GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE STATE LICENSING, CERTIFICATION, AND PERMITTING PROCESSES AND RESPONSE TIMES

Executive Order Requires Application Fees Be Refunded if Licenses, Certificates, and Permits Are Not Processed by Certain Deadlines

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order (Executive Order No. 26-1) to improve the processes and response times Connecticut residents and businesses face when applying for and renewing state licenses, certifications, and permits, with the goal of making it easier and faster to interact and complete such transactions with state government.

The executive order sets up a process that will ultimately enable residents and businesses to have their application fees refunded if their application has not been processed by certain, prescribed deadlines. It also implements a review of existing digital services that residents and businesses use to apply for licenses, certificates, and businesses, and directs state agencies to determine which license, certification, and permit processes could benefit from additional technological resources, including online applications.

The initiative is part of Governor Lamont’s ongoing commitment to make it easier and faster to interact with Connecticut state government and improve how government operates.

“Since our administration began, we’ve made significant progress in bringing more state government transactions online, improving processing times, and eliminating backlogs, and I want us to take another step forward in making these services work faster and be even easier to navigate,” Governor Lamont said. “Connecticut residents deserve a state government that is as responsive as possible. With this order, we are going to set specific standards that will let Connecticut residents and businesses know how long it will take for agencies to process their applications, and if that is not met they will get their money back.”

Specifically, the executive order requires all state agencies under Governor Lamont’s authority to compile and submit to his office within a specific period a report containing a list of all licenses, certifications, and permits issued by the agencies and a summary of what they are and how applications are accepted (e.g. paper, email, web portal, or other). Among other information, the reports must also contain data on how many applications are received annually and how long on average it takes to process them. Additionally, agencies must propose a maximum number of days for applications to be completed for each individual license, permit, and certification.

Following receipt of the agency reports, the executive order requires the Office of the Governor to publish a list setting deadlines that each license, certification, and permit must be approved or denied. After publication of that list, if an agency has not completed processing applications within the designated amount of time required for each respective license, certification, and permit, applicants may request a refund of the application fee from the agency.

The executive order was modeled after a recent, successful initiative launched in Pennsylvania under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro. That initiative has been recognized nationally for its success in improving government efficiencies and the delivery of digital services.

Since taking office, the Lamont administration has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce wait times and streamline state government transactions and bring them online. This includes the launch of several one-stop-shop portals – including business.ct.govjobs.ct.gov, and health.ct.gov – and the launch of online services at several state agencies for transactions that previously required in-person visits and paper forms.

BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON GAO REPORTS ON COAST GUARD’S INADEQUATE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the below statement following the release of two reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) efforts to implement reforms aimed at addressing sexual misconduct:

“I am deeply disappointed that USCG has dropped the ball on basic reporting requirements that would provide transparency about sexual misconduct in the Coast Guard. GAO’s findings reveal that the Coast Guard’s culture of coverup—exposed by my PSI investigation—continues to this day. While the Coast Guard has taken some steps to support survivors, it is clear more work needs to be done to adequately protect cadets and Coasties.”

In September 2023, as then-Chair of PSI, Blumenthal initiated an inquiry into the Coast Guard’s failure to disclose Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal Coast Guard investigation into the decades-long systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct at the Coast Guard Academy.

In December 2024, Blumenthal released a bipartisan interim staff report on the Coast Guard’s efforts to conceal Operation Fouled Anchor. The report, Coast Guard Efforts to Conceal the Operation Fouled Anchor Investigation from Congress and the Public, includes several newly released documents, among which is an email explaining that then-Commandant Admiral Schultz chose not to affirmatively disclose Operation Fouled Anchor to either Congress or the public based on the continuing nature of the investigation.

In the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, Blumenthal championed numerous provisions to protect survivors of misconduct and hold perpetrators and those who enabled them accountable. At the request of Blumenthal, the following provisions were included in the NDAA for FY26:

  • Requiring the Coast Guard to maintain, for at least 50 years, evidence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault reporting forms, as well as affirming survivors’ rights to access records related to their investigations;
  • Requiring a record of a complaint of misconduct to be placed in the non-restricted record of any service member who was convicted by courts martial, punished administratively, or a recipient of non-judicial punishment for the misconduct, regardless of grade;
  • Permits a Board of Review to review and downgrade the discharge status of anyone who was found by clear and convincing evidence to have committed sexual assault or harassment while on active duty;
  • Permits reopening of retired grade determinations for members who knew of and failed to report misconduct in their command or who failed to carry out applicable law; and
  • Requires the Coast Guard to annually report instances of misconduct at the Academy and detail plans to reduce and prevent such misconduct for the next year.

Connecticut and Bridgeport Activate Severe Cold Weather Protocols as Arctic Air Moves In

Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol in response to a blast of arctic air expected to impact the state, bringing dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could be life-threatening. The statewide protocol goes into effect Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and will remain active until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Forecasts call for overnight low temperatures in the low to mid-teens, with wind chills ranging from 0°F to 10°F and gusty northwest winds.

The purpose of the protocol is to protect vulnerable populations from prolonged exposure to extreme cold. While active, state agencies and municipalities coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s shelter network to ensure anyone in need can access shelter, warming centers, and transportation if necessary. Anyone seeking shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1, where operators can provide up-to-date availability and assist with transportation.

During the activation, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network to monitor shelter capacity statewide. This allows 2-1-1 to act as a central clearinghouse for shelter placement. Local officials can also use WebEOC to notify the state and 2-1-1 when temporary shelters or warming centers are opened. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Department of Housing, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services are coordinating with 2-1-1, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and community providers to arrange transportation for individuals seeking shelter.

“As another blast of cold air moves into the state Thursday night, we’re activating this protocol to ensure that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone who needs it,” Governor Lamont said.

At the municipal level, Mayor Joe Ganim and the City of Bridgeport have also activated a Cold Weather Protocol, beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and remaining in effect until noon on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Officials warn that wind chill values in Bridgeport are expected to be near zero, with slippery road conditions possible during morning commutes.

City officials urge residents to take precautions during the cold snap, including checking heating devices, avoiding the use of stoves or ovens for home heating due to fire and carbon monoxide risks, following manufacturer instructions for generators and never using them indoors, bringing pets inside, watching for ice on pipes and walkways, bundling up when outdoors, and checking on elderly neighbors and family members.

To protect the homeless population, Bridgeport’s Operation Care initiative is active. Residents who encounter individuals in need of shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team is actively connecting people to shelters including Prospect House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Alpha Community Services. Anyone seeking assistance may also go directly to 650 Park Avenue for support.

Bridgeport Warming Centers and Shelter Locations

Senior Centers (Weekdays Only, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.):

  • Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Avenue
  • East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam Street
  • Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill Street

GBT Station:

  • 710 Water Street – Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Bridgeport Public Library Branches:

  • Main Branch – 925 Broad Street
    • Mon & Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Wed: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Thurs: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Fri & Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed
  • Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Avenue
    • Mon & Wed: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Thurs: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Fri & Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed
  • Newfield Branch – 755 Central Avenue
    • Mon & Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Wed & Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    • Fri & Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed
  • Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main Street
    • Mon: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    • Tues: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Wed & Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Fri & Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed
  • North Branch – Closed until January 16 for renovations
  • East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations

Overnight Shelter / Case Worker Support:

  • South End Community Center – 650 Park Avenue
    • Open 24/7
    • Limited overnight capacity

Residents experiencing power outages are advised to contact United Illuminating’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-722-5584.

For emergency management updates and preparedness resources, residents can visit ct.gov/ctprepares and are encouraged to follow the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest local updates.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG SECURES PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION TO BLOCK LATEST TRUMP ATTEMPT TO STOP REVOLUTION WIND

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has granted a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration’s latest effort to suspend work on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project. Work on the nearly-complete project may now resume.

“A federal judge has once again blocked Trump’s efforts to tank Revolution Wind, finding yet again that his actions are likely arbitrary and capricious and that our challenge is likely to succeed. This project is on the finish line to begin delivering clean, affordable energy to Connecticut families. With yet another clear defeat, it is my hope that Donald Trump will drop his lawless and erratic attacks for good. We’re prepared to keep fighting—and winning– for as long as it takes to protect Connecticut ratepayers, workers and our environment,” said Attorney General Tong.

The Trump Administration first issued a stop work order on August 22. Connecticut and Rhode Island sued. Developer Ørsted sued separately. The federal district court in the Ørsted challenge issued an injunction, allowing work on Revolution Wind to proceed. Then, on December 22, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management once again suspended work on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project for at least 90 days, citing undisclosed national security concerns. Ørsted sought a preliminary injunction to block this latest stop work order. Connecticut and Rhode Island filed their own request, outlining the immediate harm facing their states and residents.

Located fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Revolution Wind is a wind energy facility expected to deliver enough electricity to the New England grid to power 350,000 homes, or 2.5 percent of the region’s electricity supply. The project had been on track to begin delivering power to the New England grid this month, supplying much needed power during the challenging winter heating season.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection had estimated that a 90-day delay in the construction and operation of Revolution Wind would cost ratepayers in Connecticut and the broader New England region approximately $350,000 per day, for a total of $31 million in higher electricity costs.

Revolution Wind is projected to save Connecticut and Rhode Island ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars over 20 years. The Revolution Wind project supports over 2,500 jobs nationwide in the construction, operations, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors, including over 1,000 union construction jobs. The project has been vetted and approved through every layer of the federal and state regulatory process and is supported by binding contracts and legal mandates.

Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Cheney, Special Assistant Attorney General Jessica Gibree, Deputy Associate Attorney General Matthew Levine, Chief of the Environment Section, Deputy Solicitor General Evan O’Roark and Solicitor General Michael Skold are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

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MURPHY, 13 SENATORS CALL ON APPROPRIATIONS LEADERSHIP TO DEFEND FUNDING FOR NORTHEAST CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT, EXPANDED AMTRAK LINES NATIONWIDE

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, led 13 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in urging U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, including the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development leadership, to defend funding for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) grant program in the fiscal year 2026 spending legislation. While the committee-passed U.S. Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill included $75 million for this account, House Republicans have proposed zeroing out the funding, risking ongoing work to upgrade the safety and reliability of rail infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor and expand our national passenger rail network.

The Senators laid out why annual appropriations of IPR grants are needed: “While the IIJA provided five years of guaranteed funding for the Federal-State Partnership grant program, this funding was always intended to be supplemental to annually appropriated dollars. The IIJA also authorized up to $1.5 billion for Federal-State Partnership grant program in fiscal year 2024. The IIJA investment alone is not sufficient to fully address the nation’s rail state-of-good-repair (SOGR) backlog nor to fully improve and expand intercity passenger rail in a way that America deserves.”

The senators warned failing to fund Northeast Corridor projects could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in added costs and severe disruptions for riders: “The NEC’s SOGR backlog stands at well over $40 billion, representing a serious threat to the nation’s economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak and commuter railroads on the NEC transported more than 800,000 people per weekday, and the workforce that travels on the NEC contributes roughly $50 billion annually to the economy. However, the specter of the SOGR backlog causing delays or track closures is a constant concern. According to the Northeast Corridor Commission, “[t]he loss of the NEC for a single day could cost the country $100 million in added congestion, productivity losses, and other transportation impacts.” If Congress does not make the necessary investments, disruptions will become more frequent and more severe over time.”

They also highlighted how the funding would both expand and establish Amtrak passenger lines throughout the country: “In 2021, Amtrak released a $75 billion, 15-year vision to bring more trains to more people across the nation. This vision was meant to start an important conversation about the need for robust federal investment in passenger rail, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Congress responded by authorizing the FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program and the IIJA provided $12 billion via the Federal-State Partnership grant program as an initial down payment on non-NEC rail expansion. While this IIJA funding is a critical first step, to fully realize the type of passenger rail network that the country deserves, the Federal-State Partnership grant program will require robust additional funding in FY26 and beyond. Below is an illustrative list of types of non-NEC corridor development and related projects that federal investment could advance, assuming support from relevant states and communities and approval by the FRA”

The senators concluded: “On behalf of our millions of constituents who depend on a safe and reliable passenger rail network, and also those who deserve access to passenger rail but do not have it as a meaningful option today, we urge the Subcommittee to vigorously defend the $75 million appropriation for FY 2026 for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program.”

The letter was also signed by U.S Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Chairs Collins and Hyde-Smith and Ranking Members Murray and Gillibrand,

As you work to finalize the fiscal year (FY) 2026 spending legislation, we urge you to support no less than $75 million for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program—the amount included in the committee-passed Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill. The House of Representatives has proposed zeroing out this account. Eliminating funding for the Federal-State Partnership grant program would hinder ongoing work to improve rail infrastructure in the Northeast and across the country

The Federal-State Partnership grant program was reauthorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) “to fund capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service.” In general, not less than 45% of annual funding is reserved for projects along the Northeast Corridor (NEC), which are to be consistent with the most current NEC Service Development Plan. In addition, not less than 45% of annual funding is reserved for projects not located along the NEC, with preference given to projects included in a corridor development (i.e., service improvement and expansion) plan previously selected by the FRA. In addition, a share of the funding provided to non-NEC projects must also benefit, in whole or in part, one of Amtrak’s fifteen Long-Distance routes.

While the IIJA provided five years of guaranteed funding for the Federal-State Partnership grant program, this funding was always intended to be supplemental to annually appropriated dollars. The IIJA also authorized up to $1.5 billion for Federal-State Partnership grant program in fiscal year 2024. The IIJA investment alone is not sufficient to fully address the nation’s rail state-of-good-repair (SOGR) backlog nor to fully improve and expand intercity passenger rail in a way that America deserves.

Why the Northeast Corridor needs robust funding

The NEC’s SOGR backlog stands at well over $40 billion, representing a serious threat to the nation’s economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak and commuter railroads on the NEC transported more than 800,000 people per weekday, and the workforce that travels on the NEC contributes roughly $50 billion annually to the economy. However, the specter of the SOGR backlog causing delays or track closures is a constant concern. According to the Northeast Corridor Commission, “[t]he loss of the NEC for a single day could cost the country $100 million in added congestion, productivity losses, and other transportation impacts.” If Congress does not make the necessary investments, disruptions will become more frequent and more severe over time.

While the IIJA made a significant down payment to help address this SOGR backlog, it is simply not enough given the years of underinvestment and the age of the assets. Without sufficient annual appropriations to supplement the IIJA, many of the NEC’s most critical projects will not advance.

Why non-NEC projects need robust funding

In 2021, Amtrak released a $75 billion, 15-year vision to bring more trains to more people across the nation. This vision was meant to start an important conversation about the need for robust federal investment in passenger rail, especially in underserved and unserved communities. Congress responded by authorizing the FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program and the IIJA provided $12 billion via the Federal-State Partnership grant program as an initial down payment on non-NEC rail expansion. While this IIJA funding is a critical first step, to fully realize the type of passenger rail network that the country deserves, the Federal-State Partnership grant program will require robust additional funding in FY26 and beyond. Below is an illustrative list of types of non-NEC corridor development and related projects that federal investment could advance, assuming support from relevant states and communities and approval by the FRA:

· Vermonter route expansion to Montreal;

· Chicago Access Program projects in Illinois to reduce trip times and improve capacity for existing and future Midwest routes and connections to the south and east;

· More frequencies and enhanced service on Cascades Corridor in Washington and Oregon;

· A new Front Range Corridor in Colorado and Wyoming connecting Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Cheyenne;

· A new Massachusetts Inland Route service;

· More frequencies on the Hiawatha Corridor in Wisconsin and Illinois and extension to Madison, Green Bay, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as well as St. Paul, Minnesota;

· A new Phoenix-to-Tucson corridor in Arizona;

· More frequencies on the Downeaster Corridor in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine;

· A new “3C+D Corridor” in Ohio connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati;

· Rebuilding of an abandoned higher-speed rail corridor between Richmond, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina;

· Heartland Flyer route extension to connect Kansas communities, including Wichita, with Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas;

· Upgrades to the rail corridor between Chicago, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, potentially including new service to Louisville;

· A new corridor in Texas, connecting Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio;

· Multiple new rail connections in California; and,

· A multi-corridor network from a new Atlanta Hub station, including new corridors to Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia; and elsewhere in the South; and

· Reestablish passenger rail service between Scranton and New York via New Jersey

On behalf of our millions of constituents who depend on a safe and reliable passenger rail network, and also those who deserve access to passenger rail but do not have it as a meaningful option today, we urge the Subcommittee to vigorously defend the $75 million appropriation for FY 2026 for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program.

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES CONNECTICUT’S SEVERE COLD WEATHER PROTOCOL FROM MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Anyone in Need of Shelter is Urged to Visit 211ct.org or Call 2-1-1 For a List of Locations

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, and remaining in effect until noon on Sunday, January 4, 2026, due to a blast of unusually cold weather that will impact the state during this period, including wind chills during the overnight hours on most of these nights that are expected to drop into the single digits and near zero at times.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

This is the fourth time this month that the protocol has been enacted.

“So far this season we’ve experienced conditions that are unusually cold for what we typically receive during the month of December, and it’s looking like that trend will continue through the remainder of this week and leading into the new year,” Governor Lamont said. “Being outdoors for extended periods in temperatures this cold is dangerous and can even be life threatening, and this protocol enables the state to work with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure shelter is available for anyone who needs it.”

The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

  • The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
  • The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG WINS LAWSUIT TO PROTECT CRITICAL HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING FROM POLITICALLY MOTIVATED CUTS

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong has won a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from unlawfully reallocating federal homeland security funding away from states based on their compliance with the administration’s political agenda. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a motion for summary judgment brought by Attorney General Tong and a coalition of 11 other attorneys general and the governor of Pennsylvania.

“Donald Trump tried to play politics with taxpayer-funded disaster relief. We sued, and the court saw these cuts for what they were— not plausible, not rational, and not lawful. We are going to keep fighting and we’re going to keep winning to stop Donald Trump from hurting our states,” said Attorney General Tong.

On Sept. 27, without any notice or explanation, and four days before the end of the federal fiscal year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) significantly cut funding to certain states that were unwilling to divert law enforcement resources away from core public safety services to assist in enforcing federal immigration law, while reallocating those funds to other states.

FEMA issued award notifications for its single largest grant program, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), which allocates approximately $1 billion in funds annually for state and municipal efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism. FEMA granted only $250 million to the 12 states that joined Tong in the lawsuit. This was a $242 million, or 49%, reduction from the total amount that FEMA had previously stated it would provide to these states. Some states saw even sharper cuts. For instance, Illinois received a 69% reduction in funds, totaling over $30 million. New York received a 79% reduction in funds, totaling over $100 million. DHS then redistributed the funds that it had cut to other states. Smaller states like Connecticut receive a statutorily set minimum in FEMA funding. Connecticut’s funding remained flat at just over $8.7 million through the HSGP and the Emergency Management Performance grants in question. However, FEMA imposed a series of new arbitrary constraints on how and when states must spend their dollars. This includes a needless additional requirement that funds be spent during a single fiscal year, as opposed to the previously set three years, effectively defunding larger multiyear projects and those that require longer state and federal review processes.

In her opinion, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy found that states’ policies pertaining to federal immigration enforcement were a factor in DHS’ decision to reallocate the funding.

“Neither a law degree nor a degree in mathematics is required to deduce that no plausible, rational formula could produce this result,” McElroy wrote of the reductions in funding. “Nor could any reasonable, data-driven approach have resulted in the obviously manual increases in awards to favored jurisdictions.”

The court ordered DHS to amend the HSGP awards issued to the plaintiff states to reflect the funding levels that DHS had previously stated it would allocate, before the last-minute changes.

The court further held that other significant changes to emergency-preparedness programs, also made at the last minute at the end of the federal fiscal year, were unlawful and set them aside. DHS had cut the length of the grant awards from three years to one year. DHS had also required states, in order to receive emergency management funding, to certify their own populations as of Sept. 30, 2025, while excluding individuals who had been “removed from the State pursuant to the immigration laws of the United States.” The court held that these actions were also arbitrary and capricious.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha co-led the lawsuit.

Joining them and Attorney General Tong in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington, and the governor of Pennsylvania.

Lamont, Tong Push Back on Renewed Trump Effort to Halt Revolution Wind Project

HARTFORD, CT — Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong issued sharp rebukes following a new federal action by the Trump administration aimed at once again halting construction of the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, which is nearing completion.

Governor Lamont called the move erratic and anti-business, warning it would drive up electricity costs for Connecticut residents and businesses. He said the project is critical to ensuring a diverse energy supply, lowering utility costs, and supporting good-paying clean energy jobs, adding that repeated federal interference creates economic uncertainty.

Attorney General Tong said the latest stop work order, issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, appears to be an unlawful attempt to sidestep a prior court injunction that already blocked a similar action. Tong noted that Connecticut and Rhode Island previously sued over the earlier stop order, and that a federal court allowed construction to continue. He said the state is reviewing all legal options and vowed that the action would be challenged again.

Revolution Wind is located about 15 nautical miles off the coast of Rhode Island and is expected to begin supplying electricity in 2026, delivering enough power for approximately 350,000 homes, or 2.5% of New England’s electricity supply. The project is projected to save Connecticut and Rhode Island ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars over 20 years and supports more than 2,500 jobs nationwide, including over 1,000 union construction jobs. State officials emphasized that the project has been fully vetted and approved at every federal and state regulatory level and is backed by binding contracts and legal mandates.

ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM TONG PUSHES META TO ACT ON MISLEADING AI WEIGHT LOSS ADS

Advertisers are Using the Holiday Season to Push Weight Loss Products on Instagram and Facebook

(Hartford, CT) – Today, Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 35 bipartisan attorneys general called on Meta to better enforce its own policies about pharmaceutical and wellness ads on Instagram and Facebook and take additional measures to prevent AI-generated weight loss content in ads. These ads are likely to see an uptick during the holiday season and the new year, when conversations around weight loss and appearance tend to increase.

GLP-1 weight loss drugs have exploded in popularity over the last few years, as have ads selling the drugs directly to consumers. Dozens of companies are using Meta’s advertising tools to run thousands of ads promoting GLP-1 drugs, most of which are non-FDA approved or compounded.

“Selling non-FDA approved weight loss drugs through deceptive, AI-generated ads is dangerous and irresponsible. Meta’s own policies prohibit misleading health advertising, yet these ads continue to run. We’re calling on Meta to enforce its own rules, require transparency, and stop putting consumers at risk,” said Attorney General Tong.

Meta has existing policies on pharmaceutical and health and wellness ads – but it’s not sufficiently enforcing them. Advertisers are supposed to share information about the medical effectiveness and affordability of drugs, only target adults, and not run ads that push a “perfect” body type or foster unhealthy body images.

But the ads on Meta’s platforms capitalize on people’s dissatisfaction with their bodies and promote weight loss as a tool for self-confidence, desirability, and social mobility – not health. Many ads use body close-ups and side-by-side comparisons and promote weight loss for milestones like the holiday season, weddings, birthdays, and vacations. These ads claim that the drugs will help with rapid weight loss without disclosing the risks and side effects of these medications.

Often, these ads use unlabeled AI-generated content including fake before and after images and nonexistent spokespeople. One ad shows an AI-generated model losing 208 pounds in three weeks. Others use fake AI-created law enforcement officers, nurses, and pharmacists to support their weight loss claims.

In addition to enforcing its existing policies, the attorneys general are asking Meta to:

• Restrict prescription drug ads in the United States to only those that are FDA-approved.
• Require content promoting weight loss products to clearly disclose the risks and potential side effects.
• Prohibit weight loss drug ads that use AI-generated content.
• Label AI-generated content more clearly and develop better tools to detect and remove content that isn’t properly labeled.
• Redirect people to safety and educational resources for weight loss products when they search for those products.

Attorney General Tong is joined by sending this letter by the Attorneys General of North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

A copy of the letter can be found here:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2025/meta-letter-glp1.pdf?rev=b8d9bc97c5c3433d9d439b13458f8af7&hash=8ADBA4D0A5C235F20BCD09174AA86F68

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO DEFEND CRITICAL CONSUMER PROTECTION EFFORTS

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the complete defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has returned more than $21 billion improperly taken from over 205 million Americans throughout its 14-year existence. The CFPB’s current acting director, Russel Vought, is attempting to completely defund the agency by refusing to request any funding from the Federal Reserve, which will virtually guarantee the agency runs out of money in January 2026. As Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue, this will have devastating impacts on consumers and severely disrupt states’ consumer protection abilities, which rely on consumer complaints and data from CFPB. Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue that CFPB has a legal requirement to collect and process consumer complaints and share that complaint data with states, and that Vought’s actions violate the law and the Constitution. The lawsuit seeks a court order preventing the administration from completely defunding CFPB.

“This is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle and destroy the federal government, laws and Congress be damned. And it is yet another blow to American families and consumers who would be less protected against cheaters and scammers and unfair business practices. We’re suing to defend these bedrock consumer protections,” said Attorney General Tong.

Established in the wake of the Great Recession, CFPB is an independent agency funded entirely by the Federal Reserve focused on regulating financial institutions and products to protect consumers. The CFPB writes and enforces rules to regulate financial institutions, collects critical economic data, and fields millions of consumer complaints every year. In addition, CFPB is the only federal agency authorized to supervise the nation’s largest banks for their compliance with consumer financial protection laws.

Beyond its own consumer protection actions, CFPB is legally mandated to provide vital information to states to aid their own consumer protection efforts. States rely on consumer complaints from CFPB to investigate wrongdoing, secure refunds and restitution for consumers, and support their own litigation against financial institutions. In addition, CFPB collects demographic and geographic lending data under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, which states use to protect homebuyers from discriminatory lending.

States also regularly refer consumer complaints to CFPB for further assistance. As Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue, completely defunding CFPB will eliminate this important resource for resolving complaints and securing justice for cheated consumers.  

In November, Vought took a novel position that the agency can only be funded by the Federal Reserve’s “profits,” which he asserted are currently nonexistent. Vought therefore made the decision not to request any funding from the Federal Reserve, making it all but certain that CFPB will run out of funding completely in January 2026. 

Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue that Vought’s decision not to seek any funding for CFPB is unlawful and unconstitutional. The CFPB has a legal obligation to provide states with consumer complaints – a duty it will not be able to fulfill without the necessary funds. Completely eliminating CFPB funding also violates the Separation of Powers principle, as the agency was established by Congress, which also created a process for it to regularly receive funding from the Federal Reserve. Attorney General Tong and the coalition are seeking a court order preventing the administration from carrying out its decision not to request any funds for CFPB and ordering the agency to request funding from the Federal Reserve to fulfill its duties as required by the law. 

Joining Attorney General Tong in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

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