Author: sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR COHEN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR COHEN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

$300+ Million Response Fund Shielding Connecticut From Federal Chaos

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen voted to establish a Federal Cuts Response Fund, continuing an effort started in late 2025 to ensure Connecticut is well-positioned to respond to rapid changes to funding and programs made by the federal government.
 
Today’s vote carries over $313 million into a new reserve. It follows $186.6 million in investments in December 2025 and January 2026 from a $500 million pool established in November 2025 and makes sure the remaining funds are available to respond to funding cuts from the federal government.
 
“Connecticut residents, state and community leaders, service providers and more have found themselves caught in the crosshairs of an unstable and hostile federal government,” said Sen. Cohen. “This administration haphazardly cuts funding then changes its mind. It uses food assistance as a political bargaining chip and raises American’s healthcare premiums to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. With this vote, Connecticut residents can rest assured that we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from the cruelty and chaos coming from Washington D.C.”
 
Since the start of the second Trump presidency, Connecticut has been among several blue states that have seen billions of dollars in cuts to previously approved funding for programs ranging from education, to healthcare, clean energy, public health, mental health supports and more. Some programs have been reinstated, while others have not, creating chaos and uncertainty for providers and those who use these programs. The Republican Federal Budget passed in July of last year also cut funding to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, home heating assistance and more.
 
The fund has already been used to support investments in response to federal changes and funding cuts including:

  • $115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
  • $24.6 million to support food banks and food pantries’ capacities to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
  • $11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to successfully implement eligibility changes and constituent support
  • $8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
  • $6.88 million to support expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • $4.7 million to increase call volume at 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
  • $4.513 million to replace Community School grants for New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford public schools providing health care and childcare services to children and families
  • $2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
  • $830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

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SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST

February 4, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal released February 4. That proposal includes a $12.5 million investment to include universal school breakfasts in state schools and eliminate reduced-price meal costs for students:

“After years of advocating for universal no-cost school meals for students in Connecticut, I’m heartened to hear Governor Lamont knows how important this priority is for our youth,” said Sen. Maher. “Children who have access to food in schools can learn and focus better, and it is directly tied to better outcomes as they grow up. I can’t help but notice that the Governor’s proposal could go further, however. If our state funds universal school breakfasts, it’s not a huge leap from there to do the same with school lunches, creating a universal school meals program. The benefits from such an expansion would be measurable.

Note: headline corrected

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL LUNCHES

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL LUNCHES

February 4, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal released February 4. That proposal includes a $12.5 million investment to include universal school breakfasts in state schools and eliminate reduced-price meal costs for students:

“After years of advocating for universal no-cost school meals for students in Connecticut, I’m heartened to hear Governor Lamont knows how important this priority is for our youth,” said Sen. Maher. “Children who have access to food in schools can learn and focus better, and it is directly tied to better outcomes as they grow up. I can’t help but notice that the Governor’s proposal could go further, however. If our state funds universal school breakfasts, it’s not a huge leap from there to do the same with school lunches, creating a universal school meals program. The benefits from such an expansion would be measurable.”

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS UCONN HEALTH CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR WATERBURY HOSPITAL ACQUISITION APPROVED

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Anwar

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

February 2, 2026
 

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS UCONN HEALTH CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR WATERBURY HOSPITAL ACQUISITION APPROVED

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after UConn Health’s emergency certificate of need was approved by the state Office of Health Strategy, allowing the health system’s acquisition of Waterbury Hospital to move forward. The health system’s acquisition of Waterbury Hospital for $13 million helps ensure its long-term ability to provide care following the bankruptcy of the hospital’s prior owner, Prospect Medical Holdings.

“Health care in Connecticut is in much better shape following this acquisition than it was beforehand, and the people of Waterbury who rely on Waterbury Hospital can rest assured that quality of care will not be impacted,” said Sen. Anwar. “UConn Health’s dedication to service and medical care will infuse Waterbury Hospital with new resources and importantly protects Connecticut from seeing a significant care desert, especially important given prior concerns about Prospect properties’ long-term viability. I’m grateful to state leaders for ensuring rapid action preserved this vital health care resource.”

Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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Senator Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, is issuing a statement following a journalist being charged with federal rights civil crimes in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota.

“People are being arrested for exercising rights explicitly guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This is not speculation—this is happening.

“When journalists and citizens alike are detained for speaking out, including the arrest of Don Lemon, it signals a deeply troubling moment for our democracy. These are frightening times. Freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is the foundation of our republic.

“It is our collective voice. It is what gives the people the ability to speak freely, to dissent, and to peacefully assemble without fear of retaliation. If we allow this erosion of constitutional rights to continue, if we remain silent in the face of injustice, we are not maintaining order; we are surrendering liberty. Silence becomes consent. And consent, in this moment, empowers a dangerous expansion of executive authority.

“Unchecked, this path leads away from democracy and toward authoritarian rule. History shows us that the loss of freedom does not happen overnight, it happens when people are intimidated into compliance and convinced that resistance is futile. We cannot allow that to happen here.

“The Constitution demands vigilance. Democracy demands courage. And this moment demands that we speak—clearly, loudly, and without fear.”

Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

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Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, applauded news that Yale University will provide free tuition for students whose families’ income and certain assets are under $200,000. Additionally, the university will cover all costs of attendance for families with incomes below $100,000.

“Yale understands that to truly fulfill their mission, cost cannot be a barrier. This is also true for other schools that are not as well resourced. That’s why I am pushing for a significant expansion in scholarship support for Connecticut students attending schools in the state. Connecticut ranks among the worst states when it comes to providing public scholarships and the result is that many of our students go out of state for college – and never return. Alternatively, other students simply opt out of college altogether due to cost. Debt-free community college has been a great success in our state, but we must do more for students pursuing a four year degree. It’s wonderful that Yale is expanding their institutional aid, but they are in a very different financial place than our other universities and colleges. Let’s celebrate Yale’s decision while acknowledging state government has a role to play to make this kind of move a reality at our other schools.”

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

STATE SENATOR SAUD ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MINNEAPOLIS KILLING

Posted on by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Anwar

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

January 26, 2026

STATE SENATOR SAUD ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MINNEAPOLIS KILLING

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) released the following statement in response to the killing of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, January 24, the latest civilian death following federal immigration actions in the city by ICE and Border Patrol:

“Yet again, in high definition, we watch an innocent citizen murdered at the hands of federal agents, and yet again, the federal government lies about what we can plainly see with our own eyes. What is being called immigration enforcement seems to in fact be a terror campaign inflicted upon cities opposing the Trump administration. Lives have been lost, lives are at stake and the federal government seems to keep doubling down, putting us all at risk. Without accountability or the rule of law in place, our nation will crumble. The people of America deserve answers and they deserve an end to the endless chaos being forced upon them.”

Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Fatal Shooting by ICE in Minnesota

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Senator Gaston Issues Statement Following Fatal Shooting by ICE in Minnesota

State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota.

“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the recent killing in Minnesota involving federal immigration enforcement,” said Sen. Gaston. “This recent death has shaken communities across the nation and raised serious questions about the use of force by federal authorities.  This loss of life is extremely troubling, and so are the growing concerns from immigrant families, neighbors, and advocates. As Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, I will continue to use my role to call for justice, accountability, and policies that protect every member of our communities.”

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