WEST HARTFORD DELEGATION WELCOMES STATE GRANT TO SUPPORT FLOOD RESILIENCE PLANNING
With significant flooding seen in parts of town regularly in recent years, and with knowledge that extreme weather remains a threat in the future, West Hartford’s delegation of elected officials this week welcomed the town receiving a $700,000 grant to aid its development of climate resiliency plans. The grant will be used to support engineering studies and preliminary designs for flood reduction studies.
“Connecticut is already playing a leading role in addressing the challenge of climate change because making those investments means healthier people and a healthier environment, as well as new business opportunities,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Planning for climate resilience requires preserving and protecting what we love about this state so that we can continue to be a great place for families with clean air and water and thriving communities.”
“Flooding in West Hartford and Hartford has long been known to be damaging, especially for the constant headaches it gives homeowners,” said State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford). “I’m thankful to the Governor and DEEP for investing in our communities. With these studies, we can better ensure the resiliency of West Hartford and Hartford for years to come.”
“Flooding is a recurring issue in West Hartford and each time it happens our overall infrastructure is weakened,” State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) said. “This funding will help to mitigate flooding, providing much needed relief to our effected neighborhoods and residents.”
“I’m pleased that West Hartford was awarded this grant to support the engineering plans our town needs for flood reduction efforts,” said State Representative Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford). “This funding is an important step to address the impact of floods in our community – an all too often occurrence – and protect our residents and infrastructure.”
“Any effort that goes to mitigate building a new stormwater infrastructure and reducing issues of infiltration and inflow in West Hartford, also supports Hartford. Stormwater from West Hartford causes surcharges into Hartford’s sanitary system and flooding into certain neighborhoods in the Capitol City. I fully support all funding to tackle this issue head on,” said State Representative James Sánchez (Hartford, West Hartford).
“Because of climate change, there has been a rapid increase in unprecedented natural disasters, including heavy rain. This funding will help the Town of West Hartford develop a strategy to combat flooding moving forward,” said State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-West Hartford, Bloomfield).
“This grant funding is critical to assist in the necessary planning that will protect our community from the effects of flooding due to climate-related extreme weather,” said State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon).
The Governor’s Office and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced the release of $8.8 million in state funding to support climate resiliency plans and project development grants, crucial as it said projections for Connecticut indicate the state will experience stronger storms, more frequent droughts, rising sea levels and increased flooding in the next 27 years.
The Town of West Hartford will receive $700,000 in resilience project development grants, which will be used to lead engineering studies and preliminary designs for reducing flooding near Kennedy Brook and Kane Brook in West Hartford and Hartford. The plans will be conducted in partnership with Resilient Connecticut.
During significant rainstorms, parts of Hartford and West Hartford see regular flooding, an issue that remains troublesome for many homeowners. These studies and designs are hoped to help mitigate this issue.
SENATOR MARX PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
SENATOR MARX PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) proudly announced she received a 100% voting record during the 2023 legislative session, which ran from January to June. Sen. Marx participated in every vote taken up in the Senate, ensuring her constituents had representation as hundreds of issues from across the state were considered this year.
“I ran for office to help people and make sure they were represented at the Capitol, and that’s exactly what I did this year,” said Sen. Marx. “Though there were long nights and tough decisions, I’m proud to have participated in every vote before the Senate this year, voting for policies that will improve education, health care and life for seniors, as well as for the state budget and its income tax reduction for Connecticut residents.”
Sen. Marx cast 501 of 501 votes in the 2023 legislative session, joining seven other Senate Democrats in achieving that distinction.
SENATOR ANWAR PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
SENATOR ANWAR PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) proudly announced he received a 100% voting record during the 2023 legislative session, which ran from January to June. Sen. Anwar participated in every vote taken up in the Senate, ensuring his constituents had representation as hundreds of issues from across the state were considered this year.
“Constituents expect their elected leaders to represent them, and I’m proud to say I was able to give our communities a voice in every vote that came before the Senate this year,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am proud that our hard work has led to coming improvements for health care access, health insurance coverage and expansion of voting access in our state, not to mention approval of the state’s budget with income tax cuts for Connecticut residents.”
Sen. Anwar cast 501 out of 501 votes in the 2023 legislative session, joining seven other Senate Democrats in achieving a perfect voting record. He has accomplished a perfect voting record every year session has been held since his election to the Senate.
