Youth Resource Expo Postponed Due to COVID-19
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC), in partnership with Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) and Housatonic Community College, today announced the inaugural Bridgeport Youth Engagement Resource Expo–which was scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Housatonic Community College–will be postponed until further notice.
The decision was made in response to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases as public health officials predict continued spread over the next several weeks. A new date will be announced when it is safer to convene indoors.
“We want to serve our youth as best we can and right now that means limiting COVID-19 exposure and keeping them safe during this new surge in cases,” said Sen. Moore. “In the meantime, we will continue to engage with nonprofits, advocates, youth and parents virtually with the hopes of convening in person once it is safe to do so.”
Those interested in participating or attending the 2022 Bridgeport Youth Engagement Resource Expo can still use the following registration forms to sign up to receive information about the event or to reserve a space:
Nonprofits can register here.
Parents, caretakers, or youth can register here.
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.
Senator Needleman Excited by Prospects of $1.8 Million Grant Meant to Clean Up Haddam Blighted Properties
Senator Needleman Excited by Prospects of $1.8 Million Grant Meant to Clean Up Haddam Blighted Properties
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) supported the announced release of a $1.8 million grant meant to clean up blighted properties in Haddam through the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program. The grant will lead to the remediation of two former mill buildings, with intended reuse to benefit the local community.
“I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the Brownfield Remediation Program for their support of the remediation of the D&H Scoville Hoe Company mill buildings,” said Sen. Needleman. “Its location, right near Higganum’s Village Center, is key to support the growing revitalization of the area – once abated, the mill buildings can be used as shops, galleries, offices or restaurants, all of which will benefit our community.”
The Haddam grant was one of 13 announced Thursday by the Governor’s Office, representing $17.9 million in total state funding to support the remediation of 40 blighted parcels in 13 towns and cities across Connecticut. Brownfield remediation serves two strong purposes in Connecticut, giving communities positive economic impact by returning properties to productive use and removing contaminants from those properties that may have had negative impacts on the local environment.
Senator Needleman Joins Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, State Rep. Smith and Colchester Officials to Announce $2.5 Million Grant-in-aid for New Colchester Senior Center
Senator Needleman Joins Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, State Rep. Smith and Colchester Officials to Announce $2.5 Million Grant-in-aid for New Colchester Senior Center
Approved December 21, 2021, state bond funding will be used to construct a new 14,650-square-foot senior center building at the corner of Lebanon Avenue and Louis Lane in Colchester
(COLCHESTER, CT) Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Colchester legislators and local Colchester officials to announce a $2.5 million state bonding grant-in aid to finance the construction of a new senior center.
In October 2019, a Senior Center Building Committee was formed. They were “charged to include: a building, related infrastructure and outdoor space that will provide for a senior center for senior services now, and in the future for seniors of all ages.” Since then, the Committee has met twice a month to implement that charge.
A new senior center aligns with many of the senior services strategic plan goals outlined by the Committee, including: strengthening community partnerships, attracting younger seniors, expanding programs and services designed to promote independence, health, wellness and the quality of life of Colchester seniors.
The existing senior center will relocate from its current 5,600 square foot location to a newly constructed 14,650 square foot facility, close to downtown. The new senior center will feature a variety of activity spaces including a cafe, game room, arts and crafts classroom, library/lounge, conference room, multi-purpose rooms, and more than 2,200 square feet dedicated to a fitness center.
“After decades of advocacy, dedication and hard work by the Colchester delegation and local Colchester officials, I’m proud to announce a $2.5 million grant-in-aid to finance the construction of what will become the new Colchester Senior Center,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Providing seniors resources to stay active and independent assists with a healthy aging process, and keeps them engaged with their community and fellow peers. The expansion of programs, availability of spaces and the addition of services will not only allow the new senior center to flourish, but allow for the enhancement and improvement of the quality of life for Colchester’s seniors.”
“The desire for this new center started a long time ago, and I want to thank our prior First Selectmen Shilosky and Bylone for continuing to advocate for this project,” said Sen. Needleman. “Coupled with that, I want to thank everyone at this center and in town for their fierce advocacy on this issue, as their support truly helped push this project over the finish line.”
“When I was on the Board of Selectman at the dawn of this millennium, this issue first came up as a topic of discussion,” said State Representative Brian Smith. “I think thirty years from now, when the parents of our young children are older, the value of this new center will be astronomical and will add to the lives of every senior citizen that enters those doors. This investment will pay dividends for decades into the future, and I want to thank everyone who helped make it happen.”
“Today, we celebrate the early Christmas present that the State Bonding Commission decided to provide our community,” said Colchester First Selectman Andreas Bisbikos. “The $2.5 million grant awarded to offset the cost of the new senior center will ultimately reduce our forecasted debt service and hopefully, the anticipated financial impact on taxpayers.”
“I did not think I would ever stand here knowing that we would be constructing a new senior center. But through the wisdom of this town and the support of our legislative leaders, our Lt. Governor and our Governor, we’re going to build that new center,” said Colchester Selectman Rosemary Coyle. “They realized the value that this building will have for the Town of Colchester. It will be a place for seniors, but it will be an asset for all of our residents.”
“When our committee came together, we looked at a myriad of building types and sizes. Our focus was not only to meet the needs of our seniors today, but also in the future,” said Chair of the Senior Center Building Committee Anthony “Tony” Tarnowski. “That building is going to help revitalize Lebanon Avenue and spur economic development in our town’s center.”
Statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) re: today’s press conference by CT Senate Republicans
Statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) re: today’s press conference by CT Senate Republicans
“Our enacted state budget is already assisting Connecticut’s working families by increasing the state’s earned income tax credit, enhancing payments to cities and towns for public education, providing a substantial boost in grants through our Payment in Lieu of Taxes program (PILOT), and supporting social services upon which many families rely. Democrats have also built more progressivity into our tax code over the years.
“And of course any proposed tax cut has to be looked at in the context of the entire biennial state budget as well as its sustainability over the ensuing months and years.
“Democrats will be unveiling our own revenue proposals in the coming session, including a look at ways to reduce Connecticut’s onerous local property tax burden. Therefore, there will be a time for a comprehensive discussion of various revenue proposals and to closely examine questions such as who will benefit most and what Connecticut can afford in both the short-term and the long-term. I look forward to having that discussion with my Republican colleagues.”
State Senator Will Haskell Announces he will not Run for Re-Election to State Senate in 2022
State Senator Will Haskell Announces he will not Run for Re-Election to State Senate in 2022
Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) announced that after serving two terms in the Connecticut State Senate, he will not run for re-election in 2022. Sen. Haskell plans to attend law school and spend more time with loved ones at the end of his current term.
“I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the people of the 26th District over the last few years. My constituents took a chance on me when I was just 22, having freshly graduated from college,” said Sen. Haskell. “And since then, I’ve worked tirelessly in Hartford and at home to live up to their trust. Together, we’ve made it possible for students to graduate from community colleges and find good jobs in Connecticut with no debt. Parents and families will be able to spend time with their newborns, or loved ones who are ill, without worrying about their next paycheck. We’ve raised the minimum wage, legalized cannabis, enacted the strongest gun laws in the country and remained focused on the future. Through the pandemic, we’ve worked to keep Connecticut residents protected; first by delivering groceries and prescriptions, then by getting folks vaccinated. During my time as a legislator I’ve learned so much about our state, about democracy and myself. I ran for office because I thought my community needed a change. I still think government works best when new voices have a chance to shape public policy, and I think the 26th district is ready for a new voice.”
Since his election to the State Senate in November 2018, Senator Haskell has served as Senate Chair of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Transportation Committees, in addition to serving on numerous other committees. Among his proudest accomplishments are creating the PACT program, Connecticut’s free community college program; passing the most inclusive paid family and medical leave program in the country; and a sustained focus on transportation infrastructure investments.
State Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Bonding Expected for Boys and Girls Club in Bridgeport
State Senator Marilyn Moore Supports Bonding Expected for Boys and Girls Club in Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Youth Engagement Collaborative (BYEC), in partnership with Senator Marilyn Moore and Housatonic Community College, today announced the Bridgeport Youth Engagement Resource Expo, being held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Housatonic Community College. The inaugural event will provide an opportunity for nonprofits to recruit Bridgeport youth for their programs, specifically eight to 24 year-olds.
“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 expo will be divided into two sessions in order to accommodate for attendance. The event will follow CDC and State of Connecticut mask mandate guidelines and all attendees will be required to show proof of COVID019 vaccination before entry. The deadline to register is Friday, January 7, 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 event coordinator Natasha Noel at nnoel@mitann.com.
Senator Osten Welcomes Emergency State Grants to Local Community College Students
Senator Osten Welcomes Emergency State Grants to Local Community College Students
NORWICH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed the news that the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system has just completed the distribution of more than $3.6 million in emergency grants to community college students – including $304,500 to 203 students at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich and $105,000 to 70 students at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Killingly.
Funded with federal COVID relief money, more than 2,400 students applied for and received $1,500 payments. The grants do not have to be repaid and can be used for any expense related to the cost of attendance.
“I’ve always believed in the value of a good education, but that education doesn’t have to mean an expensive public or private four-year college,” Sen. Osten said. “There are people like me who go straight from high school into the Armed Forces, and others who got to community college to hone their skills and land good-paying, in-demand jobs and start earing a paycheck. This government support has helped thousands of students in eastern Connecticut stay in school, and stay in school at a lower cost. It’s been a great program.”
“Many of our community college students are facing difficult financial situations, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said CSUS President Terrence Cheng. “In advance of the holidays and as students register for spring semester classes, these grants are a lifeline. We truly appreciate our federal partners for looking out for students at our public colleges and universities.”
In addition, CSCU has delivered the final payment in the previously announced Student Support Program, distributing more than $21 million to all students enrolled in community colleges as of December 1, 2021.
The amount of each payment varies by institution based on enrollment and Pell counts before the pandemic. 3,030 students at Three Rivers CC each received $600, and 1,084 students at Quinebaug Valley CC each received $670.
Various CSCU institutions in Connecticut received $151 million in funding of federal funding to directly support students under the Higher Education Emergency Relief program, all of which must be expended by early 2022. This includes $64 million at the Connecticut State Universities, $760,000 at Charter Oak State College, and the $86 million Student Support Program at the community colleges. The disbursements to community college students this December are the final payments under this program.
Sen. Hartley, Gov. Lamont, and Rep. Currey Announce $25 Million in State Bonding for Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance Program
Sen. Hartley, Gov. Lamont, and Rep. Currey Announce $25 Million in State Bonding for Small Business and Entrepreneur Assistance Program
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury, Middlebury and Naugatuck) and State Representative Jeff Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor), Co-Chairs of the Commerce Committee, welcomed the approval of $25 million by Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission to replenish funding for the Small Business Express (SBE) program’s initiatives to support job creation and retention and minority-owned businesses in Connecticut. The significant investment comes several months after Sen. Hartley led legislative approval of improvements to the SBE that will strengthen its capabilities to support the state’s business community.
“In the new year, the Small Business Express program will continue to be an important tool to help businesses grow and create new jobs. This substantial funding empowers the program to remain an active partner in supporting businesses build up their operations, in turn boosting Connecticut’s economy,” said Sen. Hartley. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for recognizing the success of the program.”
“The Small Business Express program has been a successful initiative in Connecticut’s economic development toolkit to help local entrepreneurs, including woman and minorities, build their businesses and create jobs right here” said Governor Lamont. “Ensuring this program can continue operating means the continued growth of many small businesses in Connecticut.”
“The funding the State Bond Commission approved today to strengthen small business growth, create jobs, and aid our revitalization efforts will go a long way to as our communities and state recover from the economic fallout of COVID-19,” said Rep. Currey. “To better support our small businesses during these evolving circumstances, Senator Hartley and members of the Commerce Committee championed essential improvements to Connecticut’s Small Business Express Program so that small businesses can access the resources necessary for recovery and spur additional economic growth. This is a critical investment in our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local and state economies.”
The $25 million total in funding is allocated into two sections. First, $21 million to refill the Small Business Express program’s general fund, which supports initiatives including:
- A revolving loan fund offering loans to businesses to help them retain current full-time employees
- The Job Creation Incentive Loan Program, which supports business-recipients scale up their operations, in addition to creating or retaining full-time jobs. The loans can be deferred or forgiven if the business is able to reach job creation goals
- A matching capital grant program, which prioritizes distribution of grants based on how likely the business applicant will maintain job growth
The remaining $4 million is a grant-in-aid for HEDCO, Inc. targeted toward minority business initiatives under the SBE, namely, the Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund (MBRLF). The MBRLF is administered by HEDCO, Inc. The loan fund is dedicated to offering loans and lines of credit to women-owned and minority-owned businesses in Connecticut.
During the 2021 legislative session, Sen. Hartley championed passage of legislation to increase the financial investment tools at the SBE’s disposal to help businesses grow and to streamline the program. Improvements made include, but not limited to:
- Expanding the types of financial support the program’s revolving loan fund can provide to include loan guarantees, loan portfolio guarantees, portfolio insurance, and grants
- Increasing the highest amount a loan can be provided through minority business revolving loan funds to $500,000
- Simplifying the maximum employment requirement to an eligible business has no more than 100 employees
More information on the SBE can be found here and about the senator’s enhancements to the program here.
New Britain Delegation Welcomes $2.5 Million in State Bonding for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain
New Britain Delegation Welcomes $2.5 Million in State Bonding for the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain
The Approved Funds Will Support Renovations to a Youth Camp Owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain that has Historically Served Children from the New Britain Area
Today, the New Britain legislative delegation – state Senator Rick Lopes, state Representatives Robert Sanchez, Manny Sanchez, and Peter Tercyak – applauded the State Bond Commission’s approval of $2.5 million to make needed renovations and improvements to Camp Schade, located in Burlington, which is owned by the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain. For years, the camp afforded young people who came from lower-income backgrounds and marginalized urban communities the opportunity to come together for camp activities and explore the natural green spaces.
However, the camp’s deteriorating conditions have caused it to stop serving as a space for New Britain’s youth to enjoy fun summer activities. Presently, water and plumbing at the camp needs to be brought up to health code. Also, numerous amenities at the camp, such as the pool, require significant repairs.
The legislators view the mission of Camp Schade as having even greater importance due to the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The community environment would offer campers a chance to interact with other youth in a safe, supervised setting and participate in outdoor activities that they may have been unable to enjoy the past couple summers due to COVID-19.
“This funding is a big step toward fixing up Camp Schade and supporting the outstanding programs that the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain has provided generations of young people. It is important that children have spaces where they can have fun and do activities, they might not always have the opportunity to enjoy. Making repairs to Camp Schade would help to re-open a space for New Britain’s youth to explore the outdoors and make lasting memories with their friends,” said Sen. Lopes. “I want to thank my fellow delegation members for their work to achieve this needed funding for New Britain’s young people. Thank you also to the governor for his support. Also, I want to recognize Executive Director James Jones for his partnership in advocating for this project.”
“I thank Governor Ned Lamont and all my colleagues for their support and congratulate the Boys and Girls Club that has been enriching young and adult lives for many years,” Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “These funds send a clear message that we are in full support of their indispensable work in New Britain and look forward to the same dedicated commitment well into the future.”
“Upgrading the facilities at Camp Schade allows the Boys and Girls Club to provide another great option for recreational activities for the youth of New Britain and surrounding communities. This is a long time coming,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “I thank Governor Ned Lamont, House Leaders Matt Ritter and Jason Rojas, and the New Britain delegation for their hard work to get this project done. Most importantly, I also want to thank the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, James Jones, for his vision and advocacy for this well-deserved project.”
“My brother and I went to day camp when we were kids and it’s one of our fondest memories from childhood. Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for working and organizing so long for this. A special thanks to Governor Lamont for choosing to help New Britain. This is a Christmas present we should all be happy about” said Rep. Tercyak.
“For many decades, the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain has provided so many opportunities to children in the city and I am glad that we are able to partner with them on this project. This state funding will go a long way to support the revitalization of Camp Schade, bring it back into operation, and ensure that kids who live in New Britain have the opportunity to enjoy nature and the outdoors,” said Governor Lamont.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, founded in 1891, provides a nurturing environment for young people ranging in ages from 6 to 18. Among the many services provided, the Club offers an open-door/drop-in environment for youth, educational enrichment programs, and helps youth receive peer-mentoring. More information on this year-round safe and uplifting space can be found at
Posted in Lopes News
Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Representatives Frank Smith (D-Milford), Charles Ferraro (R-Milford), and Kathy Kennedy (R-Milford), are supporting state bonding approved for Bridges Healthcare, Inc. in Milford. This community health center provides comprehensive and effective mental health services and addiction recovery programs to adults, children, and families.
Bridges Healthcare Inc. will receive $600,000. This funding will provide upgrades to the HVAC system in the clinic.
“Mental health is so important for everyone, adults and children, and to have the utmost upgraded facility will only improve the environment families can access the best quality healthcare,” said Sen. Maroney. “I am thankful to Governor Lamont for approving this request and I appreciate Representative Borer’s persistence on working to secure this funding.”
“We are delighted and grateful for the grant award to Bridges-Milford, one of the truly great and most deserving service organizations in our city,” said Rep. Smith. “My deepest thanks to the Governor, Representative Borer and the bond commission for helping to secure this much needed funding.”
“Over the years Bridges has put a tremendous effort into our community with their various programs, including the MATT’s Van,” said Rep. Ferraro. “I’m thrilled that they will be the recipients of these monies so that they may continue the good work we’ve come to see.”
“It’s great news to hear that Bridges has been awarded the state funding, they so desperately need to upgrade their HVAC system which is over 30 years old. The upgraded system means a more energy efficient system, and ultimately a significant savings in heating over time,” said Rep. Kathy Kennedy. “I am proud to be a member of the Milford legislative team, working together and recognizing the vital needs and community benefits of Bridges, which serves as a mental health facility that provides so many services for the residents of Milford, Orange and West Haven, especially during the ongoing backdrop of a global pandemic.”
“Bridges is just so grateful for these dollars to support the purchase of a new HVAC system,” said Jennifer Fiorillo, President/CEO of Bridges Healthcare. “Ours is at least thirty years old and in a constant state of disrepair. Our first priority is to provide a safe and comfortable environment to the people we serve and our staff. We appreciate the advocacy of Dorinda Borer, Senator James Maroney, and Kathy Kennedy for supporting our organization and being committed to our mission.”Senator Maroney, Reps. Smith, Ferraro and Kennedy Support Bonding Approved for Bridges in Milford
Senator Maroney, Reps. Smith, Ferraro and Kennedy Support Bonding Approved for Bridges in Milford