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MEDIA ADVISORY – TUESDAY, 11AM, CLINTON: SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, CLINTON LEADERS TO HIGHLIGHT BOND FUNDING FOR CLINTON REDEVELOPMENT
Month: August 2026
CT Senate Democrats’ Statement on recent ICE actions in Connecticut
Statement on recent ICE actions in Connecticut from Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and state Senators Gary Winfield, Julie Kushner, Herron Gaston, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and Ceci Maher
“As the vast majority of Connecticut residents recoil in horror at the images of ICE agents kidnapping people with no criminal records off of our streets, Connecticut Republicans remain silent, if not gleeful.
“But that should come as no surprise. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against our law this year to rein in ICE activities on our streets by banning face masks, requiring IDs, limiting where arrests can be made, and protecting bystanders. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against our TRUST Act law to hold ICE accountable for violations of civil rights. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against restrictions on Flock cameras, which more Connecticut towns are now taking down. Nearly half of Republicans voted against an emergency funding bill where we set aside $5 million to provide legal assistance to Haitians and Syrians in Connecticut who have had their Temporary Protected Status stripped by the Trump administration, and who are now subject to deportation.
“Democracy and the protection of human and Constitutional rights are priorities for Connecticut Democrats. While adherence to our new ICE law isn’t perfect, we are seeing fewer ICE face masks during arrests. People generally aren’t being arrested in sensitive areas as described in Senate Bill 397. Bystanders are generally being allowed to record these arrests without being assaulted and arrested.
“Unfortunately, there have been some violations of our new law, and we hope that a quick resolution of the Trump Justice Department’s challenge to the bill that we Democrats passed will allow Connecticut to move forward with firm guidance to local police departments and the chief state’s attorney’s office on how to arrest federal ICE agents who violate our state laws.
“More than 95% of the people ICE arrests in America have no violent criminal convictions. The real crime being committed in America is by Donald Trump – whose name is mentioned more than 5,000 times in the Epstein files, who has been convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records, who was found liable for the sexual abuse of E. Jean Carroll, and whose billionaire cronies are making obscene profits every week off the backs of everyday working Americans.
“Connecticut will survive this latest ICE onslaught, and when Donald Trump and ICE are gone, the public will long remember who stood and fought on the side of justice, and who stood on the sidelines smirking.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov
CT Senate Democrats’ Statement on recent ICE actions in Connecticut
Statement on recent ICE actions in Connecticut from Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and state Senators Gary Winfield, Julie Kushner, Herron Gaston, Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and Ceci Maher
“As the vast majority of Connecticut residents recoil in horror at the images of ICE agents kidnapping people with no criminal records off of our streets, Connecticut Republicans remain silent, if not gleeful.”
“But that should come as no surprise. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against our law this year to rein in ICE activities on our streets by banning face masks, requiring IDs, limiting where arrests can be made, and protecting bystanders. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against our TRUST Act law to hold ICE accountable for violations of civil rights. It was Connecticut Republicans who voted 100% against restrictions on Flock cameras, which more Connecticut towns are now taking down. Nearly half of Republicans voted against an emergency funding bill where we set aside $5 million to provide legal assistance to Haitians and Syrians in Connecticut who have had their Temporary Protected Status stripped by the Trump administration, and who are now subject to deportation.”
“Democracy and the protection of human and Constitutional rights are priorities for Connecticut Democrats. While adherence to our new ICE law isn’t perfect, we are seeing fewer ICE face masks during arrests. People generally aren’t being arrested in sensitive areas as described in Senate Bill 397. Bystanders are generally being allowed to record these arrests without being assaulted and arrested.”
“Unfortunately, there have been some violations of our new law, and we hope that a quick resolution of the Trump Justice Department’s challenge to the bill that we Democrats passed will allow Connecticut to move forward with firm guidance to local police departments and the chief state’s attorney’s office on how to arrest federal ICE agents who violate our state laws.”
“More than 95% of the people ICE arrests in America have no violent criminal convictions. The real crime being committed in America is by Donald Trump – whose name is mentioned more than 5,000 times in the Epstein files, who has been convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records, who was found liable for the sexual abuse of E. Jean Carroll, and whose billionaire cronies are making obscene profits every week off the backs of everyday working Americans.”
