Senator Hochadel Welcomes $581,256 State Grant for Middlefield Pedestrian Safety Project

Posted on June 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Hochadel Welcomes $581,256 State Grant for Middlefield Pedestrian Safety Project

Sen. Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) on Friday welcomed a $581,256 state grant to fund the Middlefield Municipal Campus Connections project, improving pedestrian safety and connectivity around the town’s municipal campus.

The funding comes through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, announced today by Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

“Middlefield is a small, tight-knit community, and investments in how residents move through that community matter,” Senator Hochadel said. “Safer connections around the municipal campus make daily life better for the people who live there, and that’s what this program delivers. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for making sure Middlefield was part of this investment.”

Since the program launched in 2019, 172 grants totaling more than $84 million have been invested in Connecticut communities.

Governor Lamont highlighted the broader impact of the program across Connecticut.

“This program cuts red tape and accelerates local infrastructure projects that make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” Governor Lamont said. “Across Connecticut with the support of this state program, communities are building accessible sidewalks, new bicycle connections, and stronger links to jobs, schools, and local businesses.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Among Five Indian American Achievers to Be Recognized

Posted on June 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Among Five Indian American Achievers to Be Recognized

On Saturday, June 13, state Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport) will be one of five Indian American achievers selected to be honored at the 20th Anniversary of the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin.

The event, hosted by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Connecticut Chapter, will take place at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall in Darien at 6 p.m. The 20th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Awards Banquet will recognize Indian Americans from across Connecticut who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement and service to their communities and the nation. Several Connecticut lawmakers are expected to attend.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by GOPIO-Connecticut alongside so many distinguished members of our Indian American community,” said Senator Gadkar-Wilcox. “The contributions of Indian Americans to Connecticut are immeasurable, and I am grateful to be part of a community that continues to make our state stronger.”

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox was elected as the first Indian American State Senator in Connecticut and has dedicated herself to championing the needs of underrepresented communities, advancing equity in education and healthcare, and serving as a trailblazer for future generations of Indian Americans in public service.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $142,640 IN NEW LONDON TRANSPORTATION GRANTS

Posted on June 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $142,640 IN NEW LONDON TRANSPORTATION GRANTS

June 12, 2026

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today welcomed the state’s announcement that New London will receive a $142,640 grant to improve local pedestrian crossings.

The grants came from the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, which supports municipal infrastructure improvements with the intent of making town centers safer and more welcoming.

“This grant will make a significant difference in making New London more accessible and walkable for all, improving local pedestrian safety,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for investing in our community.”

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

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $2.33 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION GRANTS TO THE 33RD DISTRICT

Posted on June 12, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $2.33 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION GRANTS TO THE 33RD DISTRICT

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today welcomed the state’s announcement that Deep River, Essex and Portland will receive a combined $2.33 million in grants to improve local transportation resources.

The grants came from the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, which supports municipal infrastructure improvements with the intent of making town centers safer and more welcoming.

“These grants will play a significant role in improving key downtown and town centers, making them more accessible and spurring more local walkability,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their continued investments in our region.”

Grants received in the 33^rd District include:

Deep River will receive $846,400 for pedestrian enhancements in the downtown area
Essex will receive $846,400 for sidewalk connections in Ivoryton Village
Portland will receive $634,800 for accessibility upgrades to schools on High Street

Looney, Duff to Senate MAGA Caucus: Do You Love the Inflation Too?

Posted on June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 by SDO Automation

Looney & Duff to Senate MAGA Caucus: Do You Love the Inflation Too?

“Donald Trump just told the American people, out loud, that he loves the inflation that is crushing them. Gas is up 23.5% year over year. Groceries are up. Electricity is up. Clothing is up. This is what happens when you start a war nobody wanted, impose tariffs a court had to throw out, and then brag about it. Connecticut families are not loving any of this.

“We’d like to know if Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding, Senator Fazio, and the rest of the Senate MAGA caucus love the inflation too. They voted against a Democratic budget that cut costs for Connecticut families. They’ve stayed silent while the Trump regime has made everything more expensive. Now their president has given them a slogan. Do they stand with him, or do they stand with the people they represent?”

-Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), in response to President Trump’s comments that he “loves the inflation” as inflation surpassed 4% for the first time in three years.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff to Senate MAGA Caucus: Do You Love the Inflation Too?

