Author: Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS NEW PURA NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN ISSUES STATEMENT AS NEW PURA NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, issued a statement as Governor Lamont announced the nominations of four individuals to the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. These individuals include Tom Wiehl, who would leave his position as legal and regulatory director for the Office of Consumer Counsel to serve as PURA’s Chair. Additional nominees have experience in energy policy, state government and utility finance:

“I would like to wish all four nominees to join PURA well in their future work. I would also like to wish outgoing PURA Commissioner Matt Caron a wonderful retirement. Connecticut, in the last several years, has worked to provide state regulators with sufficient tools to do their jobs well. I hope that in their work, these nominees remember to consider the stability of Connecticut and New England’s energy grid and the companies that manage it alongside the necessary efforts to keep state utilities accountable for their work, ensuring ratepayers get good value for their rateholder funds. In the last half-decade, the state legislature has advanced several significant pieces of energy legislation – including the Take Back Our Grid Act in 2020, Senate Bill 7 in 2023 to reform and improve oversight of utilities and Senate Bill 4 in 2025 to reduce costs and provide a stronger regulatory environment – and I hope our work provides a roadmap for PURA to succeed in serving Connecticut.”

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on CT Siting Council Decision to Reject Monopoles

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Releases Statement on CT Siting Council Decision to Reject Monopoles

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), is releasing a statement following the CT Siting Council’s decision to reject Monopoles.

“The decision to reject the UI Monopole plan is a victory for our community.

“From day one, I was relentless in standing against this flawed proposal because my constituents deserved better. I have never been afraid to make good trouble when justice and fairness are on the line. I fought this plan because it failed to respect the voices of our neighborhoods, threatened our environment, and ignored the long-term wellbeing of our communities.

“This outcome proves that when we organize, when we raise our voices, and when we stand our ground, we can make a difference.

“I’m deeply grateful to the advocates, community leaders, and residents who stood strong and united throughout this process.”

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Siting Council Denying UI Monopole Plan

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Statement on Siting Council Denying UI Monopole Plan

BRIDGEPORT – Today, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox issued a statement in response to the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) decision to deny the United Illuminating monopole project plan.

UI’s proposal would have installed 145 foot tall poles in Fairfield and Bridgeport. Local leaders and community members raised concerns about how it could impact economic development, potential environmental effects and protecting the character of their communities.

“I am grateful to the Siting Council for their decision,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “l would especially like to thank the Bridgeport and Fairfield advocates who had serious concerns and they made their voices heard loud and clear. It is a powerful thing when communities can come together, advocate for their communities and see results. I hope that we can continue to work towards infrastructure development that works for all parties involved, but a path forward must be one of collaboration between the municipalities and the utilities.”

Looney & Paolillo Condemn Tweed Airport’s Use of Trump Propaganda Video

Posted on by Devin James

Looney & Paolillo Condemn Tweed Airport’s Use of Trump Propaganda Video

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) strongly condemned the decision by Tweed New Haven Airport to initially air a propaganda-style video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem, which blames Democrats for federal shutdown-related travel delays. The two New Haven legislators who represent the area of the city closest to the airport demanded answers and released the following joint statement:

“Partisan propaganda has no place in our airports. Tweed Airport should have followed Bradley International Airport’s example and refused to air this political video altogether. The decision to even consider running it showed poor judgment and a disregard for the public trust.

“Connecticut residents should never have to worry that their airport will be used to advance the political messaging of any administration, especially the reckless and lawless one led by President Trump. We call on Tweed’s leadership to explain how this was allowed to happen and to immediately put in place policies that ensure Tweed is never complicit again in dispensing partisan propaganda.”

Sen. Slap Responds to Trump Cutting College Preparation Program for Low-Income Students

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Slap Responds to Trump Cutting College Preparation Program for Low-Income Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee responded to news that the Trump administration has fired nearly all Education Department staff who work on a college-preparation program for low-income students amid the government shutdown.

The federal TRIO program supports 900,000 low-income students in all 50 states to prepare for college and the program has seen bipartisan support in Congress. There are 25 TRIO programs in Connecticut that currently support nearly 6,000 students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

“I am outraged by news that the Trump administration is taking yet another step to make college less accessible for students across the country, including those in Connecticut,” said Sen. Slap. “This program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress as it opens doors for students who are underrepresented in higher education. I cannot understand the logic behind this decision and while we will certainly be exploring how Connecticut can support these students in the next legislative session, the state will not be able to replace the ever growing funding gaps being handed to us by the federal government.”

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS RELEASE STATEMENT ON NEW BRITAIN TRAGEDY

Posted on by Devin James

COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN CHAIRS RELEASE STATEMENT ON NEW BRITAIN TRAGEDY

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) and State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford), the Senate and House Chairs of the Committee on Children, released the following statement as new information is learned in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Jacqueline Torres Garcia. Torres Garcia’s remains were recently discovered behind an abandoned home, with family members charged with murder related to her death. Police and state officials continue to investigate amid reports Torres Garcia was never reported missing:

“This horrific situation should not have happened, and we are angry to hear that our state’s systems did not protect Jacqueline. As we learn more, it is becoming apparent that the Department of Children and Families failed her; DCF has one of the most important roles in our state and when it accepts less than 110%, our most vulnerable children are left in harm’s way, with children like Jacqueline suffering the consequences. It’s clear that DCF did not meet the moment here, and we need answers as to how and why this happened, as well as assurances that we can make certain it never happens again.”

