Senator Rahman Welcomes Grant Funding for Manchester Nonprofits

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Rahman Welcomes Grant Funding for Manchester Nonprofits

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, celebrated the release of more than $1.3 million in state grants Wednesday for Manchester-based nonprofits that provide substance use treatment and behavioral health services for children.

The new funding includes two grants for the Hartford Dispensary’s Manchester clinic, a nonprofit facility that provides mental health services and substance use treatment. The grants total nearly $1.2 million and will support projects including HVAC upgrades and a new health record system.

Additionally, $163,000 in grant support will fund window replacements at the Community Child Guidance Clinic, a nonprofit that provides children and their families with access to mental health care and special education.

“It is critical that we support the nonprofits that care for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Senator Rahman said. “These grants provide funding for necessary improvements to ensure our community nonprofits can continue their important work.”

Gov. Ned Lamont’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.”

ON WORLD PARKINSON’S DISEASE DAY, LEGISLATORS AND ORGANIZERS TELL PERSONAL STORIES, REAFFIRM GOAL TO FIND A CURE

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Devin James

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

ON WORLD PARKINSON’S DISEASE DAY, LEGISLATORS AND ORGANIZERS TELL PERSONAL STORIES, REAFFIRM GOAL TO FIND A CURE

Today, on World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day, legislators including State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Cristin McCarthy-Vahey (D-Bridgeport, Fairfield), Chairs of the Public Health Committee, State Representative Frank J. Smith (D-Milford), State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), Senate Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and representatives from organizations including Regina Stankaitis of the Connecticut Coalition To End Parkinson’s Disease and Zach Hardy of the Michael J. Fox Foundation gathered in the Legislative Office Building to reaffirm their goal and efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s.

Several of those assembled told their personal stories of how their lives have been touched by Parkinson’s Disease. Rep. Smith discussed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2023, spurred by a constituent seeing him on television and asking if he’d been tested. Rep. McCarthy Vahey and Sen. Kushner talked about histories of Parkinson’s in their families, as did . Stankaitis discussed her experiences living with Parkinson’s for years and the impact the disease has had on her life. Merrill discussed caring for her husband as his disease progressed over time.

The event was livestreamed on the Connecticut Network and is available for on-demand viewing.

This year, legislators are considering new steps to support those with the disease, which impacts tens of thousands of Connecticut residents and sees up to 5,000 new diagnoses nationally every month. Senate Bill 1, one of the most impactful bills proposed in the 2024 legislative session, includes provisions for the creation of a healthy brain initiative studying conditions affecting the brain including Parkinson’s Disease and the creation of a statewide registry of data on Parkinson’s Disease, as well as an oversight committee to review data and find better ways to improve quality of care for patients diagnosed with the disease.

“The countless lives impacted by Parkinson’s Disease reinforce our need to continue to expand our efforts to battle it and find a cure,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s encouraging that SB1 this year will advance the data we collect and expand the depths of research available in an effort to help those suffering. I’m grateful to our many colleagues supporting this effort and look forward to passing this bill.”

“As the child of a father who died as a result of Parkinson’s Disease, I and proud and grateful to join this amazing coalition of advocates, officials, and legislators to continue our collective efforts to treat, and one day cure, Parkinson’s Disease,” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said. “By focusing on the impact Parkinson’s has on the brain, collecting a much more sophisticated level of data collection on the disease, and constantly looking for ways to improve our research and quality of care, SB 1 moves us closer to finding a cure for this disease and helping the countless people living with it. Thank you to my colleagues, the Connecticut Coalition to End Parkinson’s Disease, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for working with us toward a brighter future. I look forward to passing this bill and continuing our work of curing Parkinson’s Disease.”

