Senator Kushner, Housing Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno to Hold Press Conference Supporting Housing Aid as Unite CT Bus Visits Danbury on October 10
UniteCT Bus Visiting Danbury October 10, 14 To Connect Residents In Need With Financial Housing Support
On October 10 at 11 a.m., State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquero-Bruno will hold a press conference in conjunction with a day-long event designed to help Danbury area residents struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic gain access to housing support and rental assistance provided by the state. The UniteCT mobile bus will be parked at C-Town Supermarket at 45 North Street in Danbury from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this Sunday, October 10th. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the program and help people fill out applications. The press conference will take place on-site at C-Town.
With two visits to the Danbury area on October 10 and October 14, the UniteCT Bus will provide assistance and spread the word about available housing assistance support that tenants and landlords in need can access. The UniteCT program, administered by the Department of Housing, provides up to $15,000 in rental and electricity payment assistance on behalf of Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Households earning up to 80% of area median income, in the Danbury area, meaning those earning less than $57,050 annually in a household of one and $81,500 in a household of four, are eligible. Thus far, according to the UniteCT online portal, over $110 million in assistance has been distributed, with another $99.8 million of payments in progress.
“So many working families are struggling or are behind in rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic and our neighbors and their landlords need some help,” said Sen. Kushner. “The State of Connecticut is distributing financial assistance through the UniteCT program, but I’m afraid many people don’t know about the program, or have not been able to complete their application. It’s great that the Department of Housing is coming directly to our community to help folks access this program. This once in a life-time pandemic hit people hard – paying the rent for hard-working people who got behind through no fault of their own is a great way to ensure we get through this together.”
“UniteCT has helped thousands of households impacted financially by the pandemic, since we’ve launched back in March. The mobile bus has been a tool to provide direct assistance those communities that may be experiencing a technological divide, or to see individuals and families that just feel more at ease about speaking to someone person to person, in addition to the 16 resource centers around the state, and the Call Center”, said Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Commissioner of the Department of Housing. “We know that many households are still struggling to regain financial stability as we continue to move toward recovery. We still have work to do, and will deliver those resources to the households in need.”
On October 10, the UniteCT bus will visit the C-Town Supermarket at 45 North Street in Danbury from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Numerous volunteers will be on hand to help get the word out about UniteCT and available funding for those in need, ready to assist English- and Spanish-speaking residents with information and applications. Residents can schedule appointments at this link; appointments are prioritized but walk-ins are welcome.
The UniteCT bus will make a second visit to Danbury on Thursday, October 14 at Kennedy Park, on Kennedy Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuing to offer support and assistance to members of the community.
Westport Leaders Remember Khaliq Sanda as Bridge to be Named After Beloved Staples Graduate
Westport Leaders Remember Khaliq Sanda as Bridge to be Named After Beloved Staples Graduate
Today, Westport leaders including State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) and First Selectman Jim Marpe celebrated the life of Khaliq Sanda by announcing that State Bridge 00067, carrying Hills Point Road over Interstate 95, will be named in his honor. Khaliq graduated from Staples in 2014 and was a participant in the A Better Chance of Westport program. In March of this year, he passed away after battling a cancer diagnosis that came in May 2016.
“Khaliq left an indelible mark on Westport, enriching our town with his kindness, humor and grace,” said Sen. Haskell. Walking through the halls at Staples, it seemed that every student and teacher knew and admired him. In the wake of his passing, I had an opportunity to work with just a few of the many people who loved him to name this bridge in his honor. For those who pass by it each day, I hope it will remind us of his optimism and compassion, bringing out the best of Westport — a town Khaliq loved and a town that loved him.”
“Khaliq was an outstanding individual who had his future tragically cut short by cancer. During his time in Westport, he made a positive impact on our community – Khaliq was beloved by his peers and excelled in the classroom. He will be sorely missed. Naming a road in Khaliq’s honor will ensure his life and legacy will never be forgotten,” said Rep. Steinberg.
“While I didn’t know Khaliq personally, my understanding from those who knew him well was that he was a talented, deeply compassionate, energetic young man who had a passion for education, community service and a zest for life,” said First Selectman Marpe. “It speaks volumes that Khaliq was so highly respected and possessed strong leadership qualities – these are his legacies. Now, he is further recognized with the honor of having this bridge named for him so that his kind heart and good works will be memorialized for generations to come.”