SENATOR RAHMAN PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
SENATOR RAHMAN PROUD OF 100% VOTING RECORD DURING 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) proudly announced he received a 100% voting record during the 2023 legislative session, which ran from January to June. Sen. Rahman participated in every vote taken up in the Senate, ensuring his constituents had representation as hundreds of issues from across the state were considered this year.
“Tens of thousands of my constituents voted for me to give them a voice in the Capitol, and I’m encouraged that I was able to fulfill that promise,” said Sen. Rahman. “From our bipartisan budget with income tax cuts for Connecticut residents to important votes on education, energy costs and finding ways to ease the cost burden so many face today, I know my votes will help Connecticut and am already looking forward to similar success in next year’s session.”
Sen. Rahman cast 501 out of 501 votes in the 2023 legislative session, joining seven other Senate Democrats in achieving that distinction.
WEST HARTFORD PRIDE RECEIVES $80,000 IN RECENTLY-PASSED STATE BUDGET
WEST HARTFORD PRIDE RECEIVES $80,000 IN RECENTLY-PASSED STATE BUDGET
As part of Connecticut’s recently-passed biennial state budget, which will provide funding for the state in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years, West Hartford lawmakers and West Hartford Pride organizers are celebrating its inclusion of $80,000 in the next two years supporting West Hartford Pride, Inc. as it continues to see increased interest in its annual Pride event in June. Held in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, West Hartford Pride brought more than 3,000 people to celebrate diversity and the LGBTQ+ community in 2021 and 2022; the 2023 event is expected to bring as many as 5,000 visitors on Saturday, June 24.
“The leadership at West Hartford Pride is thrilled to be awarded this allocation,,” said West Hartford Pride Co-Chair and Co-Director Barry Walters. “Thank you to Senator Slap and the entire West Hartford delegation for always standing in full support of Pride. The funds provided by the state will allow us to strengthen and expand our programming, helping us to fulfill our mission of supporting, enhancing, protecting, honoring, celebrating, and uplifting the wellbeing of the LGBTQAI+ Community by providing resources, events, education, and social justice initiatives. More than a party, the leadership and volunteers at West Hartford Pride have always worked to provide an inclusive space where people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations can feel seen, affirmed and celebrated. We look forward to continuing to do so with the support of the Town of West Hartford, and this meaningful funding from the state of Connecticut.”
“West Hartford Pride represents a celebration of our community and an acknowledgement of West Hartford’s inclusive and respectful welcoming nature for all,” said State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford). “I am proud on behalf of West Hartford and my fellow lawmakers that we were able to secure this important funding for West Hartford Pride, so it can further extend its efforts to make sure everyone in our communities feels seen, loved and respected for who they are.”
“I am pleased this funding was approved for West Hartford Pride to facilitate the important work of raising awareness, promoting and advancing our commitment of inclusion, understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community,” State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) said. “I look forward to the positive impact of this grant in West Hartford and across our great State of Connecticut.”
“West Hartford Pride works tirelessly to promote equity and acceptance in our community,” said State Representative Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford). “With this grant, they can advance their important mission and provide more community outreach and educational opportunities. I am proud to support West Hartford Pride in all their efforts to make our town a more inclusive place.”
“This funding proves that we are embracing and accepting every member of our community. We are dedicated to our continued efforts to uplift our LGBTQIA+ friends in West Hartford and beyond,” said State Representative James Sánchez (D – Hartford, West Hartford).
“West Hartford Pride is a great showcase of the inclusivity and acceptance in our community. This funding will ensure that West Hartford Pride will be mainstay for years to come. I am glad that we were able to secure additional funding for this important organization,” said State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-West Hartford, Bloomfield).
“West Hartford Pride perpetuates the inclusive and welcoming nature of our town through its mission to support, enhance, protect, honor, celebrate and uplift the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Rep. Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon), Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “I am proud of the effort from the West Hartford delegation to secure funding that will further improve the quality of the resources, events, education and social justice initiatives offered by West Hartford Pride.”
In each of the next two fiscal years, West Hartford Pride will receive $40,000, supporting its mission to support, enhance and honor members of the LGBTQ+ community. The funding will be used to build and enhance current community outreach and engagement efforts in the local community, as well as support the establishment and planning of a LGBTQ+ Resource Center or “Queer Hub” as a new program to be offered by the organization, according to its application for the grant funding.
FARMINGTON RECEIVES FUNDS IN STATE BUDGET TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY
FARMINGTON RECEIVES FUNDS IN STATE BUDGET TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY
As part of Connecticut’s recently-passed biennial state budget, Farmington will receive $25,000 in funding for two key safety improvements in the next two years for town traffic safety improvements. The funds will support the installation of pedestrian sensors at town crosswalks and provide drivers with immediate feedback on the speed at which they’re driving, both of which are positive changes that will support increased care on local roadways.
