Author: Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Release of SNAP Funds

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Welcomes Release of SNAP Funds

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Chair of the Human Services Committee, welcomed news that as of Saturday afternoon, Connecticut residents have had their November SNAP benefits fully restored on their EBT cards.

The federal government has restored 65% of the funding, and Governor Lamont has guaranteed the remaining funds to ensure recipients are made whole.

“For a week, low income families in my district and around Connecticut have not known when their next meal might arrive. I have already heard from many families who are breathing a huge sigh of relief – but the wealthiest country in the world allowing its constituents to go hungry for over a week is unjustifiable. SNAP benefits should be off the table as Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson and republicans in Congress continue to keep the government closed for business. It is indefensible for the President or anyone else to use hunger as a bargaining chip in negotiations. Thank you to Governor Lamont and D.S.S. Commissioner Barton-Reeves for being the adults in the room and delivering for Connecticut, as well as the D.S.S. team who worked around the clock to get these funds to the people who need them.”

Those impacted can check their card balances by visiting MyDSS.ct.gov or calling 1-888-328-2666.

SENS. ANWAR, GASTON, MCCRORY LEAD CALL FOR JAMAICA, CARIBBEAN DISASTER RELIEF FOLLOWING HURRICANE MELISSA

Posted on by Devin James

SENS. ANWAR, GASTON, MCCRORY LEAD CALL FOR JAMAICA, CARIBBEAN DISASTER RELIEF FOLLOWING HURRICANE MELISSA

Today, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) and Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) and State Representatives Joshua Hall (D-Hartford) and Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) led a call among dozens of advocates and community organizers for the public to contribute what they can to Jamaica and the Caribbean following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October.

Making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane and considered the strongest hurricane to ever hit the Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa killed dozens, displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to the nations it impacted. More than a week after its initial impact, survivors are struggling with injury, illness, loss of property and belongings and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Connecticut organizations including the West Indian Foundation and West Indian Social Club of Hartford are coordinating extensive relief efforts, seeking to raise monetary and physical donations to send to the islands in need. The Nutmeg State has the third-largest West Indian population in the United States.

The West Indian Foundation and West Indian Social Club are taking online financial donations and are seeking in-person donations that are accepted at a number of regional businesses, churches and organizations, said Marva Douglas, president of Taste the Caribbean Arts and Culture, Inc. and former president of the West Indian Social Club. A list of sought donations and drop-off locations will be available at the end of this release.

“We are seeking donations from organizations and in the process of partnering with organizations, schools and hospitals for a coordinated effort,” said Dr. Jackie Evans Phillips, President of the West Indian Foundation. “Our theme is reflect, rebuild and rise, and while this is going to be a year-long process, we also want to discuss the mental wellness and spiritual healing of our family members. We must work collaboratively, including shipping items together, and we must work collectively through this process. The need is grand and there’s much more we can do collectively.”

“The beautiful lands of Jamaica and the Caribbean islands face complete devastation in the face of a Category 5 hurricane. 30% of the GDP of Jamaica is lost and its infrastructure is gone,” said Sen. Anwar. “Our brothers and sisters who are Jamaican, Haitian, Cuban and Dominican are working hard to help their loved ones, but their hearts and minds are with their loved ones in their countries of origin. When you are not affected by a disaster, your responsibility is to act. Today, our hope is to raise awareness and tell everyone we have a collective responsibility to help those in need. We are uniting with one voice: we must help those who are in the most need.”

“We are united here out of concern and worry for loved ones on the islands of the Caribbean,” said Sen. McCrory. “We are committed to making sure we get the resources necessary to our brethren in the Caribbean. This storm completely devastated the islands, and it’s our responsibility – with all of these united organizations – to do whatever we can to make sure our brothers and sisters are safe. We’re going to do everything possible and use every tool in our toolbox to help.”

“There are Jamaicans everywhere in the United States of America and they contribute a lot all across our nation. We have a fiduciary and moral obligation to look out as global citizens,” said Sen. Gaston. “Jamaica needs us, and we need to turn to them. Despite the winds and rain, the people of Jamaica will rise back up. The storm may have devastated the streets, but it has not taken away the faith that Jamaica will overcome this storm.”

Rep. Hall noted his wife and her family are from Jamaica, and as an assistant principal at Weaver High School in Hartford, many students are from Jamaica and the West Indies.

“We’re here today to talk about how we can help,” Rep. Hall said. “We’re working with our partners to see how we can get resources to those needing help. The pressure is on – part of it is getting resources there, and part of it is getting resources for those in need in our communities. We’re trying to muster everything we can for folks and meet the need that’s growing more pressing.”

______________________________________________________________

HURRICANE MELISSA DISASTER RELIEF – HOW TO HELP RELIEF EFFORTS

Requested items: non-perishable food, bedding foam, batteries, cots, flashlights/lanterns, mattresses, pillows/pillowcases, robes, tarps, tents, mobile storage units; buckets with lids, water storage containers, garbage bags, hygiene kits, water purification kits; health supplies; fruit and vegetable seeds; animal feed; tools and equipment; radios, message boards; work gloves, food containers, food storage bins, disposable utensils and plates, MREs

Drop-Off Locations For Physical Items
Rehoboth Church of God, 1170 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield – M-F, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HomeCare Services, LLC, 112 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, M-F 12-4 p.m.
West Indian Social Club of Hartford, 3340 Main Street, Hartford, daily, 6-9 p.m.
North United Methodist Church, 1205 Albany Avenue, Hartford; Mon-Wed, Fri 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hartford Fire Dept. Engine Co. 10/District 1, 510 Franklin Ave, Hartford – daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, 280 Huyshope Avenue, Hartford, Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Semilla Café, 1283 Main Street, Hartford; Monday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Tue-Thu, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri-Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A Step Above Childcare, 30 Quarry Road, Glastonbury; M-F, 1-3 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad Street, Windsor, M-F, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fish N Tings, 384 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, regular business hours

Online donations: www.westindianfoundation.org, www.westindiansocialclub.org

Sen. Lesser Reacts to Alleged Release of SNAP Funds

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Reacts to Alleged Release of SNAP Funds

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Chair of the Human Services Committee, reacted to news that the federal government has said it will reverse course and will fund SNAP for the month of November.

After a full week of Americans going without benefits, the federal government has informed the state Department of Social Services (DSS) that funds will be released today and will be loaded on SNAP cards by tomorrow, Saturday.

“I’m relieved that President Trump’s administration has backed down and has decided to follow the courts, the law – and basic human decency in funding food for low income Americans covered by the SNAP program. In my neighborhood, the impact has been devastating – many families have gone without food for a week. In the event that the President wriggles out of his commitment, I am glad that Governor Lamont has committed to use state funds to make up any shortfall as we have been asking. We still need to go further to assure 40,000 additional residents – whom President Trump and Republicans in Washington cut off from SNAP as part of their HR1 budget disaster – that they won’t go hungry either. It is absolutely unacceptable that in the wealthiest country in the world, we have money for many silly things, but not for low income seniors, veterans and single mothers.”

Guilford Delegation and Local Leaders Welcome $300k for Sustainable Waste Management

Posted on by Devin James

Guilford Delegation and Local Leaders Welcome $300k for Sustainable Waste Management

GUILFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen, State Representative Moira Rader and First Selectman Matt Hoey celebrated news that Guilford will be awarded $297,700 through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grant Program.

The grant will support Guilford’s development of a preferred waste hauler program and a curbside food scraps collection system. In April the SMM program invited municipalities, councils of government and regional waste authorities to apply for state funding for sustainable waste management projects in order to help reduce municipal solid waste costs.

According to DEEP, the SMM program awarded $7.5 million in grants to 18 municipalities and regional organizations.

“Municipalities struggle to deal with the high cost of waste management and this state and local partnership not only helps reduce costs for local taxpayers, but also helps implement sustainable options,” said Sen. Cohen. “A curbside composting program is better for the environment and significantly decreases the weight of what needs to be hauled out of town, saving the town money. I am grateful to First Selectman Matt Hoey for his vision and leadership, and to Governor Lamont for his continued partnership with our local community.”

“The Sustainable Materials Management Grant reflects what’s possible when state and local leaders work together toward shared goals. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont, DEEP, and First Selectman Matt Hoey for their partnership and commitment to sustainability,” said Rep. Rader. “With this support, Guilford can continue leading by example—reducing waste, diverting food scraps, and lowering costs through a cleaner, more efficient system. It’s a community-wide effort that strengthens our local economy and continues Guilford’s proud legacy of environmental stewardship.”

“Guilford has already seen major improvements in reducing trash and diverting food waste since we implemented our Pay As You Throw system a year ago,” First Selectman Matt Hoey said. “We appreciate Sen. Cohen’s leadership to advance sustainable waste solutions, and we’re grateful the state recognizes the value in Guilford’s curbside food scrap collection proposal. This will make it even easier for us to separate food from the waste stream and can serve as a model for other communities as we work together to address the waste crisis.”

STATEMENT OF SENATOR MATT LESSER, D-MIDDLETOWN, ON DONALD TRUMP’S THREATS TODAY TO DEFY COURT ORDERS AND WITHOLD SNAP FUNDING

Posted on by Devin James

STATEMENT OF SENATOR MATT LESSER, D-MIDDLETOWN, ON DONALD TRUMP’S THREATS TODAY TO DEFY COURT ORDERS AND WITHOLD SNAP FUNDING

“President Trump’s statement today that SNAP benefits ‘will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government’ is in direct violation of federal law regarding congressionally mandated programs as well as Friday’s court orders demanding that he release SNAP funding immediately,” said Sen. Lesser, who is Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee. “We are dealing with an out-of-touch individual who is spending his time re-making White House bathrooms in the image of Saddam Husein’s palace and throwing a “Great Gatsby”-themed party while tens of millions of Americans go hungry. Constituents in my own district did not get their SNAP benefits on Saturday, and they are sick of being pawns in the president’s demented political games. Trump needs to release this funding immediately or face yet another sure-fire loss in court and in the court of public opinion. Given the complete lack of leadership we are seeing at the federal level, the State of Connecticut needs to do more to support our residents, including making state funds available on EBT cards.”

Sen. Marx Celebrates $800,000 State Grant for Sheffield Pharmaceuticals Expansion in New London

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Marx Celebrates $800,000 State Grant for Sheffield Pharmaceuticals Expansion in New London

Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today applauded an $800,000 state grant awarded to Sheffield Pharmaceuticals to support a major expansion at its New London facility.

The grant, awarded through the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Strategic Supply Chain Initiative, will help Sheffield Pharmaceuticals invest $3 million in state-of-the-art packaging equipment and mixing systems to increase capacity and expand into new product lines.

“Sheffield Pharmaceuticals has been a cornerstone of New London’s economy since the 1800s, and this investment ensures they’ll continue to grow and thrive here,” Senator Marx said. “An $800,000 state grant leveraging $3 million in private investment means expanded production capacity and a stronger local economy. That’s exactly the kind of growth we need to see.”

Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, located in New London, manufactures prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, including creams, ointments, liquids, and oral care products.

“The marketplace response to this program continues to be very strong. I am especially encouraged by the fact that so many businesses see growth opportunities in our state and are making new investments to meet the rising demand for their products,” said DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe.

The Strategic Supply Chain Initiative is a $25 million program supporting companies that are increasing production capacity, expanding existing facilities, or establishing new operations in Connecticut.

Sen. Lesser Applauds Court Order to Release November SNAP Benefits

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Applauds Court Order to Release November SNAP Benefits

Senator Lesser speaks at a press conference with Attorney General William Tong, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw announcing the lawsuit on Tuesday.

 

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Chair of the Human Services Committee, welcomed two separate rulings from federal judges that order the Trump administration to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, despite the administration’s efforts to cut off food assistance to over 40 million Americans.

This week, many Democratic governors and attorneys general, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, sued the administration in order to keep payments flowing. Today, two federal judges have ruled that withholding the funds is unlawful.

It is unclear whether the Trump administration will comply with the order and when or if funding will ultimately be reinstated.

“I am incredibly grateful to Attorney General Tong for immediately taking up this fight and delivering a win for Connecticut residents and those across the country. The verdict is clear – when we fight, we win,” said Sen. Lesser. “That said, we don’t yet know whether the President will comply with this court order, but our state needs to step up to do more to protect our residents from starvation. I have heard from Type 1 diabetics, home-bound individuals and parents of developmentally disabled adults who are fearful of what the next few days will bring. Connecticut needs adequate contingency plans to prepare for the emergency. People in my district are scared right now and looking to the state and Governor Lamont for leadership.”

Duff, Norwalk Delegation Celebrate Successful Advocacy for Norwalk

Posted on by Devin James

Duff, Norwalk Delegation Celebrate Successful Advocacy for Norwalk

NORWALK – Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Representatives Lucy Dathan, Dominique Johnson, Kadeem Roberts, and Travis Simms today celebrated the nearly $74 million in total state aid that he and Norwalk’s Democratic legislative delegation were able to bring to Norwalk and the region in 2025, funding everything from MLK student scholarships and the Norwalk Symphony to a college, an aquarium, a marina, and the City of Norwalk itself.

“Norwalk is one of the fastest-growing cities in Connecticut, and as such the city and its people need the state support that keeps them moving forward while keeping local property taxes in check and maintaining a high quality of life. That has been my goal this year in securing tens of millions of dollars in state funding or Norwalk and the region,” said Sen. Duff. “The life of a city is built on a myriad of things, all of them important to someone and all of them contributing in some way. All of it together makes for a very attractive and dynamic place to live. My family goes back five generations in Norwalk, and I graduated from Norwalk High School. I’m invested in this community, and I’m determined to see it flourish.”

As the respected state Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Duff plays a key role in the development of the Connecticut state budget and public policy. As the newly elected vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Sen. Duff  collaborates in a bipartisan manner with legislators from all 50 states to tackle the issues and solve the problems facing America. “Public service is both an enormous responsibility and enormously satisfying, and when holding public office in service to your community, the sky is the limit if you have the will and the ability. I’m fortunate enough to have both and I’m committed to delivering for the people of Norwalk,” said Sen. Duff.

“I want to thank the Norwalk Delegation for delivering over $73 million to the City of Norwalk, especially Senator Duff who is always advocating for Norwalk residents.” said Mayor Rilling. “The community organizations receiving this funding from the State are the heartbeat of Norwalk and these investments will go a long way in helping to enhance equity and the quality of life for all Norwalkers.”

“I am proud of the results we have collaboratively delivered to our districts this year,” said Rep. Dathan. “By combining our diverse strengths and shared commitment to public service, we have effectively addressed the needs of our communities. It is an honor to serve our constituents, and through cooperation and with our thoughtful delegation, we continue to ensure their voices are heard and their priorities advanced.”

“I am overjoyed that the Norwalk delegation was able to secure over $73 million in state aid for the city. Like America, Norwalk is a giant melting pot – full of individuals that have different cultures and economic backgrounds. This aid is an investment in the whole city. Every resident of Norwalk will be able to reap the benefits,” said Rep. Roberts.

“2025 has been a successful year for Norwalk! Our delegation has worked tirelessly to secure funding for several diverse projects all over the City. These investments not only support and benefit current residents of Norwalk, but will also build on our foundation for a bright future. I am grateful that the Norwalk delegation is united in the fight to make our community as great as possible,” said Rep. Johnson.

“This historic investment is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to prioritize the needs of our community. These funds will strengthen Norwalk’s educational institutions, support our small businesses and nonprofits, expand opportunities for our youth, and improve the overall quality of life for our residents. I’m especially proud to see resources going toward programs that uplift working families, empower entrepreneurs, and create pathways for our young people to succeed. As a lifelong Norwalker and representative of the 140th District, I remain committed to ensuring that every dollar we bring home builds a stronger, safer, and more equitable future for all,” said Rep. Travis Simms.

Sen. Marx Welcomes $333,000 in Waste Reduction Grants for Montville, Old Saybrook

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Marx Welcomes $333,000 in Waste Reduction Grants for Montville, Old Saybrook

Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today welcomed a total of more than $333,000 in state grants to support waste reduction in the towns of Montville and Old Saybrook.

The grants, awarded through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Management program, include $161,032 for Montville and $172,018 for Old Saybrook to support the development of a transfer station-based and unit-based pricing system and food scraps recycling program.

“We can’t keep trucking our trash to other states and expect costs to stay manageable,” Senator Marx said. “These grants will help Montville and Old Saybrook cut waste, invest in local solutions, and give residents more control over what they’re paying. That’s smart policy that makes sense for our communities.”

“With these grants, we’re continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to identify solutions to rising waste disposal costs that work for their communities,” Governor Ned Lamont said in announcing the grants today. “The smart and sustainable programs these grants will support give residents and municipalities more control over their disposal costs.”

Connecticut is facing a growing waste crisis. With the closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) in Hartford, municipalities have fewer disposal options located within Connecticut’s borders, causing communities to rely increasingly on trucking waste to landfills in other states.

Restoring Connecticut’s self-sufficiency in waste management is critical for a reliable waste system and long-term stability in tipping fees. Many municipalities and regional organizations are taking positive steps to increase diversion and invest in waste management infrastructure, and DEEP has been supporting those efforts through multiple grant opportunities, including the first round of the SMM program and the Materials Management Infrastructure grant program.

The SMM grant program helps municipalities and regional entities respond to this crisis by providing funds to develop and implement a wide variety of waste diversion and reduction programs and initiatives.

These programs and initiatives include unit-based pricing systems operated at municipal transfer stations; decentralized food scrap collection units; technical assistance for the startup of an aerated static pile composting facility; curbside food scraps collection; regional composting enhancements paired with an in-vessel composter installation; technical support for the expansion of a regional waste authority’s operations; and a major urban initiative to launch curbside co-collection of municipal solid waste and food scraps within a unit-based pricing system.

The first round of the SMM grant program resulted in more than 1,000 tons of waste diverted across participating municipalities.

Sen. Needleman Celebrates Nearly $200K in Waste Reduction Funding for Haddam, Old Saybrook

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Needleman Celebrates Nearly $200K in Waste Reduction Funding for Haddam, Old Saybrook

Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today welcomed a total of nearly $200,000 in state grants to support waste reduction in the towns of Haddam and Old Saybrook.

The grants, awarded through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Management program, include $21,940 for Haddam to support the deployment of satellite food scrap collection units and $172,018 for Old Saybrook to support the development of a transfer station-based and unit-based pricing system and food scraps recycling program.

“As both a state senator and a local official, I know firsthand how challenging waste management has become for Connecticut towns,” Senator Needleman said. “These grants give Haddam and Old Saybrook tools to tackle rising disposal costs while keeping waste decisions local. Food scrap recycling and unit-based pricing work because they reduce what goes to the landfill and give residents more control over their costs.”

“With these grants, we’re continuing to support municipalities in their efforts to identify solutions to rising waste disposal costs that work for their communities,” Governor Ned Lamont said in announcing the grants today. “The smart and sustainable programs these grants will support give residents and municipalities more control over their disposal costs.”

Connecticut is facing a growing waste crisis. With the closure of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) in Hartford, municipalities have fewer disposal options located within Connecticut’s borders, causing communities to rely increasingly on trucking waste to landfills in other states.

Restoring Connecticut’s self-sufficiency in waste management is critical for a reliable waste system and long-term stability in tipping fees. Many municipalities and regional organizations are taking positive steps to increase diversion and invest in waste management infrastructure, and DEEP has been supporting those efforts through multiple grant opportunities, including the first round of the SMM program and the Materials Management Infrastructure grant program.

The SMM grant program helps municipalities and regional entities respond to this crisis by providing funds to develop and implement a wide variety of waste diversion and reduction programs and initiatives.

These programs and initiatives include unit-based pricing systems operated at municipal transfer stations; decentralized food scrap collection units; technical assistance for the startup of an aerated static pile composting facility; curbside food scraps collection; regional composting enhancements paired with an in-vessel composter installation; technical support for the expansion of a regional waste authority’s operations; and a major urban initiative to launch curbside co-collection of municipal solid waste and food scraps within a unit-based pricing system.

The first round of the SMM grant program resulted in more than 1,000 tons of waste diverted across participating municipalities.