SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES $38,000 IN STATE ARTS GRANTS FOR RIDGEFIELD AND DANBURY

Posted on April 10, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SEN. KUSHNER WELCOMES $38,000 IN STATE ARTS GRANTS FOR RIDGEFIELD AND DANBURY

DANBURY – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today welcomed $38,042 in Connecticut Arts Endowment grants for seven different arts organizations in Ridgefield and Danbury.

The grants, administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and managed by the Office of the State Treasurer, provide unrestricted general operating support that organizations can direct toward programming, administrative costs, capital projects, equipment, or building their own endowments.

“Western Connecticut is home to some of the finest, most diverse, most robust arts organizations in the state. I’m thrilled to see these groups receive the support that they so richly deserve,” Sen. Kushner said. “Remember that in October 2024 we received a $250,000 state grant for the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut and the City of Danbury to do a feasibility study on creating an arts hub in Danbury. It’s a symbol of just how dynamic this region is when it comes to arts and culture.”

The following organizations received funding:

A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut in Ridgefield, $10,784
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, $10,784
The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield, $9,727
Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Ridgefield, $2,851
The Danbury Music Centre, Inc., Danbury, $2,071
Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, Ridgefield, $1,012
The Ridgefield Chorale, Ridgefield, $813

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly to support the long-term stability of Connecticut’s arts sector. Grant amounts are calculated based on each organization’s private donor contributions, rewarding arts groups that have built strong community fundraising.

###

Senator Honig Applauds $200,000 Grant to Torrington’s Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

Posted on April 10, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Honig Applauds $200,000 Grant to Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

TORRINGTON — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today welcomed a $200,000 state grant to the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub in Torrington through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program.

The Northwest Connecticut Food Hub will use the funding to purchase food from local farms and distribute it to families across western Connecticut through schools, pantries, and community programs, strengthening the connection between district farms and the families who depend on them.

“This grant does two things at once: it gets fresh, locally grown food to families across our region who need it most, and it creates a reliable market for farms in Harwinton, Torrington, and the towns around them that are working hard to keep northwest Connecticut’s food supply strong,” Senator Honig said. “The Food Hub has built something real here, and this investment will help them keep building it.”

The grant is part of $1.55 million the state released today to 12 organizations statewide to purchase locally grown food for distribution to food-insecure residents. The grants are expected to benefit approximately 60,000 Connecticut residents statewide. The program was previously supported by federal funding and continues as a state-funded initiative following recent federal cuts.

“Every family should be able to access nutritious, locally grown food, and this program aims to eliminate barriers to healthy eating while also supporting Connecticut farmers and their operations,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “This program was effective when it was supported by federal funding, and by releasing these state dollars we can help ensure that it continues to function and its mission can endure.”

“Continued state support for these programs strengthens the link between Connecticut farmers and the communities they serve,” Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said. “By investing in expanded market access, we’re helping farms remain financially steady and creating room for new and beginning farmers to gain their footing. These efforts broaden the reach of Connecticut Grown food, reinforce our agricultural economy, and carry forward the administration’s commitment to a resilient, growing farm sector.”

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $200,000 STATE GRANT SUPPORTING THE NEW LONDON COMMUNITY MEAL CENTER

Posted on April 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $200,000 STATE GRANT SUPPORTING THE NEW LONDON COMMUNITY MEAL CENTER

April 10, 2026

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the state’s announcement of a $200,000 grant to the New London Community Meal Center, Inc. to support and improve access to locally grown and healthy food.

The grant is one of 12 being delivered to organizations around the state including food pantries, community health centers and nonprofits to connect fresh products from Connecticut farms to populations experiencing food insecurity.

“This is an awesome grant for our community as it supports those in need and aids Connecticut farmers at the same time,” said Sen. Marx. “It’s a common-sense way to connect our agricultural initiatives and make sure no one in our community goes hungry, expanding residents’ access to healthy options in the process. I’m grateful to the Governor and state leaders for continuing to support southeastern Connecticut.”

These funds will be released as part of the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program, which at once seeks to increase access to healthy food while supporting Connecticut farmers and agriculture.

