Author: Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Issue Statement on Trump’s Halt of Revolution Wind Project

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney and Duff Issue Statement on Trump’s Halt of Revolution Wind Project

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, issued the following statement today regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to halt construction on the Revolution Wind project.
“Trump’s decision will crush blue-collar union jobs he pretends to care about and force Connecticut families to shoulder higher electric bills. Unlike him, our residents can’t abuse federal power for personal gain to cover rising energy costs.”

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Cromwell Middle School Completion

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Cromwell Middle School Completion

CROMWELL, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser toured the brand-new Cromwell Middle School ahead of its official ribbon cutting next week.

In 2023, Sen. Lesser, alongside his colleague State Representative Christie Carpino, announced that they had secured a significant increase in the state reimbursement rate for this project from the Department of Administrative Services. With a reimbursement rate increase from 39.64% to 49.64%, Cromwell taxpayers saw a savings of $6.8 million on this project, that came in on-time and under-budget.

In June 2022, Cromwell voters approved constructing a replacement for the current school based on estimates of $58.6 million. Due to price increases, the project required an additional $14 million, which voters approved in a referendum in May 2023.

“The brand-new Cromwell Middle School is a project that truly represents what students and teachers need to thrive in today’s age,” said Sen. Matt Lesser. “Rep. Carpino and I worked to secure a high reimbursement rate from the State, saving Cromwell taxpayers nearly $7 million. Now, I am thrilled to see the project completed and ready for an exciting new school year.”

The middle school construction project aimed to address a number of long range plans and goals including:

-A school with a 491 student capacity

-Improved educational spaces with access to daylight and technology throughout the building

-Remediate all hazardous materials concerns

-New heating, and cooling and piping central systems to improve indoor air quality and allow the school to function year-round

-New electrical systems infrastructure to allow for technology in all instructional spaces

-A complete fire protection system (sprinklers) to provide a safe environment

-Allow for space for all staff and educators to meet and collaborate

-To facilitate the introduction of a STEAM theme and encourage cross-discipline learning

-Improve and continue to incorporate the core secondary instructional spaces: art, music, life and social skills

-An ADA compliant school

-Academic goals for literacy, social studies, mathematics, science, wellness, music, art, and outdoor learning

For more information on the project, please visit this link.

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Parker Celebrate New Elementary School in Madison

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Parker Celebrate New Elementary School in Madison

(Left to Right: Superintendent Dr. Craig Cooke, State Representative John-Michael Parker,State Senator Christine Cohen, Neck River Principal Becky Frost)

MADISON, CT – On Tuesday, State Senator Christine Cohen, State Representative John-Michael Parker, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons and several local leaders celebrated the official ribbon-cutting of the brand new Neck River Elementary School in Madison.

Last year, Sen. Cohen and Rep. Parker increased the state reimbursement rate for this project 10 percent from 18.21 percent to 28.21 percent, saving Madison taxpayers roughly $6 million.

According to Madison Public Schools, the new Neck River Elementary School is a 60,000 square foot building that is energy efficient, safe, and meets the needs of modern education. The building was designed in accordance with Connecticut High Performance Building standards and runs on a geothermal round-sourced heat pump system. The building has spaces for core instruction, related arts, a library media center, a gym, a stage, three playgrounds and much more. Neck River will hold over 600 students in grades PreK-5.

“I am thrilled to see this project completed, and just in time for a new school year,” said Sen. Cohen. “Neck River is a vision of the future – it uses clean and energy efficient technology, while creating a classroom that will best serve the needs of students in today’s age. This project is a great example of local and state collaboration to best serve our residents. What will now truly bring this school to life are the hardworking teachers who inspire and the students who will fill the halls with laughter and learning.”

“This ribbon cutting is the latest in a series of projects that will provide critical renovations to the infrastructure of Madison’s schools,” Rep. Parker said. “As this project is in my hometown, it holds special meaning for me, and I’m especially proud of the role we played in securing a higher state reimbursement rate — saving taxpayers in our district $6 million. These construction projects will provide our students with the modern facilities they need for their education, and I can’t wait to see the final result.”

“Neck River is one of many major investments being made by the Town as part of the Madison School Renewal Plan approved by voters in 2022 – a plan which has allowed us as a community to create new, up-to-date learning spaces that live up to our well-deserved reputation as an exceptional school district,” said First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. “Just as previous generations built and supported so many of our school buildings over the last 75 years, now it is our turn to open up this new, beautiful, highly efficient building and continue our commitment to invest in Madison’s very bright future.”

“We are excited to open up the doors of the first new school in Madison in over 20 years,” said Dr. Craig Cooke, Superintendent of Schools. This beautiful school reflects the town’s commitment to ensuring that Madison students have modern, dynamic, comfortable learning spaces.”

“At the end of the day, this project says, ‘We care.’ We care about our students, our educators, and our community’s future,” said Board of Education Chair Seth Klaskin. “We’ve invested in modern, safe, energy-efficient, and educationally appropriate schools because that’s the Madison Way. To my fellow taxpayers and voters—thank you for sharing in the vision and making it real. I am immensely proud and deeply humbled to have played a role in this progress for our town.”

SENATOR MAHER PROUD OF LOCAL EDUCATION AS FIVE OF TOP TEN, SEVEN OF TOP 13 HIGH SCHOOLS IN CONNECTICUT ARE WITHIN DISTRICT

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SENATOR MAHER PROUD OF LOCAL EDUCATION AS FIVE OF TOP TEN, SEVEN OF TOP 13 HIGH SCHOOLS IN CONNECTICUT ARE WITHIN DISTRICT

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) was proud of educators, students and faculty across the region, as the US News and World Report Best High School rankings found five of the top ten high schools in Connecticut and seven of the top 13 were all located within the 26th Senate District.

New Canaan High School placed second statewide, with Weston High School, Darien High School, Wilton High School and Staples High School respectively following in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth-place spots. Ridgefield High School was not far behind in 12th place, with Redding’s Joel Barlow High School closely following in 13th.

“It’s no secret our schools are some of the best in the state, and US News and World Report is only reinforcing that in its latest rankings,” said Sen. Maher. “Our region is genuinely committed to academic excellence, and this is the result of strong focus and investment in the success of our students. These distinctions aren’t just for the schools themselves; they’re reflective of community-wide efforts to build a solid foundation for our future generations.”

The schools were all lauded for their high graduation rates, effective college readiness efforts, strong student performance on standardized exams and commitment to education. The US News and World Report methodology weighs college readiness efforts, proficiency and performance on state assessment tests, performance of underserved student populations, the breadth of high school seniors’ classes for college preparation, and overall graduation rates.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS EAST HARTFORD’S CONNECTICUT IB ACADEMY NAMED BEST HIGH SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT

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SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS EAST HARTFORD’S CONNECTICUT IB ACADEMY NAMED BEST HIGH SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after US News and World Report’s annual ranking of the best high schools in Connecticut named East Hartford’s Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy the top high school in the state. The school has previously received the Blue Ribbon School distinction from the federal Department of Education and has been named the top secondary magnet school in the United States; it was lauded for its college preparation, breadth of curriculum, and student performance.

“It’s truly an honor, and a testament to investment and focus on local education, that the Connecticut IB Academy was again named the top high school in the state. The entire East Hartford community should be proud of this achievement, which reflects the hard work of students, faculty and staff combined. Strong college preparation and intensive classroom efforts that result in such high marks on a national scale should be lauded.”

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Decrease in Fatal Traffic Collisions

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Decrease in Fatal Traffic Collisions

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, welcomed reporting from the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) that fatal traffic collisions on state roads are down this year compared to last year.

“These numbers are certainly encouraging, but the work is nowhere near done,” said Sen. Cohen. “I am grateful for the work of the State Troopers and to the partnership of the folks at DESPP and DOT. This is a step in the right direction, but the reckless driving happening on our roads remains a huge problem. I am ready to return to the Capitol in February to continue our work in keeping our motorists, cyclists and pedestrians safe on our roads.”

According to the DESPP, from Jan. 1 through July 31 of this year there were 49 fatal collisions on roads and highways patrolled by the Connecticut State Police, compared to 69 fatal collisions during the same period in 2024.

