SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS STATE BOND COMMISSION RELEASES $25 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Posted on September 8, 2026 by SDO Automation

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

September 8, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS STATE BOND COMMISSION RELEASES $25 MILLION TO SUPPORT CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a co-chair of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, released the following statement as the State Bond Commission released $25 million to support the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc.’s Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund:

“For more than a decade now, the issue of crumbling foundations has negatively impacted countless homeowners throughout north-central Connecticut, and these funds represent our state’s continued response to support them. This ticking time bomb sitting in so many homes’ foundations has harmed so many, but this plays an important role in providing them help in a dire situation that can otherwise cause serious issues. I’m grateful our state continues to take action to support this pervasive issue.”

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES STATE INVESTMENT IN NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST

Posted on September 2, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES STATE INVESTMENT IN NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST

NAUGATUCK – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission is poised to approve funds for the reconstruction and repair of several pedestrian and vehicular bridges in the Naugatuck State Forest when the commission meets Tuesday, September 8, in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The Naugatuck State Forest improvements are part of $10 million in alterations, renovations, and new construction at state parks and recreational facilities across Connecticut that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will undertake in the coming year.

“One of the big reasons for Connecticut’s excellent quality of life is all of our public green spaces, including the Naugatuck State Forest. Maintaining the bridges there helps people to continue enjoying the great outdoors here in Connecticut,” Sen. Cabrera said.

The Naugatuck State Forest is almost 5,000 acres of wild, undeveloped woodlands, grasslands, rivers, lakes, ravines, and swamp in the scenic Naugatuck River valley. The forest is crossed by several blue-blazed trails, including the Quinnipiac Trail and Naugatuck Trail (including the Whittemore spur), a mountain biking trail network, including miles of singletrack in the Quillinan Block, the Larkin Bridle Trail, and miles of trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, trail running, hiking, and more. Along with the trails, the forest is home to a target shooting range, spectacular waterfalls, and some of the best birdwatching in the state.

The massive forest is spread across Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Oxford, Bethany, Hamden, Cheshire, Ansonia, and Seymour.

Connecticut’s AI Working Group Holds Inaugural Meeting

Posted on September 2, 2026 by SDO Automation

Connecticut’s AI Working Group Holds Inaugural Meeting

This week, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group held its inaugural meeting bringing together voting and non-voting members to begin conversation about how the state should approach the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology.

The group is co-chaired by state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), and state Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven), both of the General Law Committee, which has taken a leading role in shaping Connecticut’s AI policy in recent years.

The meeting opened with a discussion aimed at informing both the direction of the General Law Committee and the broader public conversation among Connecticut residents about the advancements, opportunities, and challenges the state will face as artificial intelligence continues to reshape daily life.

“Our goal is to make Connecticut the leader in responsible AI development,” said Senator Maroney. “This group brings together industry, academic, and government, and the work we do will be critical towards reaching that goal.”

“The first meeting of our AI Working Group is not about having all the answers. It is about creating a space to ask the right questions, share ideas and perspectives, learn from one another, and explore what is possible,” said Rep. Lemar. “Together, we can approach AI with curiosity, purpose, and thoughtful consideration while building a shared understanding and a practical path forward that supports innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact.”

“I am honored to represent the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) as a Co-Chair of the AI Working Group,” said Vince Wilczynski, Co-Chair of CASE. “CASE’s mission includes providing expert guidance on science and technology to the citizens and the state, as well as promoting the application of science and technology to human welfare and economic well-being. CASE’s contributions to the AI working group, including the service of two CASE members on the AI Working Group, exemplify the organization’s ability to accomplish its mission. As an engineer, educator, and AI-practitioner in the field of robotics & STEM outreach, I am continuously reminded of AI’s influence on our daily lives. I congratulate the Connecticut General Assembly for its leadership in this rapidly developing field of AI and its impact on education, industry, and society.”

