Author: Devin James

Senator Duff Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Norwalk

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Duff Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Norwalk

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) is welcoming funding for new after-school programs in Norwalk. The funding is part of $5.3 million in state funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program to support 41 grants for expanding high-quality, after-school programs that provide academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school.

Norwalk is set to receive $461,640 in funding for new after-school programs. $153,880 will be allocated to Colonial Village and Roodner Court, $153,880 will be allocated to Ponus Ridge, STEAM Academy, and Roton Middle School, and $153,880 will be allocated to Nathan Hale Middle School and West Rocks Middle School.

“This is great news for students and their families in Norwalk as after-school programs offer so many benefits,” said Sen. Duff. “This funding will help provide academic support, social & emotional development, family & community engagement, and encourage healthy habits. These programs are so important for families and I am thrilled to bring these resources home to Norwalk.”

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) selected recipients through a competitive process that evaluated each applicant’s ability to address local student needs, foster family and community engagement, provide academic enrichment, promote student wellness, and demonstrate effective program planning and organization.

SEN. NEEDLEMAN HIGHLIGHTS NEW AFTER-SCHOOL FUNDING FOR DEEP RIVER INCARNATION CENTER

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. NEEDLEMAN HIGHLIGHTS NEW AFTER-SCHOOL FUNDING FOR DEEP RIVER INCARNATION CENTER

This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) highlighted the state’s announcement of $100,000 in additional funding to support after-school programs at Deep River’s Incarnation Center.

Administered through the state Education Department’s After-School Grant Program, the funds will allow for new growth in local after-school programs like the Incarnation Center’s Nature’s Playground program.

“For more than a century, Incarnation Camp has provided priceless resources and opportunities for countless youth from Connecticut and beyond, and these funds will support its continued efforts to provide growth and leadership opportunities for students,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to state leaders for their continued and tireless support of our region.”

This additional funding will support and promote new opportunities for students to continue to learn play and grow outside of a traditional school day and provide them with safe environments before and after classes end.

The Incarnation Center offers after-school programs for elementary school-aged children in Middlesex County.

Senator Hochadel Celebrates State Funding for Meriden After-School Programs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Celebrates State Funding for Meriden After-School Programs

State Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, today applauded the announcement that Meriden Public Schools will receive $153,880 in state funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program to expand after-school programming at Lincoln Middle School and Washington Middle School.

The grant will provide students with academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day. Meriden was one of 41 grant recipients selected statewide from a total of $5.3 million in funding distributed across 30 municipalities.

“As an educator, I know the transformative impact that after-school programs have on our students,” Senator Hochadel said. “These programs provide safe, structured environments where children can receive tutoring, explore their interests and develop the social skills they need to succeed. This investment in Meriden’s middle school students will help working families while ensuring our young people have every opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

The funding comes through a competitive grant process that evaluated each applicant’s ability to address local student needs, foster family and community engagement, and promote student wellness.

Earlier this year, Senator Hochadel was an outspoken voice in a successful fight to restore critical federal funding for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club’s after-school programming after the Trump administration attempted to withhold approved support.

Senator Gaston Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Welcomes Funding for After-School Programs in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming funding for new after-school programs in Bridgeport. The funding is part of $5.3 million in state funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s After-School Grant Program to support 41 grants for expanding high-quality, after-school programs that provide academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day.

Bridgeport will receive $461,640 for the City of Bridgeport Lighthouse Program. $153,880 will be allocated to the Multi-Cultural Magnet School district, (JFK), Jettie S. Tisdale School & Roosevelt School, $153,880 will be allocated to Black Rock School District, Geraldine W. Johnson School & Winthrop School, and $153,880 will be allocated to the Blackham School district, Interdistrict Discovery, Magnet School, & Hallen School.

“Investing in our youth beyond the school day is one of the most effective ways to build stronger communities and create a brighter future,” said Senator Gaston. “This funding will provide students with the opportunity to participate in a safe and supportive place to go after school where they can continue to learn and build positive relationships.”

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) selected recipients through a competitive process that evaluated each applicant’s ability to address local student needs, foster family and community engagement, provide academic enrichment, promote student wellness, and demonstrate effective program planning and organization.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS NEW PURA NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS NEW PURA NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, issued a statement as Governor Lamont announced the nominations of four individuals to the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. These individuals include Tom Wiehl, who would leave his position as legal and regulatory director for the Office of Consumer Counsel to serve as PURA’s Chair. Additional nominees have experience in energy policy, state government and utility finance:

“I would like to wish all four nominees to join PURA well in their future work. I would also like to wish outgoing PURA Commissioner Matt Caron a wonderful retirement. Connecticut, in the last several years, has worked to provide state regulators with sufficient tools to do their jobs well. I hope that in their work, these nominees remember to consider the stability of Connecticut and New England’s energy grid and the companies that manage it alongside the necessary efforts to keep state utilities accountable for their work, ensuring ratepayers get good value for their rateholder funds. In the last half-decade, the state legislature has advanced several significant pieces of energy legislation – including the Take Back Our Grid Act in 2020, Senate Bill 7 in 2023 to reform and improve oversight of utilities and Senate Bill 4 in 2025 to reduce costs and provide a stronger regulatory environment – and I hope our work provides a roadmap for PURA to succeed in serving Connecticut.”

