SENATOR ANWAR RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) announced that he received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association as it released its Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA releases these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“Without a strong education system, our state cannot grow, our teachers cannot do their jobs and our students are not prepared for the future,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am thankful for the CEA’s recognition of my support for them and look forward to continuing to support strong educational policies to benefit schools statewide for years to come.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Anwar’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.
SENATOR RAHMAN RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
SENATOR RAHMAN RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) announced that he received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association as it released its Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA releases these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“Education is the lifeblood of our communities and our state, and teachers and students deserve all the support we can provide them,” said Sen. Rahman. “I’m proud to receive this recognition from the CEA and promise to continue supporting policies supporting our schools in future years.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Rahman’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.
SENATOR MAHER RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
SENATOR MAHER RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) announced that she received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association as it released its Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA releases these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“Education must remain one of our state’s foremost priorities, in support of Connecticut’s future,” said Sen. Maher. “I’m proud that the CEA has recognized my efforts to promote and bolster schools, teachers and students for the benefit of our communities. I’m looking forward to continuing to work in support of Connecticut education.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Maher’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
/p>Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced that he received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association as it released its Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA releases these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“The importance of supporting and bolstering the strength of Connecticut’s education systems has never been more vital,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud to receive this great news from the CEA and will continue supporting policies that benefit our schools, teachers and students in future years.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Needleman’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.
SENATOR LESSER RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
SENATOR LESSER RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT TEACHERS
HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) announced that he received an “A” grade from the Connecticut Education Association in its newly-released Legislator Report Cards for the 2023 legislative session. The CEA previously released these report cards every other year; 2023 is the first time the organization is issuing them annually, noting legislators’ support of policies supporting education strength and enhancing the teaching profession.
According to the CEA, any legislator who scored an “A” proposed or co-sponsored bills positively impacting students, teachers and public education, advocated for bills supporting those priorities and discussed pressing educational issues.
“I am committed to strengthening our public education system and ensuring that it meets the needs of all kids,” Senator Lesser said. “I was pleased we were able to increase funding for public schools across our district this year by millions of dollars, enacting policies to lift students up and close the achievement gap, supporting the social and emotional needs of Connecticut students as well as beating back attacks on our public schools.”
The CEA reported that Sen. Lesser’s score was due to support of policies including supporting teacher recruitment and retention; addressing challenging student behavior and working to make classrooms safer; improving indoor air quality in schools; support for play-based learning; the state budget, which provided significant school funding through education cost sharing; allowing for kindergarten start age waivers; providing tuition assistance for some educators; and aiding the formation of a special education task force designed to examine case loads, among others.
SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY & MAYOR ELICKER CELEBRATE $47 MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION INVESTMENTS IN NEW HAVEN
SENATE PRESIDENT LOONEY & MAYOR ELICKER CELEBRATE $47 MILLION IN STATE BOND COMMISSION INVESTMENTS IN NEW HAVEN
NEW HAVEN – Today, Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Mayor Justin Elicker celebrated the State Bond Commission’s approval of approximately $47 million for a variety of transformative public infrastructure investments in and around New Haven, including Union Station improvements, redesigning Whalley Avenue, upgrading the Shubert Theatre, streetscape improvements around the New Haven Green, expanding the Shoreline Greenway Trail, redeveloping the former Goffe Street Armory, and more.
“All of these projects, though diverse in their nature and scope, share the common objective of enhancing development in New Haven and helping the city, its residents, nonprofits and businesses reach their full economic potential,” Senator Looney said today. “It is gratifying to see such a large and broad financial commitment by the State of Connecticut in one of its oldest and largest cities and which serves as a regional hub for education, business, transportation and the arts. I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for its consideration and confidence in the City of New Haven.”