Senator Anwar Joins State, Local, Federal Leaders to Welcome East Hartford Fibercity, Highest Internet Speeds in Connecticut
Senator Anwar Joins State, Local, Federal Leaders to Welcome East Hartford Fibercity, Highest Internet Speeds in Connecticut
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined state and federal leaders including Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-CT02) and local leaders including East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc to welcome East Hartford Fibercity to the region, providing access to the fastest residential speeds available in the United States to the town.
Powered by SiFi Networks, an English company, and costing $40 million to implement, East Hartford will play host to the first open access network in the state, which means fiber infrastructure will be shared by multiple internet service providers, instantly bringing competitive service and pricing to the marketplace.. Internet service speeds of up to 1,000 megabytes per second will initially be offered, increasing to up to 10 gigabytes per second, quality and service that is significantly faster than most, if not all, currently available internet providers in the region.
The project is privately funded; there will be no cost to taxpayers.
“It is extremely encouraging and exciting to welcome this new advance in local infrastructure, one that will provide East Hartford with the fastest internet service in the state,” said Sen. Anwar. “The importance of quality internet being available throughout a community has never been more apparent than in recent years, and I’m excited to see the opportunities that come as a result of East Hartford FiberCity – new jobs for our workers, better service for those working from home, faster access to education in schools and wider access to this important resource across the entire town.”
“Broadband is not just a way to stream movies or scroll through social media on your phone,” said Gov. Lamont. “Access to affordable and high-speed broadband is what allows families to have uninterrupted internet when their children have homework to complete, and it allows mom or dad to have a reliable connection for their job interview using their computer. I have been fighting for increased access to high-speed broadband since I came into office and supporting these kinds of public-private partnerships have tremendous benefits for residents. This is an exciting announcement for East Hartford.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the digital divide in America,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Access to reliable and fast internet is a must-have for families right now- as workers have shifted to telework, students continue distance learning, and families utilize telehealth resources. No worker, student, or family should be left behind because of a lack of access to an internet connection. I am happy to see the town of East Hartford leading the way in pioneering this critical infrastructure to help close the digital divide for town residents.”
East Hartford FiberCity is expected to begin construction in spring 2022 with full completion no later than 2024. Flume Internet, a New York internet service provider, has struck a deal with SiFi Networks to offer internet service to residences and businesses from the cables. The internet service is expected to be fast enough to eliminate common issues found today, including buffering and internet slowdowns.
Senator Duff Praises Norwalk Police for Reduction in Crime
Senator Duff Praises Norwalk Police for Reduction in Crime
Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) praised the Norwalk Police Department for successfully combating crime in the community. Recent reports from the new FBI 2020 crime statistics indicate overall violent crime in Norwalk fell by over 20%. Robberies and aggravated assaults were down by similar numbers.
“Police officers are doing an excellent job preventing and combating crime in Norwalk,” said Senator Duff. “I am especially encouraged to see our police department taking advantage of new communication tools to enhance their work with the community. We are all safer when neighbors feel secure working with public safety officials and there is a mutual trust. Thank you to our officers who put on that uniform every day to protect us.”
Norwalk Police are using educational programs that include the Citizens’ Police Academy, neighborhood watch training sessions, and elder abuse and scam training classes. The department is also using social media alerts and are communicating with the media to help keep the community informed. Their new 411TIP alert system allows residents to submit tips anonymously to police if they have any useful information about a crime that took place.
The FBI 2020 Uniform Crime Reporting data that was released earlier this week tracks violent crime rates in every single state in America. Connecticut, with 181.6 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, was found to be the 4th safest state in the country only trailing Maine (108.6 violent crimes per 100,000 residents), New Hampshire (146.4) and Vermont (173.4).
Looney, Candelaria, & Paolillo Call on DCP to Close Troublesome New Haven Bar
Looney, Paolillo Call on DCP to Close Troublesome New Haven Bar
NEW HAVEN – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), State Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven), and State Representative Al Paolillo sent a letter to Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull asking for the department to not renew the liquor permit of Grand Café located at 124 East Pearl Street, New Haven.
Over the past several weeks and months the two elected officials have received numerous complaints regarding the Grand Café that range from excessive noise late at night, breach of peace outside the bar facility, drug dealings that occur in parking lot and inside as well as violence, including several recent shootings.
Community residents have staged daily sit-ins at the Grand Café Parking Lot to protest this behavior and apply pressure on the owners to end this behavior.
Senator Looney, Representative Candelaria, and Representative Paolillo submitted the letter in full support of these residents as well as the many Alders and the City of New Haven Police Department who are opposed to the renewal of this liquor permit.
The full letter is below.
October 1, 2021
Department of Consumer Protection
Liquor Control Division
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901
Hartford, CT 06103
Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull:
Please accept this letter in strong opposition to the renewal of the Liquor Permit granted to the Grand Café located at 124 East Pearl Street, New Haven, which is up for review in November 2021.
Over the past several weeks and months our offices have received numerous complaints regarding the Grand Café that range from excessive noise late at night, breach of peace outside the bar facility, drug dealings that occur in parking lot and inside as well as violence, including several recent shootings.
These numerous ongoing problems have reached such a threshold that a large number of community residents have staged daily sit-ins at the Grand Café Parking Lot from 6 p.m. – p.m. every evening to protest this behavior and apply pressure on the owners to end this behavior. We submit this letter in full support of these residents as well as the many Alders and the City of New Haven Police Department who are opposed to the renewal of this liquor permit.
In addition to the shooting of a 32 year-old West Have man in the Grand Cafe parking lot the night of Sept. 7, as reported in the New Haven Independent from a September 15th article there have been 66 Reports on file by City of New Haven Police.
https://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/occupy_space_grand_cafe/
According to New Haven Police Department data tracking, police have reported over 464 calls and have made 104 arrests around the bar’s address. Those calls have been for breach of peace and disorderly conduct, domestic disputes, suspicious persons, and theft. The arrests included four for third-degree assault, five for breach of peace, four for criminal possession of a firearm, nine for possession of drugs, and eight for interfering with an officer.
In weeks prior to the September 7th shooting, the police made a gun arrest and several drug-related arrests in the Grand Café parking lot. A warrant has also been issued by a judge to conduct a raid due to the sale of drugs out of the bar that were discovered by undercover police officers.
Instead of this dangerous bar continuing to be a detriment to the health and safety of our city and neighborhood residents, we would like to instead be able to transform it into a vibrant and safe community space. This is also a space that it is in the direct vicinity of a neighborhood school in the Fair Haven School and FAME Academy. Having a bar with these violations near a school sends a very poor lifestyle message to our children and a poor message about our community. Please help us to restore this part of our community to being livable and safe; it all starts with the denial of the liquor permit for what should be many violations of the requirements of holding a state liquor permit.
We respectfully request that this permit renewal be denied and thank you for this opportunity to submit these written comments.
Sincerely,
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, 11th District
Deputy Speaker Juan Candelaria, 95th District
Deputy House Majority Leader Al Paolillo, 97th District
Senator Pat Billie Miller Celebrates New Law Eliminating Workplace Discrimination Against Women
Senator Pat Billie Miller Celebrates New Law Eliminating Workplace Discrimination Against Women
As new laws take effect in Connecticut today, State Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford/Darien) is celebrating legislation enacted into law which she first introduced as a State Representative. Public Act No. 21-30, AN ACT CONCERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF SALARY RANGE FOR A VACANT POSITION, requires employers to disclose the “wage range” to job applicants before or when they are offered the position or at their request, whichever is first. The same applies when an employee changes positions or whenever they request the information. The law also expands the prohibition of wage discrimination based on gender.
“We are taking another step closer to eliminating workplace discrimination and the pay gaps women and people of color have experienced for years,” said Senator Miller. “Women should always be equally compensated for the work they perform that is comparable to what men do. I am proud to see that Connecticut is ranked among the few states that are moving toward closing its gender wage gap, while also contributing to a more inclusive work environment for men and women.”
As the state continues to respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Connecticut remain a leader in gender equity. Secrecy around salary ranges harms all workers, especially women and people of color. Research shows that women often ask for less when they negotiate than men, even when they are equally qualified and applying for similar jobs as their male counterparts.
Since women and people of color are paid less than white, non-Hispanic men, they would need to ask for a substantial percentage increase to reduce the wage gaps – making salaries more equitable. Providing applicants and employees with salary ranges will help level the playing field and move us closer to eliminating the gender and racial pay gaps that have existed for decades. Among other reasons, salary range transparency builds trust amongst employers, employees, and potential candidates.
