Author: Devin James

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Today, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Delegation consisting of state Senator James Maroney, state Representatives Trenee McGee, Bill Heffernan, and MJ Shannon, are welcoming $2.4 million from the State Bond Commission to help with the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project in West Haven.

“This investment will ensure that students have a safer commute to school each day, whether they walk, ride a bike, or get a ride,” said Sen. Maroney. “These upgrades will improve the immediate area around the schools, and also focus on creating safe, accessible routes throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a smart step forward for both student safety and community well-being.”

“This project is about safety, connectivity, accessibility and quality of life for our students, our teachers and the neighbors,” said Mayor Borer. “Savin Rock has the largest elementary enrollment which has contributed to significant and adverse vehicle and pedestrian traffic impact in recent years which needs to be addressed as they are experiencing increased incidents. These challenges are very similar to the high traffic impact around the V.A. which earlier in 2025 the city was awarded $1.8 million in State funding to assist with the same type of infrastructure investment as well. Additionally, Washington School was just rebuilt but school construction does not include funding for the sidewalks around the school. We appreciate that most of these issues will be addressed with the State Bonding.”

“I believe any project intended to create a safer environment, especially around our schools, should move forward as quickly as possible,” Rep. Trenee McGee said. “The Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project is a win for the students, Washington and Savin Rock Schools, and residents in the areas surrounding both schools. I want to thank the State Bond Commission and Gov. Lamont for approving the funds for the project.”

“We always want to keep our pedestrians and students safe, and this project – with this funding – will help do that,” said Rep. Heffernan. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for helping make this project possible by including funds on the bond agenda.”

“Developing a walkable neighborhood is a great win, especially when it creates safeguards for the young people in our community,” said Rep. Shannon. “Once this project is completed, the areas surrounding Washington and Savin Rock will have the infrastructure necessary to protect individuals traveling by foot. This means local students will be able to safely walk or bike to school. These changes will make the area more accessible for all, which will greatly benefit the community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their investment in West Haven.”

The project includes street paving within a one- to two-mile radius of both Washington School and Savin Rock School. It also features ADA improvements and crosswalk upgrades, including eight multiway crosswalks at Savin Rock and six at Washington.. Aesthetic enhancements will be made including the planting of trees and painted crosswalks near drop-off areas.

The project will impact over 700 students attending both schools. Residents living near each school see higher-than-average traffic during the school year and require more frequent maintenance. Neighbors will also benefit from walkability and the associated environmental benefits from reduced GHG/Motor vehicle emissions.

This work is expected to begin in late Fall of 2025 and early Spring of 2026.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

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SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a member of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, issued the following statement as the State Bond Commission voted to release $25 million of state bond funds to the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year:

“While more than a thousand homes have been repaired thanks to the state’s efforts to repair homes with crumbling foundations, there is still plenty of work remaining, which is why these funds are so important,” said Sen. Anwar. “This program is a lifeline for homeowners who are placed in dire circumstances through no fault of their own, and knowing they will have more support in the coming year eases my concerns. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for supporting this important initiative.”

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s vote to provide a $192,100 grant to the Weston Public Library. These funds will be used for the library’s project to improve accessibility and emergency preparedness while supporting enhancements to its energy conservation capabilities.

“The Weston Public Library offers a vital resource to the community, allowing for education, entertainment and great local events bringing so many of us together,” said Sen. Maher. “To know more people will have easier access to its collection, it will become more resilient against potential weather disasters and it will see operating costs fall while saving more energy? That’s amazing for Weston. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of our region.”

As part of the Bond Commission’s August 1 activities, it administered the grant through the state library, which offers construction grants to public library construction projects worth up to half the cost of the project.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $3+ MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION GRANTS SUPPORTING WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

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SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $3+ MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION GRANTS SUPPORTING WATERFORD, MONTVILLE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s vote to provide more than $3 million in financial support for Montville and Waterford.

