Author: Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

Posted on by Devin James

Stamford Delegation Welcomes $2 Million State Grant for Hatchfield Park Improvements

 

STAMFORD, CT – Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation welcomed the State Bond Commission’s Thursday approval of $2 million in state funding for essential improvements to Stamford’s Hatchfield Park.

The park will receive comprehensive renovations including accessibility upgrades, rehabilitated facilities, improved pathways, and enhanced recreational spaces. The funding supports the city’s broader efforts to revitalize neighborhood parks and expand programming for residents of all ages.

“Hatchfield Park has been the heart of the neighborhood for West Side residents for generations. I remember it being a safe place where children and teenagers gathered for all sorts of activities, but when I visit today I see playground surfaces that have become tripping hazards for our kids, a basketball court where grass pokes through cracked pavement, and paint flaking off rusted equipment,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “Our families deserve better and this grant will help transform Hatchfield into a safe, welcoming space with ADA-compliant pathways, a rehabilitated pavilion, and modern amenities that work for everyone. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for the investment in this neighborhood space where our children play and our families gather.”

“As House Chair of the Children’s Committee, I have a responsibility to ensure that our policies and investments support the health, safety, and development of children,” Representative Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “Playgrounds are essential community spaces that promote physical activity, learning, and social connection. Hatchfield Park has served Stamford residents for decades, and this funding will ensure it continues to be a safe and vibrant resource for families on the city’s West Side. I am grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving these funds to strengthen this important community asset.”

“Our local parks serve a vital purpose for our communities, providing outdoor recreation and fresh air while also bringing people together,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “If the resources they offer fade and degrade, they potentially can fall into disrepair. I’m encouraged these funds will make certain that Hatchfield Park remains a vibrant, well-loved space for Stamford residents to enjoy.”

“Investing in Hatchfield Park means investing in our community,” Representative Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “These comprehensive renovations will ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy this shared public space for years to come.”

“Hatchfield Park has played a significant role in the Stamford community for decades, as a place for the neighborhood for all kinds of activities,” said Representative Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford. “These critical renovations will allow Hatchfield Park to continue to thrive as a place for Stamford residents to build a community and connect with each other.”

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

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SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES STATE BONDING FOR NORWICH, PRESTON, LOCAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed a variety of state bonding projects that will benefit not only eastern Connecticut, but will benefit towns and young people all across Connecticut. Each project is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission when it meets tomorrow, Thursday, December 18 at 10 a.m. in Hartford.

Senator Osten welcomed $1 million for a state Department of Social Services customer service center to operate as a new opportunity center in Norwich, and $1.37 million for new refrigerant and chilled water piping, updated controls, and roof work the Uncas on Thames Campus at 401 West Thames Street in Norwich.

Sen. Osten also welcomed a $500,000 state grant for Special Olympics Connecticut to use for the construction of a new headquarters in Bristol, and $400,000 for upgrades to a wastewater pump station in Preston on the site of the former Norwich State Hospital. The pump station needs upgrades to prepare for the Mohegan Tribe’s Preston Riverwalk development, which is expected to increase demand on the town-owned sewer pumping station.

Sen. Osten also welcomed $30 million in new,  so-called “DRIP” funds – the state’s District Repair and Improvement Program – that was just created this year to provide funding to assist public schools with the costs of minor capital repairs, improvements and maintenance, and to reduce the need for more costly and extensive renovations in the future.

“This is nearly a billion-dollar bonding agenda, and I want everyone to notice that about half of it is being spent on cities and towns. The state is picking up the tab for projects all across Connecticut that local taxpayers would otherwise be paying higher property taxes for,” Sen. Osten said. “Each of these projects has its own unique and local impact. Norwich is getting better social services delivery. Preston and the region will see economic development due to an updated wastewater pumping station. The Connecticut Special Olympics won’t have to fundraise as long or as hard to build their new headquarters. And schoolchildren all across the state will have safer, more modern schools which their parents don’t have to pay more local property taxes to improve. This state funding is great news, especially in this economy and at this time of year.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATE DEMOCRATS RELEASE STATEMENTS RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INVESTMENT

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, and State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released statements responding to Governor Lamont’s announced plan to invest at least $5.2 million into homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, to be contributed through the Emergency State Response Reserve, will be used to support providers in the state receiving aid through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. Funding for that program, a primary federal homelessness prevention and support effort, is currently paused, and the Trump administration recently announced plans to upend its funding allocations.

“Thousands of Connecticut residents risk homelessness due to sudden and arbitrary federal funding changes. I’m pleased our state is responding before people are directly impacted,” said Sen. Looney. “The Republican federal government is again abdicating its duty to protect Americans, this time by adopting a policy to increase the number of people living on the streets. Our state’s foresight will limit and forestall this new imposition of suffering.”

“In November, our state prepared an emergency response reserve for moments like this, where the Trump administration puts important funding in limbo, and Connecticut residents are left picking up the pieces,” said Sen. Duff. “With temperatures unseasonably low, we are saying loud and clear that people need homes, not to be living outside, braving the elements. The Republican policy to create more homeless people is incomprehensible. I’m grateful for our state’s work to back up our commitments to the people of Connecticut and to help those in harm’s way.”

“As a home care registered nurse, I care for many elderly residents who have lost their homes due to increasing rents,” said Sen. Marx. “If we don’t maintain the programs we have and protect our residents from proposed looming cuts from the Trump administration, this problem will become much more dire.”

“Everyone experiencing housing insecurity has a different story, which makes the need for the Continuum of Care – approaching the full spectrum of issues that can set people back – so important, and the Trump administration’s abdication of duty for that program so disheartening,” said Sen. Anwar. “It’s a relief to know Connecticut is taking direct action to preserve this vital program for so many in need.”