Senate to Vote to Continue COVID Protections and Vaccine Distribution
Senate to Vote to Continue COVID Protections and Vaccine Distribution
HARTFORD – Connecticut Senate Democrats will vote today to continue the COVID-19 protections and vaccine distribution that have effectively reduced the spread of the deadly and highly infectious virus by renewing the declaration of an emergency of public health and civil preparedness first put in place in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes as the state, during the summer, saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths due to the surge of the Delta variant of the disease; however, with the protections allowed by the order remaining in place, Connecticut saw a fraction of the serious public health consequences causing widespread illness and fatalities in other states. With the outlook of the pandemic continuing to shift – with booster vaccine doses recently approved and potential imminent approval of vaccine shots for young children – keeping the declaration in place will provide Connecticut with increased flexibility to react.
Members of the legislature will retain the ability to veto executive orders through a new bipartisan law recently approved during the 2021 legislative session.
Among the most important standards remaining in place among remaining executive orders include the continued provision of non-congregant housing for populations at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 such as homeless individuals and victims of domestic violence. Out-of-network vaccine reimbursements, temporary nurse aide programs, modifications to the summary process for evictions and the continuing wearing of masks in high-population settings including schools and group housing will also remain in place.
This vote will also assist vaccination efforts. By extending the public health emergency order, staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be required to be vaccinated, protecting the elderly and vulnerable, while state employees and contractors visiting state hospitals and state buildings will be required to either be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing, to ensure critical state services can continue without disruption and reduce the odds of infection, disease and health consequences in these settings.
School employees will also be required to be vaccinated or tested to protect children not currently eligible for vaccination; the Delta variant has resulted in increased infections among children, and while they are experiencing them at a lower rate, higher volumes of ill children increase the volumes of children experiencing serious health consequences.
Additionally, two new executive orders will create a vaccination requirement for health care facilities and health care workers caring for high-risk individuals and reduce the cost of extended unemployment insurance benefits for individual employers.
Without the continuation of the executive order, the state would not receive $8 million in federal reimbursements for funds spent providing non-congregate housing or $3.5 million in reimbursements for FEMA emergency food assistance.
While critics have claimed Connecticut is the only state among neighbors retaining emergency declarations, others still have such declarations in place. Massachusetts, as of late May, is under a public health emergency giving the Commissioner of Public Health power to allow measures on testing, vaccination and protecting high-risk residents; New Jersey ended its public health emergency but remains under a state of emergency, with the Governor and Health Commissioner given the authority to issue orders on vaccines, testing and implementing Centers for Disease Control regulations; Rhode Island issued a disaster declaration in late August running through September; and Vermont issued an order under its special duty statute where state agencies can address pandemic-related issues.
Despite seeing high fatality numbers early in the pandemic, Connecticut recently saw its per-capita death rate ranking among the United States fall sharply. Previously ranked sixth in deaths per capita, the state has now fallen to 13th, with Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and South Dakota – the majority of those states having low vaccination rates and restrictions on public health protections – ranking above it due to sharp increases in deaths caused as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spread nationally.
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
NORWALK – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling highlighted more than $175 million in transportation investments and funding, from federal and state sources, that will lead to significant renovation, repair and upkeep work on roads and highways in Norwalk and New Canaan, with both Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway each receiving more than $50 million in funding. Part of the funds will contribute to the continued resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway.
“Connecticut continues to make critical investments in local transportation infrastructure,” said Sen. Duff. “But these upgrades are more than asphalt, steel and cement. Better infrastructure means less traffic, more time at home with family, and an overall better quality of life for our community.”
“When we look to the future of transportation in Connecticut, we dream of faster trains, fewer traffic jams and safer infrastructure to carry us where we need to go. But we won’t reach that future without funding projects like this,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m so grateful that Governor Lamont has helped bring a 25-year project to the finish line. In fact, the Merritt Parkway Improvement Project has been going on for as long as I’ve been alive. It’s time we complete this final stretch here on the Norwalk/New Canaan Border and get Fairfield County moving.”
With the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding allocations on July 23, Norwalk and New Canaan will receive upwards of $175 million in transportation funding in coming years from federal and state sources. The largest and most significant investment will be a total of $98 million, which will go toward safety improvements along two miles of Interstate 95 from Exit 16 to 17. Of that $98 million, $53.255 million will come from federal sources, while $2.8 million of additional state funds will be used; the remaining $41.945 million for the project comes from previously allocated bond funds.
Further support in the area will include more than $50 million to support the resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, helping the continuing resurfacing project and improving conditions on the Parkway and further leading to bridge and safety improvements there as well. The East Avenue Railroad Bridge, which carries Metro North, will receive $14 million in funds, with $6.6 million in state funding and $8.2 million in bonding and other funding supporting its growth.
Finally, allocations of $906,875 and $331,787 in Town Aid Road allocations for Norwalk and New Canaan, respectively, will support general road work; Darien will receive an additional $341,348.
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
NORWALK – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling highlighted more than $175 million in transportation investments and funding, from federal and state sources, that will lead to significant renovation, repair and upkeep work on roads and highways in Norwalk and New Canaan, with both Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway each receiving more than $50 million in funding. Part of the funds will contribute to the continued resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway.
“When we look to the future of transportation in Connecticut, we dream of faster trains, fewer traffic jams and safer infrastructure to carry us where we need to go. But we won’t reach that future without funding projects like this,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m so grateful that Governor Lamont has helped bring a 25-year project to the finish line. In fact, the Merritt Parkway Improvement Project has been going on for as long as I’ve been alive. It’s time we complete this final stretch here on the Norwalk/New Canaan Border and get Fairfield County moving.”
“Connecticut continues to make critical investments in local transportation infrastructure,” said Sen. Duff. “But these upgrades are more than asphalt, steel and cement. Better infrastructure means less traffic, more time at home with family, and an overall better quality of life for our community.”
With the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding allocations on July 23, Norwalk and New Canaan will receive upwards of $175 million in transportation funding in coming years from federal and state sources. The largest and most significant investment will be a total of $98 million, which will go toward safety improvements along two miles of Interstate 95 from Exit 16 to 17. Of that $98 million, $53.255 million will come from federal sources, while $2.8 million of additional state funds will be used; the remaining $41.945 million for the project comes from previously allocated bond funds.
Further support in the area will include more than $50 million to support the resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, helping the continuing resurfacing project and improving conditions on the Parkway and further leading to bridge and safety improvements there as well. The East Avenue Railroad Bridge, which carries Metro North, will receive $14 million in funds, with $6.6 million in state funding and $8.2 million in bonding and other funding supporting its growth.
Finally, allocations of $906,875 and $331,787 in Town Aid Road allocations for Norwalk and New Canaan, respectively, will support general road work; Darien will receive an additional $341,348.
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
The Bridgeport Delegation including state Senators Marilyn Moore and Dennis Bradley, Representatives Andre Baker, Jr., Antonio Felipe, Jack Hennessy, Christopher Rosario, Steve Stafstrom, and Charlie Stallworth wrote a letter to Attorney General William Tong asking him to investigate predatory lending that took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. The Bridgeport Delegation believe this unfair and abusive practice contributed to the church’s foreclosure on Saturday.
The members of this Church are now left without a place of worship. The church has become victim to the deception placed in the predatory lending. The Bridgeport Delegation are working together to ensure the process was lawful and did not contribute to the foreclosure of properties associated to the lending.
The letter sent to Attorney William Tong is below:
September 23, 2021
William Tong
Attorney General
State of Connecticut
Dear Attorney General Tong,
This week Pastor Kenneth Moales, Jr. reached out asking for assistance with a crisis regarding the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God and Cathedral of the Holy Spirit located in Bridgeport at 729 Union Avenue. Pastor Moales indicated the church and related properties were under siege from what he is describing as a predatory lender. The dilemma has been ongoing for several years and the properties are now in foreclosure. As background the church has been a beacon of light in Bridgeport and this week is celebrating its 52nd year anniversary. It’s founder, the late Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. was a well- respected, nationally known leader both in the secular and faith communities.
The members of the Bridgeport delegation are requesting your office to investigate the practices that took place over several years with the lender that contributed to the foreclosure. According to documents the lender was not authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut and several other churches in multiple states have experienced similar problems with the lender. We are not expecting your office to intervene on the foreclosure; however, many of the instances that were shared during a press conference and virtual meeting with members of the delegation, Mayor Ganim, City Council members, and other clergy suggest that they should be investigated.
Attached is a press release authored by Pastor Moales and he has also provided additional documentation regarding transactions with the lender.
At the request of Pastor Moales I am taking the lead and have the support of members of the delegation in making this request. Please respond to Senator Marilyn Moore for more information and a response.
Sincerely,
Senator Marilyn Moore
Senator Dennis Bradley
Rep. Andre Baker, Jr.
Rep. Antonio Felipe
Rep. Jack Hennessy
Rep. Christopher Rosario
Rep. Steve Stafstrom
Rep. Charlie Stallworth