Author: Devin James

Senator Maher Joins State, Redding Leaders To Celebrate $1.92 Million Brownfield Remediation Grant

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maher Joins State, Redding Leaders To Celebrate $1.92 Million Brownfield Remediation Grant

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) recently joined state and Redding leaders to celebrate the town receiving a Brownfields Cleanup Grant valued at $1.92 million from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to support brownfields cleanup at the Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill Manufacturing Site in town. The funds provide a strong opportunity for cleanup of a 44-acre site that has not been in operation for 35 years and provides any number of development opportunities that would benefit the community.

“This is an incredible investment and represents an opportunity that will benefit our community and our region,” said Sen. Maher. “These funds will provide the resources necessary to support remediation and cleanup of this important site and help us turn it around for development, whether that comes in the form of housing, business or outdoor recreation opportunities. I’m grateful to everyone who worked to help move our community forward in a wonderful way.”

U.S. Congressman Jim Himes, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Governor Ned Lamont, State Representative Anne Hughes (D-Redding) and Redding First Selectman Julia Pemberton were among the leaders celebrating this funding.

The $1,991,000 grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to clean up the 44-acre site, which previously operated as a wire mill for more than 150 years, producing metal fencing, animal cages, insect screens and other metal projects. The site has been dormant since 1989 and its soil is contaminated with hazardous materials and petroleum products from former factor operations, with byproducts such as waste acids, alkalis, solvents and paints included in those elements.

This grant comes in addition to a $200,000 remediation grant supplied by the state in June 2023, which was directed to check for contamination levels there. These funds will support efforts to redevelop the area, which have been in progress for decades.

Senator Needleman Welcomes State Grant For Gillette Castle, Old Saybrook Trails

Posted on by Devin James
State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
June 4, 2024

Senator Needleman Welcomes State Grant For Gillette Castle, Old Saybrook Trails

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the announcement that Gillette Castle and Old Saybrook will receive grants through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program, which administers funds supporting planning, building, expansion and improvement of multi-use trails located in towns and cities throughout Connecticut.

These grants can be used for a wide variety of purposes for bikeways, walkways and greenways, with the work from these grants expected to be complete by 2027.

“Our local trails are great resources for exploration, appreciating our region’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Needleman. “It’s great news to hear that Gillette Castle and Old Saybrook will receive support to protect and improve these trails. I’m grateful to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Governor Lamont for their support of our communities.”

Gillette Castle State Park will receive $300,000 for the replacement of its Railroad Trail Pedestrian Bridge.

Old Saybrook’s Saybrook Point Trail and Education Project will receive $366,640 for planning and design, construction, maintenance, education, amenities, publications and outreach.
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Duff, Norwalk Delegation Applaud Over $7 Million for Norwalk

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Bob Duff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Duff, Norwalk Delegation Applaud Over $7 Million for Norwalk

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Rep. Lucy Dathan, Rep. Dominique Johnson, Rep. Kadeem Roberts, and Rep. Travis Simms applauded the announcement of over $7 million in state bonding funding for local Norwalk projects.

The bond agenda includes $300,000 in new funding for expansion and renovations of 7,000 square feet of space for new dressing rooms, production facilities, and other amenities at the Music Theatre of Connecticut. Located on Westport Avenue it is the leading professional theatre and conservatory in Norwalk. Music Theatre of Connecticut seeks to preserve, present, and extend the greatest traditions of American theatre through immersive professional performances and educational programming of the highest quality.

Side by Side Charter School will receive $268,922 for electrical service upgrade, air conditioning upgrade, staff room renovation, exterior doors, and flooring. Side by Side is a regional public charter school located in the heart of downtown South Norwalk educating 235  Pre-K through 8th grade students.

In addition, the bond agenda will officially approve two previous projects put forth by the Community Investment Fund.

Norwalk Housing Authority will receive $3,444,751 for a project at 45 Meadow St. The funds will support replacement of 54 units of obsolete affordable housing with 55 modern, energy efficient, affordable housing units and amenities.

Norwalk Redevelopment Agency will receive $3,000,000 for South Norwalk streetscape improvements. The funds will go toward significant capital improvements to public infrastructure to support pedestrian infrastructure and align with completed mobility study.

“Another day and another large investment from the state of Connecticut in Norwalk,” said Senator Duff. “This round of state bonding money will provide for improvement in housing, the arts, education, and traffic and pedestrian safety. I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for approving these projects and continuing to support our great city.”

“I applaud the vital funding for the arts, housing, education and streetscape improvements, as these investments enrich our communities, foster creativity and improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “I am grateful to my Norwalk colleagues for our collaborative efforts advocating for our city, and to the governor for prioritizing these projects.”

“I could not be more pleased that Norwalk will be receiving more funding to assist in the expansion of several projects for which its residents can be proud, including affordable housing at 45 Meadow Street,” said Rep. Travis Simms. “I would like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for their support.”