“I am proud to have helped secure this important funding that will move our community forward, with safety as a primary concern,” said State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford). “These safety improvements will help keep pedestrians and drivers safe while increasing local awareness on roadways – a positive step forward for the community.”
“These new resources will play a valuable role in keeping Farmington roads safe,” said State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain). “I’m grateful that we were able to provide new safety tools for the public.”
“I’m pleased that Farmington will receive this funding from the state budget for traffic safety improvements,” said State Representative Mike Demicco (D-West Hartford). “This investment will go a long way in making our roads safer for all. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike and this funding is a crucial step in achieving it.”
“This is a win for pedestrian safety in Farmington. The installation of signalized crosswalks will help improve safe street crossings by easing traffic volume and speed in the area,” said State Representative Francis Cooley (R-22). “Pedestrians, especially our children will learn to adjust their behaviors at these key intersections to better avoid serious injury.”
“Traffic issues continue to be a major concern in our community,” said Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Blonski. “I could not be more pleased that our legislative delegation was able to secure this additional funding to improve pedestrian safety and public awareness.”
The $25,000 in funding secured for traffic safety enhancements will include the installation of rapid flashing beacon signs at the intersection of Sylvan and Lovely Streets, giving pedestrians greater awareness and visibility to drivers and helping drivers slow down. It will also support the addition of a portable radar feedback sign, which will inform drivers of their speed while on the road and cause them to slow down if they’re driving too fast. It can also be moved to different locations in town depending on which areas are considered to have high or concerning rates of traffic.
IN FIRST TERM, FRESHMAN STATE SENATOR MD RAHMAN LEADS, VOTES FOR PASSAGE OF KEY BILLS IN 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
IN FIRST TERM, FRESHMAN STATE SENATOR MD RAHMAN LEADS, VOTES FOR PASSAGE OF KEY BILLS IN 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Having recently completed his first legislative session as a sitting legislator, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) played an important role in the Senate, leading the passage of bills from the Planning & Development Committee to move Connecticut forward while also adding his voice to ensure Senate priority bills, responsible for transformative and positive change throughout the state, became law as well. Sen. Rahman was elected in 2022 to serve the 4th Senate District, representing Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover and Bolton, and has since worked to introduce himself to these communities as he worked to secure key funding and support for them.
“It is hard to believe the legislative session is over, though I am confident that the legislation my colleagues and I worked to pass will make our state a better place to live,” said Sen. Rahman. “From finding financial support for state residents, including significant tax breaks, to improving safety, accessibility and functionality of our systems and communities, our work will pay dividends. After this work I have a newfound respect and appreciation for our government and its operation. I look forward to continuing to advocate for our towns and the best of Connecticut through 2024 and beyond, and am already looking forward to next year’s session!”
Sen. Rahman is proudest of legislation he introduced to the General Assembly seeking to find an alternative to the motor vehicle property tax, which he finds to be regressive in nature. Senate Bill 497, which passed the House and Senate, would create a task force studying the repeal of the motor vehicle property tax, examining what mechanisms would be available to cover the resulting loss of revenue in municipalities in the state. The bill’s task force is designed to make sure alternative options pursued in a potential repeal would be best suited to meet the needs of the state.
Further, as Senate Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, Sen. Rahman further led the passage of legislation including, but not limiting to, bills that expand resources for municipalities to fight and regulate blighted buildings; create tax abatements for certain conservation easements, preserving greenways and averting potential problems with greenway ownership and property rights; increasing the minimum level of unpaid sewer fees triggering foreclosure proceedings to $4,000, helping hundreds of families avoid further financial difficulties; allowing municipal taxes to be paid electronically; creation of a task force to study the impact of unclaimed or abandoned real property on municipalities in which they’re located; and studying the potential use of an online database of municipal land records and maps.
In addition to these successes in the Planning and Development Committee, Sen. Rahman was proud to add his vote to the passage of a number of important bills in the Senate this year. These included the state’s bipartisan, Democrat-led budget, which will bring $8.787 million in additional educational support to the 4th Senate District in the next two years; legislation that will promote student academic success while increasing transparency of how school districts spend money; the advancement of early voting in the state, which will be available to voters for the 2024 election, and the advancement of “no-excuses” absentee voting, which will return to voters on the 2024 ballot; legislation to protect children’s mental health and provide literary freedom to libraries; a bill which cuts down on red tape in the health insurance industry that can delay care and frustrate patients and doctors alike; increased protections to survivors of domestic violence; overhauls of Connecticut’s energy regulations with a focus on ratepayers; combatting gun violence; expanding debt-free community college; adding personal financial literacy requirements to the state’s education system; and securing funding to support Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover and Bolton.
