Author: Devin James

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

Senate Democrats Take Aim at College Affordability

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Democrats Take Aim at College Affordability

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Democrats announced priority legislation that takes aim at college affordability by fully funding the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation. Senate President Martin Looney, Majority Leader Senator Bob Duff, and State Senator Derek Slap, Co-Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, proposed legislation to increase funding for needs-based scholarships for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are awarded on a need-basis and are, on average, between $4,500 and $5,200. In FY 22, only 31% of eligible students received the scholarship, leaving 16,000 students who qualified for the scholarships without state assistance.

Connecticut’s investment in needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40 percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“Increasing funding to our scholarship program will provide significant assistance to financially struggling students and their families, allowing them to take on less debt while furthering their education,” said Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney. “This proposal, coupled with the General Assembly’s recent history of funding debt-free community college, workforce development, automatic admissions, and more, tells current and prospective students that Connecticut is a place where they can start a career, increase their earning potential, and have a realistic path toward more opportunity.”

“Connecticut has some of the greatest public institutions of higher education in the country and we need to ensure that Connecticut students have access to these schools,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Increasing funding toward our needs-based scholarship program will help students afford tuition at these institutions, keeping talent in Connecticut and lowering the financial burden on students and their families.”

“Connecticut’s lack of investment into our students and young people has created a brain-drain, we are losing highly educated and skilled workers to our surrounding states,” said Sen. Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “Over the last several years we have greatly expanded access to community college and workforce development opportunities. Looking towards this legislative session, as Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, ensuring that bachelor’s degrees are more affordable for students and their families will be one of my top priorities. Now is the time to fully fund our state’s scholarship program and send a strong message to students: we are willing to invest in you if you choose Connecticut for college.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Additionally, Connecticut continues to offer career pathways through secondary and post-secondary education options:

-Six CT State Community College campuses offer pathways to becoming a registered nurse

–CT State Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses in business, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing and social services

–CT State ‘Micro-Credentials’ for focused skills in healthcare and professional development

Connecticut State Employee Training Program offers current state employees professional development in essential business skills, leadership development, technical advancements and trade skills upskilling.

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

Senate Democrats Take Aim at College Affordability

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Democrats Take Aim at College Affordability

HARTFORD – Today, Senate Democrats announced priority legislation that takes aim at college affordability by fully funding the state’s Roberta B. Willis scholarship foundation. Senate President Martin Looney, Majority Leader Senator Bob Duff, and State Senator Derek Slap, Co-Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, proposed legislation to increase funding for needs-based scholarships for Connecticut students attending four-year colleges and universities.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarships are awarded on a need-basis and are, on average, between $4,500 and $5,200. In FY 22, only 31% of eligible students received the scholarship, leaving 16,000 students who qualified for the scholarships without state assistance.

Connecticut’s investment in needs-based scholarships is among the lowest in the country. According to a National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs survey, forty-three other states spend a greater percentage of state funding for higher education on student aid than Connecticut does. Connecticut also loses 40 percent of its young adults to colleges and universities in other states.

“Increasing funding to our scholarship program will provide significant assistance to financially struggling students and their families, allowing them to take on less debt while furthering their education,” said Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney. “This proposal, coupled with the General Assembly’s recent history of funding debt-free community college, workforce development, automatic admissions, and more, tells current and prospective students that Connecticut is a place where they can start a career, increase their earning potential, and have a realistic path toward more opportunity.”

“Connecticut has some of the greatest public institutions of higher education in the country and we need to ensure that Connecticut students have access to these schools,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Increasing funding toward our needs-based scholarship program will help students afford tuition at these institutions, keeping talent in Connecticut and lowering the financial burden on students and their families.”

“Connecticut’s lack of investment into our students and young people has created a brain-drain, we are losing highly educated and skilled workers to our surrounding states,” said Sen. Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. “Over the last several years we have greatly expanded access to community college and workforce development opportunities. Looking towards this legislative session, as Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, ensuring that bachelor’s degrees are more affordable for students and their families will be one of my top priorities. Now is the time to fully fund our state’s scholarship program and send a strong message to students: we are willing to invest in you if you choose Connecticut for college.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.

Additionally, Connecticut continues to offer career pathways through secondary and post-secondary education options:

-Six CT State Community College campuses offer pathways to becoming a registered nurse

–CT State Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses in business, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing and social services

–CT State ‘Micro-Credentials’ for focused skills in healthcare and professional development

Connecticut State Employee Training Program offers current state employees professional development in essential business skills, leadership development, technical advancements and trade skills upskilling.

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

Flood Compensation Program Helps Hundreds of Hartford Residents

Posted on by Devin James

Flood Compensation Program Helps Hundreds of Hartford Residents

By Hugh McQuaid
January 7 @ 9:30 am

Credit Andrey Popov / Canva

 

A Connecticut relief program has directed nearly $9 million to assist more than 500 Harford residents and property owners who were impacted by ground flooding, the Office of the State Comptroller announced in December.

The Hartford Flood Relief and Compensation Program was created in 2023 to assist Hartford homeowners and businesses whose property had been damaged by severe flooding in the city’s North End.

According to a new report from Comptroller Sean Scanlon’s office, the program has since provided $8,191,494.97 in relief to 523 property owners, renters, and business owners with another $565,803 in claims still in the works.

In a press release, Scanlon said the initiative had provided “tangible relief” to hundreds of residents and businesses.

“This program has demonstrated the positive impact government can have when we partner with communities to address chronic challenges and better the lives of citizens,” Scanlon said. “We would not have been able to do this without our legislative partners, community leaders, [program administrator] Dr. Gary Rhule, and the Blue Hills Civic Association.”

Originally funded at $5 million, the relief program was established and later expanded through advocacy by North End residents and support from Hartford-area legislators like Sen. Doug McCrory, D-Hartford.

In a press release, McCrory thanked everyone involved with administering the program for helping many Hartford residents put their lives back together in the aftermath of devastating floods.

“This program has been a lifesaver for many members of our community, who have been dealing for too long with the devastating impacts of flooding across the North End,” McCrory said. “This $9 million represents a direct response to the needs of our families.”

According to the comptroller, the program received more than 130 applications in the last several weeks before its application window closed on Dec. 2. Scanlon said some properties were still awaiting home inspections. He proposed allocating additional funding for the program during the legislative session that begins on Jan. 8.