“This bond allocation is another example of the state’s commitment to Norwalk. I am excited that our city is set to receive funding that will make Norwalk an even better community for residents and visitors alike. Thank you to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for your approval of these projects,” said Rep. Kadeem Roberts.

“I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the bond commission for allocating $7 million to Norwalk. These projects will go a long way towards strengthening the city, and I look forward to seeing how this investment benefits the community,” said Rep. Dominique Johnson.

“These projects are each focused on improving the quality of life for the residents of Norwalk, and I am glad that our administration could work with Senator Duff on getting them approved,” Governor Ned Lamont said.

The bond agenda is set to be formally approved on June 7, 2024.

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

Senators Looney, Duff Respond to Reckless Statement from Republican Leaders on Trump Verdict

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney, Duff Respond to Reckless Statement from Republican Leaders on Trump Verdict
“Republican legislative leaders side with election deniers and play into Trump’s dangerous accusation that the process is rigged.”
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff responded to the statement released by Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding and House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora on the unanimous verdict against Donald Trump:

“Let’s be clear about what happened. Law enforcement professionals conducted this investigation. Career prosecutors brought the indictment. A jury of Donald Trump’s peers, selected with input from him and his lawyers, convicted the former President.

“A unanimous verdict on 34 felony counts means that the jury made 408 separate decisions to find Donald Trump guilty. There was not even one count where Trump had a single juror dissent in his favor.

“Yesterday’s statement by the highest ranking Republicans in the Connecticut General Assembly was reckless and seeks to undermine confidence in our judicial system. We are troubled to see Republican legislative leaders side with election deniers and play into Trump’s dangerous accusation that the process is rigged.

“Donald Trump is rightfully a convicted felon. Any statement to the contrary is a dangerous attack on our Constitution and the principles of American democracy. No one is above the law and we were all better off when that was something both political parties believed in.

“Democrats remain focused on continuing to fight for our constituents – more jobs, stronger economy, lower prices and a better life for those we serve. We will always put the people of Connecticut before the political interests of one man.”
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov
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Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Statement on the Death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston Statement on the Death of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, co-chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee, released the following statement Thursday on the death of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier:

“Today’s tragic loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect us,” Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, said. “As co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to the trooper’s family and colleagues. This terrible incident should serve as a reminder to all of us to exercise care and responsibility behind the wheel in order to protect ourselves, other drivers and the lives of the dedicated men and women who keep us safe.”

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

Sen. Slap Applauds Final Approval of Expanded Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap

Sen. Slap Applauds Final Approval of Expanded Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, State Senator Derek Slap applauds final approval of legislation that incentivizes employers to provide student loan repayment assistance to their employees through tax credits. Senator Slap lead passage of the legislation through the Senate earlier this month and Governor Lamont signed the legislation this week.

“As Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I am so pleased to see final approval of this proposal that expands eligibility for a student loan repayment program, both easing the burden of student loans and bolstering our workforce development,” said Sen. Slap. “I thank Governor Lamont for his leadership and to my colleagues in the General Assembly for supporting actionable legislation to help better the lives of young people in Connecticut.”

Public Act 24-52 is an expansion of legislation passed in 2019 which incentivized employers to provide student loan repayment assistance to qualifying employees. The legislation passed in 2019 was limited to only borrowers with loans through Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA). The legislation Governor Lamont signed this week expands eligibility to borrowers of any student loan servicer.

Additionally, this legislation requires CHESLA to establish a High Priority Occupation Loan Subsidy Program to subsidize interest rates on loans it issues to eligible individuals employed in high priority occupations, bolstering workforce development.

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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319
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STATE SENATOR JAMES MARONEY JOINS MILFORD SCHOOL LEADERS TO DISCUSS SCHOOL HVAC IMPROVEMENTS, STATE GRANTS

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

STATE SENATOR JAMES MARONEY JOINS MILFORD SCHOOL LEADERS TO DISCUSS SCHOOL HVAC IMPROVEMENTS, STATE GRANTS
On Wednesday, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined Milford Public Schools leaders including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anna Cutaia, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Sean Brennan, Director of Facilities Patrick Bradbury and Joseph A. Foran High School Principal Max Berkowitz at Foran High School to discuss significant state funding that will lead to HVAC and air quality improvements in the school.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Administrative Services announced a round of $122 million in released funds in the second round of the state’s Indoor Air Quality Grants Program, which was created by legislators in 2022 to invest in air quality improvements in schools statewide, benefitting school community health and education. In that allocation, Milford Public Schools received just under $360,000; approximately $299,000 will go toward the replacement of heating and cooling system components at Joseph A. Foran High School, with another $60,000 supporting equipment replacements at the Academy in Milford.

“Providing local schools with opportunities and support to improve their heating, cooling and air filtration equipment means we can provide students and staff with cleaner and healthier environments for education,” said Sen. Maroney. “It’s rewarding to know that this program continues to pay dividends in supporting local schools and supporting improved ventilation and I’m excited to see these improvements make a real difference in years to come.”

“We are grateful to Senator Maroney and the contingent of legislators in Hartford for awarding the funding from the Indoor Air Quality Grant to the Milford Public Schools,” said Superintendent Cutaia. “We operate 14 schools in Milford, but it’s hard to believe that our ‘newest’ one was built 50 years ago. While we do an amazing job keeping our buildings in good shape, it’s no secret it comes with great cost. Receiving this grant will certainly help us — and the taxpayers of Milford — as we continue to keep our infrastructure upgrades on track.”

Milford’s allocations cover parts of the work needed; Milford will conduct just under $800,000 of total replacement of heating and cooling systems. School leaders applied to receive the funding in 2023.
The Indoor Air Quality Grants Program is funded with state bonding and federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds, with a total of $244 million available to schools statewide.
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SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER FEDERAL LEADERS CALL OUT POTENTIAL ENERGY COLLUSION WORSENING INFLATION, HARMING FAMILIES

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 30, 2024

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER FEDERAL LEADERS CALL OUT POTENTIAL ENERGY COLLUSION WORSENING INFLATION, HARMING FAMILIES

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement in response to a letter that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and 22 additional Democratic U.S. Senators sent to the Department of Justice this week requesting that Attorney General Merrick Garland use every tool possible to prevent and prosecute potential collusion and price-fixing in the oil industry. The letter was spurred by a recent Federal Trade Commission investigation into a merger between Exxon Mobil and Pioneer discovered text messaging implying oil leaders and OPEC may have colluded to artificially keep oil prices higher. Such collusion may have cost the average American household as much as $500 in annual gas spending per vehicle, while major oil companies earned a collective $300 billion in profits in 2022 and 2023 – and energy prices are often pointed to as one of the most significant factors in inflation.

“It is disturbing to see oil companies potentially colluding to keep gas prices high in order to rake in profits while our communities suffered. Concerns over this issue only grow deeper when OPEC’s international ties with countries opposing the United States are involved – if these allegations are founded, they imply that American companies and foreign nations conspired to keep consumer prices high to harm American households. We have to stop corporate greed for the good of our economy.”
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Sen. Lesser Welcomes Closure of Dangerous Miller St. Exit

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Closure of Dangerous Miller St. Exit

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser welcomes the closure of the Miller Street access to Route 9 in Middletown beginning June 3.

“Closing the Miller Street exit has been a major priority of mine for years. This is one of the most dangerous intersections in the state, tragically underscored by a dangerous accident earlier this year,” said Sen. Lesser. “This will be a major improvement in public safety and I welcome the DOT’s continued attention to addressing highway safety on this section of Route 9.”

The construction will begin on June 3. In relation to the closure of the Miller Street access to Route 9, the closure of the crossover in the median is being performed to improve safety along Route 9. The work being performed in the center median will include the installation of guardrail, drainage work and sign removal.

CTDOT Project No. 0082-0322 was awarded to NJR Construction, LLC at a cost of $1,237,295.00 on December 28, 2023, and is scheduled to be completed by November 22, 2024.  This project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 1 in Rocky Hill.

Motorists can expect nightly lane closures on Route 9 north and southbound between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., beginning June 3 to June 14, 2024. Motorists are encouraged to plan for delays and slow down for work zones. Residents can access the Bridge and Miller Street area now through Portland Street.
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SENATOR MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER LOUISIANA PASSES LEGISLATION, EXPECTED TO BECOME LAW, DECLARING ABORTION PILLS TO BE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Posted on by Devin James

May 23, 2024

SENATOR MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER LOUISIANA PASSES LEGISLATION, EXPECTED TO BECOME LAW, DECLARING ABORTION PILLS TO BE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) issued the following statement after reports that Louisiana’s state legislature passed legislation that would reclassify abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances despite more than 200 Louisiana doctors telling lawmakers the bill could cause a barrier to physicians’ ability to prescribe appropriate treatment, further worsening outcomes in one of the worst states for maternal mortality in the country. In addition to abortions, mifepristone can also be used to treat miscarriages, induce labor and prevent hemorrhaging.

“In Connecticut, we pass legislation to protect reproductive health care and provide our citizens with the freedom to make their own choices. It appears that Louisiana is working to restrict the choices of its residents. The state already has a near-universal ban on abortion, and this legislation seems to be an attempt to make that extreme even more stark; it also seems to be a bellwether of further attempted restrictions on abortion access. This medication has been on the market for decades and has a number of medical uses; this bill makes its possession or provision a crime subject to arrest and prosecution. I fear that in a state with the second-worse maternal mortality rate in the country and the fifth-highest infant mortality rate in the country – and where four Black mothers and two Black babies die for every white mother and baby who dies – that this bill will only serve to worsen those disparities and harm more innocent people.”
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov