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Looney, Duff: Every Job America Added Last Month Wouldn’t Fill Rentschler Field

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Looney, Duff: Every Job America Added Last Month Wouldn’t Fill Rentschler Field

“The entire United States added fewer jobs last month than there are seats at Rentschler Field. Every new job in all 50 states, combined, wouldn’t fill a UConn football game in East Hartford. That is what the Trump regime’s chaos means for working people looking for a paycheck.

“Meanwhile, Connecticut’s job growth this year is outpacing the nation’s, and our payrolls hit an all-time high this summer. Shipbuilders in Groton, nurses in our hospitals, and tradespeople on construction sites are driving that growth. Senate Democrats have spent years investing in the workforce training and manufacturing pipeline that makes these jobs possible.

“Connecticut Republicans would rather talk down our economy than say one word about the Washington Republicans whose reckless Iran war and tariffs are stalling job growth nationwide. We call on them to stand up for Connecticut workers and denounce their MAGA colleagues for the damage they are doing to working families.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) on September’s national jobs report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the nation added just 29,000 jobs last month. The national figure fell well short of the roughly 84,000 jobs economists expected, and the national unemployment rate rose.

Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field holds 40,000 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff: Every Job America Added Last Month Wouldn’t Fill Rentschler Field

Posted on by SDO Automation

Newsletter Header

Looney, Duff: Every Job America Added Last Month Wouldn’t Fill Rentschler Field

“The entire United States added fewer jobs last month than there are seats at Rentschler Field. Every new job in all 50 states, combined, wouldn’t fill a UConn football game in East Hartford. That is what the Trump regime’s chaos means for working people looking for a paycheck.

Meanwhile, Connecticut’s job growth this year is outpacing the nation’s, and our payrolls hit an all-time high this summer. Shipbuilders in Groton, nurses in our hospitals, and tradespeople on construction sites are driving that growth. Senate Democrats have spent years investing in the workforce training and manufacturing pipeline that makes these jobs possible.

Connecticut Republicans would rather talk down our economy than say one word about the Washington Republicans whose reckless Iran war and tariffs are stalling job growth nationwide. We call on them to stand up for Connecticut workers and denounce their MAGA colleagues for the damage they are doing to working families.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) on September’s national jobs report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the nation added just 29,000 jobs last month. The national figure fell well short of the roughly 84,000 jobs economists expected, and the national unemployment rate rose.

Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field holds 40,000 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $448,000 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION IN EAST HARTFORD, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR

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Senator Anwar

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

October 2, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $448,000 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION IN EAST HARTFORD, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR

 

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $448,000 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails in East Hartford, East Windsor and South Windsor, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

  • $200,000 to the city of East Hartford for planning and design of closing gaps on the Silver Lane segment of the East Coast Greenway
  • $200,000 to the town of South Windsor for planning and design of Phase 3 of the South Windsor Crosstown Trail
  • $48,000 to the town of East Windsor for trail corridor planning of the Broad Brook multi-use trail

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Getting out onto local trails supports local recreation and exercise, public health and enjoyment of our state’s wonderful natural resources,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their local support and encourage anyone interested to check out the wonderful trails in our own backyards.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.’

 

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $475k for Bridgeport Schools

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Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes $475k for Bridgeport Schools

Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox welcomed a $475,000 state grant for Bridgeport Public Schools to support student attendance.

29 school districts will receive funding as part of a $7 million line item in the state budget dedicated to the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), a research-based approach to improving student attendance and engagement.

“This is great news all around – I am so pleased that we are making these critical investments into our students, and that Connecticut is focused on research-backed strategies that work,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “Through engaging with students, families and school staff we are closing gaps and making sure students have the tools they need to succeed. I am pleased that Bridgeport schools will receive funds to continue this good work.”

According to the Lamont administration who established LEAP in 2021, chronic absenteeism has declined for four consecutive years. In the 2021-2022 school year, statewide chronic absenteeism rates hit 23.7%. For the latest school year it was down to 16.4% which means 35,000 more students are regularly attending class.

A previous version of this press release included an incorrect grant amount

SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $315,948 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING GLASTONBURY, MANCHESTER TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

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SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $315,948 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING GLASTONBURY, MANCHESTER TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

October 2, 2026

State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $315,948 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

  • $294,880 to the Town of Glastonbury for construction and amenities for the Arbor Acres ADA Trail Project
  • $21,069 to UR Community Cares for equipment and amenities for the Manchester Mobility Project

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Our local trails are a well-known local public resource delivering plenty of opportunities to enjoy our communities’ beauty, get some fresh air and some nice exercise,” said Sen. Rahman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for this support for our region and encourage local residents to enjoy our great trails.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.

 
 

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $585,000 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION IN EAST LYME, MONTVILLE, NEW LONDON

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SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $585,000 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION IN EAST LYME, MONTVILLE, NEW LONDON

October 2, 2026
 

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $585,000 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

  • Connecticut College in New London will receive $100,000 to support planning, design and outreach for community engaged accessibility planning at the Connecticut College Arboretum
  • The town of East Lyme will receive $405,000 for construction, maintenance and education surrounding improvements to the Darrow Pond Trail
  • The town of Montville will receive $80,000 for planning and design of the Oxoboxo Heritage Multi-Use Path and Thames River Blueway

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Our local trails and outdoor recreation resources offer great support to our communities and provide members of the public with opportunities to enjoy fresh air, beautiful nature and exercise,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for this support and hope local residents get out and enjoy our local trails.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $187,105 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $187,105 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
October 2, 2026
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $187,105 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:
  • $123,555 to DEEP for construction of ADA-accessible trail improvements at Hurd State Park
  • $63,550 to the East Haddam Land Trust for construction of a Senior/Disabled Trail to the Wetlands Viewing Platform at Golet Farm
The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“These updates and improvements to our local trails will make sure anyone in the region can enjoy our beautiful sights and outdoor resources,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support of our region.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”
 

SENATOR HONIG WELCOMES $1.06 MILLION IN FUNDING SUPPORTING AVON, NORFOLK, SIMSBURY, TORRINGTON TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

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SENATOR HONIG WELCOMES $1.06 MILLION IN FUNDING SUPPORTING AVON, NORFOLK, SIMSBURY, TORRINGTON TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

October 2, 2026

State Senator Paul Honig (D-Torrington) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $1,060,905 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

  • $505,000 to the town of Avon for construction on Phase 2 of the Old Farms Road Connectivity Improvements Project, connecting multi-use trails from Tillotson Road to Fisher Meadows
  • $226,155 to the town of Norfolk for construction of the proposed North Brook Trail completion
  • $248,000 to the town of Simsbury for maintenance of the Farmington River Trail
  • $81,750 to the town of Torrington for planning and design of the Red Mountain Trail Bridge, currently in its design phase

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Connecticut’s natural beauty and fresh air are especially enjoyable on the state’s many trails for recreation and exercise,” said Sen. Honig. “These grants will allow for significant and meaningful work to further support trails in our region. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued support of our region.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe O’Leary | joe.oleary@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $52,550 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

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SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $52,550 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2026

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $52,550 in grant funding supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

The grant will support the Aspetuck Land Trust’s development of a regional trail map and public access initiative.

The grant is part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Our local trails provide resources that help people get outdoors, enjoy our state’s natural beauty and fresh air and get some healthy exercise,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m excited to see the Aspetuck Land Trust’s work as a new trail map and increased public access plays an important role in supporting our communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his support of our region.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”

Looney, Duff: Trump Head Start Rollback Puts 5,000 Connecticut Kids at Risk

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Looney, Duff: Trump Head Start Rollback Puts 5,000 Connecticut Kids at Risk

“The Trump regime wants to strip away more than 90 percent of the standards that make Head Start work, from limits on class size to the requirement that young children be supervised at all times. Its own analysis shows the ‘savings’ come from fewer teachers, bigger classes, and fewer health screenings for the poorest kids in the country. In Connecticut, 22 programs serving nearly 5,000 children are at risk. This is inhumane, and it’s how you kill a program without having the courage to vote on it.

“We call on Connecticut Republicans to join us in demanding that this rule be withdrawn before public comment closes on October 6.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) responding to the Trump administration’s proposal to rescind more than 1,000 Head Start regulatory provisions, including staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, health screenings and child supervision requirements.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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