Author: Devin James

State Senator Ceci Maher Releases Statement Following Gov. Lamont’s Nomination Of Jodi Hill-Lilly To Serve As DCF Commissioner

Posted on by Devin James
December 13, 2023

State Senator Ceci Maher Releases Statement Following Gov. Lamont’s Nomination Of Jodi Hill-Lilly To Serve As DCF Commissioner

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, issued the following statement following Governor Lamont’s nomination of Jodi Hill-Lilly to serve as commissioner of the Department of Children and Families beginning in 2024, after current Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes announced she will pursue new opportunities in the new year:

“With her 35 years of experience working in the Department of Children and Families, including in prominent leadership roles, I look forward to working with Jodi Hill-Lilly beginning next year, as I know she has the knowledge and skillset to lead. Her extensive career working for the benefit of children and families from hands-on experience to oversight and management provides her with the strength and talent she needs to succeed in this role. I’d also like to thank Commissioner Dorantes for her decades of dedication toward our state, her deep understanding of the basic tenets of social work and care for children, and the thousands of families she has aided over the years. Both Vannessa and Jodi are examples of the best our state can offer and their public service has made Connecticut better for their hard work.”
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SEN. FLEXER WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR KILLINGLY PARK AND THOMPSON PLAYGROUND

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 8, 2023

SEN. FLEXER WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR KILLINGLY PARK AND THOMPSON PLAYGROUND

State Senator Mae Flexer today announced that the State Bond Commission is poised to approve nearly $300,000 in state bonding for public projects in Killingly and Thompson when it meets December 15 in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The State Bond Commission agenda includes a $210,000 state grant for improvements to the 53-acre Owen Bell Park in Killingly, which features a track and trails for running and walking, playground equipment for children, basketball and tennis courts, a skateboard park, ball fields, and picnic areas.

Killingly Town Manager Mary Calorio said the state funds will be combined with other funds to erect a park pavilion, build a toddler-sized splash pad, dredge the park pond, and erect various shade structures to sheild families from the summer sun.

“We’re super-grateful to Senator Flexer for this. I started working with Mae on this funding about a year ago,” Calorio said. “To make all of these investments as a small town, it’s difficult. We’re so happy about our partnership with the state.”

The bonding agenda also includes $80,000 to create an ADA-compliant playground at the Mary R. Fisher Elementary School in Thompson, which is home to about 400 students.

“Both of these bond agenda items are investments in the people of Killingly and Thompson that I have discussed with local officials and lobbied for at the state level,” Sen. Flexer said. “I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their attention to eastern Connecticut and the recognition that these projects will have on the quality of life for the families who enjoy life in our smaller towns.”

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STATE SLATED TO RELEASE FUNDS TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Derek Slap
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        CONTACT

December 8, 2023                                     Garnet McLaughlin 860-304-2319

STATE SLATED TO RELEASE FUNDS TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Senators Slap and Anwar, introducers of the program, say the need for funds is tragic, but urgent.

HARTFORD, CT – Houses of worship and eligible nonprofit organizations at heightened risk of being the target of a hate crime or violent act will soon have access to $5 million in funds to improve security, according to the State Bond Commission’s December 15 agenda. State Senators Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) and Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) highlighted the scheduled release of funding, as they have been strong advocates for increasing protections in recent years amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship.

In 2019, Sen. Slap and Sen. Anwar introduced the original bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Last year, the state released $5 million for this program and over 200 institutions applied for the funding. About 100 institutions were awarded funding, leaving 100 institutions who did not receive grant funding.

“At this time of increased hate speech, antisemitism and Islamophobia it’s critical that we help protect our houses of worship,” said State Sen. Derek Slap. “No one should be afraid to attend services and this funding will go directly to harden infrastructure and improve security. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for putting this important funding on the agenda.”

“It is relieving, especially in times of heightened tensions and increased reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia, that this funding will continue to protect and support houses of worship across our state,” said State Sen. Saud Anwar. “Everyone should be free to practice their religion without interference or threat and this funding will make our faith communities safer. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their support.”