“This day serves as a global call of action, uniting people not just in the United States but around the world who have been impacted by Parkinson’s to stand up,” said Stankaitis. “Parkinson’s Disease is more prevalent than most people think; having it is not just a physical problem but a psychological one. In 2014, my facial expressions started to change, my right arm didn’t move when I walked and my upper body became rigid. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and my life changed. All my plans for my future changed. I was very athletic, but I can no longer run and can barely walk. When I began falling I was scared; at first, I thought I stumbled or was clumsy, but I kept on falling. Because I can’t climb stairs, I was forced to sell my house and move to a ranch, but I will not be able to live there much longer. There are many things I can no longer do, but I have a choice; I can sit, feel sorry for myself and give up, or I can use my voice to fight and make people aware of this terrible disease. Please stand up, fight this disease for your friends, family and neighbors. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but we can still find one. It may be too late for me, but it’s not too late for you.”

“At The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, we’re focused on improving diagnosis, accelerating treatments and finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease,” said Hardy, state government relations officer for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “During Parkinson’s Awareness Month and on this World Parkinson’s Day, we are grateful to our legislative partners in the General Assembly, including Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and the Co-Chairs of the Public Health Committee, Senator Saud Anwar and Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, who are leading the effort to pass SB.1. This comprehensive piece of legislation includes provisions to establish a statewide Parkinson’s research registry and directs the Department of Public Health to develop a healthy brain initiative. Passing this bill will not only support people living with Parkinson’s and their families in Connecticut today, but also contribute to the global effort to find a cure for this disease. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with patients, caregivers, policymakers, researchers, clinicians and others to do everything we can to end Parkinson’s.”

In public testimony supporting Senate Bill 1, Hardy said the proposed legislation’s initiatives to study and research the disease will help fill gaps in current knowledge. The registry and initiative would help researchers determine best practices for causes, efficacy and inequities in health care, also helping to identify high-risk groups and support patient contact studies.

Connecticut would become the 11^th state to establish a Parkinson’s Disease research registry upon the bill’s passage, Hardy said. This would help fight a disease responsible for at least $617 million in medical costs each year in Connecticut.

The Coalition To End Parkinson’s Disease also seeks to create a state advisory council to develop recommendations for priority policies and actions for the prevention, management and eventual eradication of Parkinson’s Disease. It also seeks to promote and distribute educational resources, especially to underserved and marginalized communities; implement evidence-based solutions to support prevention of the disease; and provide recommendations to improve current therapies, diagnostics, interventions and more to support patients and their care partners.

Parkinson’s Disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease next to Alzheimer’s Disease and is the 14^th-leading cause of death in the United States. The disease is diagnosed in an individual every nine minutes, meaning nearly 5,000 people each month learn they have Parkinson’s.

Caption: Sen. Anwar, at podium, stands amid many gathered in the name of fighting Parkinson’s Disease.

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Sen. Lopes, New Britain Delegation Welcome over $2M in State Funding for Local Nonprofits

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Devin James

Sen. Lopes, New Britain Delegation Welcome over $2M in State Funding for Local Nonprofits

This week, State Senator Rick Lopes, State Representatives Manny Sanchez, Robert Sanchez, Peter Tercyak and Gary Turco welcomed over $2 million in grants for New Britain nonprofit providers for capital improvement projects that support delivering services to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

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.

CCARC

$96,509 for a cyber security project
$204,000 for the purchase of vehicles
$43,088 for a infrastructure safety and security project

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Beaver Street Affordable Housing Initiative

$715,200 for property acquisition
$387,000 for facility improvements

Klingberg Comprehensive Program Services:

$121,800 for Raymond Hill K-12 Special Education HVAC
$205,200 for Raymond Hill School flat roof replacement
$326,381 for New Britain Campus bituminous repaving

“These organizations provide essential services to many in New Britain, and I am grateful to Governor Lamont for funding these important capital improvement projects,” said State Sen. Rick Lopes. “These dollars support a wide range of projects in our city and will allow these organizations to better serve our most vulnerable residents.”

“I welcome these grants to fund vital capital projects for New Britain’s nonprofit organizations, which deliver depended-upon services for our most vulnerable residents,” said State Rep. Gary Turco. “The improvements made with this grant funding will boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the provided services.”

