Author: Devin James

Looney, Duff Statement on SCOTUS Denial of Cert Challenging CT Vaccine Requirements

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Statement on SCOTUS Denial of Cert Challenging CT Vaccine Requirements

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of cert challenging a Connecticut law closing a loophole that had previously allowed non-medical exemptions to childhood vaccination requirements.

“By closing a loophole for non-medical vaccine exemptions, Connecticut embraced a common sense vaccination policy that protects the health and safety of all students. This law has now withstood legal scrutiny at every level of our judicial system and its perseverance represents a victory for parents and students, who are less likely to be infected by preventable illnesses.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DUFF STATEMENT ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN ROWLAND’S RESIGNATION

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 21, 2024

 

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DUFF STATEMENT ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN ROWLAND’S RESIGNATION

HARTFORD – State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today on the 20th anniversary of former Governor John Rowland’s resignation from office on June 21, 2004, in the midst of an impeachment inquiry and a simultaneous federal investigation into Rowland’s awarding of state contracts in exchange for cash and home improvements.

In 2004, Sen. Looney served as Co-Chairman of the Senate Bipartisan Committee of Review that would try Gov. Rowland if the House of Representatives voted to impeach him; Sen. Duff was a member of the House of Representatives at the time, and he voted to create the bipartisan House Select Committee of Inquiry. The House had a June 30 deadline to vote on impeachment; Gov. Rowland resigned on June 21.

Governor Rowland remains the only Connecticut governor in state history to ever resign the office for reasons related to criminal activity.

“What we recall from the impeachment process 20 years ago was just how bipartisan and sobering it was. Minority party Republicans were willing to work with the majority of Democrats in the House and Senate to investigate one of their own party members, a political prodigy who at age 37 became the youngest governor in America. It was a courageous decision then by Connecticut Republicans to hold one of their own to the highest standards of government accountability, because we all knew that this was a black eye for democracy and for the people of Connecticut. Former Republican House Minority Leader Bob Ward said at the time, “We have a moral and legal obligation to get to the bottom of this.” Working together, our actions led to Rowland’s resignation from the highest elected office in the state. It was a superb example of a bipartisan dedication to something beyond raw politics.

“Unfortunately, the world has changed for the worst in the past 20 years, thanks in large part to the hyper-partisan actions of Donald Trump and the national Republican Party. We can think of no example in the past decade where Congressional Republicans subjugated their singular quest for power and influence and their blind allegiance to Donald Trump – a convicted felon with even more serious felony charges still to be adjudicated – in order to act for the greater good of our country. There are essentially no moderate, reasonable Republicans in the national Republican Party today as there were in the Connecticut Republican Party of 2004.

“So, on today’s 20th anniversary of John Rowland’s resignation as governor, we’re reminded of just how important are reason, moderation and bipartisanship for the good of the public and for the good of a democracy, at both the state and national levels. Unfortunately, Republicans beholden to Donald Trump lost sight of this sacred duty a long time ago.”

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DUFF STATEMENT ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN ROWLAND’S RESIGNATION

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 21, 2024

 

SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DUFF STATEMENT ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN ROWLAND’S RESIGNATION

HARTFORD – State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today on the 20th anniversary of former Governor John Rowland’s resignation from office on June 21, 2004, in the midst of an impeachment inquiry and a simultaneous federal investigation into Rowland’s awarding of state contracts in exchange for cash and home improvements.

In 2004, Sen. Looney served as Co-Chairman of the Senate Bipartisan Committee of Review that would try Gov. Rowland if the House of Representatives voted to impeach him; Sen. Duff was a member of the House of Representatives at the time, and he voted to create the bipartisan House Select Committee of Inquiry. The House had a June 30 deadline to vote on impeachment; Gov. Rowland resigned on June 21.

Governor Rowland remains the only Connecticut governor in state history to ever resign the office for reasons related to criminal activity.

“What we recall from the impeachment process 20 years ago was just how bipartisan and sobering it was. Minority party Republicans were willing to work with the majority of Democrats in the House and Senate to investigate one of their own party members, a political prodigy who at age 37 became the youngest governor in America. It was a courageous decision then by Connecticut Republicans to hold one of their own to the highest standards of government accountability, because we all knew that this was a black eye for democracy and for the people of Connecticut. Former Republican House Minority Leader Bob Ward said at the time, “We have a moral and legal obligation to get to the bottom of this.” Working together, our actions led to Rowland’s resignation from the highest elected office in the state. It was a superb example of a bipartisan dedication to something beyond raw politics.

