Author: Devin James

Sen. Looney and Sen. Duff Denounce Cuts to Federal Digital Equity Program

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Looney and Sen. Duff Denounce Cuts to Federal Digital Equity Program

Connecticut to Lose $20 Million in Federal Funding

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement in response to today’s CT Mirror report on President Trump’s cut to the federal digital equity program which will cause Connecticut to lose $20 million in funding.

“This is getting exhausting. Just five months into Republican control of Washington and it’s already hard to keep track of all the ways the GOP has shifted more of a burden onto Connecticut taxpayers. Week after week, they target another federally funded program — whether it’s mental health care for Connecticut kids or, this week, funding to expand digital access in our communities — and tell local taxpayers to pay for it themselves. Make no mistake: voters notice, just as they notice the ever-growing silence from Connecticut Republicans, who still can’t seem to find the courage to utter a single meek word in defense of the people they supposedly represent.”

Sen. Looney Releases Statement on the Passing of Former WTNH Reporter Mark Davis

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Looney Releases Statement on the Passing of Former WTNH Reporter Mark Davis

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) released the following statement regarding the passing of former WTNH reporter Mark Davis.

“In a media landscape where personalities come and go with jarring frequency, Mark Davis was a steady presence for many years, beginning in broadcast journalism in the early 1980s as I was starting my own career in the General Assembly. For decades, Mark could be found seated in the front row of nearly every press conference, ready with the first question. He understood the vital role government plays in the lives of residents and recognized the media’s responsibility to illuminate its workings, even when simpler, flashier stories competed for attention. He brought a sharp mind and unmistakable presence to his work, and he will be missed.”

Sen. Duff Releases Statement on the Passing of Former WTNH Reporter Mark Davis

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Duff Releases Statement on the Passing of Former WTNH Reporter Mark Davis

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement regarding the passing of former WTNH reporter Mark Davis.

“I started watching Mark with my grandparents, who always turned on Channel 8 for state news. When I first met Mark working on a gubernatorial campaign in 1994, I was starstruck. He was probably one of the first people I shook hands with who was actually on the television. Mark was so kind and easygoing, almost like he had known me for years. I immediately called my grandparents to tell them who I had a conversation with. Years later, when I was elected to the legislature and was interviewed by Mark, he was still the same kind and easygoing person but was always tough with his reporting yet fair. We lost one of the good ones today. I hope my grandparents and he have the same opportunity to shake hands and talk about the issues of the day.”

STATEMENT OF LABOR COMMITTEE SENATE CHAIR JULIE KUSHNER ON GOV. LAMONT’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 8 /UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR WORKERS ON STRIKE MORE THAN 14 DAYS

Posted on by Devin James

STATEMENT OF LABOR COMMITTEE SENATE CHAIR JULIE KUSHNER ON GOV. LAMONT’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 8 /UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR WORKERS ON STRIKE MORE THAN 14 DAYS

“The governor is on the wrong side on this one. Most often, strikes occur when workers are fighting to protect their health and pension benefits or fighting egregious working conditions. It’s never an easy or careless decision to strike. Furthermore, when unionized workers’ wages and benefits are protected or improved, every business in Connecticut is then pressured to improve its own workplace standards. This bill would not only help workers on one particular picket line, it would help the entire Connecticut workforce – our friends and neighbors – and keep us moving forward. That’s really important in this economy where corporate profits are soaring, where the stock market is soaring, and where working people are left to grapple with rising prices for rent and childcare and inflation at the grocery store and gas pump.

“I disagree with the governor when he suggests that providing unemployment benefits to striking workers gives them an unfair advantage at the bargaining table. For nearly 100 years, since the enactment of the National Labor Relations Act, corporate America has lobbied successfully to impose limitations on workers’ rights – putting their collective thumb on the scales in favor of business. But when Democrats in the General Assembly – who were overwhelmingly elected to represent the people of this state just a few months ago – pass legislation that would allow workers to exercise without fear of impoverishment their right to strike under federal law, the governor sides with businesses,  joining the long list of politicians, past and present, who side with corporate executives. Now is a good time to remember that the only reason that we have good jobs with good benefits in Connecticut is because of the effort of labor unions to fight for and secure these jobs. For example, Pratt & Whitney threatened to move out of state if the governor were to sign this bill. Did the governor get a written commitment, or even a handshake, from Pratt to create more jobs or even guarantee that the jobs we have will stay in Connecticut? The only written guarantees from Pratt are in the union contract the workers fought to secure.

