SEN. OSTEN SUPPORTS $86 MILLION PLAN FOR LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE THIS WINTER

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. OSTEN SUPPORTS $86 MILLION PLAN FOR LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE THIS WINTER

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today voted to approve an $86.2 million plan to provide energy assistance to low-income Connecticut families this winter.

That plan, however, is contingent on Congress approving federal funds this fall for the program, known as LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), because President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans eliminated all funding for LIHEAP in their 2025 federal budget.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that is administered at the state level through local community action agencies, which advertise the program and process applications.

“LIHEAP is a necessary component of our social safety net here in Connecticut for families who aren’t able to sustain livable households without it,” said Sen. Osten, who is Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

The LIHEAP program helps about 94,300 Connecticut households every year, including 31,000 households with elderly members, 13,000 with disabilities, and 9,000 with children under the age of 6. It offers $355 to $705 in home heating oil, natural gas, and electricity heating assistance per household based on family size and income,

Home heating oil prices have increased 52% over the past year in Connecticut – from $3.17 per gallon in August 2025 to $4.83 per gallon today – following President Trump’s invasion of Iran on February 28, 2026.

MEDIA ADVISORY: SEN. ANWAR TO HOLD ‘HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION TOOL KIT’ ROUNDTABLE THURSDAY

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

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

MEDIA ADVISORY: SEN. ANWAR TO HOLD ‘HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION TOOL KIT’ ROUNDTABLE THURSDAY

Where: Legislative Office Building Room 1D
When: Thursday, August 13, 10 a.m.

On Thursday, August 13, State Senator Saud Anwar will lead a roundtable discussion of advocates on his newly developed Homelessness Prevention Toolkit, a new roadmap developed to help support people experiencing housing insecurity in Connecticut.

Senator Anwar and his intern Aliana Manji, a student of Yale’s Masters of Public Health program, have developed the toolkit to strengthen efforts to prevent homelessness in Connecticut through municipal support, early intervention and coordinated support efforts.

Thursday’s meeting will see invited guests including legislative leaders, chairs of the Housing Committee and End Homelessness Caucus, homelessness prevention advocates, municipal leaders, municipal and community partners join together to discuss better ways to utilize municipal resources, community organizations and residents’ aid to prevent homelessness before it occurs.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF NANCY WYMAN

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Needleman Releases Statement on Passing of Nancy Wyman

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

August 12, 2026

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF NANCY WYMAN

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today released the following statement on the passing of Nancy Wyman, who served as Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor and Comptroller for decades:

“Nancy Wyman was a true champion of Connecticut and spent her career committed to our state, focused tirelessly on supporting and improving conditions in our region. She wasn’t just a public servant, though – she was a great friend to so many and a tireless defender of our great state.”

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT ON NANCY WYMAN’S PASSING

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

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

August 12, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT ON NANCY WYMAN’S PASSING

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement on the passing of Nancy Wyman, who served as Connecticut’s Lieutenant Governor and Comptroller for more than 20 years:

“Connecticut lost one of its most dedicated public servants with the passing of Nancy Wyman, who tirelessly served her community and her state with pride and vigor for decades. The trailblazing progress she accomplished in her career and her tenacity and perpetual commitment to the bettering of our state will not be forgotten.”

Looney, Duff statements on the passing of Nancy Wyman

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

Statements of Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff on the passing of Nancy Wyman

Senator Looney

“Nancy and I were good friends for 40 years. We served together in the House of Representatives for three terms, and then I watched her oversee the Senate Chamber as lieutenant governor for eight years.

“Nancy cast several important tie-breaking votes as lieutenant governor, including the creation of an IRA for small-business employees and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis. She made history by becoming the first woman comptroller in Connecticut.

“Nancy was a kind, thoughtful, and generous friend, high-spirited and quick-witted. She also had great exuberance and loved to dance.”

Senator Duff

“Nancy and I first got to know each other during my special election to the House. She door-knocked with me in a snowstorm, wearing her trademark high heels. She was always genuine and authentic – she took policy seriously but never herself.

“I loved that she became Lieutenant Governor and we got to work closely with each other for eight years. Seeing her always brightened my day.

“Nancy never lost her Brooklyn accent or her Brooklyn heart. She was a giver and a person who loved everyone and was loved by everyone.

“I’m so glad we kept in touch even after her years of work at the Capitol. I’ll miss my friend, my joking partner, and someone who loved this state with all she had. Rest easy, Nancy, and thanks for everything.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff statements on the passing of Nancy Wyman

Posted on August 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

Statements of Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff on the passing of Nancy Wyman

Senator Looney

“Nancy was a kind, thoughtful, and generous friend, high-spirited and quick-witted. She also had great exuberance and loved to dance.”

Senator Duff

“I loved that she became Lieutenant Governor and we got to work closely with each other for eight years. Seeing her always brightened my day.