“The Jewish community is thankful we live in a state that understands its role in public safety,” said Michael Bloom, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut. “Thank you Senator Slap, Senator Anwar and Governor Lamont for releasing these dollars which are crucial because of the rise of Jew hatred we are seeing.”

In the Bond Commission’s agenda, $5 million in funds are set to be released pending approval on December 15. These funds, financing the Nonprofit Organization Security Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program, include investments and grants-in-aid to eligible nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation and at heightened risk of violence. These organizations can receive up to $50,000 in grant funding to reinforce properties, including installation of ballistic glass, solid core doors, double door access, electronic locks, remote locks, buzzer systems, cameras, strong vestibules and other security metrics.

Antisemitism and acts of hate have been on the rise. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2022 with a total of 3,697 incidents of assault, harassment and vandalism tracked by the ADL’s (Anti-Defamation League) Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. This represents the largest number of incidents against Jews in the U.S., recorded by ADL since 1979. Since the October 7th attacks on Israeli civilians, the ADL has recorded a significant spike in antisemitic incidents across the United States. From Oct. 7-23, 2023, ADL recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents. By comparison, during the same period in 2022, ADL received preliminary reports of 64 incidents. Preliminary data from ADL Center on Extremism indicates that reported incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault increased by 388 percent over the same period last year.

HADDAM SELECTED TO JOIN MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM TO SUPPORT VILLAGE CENTERS

Posted on by Devin James
State Senator Norm Needleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
December 5, 2023

HADDAM SELECTED TO JOIN MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM TO SUPPORT VILLAGE CENTERS

Haddam was one of six communities across Connecticut chosen for the Connecticut Main Street Center’s Main Street Accelerator program, where participants will join a six-month program to learn and practice the Four Point Main Street Approach. Town leaders will join to find new ways to improve signage, mapping and visual appeal between Haddam’s two village centers.

The Four Point Main Street Approach examines economic vitality, design, organization and promotion, focusing on community transformation. It focuses on building an economic base with new investment and appeal toward entrepreneurs; designing accessible public spaces with inviting, inclusive atmospheres; building leadership and fostering community engagement; and promoting defining aspects, benefitting local businesses and drawing new visitors.

The six-month program from the Connecticut Main Street Center is designed for teams to learn how to utilize those four points to meet a challenge their communities are facing. Haddam has two village centers, Higganum Center and Haddam Center, and better visually connecting them will provide benefits in intertwining them and supporting businesses in the area.

“Our community centers are lifebloods of local economy and culture, drawing folks from around the region to enjoy their beauty,” said State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex). “Any and all work to improve Haddam’s village centers and especially their interconnectivity will play a valuable role in further benefitting and bolstering their success and support for the town as a whole.”

“This program has been in the works for nearly two years, so we’re excited for it to come to life and make an impact in downtowns and village centers like Haddam’s. The Accelerator program provides an opportunity for CMSC to guide communities to take action on challenges or projects in a group setting, and with Haddam’s team of dedicated local stakeholders, I’m excited to see what comes out of the first cohort,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC Education & Training Director.

“With transformations underway on projects like the Higganum Cove, Scovil Hoe, and the Swing Bridge renovation with an added pedestrian sidewalk, now is the perfect time to embark on this program with CT Main Street. We are excited to develop a plan that will highlight Haddam’s unique characteristics and attractions,” said Kate Anderson, Haddam Selectwoman.

The Connecticut Main Street Center has an ongoing mission to assess, educate, convene and advocate to develop and grow Connecticut’s downtowns, village centers and mixed-use neighborhoods, supporting Main Streets everywhere.

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New London’s Alewife Cove Restoration Project Selected For Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grant

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              CONTACT
December 4, 2023                                                      Joe O’Leary 508-479-4969

New London’s Alewife Cove Restoration Project Selected For Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grant
$399,865 Grant Will Support Studies Ahead Of Eventual Dredging

Today, the Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grant selected the City of New London to receive a grant valued at $399,865 for the Alewife Cove Restoration Project. Local leaders including State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) applauded the grant award today, knowing that it will benefit the local community’s support and protection of natural wildlife, which will open new recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. The grant funding will help pay for studies of the Alewife Cove watershed in New London to support plans to eventually dredge the area.

“I’m so proud of our community’s environmental advocates who are fighting to improve our region and support local wildlife,” said Sen. Marx. “This grant funding will play a vital role in supporting local efforts to replenish the Cove with new marine life, which will lead to improved recreational opportunities for residents and provide local resources to bolster the long-term strength of our waterways.”

“I’m ecstatic, grateful and very hopeful for the future of Alewife Cove,” said Ed Lamoureux, the founder and co-chairman of the Alewife Cove Conservancy. “I want to thank Sen. Marx for all the hard work she did to help us get this as well as Michael Passero, mayor of the City of New London, First Selectman Rob Brule of the Town of Waterford and all of the Alewife Cove Conservancy members and friends who have supported our cause to protect, preserve and enhance Alewife Cove over many years. The grant funding will provide the in-depth studies Alewife Cove watershed needs and deserves to move forward to protect its resiliency and viability.”

“This grant will help the partnership between the Town of Waterford, City of New London and the Alewife Cove Conservancy begin to realize their shared dream to revitalize this spectacular natural asset that is so loved by generations of our people,” said New London Mayor Michael Passero.

“The Town of Waterford enthusiastically supports these efforts by the Alewife Cove Conservancy and the Long Island Sound Futures Grant Program to make the Alewife Cove Restoration Project possible,” said Waterford First Selectman Robert Brule. “Alewife Cove is a precious natural resource which doesn’t separate New London and Waterford…it connects us! Both communities will greatly benefit from this project by affording recreational opportunities and enhanced water quality in the Cove.”

The Alewife Cove Restoration Project and Alewife Cove Conservancy are working to restore the cove’s vibrancy, specifically supporting its natural population of alewife fish. The project’s long-term goal is to remove a small dam and dredge the cove, which will bring life back to the region and benefit local beauty as well as local recreation like kayaking and fishing. By studying the area, dredging work will be able to occur in the future, supporting the eventual completion of this work.

GEORGETOWN CHOSEN TO RECEIVE AID FROM MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Posted on by Devin James
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           CONTACT
December 4, 2023                                                      Joe O’Leary 508-479-4969

GEORGETOWN CHOSEN TO RECEIVE AID FROM MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Georgetown was one of six communities across Connecticut chosen for the Connecticut Main Street Center’s Main Street Accelerator program, where participants will join a six-month program to learn and practice the Four Point Main Street Approach. Georgetown Village Restoration Inc. (GVR) members will join to find new ways to increase exposure and foot traffic in Georgetown to support businesses and the local community.

The Four Point Main Street Approach examines economic vitality, design, organization and promotion, focusing on community transformation. It focuses on building an economic base with new investment and appeal toward entrepreneurs; designing accessible public spaces with inviting, inclusive atmospheres; building leadership and fostering community engagement; and promoting defining aspects, benefitting local businesses and drawing new visitors.

The six-month program from Connecticut Main Street Center is designed for teams to learn how to utilize those four points to meet a challenge their communities are facing. Georgetown, comprised of the corners of Redding, Weston, Wilton and Ridgefield, was founded in the early 1800s. Georgetown’s Main Street and Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill are located in Redding. GVR was founded in 1999 to support its restoration, revitalization and maintenance. Among other initiatives, it organizes the annual Georgetown Day and supports the Holiday Parade and is involved in ongoing work regarding the Wire Mill.

“Georgetown is an example of the best of our communities, especially highlighting our local history and community togetherness,” said State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton). “It’s exciting to hear that GVR will work toward supporting its long-term vitality, benefitting businesses and the local region. I look forward to the long-term benefits this work will accomplish.”

“GVR recently became a CMSC member community and is now jumping in with both feet by participating in this program, which we think is brilliant because managing a Main Street is a collective exercise. The Accelerator program is designed to equip local teams like GVR with the framework and knowledge they may need to move their project forward. I’m excited to work with them and see what results,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC Education & Training Director.

“GVR is excited to participate in CMSC’s Accelerator program and learn how we can offer more support and strengthen Georgetown. Our village is a special place, and we are lucky to have the dynamic local businesses that serve our community. We look forward to better serving them and enhancing Main Street and the community,” said Kate Perry, who serves on the board of the nonprofit organization.

The Connecticut Main Street Center has an ongoing mission to assess, educate, convene and advocate to develop and grow Connecticut’s downtowns, village centers and mixed-use neighborhoods, supporting Main Streets everywhere.
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Senator Gaston Releases Statement on New Traffic Stop Racial Disparities Study

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on New Traffic Stop Racial Disparities Study
Today, state Senator Heron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) issued a statement following a new preliminary report released by Connecticut’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Project on preliminary traffic stop data and findings for 2022. In this report, evidence concluded that between 2020 and 2022 progress has been made in Connecticut in traffic drop disparities, but racial disparities during traffic stops do still exist.

“Traffic stops are to hold motorists accountable for a roadway violation, not an excuse to present unfair prejudice toward drivers because of their skin color,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am thrilled to hear about the findings in this preliminary report of the progress that has been made in racial disparities during traffic stops in our state. As Connecticut heads toward a positive direction, I also recognize that disparities are still happening during traffic stops with Black and Brown drivers. I want to continue to work with legislators and law enforcement to eliminate unfair targeting of Black and Brown drivers and find a way to ensure every stop is guided by fairness. People who look like me should be given an equal opportunity while on the road.”

According to Ken Barone, the Project Manager with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at University of Connecticut, who manages the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, the preliminary report suggests search disparities are trending down. Disparities in traffic stops do still exist, but ever since consent searches were banned in 2020, there has been a significant reduction in disparities when pulling over drivers for a traffic stop. As the state was evaluated as a whole, it was not found that there were significant disparities in which Black and Brown people were being stopped.

In 2022, a total of 313,346 traffic stops were analyzed by 107 law enforcement agencies during the 12-month period in Connecticut. Traffic enforcement increased by 14% in 2022 compared to 2021, however, it was a 39% decrease in traffic stops compared to 2019, the last year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the preliminary findings, three tests were taken: the Veil of Darkness Test, the Stop Disposition Test, and the KPT Hit-Rate test. The results of the Veil of Darkness test show that Connecticut police were not any more likely to stop Black or Hispanic motorists. The Stop Disposition Test did not reveal any discernible pattern in terms of how minority motorists are treated following a traffic stop. And the KPT Hit-Rate test show the lower hit rate for minority motorists suggestive of potential bias on the part of the police.

As traffic stop disparities are trending down, there still are some disparities that exist.

In the report, Black and Hispanic drivers were about 20% more likely to be stopped via a spot check compared to overall data. Black and Hispanic drivers were more likely to be stopped for reasons related to Administrative Offense, Display of Plates, and Window Tint.

The report also detailed length of stop and vehicle searches. Traffic stops can vary in length, and the duration of the stop is required to be reported by the officer. In the report, Asian and American Indian drivers have the highest chance of being stopped for 0 to 15 minutes, where as Black and Hispanic drivers are much more likely to be stopped for 15 to 30 minutes and over 30 minutes. Black drivers are 39% more likely to be stopped for over 30 minutes compared to overall data and Hispanic drivers are 68% more likely. Data shows that about 1 in 36 Black drivers and 1 in 31 Hispanic drivers experience vehicle searches.

During the 2023 legislative session, Senator Gaston lead State Senate passage of a bill that requires police officers to inform drivers of the reason for a traffic stop and encourage additional police officer trainings on de-escalation, use of force, customer service, diversity, and bias. This upcoming legislative session, Senator Gaston plans to introduce a bill requiring more educational training for police officers in Connecticut, building upon previous work he’s done to improve interactions between police officers and the public.

Research shows police officers stop Black drivers more often than White drivers. The Open Policing Project states on a typical day in the U.S., police officers conduct more than 50,000 traffic stops, with officers generally stopping Black drivers at a higher rate than white drivers. A study done in 2020 shows Black drivers were 20 percent more likely to be stopped than white drivers, and Black drivers were searched about 1.5 to 2 times as often as white drivers.

