Author: sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Looney & Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota:

“We are shocked, appalled, and angered by today’s fatal shooting of a man by ICE agents in Minnesota. This tragic loss of life is yet another demonstration of a dangerous escalation in federal tactics and a disturbing manifestation of authoritarian power. No immigration enforcement operation should end in death, nevermind a cold-blooded murder like the initial video indicates. This is not who we are as a nation.

“We call on our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly to join us in condemning this violent abuse of federal power. Now is the time for all elected officials, regardless of party, to stand together against the dangerous buildup of secret police and militarization of immigration enforcement and to speak with moral clarity against federal overreach that costs innocent lives.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we expect our Republican colleagues will once again remain silent on this clear abuse of power, or worse, attempt to deflect attention to entirely unrelated matters rather than confronting what is plainly wrong. We hope this time will be different. We hope they will find the courage to put principle before politics and join us in demanding an end to these violent abuses of power. The people of Connecticut deserve leaders who have the courage to speak out against injustice, even when it’s politically inconvenient.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney & Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Newsletter Header

Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota:

“We are shocked, appalled, and angered by today’s fatal shooting of a man by ICE agents in Minnesota. This tragic loss of life is yet another demonstration of a dangerous escalation in federal tactics and a disturbing manifestation of authoritarian power. No immigration enforcement operation should end in death, nevermind a cold-blooded murder like the initial video indicates. This is not who we are as a nation.

“We call on our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly to join us in condemning this violent abuse of federal power. Now is the time for all elected officials, regardless of party, to stand together against the dangerous buildup of secret police and militarization of immigration enforcement and to speak with moral clarity against federal overreach that costs innocent lives.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we expect our Republican colleagues will once again remain silent on this clear abuse of power, or worse, attempt to deflect attention to entirely unrelated matters rather than confronting what is plainly wrong. We hope this time will be different. We hope they will find the courage to put principle before politics and join us in demanding an end to these violent abuses of power. The people of Connecticut deserve leaders who have the courage to speak out against injustice, even when it’s politically inconvenient.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Sen. Lesser Applauds Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Sen. Lesser Applauds Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser applauded news that Access Health CT will offer a special enrollment period for customers eligible for the state subsidy announced late last year.

“Hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents have been hurt by the decision by Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington to break a critical piece of the Affordable Care Act and raise healthcare premiums. Constituents in my district and all across the state are still scrambling to find affordable options, and Connecticut has a crucial role to play in protecting our residents from the decisions happening in Washington D.C. We must do more to ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare options. This special enrollment period is an important step, but we must go farther to make the premium support announced by the Governor late last year is available to the public, and we must also bring down premiums to ensure quality healthcare is available to those who need it.”

Special enrollment will begin February 1. According to Access Health CT, customers who qualify for this Special Enrollment Period include:

  • Households with an annual income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), who are not already enrolled in the Covered CT Program. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 100% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.
  • Households with an annual income over 400% and up to 500% FPL. These customers will receive a state subsidy to replace 50% of the expired federal enhanced premium tax credit amounts.

More information can be found here, and customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com to enroll.

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s commutation of the sentence of a real estate manager, Jacob Deutsch, convicted in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme that targeted lenders and communities in Hartford:

“Commuting this sentence sends a dangerous signal that large-scale financial crimes harming communities in Connecticut can be brushed aside. Our residents deserve a justice system that holds wealthy insiders to the same standards it expects from moderate-income Americans. This commutation is also a slap in the face to the federal investigators and prosecutors who spent countless hours investigating this case, pursuing justice, and holding a fraudster accountable.

“Unfortunately, this decision is another example of the Trump regime’s corruption of the American justice system. For President Trump, crime is acceptable if you’re a rich donor or well-connected individual, while ordinary citizens face the full force of the law. That kind of favoritism corrodes public trust, fosters cynicism, and represents one of the most disturbing demonstrations of corruption in modern American history.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Looney, Duff Condemn Trump’s Commutation of Criminal Convicted in Connecticut Fraud Case

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s commutation of the sentence of a real estate manager, Jacob Deutsch, convicted in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme that targeted lenders and communities in Hartford:

“Commuting this sentence sends a dangerous signal that large-scale financial crimes harming communities in Connecticut can be brushed aside. Our residents deserve a justice system that holds wealthy insiders to the same standards it expects from moderate-income Americans. This commutation is also a slap in the face to the federal investigators and prosecutors who spent countless hours investigating this case, pursuing justice, and holding a fraudster accountable.

“Unfortunately, this decision is another example of the Trump regime’s corruption of the American justice system. For President Trump, crime is acceptable if you’re a rich donor or well-connected individual, while ordinary citizens face the full force of the law. That kind of favoritism corrodes public trust, fosters cynicism, and represents one of the most disturbing demonstrations of corruption in modern American history.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Happening Today: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at Carver Community Center

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at Carver Community Center

Happening today, Thursday, January 22, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) will attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Carver Community Center to mark the start of Phase II renovations to the historic Carver Center. The event will begin with an indoor program featuring remarks from community members and elected officials, followed by an outdoor groundbreaking ceremony and photo opportunity.

In 2024, Senator Duff helped secure $3.5 million in funding for these renovations to help expand the center, make it ADA accessible, and provide security upgrades.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce the Carver Center will be soon starting Phase II of these renovations,” said Senator Duff. “The Carver provides many critical services and educational opportunities for Norwalk children. With these renovations, the center will be able to continue its great work for the next generation of Norwalkers.”

What:

  • Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at the Carver Community Center

Who:

  • Senator Bob Duff
  • Mayor Barbara Smyth
  • Norwalk City Council Members Johan Lopez and Jesse Buccolo
  • Novelette Perkins, CEO, Carver Community Center
  • Members of the Carver Board of Directors
  • Community leaders, volunteers, and project partners

When:

  • Today, Thursday, January 22
  • 11:00 a.m. – Program (indoors)
  • 12:00 p.m. – Groundbreaking & Photos (outdoors)

Where:

  • Carver Community Center
  • 7 Academy Street
  • Norwalk, CT

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | Kevin.Coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

ADVISORY: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at Carver Community Center

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at Carver Community Center

Happening tomorrow, Thursday, January 22, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) will attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Carver Community Center to mark the start of Phase II renovations to the historic Carver Center. The event will begin with an indoor program featuring remarks from community members and elected officials, followed by an outdoor groundbreaking ceremony and photo opportunity.

In 2024, Senator Duff helped secure $3.5 million in funding for these renovations to help expand the center, make it ADA accessible, and provide security upgrades.

“I am beyond thrilled to announce the Carver Center will be soon starting Phase II of these renovations,” said Senator Duff. “The Carver provides many critical services and educational opportunities for Norwalk children. With these renovations, the center will be able to continue its great work for the next generation of Norwalkers.”

What:

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase II Renovations at the Carver Community Center

Who:

  • Senator Bob Duff
  • Mayor Barbara Smyth
  • Norwalk City Council Members Johan Lopez and Jesse Buccolo
  • Novelette Perkins, CEO, Carver Community Center
  • Members of the Carver Board of Directors
  • Community leaders, volunteers, and project partners

When:

Thursday, January 22

11:00 a.m. – Program (indoors)

12:00 p.m. – Groundbreaking & Photos (outdoors)

Where:

Carver Community Center

7 Academy Street

Norwalk, CT

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | Kevin.Coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Senate Democrats React to Lamont’s Action on Farm Assessments

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senate Democrats React to Gov. Lamont’s Action to Protect Farmland

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and members of the Senate Democratic caucus released the following statement today regarding the action by Governor Lamont to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land by directing OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490, effective immediately.

“We thank Governor Lamont for listening to Connecticut farmers and taking action on this important affordability issue. Agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, and we need to protect farmers from cost hikes and keep them in business.

“This decision reflects our shared commitment to affordability and to making sure state policy supports the people who feed our families and sustain Connecticut’s rural economy.

“What is striking, however, is the hypocrisy from Connecticut Republicans. They have no shortage of outrage when it comes to state policies they oppose, yet remain conspicuously silent when Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs and tax policies directly harm farmers, drive up costs, and destabilize agricultural markets. You can’t claim to stand with farmers while ignoring the real damage coming from Republicans in Washington who only care about their billionaire friends.”

The statement was signed by:

Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senator Saud Anwar, Senator MD Rahman, Senator Rick Lopes, Senator Paul Honig, Senator Matt Lesser, Senator Christine Cohen, Senator Jan Hochadel, Senator Joan Hartley, Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senator Cathy Osten, Senator Martha Marx, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Senator Herron Gaston, Senator Julie Kushner, Senator Ceci Maher, Senator Pat Miller, Senator Mae Flexer, and Senator Norm Needleman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Senate Democrats React to Lamont’s Action on Farm Assessments

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senate Democrats React to Gov. Lamont’s Action to Protect Farmland

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and members of the Senate Democratic caucus released the following statement today regarding the action by Governor Lamont to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land by directing OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490, effective immediately.

“We thank Governor Lamont for listening to Connecticut farmers and taking action on this important affordability issue. Agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, and we need to protect farmers from cost hikes and keep them in business.

“This decision reflects our shared commitment to affordability and to making sure state policy supports the people who feed our families and sustain Connecticut’s rural economy.

“What is striking, however, is the hypocrisy from Connecticut Republicans. They have no shortage of outrage when it comes to state policies they oppose, yet remain conspicuously silent when Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs and tax policies directly harm farmers, drive up costs, and destabilize agricultural markets. You can’t claim to stand with farmers while ignoring the real damage coming from Republicans in Washington who only care about their billionaire friends.”

The statement was signed by:

Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senator Saud Anwar, Senator MD Rahman, Senator Rick Lopes, Senator Paul Honig, Senator Matt Lesser, Senator Christine Cohen, Senator Jan Hochadel, Senator Joan Hartley, Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senator Cathy Osten, Senator Martha Marx, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Senator Herron Gaston, Senator Julie Kushner, Senator Ceci Maher, Senator Pat Miller, Senator Mae Flexer, and Senator Norm Needleman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Sen. Lesser Applauds High Achieving Schools in Newington, Rocky Hill

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Sen. Lesser Applauds High Achieving Schools in Newington, Rocky Hill

Today, State Senator Matt Lesser applauded three schools in his district that have been recognized as Schools of Distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).

Anna Reynolds School and Elizabeth Green School in Newington, and West Hill School in Rocky Hill were recognized by CSDE for excelling academically, closing achievement gaps, and creating supportive environments where every student can thrive.

“I am incredibly proud of the students, families, teachers, administration and staff who are being recognized by the state for their hard work,” said Sen. Lesser. “It really does take a village and the communities in the ninth district take that charge seriously. As a strong advocate for public education, I look forward to continuing to work together with our school districts to deliver the best possible education for our students.”

CSDE looked at 12 indicators beyond test scores and graduation rates to determine school performance and reflect the various ways that schools support students’ success and well-being. Click here for the results from the 2024–25 Next Generation Accountability System.