Posted on June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 by SDO Automation

Looney & Duff to Senate MAGA Caucus: Do You Love the Inflation Too?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney & Paolillo React to Deal between Uber and Tweed

Posted on June 11, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Looney & Representative Paolillo React to Deal between Uber and Tweed

“We are relieved that Uber has finally reached an agreement to serve Tweed directly, and we welcome the relief this will bring to the residential neighborhoods around the airport. For nearly five years, while Lyft and M7 worked out arrangements to operate on airport property, Uber’s drivers and passengers were left to navigate the side streets of the East Shore and the Annex, and our neighbors bore the burden of that inconvenience. This agreement does what should have happened long ago, keeping airport pick-ups and drop-offs on airport grounds where they belong.”

-Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo, Jr. (D-New Haven) on the recently announced agreement between Uber and Tweed New Haven Airport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Stay Connected with Senate Democrats

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $250,000 EAST HAMPTON REMEDIATION GRANT

Posted on June 11, 2026 by SDO Automation

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $250,000 EAST HAMPTON REMEDIATION GRANT

June 11, 2026

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the announcement that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will deliver a $250,000 brownfield remediation grant to East Hampton to clean up a Walnut Street property with the intent of turning it into a public park.

In East Hampton, the $250,000 grant will be used for cleanup activities at 3 Walnut Street, also known as the former Water Tower Property, with plans to redevelop the 1.53-acre property into a public park. The East Hampton Bell Company originally owned the property.

“Remediation allows properties currently going unused to be refreshed and turned into new community resources, like the park that will soon come to Walnut Street,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m encouraged by DEEP’s support of our community and am grateful to state leaders for their support; I’ll be watching with interest as work continues here.”

“The BiG Grant Program allows DEEP to assist our municipal partners and non-profit organizations in their continuing efforts to turn brownfields that pose an environmental and economic burden into assets that make these communities better places to live, work and play,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $115,000 EAST HARTFORD REMEDIATION GRANT

Posted on June 11, 2026 by SDO Automation

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

June 11, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR WELCOMES $115,000 EAST HARTFORD REMEDIATION GRANT

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) welcomed the announcement that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will deliver a $115,000 brownfield remediation grant to East Hartford to clean up an existing park to improve its safety and usability.

The funds come through DEEP’s Brownfields into Greenfields Grant Program, supporting assessment and remediation of environmentally contaminated areas for redevelopment and reuse. The grants allow for creation, preservation or addition of park space, greenways or recreational space for public use.
In East Hartford, the $115,000 grant will be used for cleanup activities at Shea Park, with intent to support the 8.9-acre park’s safety and usability. DEEP previously determined an Environmental Land Use Restriction at the park was necessary due to current conditions.

“Remediation of Shea Park will support our community and ensure this important resource remains usable for local recreation,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m grateful that these funds will support East Hartford and better support our residents, and I thank state leaders for the investment.”

Lesser Named Co-Chair of Connecticut Long Term Care Planning Committee

Posted on June 9, 2026 by SDO Automation

Senator Lesser Named Co-Chair of Connecticut Long Term Care Planning Committee

HARTFORD — Today, Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) was named co-chair of the Connecticut Long Term Care Planning Committee, joining Representative Jane Garibay and Melissa Morton of the Office of Policy and Management in leading the committee’s work. The committee is charged with making long-term forecasts on workforce and funding for Connecticut’s nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care sector, and with exploring the creation of a state universal long-term care benefit.

The appointment comes as Connecticut’s long-term care sector faces direct threats from the federal Republican budget signed by President Trump last year. The law enacted the largest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s history, totaling approximately $1 trillion over the next decade. For Connecticut’s long-term care sector, the consequences are significant: skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies face potential funding shortfalls from reduced Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home minimum staffing standards have been suspended through 2034, and new restrictions on Medicaid eligibility will make it harder for seniors to access the care they need as they age.

“I am proud to serve as co-chair of this committee at a moment when the work could not be more urgent,” said Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown). “Connecticut’s nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care workers are the backbone of support for our seniors and people with disabilities, and Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress just cut the floor out from under them. The federal government has abandoned its commitment to long-term care, and it falls to states to respond. Connecticut has always led when Washington has failed, and this committee is going to build a long-term care system that our residents can count on for decades to come.”

The committee will examine workforce challenges, funding sustainability, and the feasibility of a state-level universal long-term care benefit that could insulate Connecticut residents from future federal rollbacks.