The DESPP analysis found that I-84 was the highway where most fatal collisions happened, and most collisions occurred on Mondays and Thursdays between 9 and 10 p.m.

As Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, Senator Cohen has led passage of legislation that implements wrong-way driving countermeasures, automated speed enforcement and work zone safety precautions.

Connecticut’s State Police force has shrunk and in order to increase officer recruitment and retention, Senator Cohen voted in May to approve a 2.5% general wage hike, step increases and more competitive benefits for our State Troopers.

More information about traffic collisions can be found here.

Sen. Cohen Named Legislative Leader in Manufacturing

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Named Legislative Leader in Manufacturing

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, celebrates being selected to receive the 2025 ManufactureCT “Outstanding Leader in Government Affairs” award.

This award is typically given to someone who exhibits strong leadership that impacts manufacturing issues in a positive way. Senator Cohen is being recognized for her ongoing transportation advocacy which impacts workforce development in a positive way.

“Investing in transportation is not just an investment in a critical public service, but it is also a boon for workforce development and the economy,” said Sen. Cohen. “I am so grateful for the partnership of ManufactureCT and I am honored to be recognized by industry leaders in a sector that is quite literally paving the way for a more connected tomorrow.”

“Senator Cohen’s unwavering dedication to transportation is a tremendous asset for employers and employees,” said Jim Gildea, Chair of the ManufactureCT Government Affairs Committee and past President of ManufactureCT. “Her efforts are instrumental in enhancing our workforce, enabling our manufacturers to effectively recruit, and retain the talent essential for maintaining competitiveness in today’s market.”

ManufactureCT is one of the nation’s longest standing industry groups that serves the manufacturing industry. According to ManufactureCT, they represent “firms that make precision instruments for medical and aerospace industries, security devices for information systems, specialty chemicals, fixtures in metals, plastics, and other materials using a range of technologies and processes from 3D printing to traditional stamping and machine tooling, and more.”

Senator Cohen will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony in October.

SEN. CABRERA REACTS TO INSURANCE COMPANY FILINGS FOR HIGHER PREMIUMS ON A QUARTER-MILLION CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. CABRERA REACTS TO INSURANCE COMPANY FILINGS FOR HIGHER PREMIUMS ON A QUARTER-MILLION CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), who is Senate Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, issued the following statement today in reaction to the new, proposed health insurance premium rate hikes from Anthem Health Plans, CTCare Benefits Inc., Oxford Health Plans/Insurance Inc., and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Co. that seek to raise premiums on 224,000 Connecticut residents by 5.9% to 26.1%.

The rate hikes affect Connecticut residents who are enrolled in one of the state-regulated Access Health CT health care plans created by Democrats and President Barack Obama under a law known as the Affordable Care Act; the proposed rate hikes do NOT affect most private-sector insurance that is controlled by federal ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) laws.

“We’ve come to the point now – especially with the damage being inflicted by Donald Trump and Washington Republicans – that health insurance premiums for the working-class and small businesses have become the new electric rate shock. It’s that bad. We’ve got thousands of people in every town and city in Connecticut, in every House and Senate district, Democrat and Republican, who are ultimately going to see a rate hike of some sort.

“The largest single group of individuals buying coverage on Connecticut’s health insurance exchange – about a third – are folks ages 55 to 64. Then there’s another 70,000 or so who work at small businesses. They all make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, and they’re not old enough for Medicare. These are moderate-income, working-class Connecticut residents who are about to get blasted.

“But the proposed rate hikes from Anthem, Oxford, United and others aren’t even the bad news. The real bad news is that Trump and Republicans have just killed an average $1,700 in federal health care premium assistance for about 140,000 Connecticut residents on the exchange. For a family of three, that’s about half a month’s income. At the same time, Trump and Republicans have changed Medicaid requirements that will force an unknow number of people off of Medicaid and possibly onto the state health insurance exchange. Or maybe they just won’t have any health insurance at all.

“Either way, brace yourself for a lot more people paying higher health insurance premiums because of corporate greed and damaging Republican health care policies – all to give millionaires a tax break while the middle class bleeds. This is the grim, grim reality of Donald Trump’s America. And I don’t see how the State of Connecticut can make up a multi, multi-million dollar loss like this.”

STATEMENT OF DANBURY MAYOR ROBERTO ALVES, SENATOR JULIE KUSHNER, AND REPRESENTATIVES BOB GODFREY, KEN GUCKER AND FARLEY SANTOS RE: FEDERAL ICE ACTIONS IN THE DANBURY COURTHOUSE

Posted on by Devin James

STATEMENT OF DANBURY MAYOR ROBERTO ALVES, SENATOR JULIE KUSHNER, AND REPRESENTATIVES BOB GODFREY, KEN GUCKER AND FARLEY SANTOS RE: FEDERAL ICE ACTIONS IN THE DANBURY COURTHOUSE

“When we took the oath of office, we made a commitment to ensure the safety of our community.  We’re angry and saddened that so many in our city, throughout the state, and across the nation are living in fear. What we witnessed in Danbury at the courthouse last week was a clear escalation of the Trump administration’s violent tactics, using armed and masked ICE agents to spread fear and intimidation.

“The federal government claims to target criminals, but we are witnessing people being detained without their constitutional right to due process.

“While immigration enforcement is the federal government’s responsibility, Connecticut law, the Trust Act, is clear — our state and local agencies are not to cooperate in these operations. We will continue to ensure the Trust Act is fully enforced and that no city staff, police, or resources are ever used to aid these actions.

“Our immigrant neighbors are part of the very fabric of this city.  Our mayor and Representative Santos were once undocumented immigrants who had firsthand experience with the fear, the silence, and the constant uncertainty these families face. At the local level, we will continue to meet with members of the community and faith leaders to provide resources and share information.  At the state level, we will support efforts to strengthen and enforce the Trust Act.

“We condemn the tactics and fear that the federal administration has brought to our community, and we will stand united not just in words, but also in action, to protect and defend the people of Danbury.”

Duff & Fairfield County Legislators Fight to Keep Local Channels Accessible

Posted on by Devin James

Duff & Fairfield County Legislators Fight to Keep Local Channels Accessible

HARTFORD – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and a coalition of Fairfield County Democrats wrote Thursday to Altice USA, owner of Optimum cable, to oppose the telecommunication company’s planned reassignment of local government and educational channels for much of the region.

In a letter to Altice Chairman and CEO Dennis Mathew, the legislators voiced their disappointment and concern related to Optimum’s abrupt and poorly communicated decision to shift programming from the long-standing channels 78 and 79 to the 1300 range for municipalities in the Area 9 Cable Council.

The changes are expected to result in confusion among audiences in Greenwich, Darien, Easton, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Stamford, Westport, Weston and Wilton, who have tuned in to channels 78 and 79 for local government and educational programing for more than two decades.

“Local programs are vital to our democracy,” the legislators wrote. “They provide community-specific information, foster civic engagement, and provide a platform for local voices and diverse perspectives. This sudden and ill-advised decision to change channel positions will, in effect, exile local content by hiding it with a new channel assignment.”

Click here to read the letter.

The legislators expected Optimum’s decision would require costly rebranding for local stations, such as changing “Darien TV79” to “Darien TV,” and would place the burden of informing viewers on the local stations themselves.

They also criticized Optimum for providing customer notice only through billing statements, which they argued are often crowded with excess information and fine print.

In their letter, the lawmakers urged Altice to reverse the change or explain why the reassignment was necessary, why it had to be implemented so quickly, and what additional steps the company would take to inform customers. They also asked whether Altice would fund a broader information campaign to minimize the disruption.

“We hope that our concerns can be addressed to safeguard our communities’ access to local educational programming,” the legislators wrote.

The letter was signed by Senators Duff, D-Norwalk, Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, and Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, as well as Representatives Hector Arzeno, D-Greenwich, Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford, Savet Constantine, D-Wilton, Lucy Dathan, D-New Canaan, Anne Hughes, D-Easton, Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford, Dominique Johnson, D-Norwalk, Stephen Meskers, D-Greenwich, Kadeem Roberts, D-Norwalk, and Travis Simms, D-Norwalk.