Author: Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN SWORN IN FOR FOURTH TERM IN STATE SENATE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN SWORN IN FOR FOURTH TERM IN STATE SENATE

On Wednesday, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) was sworn in for his fourth term as the State Senator representing the 33rd Senate District, comprised of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook. Starting his legislative career with election to the Senate in 2018, Sen. Anwar has since earned re-election in 2020, 2022 and most recently in 2024.

“I could not be more proud to stand at the Capitol to represent my constituents, to whom I’m thankful for their continued support,” said Sen. Needleman. “This is a great honor, and it’s not lost on me that there’s plenty of work to be done. I’m excited to find new ways to benefit our state’s electric grid and ratepayers, improve our current housing crunch and put money back in household pockets in the coming months.”

Sen. Needleman is the Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Commerce, Finance, Revenue and Bonding and Transportation Committees.

Looney, Duff Condemn Utilities’ Attempt to Silence, Intimidate Officials

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Condemn Utilities’ Attempt to Silence, Intimidate Officials

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued a statement condemning recent efforts by state utility companies to effectively silence and intimidate State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), as well as recent letters sent from Eversource executives to municipal leaders seeking their preliminary support for future “investments,” meaning rate increases, in coming months.

Senators Looney and Duff are extremely concerned about the severity and directness of these recent communications, especially amid an environment in which many utility customers in Connecticut saw significant spikes in cost over the summer of 2024, as well as the rhetoric at least one company is using regarding reducing services despite seeking rate increases from ratepayers.

“Senator Needleman receiving these letters is unusual, to say the least, and is indicative of a continued campaign from state utilities disturbed by the prospect of tougher regulations on their business and greater demands for accountability. Instead of working alongside legislators to shore up the stability and efficiency of the state’s electric grid, the utilities are universally opposing any effort that could pull funds away from their shareholders and bottom lines. Let’s be frank: Connecticut utilities enjoyed 20 years of a virtually free and lightly regulated market, and during that time, state power costs spiked while emergency response faltered. Now that the focus is turning toward the best interests of ratepayers, and not exclusively shareholders, there’s a full-court press in place against any progress. It’s disappointing, and we hope that state residents are paying attention.”

In an editorial published in the Connecticut Mirror on January 6, Needleman reported that he received a letter from Connecticut utilities accusing him of defamatory speech while discussing their business operations, as well as a letter reprimanding him when he called for increased accountability for utilities during his re-election campaign in fall 2024.

On July 17, 2024, Avangrid Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Kenna Hagan addressed a letter to Sen. Needleman insinuating legal action against him in response to comments he made regarding utilities’ efforts. The letter claims Sen. Needleman defamed United Illuminating by publicly stating that Connecticut utilities want current Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Chair Marissa Gillett fired.

On November 8, 2024, Eversource’s President of Connecticut Electric Operations, Steve Sullivan, addressed a letter to Sen. Needleman shortly after his re-election. In that letter, Sullivan said Needleman’s mention of his efforts to reduce energy bills in a campaign flyer allegedly threatened the safety of Eversource employees, despite his messaging being focused on company decisions. Sullivan accused Needleman of trying to “provoke” constituents and accused him of “bullying.”

Despite these letters directly seeking to chill Sen. Needleman’s public statements, Sullivan then noted that legislators and utilities “need to work collaboratively” to solve complex energy challenges in the state.

On December 30, 2024, Sen. Needleman then received a letter from Eversource executives addressed to municipal leaders in his role as First Selectman of Essex. In response to the letter, which indirectly sought the support of municipal executives for future rate increases, Sen.  Needleman issued his own letter to municipal leaders, responding to Eversource’s claims of needing to reduce its investments in state infrastructure by noting it has not filed for a rate decision since 2018, meaning such a decision is based off expectations of sharpened regulations instead of concrete evidence.

“Despite their recent insinuations that the walls are caving in financially,” Needleman wrote, “Connecticut utilities are still seeing record earnings, an 82% increase in the dividend payouts to shareholders over the last 10 years and record salaries for top CEOs.” He added that Eversource also recently experienced $2.4 billion in write-offs after failed financial investments.

The letters in question can be accessed here and here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov

Looney, Duff Condemn Utilities’ Attempt to Silence, Intimidate Officials

Posted on by Devin James

Looney, Duff Condemn Utilities’ Attempt to Silence, Intimidate Officials

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued a statement condemning recent efforts by state utility companies to effectively silence and intimidate State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), as well as recent letters sent from Eversource executives to municipal leaders seeking their preliminary support for future “investments,” meaning rate increases, in coming months.

Senators Looney and Duff are extremely concerned about the severity and directness of these recent communications, especially amid an environment in which many utility customers in Connecticut saw significant spikes in cost over the summer of 2024, as well as the rhetoric at least one company is using regarding reducing services despite seeking rate increases from ratepayers.

“Senator Needleman receiving these letters is unusual, to say the least, and is indicative of a continued campaign from state utilities disturbed by the prospect of tougher regulations on their business and greater demands for accountability. Instead of working alongside legislators to shore up the stability and efficiency of the state’s electric grid, the utilities are universally opposing any effort that could pull funds away from their shareholders and bottom lines. Let’s be frank: Connecticut utilities enjoyed 20 years of a virtually free and lightly regulated market, and during that time, state power costs spiked while emergency response faltered. Now that the focus is turning toward the best interests of ratepayers, and not exclusively shareholders, there’s a full-court press in place against any progress. It’s disappointing, and we hope that state residents are paying attention.”

In an editorial published in the Connecticut Mirror on January 6, Needleman reported that he received a letter from Connecticut utilities accusing him of defamatory speech while discussing their business operations, as well as a letter reprimanding him when he called for increased accountability for utilities during his re-election campaign in fall 2024.

On July 17, 2024, Avangrid Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Kenna Hagan addressed a letter to Sen. Needleman insinuating legal action against him in response to comments he made regarding utilities’ efforts. The letter claims Sen. Needleman defamed United Illuminating by publicly stating that Connecticut utilities want current Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Chair Marissa Gillett fired.

On November 8, 2024, Eversource’s President of Connecticut Electric Operations, Steve Sullivan, addressed a letter to Sen. Needleman shortly after his re-election. In that letter, Sullivan said Needleman’s mention of his efforts to reduce energy bills in a campaign flyer allegedly threatened the safety of Eversource employees, despite his messaging being focused on company decisions. Sullivan accused Needleman of trying to “provoke” constituents and accused him of “bullying.”

Despite these letters directly seeking to chill Sen. Needleman’s public statements, Sullivan then noted that legislators and utilities “need to work collaboratively” to solve complex energy challenges in the state.

On December 30, 2024, Sen. Needleman then received a letter from Eversource executives addressed to municipal leaders in his role as First Selectman of Essex. In response to the letter, which indirectly sought the support of municipal executives for future rate increases, Sen.  Needleman issued his own letter to municipal leaders, responding to Eversource’s claims of needing to reduce its investments in state infrastructure by noting it has not filed for a rate decision since 2018, meaning such a decision is based off expectations of sharpened regulations instead of concrete evidence.

“Despite their recent insinuations that the walls are caving in financially,” Needleman wrote, “Connecticut utilities are still seeing record earnings, an 82% increase in the dividend payouts to shareholders over the last 10 years and record salaries for top CEOs.” He added that Eversource also recently experienced $2.4 billion in write-offs after failed financial investments.

The letters in question can be accessed here and here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR MARX SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM IN STATE SENATE

Posted on by Devin James

January 8, 2024

SENATOR MARX SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM IN STATE SENATE

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) was sworn in for her second term as the State Senator representing the 20th Senate District, comprised of Bozrah, East Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem and Waterford. Starting her legislative career with election to the Senate in 2022, Sen. Marx earned re-election in 2024.

“Returning to the Capitol for my second term is a proud moment, and I’m focused on all of the constituents I’ve spoken to who have raised concerns and issues impacting their lives,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m excited to get working on the Housing Committee for the first time as chair and continuing the progress we’ve accomplished in other committees, most prominently the Public Health Committee.”

Sen. Marx is the Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee and a member of the Aging, Appropriations, Children’s and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.

Caption: Sen. Marx addresses the Senate chamber as the 2025 legislative session begins.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR ANWAR SWORN IN FOR FOURTH TERM IN STATE SENATE

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

January 8, 2025

SENATOR ANWAR SWORN IN FOR FOURTH TERM IN STATE SENATE

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was sworn in for his fourth term as the State Senator representing the 4th Senate District, comprised of East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington and South Windsor. Starting his legislative career winning a special election in early 2019, Sen. Anwar has since earned re-election in 2020, 2022 and most recently in 2024.

“Returning to the Capitol for my fourth term is an honor and privilege, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to further benefit my state and my constituents,” said Sen. Anwar. “The next five months will involve hard work, long hours and determination to enact positive change across the state of Connecticut. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get to work.”

Sen. Anwar is the Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee and additionally serves as Vice Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Housing and Human Services Committees.

Caption: Sen. Anwar enjoys the scene as the 2025 Legislative Session started in Hartford Wednesday.

SENATOR MAHER SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM IN STATE SENATE

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM IN STATE SENATE

Caption: Sen. Maher speaks Wednesday as the 2025 Legislative Session begins.

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) was sworn in for her second term as the State Senator representing the 26th Senate District, comprised of Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. Starting her legislative career with election to the Senate in 2022, Sen. Maher earned re-election in 2024.

“It’s a great honor to return to the Capitol for a second term representing my constituents from the district up in Hartford, and I am ready to hit the ground running,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m conscious of the work ahead of us in the next five months, and I’m dedicated to supporting initiatives that will create affordability in CT, improve nutrition for families and children, improve school safety, and support our environment; I’m ready to get down to business.”

Sen. Maher is the Senate Chair of the Committee on Children and the Internship Committee, Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee and a member of the Energy & Technology, Environment and Judiciary Committees.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov

State Legislature Begins Session with Historic Democratic Majorities

Posted on by Devin James

State Legislature Begins Session with Historic Democratic Majorities

By Hugh McQuaid
January 8 @ 2:30 pm

The Connecticut State Senate Chamber on Jan. 8, 2025. Credit: Cutter Oliver / Senate Democrats

 

Backed by expanded Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate, the General Assembly began its 2025 legislative session Wednesday, kicking off a five-month effort to craft new laws and a two-year budget to fund critical services for Connecticut residents.

The legislature’s opening day signals the start of its annual session, which runs from January to June in odd-numbered years. The day was marked by fresh starts and ceremonies as new and returning legislators took the oath of office, beginning new terms at the state Capitol building in Hartford.

As of Wednesday, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 25 to 10 in the Senate and 101 to 49 in the House. The party’s majority in the Senate represented the third-largest Senate Democratic Caucus in nearly four decades.

Senate leaders said they were honored to have earned the trust of voters, who awarded Democrats a historic mandate on Election Day. During his remarks, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney said the people of Connecticut had sent a resounding message at the polls.

“They entrusted Democrats with the largest majority in the State Senate in 38 years—a mandate as historic as it is humbling,” Looney said. “This overwhelming support is a testament to the tangible results of our governance. Our policies have strengthened Connecticut’s economy, expanded access to quality healthcare, enhanced educational opportunities, and addressed the pressing challenges of our time—from climate change to public safety.”

Among the Senate Democrats who took the oath of office Wednesday were two new members: Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox of Trumbull, who was elected to represent a district previously served by retired Sen. Marilyn Moore, and Sen. Paul Honig of Harwinton. Honig, a retired finance executive, is the first Democrat to represent the state’s 8th Senate District in more than five decades.

Honig said it was a privilege to bring a fresh approach to representing his home communities.
“Connecticut is a great place to live and raise a family, but there’s more we can do to make our state affordable and I’m excited to get to work, delivering meaningful results for the people of the 8th District,” he said.
After convening the session in their respective chambers, legislators from both the House and Senate crowded into the House Chamber on the second floor of the state Capitol to hear an annual State of the State address from Gov. Ned Lamont.

The governor said state policymakers would focus this session on building on the progress Connecticut had made over the last several years. He stressed the importance of working to bring down the cost of living by addressing the affordability of expenses like health care and energy.

“Always, our north stars will be affordability and opportunity,” Lamont said, “holding down the costs of energy and education, allowing you to keep more of what you earn and providing you the tools you need to earn more, to buy a home, to start a business.”

In addition to negotiating a two-year state budget and tackling affordability issues, legislative leaders created a new committee to oversee government operations. The new panel, called the Government Oversight Committee, will be led by Gadkar-Wilcox and Rep. Lucy Dathan, D-New Canaan.

Looney said the Connecticut Senate would also be ready to address a wide range of issues during the coming session, including regulating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, the growing dissemination of misinformation, and the potential for massive cuts in federal funding under the incoming Trump administration.

He urged senators to think creatively and meet those challenges with wisdom and compassion.

“Let us continue to build a state that believes in human potential, honors every generous dream, and dismisses no one as unworthy,” Looney said.

Paul Honig Sworn in as State Senator Serving the 8th District

Posted on by Devin James

Paul Honig Sworn in as State Senator Serving the 8th District

Paul Honig of Harwinton was sworn in Wednesday as the first Democrat in over 50 years to serve as state senator for the 8th Senate District, which includes Norfolk, Hartland, Canton, Simsbury, New Hartford, Avon, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

“It is a privilege to represent the communities I call home and I feel grateful to my neighbors for giving me an opportunity to bring a fresh approach to the challenges ahead,” Senator Honig said. “Connecticut is a great place to live and raise a family, but there’s more we can do to make our state affordable and I’m excited to get to work, delivering meaningful results for the people of the 8th District.”

Senator Honig will serve as co-chairman of the legislature’s Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee as well as vice chair of the Banking Committee and the Government, Administration and Elections Committee.

Additionally, Senator Honig will be a rank-and-file member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding; Insurance & Real Estate; Planning and Development; and the Public Safety and Security Committees.

Prior to his election to the state legislature, Senator Honig spent more than two decades working in the fixed income finance industry. He is currently serving his third term on the town of Harwinton’s Board of Selectmen.

Senator Honig represents the first Democrat to serve as senator for the 8th District since 1967. His election to a seat long held by Republicans has contributed to Senate Democrats’ current 25 to 11 majority, the third-largest Democratic Caucus since 1887, according to the 2023 State Register and Manual.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov

Senator Hochadel Sworn In For Second Term In The State Senate

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Sworn In For Second Term In The State Senate

 

Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, was sworn in Wednesday to serve a second term as the state senator for the 13 District, which includes Meriden and parts of Cheshire, Middletown, and Middlefield.

“I am honored to continue serving the people of Meriden, Cheshire, Middletown and Middlefield and I’m grateful that my neighbors have once again trusted me to be their voice in Hartford,” Senator Hochadel said. “Over the next five months, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a state budget that addresses the needs of Connecticut residents and ensures funding for vital services while supporting our schools. I am also eager to continue my work on the Aging Committee, advancing policies that protect seniors and support their health and well-being.”

Senator Hochadel will once again serve as Senate Chair of the legislature’s Aging Committee and Vice Chair of the Environment Committee. She is also a member of the General Assembly’s Committees on Banking; Housing; and Public Health.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov

Senator Looney Addresses Chamber After Re-Election as Senate President

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Looney Addresses Chamber After Re-Election as Senate President

HARTFORD – Today, the Connecticut State Senate re-elected Senator Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) as Senate President Pro Tempore. Senator Looney was first elected as State Representative in 1981, as 11th District State Senator in 1993, as Senate Majority Leader in 2003, and as President Pro Tempore in 2015.

Senator Looney addressed the chamber and delivered the following remarks:

Thank you, colleagues and friends.

I begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my wife, Ellen, for her love, sound judgment, wise advice, and unwavering support throughout these 44 legislative years. To my son Michael, my daughter-in-law Becky, and my grandchildren—you are my inspiration and the foundation of my resilience and optimism. Your love and encouragement give meaning to this work.

Today, I stand before you humbled and honored to begin another term as your Senate President Pro Tempore. The Connecticut State Senate, the institution of the General Assembly, and the awesome responsibility of holding the trust of approximately 100,000 people to represent them and to legislate wisely on behalf of all the people of our state are sacred to me. To lead this great chamber for another two years is a privilege I cherish, and I pledge to continue serving with the same dedication, purpose, and sense of being blessed that I felt when first taking the oath as 96 District State Representative in 1981, as 11th District State Senator in 1993, when first chosen by my Democratic colleagues as Senate Majority Leader in 2003, and by the entire body as President Pro Temp in 2015.

Over the last decade, the Connecticut State Senate has been a force for progressive vision and action. Together, we have enacted policies that have transformed lives:

-We implemented Paid Family and Medical Leave, ensuring no one has to choose between an essential paycheck and tending to a seriously ill loved one.

-We raised the minimum wage from $10.10 per hour in 2019 to now, with annual indexing, $16.35, lifting countless families out of desperate poverty and restoring dignity to work.

-We expanded paid sick days so that all employees can access a basic level of support to care for themselves.

-We championed second chances, reforming our criminal justice system to offer hope and opportunity to those seeking to rebuild their lives.

-We expanded education and workforce development investments, better equipping our people to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

-We modified the private college and hospital PILOT formula to create greater equity and target need

-We provided protections for customers and patients against the abusive practices of health insurance companies and large pharmaceutical companies and will continue this ongoing battle in 2025.

-We have significantly invested in programs to support the youngest in our state. This year we must make a major interventional commitment to providing high quality affordable early childhood education to every child in our state to guarantee that children are prepared to thrive in Kindergarten rather than starting behind and often remaining behind, resulting in alienation from school, behavioral problems, truancy, contact with juvenile court, early dropout and then criminal acts and/or membership in the growing cohort of disengaged 16 to 24 year olds who are neither employed nor in school.

-We have made modest progress in protections for renters and other housing initiatives. However, in 2025 we must also make a breakthrough in the creation of more housing in order to reduce rising costs. The need is both in urban areas that need population growth to be healthy and vital and in those suburban and rural towns who tend to see Connecticut merely as a collection of 169 insular municipalities existing in close proximity to each other.

 

These are not just abstract policies; they are critical needs met and promises fulfilled, embodying the values we hold dear—compassion, fairness, and opportunity for all.

In this past election, the people of Connecticut delivered a resounding message. They entrusted Democrats with the largest majority in the State Senate in 38 years—a mandate as historic as it is humbling. This overwhelming support is a testament to the tangible results of our governance.

Our policies have strengthened Connecticut’s economy, expanded access to quality healthcare, enhanced educational opportunities, and addressed the pressing challenges of our time—from climate change to public safety. This expanded majority is a call to action, a collective charge to build upon our successes and to lead with boldness and urgency.

While this chamber now boasts a historically strong Democratic majority, let us not forget that our most enduring achievements have always come from working together. Bipartisanship is not a relic of the past but a guiding principle for our future. To my Republican colleagues, your perspectives and good faith contributions to sustaining state government as effective, accountable, and sufficiently empowered are always welcome.

As we embark on this legislative session, let us remember in the words of George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Let us lead—not wearing partisan blinders but as public servants dedicated to the common good.

To my colleagues, both new and returning, I urge you to seize this moment with confidence and hope. Push the boundaries of what is possible. Challenge yourselves and one another to think creatively, act courageously, and legislate with wisdom and compassion.

The challenges we face are beyond the powers of the timid and tentative. As the great Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston said, “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” 2025 is one of those years that demand answers. How will we deal with possible massive federal funding cuts to states that may place additional pressure on our Budget Reserve Fund and our fiscal guardrails? How will we respond to the galloping pace of advances in artificial intelligence? The potential for an avalanche of misinformation and deception grows exponentially. As Jonathan Swift said in 1710 “Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it.”

Let us continue to build a state that believes in human potential, honors every generous dream, and dismisses no one as unworthy. That is the best tradition of the Connecticut State Senate.

May our deliberations and achievements in this term bring renewed hope to the people of our state in these troubled times and in doing so be an inspiring light to the nation.

Thank you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Coughlin | 203-710-0193 | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov