On March 14, 2024, Officers D. Teixeira and Z. Schuler of the Bridgeport Police Patrol Division responded to a reported incident on the east side of the city. Upon arrival, they initiated an investigation that resulted in the recovery of a stolen Smith and Wesson 9mm firearm, equipped with a loaded seventeen-round magazine, from Boysie Vega, a 32-year-old resident of the city. Further inquiry revealed that Vega, a convicted felon, was unlawfully in possession of the firearm. Vega faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, stealing a firearm, illegal transfer of a firearm, and violation of a protective order. Bond was set at $50,000.
Author: Alex
GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES $400,000 IN STATE GRANTS TO SUPPORT FINANCIAL WELLNESS AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez today announced the release of three state grants totaling more than $400,000 that will be used to support programs focused on improving the financial wellness of Connecticut residents with a priority focus on women and girls. The grants are being awarded through a competitive RFP process issued by the Connecticut Department of Banking that solicited proposals centered on the grant’s objectives.
“These grants will be used to support programs that empower people to improve their own financial stability through education and training, with a particular focus on our underserved populations, including women and girls,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate the partnership of the organizations that are working in our shared goal of helping people get on the road to financial independence and wellness.”
“Empowering women towards financial wellness benefits all of us,” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, who serves as chairperson of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, said. “Decades of research have shown that the benefits of women’s full participation in economies are enormous. By uplifting women and girls, we can increase financial stability in their households, as well as their local communities and broader societies. Through these partnerships, we are increasing the opportunity and accessibility – especially for women and girls – of these essential programs that will help propel them, and their communities, to a better financial future.”
“The recipients have demonstrated that they can effect real change with the money allocated from this grant,” Commissioner Perez said. “I would like to thank all the committee members who thoroughly reviewed each proposal. It was a difficult decision, as all the proposals had merit. While we could not fund all applicants, it is encouraging to see the various organizations working and making a difference each day in people’s lives.”
The Connecticut Department of Banking sourced the grants from settlement funds with various companies. As per those arrangements, a portion of the monies are set aside for financial wellness and investor education. A committee, composed of department staff, representatives of other state agencies, and industry professionals, reviewed 15 responses to the department’s RFP. Consideration was given to organizations, entities, coalitions, and collaborations able to reach and assist underserved communities, with a priority on women and girls, to improve their financial wellness and empowerment.
Each application required a detailed description that included:
- the program’s method of delivery of financial education;
- the targeted demographic of the program;
- information regarding the nature and structure of the program including the programs goals for participants;
- how the proposed program would go beyond what is available and to what extent would the program serve as an innovative and scalable model; and
- how success of the program would be measured and, if available, information pertaining to the success of past programs.
The committee considered the following factors and gave preference to proposals that:
- empower individuals with financial capabilities that help prepare them to meet their future financial goals;
- describe the benefits of saving and checking accounts;
- teach the importance of establishing good credit as a foundation for future financial success;
- encourage individuals to think long-term by teaching investing principles;
- deliver information regarding consumer protection including high-cost loans, frauds/scams, cybersecurity, and identity theft;
- apply knowledge to practical skills and real-life experiences;
- inspire participants to set personal and financial goals and demonstrates how those goals can be achieved
- provide participants with the ability to seek follow-up services; and
- build upon current programs in a manner that is innovative, measurable and scalable.
The following organizations have been selected to receive the grants:
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will receive a $250,000 state grant to expand seven of its Financial Opportunity Centers, which are located throughout Connecticut. These serve as career and financial coaching service centers that provide three core services to individuals with low-to-moderate incomes: one-on-one employment coaching, one-on-one financial coaching, and access to benefits that help build credit, savings, and assets. The centers also have the opportunity to transition into Bridges to Career Opportunity Centers. These funds will be used to enhance one-on-one financial coaching, and access to benefits that help build credit, savings, and assets.
“LISC Connecticut is excited to receive this support from the Connecticut Department of Banking, which will strengthen our network of seven Financial Opportunity Centers across the state,” Jim Horan, senior executive director of LISC Connecticut, said. “With this award, our clients will receive budget coaching to save $500 over the course of a year, which will be matched two-to-one with Department of Banking funds and support from Liberty Bank. At the end of the year, clients will have $1,500 and improve their credit score.”
The Village for Families and Children
The Village for Families and Children will receive a $103,911 state grant for its Boosting Financial Wellness for Greater Hartford Families project, which will support connection between its Financial Opportunity Center and its family-centered programs based at the Spring Street site in Hartford. The Village’s Financial Opportunity Center helps low and moderate-income adults living in the Hartford area to effectively manage their finances and achieve financial goals. The Village served more than 690 families at the Spring Street site in the most recent program year. Many of these were single-parent, female-led households.
“At The Village, we know that there is a direct relationship between financial health and overall well-being,” Tammy Freeberg, vice president of strategy and planning for The Village for Families and Children, said. “This grant will increase capacity and resources for our Financial Opportunity Center, helping us to empower more families in Greater Hartford with education, coaching, and tools to achieve financial wellness and gain stability in many aspects of their lives.”
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut
The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut will receive a $50,000 state grant for its Path to Financial Wellness program. The mission of this program is to provide an opportunity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and female-led households to engage in financial literacy education on their own time and at their own page, and to provide an opportunity for those individuals to make empowered financial decisions. The program will utilize self-directed e-learning and professional financial coaching to guide participants in gaining financial stability through self-assessment, goal setting, and practical application of financial literacy skills. The grant funding will allow them to provide their program to the Greater New London area.
“United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is excited to bring our Path to Financial Wellness program to New London County,” Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said. “We are excited to partner with local nonprofits and Chelsea Groton Bank to provide members of our community an opportunity to make empowered financial decisions. This program aims to increase financial stability, focusing on communities that are disproportionately affected by financial hardship including female single-headed households, Black, Indigenous and people of color.”
Bridgeport Police Make Breakthrough Arrest in Jewelry Store Robbery Case
On March 15, 2024, the Bridgeport Police initiated their first arrest in connection with the violent armed robbery that occurred at an East Side Jewelry store in June 2023. Adam Buster, 32, a Bridgeport resident, was apprehended by Bridgeport Regional Task Force Officers at his workplace in Shelton without any resistance. He faces charges including Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Larceny in the First Degree for his involvement in the robbery at ABC Jewelry on June 10th, 2023, with his bond set at $750,000.
During the June 10th incident, three masked suspects armed with guns stormed into ABC Jewelry, forcing employees into a back room where they were assaulted and robbed of personal belongings. Approximately $100,000 worth of gold jewelry was stolen after the suspects smashed display cases and tore merchandise off walls before fleeing in a getaway car, later recovered and processed by detectives. The violent robbery resulted in one employee suffering a broken rib and another sustaining a head injury. The Bridgeport Police currently hold felony warrants for additional suspects, some of whom are already incarcerated on unrelated charges and will be arrested through the habeas corpus process. The arrests mark the culmination of an extensive investigation conducted by the department’s Robbery/Burglary Squad.
Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport Announce the Return of Household Bulk Pickup
Bridgeport, CT – Today, Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport announced the return of the Household Bulk Trash Pickup Program for 2024. This program gives residents the opportunity to discard large items, such as furniture and appliances, that may be difficult to transport to the Transfer Station and are not part of regular weekly trash collection. The program will have different guidelines for removal this year, where residents will be able to discard trash on scheduled date periods specified by the Department of Public Facilities, depending on the district. This will further give residents the flexibility to have their pickup completed at a time that is most convenient for them.
Public Facilities has established a dedicated phone number for residents to be able to ask questions regarding trash pickups at 203-576-7124. A staff member will be able to accommodate all inquiries in both English and in Spanish. Doorhangers will be distributed to households in each district with instructions in English and Spanish. Residents are encouraged to visit the Household Bulk Pickup Program webpage to view the list of acceptable and unacceptable items for pickup.
Mayor Ganim stated, “As we make our way through 2024, I’m very excited to bring this program back to our residents, as this will continue to mitigate the issue of illegal dumping within our City. I was very pleased by the amount of work done by our Public Facilities staff during the Bulk Trash Pickup program last year and I’m confident that we will see a smooth removal process this year as well.”
Residents can expect Public Facilities to make two rounds of household removals at different time periods, depending on the districts they live in. If you are unsure of what district you live in, please view the Council District Map. The districts and their corresponding dates are as follows:
| District | Schedule |
| 130 | May 20 – 24 and August 5 – 9 |
| 131 | May 28 – 31 and August 12 – 16 |
| 132 | May 13 – 17 and July 29 – August 2 |
| 133 | April 29 – May 3 and July 15 – 19 |
| 134 | April 22 – 26 and July 8 – 12 |
| 135 | April 15 – 19 and June 24 – 28 |
| 136 | May 6 – 10 and July 22 – 26 |
| 137 | June 3 – 7 and August 19 – 23 |
| 138 | April 8 – 12 and June 17 – 21 |
| 139 | June 10 – 14 and August 26 – 30 |
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Saturday, April 13, 2024 RAIN or SHINE
9am – 2pm
Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport CT
(Located between I-95 and Metro-North Railroad tracks)
Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich to safely dispose of their household hazardous wastes. Products such as cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly.
Residents of participating towns may safely dispose of the following types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies & paints.
Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:
Make sure items are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.
Keep products in original labeled container.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.
Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.
Residents must remain in their vehicles during collection.
Residents are asked to be patient, as this is the first HHW Day of 2022, and lines may be longer, due to greater number of participants and larger quantities of materials per vehicle.
Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.
REMINDER: Westport residents may recycle: antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs, and electronics at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The following items are NOT acceptable: AMMUNITION, FLARES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.
Community Book Discussion a Zoom SeriesStratford Library, First Congregational Church & CARE Are Sponsors
A special Community Book Discussion of When We Walk By led by co-author Donald W.
Burnes is currently underway in Stratford. The Zoom series, co-sponsored by the Stratford
Library, the First Congregational Church of Stratford and CARE (Citizens Addressing Racial Equity),
begins on Monday, March 18 and will continue on weekly Monday evenings through April 29.
When We Walk By provides a deeply humanizing look that radically changes ones
understanding of neighbors, poverty, and homelessness. Believing we can make inroads in
resolving homelessness and poverty in our community, the multipart discussion series welcomes
all to attend, even if they have not yet read the book. Free copies of When We Walk By are
currently available at the Stratford Library while supplies last.
After the March 18 talk, the next four sessions (all on Zoom) and led by Burnes are at
6:30pm on Mondays March 25, April 15, April 22 and April 29 and will delve into relevant topics
from the book.
To receive the free Zoom link, email: socialjusticeatfcc@gmail.com.
Norwalk News: Norwalk Police Arrest Suspect in Shooting Case
On January 26, 2024, Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a report of shots fired, with one victim sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Responding officers and EMS arrived at the East Norwalk residence to find the victim conscious and alert. The victim was promptly transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment. Subsequently, detectives identified Raymond Dewitt of New Haven, CT, as the suspect and obtained a search warrant for his home, securing crucial evidence. An arrest warrant for Dewitt was subsequently obtained through Stamford Superior Court. On March 14, 2024, members of the United States Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, in collaboration with Norwalk Police Detectives, apprehended Dewitt in New Haven, CT. Dewitt, aged 25, was charged with Assault 1st, Criminal Use of a Weapon, and Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.00 and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27, 2024.
GOVERNOR LAMONT URGES LEGISLATURE TO PASS LAW PROHIBITING HIDDEN FEES ON EVENT TICKETS, LODGING, AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES
Governor’s Bill Approved by General Law Committee Last Week, Now Awaits Further Action by the Full Legislature
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he proposed for consideration this session that will enact a new consumer rights law requiring upfront pricing on all event tickets, hotel and short-term rental accommodations, and food and beverage sale and delivery services, and accordingly prohibit the increasingly common practice of adding unexpected, mandatory hidden fees that are tacked on at the end of a consumer’s transaction.
These hidden fees, frequently known as junk fees, are often vaguely labeled as a “service fee” or “convenience fee.” It is estimated that they cost Connecticut families thousands of dollars each year and they disproportionally impact low-income families who may lack the time, resources, or financial literacy to filter through these fees or search for a competitive price.
The governor’s proposal is Senate Bill 15, An Act Requiring Fee Disclosures. It was unanimously approved last week by the members of the General Law Committee, and it now awaits further action by both chambers of the General Assembly. The governor is urging them to act on the legislation so that he can sign it into law.
“We are increasingly seeing situations in which a product or service is being advertised at a low price and then when a consumer gets to the very end of their transaction that price suddenly increases with any number of mandatory fees being tacked on, and frequently consumers will complete their purchase without even realizing the price jumped until well after it has already been finalized,” Governor Lamont said. “This proposal simply says that the price of a product or service cannot be misrepresented to consumers. Upfront pricing will ensure that consumers are able to make well-informed purchases, and it levels the playing field among competitors in these industries by requiring that they all be honest and transparent on the costs of their products and services from the get go.”
Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli also support the enactment of this law, saying that if it is approved by the legislature it will be a major win for Connecticut consumers.
“Junk fees tacked on at the last minute add up to serious costs for consumers,” Attorney General Tong said. “These hidden charges make it next to impossible to compare costs and find affordable deals. Everyone hates these bait and switch charges, and I fully support the governor and the legislature in strengthening our state laws to ensure fair, transparent pricing.”
“Companies have increasingly found ways to gain more money from consumers, often by tacking on superfluous ‘service fees’ just when you’re ready to hit the final purchase button on an event ticket, hotel room, or food purchase,” Commissioner Cafferelli said. “By waiting until the last second to add on these junk fees, companies make it difficult for consumers to shop around, price compare and find the best deal. This legislation promotes open and honest transactions in the marketplace and raises consumer confidence in our retail and services industries, and putting money back in people’s pockets.”
This proposal builds on a provision included in Public Act 23-98, which the General Assembly approved and Governor Lamont signed into law last year. That law, which took effect on October 1, 2023, requires upfront disclosure of pricing for the purchase of tickets to live events, however some consumers have noted that since its enactment certain ticketing platforms continue to run advertisements or otherwise not disclose the full price of tickets until the consumer begins a transaction by selecting the tickets they want to purchase. Senate Bill 15 closes this loophole by requiring ticket platforms to disclose the full price of tickets beginning at the moment they are first advertised, displayed, or offered, even prior to the consumer selecting a ticket.
President Joe Biden, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently announced similar efforts to crack down on junk fees on a nationwide level. Governor Lamont applauds these efforts, and notes that until those federal rules are able to take effect, the states must act to protect consumers from deceptive pricing.
The General Assembly must act on the proposal prior to the adjournment of the regular session, which will occur on May 8, 2024.
Mayor Ganim Announces The Start of Reorganization, Makes Several Appointments to Key Positions
Bridgeport, CT – Today, Mayor Joe Ganim announced that he has started the process of reorganization of city government, starting with making several appointments to key positions. Among them are appointments in the Chief Administrative Office, which oversees all city departments and advises the Mayor with respect to the day-to-day operations of city government. Mayor Ganim also announced the appointment of a new Deputy Chief of Staff and Public Facilities Director, as well as appointed a permanent Director of the Office of Labor Relations. This is the first step in a greater effort to reorganize city government, fill vacant positions, and work with department heads to make city government more efficient and effective.
Chief Administrative Officer – Thomas Gaudett
Gaudett has served the City of Bridgeport for over 8 years in various capacities, most recently as Deputy Chief of Staff. In that capacity, Gaudett was an advisor to the Mayor and coordinated between the Administration and City Council regarding the budget, contracts, ordinance amendments, and other matters before the Bridgeport City Council. Gaudett’s responsibilities also have included leading the City of Bridgeport’s American Rescue Plan efforts, as well as several initiatives to modernize city government. Gaudett graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Government, is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate part-time at the Syracuse University School of Law, and is a lifelong Bridgeport resident.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer – Fred Gee
Gee is an 8 year veteran of the Ganim Administration, serving as the Director of the Small & Minority Business Enterprise Office. In that capacity, Gee worked on substantial amendments to the city’s Minority Business Enterprise ordinance and has engaged in several efforts to build capacity within small, minority and women-owned businesses in the City of Bridgeport. Under his leadership, the City has also begun the process of conducting a new disparity study of city procurement. Gee is currently serving in his first term as State Representative for the 126th District.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer – David Reyes. Jr.
For the past year, Reyes has served in the Ganim Administration as the Director of Health Equity and Human Services. In that role, Reyes focused primarily on establishing policies and procedures for the city’s new Social Services unit within the Health Department. Prior to his service with the City of Bridgeport, Reyes served as the Director of the Office of Health Equity for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He has also formerly served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for OPM and the Governor’s Office, as well as a Deputy Majority Leader on the New Haven Board of Alders. Reyes earned a graduate certificate in Business Administration from Sacred Heart University.
Deputy Chief of Staff – Constance Vickers
Vickers has served the City of Bridgeport for five years as the Director of Legislative Affairs. In this role, she crafted and executed the City’s annual legislative agenda in Hartford and represented the City on intergovernmental affairs with federal and state officials, other towns and cities, and non-profit and advocacy organizations around the state. Vickers has served on various boards on behalf of the City, most notably the CT Conference of Municipalities, and played a key role in Bridgeport’s launch of the American Rescue Plan. Vickers is a Bridgeport homeowner and a proud alumna of the University of Bridgeport.
Director of Public Facilities – Luis Burgos
Burgos is a 23+ year veteran of Bridgeport’s Department of Public Facilities, with humble beginnings in 2000 as a sanitation worker. Burgos rose through the ranks during his time with the City of Bridgeport, earning promotions to Sanitation Supervisor in 2016, and then to Manager of Roadway and Parks Services in late 2017. In this capacity, Burgos has managed and supervised a large number of full-time and seasonal city employees and was charged with overseeing the management and maintenance of Bridgeport’s many parks. Burgos holds a degree in Computer Science from Housatonic Community College.
Director of Labor Relations – Attorney Eroll Skyers
For the past year, Skyers has served the City of Bridgeport as the “Acting” Director of Labor Relations. While serving in that role, Skyers has negotiated several contracts with various city labor unions and has overseen the City’s compliance with federal and state employment laws. Prior to serving in Labor Relations, Skyers served as an Associate City Attorney for the Bridgeport City Attorney’s Office since 2008. Skyers came to the City from private practice as a Partner at Skyers, Skyers & Harrell, and previously Barrister Law Group. Skyers graduated from Washington & Lee University with a B.S. in Biology and earned his Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
CONNECTICUT DELEGATION URGES HHS SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL PROVIDERS IMPACTED BY CRIPPLING CYBERATTACK ON LARGEST U.S. HEALTH CARE PAYMENT SYSTEM
“We call on you to use all powers at your disposal to hold UHG responsible for this significant breach and guarantee the company offers accessible, robust financial assistance and frequent, transparent communication.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Following a massive cyberattack on Change Healthcare, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support impacted care providers, and to hold the company accountable for the breach and ensure it provides necessary relief to those affected. In February, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and the largest health care payment system in the country, experienced a cyberattack that has had an immense impact on the care delivery and operations of hospitals, physician practices, and other medical providers, including those in Connecticut, with some starting to lay off staff and others resorting to paper records and manual communications to continue patient care.
“We are encouraged by the steps the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has already taken to address these financial concerns and provide greater administrative flexibility and encourage you to continue working with providers to safeguard patients and protect the financial solvency of impacted health care providers,” wrote the Members of Congress to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “It is critical that Medicare advance payment requests for hospitals, physician practices, and other providers are expeditiously reviewed and that all payers, including private insurers, provide advance payments while billing issues are resolved and offer flexibility regarding procedural requirements, such as filing requirements for claims, timelines for appeals, and other policies that providers are unable to adhere to because of the current situation.”
The Connecticut delegation stressed the need for HHS to hold UHG accountable for the breach and to ensure the company provides adequate support for impacted providers.
“We are deeply concerned that UHG’s much touted Temporary Financial Assistance Program for providers is woefully inadequate and that other private payers are imposing stringent requirements on advance payment that put them out of reach,” they wrote. “Increased pressure from HHS, providers, and the public has led UHG to allegedly shift from a loan program to advance payments, but UHG’s history shows an unwillingness to provide robust, easy to access, and needed relief. Further, despite the change to the program being made late last week, providers in our state have yet to report any meaningful relief in a situation where every minute counts. We urge you to hold UHG accountable and ensure that UHG’s response meets the moment.”