With the Bond Commission’s vote to support new funding allocations, those include $1.4 million for Montville’s Avalonia Land Conservancy to purchase the Bond Property, as well as a grant valued at $1 million to Waterford, supporting upgrades to public safety communications equipment.

Further support for local projects includes a $250,000 allocation of funds to the Montville VFW Post 10060 for renovations and upgrades, a $200,000 allocation to the town of Montville to renovate its pavilion and upgrade its recreational fields, and another $175,000 allocation to Montville for upgrades and paving of the local pickleball court.

“This investment into our local communities represents real improvements for local resources to keep people safe and enjoy local events. It also represents the vital preservation of hundreds of acres of land, keeping it untouched except for hiking and outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for this investment.”

The Bond Property in Montville is 673 acres, protecting drinking water, local wildlife and open space. The Avalonia Land Conservancy says parts of the land are expected to be used for trail development and educational programming.

Upgrading Waterford radios is a necessary process to make sure town first responders have the capability to update equipment and support regional information, with plans to connect to a larger network that allows better communication between regional first responders, according to town officials.

Sen. Slap, Rep. Gibson Welcome $1M for Auerfarm

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Sen. Slap, Rep. Gibson Welcome $1M for Auerfarm

HARTFORD – State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Bobby Gibson welcomed news that the State Bond Commission approved $1 million in grant funding for Auerfarm in Bloomfield today.

Auerfarm is a 120-acre non-profit educational farm located in Bloomfield and they offer summer camps and programming for children and adults. The funding will help pave Auer Farm Road, currently a dirt road. The current condition of the road is difficult for school buses to navigate and there is significant cost to repair the road after inclement weather.

“Auerfarm is an incredible asset to our community and beyond,” said Sen. Slap. “They offer a unique approach to learning the vital role agriculture and the environment plays in our food systems and I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this funding that will support Auerfarm and their students for years to come.”

“During the last legislative session, I introduced a bill that provided additional funding for Farm to School programs,” said Rep. Gibson. “These programs provide students with hands on experience in the agricultural world, which ensures that our young people will grow into well rounded adults. Auerform has done tremendous work in this regard, and this funding will provide them with a much needed boost. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their consideration.”

“We are very excited to hear that Auerfarm will receive $1 million in state bonding to repair our road. Funding isn’t just about repairing a road; It’s an investment in access for all, ensuring that every student, family, and visitor can safely and easily reach our 120-acre outdoor classroom,” said Erica Fearn, Executive Director of Auerfarm. “This vital funding fuels our Learn, Explore, Connect initiative, allowing us to deepen our mission of inspiring lifelong learning through agriculture, science, and the environment. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which will help us continue to cultivate curiosity and foster a profound appreciation for the natural world in our community and beyond.”

The commission met Friday, August 1 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Senator Honig and Representative Kavros DeGraw Welcome Funding for The Arc of Farmington Valley

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Senator Honig and Representative Kavros DeGraw Welcome Funding for The Arc of Farmington Valley

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, and Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw, D-Avon, welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Friday approval of $2.5 million in funding for The Arc of the Farmington Valley (FAVARH) to support the construction of a new Workforce Resource Center in Canton.

The facility will enhance The Arc’s ability to provide job training and other essential services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence.

“For years, the Arc of the Farmington Valley has provided invaluable support and job opportunities to many of our neighbors with disabilities,” Senator Paul Honig said. “The funding released today will help expand their capacity to connect these dedicated workers with meaningful community employment. It’s tough to think of a more deserving cause and I’m grateful to the State Bond Commission for helping to empower people with disabilities.”

“FAVARH’s work around employment for people with disabilities is not just important to the Farmington Valley; they have clients in 34 towns across Connecticut,” said Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw. “By allocating these bonding dollars to their new facility for workforce development, we are acknowledging how critical this work is to employ our most underutilized demographic of workers. The jobs that FAVARH helps their clients secure provide these individuals with pride in their work, social interaction on the job, and inclusion as the vibrant members of our community they are.”

