Author: Devin James

Sen. Winfield Releases Statement on Gov. Greg Abbott’s Pardon of Daniel Perry

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Winfield Releases Statement on Gov. Greg Abbott’s Pardon of Daniel Perry

Today, Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven), co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s pardon of Daniel S. Perry who was convicted of killing Garrett Foster, a protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Austin, Texas.

“Governor Gregg Abbott, who has seen fit to ignore countless calls for pardons in the past, in an unusual maneuver pardoned Daniel Perry. He absolved a man whose own words suggest that he had intention to kill Muslims and Black people. This action is dangerous, suggests the justice system does not apply to those with certain ideologies, emboldens those who would silence dissent through violence, and dismisses the pain of Garrett Foster’s family. Make no mistake, this pardon will encourage more violence against peaceful protesters.”
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SENATOR MAHER JOINS WILTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, WILTON GO GREEN TO WELCOME STATE FUNDING FOR ECO-FRIENDLY NEW DISHWASHER AND UTENSILS

Posted on by Devin James
May 15, 2024

SENATOR MAHER JOINS WILTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, WILTON GO GREEN TO WELCOME STATE FUNDING FOR ECO-FRIENDLY NEW DISHWASHER AND UTENSILS
Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined Wilton Go Green President Tammy Thornton, Wilton Superintendent Kevin Smith, Wilton High School Principal Robert O’Donnell and Wilton High School student Daniel Babashak to welcome the state’s allotment of $20,000 for the installation of a commercial dishwasher at the school and purchase of new dining utensils at the school. This project originated with Wilton junior Daniel Babashak, who reached out to Sen. Maher in March seeking funding for the project.

By replacing plastic utensils at the school, which are not recycled and contribute to significant waste, with stainless steel utensils for students’ use, the Wilton High community will reduce waste by recycling acceptable material and save significant sums in the long-term by removing the need to purchase plastic materials each year.

Thornton and Babashak collaborated on the project, which will see $11,000 spent on a high-temperature dishwasher, $3,600 to purchase 1,200 forks, spoons and knives for student use and $5,000 for installation and plumbing costs, dishwasher racks and cutlery bins.

This funding passed through a piece of legislation assigning the use of American Rescue Plan Act funding that would have otherwise expired if not used, part of hundreds of millions of dollars aiding local projects supporting communities statewide.

“This community project is evidence that we can find solutions benefitting our communities every day, and that everyone can make a difference. Small steps, when taken together, have important consequences,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m proud to work with Daniel and support Wilton Go Green’s efforts to continue improving our eco-consciousness locally.”

“Wilton Go Green’s Zero Waste Schools Committee has been working with Wilton Public Schools since 2018 to partner on waste reduction initiatives throughout our schools,” said Thornton. “Guiding our schools back to using reusable utensils and dishware has been a long-standing goal.  We are honored to work with Daniel and support this step toward reaching that goal.”

“Last year, my English teacher Dr. Harvey asked us each to create a “pay-it-forward” plan which would leave a mark on the community,” Babashak said. “I thought, why not get rid of plastic that ends up in the garbage every school day? For me, the assignment turned into an exciting lesson on public policy, with cost analyses, student interest surveys, and WHS Executive Board presentations.”

Caption: From left, Thornton, Sen. Maher, Babashak, Smith and O’Donnell gathered Wednesday at Westport High.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Sen. Lesser, Middletown Delegation Secure $5.7M for City

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

Sen. Lesser, Middletown Delegation Secure $5.7M for City

State Senators Matt Lesser and Jan Hochadel, State Representatives Brandon Chaffee and Kai Belton, and Mayor Ben Florsheim welcomed $5.7 million for Middletown in the last week of the 2024 Legislative Session.

  • $3.5 million for Middletown High School
  • $900,000 for Advanced Behavioral Health
  • $667,856 for the Department of Children and Families Office
  • $375,000 for the Middletown Fire Training Facility
  • $300,000 for Middletown Park Pavilions

$2.24 million in funding comes from in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, secured by Sen. Lesser and voted on by the state legislature at large. The legislation passed the House with a 103-48 vote, and the Senate by 26-10. The $3.5 million for the Middletown High School was secured in a bonding bill, which passed the House by 134-9 and the Senate by 35-1.

“At a time when Middletown residents are concerned about the local budget, this state support comes at a critical time. It was important for me to champion a $3.5 million fix to bring in additional state funding for the long-ago completed Middletown High School project on behalf of Middletown taxpayers. I also prioritized saving the Middletown DCF office, which had been slated for closure. Funding for behavioral health care, sanitation pavilions at the Snow School ball fields and at Butternut Park and a new fire training facility are also significant wins. And we’ll be announcing more projects in Middletown soon!” Senator Lesser said.

“With investments in city parks, enhanced fire training, and support for the mental health services offered by Advanced Behavioral Health, these funds will go a long way toward improving the lives of residents throughout Middletown,” Senator Hochadel said. “I was proud to vote in favor of dedicating these dollars to support these critical projects to build a safer and healthier Middletown.”

“I am happy to see these funds being allocated to areas and departments that will certainly benefit Middletown residents.,” Rep. Chafee said. 
“The new Fire Training Facility will help to increase Middletown’s fire rating and lower resident and business insurance premiums in the long term. Our town will also receive $3.5 million to close out state reimbursement for the construction of Middletown high school.”

“This funding strengthens institutions in our city that protect us and will lead to improved facilities in our parks.  Thank you to all who worked to secure these funds – I can’t wait to see the benefit of this investment in Middletown,” said Rep. Belton.

“We are incredibly excited to receive this funding thanks to the efforts made by Senator Lesser. The investment in our parks and fire service will result in improved public spaces, public safety, and public services in the City of Middletown—exactly what we should be investing in, following the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Middletown residents will benefit from these important projects for generations to come, and I am grateful for the partnership and for money well spent by our state and federal representatives,” said Mayor Ben Florsheim.

“This funding is a tremendous opportunity for the Middletown Fire Department. We have been without a dedicated training facility for close to 10 years now. This will be great for our department and we will be able to open up the facility to other local fire departments to use as a training facility, strengthening public safety in our area. I want to thank Senator Lesser and local leadership for securing these funds,” said Middletown Acting Fire Chief Dave Albert.
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Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Secure up to $700k for Cromwell

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

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Secure up to $700k for Cromwell

(CROMWELL) – At midnight on May 8th, the General Assembly officially adjourned, marking the end of the 2024 Legislative Session. In the final week, State Senator Matt Lesser and State Representative Christie Carpino were proud to secure up to $700k for Cromwell nonprofits and local town projects.

Lesser and Carpino supported House Bill 5523, which allocates soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to aid municipalities, schools, and nonprofits. Specifically, $150,000 was set aside for behavioral resources in Cromwell Public Schools and $300,000 was also allocated to install handicap accessible bathrooms at the high school athletic complex.

Additionally, the Cromwell delegation helped pass bonding legislation proposing $250,000 in potential funding to build lights for the local little league field. Both Lesser and Carpino look forward to the approval of this bonding allocation as the state’s bonding commission begins their monthly meeting schedule.

“After hearing  reports of bullying, including racial bullying, I knew the Cromwell Public Schools needed additional support. Helping them secure funding to hire a Social, Emotional and Behavioral support consultant was at the top of my priorities,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m also grateful to Rep. Carpino taking the helm in securing up to $250,000 for field lights for Little League players and $300,000 for bathrooms at the athletic complex, I am proud of our bipartisan teamwork to support Cromwell students, families and taxpayers.”

“It’s always a success when we can help fund local projects,” said Rep. Carpino. “While not perfect, I supported this legislation because it allows us to invest in higher education, secure support for our hardworking nonprofits, and provide assistance to our local schools. These priorities reinforce our commitment to nonprofits, education, and hometown needs.”
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Farmington Delegation Secures $2.23M for Town

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap

Farmington Delegation Secures $2.23M for Town

State Senators Derek Slap and Rick Lopes and State Representative Mike Demicco secured $2.23 million for Farmington in the last week of session. $430,000 in funding comes from $372.5 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The legislation passed the House with a 103-48 vote, and the Senate by 26-10.

  • $200,000 for two additional Pickleball Courts at Westwoods Recreation Complex
  • $100,000 for Westwoods Recreation Complex Clubhouse Improvements
  • $85,000 for a new Dial-a-Ride bus for seniors
  • $20,000 for Farmington Highway + Grounds Department for seasonal workers
  • $25,000 for Farmington Town Hall Council Chambers A/V Improvements

An additional $1.8 million reimbursement for the Farmington High School construction project was approved in a bonding bill which passed the House 134-9 and the Senate 35-1.

“I am excited to share that through strong teamwork with our delegation, Farmington is set to receive funding for a number of important projects – not least of which is an increase in the Farmington High School reimbursement rate,” said Sen. Slap. “These projects will support Farmington residents of all ages – from our high schoolers and their families, to upgrades to the Westwoods Recreation Complex to a new Dial-a-Ride bus for seniors, these allocations are a great win for Farmington.”

“This funding supports projects for a large number of Farmington residents while saving taxpayer dollars,” said Sen. Lopes. “Dial-a-Ride provides a critical service for seniors in our area, and I am pleased that we were able to secure dollars for a much-needed new bus. I look forward to seeing the improvements come to fruition for our community.”

“I am pleased to report that Farmington did quite well in the Stabilization Bill and in the bonding package,” said Rep. Demicco. “I am especially excited that my colleagues and I secured a $1.8 million reimbursement for the Farmington High School project. This is a big win for our students, families, teachers and for all Farmington taxpayers. I want to thank Speaker Ritter and Majority Leader Rojas for listening and responding to the needs of our community.”

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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319
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Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Bill to Empower Towns to Repeal the Car Tax

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Bill to Empower Towns to Repeal the Car Tax

Towns and cities would have the option of repealing their motor vehicle property taxes and adjusting their assessment ratios to make up lost revenue under a bill championed by Senator MD Rahman and passed Wednesday by the Senate.

The Senate added the policy to House Bill 5172 on a 32 – 4 during the final day of the legislative session Wednesday and then passed the bill, sending it back to the House for consideration.

The amended bill allows towns and cities to phase out their motor vehicle property taxes over the course of five years, while increasing their assessment ratio on real property above the current cap of 70% to recover revenue formerly raised by the car tax.

Senator Rahman — a freshman senator from Manchester, who chaired a legislative task force to explore options to repeal the car tax — led passage of the amendment during Wednesday’s debate.

“This action represents a victory for taxpayers across the state, who have endured the burden of an unfair tax for too long,” Senator Rahman said. “Today the Senate voted overwhelmingly to provide towns and cities with the tools to repeal this unpopular tax and establish a simpler and more equitable tax code.”

During the debate, Senator Rahman, who immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh, recalled the unexpected burden imposed by the car tax.

The motor vehicle property tax is considered a regressive policy because its impact varies from municipality to municipality and its burden tends to fall more heavily on residents of lower and middle income communities.

The bill had broad support among senators, including Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, who said the variance in the tax was unfair. While the value of property like homes and commercial buildings depends in large part on location, a vehicle’s value remains constant.

“This is an issue that many of us have been talking about for a long time,” Senator Looney said. “This amendment gives the towns an option to do something about it without requiring them to.”

Senator John Fonfara, a Hartford Democrat who co-chairs the legislature’s Finance Committee, said Connecticut was an outlier in imposing a motor vehicle tax. The passage of the bill would give each of the state’s 169 towns a viable way to get rid of the tax, he said.

“I believe, madam president, it will engender discussions in every town in this state,” Senator Fonfara said.

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS WELCOME FINAL PASSAGE OF NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 8, 2024

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS WELCOME FINAL PASSAGE OF NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT

State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, today welcomed the Senate’s final passage of legislation entering Connecticut into the Nurse Licensure Compact, which will create a process for registered nurses or licensed practical/vocational nurses to get multistate licenses. That shift will allow nurses to practice in any compact party state, including by telehealth.

“The pandemic exposed issues with modern nursing licenses, with qualified nurses struggling to receive accreditation to practice in different states,” said Sen. Anwar. “The increased need for telehealth exposed this need even more. I’m glad we are taking action to ease the red tape nurses need to sift through to properly provide care across state lines.”

“Today, we’re taking action to expand nurses’ abilities to practice in different states, which will support their careers and provide easier access to health care for patients in the process,” said Sen. Marx. “This is a fantastic way for our state to better meet the needs of a shifting health care industry and to support our vital nursing workforce.”

House Bill 5058, “An Act Adopting The Nurse Licensure Compact,” enters Connecticut into the Nurse Licensure Compact from October 1, 2025 to January 1, 2028. The compact will allow for registered nurses or licensed practical/vocational nurses to get multistate licenses, allowing them to practice in any compact party state, including by telehealth. States participating will set requirements and standards for applicants to get or keep that license, including passing exams, graduating from educational programs and having clear legal records.

Nurses who move from one party state to another can access multistate licenses in their new home states through the bill’s process.

Additionally, the bill will convene a working group on the working group to evaluate the state’s implementation of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

The bill passed the Senate and House unanimously and will soon be signed into law.
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Senate Approves Wide-Ranging Bill to Encourage Housing Development

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Senate Approves Wide-Ranging Bill to Encourage Housing Development

The Senate voted Wednesday to pass a wide-ranging bill on property law that encourages the development of housing in Connecticut and incentivizes municipalities to fast-track the approval of multi-family homes.

The proposal, House Bill 5474, passed the Senate on a 32 – 4 vote and now heads to the governor for consideration.

Senator MD Rahman, Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, led Wednesday’s debate on the Senate floor.

“Today’s vote represents a step forward in our ongoing effort to expand housing opportunities for Connecticut residents,” Senator Rahman, D-Manchester, said. “By removing bureaucratic barriers to residential development, we are working to address a housing shortage in order to make sure that everyone has a roof over their heads.”

The bill, which includes concepts from the Majority Leaders Affordable Housing Roundtable, will encourage the creation of multi-family homes by eliminating red tape that often stalls residential developments.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, called housing an economic driver in Connecticut and said that state policymakers needed to address the ongoing shortage.

“The action that we need to take in order to move our state forward with more housing has to be done and has to be done at a rapid pace,” Senator Duff said. “We can no longer just inch along in our state, we’ve got to move by feet and by miles.”

Another section of the bill will streamline and simplify the process of converting closed nursing home facilities into housing developments.

The proposal includes a section meant to encourage the use of state surplus land for housing by requiring the Department of Housing to prioritize plans to construct homes for low and moderate income residents.

The bill contains a new requirement that landlords provide at least 45 days’ written notice prior to increasing the rent on a tenant.

Towns and cities would gain the authority to require licenses to operate short-term rental properties, under the bill, which would also permit municipalities to adopt short-term rental regulations.

These tools will help regulate the prevalence of short-term rentals like Airbnbs, which have increasingly removed residential properties from the housing market and decreased local housing stock.

The bill also empowers municipalities with more tools to combat blight, by creating new civil penalties based on the square footage of the affected properties. Another provision allows towns and cities to impose liens for unpaid zoning violations.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN LEADS FINAL APPROVAL OF BILL IMPROVING SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION STANDARDS IN CONNECTICUT

Posted on by Devin James
State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 8, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN LEADS FINAL APPROVAL OF BILL IMPROVING SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION STANDARDS IN CONNECTICUT

This week, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, led the Senate’s final approval of legislation improving solar energy generation standards statewide. The bill will study the feasibility and cost-related impacts of a uniform tax and will pursue monitoring of best practices for the state’s renewable energy tariff programs.

“This legislation will lay groundwork to improve and increase the state’s renewable energy environment,” said Sen. Needleman. “As we seek further developments in expanding and pursuing increased access and use of these renewable energy sources to diversify our state’s energy portfolio, this will take significant steps to support its use.”

House Bill 5232, “An Act Concerning Solar Projects In The State,” takes the following steps:

  • It requires the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to work with the Office of Policy and Management to conduct a study concerning the impacts of establishing a uniform capacity tax for solar photovoltaic systems installed in Connecticut.
  • It requires the chair of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct a study regarding renewable energy tariff programs, including whether to extend existing ones and considering what potential successor programs the state could pursue.
  • DEEP would work with other state departments to submit information on potential solar siting of solar projects in the state.
  • PURA would be allowed to exceed megawatt caps subject to a limit based on total dollar amounts from procured projects in the 2024 calendar year, extending renewable energy tariff programs for two years.
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SEN. MARILYN MOORE ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT FROM THE STATE SENATE

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday May 8, 2024

SEN. MARILYN MOORE ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT FROM THE STATE SENATE

HARTFORD – State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) announced her retirement from the State Senate today after a decade of representing the 22nd Senate District towns of Bridgeport, Monroe and Trumbull.

Sen. Moore was first elected in 2014. She is a lifelong Bridgeport resident, a mother, grandmother, and a great grandmother.

In her address today to the chamber, Sen. Moore recalled her high school education, her early work experience, meeting President Barack Obama, and the lessons she learned working with former Bridgeport Senator Edwin Gomes.

“When I first was elected in 2014, I walked proudly into the Senate after campaigning on being a person of integrity,” Sen. Moore said. “I am proud to say that I am leaving with my integrity intact.  The takeaway that I want my constituents and colleagues to have is that the people need representatives who are willing to stand and fight for integrity in government. When I entered government, that was not the case for Bridgeport. The landscape was much different, and our reputation had been mired by corruption.  The Bridgeport delegation is the strongest it has been in a while, and I am proud to have been a part of lifting our reputation. ”

“My life has been enriched by the many people I have met over the past 10 years as the Senator representing the 22nd Senate District. Doesn’t matter what the role of any individual is we are all a part government.  My journey has always been focused on making good trouble, whether it was in corporate, nonprofit, or government. I am moving on and will continue to participate as needed.”

As a disciple of the Mount Aery Baptist Church, Sen. Moore also spoke of her faith in God, and how that faith has carried her through several challenging Senate campaigns and spurred her to work on public policy initiatives such as the Fight for 15, the CT Fatherhood Initiative, 2 Gen Advisory, the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, and championing programs that address gun violence intervention, breast cancer awareness and treatment, health equity, a living wage, and affordable housing.

“Senator Moore has been a blessing to the State Senate and to the State of Connecticut for the past 10 years,” said Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven). “She is a model of idealism and commitment to public service.”

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