Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Legislators representing Bloomfield in the General Assembly, including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield, Windsor) and State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), today announced the State Bond Commission is expected to release $250,000 in funding to support needed repairs of a flood control system in Bloomfield.
This funding is part of more than $3.4 million supporting repairs of regional flood control systems around the state. The repairs are necessary for public safety and for the systems to remain certified by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Repairing and improving these systems will head off problems well before they happen and make sure the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is meeting necessary safety metrics,” said Sen. Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for ensuring local safety remains a top priority.”
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their foresight in adding this infrastructure improvement funding to the meeting agenda,” said Sen. McCrory. “It will strengthen regional safety and preparedness, while giving local residents confidence that safety standards are being fulfilled.”
“This funding ensures the future safety of our community members in Bloomfield,” Rep. Gibson said. “With the approval of this funding, we will be able to prevent a future disaster from happening in our town. I want to thank Governor Lamont, my delegation members, members of the Bonding Subcommittee, and members of the Bond Commission for recognizing the need to keep Bloomfield safe.”
Sen. Osten, Ledyard Officials Welcome State Bonding for Bridge and Dam Work in Town
Sen. Osten, Ledyard Officials Welcome State Bonding for Bridge and Dam Work in Town
LEDYARD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn III today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $3 million in state aid for bridge and dam upgrades in Ledyard when the commission meets next week in Hartford.
The funds will provide a grant-in-aid to Ledyard for bridge and dam upgrades, including upgrading pump stations, adding a storage tank, extending an emergency connection in Ledyard, and other security upgrades.
More importantly, the state funding will help two local conservation groups repair three Colonial-era dams located on Long Pond and Bush Pond. The repair work is essential for the safety of downstream properties and for environmental reasons: one local group is working to install a fishway on the Long Pond Dam to help fish return from the sea to the pond to lay their eggs.
“Sometimes you get state bonding for a project that seems simple on its face, like repairing some dams and bridges, but which really has other, greater consequences, and I think that’s the case here,” said Senator Osten, who has been working with Ledyard officials for months to help secure this state aid. “Long Pond and the Whitford Brook are connected to the Mystic River and Long Island Sound, and so they’re connected to all of the fish that live in the Sound. It would be great if, along with protecting the integrity of some old dams and the private property downstream, we could give a boost to fish who historically have spawned in Ledyard’s freshwater ponds. My expectation is that’s what these state funds will ultimately help accomplish.”
“”I’m very much appreciative of Senator Osten for supporting this critical infrastructure investment in Ledyard. These are exactly the types of long-term investments that state bonding should be paying for,” said Ledyard Mayor Fred Allyn III. “I truly appreciate all the work she has done for us here in eastern Connecticut.”
“It’s a huge relief to me to know that this funding is happening, and that Senator Osten has been able to convince people that this project is a regional benefit,” said Betsy Graham, a member of the Lantern Hill Valley Association which owns two of the dams. “This is a wonderful project that everyone is working together to make happen.”
The state Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 in Room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Bloomfield Legislators Announce Bond Funding Supporting Repairs of Flood Control System
Legislators representing Bloomfield in the General Assembly, including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield, Windsor) and State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield), today announced the State Bond Commission is expected to release $250,000 in funding to support needed repairs of a flood control system in Bloomfield.
This funding is part of more than $3.4 million supporting repairs of regional flood control systems around the state. The repairs are necessary for public safety and for the systems to remain certified by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Repairing and improving these systems will head off problems well before they happen and make sure the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is meeting necessary safety metrics,” said Sen. Slap. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for ensuring local safety remains a top priority.”
“I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for their foresight in adding this infrastructure improvement funding to the meeting agenda,” said Sen. McCrory. “It will strengthen regional safety and preparedness, while giving local residents confidence that safety standards are being fulfilled.”
“This funding ensures the future safety of our community members in Bloomfield,” Rep. Gibson said. “With the approval of this funding, we will be able to prevent a future disaster from happening in our town. I want to thank Governor Lamont, my delegation members, members of the Bonding Subcommittee, and members of the Bond Commission for recognizing the need to keep Bloomfield safe.”
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Farmington Legislators Announce State Funding to Expand Tunxis Advanced Manufacturing Program
Today, the Farmington delegation of lawmakers including State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford), State Senator Rick Lopes (D-New Britain), State Representative Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) and State Representative Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford) announced that $750,000 in funding is allocated in the May 26 State Bond Commission agenda to support the expansion of the advanced manufacturing program at Tunxis Community College. The funding is expected to be approved during the Commission’s May 26 meeting.
