Author: Devin James

Senator Gaston Votes To Approve $17M To Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Votes To Approve $17M To Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), joined the Senate’s unanimous vote to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits.

“Heating assistance programs promote social equity by providing support to those who are most in need,” said Sen Gaston. “So many people in Bridgeport and Stratford rely on these programs to make sure they stay warm during the winter. I am proud to stand by my colleagues as we vote to extend heating programs that will help give folks the opportunity to live in a safe and comfortable home during the cold winter months.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.

 

SENATOR MARX VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             CONTACT
February 14, 2024                                                      Joe O’Leary 508-479-4969

SENATOR MARX VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) voted with her colleagues in the Senate to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits. The vote passed unanimously with a 35-0 tally.

“With more than 15,000 households in Connecticut able to make use of this support, our action today will make sure families remain warm in times of need in our state,” said Sen. Marx. “This week’s snowstorm proved that winter isn’t over, and nighttime lows in the 20s are a reminder that this aid is needed. I’m glad today that we took action to support our state until the weather warms up.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.

Senator Maroney Votes To Approve $17M To Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Votes To Approve $17M To Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), joined the Senate’s unanimous vote to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits.

“Heating assistance programs help to ensure the most vulnerable populations can afford to keep their homes warm during the cold winter,” said Sen. Maroney. “A warm home is crucial for maintaining good health.  I am pleased with today’s vote as many people in Connecticut will be able to benefit from a program that will provide them with financial support to stay warm.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov | 860-240-8671

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SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           CONTACT
February 14, 2024                                                    Joe O’Leary 508-479-4969

SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) voted with her colleagues in the Senate to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits. The vote passed unanimously with a 35-0 tally.

“As the former CEO of the nonprofit Person-to-Person, I know the challenges that come with providing financial and heating aid to those who need it, even in areas perceived to not need that help like Fairfield County,” said Sen. Maher. “It’s essential today for us to authorize this funding to support the 15,000 households that will benefit from it. These support funds play a vital role in the lives of countless individuals, especially the children who can’t learn or thrive if they’re too cold to even do their homework.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.
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SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
February 14, 2024

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate’s unanimous vote to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits.

“As a physician and a pulmonary doctor, I have had patients on limited incomes forced to choose between paying for heat, medicine and food. It’s with this knowledge that I know we must intervene and step in to provide aid where we can,” said Sen. Anwar. “As my colleagues and I continue to look at ways to relieve these burdens, we cannot wait to provide relief to those in low-income homes and get them the aid we need. I am also thankful to our federal delegation for their support ,but this is not the last time we will have to address this issue. In the long term, we need to make sure the federal government does not further cut aid. This is about compassion and commitment to keep every citizen safe and healthy. Every person we help today has a story and will benefit from our support.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

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State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
February 14, 2024

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO APPROVE $17M TO EXTEND HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) voted with his colleagues in the Senate to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits. The vote passed unanimously with a 35-0 tally.

“With more than a month to go until spring, snow in the forecast and low temperatures in the teens and 20s for coming weeks, there are thousands of households struggling to stay warm here in Connecticut. Today, we provided them with important support,” said Sen. Needleman. “This funding will help families stay warm amid challenging circumstances and provide them with welcome aid. Demand for heating support is growing and it’s our duty to the people of Connecticut to help them stay warm.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.
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Senator Rahman Votes to Approve $17M to Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT
Tuesday, February 13, 2024                             Hugh McQuaid: 860-634-4651

 

Senator Rahman Votes to Approve $17M to Extend Heating Assistance Programs

Today, Senator MD Rahman joined the state Senate in a unanimous vote to approve $17 million to supplement dwindling federal funding for heating assistance for Connecticut residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel. There are over 70,000 households currently enrolled in these programs, and as of the end of January 2024, over 15,400 fuel delivery households have exhausted their LIHEAP benefits.

“With the cost of home heating weighing on family budgets, I am thankful to our leadership for bringing legislation to supplement this federal program and provide our residents with the help they desperately need,” Senator Rahman said. “These funds will help ensure our most vulnerable families stay warm through the cold months ahead.”

The $17 million will be allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. $13.5 million will go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and distributes federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. An additional $3.5 million will go to the non-profit Operation Fuel for home fuel delivery.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families warm through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Operation Fuel is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides year-round emergency energy assistance to low- to moderate-income households across Connecticut in collaboration with a statewide network of local fuel banks.

While LIHEAP is traditionally fully funded by the federal government, funds were increased significantly during fiscal years 2021 and 2022 in response to the pandemic. Republicans in Congress have since rolled back funding despite increased demand.

