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Senator Cabrera statement on proposed health insurance hikes

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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

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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

 

State Senator Norm Needleman

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes Over $243K Special Education Support for Trumbull

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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 Cohen Welcomes Over $513K in Special Education Support for District

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Senator Cohen Welcomes Over $531K In Special Education Support for District

Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) welcomed the state’s announcement of grants supporting education programming, which will bring $303,300 to East Haven, $166,500 to Guilford, and $43,694 to Madison.
 
The funds were released through the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, created through Senate Democrats’ flagship educational legislation in 2025. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
 
“This funding means East Haven can strengthen the in-district services so many students rely on, Guilford can expand programming that keeps kids learning alongside their peers, and Madison can invest in resources that make a real difference for students with disabilities,” said Sen. Cohen. “Students do best when they can stay connected to their community and I am glad to see this investment reach our local schools.”

Senator Maroney Welcomes $361,000 in Special Education Support to District

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Senator Maroney Welcomes $361,000 in Special Education Support to District

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) welcomed the state’s announcement of $350,000 in state grants supporting Orange’s special education programming and $11,000 in state grants supporting Regional School District 5 ‘s special education programming in Woodbridge.

The funds were released through the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, created through Senate Democrats’ flagship educational legislation in 2025. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“Every child deserves a classroom where they can learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers,” said Senator Maroney. “This funding helps Orange and Region 5 build special education services that give teachers the tools they need to meet students where they are.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 860-240-8671

SEN. LOONEY WELCOMES $350,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR NEW HAVEN

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SEN. LOONEY WELCOMES $350,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR NEW HAVEN

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) welcomed the state’s announcement of $350,000 in state grants supporting New Haven’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. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“This program was created because lawmakers know special education plays a transformational role in the lives of children with additional needs, but its costs, while necessary, can harm town and city budgets,” said Sen. Looney. “New programming spurred by this investment in our community will bolster offered services and relieve some financial pressure in the process for town and school leaders. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for this investment in New Haven.”

New Haven’s grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including:

  • Developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities
  • Establishing new support programs
  • Expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Cabrera Welcomes Over $332K in Special Education Support for District

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Senator Cabrera Welcomes Over $332K in Special Education Support for District

August 18, 2026

Today, state Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) welcomed the state’s announcement of grants supporting education programming, which will bring $321,886 to Bethany and $11,000 to Regional School District 5.

The funds were released through the High-Quality Special Education Incentive Grant Program, created through Senate Democrats’ flagship educational legislation in 2025. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“Bethany families should be able to count on strong special education services right in their own schools, and this funding helps make that a reality,” said Sen. Cabrera. “Investments like these mean fewer families have to look outside their community to get their child the support they deserve.”

Contact: Michelle Rappaport / Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Welcomes $350,000 in Special Education Support for Stratford

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Senator Gaston Welcomes $350,000 in Special Education Support for Stratford

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the state’s announcement of $350,000 in state grants supporting Stratford’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. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“Every child in Stratford deserves a fair shot at a quality education, no matter how they learn,” said Senator Gaston. “This $350,000 means Stratford’s schools can keep more of our students with disabilities learning right here at home, close to their families and their community. I was proud to help pass the legislation that created this incentive program, and I’ll keep fighting in Hartford to make sure Stratford’s schools have the resources our kids deserve.”

SEN. NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $112,310 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR PORTLAND

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SEN. NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $112,310 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR PORTLAND

August 18, 2026

This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the state’s announcement of $112,310 in state grants supporting Portland’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. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“This grant means a great deal, as it will help manage the costs of special education and support the needs of our local students and school systems,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support.”

Portland’s grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.

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

State Senator Norm Needleman

SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

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SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

August 17, 2026
 
SEN. MARX WELCOMES $50,000 IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR BOZRAH

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the state’s announcement of $50,000 in state grants supporting Bozrah’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. They are intended to help local and regional boards of education with in-district or regional special education services that reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.

“We know special education is a vital piece of local educational supports for students in need, but we also know too many communities are struggling under high costs,” said Sen. Marx. “That’s why it’s so great to see this program come to fruition and deliver real support. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for this investment.”

Bozrah’s $50,000 grant is reserved for programming, with examples of how the funds can be used including developing new learning and independence programs for students with significant disabilities, establishing new support programs or expanding inclusive co-teaching classrooms.