Author: Devin James

Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap

Higher Ed Chairs: ARPA Allocation Delivers for Higher Education

Today, Chairs of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee State Senator Derek Slap and State Representative Gregg Haddad advocated for and helped to secure much needed investments into higher education funding. The House and the Senate voted on a stabilization bill that allocates $372.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, $160 million of that for Higher Education funding. $80 million will be allocated to UConn and another $80 million will be allocated to the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system. There is an additional $40 million set to be allocated.

“Higher education funding is essential to the success of our students, our workforce and our economy,” said Sen. Slap. “I am so pleased by this substantial investment into Connecticut’s future, especially the expansion of the successful PACT program. Removing barriers to higher education is one of the main charges of the Higher Education Committee and this program will do exactly that. I want to thank President Biden and our Congressional leaders for allocating this funding in the 2021 stimulus package, Senate President Marty Looney for hearing and responding to the needs of students, administrators, parents and staff – and our institutions of higher education for their collaboration and readiness to put these dollars to work.”

“The allocation and authorization of $200 million to UConn, UConn Health, our state universities, and CT State Community College, provides funding that is essential to maintaining quality post-secondary opportunities for students,” said Rep. Haddad. “Without this level of needed support, tuition increases, staffing cuts and program closures were imminent. Instead, students at our public colleges and universities can be assured that the legislature has their backs. Our institutions will continue to face significant fiscal hurdles, so state government must continue to reach for sustainable solutions to guarantee, which Connecticut students have a quality, affordable path to a degree in the future.”

The stabilization bill also:

Expands the Pledge to Advance CT (PACT) program which gives eligible Connecticut high school graduates the opportunity to attend a Connecticut community college debt-free by awarding them grants for the difference between the cost of tuition and fees and their scholarships, grants, and federal, state, or institutional aid. The program will now be available to students who are residents of Connecticut, but did not graduate from a Connecticut high school.

Additionally, the bill increases the program’s minimum awards from $250 to $500 for full-time students, and from $150 to $300 for part-time students and requires all grants made to eligible students under the debt free community college program to be designated as the “Mary Ann Handley Grant.

The bill passed the House 103-48 and the Senate 26-10.
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Contact: Garnet McLaughlin
860-304-2319

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 7, 2024

Senator Anwar Secures $1.8 Million In Additional Funding for Local Projects, $5.5 Million To Support Major Health Priorities

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including more than $1.8 million in projects supporting the 3rd Senate District and $5.5 million that will support several of Sen. Anwar’s foremost health priorities in the 2024 legislative session.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Monday, includes $200,000 to support the South Windsor High School Chemistry Lab, $50,000 for the East Hartford Career Quest Camp, $200,000 for East Hartford Youth Sports, $300,000 each for East Hartford Public Schools Career Training and East Hartford Chestelm All Day All Care adult care, and $650,000 supporting InterCommunity school-based health centers. Another $99,778 will support Ellington vehicle purchases.

The allocation also includes $3.5 million to support urgent care crisis centers in the state, an important health care priority for Senator Anwar, as well as $1 million to support the advancements gained in Senate Bill 1, which will provide increased protections for health care workers in the state among other enhancements and studies of pressing maladies statewide, $260,000 for a grant administrator further supporting that bill, and $1 million to support unhoused residents and fight the continuing problem in the state.

“Much of the work done every year at the state Capitol involves discussing with my colleagues the issues big and small that our communities face and working to solve those problems,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m proud to secure this valuable support for the residents of our district, knowing much of it will support our state as a whole as well.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
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Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

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 7, 2024

Senator Needleman Secures $1.15 Million To Support District Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $360 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including $1.15 million to support six separate projects across the 33rd Senate District. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was proud to deliver such support to the region as the bill in question passed by a 26-10 vote.

The $1.15 million in funding includes $250,000 for Clinton’s Town Beach; $250,000 for the Lyme Public Library and Town Hall’s HVAC systems; $200,000 for carpet replacements at Colchester’s Bacon Academy; $200,000 for East Haddam’s I-Park Foundation; and $150,000 for the Essex Fire Department. It also includes $100,000 to support the regional Deep River, Essex and Cheshire Dog Pound.

“This funding will play an important role supporting and improving facilities in towns across the 33rd Senate District, and I’m ecstatic to see its approval helping neighbors and friends throughout our communities,” said Sen. Needleman. “This is an excellent investment in our towns’ futures.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
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Senator Marx Secures Millions Supporting Early Childhood Education, Shore Line East, Local Parks, Child Care, Military, Youth Services

Posted on by Devin James
May 7, 2024

Senator Marx Secures Millions Supporting Early Childhood Education, Shore Line East, Local Parks, Child Care, Military, Youth Services

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve the use of more than $372.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding soon to expire, including $2 million to support the Early Childhood Center at B.P. Learned Mission, which offers day classes and special education classes to the community; $5 million for services on Shore Line East, and $200,000 for the Thames River Heritage Park as it became part of the Passport to the Parks program. It further provided $1.8 million for regional child care support, $5.224 million to support a microgrid at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London and $107,500 for local youth service organizations.

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) was proud to see this funding included as the bill passed 26-10.

The B.P. Learned Mission Early Childhood Center opened in 2021 to provide Birth to Age 8 child care services. It allows New London’s school district to shift all of its preschool programs from the Harbor School to the new building. It also hosts social service programs and additional town resources.

The $5 million for Shore Line East will support the resumption of an additional peak service train in the morning and evening. Public comment will be sought for the best times to restore service.

The Thames River Heritage Park will be one of two parks added to the Passport to the Parks program’s funding benefits, receiving up to $200,000 annually in support.

The Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program will receive $1.8 million supporting child care in New London County, including support for Electric Boat employees.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may reimburse the costs up to $5.224 million associated with the design and construction of a microgrid at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London.

Finally, 11 local youth service preservation organizations will receive support, including $10,000 for the Drop-In Learning Center, $5,000 for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, $15,000 for Higher Edge, $10,000 for the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut, $7,500 for New England Sailing and Swimming, $10,000 each for New London Babe Ruth, New London Football, New London Cheerleaders and New London Little League, $10,000 for Safe Futures and $10,000 for Whales Helping Helpers.

“Delivering support for vital early childhood education for our local community is a proud accomplishment, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this valuable support for the 20th District and the region,” said Sen. Marx. “From supporting our parks to public transportation, from supporting our military to smaller grants benefitting so many local organizations, I’m excited for these funds to benefit learning and growth for local children for years to come.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

Senator Rahman Secures $1.25 Million in Additional Funding for Manchester and Glastonbury Projects

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Secures $1.25 Million in Additional Funding for Manchester and Glastonbury Projects

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including roughly $1.25 million to more support projects championed by Senator MD Rahman, including upgrades to a park in Manchester and the development of affordable housing in Glastonbury.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included $500,000 to support a project to support a commercial redevelopment project on Nye Road in Glastonbury, where developers are expected to begin constructing affordable housing units next year.

“These funds will help preserve a vital piece of Manchester’s historic downtown and boost the availability of housing in Glastonbury,” Senator Rahman, D-Manchester, said. “I am glad I could do my part to secure this critical support for our communities.”

The allocation also includes $500,000 for the expansion and upgrade of Charter Oak Park in Manchester. Another $250,000 will support the Cheney Hall Foundation, which manages the business and property of the town-owned historic building, which is now home to the Little Theatre of Manchester.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Senator Hochadel Secures More Than $1 Million in Additional Funding for Meriden and Cheshire 

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Secures More Than $1 Million in Additional Funding for Meriden and Cheshire

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including $1 million in additional funding to support projects championed by Senator Jan Hochadel, including resources for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club and the Cheshire Health District.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included significant funding for programs and nonprofits benefiting residents and children in Meriden, Cheshire and Middlesex County.

“By securing funding for quality programs like the Meriden Boys & Girls Club and the Middlesex YMCA, I worked to put these federal dollars to work improving the lives of children throughout my district,” Senator Hochadel, D-Meriden, said. “These initiatives will complement a boost in municipal funding for Meriden, ensuring the town can continue to provide quality education to its youngest residents.”

Among the projects funded by the ARPA legislation were $500,000 for the town of Meriden, $50,000 for the Meriden Boys & Girls Club, and $50,000 for the Middlesex YMCA. The bill also included $350,000 to renovate the local health district in Cheshire and $150,000 to support the Community Empowerment Foundation, a nonprofit book store in Cheshire that employs residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

Senator Anwar Votes for Legislation Enhancing Elder Care

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
May 7, 2024

Senator Anwar Votes for Legislation Enhancing Elder Care

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) voted Tuesday to pass a bill intended to increase access to home-based services for seniors by establishing better training for home care workers and creating a presumptive Medicaid eligibility program for services provided at home.

The proposal, House Bill 5001, passed the Senate on a unanimous 36-0 vote and will now head to the governor to be signed into law. The bill was a top priority of House Speaker Matt Ritter and originated in the legislature’s Aging Committee.

The legislation would make several changes to state law designed to make aging in place easier for senior citizens.

“Health care’s future is in the home, and supporting our countless residents receiving home care is a strong move to take today to prepare for that future,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m very encouraged to see our state identifies this need and is making sure seniors will get the care they need.”

By presuming that home-based services will be covered by Medicaid, the bill is designed to spare seniors the choice between residing in a nursing home or forgoing care while awaiting a Medicaid approval process that can take up to 90 days.

The proposal creates a new database of home-based workers, allowing consumers to identify and match qualified home aides based on characteristics like language, certifications or special skills, as well as previous experience. This also helps the providers and their agencies by giving them access to recruitment, retention, and training programs.

The bill connects residents with a consumer dashboard, which uses a five-star rating system to compare nursing home facilities on metrics like their quality of care, their staff and health inspection results.

Other provisions of the legislation include new training requirements and photo ID badges for Personal Care Attendants and other home health care workers, and an expansion of fingerprinting locations for employment background checks.

The bill expands the duties of local senior center staff members to better assist elderly residents with accessing housing opportunities.

Costs related to the first year of the bill’s presumptive Medicaid eligibility program are estimated at around $500,000 and would be covered by remaining federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.

However, the policy is not expected to result in additional costs to the state because nearly all of the impacted services are covered by Medicaid and will be reimbursed under the program. If the Department of Social Services concludes after two years the eligibility presumption has not been cost-effective, the bill includes a provision allowing the agency’s commissioner to discontinue the policy.
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Sen. Lesser, Newington Delegation Secure $445,000 for Town

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

Sen. Lesser, Newington Delegation Secure $445,000 for Town

State Senator Matt Lesser, State Representatives Gary Turco and Kate Farrar and Mayor Jon Trister welcome $445,000 for Newington.

  • $300,000 for the Newington Children’s Theater Company for capital improvements
  • $100,000 for the Deming-Young Farm Foundation for barn rehabilitation
  • $45,000 for the Town of Newington for signage construction

The funding comes from $372.5 million 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.

“Helping Newington Children’s Theater Company win major capital support and the Deming-Young Farm finish work on its historic barn were priorities for the Newington delegation this session,” said Senator Lesser. “Newington Children’s Theater Company has been an institution for decades, and provides an outstanding experience for area children. The Deming-Young Farm preserves a historic 1784 farm, an important part of Newington’s history and valuable open space that provides historical enrichment for schoolchildren across the region. I made returning this funding to Newington my priority in budget negotiations. I am thrilled we were able to win overwhelming support for these investments in Newington and am grateful to President Biden and our federal delegation for making the funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act and to legislative leaders and my colleagues for supporting our request.”

“These allocations are great investments in our community,” said Rep. Turco. “NCTC is a treasure for our youth and these capital improvements will allow them to educate and entertain for many years to come, while funding to preserve the historic 1700s Deming-Young Farm Barn ensures we are preserving our history for all to enjoy.”

“These state grants are a win for the residents of Newington and the 20th District,” Rep. Farrar said. “Residents of all ages in Newington and across the region will benefit from the Newington Children’s Theatre improvements, historic rehabilitation at the Deming-Young Farm, and town signage. I’m proud to work as a team with Senator Lesser and Representative Turco to deliver for our community.”

“We are so thankful to Senator Lesser and our entire legislative delegation for their hard work in securing this ARPA funding for these items in the budget stabilization bill,” said Newington Mayor Jon Trister. “This funding will go to programs and projects that will benefit all of Newington residents in multiple different ways!”

