Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff Announce Plans to Build a New West Rocks Middle School

Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff Announce Plans to Build a New West Rocks Middle School

(Norwalk, Conn.) Today, Monday, September 29, 2025, Mayor Rilling and Senator Duff announced that West Rocks Middle School is proposed to be the next school to receive an upgraded facility with the construction of a new state-of-the-art building. In 2022, Senator Duff announced that new school construction projects in the City of Norwalk would receive a 60% reimbursement rate by the State over the next 25 years. The West Rocks Middle School is now part of the City of Norwalk’s 25-year plan for new and upgraded school facilities at this reimbursement rate, which is also supported by Rep. Lucy Dathan, Rep. Dominique Johnson, Rep. Kadeem Roberts and Rep. Travis Simms.

In 2021, the Norwalk Board of Education commissioned a district-wide feasibility study of all the City’s school buildings. The results demonstrated that West Rocks Middle School was most in need of repairs and improvements. The study found that the building was nearing the end of its anticipated service life and that there was a need for upgraded facilities and classrooms to better meet the evolving needs of today’s student population

Based on this information, the City and Norwalk Public Schools determined that West Rocks Middle School should be the next new school construction project following the completion of the new Norwalk High School, which is projected to open in the fall of 2027. The City anticipates a two-year construction period, with the facility ready to welcome students in the Fall of 2030.

“West Rocks Middle School is well overdue for an upgrade. In fact, I attended that exact same school decades ago. Our students need a modern, state-of-the-art school, where they can learn, grow and become best prepared for the future. Our kids are our most precious resource, and it’s imperative that we continue to invest in them and their future by creating learning environments that foster the highest level of engagement,” said Mayor Rilling. Thanks to our partnership with the State, we are receiving a 60% reimbursement rate on new school construction projects, including the new West Rocks School, which will save the City millions of dollars.”

“This project represents the very best of what we can achieve when the state and city work together for our kids,” said Senator Duff. “Norwalk’s 2021 district-wide facilities study identified West Rocks Middle School as one of the district’s most urgent priorities, and the need for a new building is clear. Representatives Dathan, Simms, Roberts, and Johnson, and I secured an unprecedented 60 percent state reimbursement, which is nearly triple the typical 22.5 percent rate. This funding will allow us to deliver a modern, secure, and inspiring school at a fraction of the cost to Norwalk taxpayers. The new West Rocks Middle School will replace aging infrastructure with state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and flexible learning areas that will serve students for years to come. It is a major win for our families and just one part of our citywide plan to make a once-in-a-generation investment in our school infrastructure.”

West Rocks Middle School was originally constructed in 1956, with a floor area of 100,508 square feet. The feasibility study recommends that the new school implement a new century educational program, further augmented by various spaces, including science labs, specialized instructional spaces dedicated to various special education programs, resource rooms to accommodate independent and small group learning environments, and an outdoor learning space. Based on the State’s space standard for schools, the new school building will be approximately 121,838 square feet.

The new school is expected to be constructed on the portion of the existing site currently occupied by the athletic fields, which, based on the field turf’s wear and tear, will be ready for replacement. Utilizing the site’s existing topographic relief, a multi-level facility can be constructed without impeding the operation of the existing school, avoiding disruptions to students’ current learning environment. The new school will be designed to serve a student population of approximately 720. Each grade will have five standard classrooms, and each classroom will have a 24-student capacity.

In addition to West Rocks, the City of Norwalk has made a number of recent upgrades to schools throughout the community. In 2020, the City welcomed students to a newly renovated Ponus Ridge School. In 2022, it welcomed students to a completely renovated Jefferson Elementary School. In 2023, it welcomed students to a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cranbury Elementary School, the City’s first entirely new school in over 50 years. Most recently, in August, the City welcomed students to the brand-new, state-of-the-art South Norwalk Elementary School, the City’s first school construction project under the new 60 percent reimbursement rate. In the Fall of 2027, the City plans to welcome students into the new Norwalk High School, which is receiving an 80 percent reimbursement rate from the State.

In addition to these new schools and upgraded facilities, in 2024, the City secured $21.5 million through a State grant to improve the heating and cooling systems at six more schools: Brien McMahon High School, Brookside Elementary School, Marvin Elementary School, Naramake Elementary School, Rowayton Elementary School, and Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School. These projects are now underway and will continue into 2026.

Senator Gaston Tours Bethlehem House, Recognized for His Support Securing Funding

Senator Gaston Tours Bethlehem House, Recognized for His Support Securing Funding

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) was recognized as he took a tour through the Bethlehem House in Stratford. Senator Gaston played a pivotal role in securing critical funding for the Bethlehem House by advocating for its inclusion in the state budget, ensuring that the necessary resources were allocated to support its vital community services.

Senator Gaston helped to secure $230,000 to enhance the Bethlehem House’s family services, support vital infrastructure improvements, and ensure a safe, stable environment for families transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

“I’m truly honored to have had the opportunity to tour the Bethlehem House and see firsthand the incredible work being done to support families in need,” said Senator Gaston. “It’s inspiring to know that this funding will help strengthen their mission and provide a safe, stable environment for those transitioning from homelessness. I’m grateful to be part of this effort to make a real difference in our community.”

“We are so grateful to Senator Gaston for his support of Bethlehem House,” said Program Director of the Bethlehem House Dina Hill. This funding allows us to continue our mission of helping families transition from homelessness to stability, safety, and independence. The installation of new security cameras helps us provide peace of mind for parents and children.”

The funding will be used to strengthen family stability and safety at Bethlehem House. This includes the installation of new high-end security cameras, which ensure that families have a safe environment to call home.

The funds will also support their core housing programs, add upgrades to their units, and cover maintenance costs so families can continue to be helped to transition from homelessness to stability and independence.

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) denounced the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas from President Trump. These visas allow people who work in Connecticut to live & work in the U.S. for three years, with the option to extend for up to six years.

“This outrageous fee is another shortsighted move by Trump that will provoke long-term damage to our economy, universities, and our country’s reputation,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Connecticut thrives on innovation and education, and this fee is a punitive measure that will harm Connecticut businesses and hurt higher education by limiting access to skilled faculty and researchers. It is a direct attack on immigrants and sends a hostile message that their skills and contributions are not welcome.”

Senator Hartley, who has worked over the past several legislative sessions to help Connecticut universities establish the frameworks and partnerships necessary to attract more H-1B visa holders to campuses and research centers, also strongly condemned the new fee.

“The US and, in particular, Connecticut have consistently led in science and technology, higher education, medical research, Industry 4.0, and advanced manufacturing, fueled by our highly skilled workforce,” said Senator Hartley. “H-1B visa holders are attracted to our culture of innovation. They bring ‘specialized’ talent and skills which, in combination with our institutions, accelerate our economy. This administration’s plan to monetize H-1 B visas is fundamentally flawed. It will stifle our talent pipeline, create financial barriers, and deter brilliant minds from coming to the US. It drives innovation and invention to our global competitors and, even worse, to our adversaries. It is wrong!”

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) denounced the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas from President Trump. These visas allow people who work in Connecticut to live & work in the U.S. for three years, with the option to extend for up to six years.

“This outrageous fee is another shortsighted move by Trump that will provoke long-term damage to our economy, universities, and our country’s reputation,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Connecticut thrives on innovation and education, and this fee is a punitive measure that will harm Connecticut businesses and hurt higher education by limiting access to skilled faculty and researchers. It is a direct attack on immigrants and sends a hostile message that their skills and contributions are not welcome.”

Senator Hartley, who has worked over the past several legislative sessions to help Connecticut universities establish the frameworks and partnerships necessary to attract more H-1B visa holders to campuses and research centers, also strongly condemned the new fee.

“The US and, in particular, Connecticut have consistently led in science and technology, higher education, medical research, Industry 4.0, and advanced manufacturing, fueled by our highly skilled workforce,” said Senator Hartley. “H-1B visa holders are attracted to our culture of innovation. They bring ‘specialized’ talent and skills which, in combination with our institutions, accelerate our economy. This administration’s plan to monetize H-1 B visas is fundamentally flawed. It will stifle our talent pipeline, create financial barriers, and deter brilliant minds from coming to the US. It drives innovation and invention to our global competitors and, even worse, to our adversaries. It is wrong!”

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Senators Looney, Duff & Hartley Denounce Trump’s New $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) denounced the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas from President Trump. These visas allow people who work in Connecticut to live & work in the U.S. for three years, with the option to extend for up to six years.

“This outrageous fee is another shortsighted move by Trump that will provoke long-term damage to our economy, universities, and our country’s reputation,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “Connecticut thrives on innovation and education, and this fee is a punitive measure that will harm Connecticut businesses and hurt higher education by limiting access to skilled faculty and researchers. It is a direct attack on immigrants and sends a hostile message that their skills and contributions are not welcome.”

Senator Hartley, who has worked over the past several legislative sessions to help Connecticut universities establish the frameworks and partnerships necessary to attract more H-1B visa holders to campuses and research centers, also strongly condemned the new fee.

“The US and, in particular, Connecticut have consistently led in science and technology, higher education, medical research, Industry 4.0, and advanced manufacturing, fueled by our highly skilled workforce,” said Senator Hartley. “H-1B visa holders are attracted to our culture of innovation. They bring ‘specialized’ talent and skills which, in combination with our institutions, accelerate our economy. This administration’s plan to monetize H-1 B visas is fundamentally flawed. It will stifle our talent pipeline, create financial barriers, and deter brilliant minds from coming to the US. It drives innovation and invention to our global competitors and, even worse, to our adversaries. It is wrong!”

SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME POTENTIAL UCONN HEALTH PURCHASE OF DAY KIMBALL HOSPITAL IN PUTNAM

SEN. FLEXER, REP. BOYD WELCOME POTENTIAL UCONN HEALTH PURCHASE OF DAY KIMBALL HOSPITAL IN PUTNAM

State Senator Mae Flexer and state Representative Patrick Boyd (D-Pomfret) today endorsed the inclusion of Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam in a proposal by the UConn Board of Trustees purchase financially troubled Connecticut hospitals.

Day Kimball is privately owned but has been the subject of recent but unsuccessful mergers with other health care systems. The hospital opened in 1894 after Mrs. M. Day Kimball donated $5,000 for the construction of the infirmary building in memory of her recently deceased son, Day Kimball, with the condition that the hospital be named after him. The hospital is now a 104-bed acute care community hospital that employs about 1,100 local residents and specializes in hip and knee replacement, specialty care maternity, and primary stroke.

Details of the negotiations, cost, and any timeline have not yet been finalized or voted on, but Sen. Flexer and Rep. Boyd believe the purchase would benefit the residents of northeastern Connecticut. Sen. Flexer and Rep. Boyd have been leading key conversations for several year to get to this point as part of their overall effort to support Day Kimball.

“The advancement of this plan for Day Kimball and UConn health is a great moment for our region and our state,” said Sen. Flexer. “The UConn Health Center in Farmington is an award-winning clinical and research hospital while Day Kimball in Putnam is a well-respected, treasured and vital medical center in northeastern Connecticut.  An affiliation between the two would be an absolute game-changer in terms of quality medical care for patients, increased access to a variety of services, and more financial stability for Day Kimball and economic vitality for the Quiet Corner. I am committed to seeing this arrangement through to a successful completion.”

“UConn’s interest in a potential Day Kimball Hospital affiliation is exciting news for the Quiet Corner,” said Rep. Boyd. “The UConn Health Center provides top-quality health care, and expanding these services to our part of the state will improve Day Kimball’s services. This affiliation will expand access to care and provide financial stability to Day Kimball, allowing the hospital to thrive as a top employer in the area. I support this partnership and bringing high-quality health care to our residents.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Receives A from Connecticut Teachers

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Receives A from Connecticut Teachers

Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Senate Chair of the Committee on Special Education, welcomed news that she earned an A from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) during the 2025 legislative session. CEA is the largest union of certified educators in the state and work as strong advocates for students, teachers and public education.

Some of the legislation Senator Gadkar-Wilcox supported to receive this grade include:

HB 7287 – The biennial budget passed this year increases ECS funding that holds towns harmless, expands special education funding, procedures for book challenges in public and school libraries and more.
SB 1 – this priority piece of legislation for the Senate Democrat caucus included multiple initiatives, including the establishment of a universal pre-K endowment, special education enhancement grants, outlining IEP support staff, local budget transparency reporting & more.
SB 1513 – Expanding aspiring educator scholarships, certification alternative assessments and more.
HB 5001 – expanding special education grants and strengthening special education policies in Connecticut.

As Senate Chair of the Committee on Special Education, Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox worked closely on several important proposals in both Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 5001, and worked to secure $60 million in Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grants over the next two years, as well as $120 million in special education reimbursement grants for municipalities. Special education, while critical to the well-being of students and families across Connecticut, the costs can be considerable and unpredictable. This extra funding will provide essential funding for schools and significant relief for local property taxpayers.

“This was my first legislative session and I am so proud of what my colleagues and I accomplished, particularly with regard to education,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “As a product of public education and an educator myself, this A from CEA means a lot to me. We built a strong foundation in this last session, but there is more work ahead and I look forward to continuing to be a strong advocate for teachers, students, parents and our local school districts.”

To read Senator Gadkar-Wilcox’s full grading breakdown, click here.

Sen. Paul Honig (opinion): Looking down Conn.’s roads — and fixing them

Sen. Paul Honig (opinion): Looking down Conn.’s roads — and fixing them

Serving on Harwinton’s Board of Selectmen has given me a front-row seat to the challenges small towns face when it comes to maintaining basic infrastructure. Transportation upkeep is expensive and for many residents road conditions carry a symbolic significance. It’s hard to believe your local government is doing its job when potholes and frost heaves turn the daily commute into an obstacle course.

Here in Harwinton, we have roughly 66 miles of local roads. Public works officials say we should be investing more in paving and repairs just to keep up with normal degradation. Our largest source of road funding is the state’s Town Aid Road program, known as TAR, and our share has been about $230,000 a year.

When I joined the state Senate in January, that number had been unchanged for more than a decade. And I found out that Harwinton wasn’t alone. Overall state funding for TAR has remained frozen at $60 million a year since 2014.

In the time since then, costs for asphalt, equipment, and labor have steadily climbed. That’s a problem. Every time you hold funding flat while costs increase, you’re removing services at the rate of inflation. It means that each year, towns can do a little less with the same money. Eventually, the gap between what’s needed and what’s funded becomes too wide to ignore.

I made it a priority to take a closer look at programs such as TAR. The value of this funding is clear to every local official. Towns use it to pave, plow, treat roads, clear trees, install signs, and generally keep roads safe. Yet we were still asking them to pay 2025 prices on a 2014 budget. The math just didn’t add up.

I brought this concern to a colleague, state Sen. Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, who chairs the legislature’s bonding subcommittee, and suggested we do more. Because without additional support, either road conditions would continue to worsen or local taxpayers would be asked to pick up the slack.

This year’s bonding legislation delivers. TAR funding is slated to jump from $60 million to $80 million statewide, a 33% increase. It’s not everything towns need, but it is a big step in the right direction.

For the 8th Senate District, that translates to nearly $1 million in additional state support each year. Harwinton will receive about $70,000 in extra funding, Simsbury more than $120,000, and Torrington an additional $150,000.

Although those figures might seem small in the scope of the state budget, they are significant at the town level. That extra funding could mean the flexibility to treat secondary roads ahead of a big winter storm or resurfacing a bumpy stretch of pavement that would otherwise have to wait another year or two.

While I’m focused on the towns I represent, every Connecticut municipality that receives funding under TAR will be given a one-third increase for road repairs and that’s progress.

I’m proud that during my first year in office, I was able to deliver results that will make a real difference in people’s daily lives. This increase in funding will help towns keep roads safer and at the very least, it should make the daily commute a little smoother for drivers.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS REVOLUTION WIND STOP-WORK ORDER LIFTED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS REVOLUTION WIND STOP-WORK ORDER LIFTED BY FEDERAL JUDGE

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to a federal judge lifting a stop-work order filed against the Revolution Wind off-shore wind project off the coast of Connecticut, the first ruling since the Trump administration sought the stop of all work on the project in late August. The lifted order came after the U.S. District Court judge said the government provided no new information to justify the stop-work order:

“I am glad to hear the judge in this case came to a common sense ruling so the Revolution Wind project can continue. This decision will allow hundreds of skilled workers to get back to work on this vital project for the New England region, which was fully permitted and 80% complete before the stop-work order was issued. Once online, this project will generate more than 2% of the power for the entire New England power grid; it represents regional energy stability.”

Sen. Lesser Asks AG Tong to Review Nexstar/Tegna Merger

Sen. Lesser Asks AG Tong to Review Nexstar/Tegna Merger

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser wrote a letter requesting Connecticut Attorney General William Tong to review the proposed purchase by Nexstar Media Group of its rival Tegna for possible violations of the Connecticut Antitrust Act.

Not only would the merger violate the FCC’s longstanding 39% ownership cap in many media markets, but Senator Lesser also cites concerns over allegations that Nexstar pressured ABC to drop comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s television show in response to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. This pressure came shortly after Kimmel spoke critically of the administration and mainstream Republicans on his show earlier this week.

You can read the letter in it’s entirety below.
September 19, 2025
Dear Attorney General Tong,

I write to request that you use your powers to review the proposed purchase by Nexstar Media Group of its rival Tegna for possible violations of the Connecticut Antitrust Act, as incorporated in 35-24 et seq. of the Connecticut General Statutes.

In Connecticut, Nexstar owns WTNH Channel 8 and WTCX Channel 59 and Tegna owns WTIC Fox 61 and WCCT Channel 20.

Nationally the proposed merger would create a company that would exceed the FCC’s longstanding 39% ownership cap in many media markets. In Connecticut it would dramatically reduce consumer choice and lead to monopolization of news coverage in the Hartford-New Haven media market.

This would be concerning and potentially illegal under any circumstances and should warrant your attention, but I am alarmed by Nexstar’s apparent willingness to abuse its existing market power even before the merger increases its clout.

Specifically, numerous media reports suggest that Nexstar pushed ABC to drop comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s television show in response to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and potentially from President Trump himself. ABC swiftly did so.

Carr had publicly threatened to use his official powers to punish ABC for giving a platform to Kimmel. Carr then publicly praised Nexstar, which is awaiting FCC approval of its proposed merger, for its role in helping to get Kimmel canceled.

The Connecticut Antitrust Act gives you significant powers to protect the public from anticompetitive behavior.

In 1985, the Second Circuit suggested that your office could enjoin an unlawful merger under the state antitrust law. In 1992, your office argued a planned merger would violate federal and state antitrust law, which resulted in concessions from the business that resulted in a stipulated agreement. As a state senator, I support your continued efforts to strengthen the law including with 2025 proposed HB 7072, but urge you to examine this specific issue closely under your existing powers.

In addition to the issues raised above under Connecticut law, the misuse of official power to pressure a television network to drop a comedian raises serious and troubling constitutional questions because it seems to violate the plain meaning of the First Amendment.

However, Nexstar is not a victim nor is it blameless and its eagerness to buckle to pressure from the Trump Administration raises serious questions about whether it will have a greater ability to harm the public in the event that this merger is approved. The merger could jeopardize access to timely and accurate news coverage in the Hartford-New Haven media market and could harm the public interest.

Accordingly, I ask that you move swiftly to use your powers to review this proposed transaction and pursue additional actions as appropriate.

Sincerely,

Matthew Lesser