“The projects and initiatives funded by the State Bond Commission today are transformative investments that will help drive local economic growth, modernize our public transportation infrastructure, build and maintain affordable housing, improve our parks and recreational facilities, uplift our neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life of New Haven residents,” said Mayor Elicker. “From improving Union Station, to reimagining the Whalley Avenue corridor, to supporting the redevelopment of the Long Wharf and Gateway districts, to providing and maintaining affordable housing in Dixwell and the Hill neighborhoods, to making our streets around the New Haven Green more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, to expanding the Shoreline Greenway Trail, to renovating Celentano Field and Ralph Walker Rink, to planning for the redevelopment of the New Haven Armory, the $41 million in investments touch every corner of the Elm City. I want to thank Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission and the entire New Haven delegation for recognizing the importance of this critical projects.”
The list of projects includes:
· $15 million for improvements to New Haven Union Station under the 2021 Let’s Go! transportation investment program. These funds will specifically be used for the design of three enhancement projects to the property, including a new multimodal hub, parking structure, and rental car facility in the West Lot; Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the existing East Lot; and the realignment of Union Avenue near Union Station to enhance traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. The plan for redeveloping the 100-year-old Union Station can be found at: https://unionstationnewhaven.com/development-plan/
· $7 million to support projects for the Whalley Avenue corridor, including $1 million to transform transforming Whalley Avenue from a car-oriented avenue into a walkable, bikeable, and livable mixed-use community and $6 million for the Glendower / St. Luke’s Development Corporation affordable housing development project.
· $5.8 million for the New Haven Downtown Roadway Drainage Project to improve drainage and reduce flooding on Union Avenue. This will provide a partial match for a $25 million federal FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant.
· $4.99 million for upgrades to the Shubert Theatre’s theatrical systems, HVAC, and elevator. The funding will support the creation of new performance space within the existing facility to provide a stage for local artists and community activity.
· $4.6 million for downtown mobility improvements in the vicinity of the New Haven Green, including the Temple Street common space to be shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and low-speed motor vehicles, streetscaping along College Street, converting another section of Chapel Street to two-way traffic, and raised intersections.
· $3.11 million for Albertus Magnus College renovations and improvements to Celentano Field, including turf, ADA compliant bleachers and sidewalks, bike racks and public restrooms, as well as an expansion at Ralph Walker Skating Rink.
· $3 million for pre-development activities and demolition of the former Gateway Community College in support of the implementation of the City’s Long Wharf Plan on Sargent Drive. More about the Long Wharf Plan can be found here: https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/city-plan/plans-projects/long-wharf
· $2.3 million to help build a new 4.5-mile section of the Shoreline Greenway Trail from Long Wharf in New Haven to the East Haven town line.
· $950,000 for the New Haven Jewish Community Council Housing Corporation to renovate the senior living community The Towers at Tower Lane.
· $250,000 to advance community-based planning that will support the redevelopment of the Goffe Street Armor
SENATOR ANWAR ENCOURAGED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDS SUPPORTING SOUTH WINDSOR TRAIL, EAST WINDSOR LIBRARY
SENATOR ANWAR ENCOURAGED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDS SUPPORTING SOUTH WINDSOR TRAIL, EAST WINDSOR LIBRARY
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) was encouraged as the State Bond Commission voted to approve grants supporting the creation of a new trail in South Windsor and library remodeling in East Windsor.
The Bond Commission approved $1,200,000 to South Windsor for phase 1A of constructing a multi-use trail, the South Windsor Crosstown Trail. Sen. Anwar issued a request for funds to support the project which will cost a total of $8.5 million when fully completed. The $1.2 million will support the first development of the larger trail, which will run through the town with use by pedestrians, bicycles and horses.
Additionally, $95,335 was approved through the State Library as a grant-in-aid for the Library Association of Warehouse Point for the East Windsor library’s remodeling project.
“I’m glad to see local support for important resources and community pillars,” said Sen. Anwar. “The South Windsor Crosstown Trail won’t just provide a new opportunity for outdoor recreation but will help connect the town in a more thorough fashion, benefitting businesses and community members alike. Additionally, the Library Association’s support will aid the remodeling that will keep it providing important services to town residents indefinitely. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their support.”