Senator Rahman Applauds Connecticut Grown for Kids Grants for Manchester Farm Programs

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT
Tuesday, February 13, 2024                             Hugh McQuaid: 860-634-4651 

Senator Rahman Applauds Connecticut Grown for Kids Grants for Manchester Farm Programs

 

Today, Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, welcomed news that the state Department of Agriculture had awarded a total of more than $60,000 in Connecticut Grown for Kids grants to support two Manchester programs already teaching kids about the importance of nutritious diets and the value of locally grown food.

Under grants awarded last week:

  • The Community Child Guidance Clinic will receive $38,114 to expand its Grow Ahead Gardening and Whole Child Wellness Programs, which provide kids with therapeutic and educational activities while teaching a curriculum that emphasizes proper nutrition.
  • The Manchester Early Childhood Collaborative will also receive $22,194 to broaden an existing program to feed 180 preschool kids with fresh produce from local farmers’ markets and lead educational field trips to learn about topics like farmers, beekeepers and where food is grown.

“It is essential that Manchester children have access to healthy, nutritious diets and learn about the role that local farms play in feeding our communities,” Senator Rahman said. “I am glad our state will continue to support these therapeutic and educational projects.”

The Connecticut Grown for Kids Grant program awards grants of up to $50,000 for projects that support farm-to-school initiatives. The program seeks to improve student health by including locally grown food in dietary programs and reinforce relationships between local farms and educators who wish to provide hands-on instructional tools.

This year’s grants represent the third round of funding under the program, which has been supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Last year, state legislators allocated another $1 million in the state budget to continue the program as well as another $2 million in ARPA funding for shipping container gardens to grow fresh produce for schools and food pantries.

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CONNECTICUT GROWN FOR CONNECTICUT KIDS GRANT INVESTS $50,000 IN EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
February 9, 2024

CONNECTICUT GROWN FOR CONNECTICUT KIDS GRANT INVESTS $50,000 IN EAST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids grant program recently announced recipients of its grant funding to support availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to teach students about nutrition and farm-to-school connections and help children build healthy habits from a young age. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was ecstatic to learn that a key recipient of these grants was East Hartford Public Schools, which will receive $50,000 for the East Hartford Farm to School Project.

This project, already helping students learn about the importance of agriculture and the science behind growing food, is seeking to expand programming and increase sustainability. This grant funding will support the program by funding a part-time farm-to-school coordinator, as well as updating existing gardens, aiding professional development, acquiring kitchen equipment and providing farm field trips for students.

“I’m excited by the increased possibilities these funds will provide to students in East Hartford and the growth they will support,” said Sen. Anwar. “By bringing on new staff, upgrading currently used gardens and allowing for students to take field trips and visit farms, this program will continue to benefit local students through hands-on exploration and education on agriculture’s important and local connections.”

State legislators have allocated funding in recent years to support this program; in the 2023 legislative session, it received a $1 million allocation in the state budget and a $2 million allocation through the American Rescue Plan Act for shipping container gardens supporting local schools and/or food pantries.

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CONNECTICUT GROWN FOR CONNECTICUT KIDS INVESTS $54,900 IN CLINTON, EAST HAMPTON EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

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State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
February 9, 2024

CONNECTICUT GROWN FOR CONNECTICUT KIDS INVESTS $54,900 IN CLINTON, EAST HAMPTON EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids grant program recently announced recipients of its grant funding to support availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to teach students about nutrition and farm-to-school connections and help children build healthy habits from a young age. State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) recently welcomed the news that $54,900 of grant funds would be invested in programs supporting agricultural education and nutrition in Clinton and East Hampton.

In East Hampton, the Kids of Chatham program received $49,900 to establish a farm-to-school program in children ages 1-12. The initiative will include the creation of an educational garden, taste test events for children with local produce and integrating agriculture into local curricula for students by enhancing their understanding of healthy eating and local farming.

In Clinton, Clinton Child Care Services received $5,000 to launch a Farm to School program, with plans to partner with the Arbor Garden Club of Clinton to build a garden and establish a relationship with a local farm to source fresh food to their Center, including the purchase of two Community Supported Agriculture shares from Bitta-Blue Farm in Killingworth.

“Local agriculture is vital to our communities, and giving children opportunities to learn about its importance firsthand with educational resources, as well as access delicious local produce, is great for our state’s future,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m excited to see the results of these projects in future years.”

State legislators have allocated funding in recent years to support this program; in the 2023 legislative session, it received a $1 million allocation in the state budget and a $2 million allocation through the American Rescue Plan Act for shipping container gardens supporting local schools and/or food pantries.
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