The funding was among the projects approved by the State Bond Commission during its Friday morning meeting in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Passing of James M. ‘Skip’ Thomas

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Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Passing of James M. ‘Skip’ Thomas

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, is issuing a statement following the passing of former Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety James M. ‘Skip’ Thomas.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James M. ‘Skip’ Thomas, a trailblazer in Connecticut law enforcement and a dedicated public servant whose legacy will continue to shape our state for generations,” said Sen. Gaston. “Skip was more than a police chief or a commissioner, he was a mentor to many and a relentless advocate for public safety. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May we honor his memory by continuing the work he championed.”

Sen. Lesser Celebrates Signing of Prescription Drug Task Force Bill

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Celebrates Signing of Prescription Drug Task Force Bill

HARTFORD –  Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, joined as Governor Lamont signed into law several of the recommendations of the bipartisan, bicameral Prescription Drug Task Force.

The task force was chaired by Senator Lesser, State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford), State Senator Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) and State Representative Tracy Marra (R-Darien) and brought together a bipartisan coalition of legislators, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, experts from the pharmaceutical industry, advocates and patients to determine a legislative solution to protecting and expanding patient care.

The provisions in the bill include:

-Directing the Department of Social Services (DSS) to work with federal partners to seek generic production of name-brand GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy

-Establishing a program to import safe, low cost drugs from Canada

-Establishing a duty of good faith and fair dealing for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to act in the best interest of the health carrier or other health benefit plan sponsor, and requires disclosure to the insurance department of pricing and profits when one parent company owns a PBM, insurer and/or pharmacy

-Disclosing any conflict of interest to a plan sponsor that might keep a PBM from fulfilling its duty of good faith and fair dealing

-Directing the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to to address supply chain issues by moving production to Connecticut

-Ensuring that drug costs be credited against a patient’s deductible, even if the drug is outside of the plan’s preferred drug list or purchased for cash

-Directing the state to engage in bulk purchasing of drugs and piggyback off federal Medicare negotiated prices in purchasing

-Requiring PBMs to offer plan sponsors the option of participating in a pass-through pricing model that prevents the PBM from charging more for a prescription than was paid to the dispensing pharmacy, protecting community pharmacies from monopolistic market pressure

-Creating a task force to study drug shortages, strengthening the supply chain and producing vital medication in Connecticut

The provision allowing DSS to work with the federal Department of Health and Human Services to seek generic production of name-brand GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy is the first of its nature and could be a significant disruptor in the prescription drug market.

The report in its entirety can be found here.

“This is landmark legislation,” said Sen. Lesser. “It’s remarkable for anything to be bipartisan these days. But Connecticut has now passed the strongest, most forward-thinking prescription drug legislation in the country with overwhelming bipartisan support. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues, particularly to my co-chairs on the task force, and to Governor Lamont for signing this into law. I look forward to working together with our state and federal partners to deliver meaningful relief for patients.”

Senator Duff Welcomes $24.67 Million in State Bonding for CT State Norwalk & Aquarium

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Duff Welcomes $24.67 Million in State Bonding for CT State Norwalk & Aquarium

NORWALK – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced today that the State Bond Commission is soon expected to approve $24.67 million in state aid for two major Norwalk projects: a $22 million renovation at CT State Norwalk, and a $2.5 million investment in the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium’s “An Aquarium Without Walls” strategic plan, which aims to deepen the community’s connection with Long Island Sound.

Both items are expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets this Friday, August 1, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“Norwalk is growing by leaps and bounds, and state investments like this help drive that growth by making Norwalk a dynamic and attractive place to live and work,” Sen. Duff said.

“CT State Norwalk has come a long way since its first class of 60 freshmen meeting at Brien McMahon High School in the early 1960’s. Now it enrolls 4,400 students studying in four dozen different fields. But the B Wing – which is the largest classroom building on campus – has a lot of roof and structural issues, including water getting into the building,” Sen. Duff said. “This bonding will update the building and make it a safer and more enjoyable learning experience for students and staff.”