The Community Meal Center, through this grant, can expand local access to locally grown food through its meal programs, market and wellness hub, supporting low-income residents and seniors in southeastern Connecticut.

Senator Honig Celebrates State Funding for Warner Theatre and Four Other District Arts Groups

Posted on April 9, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Honig Celebrates State Funding for Warner Theatre and Four Other District Arts Groups

HARTFORD — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) today celebrated the award of more than $35,000 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund grants to five arts organizations in the 8th Senate District.

The following district organizations received awards:

Northwest CT Association for the Arts (Warner Theatre), Torrington: $30,932
Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Torrington: $1,632
Northwest CT Arts Council, Torrington: $966
Fermata Arts Foundation, Avon: $953
New England Ballet Theatre of Connecticut, Avon: $580

“Arts organizations do something that’s hard to put a dollar figure on,” Senator Honig said. “They give people a reason to gather, a way to make sense of things, and something to be proud of in their community. The Warner Theatre has been doing that for Torrington for generations, and the Nutmeg Conservatory, the Arts Council, Fermata, and New England Ballet are doing it across northwest Connecticut every day. I’m glad the state found a way to recognize that.”

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury, and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington and serves as Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $135,532 IN CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

Posted on April 9, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $135,532 IN CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the announced release of $135,532 in state grants to support arts and entertainment organizations in her Senate District.

Fourteen organizations in New London, Old Saybrook, Waterford, Old Lyme and Salem will receive grants valued from $791 to $51,303 from the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund, managed by the State Treasurer and administered by the Office of the Arts. The grants are intended to ensure the long-term stability of the state arts industry.

“Arts, cultural, orchestral and historical organizations will all benefit from these grants, supporting everything from local education to cultural enrichment,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m grateful for the state’s continued investment in our region.”

The local grants include:

7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, New London, $7,884
Connecticut Storytelling Center, New London, $1,960
Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, New London, $9,697
Essex Winter Series, Old Saybrook, $1,177
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, $12,996
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, $10,784
Foundation for Diversity in the Arts, Salem, $2,497
Hygienic Art, New London, $4,449
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, $14,896
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, $10,784
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Old Lyme, $51,303
Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, $1,833
Musical Masterworks, Old Lyme, $4,481
Writer’s Block Ink, New London, $791

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $156,852 FROM CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

Posted on April 9, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES $156,852 FROM CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

April 8, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed this week’s announcement of just under $157,000 in state grants to support arts and entertainment organizations in her Senate District.

A total of 21 organizations in Ridgefield, Stamford, New Canaan and Westport will receive grants valued from $500 to $53,922 from the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund, managed by the State Treasurer and administered by the Office of the Arts. The grants are intended to ensure the long-term stability of the state arts industry.

“These funds will help support theater programs, arts organizations and creative people throughout our region, offering members of the public access to enrichment and engagement with local culture,” said Sen. Maher. “I am grateful for these grants in my district and thank state leaders for continuing to invest in our communities.”

The local grants include:

A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut, Ridgefield, $10,784
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, $10,784
Ballet School of Stamford, Stamford, $665
Fairfield County Chorale, Westport, $841
Friends of Levitt Pavilion, Westport, $11,923
INTEMPO Organization, Stamford, $4,020
MoCA/CT (MoCA Westport), Westport, $6,317
New Canaan Society for the Arts (Carriage Barn), New Canaan, $766
New England Dance Theater, New Canaan, $1,450
New Paradigm Theatre Company, Stamford, $500
Orchestra Lumos, Stamford, $18,087
Ridgefield Chorale, Ridgefield, $813
Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Ridgefield, $2,851
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield, $9,727
Silvermine Guild of Artists (Silvermine Arts Center), New Canaan, $7,345
Stamford Center for the Arts (The Palace Theatre), Stamford, $9,058
Stamford Chorale, Stamford, $531
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, $53,922
Summer Theatre of New Canaan, New Canaan, $5,684
Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, Ridgefield, $1,012
Westport Writers’ Workshop, Westport, $572

SEN. ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL EXPANDING, PROTECTING THERAPY PILOT PROGRAMS UTILIZING PSYCHEDELICS

Posted on April 8, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

April 8, 2026

SEN. ANWAR LEADS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL EXPANDING, PROTECTING THERAPY PILOT PROGRAMS UTILIZING PSYCHEDELICS

Hoping to improve treatment and consideration of Connecticut residents experiencing treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress injury, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee, today led passage of legislation seeking to expand access to pilot programs that utilize psychedelics to support therapies.

The state has an existing pilot program utilizing psychedelics, which have shown evidence in trials and studies to help those experiencing treatment-resistant depression, but it is currently limited to veterans, retired first responders and direct health care workers experiencing mental health issues.

Senate Bill 191, “An Act Concerning The Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Pilot Program,” seeks to expand eligibility for this program to people 18 years or older meeting clinical eligibility criteria. The program utilizes MDMA or psilocybin to treat serious depression and PTSI.

This bill also eliminates a requirement that the pilot program will end if the federal Drug Enforcement Agency approves the drugs for medical use. While that has not yet happened, legislators want to ensure the studies can continue regardless of federal decision-making to better support Connecticut residents in need.

“We know that psychedelics can provide breakthroughs for people in direct need of care, and we know that we can always work to find new ways to help people. This bill aids both of those purposes,” said Sen. Anwar. “It does not legalize psychedelics; it makes sure their use to treat depression and post-traumatic stress is closely monitored and studied, with hopes that our findings can support a great many number of residents in the future.”

In recent years, an increasing number of medical studies have found a potential positive connection between novel therapies like psychedelic substances and treatment-resistant mental health issues, with MDMA and psilocybin both representing new opportunities for breakthroughs in care. This legislation is designed to allow Connecticut to further its research with more opportunity to help residents and gather information regardless of changing federal conditions.

The bill passed by a 35-0 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.

Senator Looney Helps Lead Passage of Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets

Posted on April 8, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Looney Helps Lead Passage of Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets

HARTFORD — Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), helped lead Senate passage of a multifaceted bill that supports domestic violence survivors, strengthens the State Veterinarian’s authority to protect animal health, and works to stabilize funding for Connecticut’s animal population control program.

Senate Bill 318, “An Act Concerning Animal Welfare”, helps ensure survivors are not forced to choose between safety and their pets.

“We know that abusers use pets as a tool of control, and that too many survivors remain in dangerous situations because they have nowhere to turn with their animals,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “This bill takes a meaningful step toward building the infrastructure survivors need to leave safely, by studying the full scope of the problem and connecting them with the resources they require. I am grateful to Senator Lopes for his leadership in bringing this legislation forward, to Companions in Crisis for the vital work they do every day, and to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence for their partnership in getting this right.”

Protecting Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets

Research has well documented that domestic violence survivors are more likely to remain in dangerous situations when they have no safe option for their companion animals.

Shelter space that accommodates both survivors and their pets remains extremely limited across Connecticut. Senate Bill 318 addresses this gap directly.

The legislation directs the Department of Agriculture (DoAg), in consultation with the Office of Victim Services, to conduct a study on the impact that the need to place companion animals has on victims of domestic violence. The study will examine existing resources available to survivors seeking temporary or permanent placement for their pets, identify contact persons who can assist survivors in placing their animals, and evaluate the feasibility of establishing a 24-hour phone or electronic hotline dedicated to helping domestic violence victims find care for their companion animals.

The legislation builds on the work of organizations like Companions in Crisis, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that helps secure temporary shelter for the pets of domestic violence victims, and was developed with the strong support of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV).

Strengthening the State Veterinarian’s Authority

Senate Bill 318 also includes a technical fix requested by the Department of Agriculture that expands the State Veterinarian’s authority to issue orders preventing the spread of disease among animals and poultry. Current law limits such orders to contagious and infectious diseases. This definition has created difficulty in addressing diseases that fall outside those specific classifications. The bill broadens this authority to cover any disease, ensuring Connecticut is better equipped to respond swiftly to emerging animal health threats.

Studying Animal Population Control Program Funding

The bill will require the Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to study Connecticut’s animal population control program and develop recommendations to augment and stabilize its funding.

This provision reflects a broader commitment to ensuring Connecticut has the resources necessary to address animal overpopulation in a sustainable, long-term way.

Senate Bill 318 is supported by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In their testimony, Liza Andrews, the VP of Government & Public Relations at the CT CADV said, “Abusers frequently use survivors’ attachment to pets as a method of coercion to stay in the relationship. Threatening, neglecting, and harming pets is a commonly cited tactic used to intimidate and force compliance from survivors. Second, for many survivors, companion animals are not simply pets; they are family members, emotional support, and sometimes the only form of stability and comfort during times of extreme trauma and crisis. When considering leaving, survivors often face an impossible choice. Do they leave for safety and abandon an animal they love? Or do they stay, risking their own safety?”

This bill creates an infrastructure for assisting survivors with placement of their pets by directing the State Veterinarian to identify one or more contact persons who are accessible 24/7 and who will coordinate with animal rescue organizations or animal control facilities that are available to serve as a location for placement of a survivor’s companion animal on a temporary or permanent basis.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $76,912 FROM CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

Posted on April 8, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $76,912 FROM CONNECTICUT ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND TO DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the announced release of just under $77,000 in state grants to support arts and entertainment organizations in his Senate District.

Eight organizations in East Haddam, Essex and Old Saybrook will receive grants valued from $500 to $53,922 from the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund, managed by the State Treasurer and administered by the Office of the Arts. The grants are intended to ensure the long-term stability of the state arts industry.

“It’s wonderful to see these grants supporting local arts, contributing to the cultural strengths of our communities and helping foster local connections,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to state leaders for continued support to our region.”

The eight local grants include:

Capella Cantorium, Essex, $1,009
Community Music School, Essex, $905
Con Brio Choral Society, Essex, $500
Essex Winter Series, Old Saybrook, $1,177
Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, $53,922
I-Park Foundation, East Haddam, $3,587
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, $14,896
Maritime Music and Tradition Society, Essex, $916

NEEDLEMAN CALLS OUT EVERSOURCE FOR ABANDONING SOLAR CONTRACTS THAT COULD SAVE RATEPAYERS $80 MILLION

Posted on April 8, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

NEEDLEMAN CALLS OUT EVERSOURCE FOR ABANDONING SOLAR CONTRACTS THAT COULD SAVE RATEPAYERS $80 MILLION

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, issued a statement calling out Eversource following its decision to refuse to finalize several solar power purchase agreements.

The Connecticut Mirror reported Wednesday that Eversource rejected the projects despite, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, being part of the bid review process. DEEP stated Eversource did not raise objections until after contracts were finalized despite DEEP projections finding the new solar capacity would save Connecticut ratepayers up to $80 million in their lifetime.

“Eversource participated in the entire bid review process for these projects while the state sought to procure clean energy generation to support its power grid, only to then reject them when contracts were finalized,” Sen. Needleman said. Eversource has no objections to sign contracts for the very same projects in Massachusetts it rejects in Connecticut. That’s not a good faith action – it’s a corporation throwing its weight around to nullify state policy.”

United Illuminating agreed to support projects developed in its coverage area.

Eversource claimed the projects would cost more than $200 million in the next 20 years, but DEEP believes this is inaccurate, stating Eversource’s findings omit proceeds from energy sales and clean energy’s impact on wholesale electricity sales over the term of the contract.

“The state says these projects will save ratepayers tens of millions of dollars over the course of the contracts. Eversource says they will cost ratepayers hundreds of millions. That’s a notable discrepancy that raises alarming concerns.”

Eversource’s agreements with Massachusetts allows the company to gain a fee worth at least 2% of the value of the contract for the cost of attaining the procurements. Connecticut energy policy does not allow for any add-ons.

“Is Eversource working with Massachusetts and not Connecticut because only one state gave them additional money? It feels as though the corporation is fighting for profits more than the best interests of Connecticut ratepayers. Its recent decision raises more questions than it answers and makes its intentions unclear.”