“South Windsor has incredibly beautiful outdoor, natural resources and this grant will help ensure that we can offer more recreational opportunities for people who live in the town,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I am also glad that we can release funding to support the remodeling of this library in East Windsor, which provides many valuable services. I appreciate Senator Anwar’s advocacy of these projects.”
SENATOR RAHMAN EXCITED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORTS MANCHESTER TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
SENATOR RAHMAN EXCITED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION SUPPORTS MANCHESTER TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) was excited as the State Bond Commission’s approved a $200,000 grant that will be released to the Town of Manchester in support for the Bigelow Brook Greenway Trail.
The funds will support 600 feet of trail construction and the creation of a pedestrian bridge across Bigelow Brook in Manchester. This connector trail will run from the redevelopment project at the old Parkade site in town to the Center Springs Park trail, which will further interconnect this part of town with Main Street and the East Coast Greenway.
Sen. Rahman submitted documents supporting this project’s funding.
“This project is not only going to improve recreation opportunities in our community, it will further connect Manchester neighborhoods,” said Sen. Rahman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of our community. This trail extension and bridge will further connect our town, supporting efforts to redevelop the Parkade site, and will offer even more opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors, as well as draw hikers, walkers and bikers from communities around the region.”
“Connecticut has some of the most beautiful outdoor areas in the nation,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Preserving this space in Manchester will help provide more recreational opportunities for everyone who lives in the town.”
SENATOR MARX ENCOURAGED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDS SUPPORTING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT
SENATOR MARX ENCOURAGED AS STATE BOND COMMISSION APPROVES FUNDS SUPPORTING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) was encouraged as the State Bond Commission approved a $344,000 grant that will be released to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut in New London. The funds will support the final phase of the Chamber’s headquarters redevelopment in New London.
“Our entire region will benefit from the improved resources and available community support to the Chamber of Commerce and its New London headquarters made possible through this grant,” said Sen. Marx. “This project has been underway for some time and this final phase will bring it to completion. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
“The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a valuable partner in our efforts to grow business opportunities and jobs throughout the New London area, and I am glad that we could partner with them and support the redevelopment of their new headquarters,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES MORE THAN $9.5 MILLION IN 26TH DISTRICT SUPPORT FROM STATE BOND COMMISSION
SENATOR MAHER WELCOMES MORE THAN $9.5 MILLION IN 26TH DISTRICT SUPPORT FROM STATE BOND COMMISSION
Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) welcomed more than $9.5 million in financial support for the 26th Senate District as the State Bond Commission approved grants supporting Westport and Stamford.
Respectively, the Bond Commission approved $2.43 million as a grant-in-aid for the Westport Country Playhouse for repairs and updates, including HVAC, assisted listening system and technology upgrades. Sen. Maher submitted documentation to aid this project.
Additionally, the Bond Commission approved $750,000 for installation of energy efficient replacement chilling units at Stamford’s Superior Courthouse; $1.94 million for renovations to the Avon Theatre of Stamford for renovations including a new roof, repointing masonry, exterior brickwork, with State Senator Patricia Billie Miller supporting that project; $2.5 million supporting a pedestrian and transit-oriented development project at the Stamford Tech Hub TOD Project; $250,000 reallocated for improved safety and accessibility at the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, Mill River Collaborative and Boys and Girls Club of Stamford; and $2,000,000 to improve pedestrian, bike, bus and car access to Stamford’s Springdale Train Station.
“This support for our local communities is incredibly valuable, with important community cultural pillars receiving vital support,” said Sen. Maher. “The Westport Country Playhouse receiving these funds will help make sure every member of our community can enjoy its programming, while the Avon Theater will remain a pillar of local culture for years to come. Further projects will support transportation and children’s support statewide. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
“This state funding will support many projects throughout the 26th Senatorial District, and I appreciate Senator Maher’s advocacy for each of them,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “I am glad we could get them approved.”