Author: Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES JUST UNDER $200,000 OF GRANT FUNDING FROM STATE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT FOR LOCAL FARMS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES JUST UNDER $200,000 OF GRANT FUNDING FROM STATE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT FOR LOCAL FARMS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the recent announcement by the Department of Agriculture that Portland’s River Ridge Farm and Upper Pond Farm in Lyme will each receive just under $100,000 to improve local and regional food supply chains from the state Department of Agriculture.

“These investments in local farms don’t just help the farms themselves acquire new equipment and materials to improve the quality of their products; they enhance the entire food chain, helping more locally produced and grown food reach shelves,” said Sen. Needleman. “This is excellent news for our local community and I’m grateful for our state’s investments.”

Portland’s River Ridge Farm will receive $99,784 to expand its cold chain infrastructure through the acquisitions of a refrigerated truck, forklift and walk-in freezer.

Lyme’s Upper Pond Farm will receive $99,105 to expand its produce and dry goods aggregation, processing and storage capacity with new equipment purchases including a vacuum packaging machine, a blast chiller, a roll-in freezer and roll-in dry crop storage.

The grants are administered through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, which is dedicated to improving food chain resilience and strengthening local and regional food systems.

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT ON REPORTED TALKS THAT UCONN HEALTH TO ACQUIRE THREE CONNECTICUT HOSPITALS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR RELEASES STATEMENT ON REPORTED TALKS THAT UCONN HEALTH TO ACQUIRE THREE CONNECTICUT HOSPITALS

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, released the following statement following reports that UConn Health is discussing the potential purchase of Bristol Hospital in Bristol, Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury:

“I welcome this conversation and this opportunity to shore up the quality of health care in the state of Connecticut. UConn Health provides an excellent quality of care and is additionally an excellent place for students and medical trainees to receive in-depth training. This potential acquisition would provide a better environment to help fight the state’s health care workforce shortages for nurses, physicians and especially specialty physicians, benefitting care not only in these individual hospitals but in Connecticut at large. Should the state choose to invest in these resources, we stand a real chance to enhance quality of medical care in the short- and long-term.”

Senators Looney & Duff Condemn Dangerous Rhetoric Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney & Duff Condemn Dangerous Rhetoric Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement addressing the dangerous rhetoric surrounding the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

“Recent comments from elected Republicans and leading conservative voices blaming Democrats for the shooting of Charlie Kirk are deeply irresponsible. They spread misinformation, inflame division, and serve to sow the very violence we are all trying to stop.

“They owe the American people an apology for politicizing tragedy, fanning fear, and undermining public trust. We call on elected leaders across the state from both parties to condemn this dangerous rhetoric.

“If we are to end the recent horrifying acts of political violence, we must reject violence, speak honestly, and ensure our discourse does not enable further harm. Now is the time to heal, unite, and act with integrity. Our very democracy hangs in the balance.”

Senators Looney & Duff Condemn Dangerous Rhetoric Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

Posted on by Devin James

Senators Looney & Duff Condemn Dangerous Rhetoric Following Charlie Kirk Shooting

Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement addressing the dangerous rhetoric surrounding the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

“Recent comments from elected Republicans and leading conservative voices blaming Democrats for the shooting of Charlie Kirk are deeply irresponsible. They spread misinformation, inflame division, and serve to sow the very violence we are all trying to stop.

“They owe the American people an apology for politicizing tragedy, fanning fear, and undermining public trust. We call on elected leaders across the state from both parties to condemn this dangerous rhetoric.

“If we are to end the recent horrifying acts of political violence, we must reject violence, speak honestly, and ensure our discourse does not enable further harm. Now is the time to heal, unite, and act with integrity. Our very democracy hangs in the balance.”

Opinion: CT Must Continue to Protect People in Houses of Worship

Posted on by Devin James

Opinion: CT Must Continue to Protect People in Houses of Worship

No one should have to fear for their safety when they worship at their church, synagogue, or mosque. For years, both political parties have agreed with this basic and important concept and have created federal and state programs to fund security upgrades at houses of worship. There have been no political litmus tests to see which organizations get funding. Everyone agreed public safety was more important than politics – until now.

President Trump’s administration has announced that federal funds will no longer help protect houses of worship which “promote DEI” or “operate any program that benefits illegal immigrants.” This reckless decision politicizes public safety and interferes with religious freedom.

Religious leaders from across the nation, including some from Connecticut, sent a letter to the Trump administration protesting the new grant rules. Some rabbis in Connecticut were quoted in the CT Mirror as saying Trump’s actions “goes against our beliefs” and “…does not fit our Jewish values.” CT Jewish leaders denounce new rules for federal security grants

Indeed, in the Book of Proverbs, we are reminded, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God”.  Then there’s the Book of Matthew, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” President Trump’s decision to withhold funding from congregations which do not contort their faith to his politics should concern every American. It is another example of a federal government that is out of control.

Until Trump’s action can be overturned in court or Congress, Connecticut’s own non-profit security grant program will be even more important. I helped launch this initiative in 2019, along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our bipartisan legislation created the state-funded program to work in tandem with the federal version, ensuring there’s a steady and reliable source of funding to help congregations pay for bullet proof glass in their vestibules, security cameras, and other security infrastructure. Unlike the federal government under Trump, our program allocates grants solely on a risk assessment, made by non-partisan officials at the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Since 2019, Connecticut’s program has received over 1,000 applications and has awarded grants to 362 organizations, including churches, mosques and synagogues all across Connecticut. Just this year the legislature and State Bond Commission approved an additional $10 million for the program. The current rise in violence fueled by antisemitism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia requires us to get that funding allocated as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Trump’s latest actions may necessitate an even bigger investment from the state. One thing is certain: we cannot sit back and be silent while the Trump administration plays politics with our public safety.

SEN. KUSHNER HONORED WITH INAUGURAL 2025 ALICE CHAMPION AWARD

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. KUSHNER HONORED WITH INAUGURAL 2025 ALICE CHAMPION AWARD

State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) was honored today with the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s inaugural 2025 ALICE Champion Award for her “leadership, dedication, and steadfast commitment to advancing policies that support… individuals and families who work hard but struggle to afford life’s essentials.”

“In our region, nearly 40% of households are ALICE or living in poverty, making your advocacy and action not only timely, but critical,” said Ashley Gaudiano, the Chief Operating Officer United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. “You were chosen for this award based on your strong legislative record, your leadership role in advancing economic opportunity, and your support of efforts that directly impact the financial stability, health, and well-being of Connecticut residents. Your work exemplifies what it means to govern with equity, compassion, and purpose.”

Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, has a proven record of pro-family policies. Her life and legislative career have been committed to achieving minimum wage increases, improving access to health care, securing childcare benefits, funding public pre-kindergarten and tuition-free college, enacting paid family and medical leave, expanding access to paid sick days, making meaningful investments in the local infrastructure, protecting the environment, and promoting women’s and family issues.

“With every election and committee meeting and vote in the General Assembly, we have the opportunity to make life better for the people we represent and for the entire state. I take that responsibility very seriously and I try to use my time here in the legislature wisely in order to accomplish those goals,” Sen. Kushner said. “I am very proud and honored to be recognized by The United Way for my work to improve the lives of Connecticut residents, especially those who are still struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis.”

The United Way publishes an annual poverty assessment based on its “ALICE” methodology, which is an acronym for “Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed”. The United Way estimates that it cost a family of four in Connecticut – two parents and two children – about $116,000 in 2023 to cover basic needs such as food, housing, utilities, child and health care and transportation, and that 40% of Connecticut residents were below this level.

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE ANNOUNCED

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AS OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCATE ANNOUNCED

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Lamont’s establishment of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate, an independent state office with the directive of aiding Connecticut residents with accessing mental health and behavioral health services and advocating for better outcomes for the public:

“Legislators know all too well that our state needs more mental and behavioral health resources for those struggling in our communities. In 2023, I was proud to lead the Senate’s vote to create the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate. To see the Office in action is a wonderful thing for the many families around our state struggling with behavioral health issues. I’m heartened to know that Howard Sovronsky, who has extensive experience supporting individuals in social work and health care settings, as well as navigating government, will lead the Office. He will make sure there’s fewer headaches for those navigating the system, better access for those in need and continued oversight to support the people of Connecticut, especially those in crisis.”

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following High School Shooting in Colorado

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement Following High School Shooting in Colorado

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, is releasing a statement calling for urgent action to address gun violence following the school shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic shooting today at a high school in Colorado,” said Senator Gaston. “My thoughts and prayers are with the students, families, and teachers. No parent should be scared sending their child to school, and no student should have to wonder if they are safe in a classroom. We must come together to confront the epidemic of gun violence with urgency, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful change. My opinions are strong in both this incident and the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk today. I stand firm on condemning gun violence in all its forms. Our neighborhoods deserve safety, not fear.”

Sen. Lesser Highlights CT’s Generic GLP-1 Legislation at National Conference

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Highlights CT’s Generic GLP-1 Legislation at National Conference

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, spoke at the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) Annual Health Policy Conference in San Diego on Connecticut’s recently enacted bipartisan prescription drug law, which puts Connecticut in the front of the pack of states in controlling drug costs.

He was invited to present as part of The Wave of High Drug Prices and Strategies to Tame Them panel.

Senator Lesser shared details of his recently enacted legislation that implemented many of the recommendations of the bipartisan Prescription Drug Task Force that he co-chaired. The conversation explored the first of its kind provision that allows Connecticut to partner with a generic GLP-1 manufacturer, engage bulk purchasing, cap the cost of generic drugs, reform pharmacy benefit-mangers (PBMS), and how to build bipartisan collaboration on the issue of prescription drug prices.

“It is an honor to be here with colleagues from across the country to present on an issue that affects our constituents in every state and every county,” said Sen. Lesser. “I am really proud of the first of its kind legislation we passed in Connecticut, allowing the state to partner with generic drug producers to make our own life-saving yet wildly expensive drugs like GLP-1s, cap the price of generics and pass real reforms for PBM middlemen. I hope that other states will follow suit and together we can push back against greedy health care behemoths and create real relief for our residents.”

NASHP is a bipartisan network that brings senior state level policy leaders together from around the country.

Sen. Cohen Response to Trump Reversal of Proposed Biden-era Airline Compensation Rule

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Sen. Cohen Response to Trump Reversal of Proposed Biden-era Airline Compensation Rule

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, responded to news that the Trump administration is reversing course on a Biden administration plan to hold airlines accountable for delays. Former President Biden and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg proposed a rule that would require airlines to compensate travelers for flight delays caused by the carriers.

The proposed federal rule would require U.S. airlines to pay consumers $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. The rule had not yet taken effect when President Trump assumed office.

“The Trump administration is backtracking on a common-sense, consumer protection policy,” said Sen. Cohen. “Flight delays are not only frustrating and inconvenient, they are costly and incredibly disruptive, and travelers are often stranded at airports with no suitable recourse. Across the country consumers feel that prices are going up, while the value of the goods or services they are purchasing are declining. Corporations’ profits are skyrocketing while American workers and families are living paycheck to paycheck and this policy only tips the scale further in favor of big business.”