A focus of the inaugural meeting was establishing a framework for evaluating the state’s existing AI-related legislation going forward. Rather than starting from scratch, the working group agreed to review previously passed legislation using a “start, stop, continue” model.

They worked to identify new actions the state should take as AI technology advances, existing approaches that should be discontinued because they are no longer effective, and current efforts that are working well and that should continue.

Members noted that Connecticut has positioned itself as an early leader among states in AI policy, but the state’s own framework will need to continue to evolve over time.

Members heard a series of presentations and held discussions on the current state of AI in Connecticut, setting the stage for the group’s ongoing work.

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

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $3.96 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR EAST HARTFORD MAGNET SCHOOLS

Posted on September 2, 2026 by SDO Automation

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

September 2, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $3.96 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR EAST HARTFORD MAGNET SCHOOLS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s announced $3.96 million in grants set for release to support East Hartford magnet schools.

Under the State Bond Commission’s agenda for its September 8 meeting, Riverside Magnet School in East Hartford will receive $3.651 million and the Academy of Computer Science and Engineering Middle School in East Hartford will receive $307,925.

The grants are meant for capital expenses and improvements, including roof repairs, boiler replacements, HVAC upgrades and other capital upgrades.

“These grants will play a significant role in supporting local education, providing significant opportunities to improve necessary resources and ensure classes can go on without issue,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”

SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $266,250 GRANT FOR GLASTONBURY MAGNET SCHOOL

Posted on September 2, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $266,250 GRANT FOR GLASTONBURY MAGNET SCHOOL

September 2, 2026

Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s announced $266,250 grant set for release to support a Glastonbury magnet school.

Under the State Bond Commission’s agenda for its September 8 meeting, Glastonbury East Hartford Magnet in Glastonbury will receive the grant upon its approval.

The grant is meant for capital expenses and improvements, including roof repairs, boiler replacements, HVAC upgrades and other capital upgrades.

“This grant will play a significant role in supporting and enhancing resources for local education,” said Sen. Rahman, “making sure classes can continue without issue and making needed enhancements. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN STATE SUPPORT FOR 20TH SENATE DISTRICT THROUGH STATE BOND COMMISSION

Posted on September 1, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN STATE SUPPORT FOR 20^TH SENATE DISTRICT THROUGH STATE BOND COMMISSION

September 1, 2026

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the announcement that millions of dollars in state support and funding will support organizations around the 20^th Senate District pending a final vote by the State Bond Commission.

Among the funding set for release pending approval by the Bond Commission on September 8, projects include:

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford will receive a significant part of a $20 million total allocation for renovations and improvements at state parks, with work including restoration and preservation for key features throughout the Harkness property, including improvements to the Eolia Mansion, Carriage House, Water Tower and Greenhouse complex
Camp Harkness in Waterford will receive $500,000 for accessibility and capital improvements
The Regional Multicultural Magnet School, or RMMS, in New London will receive $2,492,577 to support capital repairs which can include roof repairs, boiler replacements and HVAC upgrades
Flanders Elementary School in East Lyme will receive $650,000 to support an inclusive playground at Flanders Elementary School, an effort led by the Miracle League of Southeastern Connecticut and executive director David Putnam
The Montville VFW Post 10060 will receive $75,000 for renovations and upgrades

“To see such significant funding and support come from the state for these important purposes is so incredibly meaningful. Important projects supporting improvements and upgrades will help local schools, organizations and parks better support the community, which will benefit countless residents,” said Sen. Marx. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued support of our region.”

