Author: Devin James

Sen. Lesser Leads Passage of Bill Requiring Medicaid Coverage of Biomarker Testing

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

Sen. Lesser Leads Passage of Bill Requiring Medicaid Coverage of Biomarker Testing

Today, as Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, State Senator Matt Lesser led passage of a proposal to require Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing, medical tests that allow providers to determine the best course of treatment for illnesses like cancer, Alzheimers, ALS among many others.

“Biomarker testing is an increasingly important part of medicine, as we move towards personalized medicine,” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “This fast-evolving area allows providers to detect diseases early, better tailor treatments to specific individuals and pave a way for us to cure diseases including cancer. As a cancer survivor myself, biomarker testing has been incredibly valuable to me personally and making sure that new diagnostic tools are available to patients regardless of income is a valuable health equity tool. Moreover, by detecting diseases early and avoiding ineffective treatments, we expect to save taxpayer dollars.”

Senate Bill 307 requires the Department of Social Services (DSS), to the extent federal law allows, to provide coverage for biomarker testing to diagnose, treat, manage, or monitor a Medicaid enrollee’s disease or condition. The bill requires DSS to condition coverage on medical and scientific evidence.

The bill passed 36-0 and now heads to the House.
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Sen. Lopes Leads Passage of Bill to Protect Parks and Open Spaces

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lopes Leads Passage of Bill to Protect Parks and Open Spaces
Today, as Senate Chair of the Environment Committee, State Senator Rick Lopes led passage of a proposal to protect municipal parks and open spaces. Senate Bill 294 strengthens existing language that requires when a municipality converts or repurposes park lands, they must provide a comparable replacement.

“This proposal will protect parks and recreation spaces from development, leading to healthier and stronger communities,” said Sen Lopes. “Public spaces are essential to the health and development of all citizens of Connecticut, and protecting access to green space is a great benefit to the quality of life for residents of all ages, especially in urban areas like here in New Britain.”

Current statute has been interpreted to only be applied in instances when a municipality employs eminent domain to acquire the land. Municipalities typically do not use eminent domain to convert parks, so current statute is rarely, if ever, enforced. This bill clarifies the language to include all instances when a park is converted.

The bill passed 31-5 and now heads to the House.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | garnet.mclaughlin@cga.ct.gov | 860-304-2319
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Senator Anwar Welcomes $100,000 Ellington Agriculture Grant

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
April 16, 2024

Senator Anwar Welcomes $100,000 Ellington Agriculture Grant

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today welcomed the recent announcement that Ellington’s Oakridge Dairy was named a recipient of the state Department of Agriculture’s Farmland Restoration, Climate Resiliency and Preparedness Grant. These grants have a focus on restoring and improving land with better soils; the funds can be used for capital investments to improve land’s resiliency or farming operations.

“Our state is looking forward to the demands of the future, and improving the diversity and quality of our farmlands will have benefits for decades to come,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s encouraging to know Ellington’s Oakridge Dairy is making investments to improve its resources and prepare for tomorrow, and I’m grateful to state leaders for including our community in its support.”

“Connecticut’s agricultural producers have demonstrated a strong desire to implement sustainable farming practices to be part of the climate change solution while also mitigating the impacts of more extreme weather events,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through these strategic investments, farmers will be able to conduct projects to improve soils for increased productivity and enhanced resilience.”

Ellington’s Oakridge Dairy LLC will receive $100,000 through this grant program in support of soil health and organic matter biodiversity, water management and capital improvements and purchases.
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Sen. Hartley Welcomes $1.1M in State Funding for Waterbury Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James
Header image of Senator Hartley.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | garnet.mclaughlin@cga.ct.gov | 860-240-0288

Sen. Hartley Welcomes $1.1M in State Funding for Waterbury Nonprofits
This week, State Senator Joan Hartley welcomed $1,167,000 in state funding for a number of nonprofits in Waterbury.

  • $200,000 to Waterbury Youth Services for facility upgrades
  • $707,000 to Western CT Area Agency on Aging for IT upgrades to promote client independence
  • $185,000 to the Annie C Courtney Foundation for New Beginnings property acquisition
  • $75,000 to Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury for an ADA Ramp for the domestic violence shelter
“These organizations provide essential services to the Waterbury community and beyond,” said State Sen. Joan Hartley. “I am grateful to Governor Lamont for releasing these funds so that our local nonprofits can make important infrastructure improvements and focus their already burdened budgets on directly helping the communities they serve.”

The grants are being released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. They will be used to fund capital projects not typically reimbursed through other funding mechanisms and will support items such as facility alterations, renovations, improvements, and additions; new construction; health, safety, and Americans with Disabilities Act projects; energy conservation improvements; information technology systems; technology that promotes client independence; purchase of vehicles; and acquisition of property.