“Unfortunately, the world has changed for the worst in the past 20 years, thanks in large part to the hyper-partisan actions of Donald Trump and the national Republican Party. We can think of no example in the past decade where Congressional Republicans subjugated their singular quest for power and influence and their blind allegiance to Donald Trump – a convicted felon with even more serious felony charges still to be adjudicated – in order to act for the greater good of our country. There are essentially no moderate, reasonable Republicans in the national Republican Party today as there were in the Connecticut Republican Party of 2004.

“So, on today’s 20th anniversary of John Rowland’s resignation as governor, we’re reminded of just how important are reason, moderation and bipartisanship for the good of the public and for the good of a democracy, at both the state and national levels. Unfortunately, Republicans beholden to Donald Trump lost sight of this sacred duty a long time ago.”

Looney, Duff Release Statement Responding to Republican Press Conference

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Responding to Republican Press Conference

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued a statement following a Republican press conference regarding elections:

“The crux of American democracy is access to the ballot box. Republican attempts to restrict Connecticut residents’ ability to exercise their right to vote is no surprise from a political party that tried to overturn a presidential election and passes draconian voter restrictions at the state level across the country.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff Release Statement Responding to Republican Press Conference

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Release Statement Responding to Republican Press Conference

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued a statement following a Republican press conference regarding elections:

“The crux of American democracy is access to the ballot box. Republican attempts to restrict Connecticut residents’ ability to exercise their right to vote is no surprise from a political party that tried to overturn a presidential election and passes draconian voter restrictions at the state level across the country.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senator Hochadel Statement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Statement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Senator Jan Hochadel, co-chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee, emphasized Friday the critical need for vigilance and proactive engagement to safeguard elderly residents from abuse.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15 since 2006, aims to educate the public on recognizing the signs of elder abuse. This abuse can manifest in various forms including neglect, physical, psychological, and financial abuse.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding our elderly from neglect and exploitation,” Senator Hochadel said. “It’s essential that everyone remains alert to the signs of elder abuse. Reporting any suspicions can make a significant difference in preventing mistreatment and ensuring the safety of our seniors.”

Senator Hochadel also highlighted recent legislative successes that provide additional protections for Connecticut’s seniors.

“I was proud to help pass two significant bills this year that bolster the safety and quality of life for our seniors,” Senator Hochadel said. “HB5046 brings crucial reforms to nursing homes, including enhancing state oversight or their operations while HB5001 will expand access to high-quality home-based care, enabling more seniors to age in place with dignity and comfort. Despite these policy advances, there is always room for improvement, and I urge everyone in Connecticut to ensure the well-being of their elderly loved ones by staying connected.”

Connecticut has resources for seniors and residents who suspect elder abuse has taken place. The Attorney General’s Office and the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut maintain an Elder Justice Hotline, which can be reached at 1-860-808-5555. Residents can also visit the Long Term Care Ombudsman website for an array of resources for citizens residing in nursing homes.

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Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Senator McCrory Applauds $2.2 Million in State Aid to Remediate Former Stanadyne Site in Windsor

Posted on by Devin James

Senator McCrory Applauds $2.2 Million in State Aid to Remediate Former Stanadyne Site in Windsor

Senator Doug McCrory welcomed the approval of $2.2 million in state grants Friday to provide funding to offset costs associated with remediating contaminated land on a former industrial site in Windsor, paving the way for future development and revitalization of the area.

The grants will be used to clean up and remediate more than 32 acres of land on Deerfield Road, where Stanadyne manufacturing facilities were previously located. These projects will enable the property to be used for new business facilities including manufacturing spaces, warehouses, and office space.

“This funding will help to transform contaminated land on the old Stanadyne site into a hub of economic activity,” Senator McCrory, D-Hartford, said. “Remediation is the first step toward developing a business park that will help to foster growth in our community. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for approving this funding, which will set the stage for job growth and economic development.”

The grants for Windsor were among dozens announced by the governor Friday. All told, the state aid totaled $26.3 million, which will help to fund remediation projects at 22 properties in 17 municipalities across Connecticut.

“Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it,” Governor Lamont said. “This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back from the dead.”
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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SEN. OSTEN, REPS. WILSON AND RYAN WELCOME $4 MILLION STATE INVESTMENT TO REMEDIATE CAPEHART MILL, CREATE RIVERFRONT PARK

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 14, 2024

SEN. OSTEN, REPS. WILSON AND RYAN WELCOME $4 MILLION STATE INVESTMENT TO REMEDIATE CAPEHART MILL, CREATE RIVERFRONT PARK

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and state Representatives Derell Wilson (D-Norwich) and Kevin Ryan (D-Montville) today welcomed Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement that he has approved a series of state grants totaling $26.3 million to remediate and redevelop 130 acres of contaminated land in Connecticut, including $4 million for Norwich to clean up the former Capehart Textile Mill located in the Greeneville National Historic District and turn it into a riverfront park along the Shetucket River.