“Thank you, Connecticut union members, for working so hard to get this bill passed. I look forward to raising this issue again in another legislative session and having it successfully signed into law – whether that’s next year or when we elect a governor who has pledged to support workers on this critical priority.”

State Senator Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, Senate Chair, Labor & Public Employees Committee

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of SB 8

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of SB 8

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to Governor Lamont’s veto of Senate Bill 8.

“We are disheartened that Governor Lamont has vetoed Senate Bill 8, which would have extended unemployment insurance protections to striking workers. Connecticut faces a Trump administration rolling back worker protections, a National Labor Relations Board that is in the back pocket of big business, and an unprecedented consolidation of corporate power. Now, more than ever, states must stand up for workers’ rights. The Connecticut State Senate recognizes that other states have adopted various versions of this policy tailored to their unique circumstances. We remain willing to compromise with the Governor to achieve consensus on an appropriate model for Connecticut.”

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of SB 8

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of SB 8

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to Governor Lamont’s veto of Senate Bill 8.

“We are disheartened that Governor Lamont has vetoed Senate Bill 8, which would have extended unemployment insurance protections to striking workers. Connecticut faces a Trump administration rolling back worker protections, a National Labor Relations Board that is in the back pocket of big business, and an unprecedented consolidation of corporate power. Now, more than ever, states must stand up for workers’ rights. The Connecticut State Senate recognizes that other states have adopted various versions of this policy tailored to their unique circumstances. We remain willing to compromise with the Governor to achieve consensus on an appropriate model for Connecticut.”

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of HB 5002

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of HB 5002

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to Governor Lamont’s veto of House Bill 5002.

“We are deeply disappointed that Governor Lamont has chosen to veto the most comprehensive effort to tackle Connecticut’s urgent housing crisis. Connecticut cannot create jobs, lower costs, and attract businesses without building more housing.

“Democratic and Republican governors across the country, like Florida, Texas, California, and Montana, understand the need to cut red tape and increase housing supply. Many of those chief executives take the lead on housing initiatives because they understand how critical these measures are to the local economy. At our State Capitol, undue weight is placed on the opinions of some municipal officials who do not think beyond the borders of their own communities, rather than on the needs of families seeking housing.

“We have collaborated with Governor Lamont on many issues, including this bill, and we look forward to a continued partnership. The Governor earnestly believes he can get municipal officials and their interest groups to agree to a strong bill. When that happens, we look forward to seeing the proposal.

“We will continue to stand strong on addressing housing. The families in the state are counting on us. We will break through as we must for the future of our state.”

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of HB 5002

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Release Statement on Governor’s Veto of HB 5002

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statements today in response to Governor Lamont’s veto of House Bill 5002.

“We are deeply disappointed that Governor Lamont has chosen to veto the most comprehensive effort to tackle Connecticut’s urgent housing crisis. Connecticut cannot create jobs, lower costs, and attract businesses without building more housing.

“Democratic and Republican governors across the country, like Florida, Texas, California, and Montana, understand the need to cut red tape and increase housing supply. Many of those chief executives take the lead on housing initiatives because they understand how critical these measures are to the local economy. At our State Capitol, undue weight is placed on the opinions of some municipal officials who do not think beyond the borders of their own communities, rather than on the needs of families seeking housing.

“We have collaborated with Governor Lamont on many issues, including this bill, and we look forward to a continued partnership. The Governor earnestly believes he can get municipal officials and their interest groups to agree to a strong bill. When that happens, we look forward to seeing the proposal.

“We will continue to stand strong on addressing housing. The families in the state are counting on us. We will break through as we must for the future of our state.”

Sen. Lesser Reacts to Senate Proposal to Cut Billions More from Medicaid

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Reacts to Senate Proposal to Cut Billions More from Medicaid

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, released a statement in response to the U.S. Senate policy bill announced this week that would deliver billions more in Medicaid cuts than the House proposal passed last month. The proposal would limit a provision that provides more federal matching funds to states. The Medicaid provider tax is used by 49 states and would cutting its funding would shortchange states by billions of dollars.