Looney, Duff Denounce Hateful Defacing of BLM Mural
Looney, Duff Denounce Hateful Defacing of BLM Mural
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released the following statement in response to the defacing of the “Black Lives Matter” mural by the State Capitol.
“Hartford’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural is right along the grounds of the State Capitol and is a point of pride for us and the Senate Democratic caucus. This kind of hateful bigoted act is becoming frighteningly frequent even in our tolerant state. We have been in contact with the State Capitol Police Department which will assist the Hartford Police Department in any way it can.”
Looney, Duff Denounce Hateful Defacing of BLM Mural
Looney, Duff Denounce Hateful Defacing of BLM Mural
HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released the following statement in response to the defacing of the “Black Lives Matter” mural by the State Capitol.
“Hartford’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ mural is right along the grounds of the State Capitol and is a point of pride for us and the Senate Democratic caucus. This kind of hateful bigoted act is becoming frighteningly frequent even in our tolerant state. We have been in contact with the State Capitol Police Department which will assist the Hartford Police Department in any way it can.”
Sen. Cohen Leads Passage of Vision Zero Legislation
Sen. Cohen Leads Passage of Vision Zero Legislation
HARTFORD, CT – Senate Transportation Chair, State Senator Christine Cohen led passage of legislation aimed at reducing the number of traffic fatalities in Connecticut to zero. HB 5917 An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Vision Zero Council implements a number of traffic safety provisions and studies, at a time where crashes and traffic fatalities are on the rise.
2022 has been the deadliest year on our roadways in decades. Last year, there were 239 driver or passenger fatalities, an increase of 41.5% over the last 5 years. There were 75 pedestrian fatalities which is an increase of 31% over the last 5 years.
“Connecticut has seen an extremely concerning increase in traffic fatalities, but as a committee, we are committed to reversing this trend,” said Sen. Cohen. “The Vision Zero Council has been hard at work and provided us with important policy recommendations that we deliberated and ultimately we brought forward many of those in this legislation. I look forward to implementing these great policies and continuing to work with the Council to reach our shared goal of zero serious, traffic-related injuries or deaths.”
Studying the “Idaho Stop” And No Right on Red – Requires DOT to study (1) allowing a bicycle rider to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and red light as a stop sign, also known as the “Idaho Stop”and (2) prohibiting right turns on red; Automated Enforcement – Allows municipalities to use speed cameras and red light cameras to enforce traffic laws. Planned usage of these cameras must be approved by the municipality, as well as DOT every three years. This bill requires DOT to provide guidance to municipalities in developing plans and selecting locations; additionally it includes provisions on public participation and notice, camera operation, fine revenue use, violation enforcement, and data privacy, among others; Intersection Control Evaluation Policy – Requires DOT to adopt and revise an intersection control evaluation policy to use when evaluating new and existing intersections; Vision Zero Program Distinction for School Programs – Requires DOT to award an exemplary “Vision Zero” program distinction to local and regional boards of education offering programs to students in grades 6 to 12 about safe driving habits, pedestrian safety skills, and the mission of the Vision Zero Council; Safety Course After Traffic Violations – Allows prosecutorial officials to require people who contest infractions and certain violations to attend an approved driving safety course as a condition for resolving the ticket before a hearing; Safety Video and Materials at License Renewal and Issuance to New Residents – Requires DMV to develop a safety video and require people to watch them upon every other renewal and when transferring a license from another jurisdiction and to provide other safety materials to people transferring a license from another jurisdiction; Public Awareness Campaign on Drug Impaired Driving – Requires DOT to conduct a public awareness campaign about the dangers of driving while under the influence of certain over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs, with an emphasis on opioids and cannabis; DOT Five-Year Capital Plan and Equity Proposals – Requires DOT, when developing its next five-year capital plan, to examine proposals from the Vision; Zero Council’s equity subcommittee and consider infrastructure that specifically protects vulnerable highway users; Seat Belt Promotion – Requires DOT to establish a program promoting seat belt use among vulnerable communities that are less likely to wear a seat belt
The interagency Vision Zero Council was established in 2021 and was charged with developing a statewide policy to eliminate all transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, drivers, and passengers.