This investment by the state will allow for phase III of the advanced manufacturing program at the school to move forward, including the expansion of a building at 21 Spring Lane, bolstering local resources for advanced manufacturing education and training as the industry continues to grow. The planned renovations will expand manufacturing classrooms and lab space, create training opportunities for advanced manufacturing and allow room for future program growth.
“Tunxis Community College provides important educational opportunities to thousands of students every year, and this investment means they will have even more opportunities to succeed,” said Sen. Slap. “It’s especially important as advanced manufacturing represents a significant part of Connecticut’s economy and expanded educational opportunities will provide a stronger workforce in years to come. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support.”
Ellington Legislators Announce State Bond Funding for Town
Ellington Legislators Announce State Bond Funding for Town
In the State Bond Commission’s May 26 agenda, Ellington will receive just under $250,000 in state funding for improvements to Arbor Park and to accommodate local police officers’ use of body cameras in their everyday work. State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Representative Jaime Foster (D-Ellington) announced the expected release of the state’s bond funding, encouraged that Ellington will receive state funds for these important projects.
“I’m grateful that Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission are recognizing these important needs in our community,” said Sen. Anwar. “New lighting and a new fitness area at Arbor Park will play a significant role in adding access and safety to local outdoor recreation, while reimbursement for local police will ensure they can continue to serve and protect us. These are positive investments for Ellington.”
“Thank you to the Bond Commission and Governor Lamont for adding these items to the agenda. I was pleased to promote this project that not only increases safety, beautifies our town but also increases opportunities for town and local non-profits programming in our downtown area. Anyone who has been to the farmers market and fairs downtown will know that this part of town is beautifully burgeoning in recent years for community events. I urge the commission to approve these projects next Thursday,” said Rep. Foster.
According to the Bond Commission’s agenda, it is expected to provide a grant for $224,415 to the town of Ellington for the installation of 33 light fixtures and the addition of an outdoor fitness area to Arbor Park along Main Street. The town will further receive $23,840 to reimburse Ellington police for the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras and video storage devices.
Public Health and Children’s Committees Host Informational Discussion in Response to Baby Formula Shortage
Public Health and Children’s Committees Host Informational Discussion in Response to Baby Formula Shortage
Today, state Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Chair of the Children’s Committee and Acting Chair of the Public Health Committee, held an informational forum to respond to the national baby formula crisis in Connecticut. This baby formula shortage has caused stocks in some states to fall by up to 40% and has left parents of young children stressed and struggling to find the products they need. Senator Anwar was joined by state Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Liz Linehan, along with pediatricians to discuss the ongoing issue of formula shortage and what parents can do.
The shortage has risen in recent months as the result of a significant recall of formula sold by Abbott Nutrition after reports of bacterial infections tied to batches of formula. Three popular brands of formula, comprising a significant amount of formula produced in the United States, were recalled as the company has worked to ensure quality control in the affected production plants. While Abbott reports the plant could be up and running within two weeks, formula may not reach store shelves for another six to eight weeks – extremely troubling as some states are seeing increased shortages and limited supply of the product, with up to 40% of baby formula out of stock nationwide.
“When a child is hungry, and cries from hunger, it is one of the most anxiety provoking feelings for a parent,” said Sen. Anwar. “The last few weeks have had thousands of parents in our State experience anxiety and panic. This has been even more painful for those with vulnerable children requiring special formulas. The Children’s Committee and Public Health Committee joined Pediatricians in our state, along with members of our federal delegation, Public health officials, Office of the Attorney General to look at a comprehensive way to manage this crisis and protect our children and families.”
“The formula shortage is a national problem, but it’s constructive to discuss the impact in our state,” said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg. “How will we deal with future supply chain issues of essential products? What can we learn from this situation and our pandemic response that will make government more helpful to families in need? It’s a necessary discussion.”
“While this national shortage is due to the recall and voluntary closing of Abbott for safety concerns, and the restrictive trade practices in place, it is critical that we help parents directly while our federal delegation works to ease the shortage,” said Rep. Liz Linehan. “We have asked pediatricians and retail experts to give practical advice on safety for formula replacements, breast milk bank information, and how to navigate retail stock and store deliveries to procure formula. Parents and caregivers are struggling to feed their babies and they need help now. This information is vital.”
“Child and allergy specific foods are always challenging to get and worse for those who are food insecure,” said Rep. Jaime Foster. “Since February I have been hearing from parents fostering kids, those reliant on WIC for food support and those who have children with inborn errors of metabolism or other conditions that rely on specific formula that there have been supply struggles. The State Department of Public Health was quick to expand WIC offerings to address some of the shortcomings in the supply chain for WIC participants. Nevertheless, as a mom I can’t imagine the fear that many parents are facing knowing that their children might not be able to get the specific formula that their child relies on to survive. ”
To help ease the impact of shortages, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises buying no more than a 10-day to 2-week supply of formula. Doctors and Pediatricians say to avoid watering down formula, avoid giving infants alternatives such as cow’s milk, goat milk, and almond milk, and they also advise against homemade formula. Although recipes for homemade formulas circulating on the internet may seem healthy or less expensive, they are not safe and do not meet a baby’s nutritional needs.
Shopping at smaller stores, as larger ones will see more frequent demand and shoppers, is recommended; families in need should also contact community pharmacies, local food banks or milk banks for more resources in aid. However, the most prominent advice is to not panic – despite the challenges of this moment for already-stressed new parents, there are resources available to help.
Parents in need are encouraged to reach out to their pediatricians. There is a temporary formula substitution document prepared by WIC to aid parents in finding alternative formula solutions while the shortage is ongoing. WIC’s state agency can be contacted at 1-800-741-2142. Parents of young children looking to help each other have created Find My Formula CT, a Facebook group where parents can aid others in finding specific brands and types of formula on store shelves in different parts of the state.
To watch today’s discussion, you can click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik9pKlfYorU
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
Duff, Rilling to Host Vigil for Victims of Buffalo Mass Shooting
WHERE: Norwalk Green
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday May 18
WHO: State Senator Bob Duff, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, concerned members of the community
Following the horrifying events this past Saturday in Buffalo, New York, where a self-described white supremacist and neo-Nazi took the lives of 10 innocent men and women and injured four others in a race-based hate crime, Senator Duff and Mayor Rilling will hold a vigil for these victims, and for the community to come together and denounce such hatred, this Wednesday.
These individuals were killed solely due to their skin color in a country where hate crimes are growing, not falling, and in a country where the same hateful rhetoric shared by the shooter is repeated nightly on prominent conversative news programs. Despite a mental health evaluation, the shooter was able to purchase deadly weapons and high-capacity magazines, driving for three hours solely to target a Black community.
This vigil is not just in honor of those who we tragically lost, innocent men and women dedicated to their communities. It is meant for us to come together as one, denounce hatred and work toward solutions to violence, hatred, and ideals that pit man against man when we all share the same species. If we don’t speak up as a community, state and nation, who will?
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Connecticut Ranking as Best State in America for Police Officers
Sen. Cohen Welcomes Connecticut Ranking as Best State in America for Police Officers
HARTFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) today welcomed a new national ranking that takes into account nearly 90 different metrics – including police starting pay, violent crime rates and other measurements – and ranks Connecticut as the best state in America to be a police officer.
The WalletHub survey (https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669) of all 50 states shows Connecticut with the top overall score, ranking 1st in law enforcement training requirements, 7th in job hazards and protections, and 18th in opportunity and protection.
According to the survey, states in the Northeast make up one-third of the Top 20 best states in America for police officers to live and work (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). Meanwhile, many states run by Republican governors and Republican legislators fared poorly with police: Arizona ranked 34, Missouri 35, Florida 36, and South Carolina 43.
The new national ranking also notes Connecticut’s enviable position as the fourth-safest state in American when it comes to violent crime, according to the FBI.
The survey was even touted on Fox News with the headline “Law enforcement officers might want to consider moving to Connecticut”: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/best-worst-states-police-officers-2022
“My hometown police department in Guilford is looking to hire right now, as is Branford, and they’re paying between $71,000 and $86,000, plus benefits. And we just secured nearly $5 million in the state budget this year to build a new police headquarters in North Branford,” Sen. Cohen said. “There is clearly a commitment from local officials to their police officers, and police departments are looking to expand. This national ranking is confirmation of the positive direction that Connecticut has been taking with law enforcement for some time now. It makes sense that if you are highly trained, paid well and work in a state with a low crime rate that you are going to be happy there. And that’s Connecticut.”
In order to determine the best and worst states for police officers, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 90 different metrics, generally categorized as: opportunity & competition, law enforcement training requirements, and job hazards & protections.
States were ranked on a number of metrics, including: the number of law-enforcement officers per capita; their average starting salary and salary growth potential; police officer education requirements and training hours required; availability of de-escalation training; body-worn camera laws; “Red Flag” laws to allow the seizure of guns before people can commit acts of violence; police deaths per 1,000 officers: share of law enforcement officers assaulted: a state’s violent crime and property crime rates; and the share of homicide cases solved.
Sources used include data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Officer Down Memorial Page, the National 911 Program, and others.
Miller, Duff Celebrate State Funding for Stamford and Norwalk High Schools
Miller, Duff Celebrate State Funding for Stamford and Norwalk High Schools
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and state Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), along with Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons hosted a press conference at Westhill High School in Stamford to highlight state funding for Stamford and Norwalk high schools in the recently passed state budget. The state budget, House Bill 5506, was signed into law on Monday. Sen. Duff also announced that all schools in Norwalk and Stamford will be reimbursed 60% of each new school project over the next 25 years.
Stamford will receive state funding toward the new $257.9 million Westhill High School project. The budget increased the state reimbursement for the project from 20% to 80% which will increase state funding for Stamford from $51.6 million to $206.4 million.
Similarly, Norwalk will see an increase from 22% to 80% for the $239 million Norwalk High School project. The formula change increases the state reimbursement from about $52 million to $191 million.
“This is more than replacing windows and furnaces, it’s a comprehensive plan to renovate schools as new and rebuild them for our teachers and our students to meet the expectations set in place,” said Senate Majority Leader Duff. “We haven’t been able to invest in our schools in a long time and that is why this is a huge deal. We are making an investment that will ultimately provide greater success for our students.”
“A school atmosphere needs to reflect a positive look when a student enters a classroom,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Looney. “If a student or a teacher is going to school, entering a rundown building or in a classroom that is worn down, they’re receiving the wrong message that learning isn’t important. Thank you to Senators Duff and Miller for all their hard work and perseverance in obtaining this huge investment that will enhance our schools.”
“I am thankful to Governor Lamont, Senate President Pro Tempore Looney, Senator Duff, Speaker Ritter, and the Stamford delegation for working collaboratively on making sure Stamford and Norwalk schools received the funding reimbursement rate that we’ve been lobbying for years,” said Sen. Miller. “We have to understand that education is changing and the regional workforce development model for the new Westhill High School will create a different pathway for student success. In addition, the increase in the reimbursement rate will give us the opportunity to build our facilities sooner than expected changing the overall school experience for our students and teachers.”
“This increased funding is exciting news for both Stamford taxpayers and, most importantly, for the students of our city who will soon have the modern facilities they deserve in order to receive a high quality education,” said Rep. Fox. “Many people played a role in advocating for Stamford students, but I am particularly thankful to Sen. Miller and my colleagues in Stamford’s legislative delegation, Mayor Simmons, and Superintendent Lucero for their remarkable dedication in securing these funds.”
“This state reimbursement will go a long way to help enhance the academic experience for our students,” said Rep. Paris. “I was proud to work alongside my colleagues of the Stamford delegation to secure this funding to offer our students an education that meets their individual needs.”
“I am thrilled to see that the state budget includes a 60 percent school construction reimbursement for Stamford. This is a major win for our city that will allow us to pursue long-awaited improvement projects for our schools to ensure that every student can learn in a safe and enriching environment,” said Rep. Michel. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and to my colleagues in the Stamford delegation for their tireless advocacy.”
“This funding will have a transformative impact on Stamford’s students and educators, ensuring they can study and work in safe, high-quality school buildings,” said Rep. Blumenthal. “It will also allow these urgent and necessary improvements to be accomplished without overly burdening Stamford taxpayers. I thank my legislative colleagues, especially Senator State Senators Bob Duff and Patricia Billie Miller, for all their work and advocacy to ensure these provisions were included in the state budget, and the Governor for signing them into law. I was honored to assist in getting them passed through the House.”
“I want to thank State Sen. Miller, State Sen. Bob Duff, The Stamford Delegation, Mayor Simmons, and Governor Lamont for your leadership and perseverance for our schools, said Rep. Delany The funding in the state budget we have created will have a resounding impact for Stamford and our residents. Adopting a fair and balanced state budget and reimbursement formula is exactly what is necessary for Stamford to get the funding we need.”
The funding for these two schools was included in the 2022 state budget bill, House Bill 5506, An Act Adjusting The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June 30, 2023.
The bill was supported by some of the area’s state delegation including Senator Duff, Senator Miller, Rep. Blumenthal, Rep. Dathan, Rep. Delany, Rep. Fox, Rep. Michel, Rep. Paris, Rep. Perone, Rep. Simms, and Rep. Thomas.
The bill was opposed by some of the area’s state delegation including Senator Fazio, Rep. Fiorello, and Rep. Wood.
Miller, Duff Celebrate State Funding for Stamford and Norwalk High Schools
Miller, Duff Celebrate State Funding for Stamford and Norwalk High Schools
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and state Senator Pat Billie Miller (D-Stamford), along with Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons hosted a press conference at Westhill High School in Stamford to highlight state funding for Stamford and Norwalk high schools in the recently passed state budget. The state budget, House Bill 5506, was signed into law on Monday. Sen. Duff also announced that all schools in Norwalk and Stamford will be reimbursed 60% of each new school project over the next 25 years.
Stamford will receive state funding toward the new $257.9 million Westhill High School project. The budget increased the state reimbursement for the project from 20% to 80% which will increase state funding for Stamford from $51.6 million to $206.4 million.
Similarly, Norwalk will see an increase from 22% to 80% for the $239 million Norwalk High School project. The formula change increases the state reimbursement from about $52 million to $191 million.
“This is more than replacing windows and furnaces, it’s a comprehensive plan to renovate schools as new and rebuild them for our teachers and our students to meet the expectations set in place,” said Senate Majority Leader Duff. “We haven’t been able to invest in our schools in a long time and that is why this is a huge deal. We are making an investment that will ultimately provide greater success for our students.”
“A school atmosphere needs to reflect a positive look when a student enters a classroom,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Looney. “If a student or a teacher is going to school, entering a rundown building or in a classroom that is worn down, they’re receiving the wrong message that learning isn’t important. Thank you to Senators Duff and Miller for all their hard work and perseverance in obtaining this huge investment that will enhance our schools.”
“I am thankful to Governor Lamont, Senate President Pro Tempore Looney, Senator Duff, Speaker Ritter, and the Stamford delegation for working collaboratively on making sure Stamford and Norwalk schools received the funding reimbursement rate that we’ve been lobbying for years,” said Sen. Miller. “We have to understand that education is changing and the regional workforce development model for the new Westhill High School will create a different pathway for student success. In addition, the increase in the reimbursement rate will give us the opportunity to build our facilities sooner than expected changing the overall school experience for our students and teachers.”
“This increased funding is exciting news for both Stamford taxpayers and, most importantly, for the students of our city who will soon have the modern facilities they deserve in order to receive a high quality education,” said Rep. Fox. “Many people played a role in advocating for Stamford students, but I am particularly thankful to Sen. Miller and my colleagues in Stamford’s legislative delegation, Mayor Simmons, and Superintendent Lucero for their remarkable dedication in securing these funds.”
“This state reimbursement will go a long way to help enhance the academic experience for our students,” said Rep. Paris. “I was proud to work alongside my colleagues of the Stamford delegation to secure this funding to offer our students an education that meets their individual needs.”
“I am thrilled to see that the state budget includes a 60 percent school construction reimbursement for Stamford. This is a major win for our city that will allow us to pursue long-awaited improvement projects for our schools to ensure that every student can learn in a safe and enriching environment,” said Rep. Michel. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and to my colleagues in the Stamford delegation for their tireless advocacy.”
“This funding will have a transformative impact on Stamford’s students and educators, ensuring they can study and work in safe, high-quality school buildings,” said Rep. Blumenthal. “It will also allow these urgent and necessary improvements to be accomplished without overly burdening Stamford taxpayers. I thank my legislative colleagues, especially Senator State Senators Bob Duff and Patricia Billie Miller, for all their work and advocacy to ensure these provisions were included in the state budget, and the Governor for signing them into law. I was honored to assist in getting them passed through the House.”
“I want to thank State Sen. Miller, State Sen. Bob Duff, The Stamford Delegation, Mayor Simmons, and Governor Lamont for your leadership and perseverance for our schools, said Rep. Delany The funding in the state budget we have created will have a resounding impact for Stamford and our residents. Adopting a fair and balanced state budget and reimbursement formula is exactly what is necessary for Stamford to get the funding we need.”
The funding for these two schools was included in the 2022 state budget bill, House Bill 5506, An Act Adjusting The State Budget For The Biennium Ending June 30, 2023.
The bill was supported by some of the area’s state delegation including Senator Duff, Senator Miller, Rep. Blumenthal, Rep. Dathan, Rep. Delany, Rep. Fox, Rep. Michel, Rep. Paris, Rep. Perone, Rep. Simms, and Rep. Thomas.