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE THREATENS TO SUBPOENA CT CHILDREN’S OVER TRANSGENDER CARE CAPITULATION TO TRUMP REGIME

Posted on September 1, 2026 by SDO Automation

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE THREATENS TO SUBPOENA CT CHILDREN’S OVER TRANSGENDER CARE CAPITULATION TO TRUMP REGIME

HARTFORD – The two chairs of the Human Services Committee are threatening to use their subpoena power to compel Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to produce its agreement with the Trump administration to end transgender care at the hospital, despite the hospital’s legal requirement as a Medicaid provider not to discriminate against patients based on their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) on Monday wrote CCMC President and CEO Shannon Sullivan demanding a copy of the hospital’s agreement with the Trump Justice Department, and copies of all correspondence, memoranda, and medical records associated with that agreement, by this Friday, September 4. “Failure to provide a timely response by that date will warrant more robust action by the Human Services Committee, including potential use of our statutory subpoena power,” the chairs wrote.

The demand comes less than a month after CCMC agreed to a settlement with the Trump administration that included numerous onerous terms, including the payment of an undisclosed financial penalty. The demand also comes after Sen. Lesser and Rep. Gilchrest received complaints from CCMC staff and patients.

“CCMC signed a legally binding contract with the State of Connecticut in which they promised not to discriminate against any class of their patients. By submitting to political pressure from the Trump administration, they appear to be breaking our state laws,” Sen. Lesser said. “What’s also concerning is that they have not been forthcoming with the public or their own patients about what they’ve agreed to or why. CCMC is funded by Connecticut taxpayers, and our residents have a right to know what they are doing and what they have agreed to. We will compel them to be transparent if they will not be so voluntarily. Many families see their acquiescence as a betrayal by a trusted medical provider – and CCMC has a lot of explaining to do to win back their trust.”

“Connecticut has positioned itself as a safe state to receive care for transgender youth and adults,” Rep. Gilchrest said. “The actions taken by CCMC have betrayed Connecticut families, parents, doctors, and most importantly, our youth. These coercive tactics by the Trump administration are a shocking abuse of federal power, and we should be doing everything we can to protect essential medical care and push back, not capitulate to this Administration’s ideological warfare. Our request, so we can better understand CCMC’s agreement with the Trump Administration, is minor in light of how major the impact of this decision is.”

SENATOR FLEXER WELCOMES CONNECTICUT ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OLD KILLINGLY POND DAM OWNER

Posted on September 1, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR FLEXER WELCOMES CONNECTICUT ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OLD KILLINGLY POND DAM OWNER

KILLINGLY – After months of behind-the-scenes advocacy and negotiations, state Senator Mae Flexer today announced that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a draft consent order to the owner of the failing dam at Old Killingly Pond.

The order requires that the owner repair the dam and restore water levels because of the pond’s impact on species and habitats if the dam were to permanently remain in a drawdown condition.

Old Killingly Pond is a beloved 138-acre local treasure that’s valued for its beauty, history, and recreation. Last September, the owner of the dam – Wright Investors’ Service Holdings Inc. (WISH) – dropped the water level of the pond about 10 feet after an investigation showed significant seepage from the dam, indicating possible erosion. Old Killingly Pond has an average depth of 11 feet, meaning WISH essentially drained the pond.

Over the past year, Sen. Flexer has attended multiple public and private meetings seeking a resolution to this problem.

“This is a great example of government actually listening to people and holding corporations accountable for their actions. These owners have a responsibility to their neighbors and to the environment to maintain these dams,” Sen. Flexer said today. “This will continue to be a long road to get WISH to do the right thing. I want to thank the scores of Killingly residents, including the members of the Killingly Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission and all the concerned neighbors, for all their hard work over the past year and for making your voices heard. Your advocacy has made all the difference. I also want to thank DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino and Governor Lamont and all the folks at DEEP for their dedicated leadership on this issue. This is the beginning of a conversation between the state and the dam owner that will take time, but will hopefully result in the restoration of the Old Killingly Pond, which has long been a beloved treasure for northeastern Connecticut.”

