Category: State News

Training Webinars Available at No Cost to Participants

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Higher Education Commissioner Timothy D. Larson today announced the availability of a Youth Service-Learning Training Series that is being offered at no cost to participants in a series of webinars that will be held during the 2025-2026 school year between October and April.

Organized by the Connecticut Commission on Community Service, also known as Serve Connecticut, in partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council, this training series is designed for Connecticut high school-aged youths and adult youth development providers, education providers, and organizations that engage with high school-aged youth through service and service-learning. It includes six live, highly interactive 90-minute webinars, including four for high school-aged youths and two for adult providers.

“By participating in these youth service-learning trainings, high school students can develop leadership and project management skills that will serve them well in education, careers, and beyond,” Governor Lamont said. “Just as importantly, they will gain the confidence to turn their ideas into meaningful action, to serve alongside peers and mentors, and to see themselves as changemakers in their own communities. These trainings are more than workshops – they are investments in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Connecticut with their vision, compassion, and service.”

“This training series will give both youth and providers practical tools to strengthen their service work and connect it to a larger movement across Connecticut and the nation,” Commissioner Larson said. “By building skills and partnerships, we can help students grow as leaders while creating stronger communities together.”

Serve Connecticut is one of ten state and territorial service commissions that received a 2024 Deepening Youth Service Grant to increase youth service, service-learning, and volunteerism capacity in the state.

The youth-focused content will include understanding leadership styles, communication skills, community asset and challenge mapping, and how to turn ideas for change into action. Provider-focused webinar content will focus on building meaningful youth-adult partnerships and engaging youth to advance organizational mission.

The youth webinars will be held on:

• October 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
• November 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
• March 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
• April 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

The provider webinars will be held on:

• January 14, 2026, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
• February 11, 2026, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

All webinars will be recorded and access to recorded webinars will be provided to registered participants.

For more information and to participate in these webinars, visit servect.org/youth-service-training. For questions, contact Kate Scheuritzel, Serve Connecticut’s director of programs, via email at Kate.Scheuritzel@ct.gov.

Serve Connecticut is a program of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. It administers AmeriCorps grants on behalf of the state and promotes service and volunteerism.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut. This proclamation honors the contributions and achievements of Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace. This year marks the 80^th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month is a significant time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities,” Governor Lamont said. “It highlights the importance of inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit both employers and employees. Connecticut is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workforce where people of all abilities are appreciated and integrated into the business community, enriching the diverse tapestry of our workplace and our state.”

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services helps individuals with disabilities find, keep, and advance in their jobs. The state agency offers various services such as vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and support for employers.

“This 80^th anniversary of Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the importance of inclusive employment and honor the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce,” Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “The 2025 theme, Celebrating Value and Talent, calls on employers, communities, and governments to work together to build a workforce that truly values both talent and inclusion.”

“The contributions of individuals with disabilities in our workplaces help make our communities stronger and more inclusive,” Developmental Services Commissioner Jordan Scheff said. “The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services celebrates the unique talents and life experiences individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace and we’re committed to advocating for meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities for all individuals we support.”

“Employers throughout Connecticut have 80,000 jobs available and need workers at all career levels,” Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said. “Every employee brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the workplace – it’s what makes our economy strong and competitive. Whether you are brand-new to the job market or an expert in your field, the Connecticut Department of Labor and American Job Centers can help you find a meaningful job.”

Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person. For more information:

• Visit the Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities at ct.gov/ads.
• Connect with the Department of Developmental Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities at ct.gov/dds.
• Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available at portal.ct.gov/ajc.
• Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available at portal.ct.gov/cthires.
• Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, visit portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/american-job-centers/recruitment-events.

New Tool Provides Property-Specific Risk Assessments for Flooding, Wildfires, Wind, and Extreme Heat

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) Commissioner Andrew N. Mais today announced the launch of a free online risk mapping tool that allows Connecticut homeowners and businesses to assess their property’s risk from flooding, wildfires, and other perils to better understand their insurance needs.

Provided through a public-partnership between CID and First Street, a leading global provider of physical climate risk data and analytics, the mapping tool gives residents access to property-level data through interactive maps and risk-rating reports. By simply entering an address, homeowners and businesses can immediately see their property’s exposure to a range of climate-related risks such as flooding, wildfire, hurricane winds, extreme heat and air quality.

“This is an important piece in our statewide commitment to build resilience throughout Connecticut communities,” Governor Lamont said. “It also is a great example of our administration leveraging effective public-private partnerships to help our residents and businesses.”