STATEMENT OF SEN. JORGE CABRERA ON ICE DETENTIONS TODAY IN HAMDEN

Posted on by Devin James

STATEMENT OF SEN. JORGE CABRERA ON ICE DETENTIONS TODAY IN HAMDEN

HAMDEN – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) issued the following statement today after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stormed a Hamden car wash and detained and took away eight people, including a husband and wife and a customer.

“Since we passed the TRUST Act a decade ago, Connecticut has always carved out exceptions for dangerous felons. Democrats don’t have a problem with that. Neither does the governor. What we do have a problem with is Donald Trump and ICE telling us that they are arresting the scum of the Earth – murders and gang members and pedophiles. And then who do they arrest? Landscapers. Dishwashers. High school kids. People working at car washes. So called ‘overstays’ who show up in court for immigration hearings. Here’s a simple solution: Go back to last year’s bipartisan immigration reform bill that Congress was ready to pass until Donald Trump told Republicans, “Don’t pass that – I need a bogeyman to run against in the November election.” And so Republicans killed the bipartisan immigration reform they had been working on with Democrats under Joe Biden. If Trump and ICE are truly concerned about immigration, go back and pass that bill. Give people a path to citizenship. That’s what most Americans support. But don’t arrest hardworking, taxpaying immigrants.”

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Posted on by Devin James

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, condemn the Trump administration’s politicization of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints here in Connecticut and across the country.

It has been reported that TSA began displaying a 30-second clip of Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, blaming Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown which has led to paused pay for federal workers, including air traffic control and TSA agents, and travel delays across the country.

Although this video will be playing at Bradley International Airport, according to the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) there have not been extensive call outs by FAA or TSA staff at this point, and no operational impacts or safety concerns have been reported at Bradley.

In the video, Secretary Noem addresses the shutdown and blames Democrats for potential delays: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know that they own this government shutdown, and they are taking extraordinary measures to convince Americans otherwise,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “The Trump administration and its Department of Homeland Security are following a chilling playbook as they continue to utilize government resources for blatant propaganda to paint some of their most unpopular actions in a more flattering light. From ICE recruitment videos that read like a video game advertisement, to now lying to Americans while they experience avoidable travel delays, their dishonesty knows no bounds.”

“While TSA workers and air traffic controllers enter another week without pay, our President is playing politics and subjecting travelers to what I would consider political messaging at best and downright lies at worst,” said Sen. Cohen. “Transportation safety is a critical and nonpartisan endeavor, and this administration’s use of public safety equipment like these monitors to spread disinformation and further division is unacceptable. Connecticut travelers and those across our country deserve better.”

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Posted on by Devin James

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, condemn the Trump administration’s politicization of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints here in Connecticut and across the country.

It has been reported that TSA began displaying a 30-second clip of Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, blaming Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown which has led to paused pay for federal workers, including air traffic control and TSA agents, and travel delays across the country.

Although this video will be playing at Bradley International Airport, according to the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) there have not been extensive call outs by FAA or TSA staff at this point, and no operational impacts or safety concerns have been reported at Bradley.

In the video, Secretary Noem addresses the shutdown and blames Democrats for potential delays: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know that they own this government shutdown, and they are taking extraordinary measures to convince Americans otherwise,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “The Trump administration and its Department of Homeland Security are following a chilling playbook as they continue to utilize government resources for blatant propaganda to paint some of their most unpopular actions in a more flattering light. From ICE recruitment videos that read like a video game advertisement, to now lying to Americans while they experience avoidable travel delays, their dishonesty knows no bounds.”

“While TSA workers and air traffic controllers enter another week without pay, our President is playing politics and subjecting travelers to what I would consider political messaging at best and downright lies at worst,” said Sen. Cohen. “Transportation safety is a critical and nonpartisan endeavor, and this administration’s use of public safety equipment like these monitors to spread disinformation and further division is unacceptable. Connecticut travelers and those across our country deserve better.”

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Posted on by Devin James

Sens. Looney, Duff, Cohen Condemn Trump’s Politicization of Airport Safety Checkpoints

Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and State Senator Christine Cohen, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, condemn the Trump administration’s politicization of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints here in Connecticut and across the country.

It has been reported that TSA began displaying a 30-second clip of Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, blaming Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown which has led to paused pay for federal workers, including air traffic control and TSA agents, and travel delays across the country.

Although this video will be playing at Bradley International Airport, according to the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) there have not been extensive call outs by FAA or TSA staff at this point, and no operational impacts or safety concerns have been reported at Bradley.

In the video, Secretary Noem addresses the shutdown and blames Democrats for potential delays: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans know that they own this government shutdown, and they are taking extraordinary measures to convince Americans otherwise,” said Senators Looney and Duff. “The Trump administration and its Department of Homeland Security are following a chilling playbook as they continue to utilize government resources for blatant propaganda to paint some of their most unpopular actions in a more flattering light. From ICE recruitment videos that read like a video game advertisement, to now lying to Americans while they experience avoidable travel delays, their dishonesty knows no bounds.”

“While TSA workers and air traffic controllers enter another week without pay, our President is playing politics and subjecting travelers to what I would consider political messaging at best and downright lies at worst,” said Sen. Cohen. “Transportation safety is a critical and nonpartisan endeavor, and this administration’s use of public safety equipment like these monitors to spread disinformation and further division is unacceptable. Connecticut travelers and those across our country deserve better.”