of P.E. and the educators who teach it.

Senator Jan Hochadel represents the 13th Senate District covering Meriden and portions of Middletown, Cheshire, and Middlefield and serves as Senate Chair of the Aging Committee.

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

Senator Christine Cohen Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

Posted on by SDO Automation

Senator Christine Cohen Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD: In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) a score of 92.6 in recognition of her support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“I’m grateful to every teacher and support staff member across Guilford, Branford, Madison, East Haven, Killingworth, Durham, Middlefield and North Branford who took the time to tell me what’s actually happening in their classrooms this session,” Senator Cohen said. “That’s who this score belongs to, not me. Together we passed a budget that puts nearly $200 million back into our towns and strengthens protections for the people teaching our kids every day. There’s more work ahead, but our students and educators had a good session, and I’m proud of that.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Cohen’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 8: legislation supported in the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.

Senator Christine Cohen represents the 12th Senate District covering Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, Durham, Middlefield, and North Branford and serves as Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee.

SEN. MAHER RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Posted on by SDO Automation

SEN. MAHER RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2026

The Connecticut Education Association awarded State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) an 89.1% grade for her work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities.

“Educators around our state are thoroughly committed to the future of our children during a vital time in their lives,” said Sen. Maher. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I’ve worked to provide our teachers and our school districts with the resources and support they need.”

Sen. Maher’s votes included her support for the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; her votes to expand opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through enhanced workers compensation protections.

Senator Paul Honig Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

Posted on by SDO Automation

Newsletter Header

Senator Paul Honig Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD: In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) a score of 91.2 in recognition of his support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“Towns in my district feel it when schools don’t have what they need, and I’ve tried to keep that in mind with every vote I take here,” Senator Honig said. “This score reflects support for students, teachers, and a budget that puts nearly $200 million back into towns and expands special education funding. I’m glad to see that record recognized.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Honig’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.
  • House Bill 5548: legislation supported in the Government Administration and Elections Committee protecting educators’ and other public employees’ personal information from Freedom of Information requests.

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 and serves as Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENATOR SLAP RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

SENATOR SLAP RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

July 9, 2026

The Connecticut Education Association recently awarded State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) an “A” grade for his work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities, additionally earning the CEA’s “Honor Roll” designation.

“The teachers in our communities make sacrifices and dedicate their careers to supporting our youth during the most fundamental parts of their education,” said Sen. Slap. “I remain committed to supporting the needs of our educators so they can continue to help our students succeed.”

Sen. Slap’s votes supporting education included the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; expanding opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through means like enhanced workers compensation protections.

He also received special distinction for the creation of a graduate student loan program in the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. This was Sen. Slap’s biggest legislative priority in 2026 as the Senate Chair of the Higher Education Committee.

Sen. Slap was one of 16 Senate Democrats to earn an “A” grade.