Connecticut is the first state to make this mapping tool available to all its residents.

This need for enhanced risk assessments for homeowners and businesses was evidenced by the sudden and catastrophic flooding experienced in parts of western Connecticut during a major rainfall in August 2024.

“Many of the affected property owners did not have flood insurance because they did not believe they were at risk,” Commissioner Mais said. “Homeowner’s insurance policies traditionally do not cover flood damage, yet nearly half of all flood damage occurs outside FEMA-designated flood zones.”

Commissioner Mais said First Street’s easy-to-use mapping tool is a marked improvement over the static FEMA flood maps that have existed for years, offering forward-looking models that can predict risk for decades to come.

“Providing residents with clear, property-specific information is a critical step in helping people understand and prepare for the risks we face today,” Commissioner Mais said during remarks today at CID’s annual Insuring the Future Climate Summit in Hartford. “The First Street solution will give residents a more accurate assessment of their property risk in making insurance decisions.”

The governor and commissioner encourage users to share the link with friends and neighbors to maximize its use.

“Climate risk is a reality today, not tomorrow,” Matthew Eby, founder and CEO of First Street, said. “With natural disasters on the rise, we want to help people make smarter, more informed decisions about insurance, preparedness, and long-term resilience. The way to make that happen is by offering them science-backed, peer-reviewed data about their exposure.”

The tool can be accessed by visiting portal.ct.gov/cid/resource-library/free-climate-risk-mapping-tool. It can also be accessed through the Flood Insurance Information Center page of the CID website.

For more resources and information on any insurance matter, visit the CID website at ct.gov/cid.

Investments Target Growth in the Life Sciences and Quantum Technologies Industries

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is making a $50.5 million investment in public infrastructure and facilities in downtown New Haven that are targeted toward propelling growth in the life sciences industry and the emerging sector of quantum technologies, setting the stage for a new generation of cutting-edge research, innovation, and business and job growth in these sectors.

The investments are included as part of the first grant award made under the state’s newly launched Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

“Every day in downtown New Haven, workers are developing the cutting-edge research, technologies, and products that are changing the world and propelling Connecticut forward as a leader in the fields of life sciences and quantum technologies,” Governor Lamont said. “We want to build on this foundation, encourage new growth, and further cement New Haven’s reputation as a groundbreaker in these sectors. These targeted investments in the downtown neighborhood’s public infrastructure and facilities will enable us to further partner with these businesses and accelerate job growth and more opportunities here in Connecticut.”

“The strategic value of this investment is enormous, as we are essentially doubling down on areas where Connecticut already has competitive advantages,” Daniel O’Keefe, DECD commissioner and the state’s chief innovation officer, said. “Supercharging our life sciences and innovation capacity will have far-reaching positive impacts on the state’s ability to attract new talent, investment, and companies, as well as strengthen our overall competitiveness.”

The investments being made in this wide-ranging project will seed the next era of growth in New Haven’s downtown innovation district, an existing cluster of world-class expertise in the life sciences that will expand and add new strength in quantum technologies and cross-industry collaborations. Components include:

New Haven Innovation Center: Create a 4,500 square foot ‘early start’ activation space within 101 College Street. ($1,300,000)
QuantumCT: Provide critical financial support to this nonprofit that is the statewide coordinating body for quantum computing infrastructure and testbed deployment, convening industry, academia, and startups. ($10,000,000)
Public Infrastructure: Financing pedestrian-first streetscapes, stormwater management and climate-resilient mobility infrastructure necessary to support Parcel B development. Parcel B is a development parcel created following the removal of the Route 34 expressway located east of 101 College Street. ($17,500,000)
Development Fund Gap Financing: Facilitate the development of Parcel B (200,000+ sf), owned by the City of New Haven and 265 South Orange Street, the Square 10 (former Coliseum) site (277,000+ planned life sciences building). ($14,500,000)
Arch Street Bridge and Church Street Promenade: Create a multi-modal pedestrian corridor connecting Union Station to Downtown and the Hill neighborhoods, with a signature pedestrian arc bridge and linear park and a pedestrian/bike promenade. ($4,200,000)
BioCT: Activate the cluster with programming led by BioCT to bring together civic, academic, and business partners within the heart of the district and from across the state. ($3,000,000)

“Representing 300 member organizations, BioCT’s mission is to foster Connecticut’s burgeoning life sciences ecosystem – building a village around every job seeker, entrepreneur, and company seeking to come, stay, and grow here,” Jodie Gillon, BioCT CEO, said. “Our industry is a driving force in the state’s economic development, with New Haven at its center. The innovation cluster further catalyzes a critical mass, marking a pivotal moment for state investment. I applaud our legislators for overcoming federal headwinds and ensuring that science, innovation, and Connecticut can – and will – win.”

“At a time when many states seem to be moving away from science and technology, Connecticut has chosen to increase its investment in the future, investing in the places, the partners, and the existing industries to create transformative impact and growth for the people of Connecticut,” Carter Winstanley, principal for Winstanley Enterprises, said.

QuantumCT is a newly established nonprofit organization that serves as the statewide coordinating body for quantum infrastructure, research, and commercialization. The organization is the result of a landmark partnership between Yale and UConn that was launched in response to the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program, which could bring up to $160 million in additional federal investment to the state. QuantumCT will operate a shared-use testbed facility, support venture development and advance workforce development initiatives.

“Being selected for the Innovation Clusters Program affirms the central role QuantumCT will play in shaping Connecticut’s future economy,” QuantumCT CEO Albert M. Green, said. “By bringing together universities, companies, and investors, we are creating the infrastructure, talent pipeline, and partnerships needed to make Connecticut the place where next-generation industries take root and grow. This award sends a clear signal that Connecticut is committed to investing in transformative technologies that will drive competitiveness, attract global companies, and create opportunity for our residents for decades to come.”

Yale University and UConn are central to the success of the cluster. Yale brings world-class research capabilities in quantum science and biomedical innovation, as well as strengths in accelerating entrepreneurship through Yale Ventures. UConn brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and translational research, and is a key partner in workforce development and commercialization efforts. Together, these institutions will help drive the cluster’s mission to translate cutting-edge research into scalable businesses and high-quality jobs.

“Connecticut has one of the nation’s strongest concentrations of early adopters of quantum technologies, positioning the state as a leader in this emerging field,” Pamir Alpay, vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship for UConn, said. “By working closely with industry partners, we are advancing near-term applications that will lay the foundation for a quantum-enabled future.”

“This investment will allow Yale, UConn, the City of New Haven, and our partners to accelerate the translation of quantum and bioscience research into applications that benefit Connecticut’s communities and economy,” Michael Crair, vice provost for research at Yale University, said. “By building shared infrastructure and training the next generation of innovators, we can ensure that quantum technologies take root and grow here in Connecticut. It’s an exciting step forward for our city and state.”

The Quantum and Bioscience Cluster is a coalition of stakeholders that includes QuantumCT, Yale University, UConn, L&G, Winstanley Enterprises, BioCT, and the City of New Haven. Other higher education institutions in the region are expected to play an active role in the cluster moving forward.

This industry cluster award will reinforce and complement several other state investments in the area. These include:

Brownfield redevelopment grants to clean up and spur projects at the Square 10 sites
Investment in 101 College Street
Housing investments at the Orange and State intersection, State Street, and near Union Station
CT Community Challenge pedestrian improvements along the State Street corridor
Community Investment Fund 2030 and Connecticut Department of Housing support for State Street location of Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen and co-located community health services from Cornell Scott Hill Health Center
Connecticut Department of Transportation redevelopment of the Union Station parking lot into a vibrant, mixed-use development anchored by two 16-story towers, bringing new housing, retail and jobs

“New Haven is a growing national hub for life sciences and an innovation ecosystem poised to leverage the promise of quantum computing and technology,” Mayor Justin Elicker said. “This $50.5 million investment by the state will help further catalyze New Haven and Connecticut’s economic growth and future in these industries, creating new businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities for our residents and our city while also growing our tax base. With our new BioCity career pathways program, we’re also already working to create the pipeline of New Haven students who will enter these fields and take advantage of these future job opportunities in their home town.”

The Connecticut Innovation Clusters Program is a $100 million initiative to support the continued growth of critical sectors of the Connecticut economy, including biotechnology, financial technology, insurance technology, and advanced manufacturing in support of national defense. The program leverages private and public investment to support the application of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to accelerate innovation in the state’s high-growth industries.

Kars-R-Us.com and its operators raised millions but only a fraction of donations went to fund breast cancer screenings, FTC and states allege

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today joined the Federal Trade Commission and 22 agencies from 19 states announcing a settlement to stop a deceptive charity fundraising scheme and its operators who made false or deceptive claims to U.S. donors.

Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) and its operators, Michael Irwin and Lisa Frank, solicited charitable donations nationwide on behalf of United Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (UBCF), a charity that claims to assist individuals affected by breast cancer, according to a complaint filed by the FTC and states. Kars claimed that vehicle donations would allow UBCF to “save lives” by providing free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. But, in reality, only $126,815 or 0.28% of the more than $45 million that Kars raised was used to provide breast cancer screenings, the complaint alleges.

Under a proposed settlement order reached with the FTC and its state partners, Kars and its operators face restrictions on future fundraising activities and Irwin, Kars’s President and co-owner until 2022, will be permanently banned from fundraising.

“Kars-R-Us ran a shameful scam to enrich its operators by preying on the generosity of donors who believed they were saving lives through breast cancer screenings. Michael Irwin will never again work in any fundraising capacity, and Kars will be subject to strict prohibitions on its marketing claims. In coordination with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate deceit and misuse of charitable funds,” said Attorney General Tong.

“When people donate their hard-earned money, they hold a reasonable expectation that money will be used for its intended purpose. In this case, generous donors thought they were helping families affected by breast cancer, an issue that is deeply personal to many people, only to find out that was not the case,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Exploiting the generosity of people who are just trying to help is shameful. We take these scams seriously. Thank you to the Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission for their attention to this important issue.”

“This case should send a strong message to fundraisers that the FTC will take action if they misrepresent the truth and exploit the kindness of generous donors for their own gain,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We are grateful to our state partners for joining this effort to protect the public from fundraising schemes like this one.”

Kars solicited vehicle donations through national and local TV, radio and online ads in English and Spanish, claiming the donations would allow UBCF to “save lives” by providing free and low-cost breast cancer screenings. Kars tugged at donors’ heartstrings to maximize contributions with little regard for truthfulness or accuracy of the claims it made on behalf of UBCF, the complaint alleges. More than 84,000 well-intentioned people donated their vehicles to Kars.

Between 2017 to 2022 Kars raised more than $45.5 million on behalf of UBCF. The complaint alleges that $34.9 million of those raised funds went to pay Kars, its operators, and its vendors. Of the tiny fraction of funds left to UBCF, most were largely used for other purposes, including generous compensation to UBCF’s CEO.

Kars, Irwin, and Frank knew or should have known that the breast cancer-related claims they drafted and made on behalf of UBCF were deceptive or lacked substantiation, the complaint alleges.

The proposed settlement order imposes restrictions on Kars, Irwin, and Frank, including:

•             permanently banning Irwin from fundraising or providing fundraising services to any person, directly or indirectly. He is also prohibited from making misrepresentations in connection with the marketing or sale of any product and service;

•             prohibiting Frank, Kars’s current president and sole owner, from making misrepresentations associated with fundraising, or in the marketing or sale of any other product or service;

•             prohibiting Kars, its employees, and anyone actively working for or engaged with the company from making misrepresentations associated with fundraising, or in the marketing or sale of any other product or service; and

•             requiring Kars and Frank to substantiate fundraising or marketing claims.

Irwin, Frank, and Kars also face a total monetary judgment of $3,882,091, which is partially suspended based on their inability to pay the full amount. If Kars, Frank, and Irwin are found to have lied to the FTC and state partners about their financial status, the full judgment will be immediately payable.

The state agencies joining the FTC in this case include the attorneys general of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin as well as the secretaries of state of Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina; and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.

Assistant Attorney General Caitlin Calder and paralegal Cheryl Turner assisted the Attorney General in this matter.

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Protect America’s Workforce Act – bipartisan legislation to repeal two of President Trump’s union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers.

These executive orders, issued earlier this year by Trump, revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees under a false national security pretext. While federal employee unions do not negotiate pay or benefits, collective bargaining agreements do protect federal employees from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while promoting resources for whistleblowers and veterans.

“This assault on the collective bargaining rights of federal workers is about one thing: making it easier for Trump to fire qualified employees and replace them with his loyalist cronies. It’s just another tactic to intimidate federal workers and prevent them from calling out the corruption and illegality going on inside this administration. This bill terminates Trump’s lawless executive orders and protects hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants so they can continue their important work without fear of retaliation from the president,” said Murphy.  

“President Trump’s executive orders are a blatant attempt to silence and sideline the public servants who keep our government working for the American people,” said Blumenthal. The Protecting America’s Workforce Act defends not only federal workers’ rights, but also their dignity. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort that restores fairness and ensures that no administration can trample on the legal protections our public servants have earned. Immediate legislative action is necessary to provide strong protections that workers deserve.”

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CRSA) grants the president authority to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern. President Trump’s executive orders, however, sought to take advantage of the CRSA by inappropriately classifying two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions in order to claim the authority needed to cancel valid union contracts.

This legislation also has the support of the AFL-CIO, Actors’ Equity Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), Federal Education Association, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, National Education Association, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), National Nurses United, National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Seafarers International Union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and United Steelworkers (USW).

This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Bill text is available here.

(HARTFORD, CT) – As the 2025-2026 school year has begun, Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut’s high school students that if they earn good grades, they can receive automatic admission to several public and private colleges and universities under a recently launched state program that simplifies the process of seeking higher education.

Established in 2022, the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) is open to all graduating Connecticut high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or a 2.75 unweighted GPA. Students need to fill out only one application, and they will be automatically admitted to the program’s 10 participating colleges and universities. The program waives the application fees, student essays, and recommendation letters that are typically associated with the admissions process.

“We created this program because we want to simplify the application process and encourage high school students who never thought that they could go to college that it is possible,” Governor Lamont said. “The only thing this program requires is good grades. There are no application fees, and you only have to fill out one form. I strongly encourage every high school student in Connecticut to seize this opportunity.”

The program is administered on behalf of the state by Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App.

“The Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program is an example of how CSCU is creating educational access and equity by simplifying the admissions process and making it easier for Connecticut’s students to attend our institutions,” CSCU Interim Chancellor Dr. O. John Maduko said. “CAAP removes barriers to higher education – particularly for first-generation, minoritized, and underserved students – creating a bridge to access, opportunity, and a great postsecondary education.”

Participating colleges and universities include:

• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Albertus Magnus College
• Goodwin University
• Mitchell College
• University of Bridgeport
• University of Hartford
• University of New Haven

After applying, Common App sends letters to eligible applicants informing them they have been accepted and encouraging them to make the decision to enroll in one of these schools.

The application period for high school seniors who wish to enroll in a higher education institution for the 2026-2027 academic year has already begun and is open until May 1, 2026.

For more information and application instructions, visit www.ct.edu/autoadmit.

States Investigating Businesses Refusing to Honor Consumers’ Right to Opt-Out of the Sale of Their Personal Information

Coordinated state effort signals nationwide, robust enforcement of important privacy right

(Hartford, CT) — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and the attorneys general of California and Colorado and the California Privacy Protection Agency today announced an investigative sweep involving potential noncompliance with Global Privacy Control, or GPC, an easy-to-use browser setting or extension that automatically signals to businesses a consumer’s request to stop selling or sharing their personal information to third parties. As part of the sweep announced today, the coalition sent letters to businesses that do not appear to be processing consumer requests to opt out of the sale of their personal information submitted via the GPC as required by law and requested that those businesses come into immediate compliance. This sweep reinforces the three states’ 2025 Data Privacy Day educational efforts on the GPC. 

“In Connecticut, you have the right to access, correct, and delete personal data stored and collected by businesses, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal data and targeted advertising. And you can install a simple browser extension that indicates your choice to opt-out of this type of commercial tracking. While many businesses have been diligent in understanding these new protections and complying with the law, we are putting violators on notice today that respecting consumer privacy is non-negotiable,” said Attorney General Tong.  

“Californians have the important right to opt-out and take back control of their personal data — and businesses have an obligation to honor this request,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, along with our law enforcement partners throughout the country, we have identified businesses refusing to honor consumers’ requests to stop selling their personal data and have asked them to immediately come into compliance with the law. California and our sister states are committed to continued collaboration to actively enforce consumers’ important privacy rights and are paying close attention to business compliance with the Global Privacy Control.” 

Data comes from nearly everywhere online, even when people think they’re not revealing anything. It has been estimated that the average person produces 1.7 MB of data per second or 6,120 MB of data per hour. Websites can track and amass personal information and behavioral data like pages visited, time spent on pages, clicks, and detailed purchase information to create and share profiles and inferences about consumers. Apps and other software can collect and transmit personal information as well, including sensitive personal information like a user’s precise geolocation. Preventing third parties from receiving this information is a key step to protecting private information and stopping the proliferation of consumer data in the online ecosystem. 

YOUR RIGHT TO OPT-OUT IN CONNECTICUT 

OPTION 1: Enabling Global Privacy Control

The GPC is a signal that allows users to automatically indicate to the websites they visit that they would like to opt-out of the “sale” of their personal information. The GPC signal is an easy way to opt-out because a consumer does not have to make individualized requests to opt-out on each website they visit. GPC can be downloaded via a browser extension; some browsers offer a GPC setting. Installing GPC is simple and ensures your personal is protected. For information on GPC, please see here.

Click here for a video produced by Wesleyan University’s Privacy-Tech-Lab to show you how to install GPC.

OPTION 2: Opt Out One Business at a Time

Businesses that sell personal information must provide a clear and conspicuous link on their website that allows you to submit an opt-out request. Businesses cannot require you to create an account to submit your request or ask for additional information to process your opt-out.

If you can’t find a business’s link, review its privacy policy to see if it sells or shares personal information for purposes of targeted advertising. If the business does, it must also include that link in its privacy policy. If an opt out link is not working or difficult to find, you may report the business to our office by filing a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General.

The Connecticut Data Privacy Act

The CTDPA was enacted in July of 2023—one of the first comprehensive consumer privacy laws in the country. Several of the CTDPA’s key provisions have subsequent effective dates, including the critical requirement that controllers honor global opt out preference signals (“OOPS”) sent by consumers. The OOPS provisions allow consumers the ability to opt out of targeted advertising and the sale of their personal data across all activities online in one place.

Connecticut consumers can now send their OOPS through a variety of platforms to “signal” to websites that they are opting out of targeted advertising and the sale of their personal data. Each consumer opt out “signal” will be sent automatically by using, for example, the Global Privacy Control through a privacy protective browser or browser extension. Over 40 million people already use the GPC.

All businesses covered by the CTDPA must respond to a consumer’s OOPS. This signal must be sent from a platform or mechanism that enables the business to accurately determine whether the consumer is a Connecticut resident. If a consumer’s OOPS conflicts with that consumer’s previously given privacy choice or their voluntary participation in that business’s loyalty rewards or discount program, the business must still comply with the OOPS. Though, the business may notify the consumer of the conflicting signals and ask the consumer to confirm their choice with the understanding that it would affect their previously given privacy choice or participation in their loyalty rewards or discount program.

As of January 1, 2025, businesses subject to the CTDPA must treat Connecticut residents’ privacy preferences submitted through browser signals as requests to opt-out of sales or targeted advertising. To implement the GPC, businesses can get started here. Click here for a video produced by Wesleyan University’s Privacy-Tech -Lab showing how businesses can implement global privacy control.

Consumers should note that not all Connecticut businesses are covered by the CTDPA. The law includes specific revenue thresholds and exempts certain industries regulated by other privacy frameworks—such as health care companies subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (HIPAA).

For more information about the CTDPA, visit the Attorney General’s FAQ page here.

“Connecticut will fight hard for our players, coaches and fans, and we will take all steps necessary to keep the Team in Connecticut where it belongs.”

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert seeking a series of documents related to League’s role in the potential sale of the Connecticut Sun to a buyer who would move the team out of Connecticut and away from its dedicated fanbase.

“Our state is the epicenter and heart of women’s basketball and a dominant force in the sport,” Attorney General Tong states in the letter. “There would be no WNBA—and no worldwide growth in the popularity of women’s basketball—without the players, coaches, and dedicated fanbase in and from Connecticut.”

“I am troubled by recent reports in the press that the WNBA may be wrongfully blocking a sale of the Connecticut Sun that would keep the Team in Connecticut in a manner that may be anticompetitive and may violate state and federal law,” Attorney General Tong states. “I am also concerned about press reports that, in lieu of a sale of the Team to a Connecticut-based buyer, the WNBA is demanding that the Team be sold to the League itself at a price tens of millions of dollars below market value, which could then be sold later to an owner approved to move the Team to a city that is part of the League’s plan of expansion.”

To better understand the position of the WNBA, the relative rights and responsibilities of the WNBA and the Connecticut Sun, Attorney General Tong is requesting that the league provide the following information:

• A copy of the WNBA operating agreement;
• WNBA’s membership agreement between the Connecticut Sun and the WNBA;
• WNBA’s operating manual;
• WNBA’s league rules and regulations; and
• Copies of all valuations of the Connecticut Sun, including any appraisal, offer, and/or expression of interest.

Following receipt and review of the requested documents, Attorney General Tong has requested a meeting with WNBA leadership.

“Our dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase in Connecticut has strongly supported the Connecticut Sun and the WNBA for over twenty-years; to lose this franchise would be devastating to our state’s economy, our community and our state.  Please understand Connecticut will fight hard for our players, coaches and fans, and we will take all steps necessary to keep the Team in Connecticut where it belongs,” Attorney General Tong concludes in the letter.