The state grant will be used to create a remedial action plan and an asbestos work plan, abatement, and demolition of buildings A & B, the skywalk, and 5th Street Bridge at the 6.05-acre former Capehart site.

“Like so many other vacant, blighted mill properties across the state, Capehart represents a part of Norwich’s historic manufacturing past. But now it’s an eyesore and a public safety hazard. We can turn it into a positive for the community, and that’s what this grant will help do,” Sen. Osten said. “The Norwich City Council has been working on this for some time, so I thank them and the governor for recognizing the opportunities that are available here to create local jobs and make something new and beautiful for our community to enjoy.”

“As the State Representative who lives directly in this district, a stone’s throw away from the mill, I’m sure this is an amazing and exciting time for all of the people from the Greenville area of Norwich,” Rep. Wilson said. This is a steppingstone in the right direction to rebuilding jobs and the community. I am excited to see Norwich continuing its revitalization efforts.”

“This forthcoming development marks a significant step for Norwich. The proposed remediation strategy encompasses the removal of current infrastructure and the creation of an area along the Shetucket River, further augmenting Norwich’s appeal for residents. This initiative has the potential to stimulate economic progression, address local employment needs, and furnish a much-needed recreational venue for our citizens,” said Rep. Ryan. “This investment represents a calculated step in the rejuvenation of Norwich, harnessing private capital and sustaining the city’s historic allure while attending to the modern needs of our residents.”

The grants announced today are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $112.7 million in private investments, which is critical to bringing these 22 properties back into productive reuse.

The selected projects will boost economic development and job growth, as well as aid in the development of new housing. In total, the projects are expected to create approximately 1,285 jobs and 373 units of housing, including 148 affordable units. Approximately 58% of the overall funding is being awarded to projects in distressed municipalities.

“Nobody wants to have old, polluted, and blighted properties in their neighborhood that sit vacant for decades, especially when that land could be used to grow new businesses and create housing for people who need it,” Governor Lamont said. “This state program enables us to partner with municipalities and developers to bring these lifeless properties back from the dead.”

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STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT BUMP STOCK DECISION

Posted on by Devin James

June 14, 2024

STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT BUMP STOCK DECISION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s action to strike down a federal ban on bump stocks, a firearm component that can be used to significantly increase the firing rate of a semiautomatic rifle:

“It was nearly seven years ago that bump stocks in the hands of an individual led to the deaths of 60 people and injuries of hundreds of others at a Las Vegas music festival in ten minutes. Just two years ago, a white supremacist used bump stocks on firearms to target Black victims in a Buffalo supermarket, killing 10 people in a few minutes’ time. The Supreme Court’s decision today will most likely lead to more tragedies. Technicalities about what constitutes a machine gun in relation to bump stocks, as argued by Justice Thomas, ignore that the shooter in Las Vegas was able to fire more than 100 bullets per minute using a bump stock. With this new decision, Congress needs to act and prevent these dangerous tools from being used to perpetrate future violence. But, as its leaders refuse to even call a vote on the issue, I fear the Supreme Court’s decision will lead to more gun violence across our country in years to come.”
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Maher Welcomes $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant For Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill In Redding

Posted on by Devin James
June 14, 2024

Senator Maher Welcomes $200,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant For Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill In Redding

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the announcement that Redding will receive a $200,000 planning grant for the Georgetown Neighborhood, with a specific focus on the revitalization and redevelopment of the former Gilbert and Bennet Wire Mill brownfield site.

This comes just weeks after Redding leaders celebrated a federal Environmental Protection Agency brownfields cleanup grant valued at nearly $2 million for the same site, a 44-acre property that has not been in operation for decades and could provide important resources to the local community.

“All of this support, including this most recent grant, provide Redding with the resources necessary to truly support its residents and redevelop this site for purposes including housing, business or outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m grateful that Redding is continuing to work toward these significant improvements.”

This $200,000 planning grant will support comprehensive planning of the Georgetown neighborhood, specifically revitalizing and redeveloping the brownfield site. It previously operated as a wire mill for more than 150 years and its soil is contaminated with hazardous materials and petroleum products from factory operations of the past.

The town also received a $200,000 remediation grant in June 2023, which was directed for studying of contamination levels at the site.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov