Author: SDO Automation

SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $180,000 IN EDUCATION GRANTS TO HELP REDUCE ABSENTEEISM IN MANCHESTER

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES $180,000 IN EDUCATION GRANTS TO HELP REDUCE ABSENTEEISM IN MANCHESTER

September 30, 2026

Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed an announced $180,000 in state grants supporting Manchester schools through the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program, or LEAP, with a specific focus on improving student attendance and engagement.

Since LEAP was founded in 2021, chronic absenteeism rates in Connecticut have fallen more than 30 percent, reconnecting tens of thousands of students with education. After researching absenteeism and its causes, state officials developed a home visiting program meeting students and families in the community, connecting them with resources and supports that can help get students back in the classroom.

According to the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration, student attendance grew and disciplinary incidents fell after LEAP engaged with families.

“In the last five years, absenteeism rates have declined significantly statewide, in part thanks to the success of LEAP’s focus on bringing students back into classrooms,” said Sen. Rahman. “I’m excited to see the positive benefits of this program benefit our community and Manchester students.”

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $272,595 IN EDUCATION GRANTS SUPPORTING EAST HARTFORD, EAST WINDSOR

Posted on by SDO Automation

Senator Anwar

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

September 30, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $272,595 IN EDUCATION GRANTS SUPPORTING EAST HARTFORD, EAST WINDSOR

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed an announced $272,595 in state grants supporting East Hartford and East Windsor schools through the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program, or LEAP, with a specific focus on improving student attendance and engagement.

Since LEAP was founded in 2021, chronic absenteeism rates in Connecticut have fallen more than 30 percent, reconnecting tens of thousands of students with education. After researching absenteeism and its causes, state officials developed a home visiting program meeting students and families in the community, connecting them with resources and supports that can help get students back in the classroom.

According to the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration, student attendance grew and disciplinary incidents fell after LEAP engaged with families.

“Reducing chronic absenteeism is one of the most important ways we can support youth in our communities, helping them re-engage with education and setting them up for better futures,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am thrilled to hear our communities will benefit from LEAP and more of our students will be set up to thrive in years to come.”

East Hartford will receive $209,779 through the grants, while East Windsor will receive $62,816.

SENATOR KUSHNER URGES SCHOOLS TO SUBMIT CLEAN AIR REPORTS, APPLY FOR STATE HVAC FUNDS

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

SENATOR KUSHNER URGES SCHOOLS TO SUBMIT CLEAN AIR REPORTS, APPLY FOR STATE HVAC FUNDS

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), who is a member of the legislature’s School Indoor Air Quality Working Group, today urged schools to complete their annual HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) surveys and to avail themselves of UConn’s free room air filtration kits that can be used in any classroom in Connecticut.

Sen. Kushner also said cities and towns should also avail themselves of a recent change in state policy that allows for standalone HVAC project submissions (instead of being part of a larger renovation), and that the state has transitioned its school HVAC grant program into a permanent, monthly application process managed by the Department of Administrative Services Office of Grants Administration.

Sen. Kushner said Connecticut has made progress on improving school air quality and must continue the positive momentum since poor air quality and ventilation have been found to impede student learning and health, as well as the health of teachers, staff, and school visitors.

“We started researching this issue in 2022, just as the COVID pandemic was waning. We became very aware of just how much schools — without good indoor air quality — are a breeding ground for infections, the flu, for colds, and for all the things that rip through our schools on a regular basis,” said Sen. Kushner. “We’re really holding back the education process unless we invest in improving air quality in our schools. This needs to be a priority for school boards, for parents, and for the legislature.” 

In 2023, Connecticut committed $56 million to projects across the state to address indoor air quality in school buildings. In 2024, Connecticut announced $122 million more in grant awards for public schools throughout the state to make upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Examples of eligible projects include replacing, upgrading, or repairing boilers and other heating and ventilation components; replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations; and installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems.
 

###

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney Respond to Flock Data Leak

Posted on by SDO Automation

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney Respond to Flock Data Leak

“This leak is exactly the kind of harm residents have been worried about. When this information can be released by accident, it shows how much sensitive information these systems collect and how easily it can slip out of anyone’s control.

“Strong regulation is what makes sure these tools are used only for legitimate public safety purposes, that data is kept no longer than necessary, that access is limited and audited, and that there are real consequences when something goes wrong. Without clear guidelines, one mistake in a records request can expose millions of people, and residents have no say in how their information is used or shared.

“This is why we called for a pause on the use of these systems. Before this technology expands any further in Connecticut, we need to be confident that residents’ privacy is protected and that there is real accountability for how data is collected, stored, and shared.”

– Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and Senator James Maroney in response to reports that police departments across the country released unredacted Flock Safety surveillance records, exposing more than 2.3 million license plates and sensitive details of law enforcement searches.

In the 2027 legislative session, Senator Duff and Senator Maroney plan to introduce legislation to further strengthen privacy protections for Connecticut residents and tighten how Connecticut regulates this technology.

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney Respond to Flock Data Leak

Posted on by SDO Automation

Newsletter Header

Senators Looney, Duff, Maroney Respond to Flock Data Leak

Sen. Cohen Statement on Death of DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

Posted on by SDO Automation

Sen. Cohen Statement on Death of DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

State Senator Christine Cohen, Chair of the Transportation Committee, issued a statement in response to the untimely death of Bridgeport resident and Department of Transportation (DOT) employee Elvin Hernandez. Elvin was tragically hit and killed on the job while working alongside I-95 in Fairfield.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and preventable death of Elvin Hernandez. It is all of our responsibility to protect one another on our roads, especially the men and women who work roadside. We all must slow down, pay attention and remember that one bad decision can create a lifetime of grief for someone’s loved ones. My heart goes out to Elvin’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox, Gaston Statement on the Death of DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

Posted on by SDO Automation

Newsletter Header

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox, Gaston Statement on the Death of DOT Worker Elvin Hernandez

Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston issued a statement in response to the untimely death of Bridgeport resident and Department of Transportation (DOT) employee Elvin Hernandez. Elvin was tragically hit and killed on the job while working alongside I-95 this morning.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Bridgeport resident and DOT employee Elvin Hernandez. Elvin and his colleagues in DOT work every day in dangerous conditions to keep Connecticut moving, and this tragedy was completely preventable. Every driver is responsible for ensuring that those working alongside our roads make it home safely and we urge drivers to slow down and pay attention. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elvin’s family, friends, colleagues and the Bridgeport community. We must do better.”

SEN. OSTEN, REP. PEMBERTON ANNOUNCE $2.66 MILLION FOR CAMP OAKDALE IN MONTVILLE

Posted on by SDO Automation

Banner

SEN. OSTEN, REP. PEMBERTON ANNOUNCE $2.66 MILLION FOR CAMP OAKDALE IN MONTVILLE

MONTVILLE – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and state Representative Larry Pemberton (D-Montville) today announced that the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board has approved $2.66 million for improvements to the Camp Oakdale sports and recreation complex.

Funds will repair the popular but aged facilities, creating a full disc golf course, establishing a paved multi-use accessible trail, installing new security cameras, and more.

The funding must now be approved by the State Bond Commission in the next 60 days.

“This CIF funding, once it’s approved by the State Bond Commission, will complete the work at Camp Oakdale,” said Sen. Osten. “This is an extremely popular facility in town. The parents I’ve spoken to say they’re very happy to have this work done, and this work wouldn’t have been done without these state funds.”

“This investment will build upon previous funding for Camp Oakdale and will provide much-needed repairs and more fun and exciting experiences for those visiting the complex,” said Rep. Pemberton. “Due to a poor drainage system, there has been flooding at the facility that destroyed the fields and made them unable to be used. I’m confident this funding will fix that problem, and that Camp Oakdale will be better than ever before. Thank you to my legislative colleagues and the members of the Community Investment Fund 2030 for their support for Montville.”

Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund seeks to foster economic development in historically underserved communities, providing up to $676 million in grants for eligible municipalities, non-profit organizations, and community development corporations that operate within them.

 

###

SENATOR CABRERA COMMENTS ON DERBY’S VASTLY IMPROVED FINANCIAL SITUATION

Posted on by SDO Automation

SENATOR CABRERA COMMENTS ON DERBY’S VASTLY IMPROVED FINANCIAL SITUATION

State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today praised the City of Derby for its financial turnaround over the past several years and noted that, according to news reports, Derby may soon see an end to six years of state financial oversight by the Connecticut Municipal Finance Advisory Commission.

“They’re calling balls and strikes now in Derby when it comes to town finances. Mayor Joe DiMartino is an old coach, and he’s put together a really good team, including hiring Brian Hall as finance director. That’s been a game-changer,” Sen. Cabrera said. “Derby is in much better financial shape today, and we’re seeing the effects of that, with lots of investment downtown.”

A news story on Derby’s vastly improved financial condition can be found here: https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/2026/09/24/after-six-years-derby-might-become-free-of-mfac-oversight/

 

###

 

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Small Business Healthcare Tax Credits

Posted on by SDO Automation

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Small Business Healthcare Tax Credits

State Senator Christine Cohen welcomes the announcement that a new state tax credit is now available in Connecticut to help small businesses offer health insurance to their employees.

Eligible businesses, which include those with 50 or fewer employees, can receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 per employee per year when they offer an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) through Access Health CT, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, using the BusinessPlus platform. The credit is available for the first two consecutive years an employer offers an ICHRA.

“I have owned and operated a small business for nearly 25 years and I know well how expensive it is to provide health insurance for your employees,” said Sen. Cohen. “These tax credits will help ease the burden on small businesses and ensure more workers are properly insured. This is a step in the right direction, but we need to be focused on comprehensive reform and providing a Public Option so that small businesses can protect their employees’ health and also remain competitive in employee recruitment and retention.”

As a small business owner herself, Senator Cohen has worked to pass several tax credits for small businesses and eliminate duplicative regulations. In the 2026 Legislative Session, Senator Cohen:

  • Led passage of tax credits for employers that offer commuter-related benefits to their employees.
  • Eased the burden on small businesses in the manufacturing and technology industry by voting to establish a program that allows qualified small businesses to claim a tax credit equal to 6% of research and development expenses.
  • Created a Small Business Concierge Service under the Department of Economic and Community Development to help small business owners navigate grants, incentive programs and other resources offered by the state.
  • Established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Small Business program, giving business owners the tools they need to successfully implement AI in their operations.
  • Limited barriers to business by removing obstacles in the broadband communications installation process, streamlined regulatory processes for financial institutions while preserving consumer protections, updated the Transfer Act to allow for easier transitions of property.

Senator Christine Cohen