“Supporting non-profits and the services they provide has been one of my top priorities,” State Rep. Manny Sanchez said. “From improvements to facilities and enhancements to education and safety, this is a great investment for New Britain. Thank you to Governor Lamont for including us in this round of funding.”

“Non-profits provide invaluable services that bridge the gap between mainstream services and local needs,” State Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “I thank Governor Lamont for supporting this critical funding for continued delivery of services to New Britain.”

“Over 2 million dollars coming to New Britain, what’s not to love?” State Rep. Tercyak said. “I’m particularly pleased with the new housing grants. All three agencies are already important in New Britain.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin | garnet.mclaughlin@cga.ct.gov | 860-304-2319

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Sen. Looney, Sen. Duff, and AG Tong Target Grocery Store Profits

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Devin James

Sen. Looney, Sen. Duff, and AG Tong Target Grocery Store Profits

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and Attorney General William Tong announced the Office of the Attorney General will be sending letters of inquiry to all major grocery retailers to disclose their profits and costs. The action follows a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation showing grocery store profits have spiked since the pandemic.

The FTC released a report regarding a study of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on grocery prices and supply chain issues. Although the study did not look at the cause of the increase in prices of groceries, the FTC notes in its report that publicly available data suggests that the increase in grocery prices is due to stores increasing revenue, not inflation.

Specifically, the report states that during the pandemic, profits rose substantially and have remained elevated. For example, food and beverage retailer revenues increased to more than 6 percent over total costs in 2021, higher than their most recent peak, in 2015, of 5.6 percent. In the first three-quarters of 2023, despite the end of the pandemic, retailer profits rose even more, with revenue reaching 7 percent over total costs. This data casts doubt on assertions that rising prices at the grocery store are simply moving in lockstep with retailers’ own rising costs due to inflation. The FTC concluded that additional study on this issue must be conducted.

“When grocery prices go up, it’s not just a dent in the wallet, it’s an attack on the most vulnerable,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “We need to peel back the layers of these price hikes. Are rising costs truly unavoidable, or are grocery store profits quietly expanding while families struggle to put healthy food on the table? We deserve answers, and a deep dive into profit margins might just reveal where savings for our communities can be found.”

“If you also leave the grocery store shocked by the amount on the receipt, you are not alone, and it is not in your head. A recent study by the FTC shows that grocery store profits are higher than pre-pandemic levels,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “That is why today we are working with Attorney General Tong to send a letter of inquiry to all major grocery retailers to learn whether the increase in grocery prices is due to inflation or profit. I will not stand idly by while corporate greed manipulates the public for their own profit.”

“Rising costs on grocery staples are hitting all Connecticut families hard. And to think that the potential reason for them could be outsized and excessive profits rather than ordinary market fluctuations is infuriating,” said Attorney General Tong. “That’s why my Office will be requesting detailed information from these stores about their costs and what they are charging consumers. If we find evidence that the law has been violated, my office is prepared to take strong and swift action to protect Connecticut consumers.”

Senator Norm Needleman Welcomes More Than $700,000 In Grants To Support Local Nonprofits

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Devin James

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

April 11, 2024

Senator Norm Needleman Welcomes More Than $700,000 In Grants To Support Local Nonprofits

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today welcomed this week’s announcement that more than $700,000 in state grants will be released to nonprofits in Westbrook and Old Lyme. The funds, released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, will be used to support Westbrook’s SARAH, Inc., which supports children and adults with differing abilities, and the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, which serves both Lyme and Old Lyme.

“Nonprofits in our communities play an invaluable role in supporting residents and I’m glad SARAH Inc. and the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau will get this aid to help that noble goal,” said Sen. Needleman. “Support for those with different abilities – SARAH, Inc. helps more than 1,800 children and adults per year – and support for local youth will pay dividends for years to come. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for this 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.”

Westbrook’s SARAH, Inc. will receive $325,000 to support renovations, while the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau will receive $400,256, also for renovations.

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SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES NEW STATE INVESTMENTS FOR DANBURY SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

Posted on April 10, 2024May 22, 2024 by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES NEW STATE INVESTMENTS FOR DANBURY SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed nearly half a million dollars in new state aid for three social service agencies headquartered in Danbury that focus on children, families, and alcoholism.