“I am thrilled to receive this grant through the efforts of Sen. Lesser. This grant will enable the Deming-Young Farm Foundation to continue and complete the repairs and the restoration of the 1784 Thomas Deming farmhouse in Newington,” said David Goodale, President of the Deming-Young Farm Foundation.

“We have shown tremendous growth since coming out of COVID, but the limitations of our physical space have been stifling,” says Claire Van Cott, NCTC’s Executive and Artistic director. “This support from the state will go such a long way toward getting us back to having a performance space of our own, one that accommodates how far we’ve come and how much further we’ll be able to go. Theater brings so much joy to children, while cleverly sneaking in important life lessons about responsibility, teamwork, discipline and building self-confidence.”

“As the state’s longest-running nonprofit children’s theatre, each year we serve hundreds of families from three dozen towns, with programming throughout the year for kids of all ages and experience levels,” says Chris DeFrancesco, NCTC’s Board President. “We are enormously grateful to Sen. Lesser, Rep. Farrar and Rep. Turco for their advocacy and recognition of NCTC’s value to the community as we carry out our mission of providing a safe, accessible, welcoming place for children to explore their creativity and grow, both as performers and as people.”
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Senator McCrory Secures $6.3 Million in Additional Funding for Local Projects and Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James
Senator McCrory

Senator McCrory Secures $6.3 Million in Additional Funding for Local Projects and Nonprofits

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including roughly $6.3 million in additional funding to support projects championed by Senator Doug McCrory, whose district includes Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, includes $5 million for the Blue Hills Civic Association, a nonprofit working to empower the Hartford and Bloomfield communities through strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and culturally competent health care.

The allocation also includes another $1.3 million to support the Prosperity Foundation, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving lives in Connecticut’s Black communities through investments in health and education.

“Years of cultivating strong relationships at the state Capitol have helped me to win substantial funding for our communities,” Senator McCrory said. “This year is no different. Legislation passed this week includes crucial investments to foster thriving neighborhoods throughout Hartford, Bloomfield and Windsor.”

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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Senator Marx Votes for Legislation Enhancing Elder Care

Posted on by Devin James
May 7, 2024

Senator Marx Votes for Legislation Enhancing Elder Care

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) voted Tuesday to pass a bill intended to increase access to home-based services for seniors by establishing better training for home care workers and creating a presumptive Medicaid eligibility program for services provided at home.

The proposal, House Bill 5001, passed the Senate on a unanimous 36-0 vote and will now head to the governor to be signed into law. The bill was a top priority of House Speaker Matt Ritter and originated in the legislature’s Aging Committee.

The legislation would make several changes to state law designed to make aging in place easier for senior citizens.

“In caring for patients throughout my career, I’ve known that our state needs to prepare for patients aging in place,” said Sen. Marx. “In addition to advances in keeping workers safer through Senate Bill 1, this session will be defined by helping patients better receive the aid they need and streamlining the procedures needed for them to stay happier and healthier.”

By presuming that home-based services will be covered by Medicaid, the bill is designed to spare seniors the choice between residing in a nursing home or forgoing care while awaiting a Medicaid approval process that can take up to 90 days.

The proposal creates a new database of home-based workers, allowing consumers to identify and match qualified home aides based on characteristics like language, certifications or special skills, as well as previous experience. This also helps the providers and their agencies by giving them access to recruitment, retention, and training programs.

The bill connects residents with a consumer dashboard, which uses a five-star rating system to compare nursing home facilities on metrics like their quality of care, their staff and health inspection results.

Other provisions of the legislation include new training requirements and photo ID badges for Personal Care Attendants and other home health care workers, and an expansion of fingerprinting locations for employment background checks.

The bill expands the duties of local senior center staff members to better assist elderly residents with accessing housing opportunities.

Costs related to the first year of the bill’s presumptive Medicaid eligibility program are estimated at around $500,000 and would be covered by remaining federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.

However, the policy is not expected to result in additional costs to the state because nearly all of the impacted services are covered by Medicaid and will be reimbursed under the program. If the Department of Social Services concludes after two years the eligibility presumption has not been cost-effective, the bill includes a provision allowing the agency’s commissioner to discontinue the policy.