“Connecticut will survive this latest ICE onslaught, and when Donald Trump and ICE are gone, the public will long remember who stood and fought on the side of justice, and who stood on the sidelines smirking.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov
SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS ‘PAULIE’S PUSH’ THROUGH EAST HAMPTON AND PORTLAND HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS
SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS ‘PAULIE’S PUSH’ THROUGH EAST HAMPTON AND PORTLAND HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
August 28, 2025
SEN. NEEDLEMAN JOINS ‘PAULIE’S PUSH’ THROUGH EAST HAMPTON AND PORTLAND HONORING 9/11 VICTIMS
On Friday, August 28, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the East Hampton and Portland communities welcoming “Paulie’s Push,” an effort from retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul Veneto to push an airline beverage cart along routes symbolizing the September 11, 2001 attacks in honors of the flight crews, and all victims, who died in the attacks.
Since 2021, Veneto has pushed a cart along routes including from Boston to Ground Zero, Washington-Dulles Airport to the Pentagon and Newark, New Jersey to the Flight 93 Memorial to educate the public, raise awareness and honor those lost in the 9/11 attacks. As the 25th anniversary of that tragic day nears, Veneto is again pushing a cart from Boston to Ground Zero ending on September 11, following a path carving through Connecticut.
Sen. Needleman joined East Hampton and Portland leaders including State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Portland) and Portland police and firefighters, among other community leaders, to welcome Veneto, who also stopped by local schools to talk to students.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, a day still seared into American memories, efforts like ‘Paulie’s Push’ remind us why we can never forget,” said Sen. Needleman. “Paul’s efforts remind us of the tireless, meaningful work and sacrifices made by so many in our darkest hours to support and protect our communities. I’m grateful for his efforts and look forward to see him complete his journey to Ground Zero honoring our nation.”
“Paulie’s Push” will continue through Connecticut and New York through September 11. Future events include pushes in Middletown and Durham the weekend of the 28th, New Haven and West Haven on September 1 and Milford on September 2. For more information, visit www.pauliespush.com.
Caption: From left, State Representative Christie Carpino, Paul Veneto and State Senator Norm Needleman stand together Friday during Paulie’s Push.
Statement from the Stamford Democratic State Delegation Regarding ICE Activity
Statement from the Stamford Democratic State Delegation Regarding ICE Activity
STAMFORD, CT – “Stamford is the proud home to a diverse community, and our diversity represents what this city is. A place for anyone to build a community, grow their family, and call home. At a time when families should be preparing to go back to school, they must also consider stress and disruption in their neighborhood.
The increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across Stamford is creating fear and disruption in neighborhoods and for families. The uncertainty and fear caused by ICE enforcement is impacting the lives of residents by creating public safety concerns when out in our community, whether going to work, school, the grocery store, or anywhere ICE enforcement may be.
Immigrants represent a third of Stamford’s population, and many are just like us, hard-working individuals, raising a family, paying taxes, shopping in our businesses, and contributing to our community. They are our neighbors, and they are a valuable part of the Stamford community.
Connecticut’s Trust Act creates clear guidelines for state and local participation in federal immigration enforcement. We are working with local officials and partners to ensure Stamford residents are protected. Our priority is protecting constitutional rights, ensuring due process, and treating residents with human dignity regardless of immigration status.
Stamford is a vibrant, diverse, and strong community. Our immigrant residents represent an important part of our city and deserve dignity, safety, and support. We must continue to come together, look out for one another, and stand with our community.”
State Senator Ceci Maher
State Senator Pat Billie Miller
State Representative Hubert Delany
State Representative Eilish Collins Main
State Representative Matt Blumenthal
State Representative Corey Paris
State Representative Johnathon Jacobson
Statement from the Stamford Democratic State Delegation Regarding ICE Activity
Statement from the Stamford Democratic State Delegation Regarding ICE Activity
STAMFORD, CT – “Stamford is the proud home to a diverse community, and our diversity represents what this city is. A place for anyone to build a community, grow their family, and call home. At a time when families should be preparing to go back to school, they must also consider stress and disruption in their neighborhood.
The increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across Stamford is creating fear and disruption in neighborhoods and for families. The uncertainty and fear caused by ICE enforcement is impacting the lives of residents by creating public safety concerns when out in our community, whether going to work, school, the grocery store, or anywhere ICE enforcement may be.
Immigrants represent a third of Stamford’s population, and many are just like us, hard-working individuals, raising a family, paying taxes, shopping in our businesses, and contributing to our community. They are our neighbors, and they are a valuable part of the Stamford community.
Connecticut’s Trust Act creates clear guidelines for state and local participation in federal immigration enforcement. We are working with local officials and partners to ensure Stamford residents are protected. Our priority is protecting constitutional rights, ensuring due process, and treating residents with human dignity regardless of immigration status.
Stamford is a vibrant, diverse, and strong community. Our immigrant residents represent an important part of our city and deserve dignity, safety, and support. We must continue to come together, look out for one another, and stand with our community.”
State Senator Ceci Maher
State Senator Pat Billie Miller
State Representative Hubert Delany
State Representative Eilish Collins Main
State Representative Matt Blumenthal
State Representative Corey Paris
State Representative Johnathon Jacobson
Senator Cabrera statement on proposed health insurance hikes
SEN. JORGE CABRERA STATEMENT ON TODAY’S INSURANCE DEPT. PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASES FOR 220,000 CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS
“The debate we should be having around health insurance in Connecticut is not whether rates are going up 12% or 14% or 16%, but when are we going to enact universal health care for all. That’s the debate. Health care must be a right, and not just a privilege. That’s the solution to our constant handwringing about access and affordability,” said state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), who is Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS CHESTER-HADLYME FERRY TO RECEIVE $8 MILLION FOR VESSEL REPLACEMENT
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS CHESTER-HADLYME FERRY TO RECEIVE $8 MILLION FOR VESSEL REPLACEMENT
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) issued the following statement in response to news that the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will receive $8 million in combined federal and state funding to support replacing its 76-year-old current vessel:
“The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is a piece of history and a vital part of our community at once, providing transportation for business and leisure for tens of thousands of riders each year. It’s an important part of our local region and needs this overdue replacement; I’m excited to see this work underway to make sure this important resource remains available for decades to come.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
August 25, 2025
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes Over $243K Special Education Support for Trumbull
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes Over $243K Special Education Support for Trumbull
Today, state Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport), welcomed the state’s announcement of $243,656 in state grants supporting Trumbull’s special education programming.
The funds were released through the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, created through Senate Democrats’ flagship educational legislation in 2025. As chair of the Select Committee on Special Education, Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox helped shepherd that legislation, Senate Bill 1. The program is intended to help local and regional boards of education build in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
“Throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve made it a priority to fight for our students with special needs and the educators who work with them every day,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “This grant reflects the promise we made when we passed the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program. No district should have to choose between quality in-district services and their budget. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Trumbull families have access to the resources their kids deserve, right here in their community.”
“Senator Sujata Gadkar–Wilcox spearheaded this grant program in 2025,” said Vicki Tesoro, First Selectman of Trumbull. “Trumbull is so appreciative of Senator Gadkar-Wilcox’s advocacy for our special education students and all our students in Trumbull and Connecticut!”
SENATOR OSTEN WELCOMES $350,000 IN GRANTS SUPPORTING HEBRON SPECIAL EDUCATION
SENATOR OSTEN WELCOMES $350,000 IN GRANTS SUPPORTING HEBRON SPECIAL EDUCATION
This week, State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) welcomed a $350,000 grant supporting special education programming and capital investments in Hebron.
The funds were released in the first round of Connecticut’s new High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, with the program created to support local and regional boards of education in building in-district or regional special education services aiding students with disabilities and reducing need for out-of-district placements.
Hebron will receive $275,000 for programming support, with potential uses including establishment of new individual programs for students in need, enhancing existing programs or expanding classroom resources. It will also receive $75,000 for capital improvement awards, which can include new construction or repairs to existing facilities.
“This funding addresses a significant need across our state just as the new school year starts, delivering important special educational support for schools and staff to provide improved care for students in need,” Sen. Osten said. “I’m proud to see these investments support our community and am grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support.”