The Nonprofit Grant Program was established in 2013 and has since provided more than $130 million to the state’s nonprofit organizations, supporting about 750 projects.
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Sen. Lesser Claps Back at Greenwich 1st Selectman for Hypocrisy on Student Loans

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

Sen. Lesser Claps Back at Greenwich 1st Selectman for Hypocrisy on Student Loans

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser pushed back on Republican outrage surrounding student loan forgiveness.

When Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo took to Twitter to express his frustration on President Biden’s expanded student loan forgiveness plan, asking “Is the President going to forgive those who are paying off business loans, too?” Senator Lesser reminded the former state representative that the federal government did indeed forgive business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – including $236,000 for his own engineering firm.


Senator Lesser has long been an advocate for addressing the predatory student loan system. Back in 2015, Senator Lesser fought to create the Student Loan Bill of Rights, which authorized a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Connecticut Department of Banking. Connecticut was the first state in the country to regulate student loan servicer companies. Last session, the budget included funding for the Student Loan Ombudsman to directly help Connecticut borrowers navigate loan repayment and other issues.
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State Senator Saud Anwar Releases Statement Following ‘Last Week Tonight’ Discussion Of Lethal Injection Drugs Allegedly Created In Connecticut

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
April 12, 2024

State Senator Saud Anwar Releases Statement Following ‘Last Week Tonight’ Discussion Of Lethal Injection Drugs Allegedly Created In Connecticut

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today released the following statement following the April 7 episode of “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” which covered the topic of executions via lethal injections in the United States. The television episode included allegations that a Hamden company, Absolute Standards, is a producer of lethal injection drugs used in executions in other states.

“I’m grateful that John Oliver and his production team are focused on such an important issue, one that lawmakers in Connecticut have attempted to address. As the Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, I have explored introducing a bill that would restrict sales and production of drugs including pentobarbital in the state of Connecticut. However, the Public Health Committee does not have jurisdiction to stop production of these drugs, and my efforts to move forward were restricted. Following this report, I have reaffirmed my efforts to make this a priority and will continue working to advance such policy in the near future. Connecticut banned the death sentence more than a decade ago; our state should not be complicit in death sentences elsewhere in the United States.”
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Senator Gaston Welcomes Nearly $2.6 Million in State Grants for Bridgeport Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Welcomes Nearly $2.6 Million in State Grants for Bridgeport Nonprofits

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, celebrated the release of nearly $2.6 million in state funding this week to support capital improvement projects by Bridgeport-based nonprofits including renovations to a local boys and girls club and upgrades for community health care providers.

“By investing in the nonprofits that enhance the lives of our young people and support the health of our residents, we’re investing in Bridgeport,” Senator Gaston said. “These essential projects — from renovations to a boys and girls club to tech improvements supporting our seniors — represent strategic contributions to our community and I am grateful to Governor Lamont for releasing these funds.”

The grants announced this week include $1,587,243 for the Southwest Connecticut Agency on Aging for renovations and improvements to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club and another $491,476 for a technology hub at the aging agency.

Other grants for Bridgeport nonprofits included $450,000 for Community Resources for Justice, a group that assists men and women leaving incarceration. This grant will help the organization with property acquisition.

Additionally, Optimus Health Care, a community health center that provides care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, will receive $60,154 to enhance prenatal care through technology.

The governor’s office awarded the grants under the state Nonprofit Grant Program, an initiative that has provided more than $130 million in support for capital projects by Connecticut nonprofit groups since it was established in 2013.

“Connecticut’s nonprofit providers support residents in every town and are a vital part of our social services safety net,” Governor Lamont said. “Providing funding to make strategic investments helps these organizations deliver the services some of our most vulnerable residents depend upon. This grant funding will help all of the residents that these organizations support be able to utilize their personal strengths, talents, and passions.”
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651

Senator Hochadel Celebrates More than $1.8 Million in Grants for Middletown Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Celebrates More than $1.8 Million in Grants for Middletown Nonprofits

Sen. Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, celebrated the release of more than $1.8 million in state support this week for capital improvement projects at Middletown-based nonprofit groups that serve residents struggling with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and homelessness.

“Nonprofits like Gilead, The Connection, and St. Vincent de Paul provide crucial support to members of our community when they need it most and these grants will help offset the cost of critical upgrades to their operations,” Senator Hochadel said. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for releasing this funding.”

The grants include $950,000 to support new construction at St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit that helps meet the needs of people struggling with financial hardship and homelessness in the greater Middletown area.