Danbury Youth Services was awarded a $43,933 state grant for internet technology updates, Family and Children’s Aid of Danbury was awarded $400,000 to improve and expand its New Milford Behavioral Health Center, and the Mid-Western Connecticut Council of Alcoholism headquartered in Danbury received funding for its New Haven Behavioral Health outpatient facility improvements.

“Danbury is a hub of social services for the region, and every dollar these groups receive goes right back into the community to create good outcomes. I’m overjoyed with this state support of social service agencies in Danbury,” Sen. Kushner said.

Governor Ned Lamont today announced a total of $35.5 million in state funding to nonprofit providers across Connecticut for capital improvement projects. The grants are being released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Established in 2013, the program has provided more than $130 million to the state’s nonprofit organizations, supporting about 750 projects.

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Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Legislation on Crumbling Foundations and Municipal Purchasing Requirements

Posted on April 10, 2024April 11, 2024 by Devin James

Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Legislation on Crumbling Foundations and Municipal Purchasing Requirements

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, led passage Wednesday of legislation to assist homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations as well as a proposal to ease the process of awarding municipal contracts and purchases.

Senator Rahman, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Planning and Development Committee, guided both pieces of legislation to passage through the Senate during a session Wednesday, sending the proposals to the House for consideration.

The legislation included Senate Bill 224, a proposal that requires local assessors to give homeowners at least 90 days’ notice before a revaluation on properties with defective concrete foundations.

This policy affects a state law which allows homeowners whose foundations are crumbling to seek a reassessment in order to reflect the property’s diminished value. Senate Bill 224 provides those homeowners notice before their properties are reassessed.

“Replacing a foundation is an expensive and stressful process for homeowners whose basements are crumbling. This bill seeks to ease one of the burdens shouldered by too many families,” Senator Rahman said. “I was proud to lead its passage in the Senate and look forward to its final approval.”

Senator Rahman also oversaw the passage of a separate policy, Senate Bill 226, which gives towns and cities the option to increase from $25,000 to $50,000 the maximum value of municipal purchases that can be exempted from sealed bidding requirements.

This change was sought by municipalities in order to allow them to consider ordinances to speed up the procurement of goods and services.

Senator Saud Anwar Welcomes More Than $500,000 In East Hartford Nonprofit Grants

Posted on April 10, 2024April 11, 2024 by Devin James

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

April 10, 2024

Senator Saud Anwar Welcomes More Than $500,000 In East Hartford Nonprofit Grants

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today welcomed this week’s announcement that more than $1 million in state grants will be released to the nonprofit InterCommunity in East Hartford. The funds, released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, will be used to fund capital projects for the organization to improve its resources for those it aids.

“InterCommunity does incredible work to provide health resources for community residents across East Hartford and beyond,” said Sen. Anwar. “I’m ecstatic to know they will receive these funds to bolster their resources and better serve the local community. Thanks to Governor Lamont for his foresight and support.”

Intercommunity will receive $361,250 to help with HVAC work and $199,863 to support the construction of a mobile unit barn to aid its services.

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Senator Martha Marx Welcomes More Than $1 Million In Grants For Local Nonprofits

Posted on April 10, 2024April 11, 2024 by Devin James

April 10, 2024

Senator Martha Marx Welcomes More Than $1 Million In Grants For Local Nonprofits

State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today welcomed this week’s announcement that more than $1 million in state grants will be released to nonprofits in New London and Old Lyme. The funds, released through the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, will be used to fund capital projects for nonprofits providing important services to community residents in her district, benefitting improvements and renovations to their facilities.

“Community nonprofits play an important role in supporting and lifting up members of our communities, and knowing these funds will support those in need and bolster the services aiding them is incredibly meaningful,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and my fellow legislators for making sure this funding will support transitional housing, domestic violence victims and renovations to the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau.”

