Sen. McCrory Releases Statement on Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to Serve on the Supreme Court
The Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Will Make Her the First Black Woman to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court
State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford, Bloomfield and Windsor) released the following statement after the United States Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States:
“The confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court finally breaks a shameful glass ceiling that has existed for far too long and will make the court more representative of the people it serves. Soon-to-be Justice Jackson shatters that barrier on the strength of her exceptional credentials and experience. She understands the deeply personal role that our justice system has in people’s lives through her own lived experiences and time as a public defender, judge, and sitting on the U.S. Sentencing Commission,” said Sen. McCrory.
“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson follows in the legacy of countless Black women throughout our nation’s history who have moved us closer to the promise of equal justice under law, while pushing back on discrimination and bias thrown at them,” Sen. McCrory continued. “For years to come, soon-to-be Justice Jackson will inspire young Black girls and women across our country to pursue their dreams, challenge systemic inequities, and persevere no matter what obstacles come their way.”
Looney, Duff, Maroney & Winfield Statement on West Haven Audit
Looney, Duff, Maroney & Winfield Statement on West Haven Audit
Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford, Orange, West Haven, and Woodbridge), and State Senator Gary Winfield (D-New Haven and West Haven) released the following statement in response to the recently released audit of federal CARES Act spending in the city of West Haven.
“We are outraged by the findings of the recent audit of West Haven’s spending of federal CARES Act funding. We expect that increased oversight by the state’s Municipal Accountability Review Board will significantly limit local spending discretion and provide much-needed change and accountability. Mayor Rossi and West Haven city government must ensure that those responsible for fiscal mismanagement are held accountable. The hard-working people of West Haven deserve better.”
Senator Anwar Extols State Budget Inclusion of Early Childhood Funding
Senator Anwar Extols State Budget Inclusion of Early Childhood Funding
As much as $124 million committed to childhood support
With the Appropriations Committee today releasing adjustments to the 2022-23 fiscal budget, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) extolled the provisions included to support early childhood care. As much as $124 million, pending final approval by the state’s branches of government, will be committed to early childhood support; this would include $74 million for child care employee wage enhancements, $20 million to expand access for infants and toddlers to state programs, $15 million to support early childhood facility renovation and construction, $10 million in support of the Care 4 Kids program, which helps low-to-moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care, and $5 million to support apprenticeships through the Office of Early Childhood and Development.
“One of my foremost priorities this legislative session – and in my work as a Senator – is to protect our children and provide them new resources to better their chances of success,” said Sen. Anwar, who serves as Senate Chair of the Children’s Committee. “After months of advocacy, I am extremely encouraged to see our state is investing in supporting and lifting up our youngest generations. We’ve known for far too long that early care workers, who we trust with our children from their earliest days, do not get paid what they deserve. We’ve known that expanding children’s access to important educational programs during their formative years makes it more likely they will succeed as adults. These investments will pay dividends in decades to come.”
On Thursday, the Appropriations Committee released its midterm state budget adjustments, making investments in a number of important fields, among the most important being childcare. These adjustments commit funding to early childhood educator pay, important to support high-quality education. According to a study from the University of California Berkeley, as of 2017, a majority of early childhood educators have to rely on public assistance and many face poverty-level wages. Early educators facing stress and low pay have more difficulty in facilitating effective education, the study found, and low pay also makes it more difficult to recruit and retain early educators.
Investing in increased access to preschool and early childhood education programs – as this budget does – has been proven to improve odds of academic success later in life. According to a 2018 pediatrics study, which followed 1,398 children, earlier intervention and education for economically disadvantaged children was found to correlate to a 48% higher rate of completion of at least an associate’s degree. Investing in these early-life educational programs can promote long-term educational success, which will lead to better health and economic outcomes, the study concluded. Funds supporting Care 4 Kids, which helps families pay for child care costs, further expands the effectiveness of these programs.
The budget’s investment in early childhood facility renovation and construction, as well as expanding access to early childcare apprenticeships, will go further in ensuring state facilities are providing the best environment for children to learn and grow in, as well as aiding the employment pipeline for the industry.
These adjustments will now lead to negotiations between members of state government leadership on a final spending plan, expected to be finalized before the legislature adjourns for the year on May 4.
Senator Lesser Releases Statement After the Hartford Announces a Goal of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Senator Lesser Releases Statement After the Hartford Announces a Goal of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, is releasing the following statement following the announcement made by The Hartford of setting a goal of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
“Connecticut is looking to our insurance and financial services sector to lead the world when it comes to transitioning away from fossil fuels. I am glad that The Hartford is leading the industry and the country with its actions – and look forward to continue to partner with CEO Christopher Swift and The Hartford on issues of common concern.”
Sen. Lesser authored Section 346 of the 2021 Connecticut State Budget implementer that directly addresses the intersection of climate change and insurance through regulatory oversight.
Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative Announces 2022 Resource Expo Rescheduled
Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative Announces 2022 Resource Expo Rescheduled
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC), in partnership with Senator Marilyn Moore and Housatonic Community College, today announced the new date for the Bridgeport Youth Engagement Resource Expo. The inaugural event, which was scheduled for January, was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases during the Omicron and Delta variant spikes.
The expo will now be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Housatonic Community College and will provide an opportunity for nonprofits to recruit Bridgeport youth for their programs, specifically eight to 24 year-olds.
“As the weather gets warmer, and our communities feel safer from COVID-19, I hope parents will seize this opportunity to learn about the myriad of programs available for our children, adolescents, and young adults in Bridgeport,” said Senator Marilyn Moore, who created the collaborative. “Federal and state funds awarded to nonprofits are most effective when all children have access to enrichment programs.”
“Housatonic is excited to partner with the Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative to provide critical resources that can perhaps transform lives and shift the trajectory to a more meaningful future,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Housatonic Community College.
“At a time when COVID-19 has forced many of our youth into long-term isolation, it has never been more important to provide them with opportunities to connect them to community programs and resources available to them,” said Michael A. Jordan, founder of the Bernard Buddy Jordan Foundation and BYEC member. “This collaborative expo is a great opportunity for Bridgeport youth and the organizations with a passion to serve them to come together under one roof to network and grow together.”
Interested participants are encouraged to register online as soon as possible, as space is limited due to COVID-19. The event will follow State of Connecticut COVID-19 guidelines and will be divided into two sessions in order to accommodate for attendance. The deadline to register is Friday, April 15, 2022.
Nonprofits can register here.
Parents, caretakers, or youth can register here.
Event Schedule:
9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Registration & networking opportunity (nonprofits only)
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Expo for Parents and Youth (Session 1)
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Expo for Parents and Youth (Session 2)
The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC) is committed to a holistic, threefold approach toward addressing the unmet needs of youth in Bridgeport, CT. By offering a network of programs focused on healing, empowering, and equipping our rising generations, BYEC aims to cultivate a young community characterized by loving service and ambitious achievement. Current membership of the collaborative, which launched in 2021, includes the Bernard “Buddy” Jordan Foundation, Color A Positive Thought, the Walter E. Luckett Jr. Foundation, Elevate Bridgeport, RYASAP, Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, #100 Girls Leading Inc., and the Willie & Sandra McBride Foundation.
Questions? Please email BridgeportCTYouth@gmail.com
New Britain Legislators Welcome Over $2.1 Million for Wheeler Clinic to Expand Its Health Services
New Britain Legislators Welcome Over $2.1 Million for Wheeler Clinic to Expand Its Health Services
Today, State Senator Rick Lopes, State Rep. Robert Sanchez, State Rep. Manny Sanchez, and State Rep. Peter Tercyak, members of the New Britain legislative delegation, welcomed the approval by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission of over $2.1 million to Wheeler Clinic. The funding will support renovations to enhance the range of health services offered by Wheeler’s federally qualified health center at its new 40 Hart Street location in New Britain.
The approved funding will support renovations to the unfinished third floor of the health center to increase site safety and efficiency. In addition, the renovations expected to be completed in late fall of 2022 or early winter of 2023 will provide Wheeler with more space to provide outpatient medical and behavioral health services, exam rooms, and for other additional uses.
The additional capacity to serve patients in Wheeler’s care will strengthen the expansive scope of health services available at the 40 Hart Street location including: Pediatric primary care and primary care for adults, care management for adults with complex health care needs and behavioral health concerns, and chronic disease management.
“Every day, patients receive care from Wheeler Clinic that they might otherwise not have been able to afford or were unsure where to turn for help,” said Sen. Lopes. “It is thanks to the hardworking, dedicated staff at Wheeler that our community is healthier, and many people have been helped on a path to a brighter future. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for recognizing how this funding will help Wheeler grow and build up its much-needed services.”
“We see how many local families, particularly children, need affordable, accessible health care every day,” says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “With the strident support of State Senator Rick Lopes, we can now expand and renovate our center to serve even more families. Senator Lopes was an early advocate for us expanding to include children’s services, and he has been a steadfast voice in the community to increase access to affordable health care.”
“Many people know that I spent my adult life as a psychiatric nurse. Behavioral health is important to me and it’s important to Connecticut now like never before. I’m a fan of Wheeler Clinic and the care they give. I’ve known them and have referred patients to them for decades. We are lucky to have Wheeler Clinic expanding in New Britain,” said Rep. Tercyak. “Thank you very much to Wheeler Clinic, to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission.”
“Wheeler’s federally qualified health center provides critical services to the residents of New Britain, and this state funding will help ensure that the health center has an up-to-date, modernized facility that includes the necessary resources for outpatient behavioral health, exam rooms, and children’s services,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that the state can partner with Wheeler on this project, and I appreciate Senator Lopes’ efforts to help make this happen.”
Founded in 1968, Wheeler Clinic has grown to provide an extensive range of services encompassing, but not limited to health care, addiction treatment, behavioral health, and special education. The community health center offers its programs and resources to patients at its facilities in New Britain and several other communities across Connecticut. More information about Wheeler’s history and programs can found at www.wheelerclinic.org.
Clinton Railroad Station Opens New Platform, More Than Doubling Train Service
Clinton Railroad Station Opens New Platform, More Than Doubling Train Service
The Connecticut Department of Transportation recently marked the completion of a new boarding platform at the Clinton Railroad Station, opening Monday, April 4 and more than doubling Shore Line East train service at the station. The new platform’s completion means Shore Line East customers will have more travel options between Clinton Station and New Haven or New London and easier access to the New Haven Line operated by Metro North.
With the new train platform, weekday train service will increase from 11 to 23 trains and weekend train service will go from seven to 16 trains.
“Commuters on Shore Line East will have many more options with the completion of this platform, which now offers many more transportation choices to local residents,” said State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex). “Three years ago, I joined state leaders for the groundbreaking of this project, and I’m so excited that it has reached completion. This is an important hub – and I’m especially encouraged that previous accessibility issues have been rectified, making sure everyone in the community can travel how they wish.”
The $12.5 million project additionally increased the train station’s parking spaces, added a drop-off area for commuters, added a bike shelter and formed a pedestrian bridge over the train tracks.
Public Safety Committee Passes Comprehensive Catalytic Converter Theft Bill
Public Safety Committee Passes Comprehensive Catalytic Converter Theft Bill
HARTFORD – As catalytic converter thefts surge in Connecticut and across the country, the legislature’s Public Safety Committee has passed a bipartisan and comprehensive anti-catalytic converter theft bill designed to kill the criminal market for stolen catalytic converters.
Senate Bill 256, “AN ACT CONCERNING THE PURCHASE OR RECEIPT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS BY MOTOR VEHICLE RECYCLERS, SCRAP METAL PROCESSORS AND JUNK DEALERS,” was passed on a bipartisan and unanimous basis in committee last week and now heads to the Senate floor for consideration. The legislature is due to adjourn for the year on May 4.
“The pandemic has really brought about a number of changes in criminal activity over the past two years, in Connecticut and across the country. Drunken driving has increased, as have pedestrian deaths, deaths from fentanyl overdoses, motor vehicle thefts are up across the country and so are catalytic converter thefts. So we had to do something about it,” said Sen. Osten, who is Senate Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “Short of standing outside and watching your car 24 hours a day, the answer to catalytic converter thefts is to kill the market for their illegal sale. Criminals aren’t going to steal something they can’t sell, and this bill makes it nearly impossible to sell a stolen catalytic converter. Or, you may steal and sell a few, but the police will easily identify and catch up to you. I think this is going to be a game-changer for the public.”
About half the states in America have already passed or are considering passing new bills pertaining to catalytic converter theft, according to the National Council of State Legislatures. Like other states, Connecticut’s bill attempts to kill the market for stolen catalytic converters so thieves have no incentive to steal them in the first place.
Senate Bill 256 accomplishes this in several ways, affecting both vehicle recycling companies and junk yards. Under the bill:
- Motor vehicle recyclers in Connecticut cannot take a catalytic converter from a customer unless it is physically attached to a motor vehicle.
- That recycler then cannot re-sell that catalytic converter until they etch on to it the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle it came off of.
- For scrap metal processors, junk dealers and junk yards, they cannot accept a catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle unless:
- They record the place and date of the transaction, a description of the catalytic converter, and the amount paid;
- Record a description of the seller and the seller’s name, address and driver’s license number;
- Record the license number plate number of the motor vehicle that was used to transport the catalytic converter;
- Obtains from the seller a statement that they own the catalytic converter;
- Takes a photograph or video of the seller and their driver’s license;
- Sellers may sell only one catalytic converter per day to a scrap metal dealer;
- Scrap metal processors and junk dealers can only pay a seller by check, which is mailed to their home address;
- Scrap metal processors and junk dealers have to electronically submit all of their catalytic converter sales information to state police once a week.
If approved by the legislature and signed into law, Connecticut’s catalytic converter theft bill would take effect on July 1.
As precious metals prices soar, catalytic converter thefts have increased all across America. Catalytic converters contain the precious metals rhodium, palladium and platinum, and prices for those precious metals have increased 123% to 1,100% since 2018. For example, rhodium, which was selling for $1,850 an ounce in 2018, has been selling for $20,250 an ounce in 2022. 90 percent of the world’s rhodium is used in automobile catalytic converters, where it is used to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gases that are emitted out the tailpipe and into the atmosphere.
As precious metals prices have spiked, so have catalytic converter thefts. Thefts were up 326% nationally from 2019 to 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), an industry association set up to combat insurance fraud. Catalytic converter thefts then jumped another 293% nationwide from mid-2020 to mid-2021, according to the State Farm insurance company. Catalytic converter thefts soared so high in Texas and Indiana that legislators there made catalytic converter theft a felony.
The NICB says the rise in catalytic converter thefts has been driven not only by the rise in precious metals prices, but by the COVID-19 pandemic of the past two years. People lost income after being laid-off or reduced to working part-time, more people were working at home and leaving their parked outside, and supply chain disruptions caused shortages of already rare precious metals. It only takes a few minutes for criminals with simple tools to steal a catalytic converter that may bring them $150 cash at a junkyard, but which can cost a car owner several hundred to several thousand dollars to replace, depending on their insurance.
Senators Maroney, Cabrera, Osten, Cicarella, Reps. Boyd, Turco, McCarthy Vahey, & Welander Host Virtual Suicide Prevention Summit Discussion Panel Focused On Helping Veterans
Senators Maroney, Cabrera, Osten, Cicarella, Reps. Boyd, Turco, McCarthy Vahey, & Welander Host Virtual Suicide Prevention Summit Discussion Panel Focused On Helping Veterans
Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Sen. Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-Durham), Sen. Cathy Osten (D- Sprague), State Representative Patrick Boyd (D-Brooklyn), Rep. Gary Turco (D- Newington), Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfiled) and Rep. Mary Welander (D-Orange) hosted the annual suicide prevention summit. The Suicide Prevention Summit was held this year to address the growing issue of mental health awareness among veterans and those currently serving.
Senator Maroney was thrilled with the success of this year’s discussion and hopes an impact was made to those who were listening in during the webinar.
“We send our veterans off as young men and women to do difficult tasks and they often see unspeakable things,” said Sen. Maroney. “When they return, we ask them to assimilate back into society, where they are surrounded by people who do not understand what they have gone through. We know that we can’t do enough for our veterans and it often seems that we don’t do enough. The goal of today’s summit was to help veterans learn about the resources that already exist for them and to help our legislators learn where there may be gaps in the services that are needed.”
“I am thrilled to be part of this incredibly important discussion,” said Rep. Welander. “Coming from a military family and a family who has experienced suicide, I know first-hand how building awareness and providing access to support can literally be the difference between life and death. I look forward to continuing this discussion.”
“Culturally we’ve come to highlight the need for resources to help us all maintain our mental health, this conversation is especially relevant to our military community, as many of our nation’s heroes are unfortunately left behind after their courageous service to our nation,” said Sen. Cabrera. “As Senate Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am encouraged with the input from those taking part in today’s suicide prevention summit, as these talks can lead to the formation of life-saving policies.”
“The thought of any veteran or active-duty service member taking their own life should spur great collective action from us,” said Rep. Gary Turco, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee. “Serving in the military impacts the mental health of not only those who serve but their families as well. We owe veterans and active-duty service members immeasurable attention and support to their mental health after they acted selflessly protecting our country.”
“We’re losing thousands of veterans a year, and hundreds of active-duty personnel every year, to suicide. There’s a lot of reasons for that, but the bottom line is we shouldn’t be losing a single veteran or soldier to suicide. Not a one. They’ve been through too much and have sacrificed too much,” said Sen. Osten. “One of the most basic ways we can help reduce veteran suicides is to let them know what resources are out there for them in those critical, critical moments when they are most despondent. There are options, and we have to let them know that, and that’s what this summit is all about.”
“Our Veterans deserve robust resources and support for their unique mental health needs. As the wife, daughter, and granddaughter of veterans, I know how important this support is to those who served not only in time of war, but in peace time as well,” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said
“This is a serious problem in Connecticut and across the nation, affecting countless Veterans and their families,” said Sen. Cicarella. “These men and women fulfilled their duty to this country and put themselves in harm’s way. It’s now our duty to make sure that we have as much support as possible for our Vets, and that we connect them with this support. The past two years of the pandemic have been hard on everyone in Connecticut, especially for Veterans looking for jobs, housing or other help. My reason for serving on the Veterans Affairs Committee is to make sure that Connecticut Veterans get the help that they need. This forum is a step in that direction and thank you to my Senate and House colleagues for joining this life-saving effort.”
“As House Chair of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to addressing suicide among veterans through smart policy and ensuring veterans have access to the resources and programs necessary to overcome these challenges,” said Rep. Boyd. “We owe it to our veterans, who served our country with selflessness and bravery.”
According to the Department of Defense on suicide in the military, the suicide rate among active-duty service members in the U.S. military increased by 41.4% in the five years from 2015 to 2020. The suicide rate among active-duty service members increased by 9.1% in 2020, and from 2018 to 2020, it rose 15.3%.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2019, in Connecticut, it was reported there were 44 veterans that died by suicide. Suicide among U.S. adults and veterans have increased across the U.S. from 29,580 in 2001, to 45,861 in 2019. The average number of suicides per day among U.S. adults rose 55.0%, from 81.0 in 2001 to 125.6 in 2019. Across the same 18-year period, the average number of Veteran suicides per day rose 4.5%, from 16.4 in 2001 to 17.2 in 2019.
There are sadly about 22 Veteran suicides a day. According to the Women Veterans Health Care, female veterans die by suicide at almost twice the rate as non-female veterans. There is a strong correlation between mental health challenges including depression, military sexual trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia, and death by suicide. As female veterans return back to every-day life when leaving the military, they face challenges and struggles which include financial instability, 67% female compared to 47% male, relationship distress, and homelessness. There is a critical period for veterans. Research shows increased risk of suicide during the first year of a transition back. Utilization of resources can create significant help and reduce suicide rates amongst our veterans.
For those that serve or who have served, crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. Resources for Veterans can be found here. The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs also offers resources for veterans including a CTVeterans Mobile App that allows Connecticut Veterans and residents to access crisis assistance by phone, text, and online chat.
To view the virtual discussion, you can click here.
Sen. Needleman Announces Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Begins Season
Sen. Needleman Announces Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Begins Season
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) is pleased to announce the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry begins operations on April 1, with the ferry operating daily through November 30. Pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles are welcome on the ferry, which has been in service for more than 250 years since its start in 1769.
“The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry’s history is just one reason why we should be proud of this local resource,” said Sen. Needleman. “Whether you’re looking for a different way to travel around the state, want to visit somewhere new or simply want to enjoy the ride across the Connecticut River, I hope everyone can get out this year and ride the ferry.”
The ferry will operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weather conditions, water levels and mechanical issues can sometimes impact ferry operation.
To reach the ferry from Hadlyme, drive to Route 148 off Route 82 and follow signs to the ferry landing. To reach it from Chester, take Route 9 to exit 6 on Route 148 and follow signs to the ferry landing.
The ferry costs $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $6 per vehicle on weekends, with 20-ride commuter coupons available for $60 ($3 per ride). There is also a $2 rate for pedestrians and bicyclists to walk on the ferry.
Up-to-date scheduling information is available at www.cttravelsmart.com.