“CT State Norwalk is a key economic driver for Connecticut, training the next generation of nurses, STEM and business leaders, computer scientists, teachers, chefs and so much more. This state bonding invests in the heart of Norwalk’s campus – the B-Wing, which houses essential student services for more than 4,000 credit and workforce learners. Modernizing this facility will help ensure this campus remains accessible, competitive, and welcoming for all students, while reinforcing the college’s role as an engine of opportunity,” said Dr. O. John Maduko, CSCU Interim Chancellor. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont, Senator Duff, members of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, and the Office of Policy and Management for their continued investment in our colleges, universities, and students. As the state’s largest institution with an open enrollment mission, this investment in CT State Community College will allow us to continue our work in access, affordability, and academic excellence.”

“The Maritime Aquarium remains one of the most popular attractions in Connecticut, with half a million visitors every year. It’s just a few steps away from the Norwalk River, and two miles to Long Island Sound proper. Museum officials know how vital these connections to the ocean are, not only to Norwalk residents, but to us as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing and growing more vulnerable,” said Sen. Duff. “There needs to be a re-connection between people and the ocean, a deeper understanding and respect of how interdependent we are. The Aquarium Without Walls strategic plan will help ensure that, and I’m proud to bring state funding to help achieve that.”

“The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is deeply grateful for the State’s investment in the Aquarium and our future,” said Aquarium President & CEO Jason Patlis. “A recent independent study estimated that the Aquarium contributes $89 million annually to the state’s economy, and this bond funding will allow us to do even more for our community and the state.  In particular, it will support innovative capital construction projects as part of our strategy to create An Aquarium without Walls, introducing Long Island Sound and the ocean to our visitors in unique and creative ways. It will also support capital improvements to reduce our carbon footprint. Thanks to Governor Lamont, Senator Bob Duff, the State Bond Commission and the Connecticut State General Assembly, we will be able to enhance the Aquarium experience for generations to come.”

The Aquarium Without Walls full strategic plan can be found here.

“This funding is a great victory for our community. CT State Norwalk is an excellent institution, and these funds will ensure that the quality of the facilities matches the quality of the education. The funding for the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium will allow the organization to move forward with their new strategic plan, which will, among other things, protect wildlife and natural habitats in the Long Island Sound. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for your continued investment into Norwalk,” said state Representative Dominique Johnson (D-Norwalk).

“CT State Norwalk and the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium are two cornerstones of our community. The former provides top notch education that is affordable and accessible, while the latter provides entertainment and education to individuals of all ages. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission – your support of Norwalk is greatly appreciated,” said state Representative Kadeem Roberts (D-Norwalk).

“The announcement of significant bonding for Norwalk is a testament to our commitment to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities for all residents,” said state Representative Travis Simms (D-Norwalk). “The funding for CT State Norwalk Community College will help ensure that our students have access to modern, efficient spaces that support their academic and career goals, while also addressing essential infrastructure needs. Additionally, the investment in the Maritime Aquarium’s ‘An Aquarium Without Walls’ strategic plan is an exciting step forward in strengthening our community’s educational and tourism assets. These investments will have a lasting impact on both current and future generations, improving quality of life in Norwalk and bolstering our local economy.”

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN LEADERS

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SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT FOLLOWING MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN LEADERS

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement following a Tuesday virtual meeting between leaders of the Committee on Children and the Department of Children and Families, providing an update into investigations related to an ongoing Waterbury legal case where a woman is accused of holding a relative captive for two decades:

“As the ongoing, extremely disturbing Waterbury case proceeds, we need to understand how it evolved so we can better protect children now and in future circumstances,” said Sen. Maher. “In an important conversation this afternoon, DCF provided increased transparency and described how their procedures have evolved over the last 20 years as well as promised to release a statement. I hope to receive more updates from them as more information is available with the ongoing legal case. I will continue working with colleagues and advocates to review and update our statutes for DCF and educational oversight to make sure horrors like these do not occur again.”