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on CT Siting Council Decision to Reject Monopoles

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Senator Gaston Releases Statement on CT Siting Council Decision to Reject Monopoles

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), is releasing a statement following the CT Siting Council’s decision to reject Monopoles.

“The decision to reject the UI Monopole plan is a victory for our community.

“From day one, I was relentless in standing against this flawed proposal because my constituents deserved better. I have never been afraid to make good trouble when justice and fairness are on the line. I fought this plan because it failed to respect the voices of our neighborhoods, threatened our environment, and ignored the long-term wellbeing of our communities.

“This outcome proves that when we organize, when we raise our voices, and when we stand our ground, we can make a difference.

“I’m deeply grateful to the advocates, community leaders, and residents who stood strong and united throughout this process.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Siting Council Denying UI Monopole Plan

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Siting Council Denying UI Monopole Plan

BRIDGEPORT – Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox issued a statement in response to the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) decision to deny the United Illuminating monopole project plan.

UI’s proposal would have installed 145 foot tall poles in Fairfield and Bridgeport. Local leaders and community members raised concerns about how it could impact economic development, potential environmental effects and protecting the character of their communities.

“I am grateful to the Siting Council for their decision,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “l would especially like to thank the Bridgeport and Fairfield advocates who had serious concerns and they made their voices heard loud and clear. It is a powerful thing when communities can come together, advocate for their communities and see results. I hope that we can continue to work towards infrastructure development that works for all parties involved, but a path forward must be one of collaboration between the municipalities and the utilities.”

Looney & Paolillo Condemn Tweed Airport’s Use of Trump Propaganda Video

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Paolillo Condemn Tweed Airport’s Use of Trump Propaganda Video

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) strongly condemned the decision by Tweed New Haven Airport to initially air a propaganda-style video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem, which blames Democrats for federal shutdown-related travel delays. The two New Haven legislators who represent the area of the city closest to the airport demanded answers and released the following joint statement:

“Partisan propaganda has no place in our airports. Tweed Airport should have followed Bradley International Airport’s example and refused to air this political video altogether. The decision to even consider running it showed poor judgment and a disregard for the public trust.

“Connecticut residents should never have to worry that their airport will be used to advance the political messaging of any administration, especially the reckless and lawless one led by President Trump. We call on Tweed’s leadership to explain how this was allowed to happen and to immediately put in place policies that ensure Tweed is never complicit again in dispensing partisan propaganda.”

Sen. Slap Responds to Trump Cutting College Preparation Program for Low-Income Students

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Responds to Trump Cutting College Preparation Program for Low-Income Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee responded to news that the Trump administration has fired nearly all Education Department staff who work on a college-preparation program for low-income students amid the government shutdown.

The federal TRIO program supports 900,000 low-income students in all 50 states to prepare for college and the program has seen bipartisan support in Congress. There are 25 TRIO programs in Connecticut that currently support nearly 6,000 students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

“I am outraged by news that the Trump administration is taking yet another step to make college less accessible for students across the country, including those in Connecticut,” said Sen. Slap. “This program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress as it opens doors for students who are underrepresented in higher education. I cannot understand the logic behind this decision and while we will certainly be exploring how Connecticut can support these students in the next legislative session, the state will not be able to replace the ever growing funding gaps being handed to us by the federal government.”

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS RELEASE STATEMENT ON NEW BRITAIN TRAGEDY

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COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS RELEASE STATEMENT ON NEW BRITAIN TRAGEDY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford), the Senate and House Chairs of the Committee on Children, released the following statement as new information is learned in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Jacqueline Torres Garcia. Torres Garcia’s remains were recently discovered behind an abandoned home, with family members charged with murder related to her death. Police and state officials continue to investigate amid reports Torres Garcia was never reported missing:

“This horrific situation should not have happened, and we are angry to hear that our state’s systems did not protect Jacqueline. As we learn more, it is becoming apparent that the Department of Children and Families failed her; DCF has one of the most important roles in our state and when it accepts less than 110%, our most vulnerable children are left in harm’s way, with children like Jacqueline suffering the consequences. It’s clear that DCF did not meet the moment here, and we need answers as to how and why this happened, as well as assurances that we can make certain it never happens again.”