To see the report, you can click here.

Senator Moore Welcomes $49,616 to District Arts Organizations Through DECD Supporting Arts Grants

Posted on by Devin James
Senator Moore

Senator Moore Welcomes $49,616 to District Arts Organizations Through DECD Supporting Arts Grants

Today, State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the announcement that local arts organizations in her district will receive $49,616 through the state Department of Economic & Community Development’s Office of the Arts as it releases its latest Supporting Arts grants. Of 232 grants awarded statewide, eleven were in the 22nd Senate District.

“Investing in the arts not only helps to fund continued arts education but empowers those in our community to amplify and express their voices while using a creative outlet to express themselves,” said Sen. Moore. “Arts play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting culture and I am thankful to the Department of Economic Community Development for their continued support with our local arts organizations in our district.”

The Supporting Arts grant program provides general operating support to Connecticut arts organizations and municipal arts departments; organizations receiving funds can use them where they are most needed. The program utilizes state and federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Organizations receiving funds include:

Bridgeport

  • City Lights & Company: $5,345
  • Clementina Arts Foundation Inc.: $3,206
  • Downtown Cabaret Theatre Company of Bridgeport: $2,586
  • Greater Bridgeport Symphony Society: $6,274
  • Kids Empowered by Your Support, Inc.: $4,518
  • Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation, Inc.: $5,558
  • Metro Art Studios Inc.: $5,923
  • Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County: $4,690
  • WPKN, Inc.: $5,426

Trumbull

  • Connecticut Chamber Choir: $2,453
  • Harmony on the Sound Chorus, Inc.: $3,637
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SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES $59,000 FOR WESTERN CONNECTICUT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 30, 2023

SENATOR KUSHNER WELCOMES $59,000 FOR WESTERN CONNECTICUT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today said local arts organizations in the 24th State Senate District towns of Danbury, Ridgefield and New Fairfield will receive $59,421 through the state Department of Economic & Community Development’s Office of the Arts as it releases its Supporting Arts Grants for 2024.

The Supporting Arts Grant Program provides general operating support to Connecticut arts organizations and municipal arts departments; organizations receiving funds can use them where they are most needed. The program utilizes state funds and federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts

“We’ve got a vibrant arts culture here in western Connecticut, and I’m pleased that the state and federal governments are investing in the musical and performing arts organizations that Connecticut residents value so highly,” Sen. Kushner said.

Local organizations receiving funding include:

· A Contemporary Theatre (ACT), Ridgefield, $4,843

· Camerata d’Amici, Ridgefield, $2,897

· Civic Life Project, New Fairfield, $3,848

· Danbury Music Centre, Danbury, $3,303

· Musical at Richter, Danbury, $5,820

· Ridgefield Chorale, Ridgefield, $4,247

· Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Ridgefield, $4,220

· Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, Ridgefield, $10,491

· Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield, $4,152

· Ridgefield Workshop for The Performing Arts, Ridgefield, $6,376

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SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $25,000 FOR SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 30, 2023

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $25,000 FOR SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today said local arts organizations in the 17th State Senate District towns of Hamden and Woodbridge will receive $25,472 through the state Department of Economic & Community Development’s Office of the Arts as it releases its Supporting Arts Grants for 2024.

The Supporting Arts Grant Program provides general operating support to Connecticut arts organizations and municipal arts departments; organizations receiving funds can use them where they are most needed. The program utilizes state funds and federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts

“I’m happy to see the state and federal governments getting together to support the arts in our communities,” Sen. Cabrera said. “Many people are aware of government funding for road and bridge repairs and support for our schools, but the arts are just as important to the social life of a community. It’s what brings us together.”

Local organizations receiving funding include:

· Amity Teen Center, Woodbridge, $5,450

· Arts for Learning Connecticut, Hamden, $6,545

· Best Video Film & Cultural Center, Hamden, $4,357

· New Haven Oratorio Choir, Hamden, $3,941

· Whitney Players, Hamden, $5,179

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