Senator Osten Announces State Funding For Hebron And Lisbon Infrastructure Projects
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Representative Kevin Ryan (D-Norwich) said today that they welcome a state Department of Transportation decision to re-evaluate their controversial plan to install six traffic roundabouts along a mile stretch of Route 82/West Main Street in Norwich.
“Representative Ryan and I have been working with the DOT for months now on this project because we always believed, based on our discussions with local residents, that it was far too broad. So we’re thrilled that the DOT is now re-evaluating it,” Sen. Osten said.
“Norwich City Council members asked Senator Osten and I to do what we could to communicate the concerns of the council and city residents to the DOT, and we did that. Now the project is being re-evaluated. That’s a big win for Norwich and for local businesses,” Rep. Ryan said.
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
Sen. Osten, Rep. Ryan Welcome State Dot Announcement On Its Plan To Re-Evaluate Norwich Roundabout Project
Senator Osten Welcomes Ninth-Straight Drop In Workers’ Comp Costs For Ct Businesses Thanks To 2014 Legislation
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Representative Kevin Ryan (D-Norwich) said today that they welcome a state Department of Transportation decision to re-evaluate their controversial plan to install six traffic roundabouts along a mile stretch of Route 82/West Main Street in Norwich.
“Representative Ryan and I have been working with the DOT for months now on this project because we always believed, based on our discussions with local residents, that it was far too broad. So we’re thrilled that the DOT is now re-evaluating it,” Sen. Osten said.
“Norwich City Council members asked Senator Osten and I to do what we could to communicate the concerns of the council and city residents to the DOT, and we did that. Now the project is being re-evaluated. That’s a big win for Norwich and for local businesses,” Rep. Ryan said..
Small Business Seminars At State Community Colleges Now Live
Small Business Seminars At State Community Colleges Now Live
Seminars, passed and funded in state budget, result of legislation introduced by State Senator Derek Slap
Connecticut State Community Colleges are now providing free, statewide seminars for small businesses and startups seeking aid, guidance, education and training in navigating the rapid shifts in the post-pandemic economic environment. These seminars, which will be offered through mid-December, include topics such as e-commerce, social media advertising, cybersecurity, financing, startup law and startup fundraising.
Funded by this year’s state budget, these courses were spurred by legislation introduced this year by State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) to the Higher Education Committee and inspired by Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). Aware of the increased challenges posed by the post-pandemic economy, including significant consumer shifts to online and e-commerce platforms, these courses are designed to encourage economic development and provide small businesses and startups with the tools and advice necessary to help them succeed and thrive.
“Small businesses play a vital role in our local communities, and these seminars will provide them with additional tools to better compete in a shifting marketplace,” said Sen. Slap. “Local businesses will be better able to utilize important resources like e-commerce as a tool and resource. I encourage small business leaders and entrepreneurs to sign up for these free courses as soon as possible.”
Most sessions are offered both virtually and in-person, with in-person classes held at state community colleges, co-working spaces and local chambers of commerce. The sessions are taught by experts in their fields, helping entrepreneurs develop business and overcome pressing challenges.
Since 2014, worldwide e-commerce sales have more than tripled, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, small businesses experienced significant loss of revenue in the pandemic. This legislation follows similar programs introduced in states like North Carolina and earned the support of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, which noted small businesses often do not have the ability to invest time and resources into the practices these seminars cover.
For a full schedule of seminars, and to sign up to attend them, please visit https://www.housatonic.edu/state-seminars.
Senator Needleman Issues Statement In Support Of Pura Establishment Of Low-Income Discount Electric Rates In 2024
Senator Needleman Issues Statement In Support Of Pura Establishment Of Low-Income Discount Electric Rates In 2024
Following news this week that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority voted to establish discount rates beginning in 2024 – with applications beginning in 2023 – to help low-income residents struggling with electric costs, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released the following statement in support of the decision:
“In August 2020, I helped lead the General Assembly in passing the ‘Take Back Our Grid Act,’ but that bill wasn’t just a response to poor storm response in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias, it was done with the knowledge that our state needed to do more amid high electricity costs,” said Sen. Needleman. “PURA investigated the issue of affordable electric bills, and made this decision, due to that bill. While I wish the reduced rates could be implemented sooner to provide improved aid to folks who need it, I’m glad they will be established and implemented to reduce costs for thousands of state residents. It’s a meaningful step in the right direction.”
The new discount rates will go into effect no later than January 1, 2023, with customers able to begin applying for them beginning in August 2023. The rates, respectively, will offer a 10% discount to households earning less than 60% of the state median income and 50% discounts to households earning 160% or less of federal poverty guidelines. Customers receiving aid through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and “hardship” customers will be automatically enrolled to receive the 10% discount.
Sen. Anwar Named 2022 Health Care Hero By Radiological Society Of Connecticut
Sen. Anwar Named 2022 Health Care Hero By Radiological Society Of Connecticut
Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Hartford) was named the Radiological Society of Connecticut’s 2022 Health Care Hero for his support and efforts to expand and enhance cancer screening, education and prevention efforts. Among other successes, in 2022, Sen. Anwar played a key role in the General Assembly’s passage of legislation prioritizing higher-risk women for important cancer screenings and adding screenings to state programs. He received the award at Manchester Memorial Hospital.
“It is an honor to receive the Connecticut Radiological Society’s 2022 Health Care Hero award, especially given the context that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that we must always continue working to save lives,” said Sen. Anwar. “It is gratifying to receive this distinction, with increased gravity knowing the General Assembly this year expanded monitoring and study of breast cancer statewide. In accepting this award, I recognize the many women and men who have suffered from breast cancer; I am proud that Connecticut will ensure increased outreach and education to high-risk groups, including minority women, who have not historically had full access to screening tests, and that Connecticut will expand screening methods, as well as educational methods, for more people to gain access to potentially life-saving preventive care.”
Among this year’s public health successes at the State Capitol was the passage of legislation making changes to the Department of Public Health’s breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program. As of October 1, this program will give priority consideration to women in minority communities that experience higher rates of breast cancer and cervical cancer than the general population; add tomosynthesis, a digital x-ray mammogram, to the screening program where possible; and adds references to additional screenings and health tests to the program’s educational and outreach efforts.
Senator Miller Welcomes Over $500 Thousand for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in Stamford
Senator Miller Welcomes Over $500 Thousand for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in Stamford
State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford) welcomed the awarding of a $563,212 state grant to support the Pacific Street Village Pedestrian Safety and Access Project. The funds will be used to create a holistic complete street by adding a new raised crosswalk and intersection, as well as several bump outs, new street trees and bioswales for stormwater management; and pedestrian-level lighting to improve safety at night.
“I want to thank Governor Lamont for recognizing the improvements that need to be made in Stamford to make it a safer and more accessible area for residents,” said Sen. Miller. “This grant will help slow traffic, increase pedestrian safety, and expand sidewalk space. With these updates to our infrastructure in Stamford, our residents will be able to have a sense of comfort and feel safe when just simply crossing the street.”
The grants are part of the state’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. This program is competitive program for “shovel-ready” projects that are based within a one-half mile of public transportation facilities. The additional aims of the program are to encourage infrastructure development that creates walkable and mixed-use spaces, supports economic activity, and creates jobs.
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
HARTFORD – “It is with the deepest sorrow that we extend our condolences to the family, the friends, and the fellow law enforcement officers of Sergeant Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy who were murdered last night in the line of duty in Bristol. We ask the people of Connecticut to keep these two officers and their families, and wounded Bristol Police Officer Alec Iurato, in their thoughts and prayers as we anticipate the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the perpetrator, their means and their motives in committing this monstrous and unforgivable crime.”
Sen. Lopes Welcomes $2 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in New Britain
Sen. Lopes Welcomes $2 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in New Britain
State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain) welcomed the awarding of a $2 million state grant to support improvements along Myrtle Street in New Britain that will better connect residents to public transportation and make the area more pedestrian friendly. New Britain was one of only six municipalities in Connecticut to be awarded funding through the competitive Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.
“My thanks to Governor Lamont and his administration for their shared recognition of how these improvements to Myrtle Street will benefit long-term community development in New Britain. This grant is a major boost to improving 2,600 feet of street area and improving access to public transit,” said Sen. Lopes.
The $2 million state grant will be used to improve pedestrian infrastructure, erect bus shelters, and implement Complete Streets enhancements to provide better connectivity to alternative methods of transportation. This first part of the improvements project will benefit 2,600 feet along Myrtle Street in between Washington Street and Curtis Street.
The Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program is competitive program for “shovel-ready” projects that are based within a one-half mile of public transportation facilities. The additional aims of the program are to encourage infrastructure development that creates walkable and mixed-use spaces, supports economic activity, and creates jobs. More information about Connecticut’s Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program can be found here
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
Statement Of Senate President Martin Looney And Majority Leader Bob Duff On The Murder Of Bristol Police Officers Dustin Demonte And Alex Hamzy
HARTFORD – “It is with the deepest sorrow that we extend our condolences to the family, the friends, and the fellow law enforcement officers of Sergeant Dustin DeMonte and Officer Alex Hamzy who were murdered last night in the line of duty in Bristol. We ask the people of Connecticut to keep these two officers and their families, and wounded Bristol Police Officer Alec Iurato, in their thoughts and prayers as we anticipate the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the perpetrator, their means and their motives in committing this monstrous and unforgivable crime.”
Senator Needleman Joins East Haddam Leaders For Groundbreaking Of New Track At Nathan-Hale Ray High School
Senator Needleman Joins East Haddam Leaders For Groundbreaking Of New Track At Nathan-Hale Ray High School
On Wednesday evening, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined East Haddam leaders including East Haddam Superintendent of Schools Brian Reas and Board of Education Chairman Marc Pisciotti at Nathan-Hale Ray High School for the official groundbreaking ceremony for a new track to be installed at the school for students participating in track and field. The project comes as the State Bond Commission released $1.4 million in funding to support it earlier this year, allowing for the work to move forward.
The project will see a new running and walking track installed around the school’s soccer field to support lane running, additional areas to be developed for holding track and field events, field irrigation and a concessions facility with restrooms and storage areas for members of the public.
“This is an example of the community coming together and working toward a common purpose,” said Sen. Needleman. “This effort dates back to before the COVID-19 pandemic, when East Haddam’s young athletes drew my attention to their need for a track. After hard work by many people working for the benefit of the town, I’m proud that we’re here today celebrating this groundbreaking.”
“If it wasn’t for Senator Needleman, we never would have gotten the funding we need from the state,” said Chairman Pisciotti. “He was instrumental. He came out, talked to the kids and said he would be an advocate and he certainly was one. The citizens of East Haddam were here for us, Senator Needleman fought for us and the Purple Fund helped with contributions. When this thing gets kicked off, it’ll largely be because of Senator Needleman.”
“We are really excited to see this project get off the ground,” said Reas. “It’s been a long time coming and we really appreciate the groundswell of support that we’ve seen for it.”
In 2021, Sen. Needleman toured Nathan Hale-Ray High School to learn about this project and its benefits for the East Haddam Community, and has worked alongside East Haddam leaders including Board of Education Chairman Marc Piscotti and Superintendent Brian Reas to advocate in favor. In addition to providing improved resources to local athletes, the project will provide the local community with new opportunities to come together and cheer on teams.
The project will take an existing lighted field at the school and convert it into an improved soccer field, adding six to eight lanes for running and further enhanced amenities. In addition to the advantages for students, the enhanced complex will provide a draw for East Haddam to host and hold local and regional athletics events.