“Nancy never lost her Brooklyn accent or her Brooklyn heart. She was a giver and a person who loved everyone and was loved by everyone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SEN. OSTEN RECEIVES PERFECT 100% SCORE FROM CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS

Posted on August 10, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. OSTEN RECEIVES PERFECT 100% SCORE FROM CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS

SPRAGUE — State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) has received a perfect 100% score from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her votes on environmental issues during the recently concluded 2026 legislative session.

Sen. Osten received the CTLCV recognition for her support of legislation ranging from fighting aquatic invasive species in our waterways to expanding solar programs that increase access to renewable energy, supporting recycling, reporting on the use of pesticides, and improving Connecticut’s waste management systems.

“Living in eastern Connecticut, surrounded by farms and agriculture and green spaces, we all know how important protecting our environment is. I’m grateful to CTLCV for their advocacy and for holding legislators accountable to be good stewards of our land,” Sen. Osten said.

Sen. Osten was one of 16 Democratic state senators to receive a perfect 100% score from the CTLCV. The scorecard can be found at: https://www.ctlcv.org/scorecard.html

SEN. KUSHNER RECEIVES PERFECT 100% SCORE FROM CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS; ALSO NAMED A 2026 LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION

Posted on August 10, 2026 by SDO Automation

SEN. KUSHNER RECEIVES PERFECT 100% SCORE FROM CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS; ALSO NAMED A 2026 LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION

DANBURY- State Senator Julie Kushner has received a perfect 100% score from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her votes on environmental issues during the recently concluded 2026 legislative session. She was also recognized as an “Environmental Champion” for her pivotal role in advancing key environmental priorities that protect our land, air, water, wildlife, and climate.

Sen. Kushner received the CTLCV recognition for her support of legislation ranging from fighting aquatic invasive species in our waterways to supporting the expansion of solar programs that expand access to renewable energy, supporting recycling, reporting the use of pesticides, and improving Connecticut’s waste management systems.

“There are so many things that contribute to our wonderful quality of life here in Connecticut, and the quality of our environment is a huge attraction, from our protected green spaces to the way we treat recyclables, pesticides, household waste, and how invested we are in renewable energy. It requires constant attention and a constant commitment, and I’m proud to be recognized for my responsibilities to where we live.”

Sen. Kushner was one of 16 Democratic state senators to receive a perfect 100% score from the CTLCV. The scorecard can be found at: https://www.ctlcv.org/scorecard.html

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Sen. Lesser Questions CT Children’s Settlement with Trump Administration Over Gender-Affirming Care

Posted on August 6, 2026 by SDO Automation

Statement from State Senator Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, on the new CCMC agreement with the Trump Department of Justice

The new settlement entails “a commitment not to perform sex-rejecting procedures on minors… Connecticut Children’s has also agreed to pay a monetary penalty and dedicate an additional $500,000 in medical care for individuals living with the harmful consequences of “gender affirming care.”

Statement of Senator Lesser:

“I am deeply concerned about word of a settlement between CCMC and the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the provision of gender-affirming care.

“The settlement, which reportedly involves a cash payment by Connecticut Children’s, is outrageous on its face.

“CCMC needs to answer basic questions: why is it paying out money, how much and to whom, has it compromised patient confidentiality, is it now discriminating against LGBT patients in explicit violation of state law and its Medicaid provider agreement, and what other terms has it agreed to.

“This settlement raises serious concerns, and the Human Services Committee will exercise its statutory oversight powers over this safety-net hospital to ensure that state law is being complied with.”

Senator Lesser wrote CCMC officials on July 24, 2025, when they first announced they would be “winding down” gender-affirming care in the face of threats from the Trump administration. That letter can be found here: https://www.senatedems.ct.gov/sen-lesser-expresses-concern-over-connecticut-childrens-new-gender-care-policy

The August 5, 2026, DOJ settlement letter with CCMC can be viewed here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-secures-agreement-connecticut-childrens-end-pediatric-gender-affirming

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN NAMED ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION BY CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS WITH PERFECT 2026 RECORD

Posted on August 6, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN NAMED ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION BY CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS WITH PERFECT 2026 RECORD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
August 6, 2026

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) recently earned a perfect 100% score from the Connecticut League of Conversation Voters and was named an Environmental Champion by the state, receiving the distinctions for his votes during the 2026 legislative session.

Sen. Needleman received this recognition for his support of legislation supporting environmental rights and efforts in Connecticut ranging from fighting aquatic invasive species in state waterways to supporting the expansion of solar programs expanding access to renewable energy.

“We’re in a vital time where we need to make sure our state is working toward the best possible future, and we need to take action to protect our environment in the process,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud to have supported initiatives improving energy efficiency, access to solar power and bolstering our state’s capacity for future breakthroughs, and it’s heartening to receive this recognition from the CTLCV in turn.”

Sen. Needleman was one of 16 Senators to receive a perfect score from the CTLCV, all Democrats. His votes in support of recycling, reporting use of pesticides and improving the state’s waste management systems all contributed to his high marks.