Author: 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

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.

Senator Hochadel Highlights State Financing for Meriden Redevelopment

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Highlights State Financing for Meriden Redevelopment

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, welcomed new state financing Friday for an ongoing rehabilitation project to transform five existing buildings on Colony Street in Meriden into a new development, including 69 apartment units in the city’s downtown business district.

The funding, announced last month by the state Department of Housing and Housing Finance Authority, includes a $2.375 million loan through the Build For CT program. It will help fund the residential and commercial development project near the city’s Amtrak Station.

“It’s exciting to see state support for a project that’s expected to breathe life into our downtown,” Senator Hochadel said. “For years, these buildings have stood unused just steps from the Meriden Green and our train station. Soon, they’ll provide homes for families and space for businesses, turning blighted structures into housing and economic activity that will benefit the whole community.”

The Colony Street project is expected to include 19 affordable apartments reserved for households earning between 60-80% of the Area Median Income.

Meriden was one of nine Connecticut communities with developments that received state financing, announced by the Housing Department at the end of July. All told, the investment will help to create or preserve 478 housing units.

“We’re doing everything possible to accelerate our development efforts so we can continue building stronger, more resilient communities across Connecticut,” Seila Mosquera-Bruno, commissioner of the Department of Housing, said.  “These investments reflect our values and commitment to providing housing our residents can afford, at all incomes levels, and different stages of life. We’re excited about these projects and look forward to seeing these homes occupied with Connecticut families.”

“Housing is foundational to opportunity and economic stability,” Nandini Natarajan, CEO of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, said. “These recent closings – from new construction in Stamford and Norwalk to revitalization in Willimantic – reflect the creative, locally grounded solutions needed to meet the complexity of housing need across Connecticut.”

SENATOR MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT AS DCF COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER ISSUES STATEMENT AS DCF COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) issued the following statement after Department of Children and Families Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly announced her plans to retire from state service and become the director of the Doris Duke Foundation’s Child Well-Being Program after a career in Connecticut spanning more than 35 years:

“After a long career dedicated to helping people across Connecticut, I wish Commissioner Hill-Lilly the best, with gratitude for all she has accomplished protecting and aiding vulnerable communities and families. Her national recognition for her detailed, meaningful approach to this work reflects the care and compassion she has shown throughout her time at DCF.”

Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff Elected Vice President of National Conference of State Legislatures

Posted on by Devin James

Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff Elected Vice President of National Conference of State Legislatures

BOSTON—Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D) has been elected vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization serving the nation’s 7,386 state lawmakers and more than 30,000 legislative staff.

Sen. Duff will serve one year as vice president, followed by a year as president-elect, and will become NCSL’s president at the 2027 Legislative Summit in Atlanta, Ga. NCSL’s presidency alternates between parties every year. Illinois Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr. (D) is NCSL’s newly elected president, and Montana Senator Barry Usher (R) is the president-elect.

Sen. Duff becomes the first Connecticut legislator elected vice president of the NCSL, and in coming years will become its first NCSL president-elect and president.

“In its 50 years of advancing the work of state legislators, NCSL has uniquely fostered a collaborative attitude that puts bipartisanship into action and has created lasting partnerships among the states. Stepping into the vice president position, I will channel NCSL’s emphasis on solving problems together and tackling issues that touch each of our states,” said Sen. Duff. “It’s not lost on me that this will provide Connecticut with direct connections to some of the best ideas, people and resources in the country. I’m focused on what this election means for my state – this is great news for Connecticut Senate Democrats, the Connecticut Legislature and the 3.6 million people who call Connecticut home.”

Sen. Duff served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 2002 to 2005 and was elected to the Connecticut Senate in 2004. He has been the Senate majority leader since 2015. He is an active member of NCSL, serving as co-chair of NCSL Standing Committees, an at-large member of the Foundation of State Legislatures Board and a member of the Executive Committee.

Since assuming the majority leader position, Sen. Duff has overseen passage of a rewrite of Connecticut’s education funding formula, the largest tax cuts in state history and paid family medical leave. As the former chair of both the Housing Committee and Banking Committee, he created the state’s first Housing Trust Fund to build more affordable homes and worked on several reforms to reduce foreclosures.

Sen. Duff earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Lynchburg College in Virginia and has been a real estate professional with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty for more than three decades. He lives in Norwalk, Conn. with his wife, Tracy, and two children.

Senator Lesser Welcomes Pilot to Expand Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Lesser Welcomes Pilot to Expand Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs

Senator Matt Lesser, Senate chair of the legislature’s Human Services Committee, issued the following statement Friday in response to a federal pilot program to cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs under Medicaid and Medicare.

“I welcome the return of this policy and believe Connecticut should seriously consider participating in the federal pilot program,” Senator Lesser, D-Middletown, said. “As we confront the obesity epidemic and the broader public health issues that come with it, we need Medicaid and other health plans to cover weight loss drugs in a way that is effective and affordable for patients and taxpayers. Two years ago, I wrote a law requiring Connecticut’s Medicaid program to cover GLP-1 drugs, but the cost was overwhelming due to high demand and drug company profiteering. That’s why this year, we directed the Department of Social Services to work with the federal government to reduce those costs, including through generic production and potential in-state manufacturing.

“This pilot program could help make these medications more accessible and more affordable, and I urge DSS to explore every option to lower prescription drug costs for Connecticut families. But this comes at a time when both red and blue states are reeling from $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. The federal government must do more to support access to care. Millions of Americans are being pushed out of the system, and any progress on affordability will mean little if people no longer have coverage.”

The Washington Post reported Friday that the federal government planned to begin a five-year pilot program allowing Medicaid and Medicare to cover GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The program mirrors an initiative proposed by President Joe Biden late last year.

In 2023, Senator Lesser led passage of Senate Bill 977, which required the Connecticut Department of Social Services to cover certain types of obesity treatments under its HUSKY B Medicaid program.

More recently, Senator Lesser served as co-chair of the legislature’s bipartisan Prescription Drug Task Force. The group’s work informed House Bill 7192, which included a provision requiring DSS to partner with the federal government to seek the generic production of GLP-1 weight loss drugs in addition to a wide range of other policies intended to reduce the costs consumers pay for pharmaceuticals.

H.B. 7192 passed with overwhelming support during the 2025 legislative session and was signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont. The legislation was celebrated Wednesday during a bill signing event at Arrow Pharmacy in Hartford.

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes State Bonding to Youth Empowerment Group in Bridgeport

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox Welcomes State Bonding to Youth Empowerment Group in Bridgeport

Today, state Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport) is welcoming $250,000 from the State Bond Commission for Full Circle Youth Empowerment, Inc. in Bridgeport.

The $250,000 in state bonding is expected to help fund planning activities related to the acquisition and renovation of a facility to support youth and family programming.

“This funding for Full Circle Youth Empowerment will help lay the foundation for a space where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive together,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “I’m proud to support efforts that uplift our community and provide real opportunities for the next generation.

Full Circle Youth Empowerment Inc. works to empower, support and encourage youth. The organization provides a variety of programs and services that support youth to help strengthen their skill development and increase their well-being to achieve optimal success personally, socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Maroney, West Haven Delegation Welcomes Funding to the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

Today, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Delegation consisting of state Senator James Maroney, state Representatives Trenee McGee, Bill Heffernan, and MJ Shannon, are welcoming $2.4 million from the State Bond Commission to help with the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project in West Haven.

“This investment will ensure that students have a safer commute to school each day, whether they walk, ride a bike, or get a ride,” said Sen. Maroney. “These upgrades will improve the immediate area around the schools, and also focus on creating safe, accessible routes throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a smart step forward for both student safety and community well-being.”

“This project is about safety, connectivity, accessibility and quality of life for our students, our teachers and the neighbors,” said Mayor Borer. “Savin Rock has the largest elementary enrollment which has contributed to significant and adverse vehicle and pedestrian traffic impact in recent years which needs to be addressed as they are experiencing increased incidents. These challenges are very similar to the high traffic impact around the V.A. which earlier in 2025 the city was awarded $1.8 million in State funding to assist with the same type of infrastructure investment as well. Additionally, Washington School was just rebuilt but school construction does not include funding for the sidewalks around the school. We appreciate that most of these issues will be addressed with the State Bonding.”

“I believe any project intended to create a safer environment, especially around our schools, should move forward as quickly as possible,” Rep. Trenee McGee said. “The Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project is a win for the students, Washington and Savin Rock Schools, and residents in the areas surrounding both schools. I want to thank the State Bond Commission and Gov. Lamont for approving the funds for the project.”

“We always want to keep our pedestrians and students safe, and this project – with this funding – will help do that,” said Rep. Heffernan. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for helping make this project possible by including funds on the bond agenda.”

“Developing a walkable neighborhood is a great win, especially when it creates safeguards for the young people in our community,” said Rep. Shannon. “Once this project is completed, the areas surrounding Washington and Savin Rock will have the infrastructure necessary to protect individuals traveling by foot. This means local students will be able to safely walk or bike to school. These changes will make the area more accessible for all, which will greatly benefit the community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their investment in West Haven.”

The project includes street paving within a one- to two-mile radius of both Washington School and Savin Rock School. It also features ADA improvements and crosswalk upgrades, including eight multiway crosswalks at Savin Rock and six at Washington.. Aesthetic enhancements will be made including the planting of trees and painted crosswalks near drop-off areas.

The project will impact over 700 students attending both schools. Residents living near each school see higher-than-average traffic during the school year and require more frequent maintenance. Neighbors will also benefit from walkability and the associated environmental benefits from reduced GHG/Motor vehicle emissions.

This work is expected to begin in late Fall of 2025 and early Spring of 2026.

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF $25 MILLION OF STATE BONDS SUPPORTING CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), a member of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, issued the following statement as the State Bond Commission voted to release $25 million of state bond funds to the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year:

“While more than a thousand homes have been repaired thanks to the state’s efforts to repair homes with crumbling foundations, there is still plenty of work remaining, which is why these funds are so important,” said Sen. Anwar. “This program is a lifeline for homeowners who are placed in dire circumstances through no fault of their own, and knowing they will have more support in the coming year eases my concerns. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for supporting this important initiative.”

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $192,100 IN STATE GRANTS FOR WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s vote to provide a $192,100 grant to the Weston Public Library. These funds will be used for the library’s project to improve accessibility and emergency preparedness while supporting enhancements to its energy conservation capabilities.

“The Weston Public Library offers a vital resource to the community, allowing for education, entertainment and great local events bringing so many of us together,” said Sen. Maher. “To know more people will have easier access to its collection, it will become more resilient against potential weather disasters and it will see operating costs fall while saving more energy? That’s amazing for Weston. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for their support of our region.”

As part of the Bond Commission’s August 1 activities, it administered the grant through the state library, which offers construction grants to public library construction projects worth up to half the cost of the project.