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Posted on by Devin James

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) are releasing a statement following Trump’s new executive order blocking states from enforcing their own regulations around AI.

“With the gridlock in DC, states have been the only ones to act to defend their residents from harms of social media, and this executive order would prevent states from acting to defend their residents from potential harms of AI,” said Sen. Maroney. “We will not harness the full potential of this technology until the majority of people feel safe in using it, and this order is a major step in the wrong direction.”

“Connecticut and several other states have been leading the way in establishing common sense AI standards that protect workers, consumers, and children in everyday life,” said Sen. Looney. “Preventing states from regulating artificial intelligence exposes people to dangerous decisions, allows companies to operate without accountability, increases the likelihood of errors, and widens inequality. We will continue to champion strong, thoughtful regulation that ensures the public feels safe using these powerful technologies.”

“Donald Trump’s executive order on artificial intelligence is not about innovation or public safety. It is about enriching millionaires and billionaires at the expense of working people,” said Senator Duff. “States have stepped up where Congress has failed to protect people online, and Trump and his billionaire allies in Big Tech are afraid of that progress. By trying to strip states of their authority, this order would leave the public more vulnerable to discrimination, unsafe content, and reckless decision-making by powerful tech platforms. Executive orders are not law, and this unconstitutional overreach will be challenged in court. Like so many of Trump’s past wannabe authoritarian type actions, I expect this order to end up in the ash heap of defeated executive orders.”

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Posted on by Devin James

Maroney, Looney & Duff Oppose Trump Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Chair of the General Law Committee, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) are releasing a statement following Trump’s new executive order blocking states from enforcing their own regulations around AI.

“With the gridlock in DC, states have been the only ones to act to defend their residents from harms of social media, and this executive order would prevent states from acting to defend their residents from potential harms of AI,” said Sen. Maroney. “We will not harness the full potential of this technology until the majority of people feel safe in using it, and this order is a major step in the wrong direction.”

“Connecticut and several other states have been leading the way in establishing common sense AI standards that protect workers, consumers, and children in everyday life,” said Sen. Looney. “Preventing states from regulating artificial intelligence exposes people to dangerous decisions, allows companies to operate without accountability, increases the likelihood of errors, and widens inequality. We will continue to champion strong, thoughtful regulation that ensures the public feels safe using these powerful technologies.”

“Donald Trump’s executive order on artificial intelligence is not about innovation or public safety. It is about enriching millionaires and billionaires at the expense of working people,” said Senator Duff. “States have stepped up where Congress has failed to protect people online, and Trump and his billionaire allies in Big Tech are afraid of that progress. By trying to strip states of their authority, this order would leave the public more vulnerable to discrimination, unsafe content, and reckless decision-making by powerful tech platforms. Executive orders are not law, and this unconstitutional overreach will be challenged in court. Like so many of Trump’s past wannabe authoritarian type actions, I expect this order to end up in the ash heap of defeated executive orders.”

Sen. Lesser Applauds Governor’s $70M Allocation for ACA Tax Credits

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Applauds Governor’s $70M Allocation for ACA Tax Credits

HARTFORD – Today State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, applauded news that Governor Ned Lamont has pledged $70 million to replace the federal Advanced Premium Tax Credits expiring this month that Republicans in Congress have failed to renew. Those who purchase healthcare on the exchange are expecting to see their premiums more than double.

In November, Senator Lesser and his Democratic colleagues voted to allow Governor Lamont to authorize $500 million to insulate Connecticut residents from the effects of President Trump’s attack on healthcare, nutrition programs and home heating assistance. This $70 million is the first allocation stemming from that action and will also provide funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) who are preparing for significant revenue cuts and an uptick in demand.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for taking action to protect Connecticut residents from the unsustainable premium hikes coming in 2026. This funding represents a major attempt to protect the working poor and the middle class from the worst ravages of the Trump cuts, something I have been advocating for since the details of the Republican agenda were made clear in the spring. Today’s announcement from the Governor represents an act of moral courage and is a major step in the right direction. Still, many Connecticut residents, particularly in the middle class, will see astronomical rate hikes unless Congress acts before the end of the year.

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are passing policies that take money from the poor and middle class to hand to their own cronies. The cuts to health insurance are appalling. While this funding will not insulate all residents from the effects of a hostile White House, here in Connecticut, we will do everything in our power to protect access to affordable, quality healthcare including individual coverage purchased through Access Health CT.”

STATEMENT OF INSURANCE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR SEN. JORGE CABRERA ON CONNECTICUT FUNDING ACCESS HEALTH CT INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 2026, DESPITE TRUMP & REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS

Posted on by Devin James

STATEMENT OF INSURANCE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR SEN. JORGE CABRERA ON CONNECTICUT FUNDING ACCESS HEALTH CT INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 2026, DESPITE TRUMP & REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS

“I and other legislators have been talking with the governor’s office for a while – including yesterday – about a solution to the Republican inhumanity coming out of Washington D.C. and their refusal to help Americans pay for their health insurance premiums. When Connecticut Democrats passed legislation in special session last month, that gave us the opportunity to do something about it. So, I’m happy with the governor’s announcement today, I think it’s a good bang for the buck coverage-wise, and it will help almost 2,000 people in my Senate District and about 143,000 in Connecticut afford their health insurance premiums next year. Governor Lamont has proven by his action today that Connecticut will step to help people pay for their health care, and we will do it again if necessary. It’s just immensely disturbing that Donald Trump and Republicans had to push us to this point by trading America’s health insurance for tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. Hopefully they won’t be a majority in Congress much longer.