“Donald Trump made a promise not to cut Medicaid, but this proposal will do exactly that. Make no mistake, Congressional Republicans are targeting Blue states who have expanded access to healthcare under the Affordable Care Act,” said Sen. Lesser. “Between gutting the Medicaid provider tax and strengthening the loss-of-work penalty, this proposal is even more devastating than what was proposed by the House, and will put 20% of Connecticut’s federal Medicaid funding at risk. This is an enormous cost-shift to the states, and while in Connecticut we are dedicated to protecting healthcare for our most vulnerable, there is only so much funding we can provide.”

“Whether it be protecting healthcare, food programs, heating assistance or any other basic need that comes under attack, I will always defend Connecticut against a hostile federal partner who continues to break their promises to the people they were elected to serve.”

West Hartford Delegation Secures State Funding for Mobility Hubs in The Center

Posted on by Devin James

West Hartford Delegation Secures State Funding for Mobility Hubs in The Center

In the last days of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Derek Slap and State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, James Sanchez and James Sánchez welcomed $600,000 in the state budget for the development of two mobility hubs in West Hartford Center.

The legislative delegation worked with Mayor Shari Cantor and Town Manager Rick Ledwith to secure $300,000 in both 2026 and 2027 for the development and expansion of two mobility hubs in West Hartford Center, one on LaSalle Road and the other on Farmington Avenue.

The mobility hubs are in line with both the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Plan and the town’s Vision Zero Plan by enhancing multimodal transportation options, reducing vehicle congestion and improving safety for all road users. The hubs will integrate bike share, transit connections, e-charging stations, covered bike racks, pedestrian infrastructure, and emerging mobility technologies. This infrastructure plan takes steps towards the town’s goal of a more sustainable and efficient transportation network, while also incorporating the goals of Vision Zero and increasing traffic safety.

“I am thrilled to have been able to secure these funds for continued development of West Hartford Center,” said Sen. Slap (D-West Hartford). “The Center is the heart of our community and serves residents of all ages. The leadership and vision of Mayor Cantor and her administration is well-illustrated with this project, centering both economic development and pedestrian safety. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and our continued partnership to best serve the residents of West Hartford.”

“I am in full support of expanding transportation options in accessible locations to meet a diversity of needs. This is a smart, forward-looking investment in both our current and future economic vitality. I look forward to seeing the transportation hub foster greater interconnectivity, strengthen our sense of community, and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone it serves,” said Rep. Gilchrest (D-West Hartford).

“West Hartford is such a popular place to be,” Rep. Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon) said. “I am pleased to see funding secured to make our town less congested, more connected, and safer by integrating bike share, bike racks, transit connections, e-charging stations, and more. I am excited about the possibilities the mobility hubs on LaSalle Road and Farmington Ave., will offer.”

“State funding to develop two mobility hubs in West Hartford Center is a major step to improve more accessible transportation for all in our town and region,” said Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington). “Any step to improve more seamless access to transportation options, such as biking, walking, and transit, supports our vibrant and healthy community.”

“Funding for mobility hubs in West Hartford Center is a major step in building a more connected and inclusive community. These modern-day transportation centers will provide safe, accessible, and convenient options for people to get around,” said Rep. James Sánchez (D – West Hartford, Hartford). “This investment helps ensure West Hartford remains vibrant and sustainable for all.”

“Having access to multiple forms of transportation will unlock the state for residents in our community. Transit centers are an excellent investment and I am excited to see how they transform West Hartford for the better,” said Rep. Gibson (D – West Hartford, Bloomfield).

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said, “We are deeply appreciative of the state’s investment for the full implementation of two mobility hubs that closely align with our Center Infrastructure Plan and our Vision Zero Plan. These mobility hubs are designed to enhance multimodal transportation options, reduce vehicular congestion, and improve safety for all road users—goals that are foundational to West Hartford’s future and to broader regional priorities. By integrating bike share, transit connections, e-charging stations, covered bike racks, pedestrian infrastructure, and emerging mobility technologies, these hubs will serve as anchors in our efforts to create a more connected, accessible, and safe West Hartford Center.” She continued, “Moreover, the mobility hubs directly support our Vision Zero strategy by addressing known high-risk areas with infrastructure that prioritizes safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The investment in these hubs is not only a strategic move toward a more sustainable and efficient transportation network but also a moral imperative as we work to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.”