Sen. Flexer attended a meeting this afternoon with town officials, including Killingly Town Council Chair Ed Grandelski and Councilor Tammy Wakefield, and with DEEP Acting Commission Cimino and various DEEP officials.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, CLINTON TOWN MANAGER HIGHLIGHT $2 MILLION GRANT FOR PIERSON SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT

Posted on September 1, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Needleman, Clinton Town Manager Highlight $2 Million Grant for Pierson School Redevelopment

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

September 1, 2026

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, CLINTON TOWN MANAGER HIGHLIGHT $2 MILLION GRANT FOR PIERSON SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and Clinton Town Manager Michelle Benivegna highlighted an announced $2 million grant supporting the redevelopment of Clinton’s Pierson School into a combination of affordable housing for members of the community, including senior housing, and a new senior center in town.

The grant, part of the State Bond Commission’s September 8 agenda and expected to be approved on that day, will play a significant role in supporting redevelopment of existing town properties for use by the community.

The project, which holds a total cost of $27.6 million and is expected to be completed in 2028, will redevelop the Pierson School into 50 affordable housing units, specifically supporting seniors, as well as a modern senior center that meets ADA requirements. The project seeks to create new housing, enhance services and programming for older adults and provide long-term social and economic benefits to Clinton.

Sen. Needleman worked with Benivegna to request funding for the project from the Bond Commission.

“We know residents in our community face high costs and housing shortages and would benefit from new resources in our town, which makes this project absolutely vital for the future of Clinton,” said Sen. Needleman. “We took action quickly to support this project because we know just how significant these new housing units are, especially to support our senior populations, and how beneficial a new Senior Center will be. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support and look forward to seeing this grant’s release.”

“This is an exciting and important step forward for the Abraham Pierson School project and for the Town of Clinton,” said Benivegna. “While the $2 million in state bond funding still requires approval by the full State Bond Commission, having it placed on the September 8 agenda is a significant milestone. I want to personally thank Senator Norm Needleman and his team for working closely with my office and advocating for Clinton to help get us to this point. This project will help create much-needed affordable housing for working members of our community and seniors, provide a senior center and preserve an important part of Clinton’s history. We are grateful for the State’s partnership and hopeful for a positive vote on September 8.”

Caption: Sen. Needleman and Town Manager Benivegna speak in Clinton Town Hall Tuesday.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, COLCHESTER FIRST SELECTMAN HIGHLIGHT $1.728 MILLION GRANT SUPPORTING NORTON MILL REMEDIATION

Posted on September 1, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN, COLCHESTER FIRST SELECTMAN HIGHLIGHT $1.728 MILLION GRANT SUPPORTING NORTON MILL REMEDIATION

September 1, 2026

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

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) and Colchester First Selectman Bernie Dennler highlighted a $1.728 million grant supporting Colchester’s continued redevelopment of the former Norton Paper Mill into Norton Park.

The grant was announced in the State Bond Commission’s September 8 agenda, with a vote to approve expected on that day.

The $1.728 million grant will support the completion of the conversion of the former Norton Paper Mill brownfield site into a passive recreation park, supporting visitors seeking to utilize the nearby Air Line Trail or visit Colchester’s agricultural hub. The park project needs this support after environmental remediation was more extensive than first thought.

The project is slated for completion in autumn of 2027. The park will be located within close proximity to a number of local landmarks including the Air Line Trail, Salmon River State Forest, Day Pond State Park and local multi-family housing developments.

Additionally, the completion of the project’s remediation will help ensure the safety of those housing developments’ drinking water, removing known contaminants from the ground at the park’s site.

“This project represents a significant step for Colchester, taking an unused property and turning it into a beautiful park that will draw residents locally and from afar,” said Sen. Needleman. “I am excited to see the park’s completion and its new status as a draw for local recreation, benefitting our community. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of Colchester.”

“I am so grateful to Governor Lamont and Senator Needleman for their support of the Norton Park project,” said First Selectman Dennler. “Previously, their support helped us clean up a contaminated site to protect this critical watershed. Now, it will help us transform that site into a beautiful park that will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses in the Westchester area of Colchester.”