Author: Devin James

Senator Maroney Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maroney Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Today, state senator James Maroney (D-Milford) voted in support on a wide range of priorities including $40 million to help municipalities cover the cost of special education and allowing Connecticut colleges and universities to enter into deals with student-athletes to share revenue generated by the student’s sport or name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

“I am proud to have voted in support of this crucial funding to help meet the growing needs of special education students,” said Senator Maroney. “Connecticut has made great strides in increasing support for education, but we must continue to prioritize our most vulnerable communities. Allowing colleges in Connecticut to enter into deals with student-athletes is a critical step in ensuring that our they are fairly compensated for their contributions while also maintaining the competitiveness of universities like UConn. By embracing these changes, we are not only supporting our athletes but also ensuring that Connecticut remains a powerhouse in collegiate athletics.”

Funding to Help Connecticut Municipalities Provide Special Education Services

This funding is in addition to the $181 million which was previously appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025 bringing the total to $221 million.

The funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed to municipalities through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.

Connecticut has made consistent and deliberate strides to increase its support of education over the last several years. State budgets adopted by the General Assembly have boosted funding for education by a total of $364 million since fiscal year 2023. The legislature supplemented this support with an additional $150 million dedicated to Education Cost Sharing Grants.

One of the ways in which Connecticut provides financial assistance to towns and cities for special education services is through the Excess Cost Grant program. This program is designed to offset significant expenses associated with educating certain students with special needs.

In 2022, the legislature amended the Excess Cost Grant program to create a tiered reimbursement structure to ensure that the state’s poorest municipalities were given funding priority. Meanwhile, state budgets have increased funding for the grants by $50 million over the last two fiscal years.

However, these efforts have not been enough to keep pace with significant increases in the need for additional special education funding experienced by Connecticut towns and cities. From fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023, the estimated cost of fully funding the Excess Cost Sharing Grant program surged from $175.7 million to $203.8 million. That number climbed to $260 million in fiscal year 2024 and is estimated to be $289.3 million in 2025.

There are calls for more funding in addition to this immediate allocation. Budget deliberations are ongoing, and it is likely that the conversation surrounding special education funding will continue over the next several months. Senate Democrats have unveiled Senate Bill 1, An Act Increasing Resources for Students, Schools, and Special Education, and the House Democrats introduced House Bill 5001, An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut. Both pieces of legislation aim to reform Connecticut’s special education to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.

Student-Athlete Compensation

The legislation also allows Connecticut colleges and universities to enter into deals with student-athletes to share revenue generated by the student’s sport or name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

In July 2021, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) changed its longstanding policy in order to allow students to enter into NIL deals. In 2022 the Connecticut General Assembly passed a law allowing students to obtain such endorsement deals, becoming one of the first states in the country to do so.

Today’s legislation is in response to another recent policy change from the NCAA, allowing direct payments from the institutions to the student-athletes. This policy change comes as a result of an anticipated lawsuit settlement in House v. NCAA, expected at the end of March. The lawsuit was brought forward by several former NCAA athletes who claim that the NCAA rule prohibiting NIL deals prior to 2021 violated antitrust laws and athletes should be entitled to compensation for their role in college athletics.

Keeping Connecticut law in line with the new NCAA policy will ensure that Connecticut schools can remain competitive in talent recruitment, while compensating student athletes for their significant contributions to the school’s athletic programs. The legislation also exempts NIL and revenue sharing deals from FOIA requests in order to protect the competitive advantage for the schools during negotiations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov| 508-479-4969

Senator Gaston Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Today, state senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) voted in support on a wide range of priorities including $40 million to help municipalities cover the cost of special education, policies governing how schools interact with federal immigration officials, and grants for nonprofit organizations.

“Today, I am proud to cast my vote in support of a comprehensive bill that addresses several critical priorities for our state,” said Sen. Gaston. “The $40 million investment in special education will provide essential resources to municipalities, ensuring that all students have access to the education they deserve. Additionally, the bill strengthens policies to protect our students’ rights when interacting with federal immigration officials, creating a safer and more supportive environment for every child. By empowering school administrators to effectively handle potential encounters with federal immigration officials, we are ensuring that our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on providing a quality education to every child. Finally, by supporting grants for nonprofit organizations, we are empowering our communities to continue their important work. This bill reflects our commitment to equity, education, and community well-being across Connecticut.”