The following organizations will receive funding through this grant allocation:

Safe Futures of New London will receive $168,190 to support HVAC system improvements at Phoenix House Transitional Housing, $167,769 to support upgrades to its emergency domestic violence shelter and $44,600 supporting window replacements at Phoenix House Transitional Housing
The Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut in New London will receive $295,000 supporting facility improvements
The Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau in Old Lyme will receive $400,256 to support renovations

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILLS TO FIGHT HATE SPEECH AND HELP FAMILIES IN MENTAL CRISIS

Posted on April 10, 2024April 11, 2024 by Devin James

STATE SENATOR CECI MAHER LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILLS TO FIGHT HATE SPEECH AND HELP FAMILIES IN MENTAL CRISIS

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, led the State Senate’s passage of legislation that aims to fight hate speech, and relieve pressure and stress on families with children experiencing mental health crisis. These bills would respectively create a task force to study the impacts of hate speech on children, looking at programs across the state that work to end hate speech, and to create a working group to aid the development of a universal patient intake form through the Department of Public Health.

Senate Bill 327, “An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study The Effects Of Hate Speech and Bullying On Children,” would create a task force to analyze the effects of hate speech – forms of expression where a child or adult vilifies, humiliates or incites hatred upon a child based on their race, religion, skin color, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, body weight or body type or nationality. It would also review bullying, including settings where children are most likely to encounter hate speech (including both physical and online settings), look into the factors that contribute to hate speech or bullying, and recommendations for countering such speech.

“No child should face discrimination, but we know it happens all too often,” said Sen. Maher. “This study will play a vital role to look into the consequences of hate speech and discrimination, especially at young ages, and the lasting impacts it can have. It’s an important way for us to learn more about the best ways we can strike back against this rising problem.”

Programs confronting hate speech could include school-based, community-based or statewide programs for the prevention and reduction of hate speech and bullying and reducing its effects; public media campaigns; and statutory changes concerning hate speech and bullying in schools.

In public testimony, Christy Olezeski, associate professor in Yale’s Pediatric Gender Program, said that 25% of students nationwide experience discriminatory harassment which is tied to depression and anxiety, isolation from school activities and higher risks of self-harm and suicide, while students who use hate speech are more likely to become victims of substance abuse, drop out of school, or become abusive partners.

Several individuals who testified did so referencing their experiences or the experiences of their children who have faced hate speech in schools. Several who testified were residents of Westport, which has recently seen town-wide discussions of discriminatory behavior experienced by residents.

The task force would convene later in 2024 and complete its work by the beginning of 2025, reporting its findings to the General Assembly.

The bill passed the Committee on Children by a unanimous vote on March 12 and now heads to the House floor for further consideration.

Senate Bill 217, “An Act Concerning A Universal Patient Intake Form For Recipients Of Behavioral Health Services For Children,” would create a working group to make recommendations for an intake form including questions on patients’ medical and behavioral health histories, conditions and concerns and additional questions that can provide medical professionals with a comprehensive depiction of a patient’s condition and behavioral health history. By January 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health would create an intake form based on these recommendations.

“When a child is experiencing a mental health crisis, parents want to be by their side supporting them, not filling out paperwork,” said Sen. Maher. “This bill will start the process of creating an individual patient intake form that can streamline access to key health services, a positive step forward that will relieve pressure and stress for many families.”

In public testimony, the Office of the Child Advocate supported the bill’s effort to ease the process of obtaining mental health services for children, supporting caregivers who are overwhelmed with paperwork. They said working group will allow for a full conversation over the utility and implementation of this form and process.

Jaime Rodriguez, advocacy chair for the Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, testified in support noting that as the state continues to see an increase in mental health needs for children and adolescents in both new development of diagnoses and escalations of mental health symptoms, the universal intake form would “ease the beginning stage of care” for providers, patients and families, increasing the chances of comprehensive care and expanding consistency of information to aid treatment.

The bill previously passed the Committee on Children by a 16-3 vote on March 5. It next heads to the House floor for further consideration.

Caption: Senator Maher introduces legislation on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov