Senator Gaston Fights for Legislation Including More Than $7.5 Million in Support for Bridgeport and Stratford

The Senate voted Tuesday to approve more than $372 million in soon-to-expire American Rescue Plan Act funding including roughly $7.5 million in additional resources to support Bridgeport and projects championed by Senator Herron Keyon Gaston.

The funding, approved on a 26-10 vote Tuesday, included $7 million in municipal aid for Bridgeport to support vital services like education and public safety. Senator Gaston, a Democrat who represents Bridgeport and Stratford, also secured resources to fund projects in Stratford, including $50,000 for the Southend Community Center.

“While it’s easy to make empty promises, this $7 million proves that an unwavering commitment to advocating for Bridgeport and Stratford can deliver real and tangible results for our community,” Senator Gaston said. “This funding is unprecedented and shows what can be accomplished when a freshman senator rolls up his sleeves and hits the ground running. I am proud to have secured resources to ensure Bridgeport can meet its budget obligations as well as funding for a dozen other projects enriching the lives of folks across the city and in Stratford.”

• Stratford – Southend Community Center – $50,000

• Bridgeport – Pop Warner Football League -$25,000

• Bethlehem House Bridgeport/Stratford – $30,000

• New Hope Missionary Baptist Church- $40,000

• The Dominican American Coalition- $25,000

• Eastend Popup Market – $10,000

• Sisters at the Shore – $50,000

• Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse – $100,000

• Hoops & Dreams – $75,000

• Bridgeport Ballerz – $25,000

• Colors of the World- $10,000

• Elevate Bridgeport – $100,000

President Biden and Democrats in Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March of 2021 as a means of boosting the American economy amid a downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Every single congressional Republican voted against this funding, which has since supported initiatives including workforce development, public health and safety, and local governments across the nation.

In addition to ARPA funding, Senator Gaston also secured $150,000 in Youth Violence Prevention Grants through the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division to support the efforts of Bridgeport and Stratford nonprofits serving young people.