Funding to Help Connecticut Municipalities Provide Special Education Services

This funding is in addition to the $181 million which was previously appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025 bringing the total to $221 million.

The funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed to municipalities through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.

Connecticut has made consistent and deliberate strides to increase its support of education over the last several years. State budgets adopted by the General Assembly have boosted funding for education by a total of $364 million since fiscal year 2023. The legislature supplemented this support with an additional $150 million dedicated to Education Cost Sharing Grants.

One of the ways in which Connecticut provides financial assistance to towns and cities for special education services is through the Excess Cost Grant program. This program is designed to offset significant expenses associated with educating certain students with special needs.

In 2022, the legislature amended the Excess Cost Grant program to create a tiered reimbursement structure to ensure that the state’s poorest municipalities were given funding priority. Meanwhile, state budgets have increased funding for the grants by $50 million over the last two fiscal years.

However, these efforts have not been enough to keep pace with significant increases in the need for additional special education funding experienced by Connecticut towns and cities. From fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023, the estimated cost of fully funding the Excess Cost Sharing Grant program surged from $175.7 million to $203.8 million. That number climbed to $260 million in fiscal year 2024 and is estimated to be $289.3 million in 2025.

There are calls for more funding in addition to this immediate allocation. Budget deliberations are ongoing, and it is likely that the conversation surrounding special education funding will continue over the next several months. Senate Democrats have unveiled Senate Bill 1, An Act Increasing Resources for Students, Schools, and Special Education, and the House Democrats introduced House Bill 5001, An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut. Both pieces of legislation aim to reform Connecticut’s special education to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.

Guidance on School Interactions with Federal Immigration Officials
The legislation contains new language designed to make it easier for local school boards to question federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents if they seek to enter a public school looking for information about potentially undocumented students.
While there have been no known cases of federal ICE agents attempting to enter a Connecticut public school so far this year, this new language seeks to strengthen a school board’s ability to handle such a situation.

Section 1 of HB 7066:
Requires, by April 1, that each school have an administrator appointed to interact with federal immigration authorities.
Requires each school district’s school safety and security plan be amended in a manner consistent with the state Department of Education (SDE) guidance issued on January 28 that protects constitutional rights of all people in schools.
Prohibits discipline of a school employee who acts consistent with that SDE guidance.

HB 7066 is a complement to Gov. Ned Lamont’s Executive Branch action taken late last month. One week after President Trump was sworn into office on Jan. 20, Governor Lamont and SDE Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker issued guidance to every K-12 public school in Connecticut regarding the protection of students in the classroom when it comes to federal immigration enforcement activities.

Both Connecticut and federal law protect a student’s right to attend public school, regardless of their immigration status. The SDE guidance provides school personnel with a detailed framework for developing policies and procedures that protect student rights, consistent with state and federal law.

That SDE guidance suggests school personnel:
Request and record an immigration agents’ identification, including their name, badge or ID number, telephone number and business card.
Direct immigration agents to a designated school official if the agent requests access to records, information, non-public areas of a school, or a member of the school community.
Ask the agent if they have a judicial warrant to support their request and, if so, to produce such warrant.
Review any warrant or other materials produced to determine what it authorizes the agent to do and who issued it. Some immigration agents may have “administrative warrants” or orders that are not court orders issued by a United States district judge or magistrate; such administrative warrants may not authorize agents to access materials or enter areas where access is restricted to the public.
Consult with the school district’s legal counsel — or any guidance provided by legal counsel — on how to proceed depending on the nature of a request; whether a warrant is produced; the details of a warrant; the judicial or administrative nature of any such warrant; whether an immigration agent claims exigent circumstances; and any other considerations identified by legal counsel.

Grants for Nonprofit Organizations
The bill also appropriates $2.88 million to 23 different organizations that address children’s, immigrant, Jewish, women’s health, neighborhood, LBGTQ, and other issues, including:

$800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
$387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
$225,000 for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
$225,000 for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Another $62,500 was appropriated to each of the following organizations:
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition
Center for Children’s Advocacy
Anchor Health Initiative Corp.
Middlesex Hospital
Triangle Community Center
Queer Youth Program of Connecticut
Kids in Crisis
OutCT
Bridgeport Pride Center
PFLAG Enfield
PEERPRIDE
The World Health Clinicians
Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs
Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
City Seed
Building One Community Corp.
Havenly
Junta For Progressive Action

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Supports Emergency Legislation Including Funding for Special Education

Today, state Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Special Education Committee, introduced a portion of House Bill 7067 on funding that will help municipalities cover the cost of special education. Senator Gadkar-Wilcox voted in support on a wide range of priorities including this $40 million allocation to cover the cost of special education.

The Senate passed House Bill 7067 today and was passed Monday evening by the House of Representatives. This bill includes a $40 million injection of state funding to municipalities to support special education needs for the current fiscal year.

“This investment is a direct response to the growing demand for special education services, and it demonstrates our commitment to equity in education,” said Senator Gadkar-Wilcox. “We are ensuring that every student, regardless of where they live, has access to the quality education they deserve. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to further strengthen our special education system and provide the support that every child deserves.”

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, along with other members from the Special Education Committee, completed a listening tour and at every session, a clear message came through from teachers. They explained they were in crisis because of an exponentially increasing caseload and a lack of meaningful support. Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox said superintendents and Boards of Education explained that because of the increasing cost of services, they were in crisis and possible additional costs looming from federal funds added uncertainty. Without the additional funding, public schools would not be able to provide care and instruction that students need.

This funding is in addition to the $181 million which was previously appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025 bringing the total to $221 million.

The funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed to municipalities through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.

Connecticut has made consistent and deliberate strides to increase its support of education over the last several years. State budgets adopted by the General Assembly have boosted funding for education by a total of $364 million since fiscal year 2023. The legislature supplemented this support with an additional $150 million dedicated to Education Cost Sharing Grants.

One of the ways in which Connecticut provides financial assistance to towns and cities for special education services is through the Excess Cost Grant program. This program is designed to offset significant expenses associated with educating certain students with special needs.

In 2022, the legislature amended the Excess Cost Grant program to create a tiered reimbursement structure to ensure that the state’s poorest municipalities were given funding priority. Meanwhile, state budgets have increased funding for the grants by $50 million over the last two fiscal years.

However, these efforts have not been enough to keep pace with significant increases in the need for additional special education funding experienced by Connecticut towns and cities. From fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023, the estimated cost of fully funding the Excess Cost Sharing Grant program surged from $175.7 million to $203.8 million. That number climbed to $260 million in fiscal year 2024 and is estimated to be $289.3 million in 2025.

There are calls for more funding in addition to this immediate allocation. Budget deliberations are ongoing, and it is likely that the conversation surrounding special education funding will continue over the next several months. Senate Democrats have unveiled Senate Bill 1, An Act Increasing Resources for Students, Schools, and Special Education, and the House Democrats introduced House Bill 5001, An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut. Both pieces of legislation aim to reform Connecticut’s special education to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO CREATE EXPEDITED CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS FOR HOSPITALS EXPERIENCING BANKRUPTCY

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR ANWAR VOTES TO CREATE EXPEDITED CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS FOR HOSPITALS EXPERIENCING BANKRUPTCY

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the State Senate to vote in favor of legislation creating an emergency Certificate of Need process, specifically addressing hospitals undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.

“Our medical systems are already under strain, and the uncertainty and delays that come with the extended, complicated Certificate of Need process don’t always reflect the best outcomes for patients, workers or building operations,” said Sen. Anwar. “This new, expedited process for hospitals undergoing bankruptcy – meaning there’s a ticking clock and a need for action – will much better reflect the need for urgency and swift action in these serious circumstances.”

The usual Certificate of Need process under current law has a number of potential delay periods; the Office of Health Strategy has 30 days to determine if an application is complete, then a 30-day public comment period, public hearing and further waiting period are required as well before further action can be taken.

The new Certificate of Need process would shorten many of those time frames; the period to determine applications being complete shrinks from 30 to 3 days, decision deadlines are cut in half and public hearings become optional. OHS would also be required to narrow its focus of considering an application to just the impacts of hospital bankruptcy on patients and communities it serves.

Advocates and lawmakers have called for changes to the Certificate of Need process to accommodate rapid changes that can impact hospital operations. Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., which owns Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital and Waterbury Hospital, has seen delays in attempting to sell those properties partially due to the Certificate of Need process.

“Currently, the three hospitals operated by Prospect Medical employ 6,000 people and provide care to 500,000 residents in their coverage areas,” Sen. Anwar said. “Their viability is critical to their communities. This bill makes sure that when an appropriate buyer is identified to make an acquisition, they won’t be slowed by the Certificate of Need process.”

The Connecticut Mirror said that the median average time from application submission to final decision in certificate of need cases from 2018 to 2024 was 7.5 months.

The new emergency process also recognizes the seriousness of potential interruptions of hospital care by centralizing the Certificate of Need’s focus on the direct impacts of a hospital’s bankruptcy impacting patients and communities.

SENATOR MAHER JOINS SENATE TO PASS SPECIAL EDUCATION, NONPROFIT FUNDING

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER JOINS SENATE TO PASS SPECIAL EDUCATION, NONPROFIT FUNDING

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the State Senate in voting to approve new investments in special education and nonprofit organizations across the state.

“Today, we’re listening to the people and organizations in our state that are providing benefits to their communities. These are the hardworking, tireless efforts of teachers and families who work to support children’s growth, and the nonprofits which provide countless services across the state,” said Sen. Maher. “This is a message that says we hear you and support you, and it helps them continue doing good work across our state.”

The legislation in question infuses $40 million in state funding to municipalities through the end of the current fiscal year to accommodate rapid increases in the cost of special education, added to $181 million that was previously appropriated for the 2025 fiscal year for a total of $221 million in the year. The funding will be allocated through the state’s excess cost grant program and acknowledges that while Connecticut continues to expand its investment in special education, the costs of that level of education continue to grow.

By administering these funds, the Senate acted to alleviate financial pressure that special education funding may pose to municipalities.

Additionally, the bill provides just under $3 million in supplemental funding to 24 nonprofit organizations through the end of the year. The $2.88 million allocated will support Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, regional gay and lesbian support organizations, and a number of additional groups addressing issues that impact children, immigrants, Jewish communities, women’s health, neighborhood and LGBTQ issues.

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

“While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the Senate’s plan to pass legislation to appropriate $2.88 million to 23 different organizations that address children’s, immigrant, Jewish, women’s health, neighborhood, LBGTQ, and other issues:

“Today’s legislation will bolster organizations that support the very communities that are being targeted by the Trump administration. We are funding Planned Parenthood to ensure that Connecticut women have access to abortion, cancer screenings, sexual health services, and more. We are funding organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community to ensure Connecticut residents can live safely and authentically. We are funding immigrant and refugee services to assist our neighbors legally seeking asylum and pursuing documentation. We are funding local food systems and hunger initiatives, children’s mental health services, public health programs, and organizations that take seriously their commitment to public service.

“Trump and Elon Musk’s funding freezes and federal worker witch hunt have already impacted so many of our constituents. While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values and do everything in our power to insulate the people of our state from the far-ranging and destabilizing implications of a second Trump term.”

The legislation appropriates:
• $800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
• $387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
• $225,000 for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
• $225,000 for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Another $62,500 was appropriated to each of the following organizations:
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
• Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition
• Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Anchor Health Initiative Corp.
• Middlesex Hospital
• Triangle Community Center
• Queer Youth Program of Connecticut
• Kids in Crisis
• OutCT
• Bridgeport Pride Center
• PFLAG Enfield
• PEERPRIDE
• The World Health Clinicians
• Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs
• Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
• City Seed
• Building One Community Corp.
• Havenly
• Junta For Progressive Action

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Funding for Local Nonprofits

“While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the Senate’s plan to pass legislation to appropriate $2.88 million to 23 different organizations that address children’s, immigrant, Jewish, women’s health, neighborhood, LBGTQ, and other issues:

“Today’s legislation will bolster organizations that support the very communities that are being targeted by the Trump administration. We are funding Planned Parenthood to ensure that Connecticut women have access to abortion, cancer screenings, sexual health services, and more. We are funding organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community to ensure Connecticut residents can live safely and authentically. We are funding immigrant and refugee services to assist our neighbors legally seeking asylum and pursuing documentation. We are funding local food systems and hunger initiatives, children’s mental health services, public health programs, and organizations that take seriously their commitment to public service.

“Trump and Elon Musk’s funding freezes and federal worker witch hunt have already impacted so many of our constituents. While Connecticut Republicans have remained silent on these attacks on our neighbors, we will emphatically defend Connecticut values and do everything in our power to insulate the people of our state from the far-ranging and destabilizing implications of a second Trump term.”

The legislation appropriates:
• $800,000 for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
• $387,500 for the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
• $225,000 for the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
• $225,000 for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services

Another $62,500 was appropriated to each of the following organizations:
• Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Jewish Family Services of Greenwich
• Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition
• Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Anchor Health Initiative Corp.
• Middlesex Hospital
• Triangle Community Center
• Queer Youth Program of Connecticut
• Kids in Crisis
• OutCT
• Bridgeport Pride Center
• PFLAG Enfield
• PEERPRIDE
• The World Health Clinicians
• Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs
• Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative
• City Seed
• Building One Community Corp.
• Havenly
• Junta For Progressive Action

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the General Assembly’s plan to appropriate $40 million to help local school systems with rising special education costs.

“The co-equal branch of government in charge of appropriating funding has rightfully determined that we have the fiscal ability to support special education with an immediate infusion of $40 million.

“The General Assembly acted responsibly when we instituted various budget reforms in 2017 prior to Governor Lamont’s tenure. We acted responsibly when we filled the Rainy Day Fund to the full $3.9 billion. We acted responsibly when we paid off billions in pension debt. We are still acting responsibly by planning to spend 0.1% of the annual budget to provide supplemental education funding when we have a surplus of $390 million and a volatility cap adjustment of $1.4 billion, resulting in a $1.8 billion aggregate surplus.

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

Posted on by Devin James

Looney and Duff Statement on Responsible Plan to Fund Special Education

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement on the General Assembly’s plan to appropriate $40 million to help local school systems with rising special education costs.

“The co-equal branch of government in charge of appropriating funding has rightfully determined that we have the fiscal ability to support special education with an immediate infusion of $40 million.

“The General Assembly acted responsibly when we instituted various budget reforms in 2017 prior to Governor Lamont’s tenure. We acted responsibly when we filled the Rainy Day Fund to the full $3.9 billion. We acted responsibly when we paid off billions in pension debt. We are still acting responsibly by planning to spend 0.1% of the annual budget to provide supplemental education funding when we have a surplus of $390 million and a volatility cap adjustment of $1.4 billion, resulting in a $1.8 billion aggregate surplus.

“Room in the budget exists and the legislature has the full authority to spend it. This is Connecticut, not Washington, D.C.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Arrests

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Bridgeport Absentee Ballot Arrests

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox released a statement on the arrest of five Bridgeport individuals in connection to absentee ballot abuse in in the 2023 mayoral race.

“As Senate Chair of the new Government Oversight committee, we are tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in government and that begins with free and fair elections. We cannot have a functioning democracy without ensuring that every vote is fairly counted. I am alarmed to hear of the numerous charges alleged against three members of the Bridgeport city council and two others related to absentee ballot fraud and abuse in the 2023 mayoral election. That this news comes on top of allegations in previous election cycles raises even more concerns. I hear these concerns from voters in Bridgeport. Everyone must be sure that their vote is counted fairly as part of a transparent voting process and it is our job to ensure that happens. It is incumbent on Connecticut to extend and strengthen its safeguards, such as election monitors, so that the abuse alleged does not occur in the future.”