Category: State News

HARTFORD, CT — Attorney General William Tong announced that he is leading a coalition of 15 attorneys general opposing efforts by the Trump administration to roll back federal reporting requirements for PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

In a formal comment letter submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, the attorneys general objected to proposed changes that would gut PFAS data reporting and recordkeeping requirements established by Congress under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The existing rule, finalized by EPA in 2023, requires manufacturers and importers to report known information about PFAS in their products during a one-time reporting period scheduled to begin in April 2026.

PFAS are widely used manmade chemicals found in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, clothing, car seats, and stain-resistant furnishings. State officials say manufacturers concealed the dangers of PFAS for decades, despite evidence showing the chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in human blood.

Attorney General Tong said the proposed rollbacks would exempt more than 98 percent of entities expected to possess vital PFAS information, shielding manufacturers through a series of carveouts previously rejected by EPA. He warned that weakening the rule would undermine states’ ability to protect residents, particularly firefighters and workers who face disproportionate exposure.

Scientific findings cited by the attorneys general link PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including multiple cancers, liver damage, birth defects, infertility, and weakened immune response. Tong emphasized that TSCA requires transparency and oversight to ensure chemical safety and said dismantling the reporting rule would violate federal law.

Tong also noted that Connecticut has two pending lawsuits against 28 chemical manufacturers accused of contaminating state water and natural resources with PFAS. The lawsuits seek injunctive relief, cleanup costs, and financial penalties for decades of alleged violations.

Attorneys general from California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin joined the effort.

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong announced today that a federal judge found that the U.S. Department of Education acted unlawfully by abruptly discontinuing previously approved grants to fund mental health professionals in K-12 schools following a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Tong and 15 other attorneys general.

The states successfully argued that the department acted illegally when it told grantees it would discontinue the mental health program grants because they conflicted with the Trump administration’s new priorities. U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly Evanson of the Western District of Washington granted the states’ summary judgment motion and ordered the two sides to meet and agree on a timeline for the department to make lawful continuation decisions.

“Trump lawlessly took this money from Connecticut kids in need. He had zero right to override Congress. We sued, we won, and the court has ordered Trump to follow the law and release these funds through a legitimate and rational process,” said Attorney General Tong.

In the wake of devastating school shootings, members of Congress from both parties came together to appropriate $1 billion to permanently bring 14,000 mental health professionals into U.S. schools most in need, especially in low-income and rural communities. The programs have been a success, providing mental and behavioral health services to nearly 775,000 K-12 students nationwide in the first year and reducing wait times for students to receive help.  In Connecticut, these cuts impacted more than $3 million to support social workers in Hartford, New Britain, Vernon and Waterbury schools through 2029.

The Department of Education awarded grants spanning a five-year project period, with yearly decisions made on whether to continue each grant’s funding. As required by its regulations, the department considered the grantee’s performance when deciding whether to continue funding.

But on April 29, the Department of Education abruptly sent boilerplate notices to grantees saying their grants no longer aligned with the Trump administration’s priorities and would be discontinued. On June 30, the states filed a lawsuit challenging that action, saying the department’s actions were arbitrary and capricious, violating the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

Judge Evanson agreed with the plaintiff states that the department violated the APA.

“Nothing in the existing regulatory scheme comports with the Department’s view that multi-year grants may be discontinued whenever the political will to do so arises,” Evanson wrote.

Her order comes after a three-judge Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel earlier this month rejected the Department of Education’s request for a stay of Evanson’s preliminary injunction issued in October. The judges said the department failed in its arguments that the district court lacked jurisdiction in the case.

Joining Attorney General Tong in filing the lawsuit, which was led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, were the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

HARTFORD, CT — Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol will be activated beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and will remain in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, due to an expected blast of arctic air across the state.

State officials warn that while temperatures may be typical early on Christmas Day, conditions will deteriorate after sunset, with overnight wind chills dropping into the single digits and near zero in some areas. Gusty winds up to 20 miles per hour are expected to intensify the cold and increase the risk for those exposed to the elements.

The protocol is designed to protect vulnerable populations by ensuring statewide coordination between state agencies, municipalities, United Way 2-1-1, and Connecticut’s network of shelters. During the activation, shelter availability is monitored in real time, and transportation to shelters or warming centers can be arranged when needed.

Residents who need shelter or know someone who does are urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to receive up-to-date information on available locations. Additional emergency preparedness information is available through the state’s CTPrepares website.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Anthony Anthony, who has served as Connecticut’s chief marketing officer since March 2023, will depart state service effective February 6, 2026, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Under Anthony, statewide brand perception shifted dramatically – from “boring, small, expensive” in 2021, to a modern identity anchored in cultural identity, history, and an unexpected rallying cry: pizza. Anthony spearheaded the strategic rebrand of the state launched in October 2023, better positioning Connecticut within national economic conversations while supporting recent population growth, business recruitment, and visitor spending.

By aligning tourism, business recruitment, resident pride, and innovation messaging, the state saw massive growth in public engagement and global visibility. Since 2022, Connecticut’s earned media impressions increased 841% – from 3.4 billion to more than 32 billion. State pride reached its highest mark since research began in 2012 at 61%, and Net Promoter Scores across Live, Work, and Play categories rose 144%, 107%, and 177%, respectively. Connecticut’s approach became a national case study in place branding and economic storytelling.

“Early in our administration, I said what I believed then and now – no more bad mouthing Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I wanted our state to stop apologizing for who we are and start celebrating it. From his first day in my office in 2021, Anthony took that message to heart and turned it into a strategy that people feel every day — through creativity, vision, and pride. He helped show the world the Connecticut we know – innovative, fun, open for business, and yes, home of the Pizza Capital of the United States. I appreciate his service and the positive impact he’s made on our state.”

“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Lamont and First Lady Annie Lamont for offering me the opportunity to serve in Connecticut, a place I now proudly call home,” Anthony said. “This state made room for me, believed in new ideas, and empowered strategic creativity in a way that allowed me to belong and contribute.”

“Anthony has a rare talent – he takes complex topics — innovation, industry growth, workforce, quality of life — and turns them into stories people want to hear,” Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “He does it visually, emotionally, and authentically. He brought imagination to economic development and helped make our strategy something people could understand, celebrate, and share. His work strengthened how we market Connecticut across business, tourism, talent, and community.”

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today released the following statement after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to penalize states with millions of dollars in fines related to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operations:

“The Trump Administration couldn’t get their own story straight, but wanted to penalize states anyway for not following their unlawful guidance that they had already abandoned. We sued, and once again we have a court order blocking Trump from defunding SNAP and using hunger as a political weapon,” said Attorney General Tong.

On November 26, Attorney General Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration after it attempted to cut off SNAP benefits for tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents. On December 10, the administration reversed itself and issued new guidance, confirming that lawful permanent residents – including former refugees and asylees – remain eligible for SNAP benefits. Despite that reversal, the administration continued to threaten states with millions of dollars in fines, claiming that states had missed a required “grace period” for implementing the new guidance, even though the final guidance was not issued until December 10.

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon issued an order temporarily blocking those penalties. The court’s decision prohibits the federal government’s efforts to impose severe financial penalties on states and protects the continued operation of SNAP programs while the case proceeds.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that in the coming days he will submit a plan to the bipartisan leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve to support homelessness prevention and response services throughout Connecticut.

The funds, which are being calculated and are anticipated to amount to at least $5.2 million, will be used by providers in the state that receive funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program. That program is the federal government’s primary homelessness prevention and support services grant program, and it has been put on pause indefinitely nationwide.

“So many families, veterans, older adults, and people with disabilities depend on the federal government’s Continuum of Care program to stay in their homes, and it is essential that these grants continue so that people do not fall into homelessness and create a potentially crisis situation,” Governor Lamont said. “It is a shame that these funds are being withheld by the federal government and I urge HUD to continue this program immediately. In the meantime, Connecticut will do everything we can to stand with our providers and ensure that these essential programs are able to continue.”

Created in November through Special Act 25-1, the Emergency State Response Reserve was established to facilitate Connecticut’s response to millions of dollars in federal cuts toward essential health and human services programs that are being made by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. The Connecticut General Assembly and Governor Lamont set aside $500 million in surplus funding for this purpose, and the enabling statute authorizes the governor to quickly act to offset some of these federal cuts as he determines is necessary while also providing for legislative oversight.

The plan that Governor Lamont will soon submit to legislative leaders for the use of this reserve will also include an allocation to partly offset the loss of enhanced federal tax credits that support the costs of health insurance for tens of thousands of Connecticut residents who receive coverage through Access Health CT.

As required under Special Act 25-1, legislative leaders will have 24 hours upon receipt of the plan to review and – if they choose – disapprove of the expenditures before the funds can be legally transferred.

December 5, 2025 – Hartford, CT — Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025, and continuing through 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in response to an unusually early arctic cold blast projected to send temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal statewide. Cities and towns across Connecticut—including Stratford, Westport, and Bridgeport—have activated their own local cold-weather plans and released updated lists of available warming centers to protect vulnerable residents.

The statewide protocol enables coordinated communication between state agencies, local officials, United Way 2-1-1, and Connecticut’s shelter network. Residents needing immediate shelter or transportation to a warming center are urged to visit 211ct.org or dial 2-1-1. Connecticut’s WebEOC system is being used to update warming center availability and monitor local shelter capacity in real time.

Governor Lamont emphasized the seriousness of the cold outbreak, noting that wind chills may drop near zero at times: “This kind of arctic air can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available throughout the state, and transportation can be provided if necessary. Please take steps to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your pets.”

**LOCAL WARMING CENTER LOCATIONS

(STRATFORD • WESTPORT • BRIDGEPORT)**

STRATFORD WARMING CENTERS

Protocol in effect through 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 9.

Baldwin Center

1000 W Broad Street

Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Stratford Library

2203 Main Street

Mon–Thu: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Fri–Sat: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sun: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Stratford YMCA

3045 Main Street

Mon–Thu: 5:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Fri: 5:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Sat: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Sun: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

For overnight shelter arrangements, Stratford residents should call 2-1-1.

WESTPORT WARMING CENTERS

Cold Weather Protocol active through 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 9.

Westport Center for Senior Activities

21 Imperial Ave

Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Westport Library

20 Jesup Rd

Thu: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Fri: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Sat: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sun: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Westport Museum for History and Culture

25 Avery Place

Tue–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Westport/Weston Family YMCA

14 Alan Raymond Lane

Mon–Fri: 5:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Sat–Sun: 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Residents needing assistance may contact Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050 (Mon–Fri). After hours, call 2-1-1.

BRIDGEPORT WARMING CENTERS

Cold Weather Protocol active from 3:00 p.m. December 4 through 12:00 p.m. December 9.

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

Black Rock Senior Center – 2676 Fairfield Ave

East Side Senior Center – 268 Putnam St

Eisenhower Senior Center – 307 Golden Hill St

Other Warming Locations

GBT Station

710 Water Street

Mon–Fri: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Bridgeport Public Library Branches

Main Branch – 925 Broad St

Mon–Tue: 10–6, Wed: 10–8, Thu: 12–8, Fri–Sat: 10–5

Black Rock Branch – 2705 Fairfield Ave

Mon–Wed: 10–6, Tue & Thu: 10–8, Fri–Sat: 10–5

Newfield Branch – 755 Central Ave

Mon–Tue: 10–6, Wed–Thu: 10–7, Fri–Sat: 10–5

North Branch – 3455 Madison Ave

Mon–Wed: 10–6, Tue & Thu: varied evening hours, Fri–Sat: 10–5

Beardsley Branch – 2536 East Main St

Mon: 10–6, Tue: 12–8, Wed–Thu: 10–8, Fri–Sat: 10–5

East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations

Overnight Shelter

South End Community Center

650 Park Avenue

Open 24/7 – limited overnight capacity, caseworker support available

Bridgeport’s Operation Care Outreach Team is also coordinating shelter placements at Prospect House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Alpha Community. For homeless outreach assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit 650 Park Ave.

Residents experiencing a power outage should contact United Illuminating’s 24-hour hotline at 800-722-5584.

SAFETY REMINDERS FOR ALL CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

Check heating units and avoid using ovens or stoves for home heat.

Operate generators outdoors only.

Bring pets indoors.

Watch for ice buildup on pipes, steps, and roadways.

Dress in layers when outdoors and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

State and local emergency management agencies will continue monitoring weather conditions and providing updates throughout the duration of the protocol.