Gilead Community Services, a nonprofit providing housing and clinical support for residents experiencing mental illness, was awarded $105,300 to upgrade and replace clinical laptops and monitors, as well as $71,544 for waterproofing and HVAC upgrades.

Additionally, The Connection, a nonprofit that works to help residents experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders will receive $544,222 for IT infrastructure and $144,100 for electrical upgrades.

The governor’s office awarded the grants under the state Nonprofit Grant Program, an initiative that has provided more than $130 million in support for capital projects by Connecticut nonprofit groups since it was established in 2013.

“Connecticut’s nonprofit providers support residents in every town and are a vital part of our social services safety net,” Governor Lamont said. “Providing funding to make strategic investments helps these organizations deliver the services some of our most vulnerable residents depend upon. This grant funding will help all of the residents that these organizations support be able to utilize their personal strengths, talents, and passions.”

Senator McCrory Welcomes More than $3 million in Grants for Hartford-Area Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James
Senator McCrory

Senator McCrory Welcomes More than $3 million in Grants for Hartford-Area Nonprofits
 

Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford, welcomed the release of more than $3 million in state grants Wednesday for Hartford and Bloomfield-based nonprofits to support projects that will upgrade their facilities and strengthen their infrastructure.

“These strategic investments in our nonprofits will help ensure they have the capacity to continue serving the Hartford and Bloomfield communities,” Senator McCrory said. “These groups represent the fabric of our social safety net and I am grateful that Governor Lamont has directed funds to support their missions.”

The funding announced this week for Hartford and Bloomfield-area nonprofits included:

  • Bloomfield – Viability, Inc.: $130,182  for an Employment Technology Lab.

  • Bloomfield – Viability, Inc.: $180,000 to purchase vehicles.

  • Hartford – NAFI Connecticut: $291,144 to replace windows.

  • Hartford – YWCA Hartford Region: $131,00 to replace windows.

  • Hartford – Community Health Services: $401,162 for equipment upgrades.

  • Hartford – Community Partners in Action: $223,769 for facility improvements.

  • Hartford – Mercy Housing and Shelter: $157,000 for a roof replacement.

  • Hartford – Mercy Housing and Shelter: $463,816 for basement renovations.

  • Hartford – Mercy Housing and Shelter: $719,170 for residential campus reconfiguration and the expansion of a parking lot.

  • Hartford – NAFI Connecticut: $54,000 for renovations.

  • Hartford – YWCA Hartford Region: $55,000 for lighting upgrades.

  • Hartford – Hands on Hartford: $315,000 for a permanent generator.

  • Hartford – NAFI Connecticut: $45,494 for a generator.

The governor’s office awarded the grants under the state Nonprofit Grant Program, an initiative that has provided more than $130 million in support for capital projects by Connecticut nonprofit groups since it was established in 2013.

“Connecticut’s nonprofit providers support residents in every town and are a vital part of our social services safety net,” Governor Lamont said. “Providing funding to make strategic investments helps these organizations deliver the services some of our most vulnerable residents depend upon. This grant funding will help all of the residents that these organizations support be able to utilize their personal strengths, talents, and passions.”
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov | 860-634-4651
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SENATOR CECI MAHER WELCOMES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION IN NONPROFIT GRANT FUNDING FOR RIDGEFIELD, STAMFORD

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR CECI MAHER WELCOMES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION IN NONPROFIT GRANT FUNDING FOR RIDGEFIELD, STAMFORD

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed this week’s announcement that more than $1.5 million in state grants will be released to nonprofits in Ridgefield and Stamford. The funds, released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, will support an upgrade of Ridgefield’s Visiting Nurse Association’s communications system, renovations and new vehicles for Stamford’s ARI of Connecticut, and ADA upgrades for Inspirica’s women’s emergency housing in Stamford.

“Our community nonprofits provide direct local support and resources for many vital needs, and I’m pleased these funds will go towards good,” said Sen. Maher. “These nonprofits serve our community every day in and I’m so encouraged by this funding they’ll receive in turn. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his support.”

“Connecticut’s nonprofit providers support residents in every town and are a vital part of our social services safety net,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Providing funding to make strategic investments helps these organizations deliver the services some of our most vulnerable residents depend upon. This grant funding will help all of the residents that these organizations support be able to utilize their personal strengths, talents, and passions.”

Grant allocations locally include:

  • $49,770 for communication system upgrades for the Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield
  • $987,000 for renovations of ARI of Connecticut’s day program facility at 174 Richmond Hill Avenue in Stamford
  • $445,075 to support purchase of vehicles for Stamford’s ARI of Connecticut
  • $55,800 for Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades for Inspirica of Stamford’s women’s emergency housing
Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov