Category: State News

Also calls on Lamont and Bysiewicz to disavow Working Families Party’s hateful, cop-hating agenda

Branford – On Monday, Bob Stefanowski, Republican Candidate for Governor of Connecticut signed a pledge to repeal portions of the Police Accountability Act and has challenged his opponents, Governor Ned Lamont and Robert Hotaling to do the same. Both have failed to do so. Today, Stefanowski is repeating that challenge and said the men and women of law enforcement and their families deserve the respect of an answer: 

“Governor Lamont signed a so-called ‘Police Accountability’ law that handcuffed and scapegoated our police officers and mandate policies that have made their jobs more dangerous, literally putting their lives at greater risk. This past week has been unimaginable for our state, tragically losing almost three officers from Bristol to disgustingly emboldened criminals. The silence from both Governor Lamont and Mr. Hotaling is, frankly, offensive,” said Stefanowski.

Stefanowski also demanded Lamont disavowed his endorsement from the radical Working Families Party, who called Connecticut police officers “criminals, literal criminals” [tweet image below].

“Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said they were ‘grateful’ for the endorsement of a political party that called our police officers ‘criminals’ – that is outrageous and that Governor Lamont hasn’t disavowed this fringe group and walked away from their endorsement is a disgrace. I challenge him to do so immediately or explain to police officers, their families, and our state’s residents why he won’t.”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to install all necessary components required for Wrong Way Signs with Actuated Flashers at 15 locations throughout the State of Connecticut determined to be at higher-risk for a wrong way driver. A typical installation consists of a 360-degree camera deployed at the ramp intersection to detect vehicles traveling in the wrong direction and wrong-way signs with red circular LED lights, which are activated to flash when a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction is detected.

Approximately 236 freeway exit ramp locations in Connecticut where the on and off-ramps are located on the same side of the road were screened to identify locations that could benefit from this supplemental treatment. Based on criteria identified through national research, 15 locations across Connecticut were selected for inclusion in this project.

At locations where the ramps are controlled by an existing state-owned traffic signal, the additional equipment will be designed to work in conjunction with that signal. At unsignalized and municipally-owned signalized locations, a stand-alone system will be installed.

Paid for by Bob for Governor. David Becker, Treasurer. Approved by Bob Stefanowski.

Connecticut has been allocated an additional $11 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to support UniteCT, the state’s premier program providing rent and utility assistance for households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds supplement more than $400 million previously allocated for the program, primarily from the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act.

“Thanks to UniteCT and the emergency funding we received from the federal government, thousands of renters financially impacted by the pandemic have been able to remain in their homes and landlords have continued receiving payments on their behalf,” Governor Lamont said. “I applaud Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris administration for their ongoing commitment to provide the resources required to keep our families safely housed.”

UniteCT was created in early 2021 in response to the initial outbreak of the pandemic and is administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing. It provides qualified households with payments for up to 12 months of rental and electric arrearage assistance. Payments are typically made by the state directly to landlords and utility companies on behalf of tenants.

To date, the program has distributed $322 million to more than 11,000 landlords on behalf of 50,000 households. The average rent and utility assistance per household so far is $8,366 and $1,484, respectively.

This additional $11 million for Connecticut is the result of a federal process to reallocate funding from states and cities that have not obligated their initial grants to states and towns that got money out the door more quickly. The Connecticut Department of Housing will use this additional $11 million to assist those currently in eviction and to prevent households from going into eviction. The department intends to leverage these funds with the $1.5 million that it received in the recently adopted state budget for its new Rent Bank program.

“As we all know, the pandemic was tough on everyone, but especially tough for our renters and homeowners,” Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. “Since March of 2021, through UniteCT, Connecticut has distributed over nearly 80% of its original tranches of money from the federal government. With this additional funding, we will able to place an even greater emphasis on assisting those households that are either currently going through an eviction or facing an eviction. Thank you to Governor Lamont and our Congressional delegation for not only securing these resources, but also for their continued advocacy to ensure that the people of Connecticut have stable housing.”

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Full-Time Workers Will Receive $1,000 and Part-Time Workers Will Receive $400 in One-Time Payments

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that his administration is releasing $70 million in state funding that will be used to provide bonus payments to the staff of child care providers in Connecticut who provide safe and nurturing care to the state’s youngest infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Individual bonuses will amount to $1,000 for full-time workers and $400 for part-time workers.

The governor explained that this initiative, known as Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators, was created to show gratitude for the service of child care workers, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was included as part of the state budget bill that he signed into law earlier this year.

“Child care staff work consistently to provide critically needed care to ensure that children are safe and their parents and guardians have the support necessary to go to work,” Governor Lamont said. “They are an essential part of our economy and help make Connecticut the most family-friendly state in the country. We need to support this important industry that is vital to families, the workplace, and society.”

The initiative is being administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood with technical support from the United Way of Connecticut. Child care program operators will be required to apply for the funds and then disburse the payments to their child care staff. These operators will also receive funding of 10% on top of their staff payments to support supplemental staff benefits and administrative processing costs. Eligible child care staff include those who work in licensed centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes, as well as license-exempt programs that receive school readiness or child day care contract funds.

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood today is contacting eligible child care program operators and providing them with information that contains instructions on how they can apply for the funds.

“We understand and appreciate how hard early childhood educators are working for our children and deserve to be applauded and rewarded for their dedication,” Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “Their work is both critical in nature and highly valued by families in Connecticut, and these wage supports will help child care program directors recruit and retain staff.”

The state budget that Governor Lamont signed into law for the 2023 fiscal year contains an historic level of funding in child care and early childhood education, including $180 million in investments to ensure families have access to safe and reliable child care.

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT ENROLLMENT IN NEWLY LAUNCHED CAREERCONNECT JOB TRAINING INITIATIVE

More Than 1,108 Connecticut Residents Have Signed Up So Far

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that more than 1,108 Connecticut residents have enrolled in CareerConneCT since the state’s newest and largest job training initiative, which is administered by the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy, began accepting applications in August.

“We are building CareerConneCT to become one of the largest workforce development initiatives ever executed in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve already received significant commitments from employers that are looking to hire thousands of workers across a broad spectrum of high-quality, good-paying fields. This is an opportunity for those who are unemployed or underemployed to receive no-cost training in an in-demand field and get connected to a job opportunity that is waiting to be filled.”

Governor Lamont created CareerConneCT as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to get individuals in Connecticut whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic back to work. It is funded using $70 million in federal funding the state received from the American Rescue Plan. Over the next four years, those dollars will be delivered to several job training providers across Connecticut that offer reskilling and upskilling in several industry-focused areas, including:

• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Information technology
• CDL licensing
• Green jobs
• Infrastructure and construction
• Life sciences
• Business services

Opportunities include short-term certificate training programs that enable participants to earn industry-recognized credentials in as little as 5 to 12 weeks. These training programs are being offered at no cost to participants, and also include supportive services such as child care, transportation, and technology. The training providers are working directly with employers in Connecticut that are looking to fill job opportunities as soon as possible.

Many of these programs are targeting participants who have historically been most underrepresented in the workforce, including BIPOC, people with disabilities, the re-entry population, opportunity youth, and veterans, immigrants, and women.

“This is more than job training, this is redesigning the way we approach workforce development,” Connecticut Chief Workforce Officer Dr. Kelli Vallieres said. “The guiding principles of CareerConneCT are to build an inclusive, collaborative, and coordinated workforce system.”

Upon signing up for CareerConneCT, participants will be connected to the workforce development board or one of 15 community based organizations that serves their region, and they will then be placed in a training program.

There are still plenty of opportunities to sign up for CareerConneCT. For more information and to enroll, visit portal.ct.gov/careerconnect.

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont to announced that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will implement new eligibility benefit levels in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning October 1, 2022, that will result in an estimated 44,000 additional Connecticut residents in 17,600 households becoming eligible for the food assistance program. Additionally, current enrollees will receive more than a 12% increase in their monthly benefits from the program’s annual cost-of-living adjustment.

Connecticut’s SNAP program serves more than 222,600 households, including 138,800 children. Formerly known as food stamps, the federally-funded service combats food insecurity for eligible working families, other qualified adults, older adults, and persons with disabilities.

“Expanding the eligibility levels will enable a greater number of individuals and families to qualify for this program and ensure increased access to quality, nutritious food at Connecticut supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets,” Governor Lamont said. “By continuing our partnership with the federal government, actions like this will help in our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity.”

Under the new eligibility benefit levels, Connecticut residents will qualify for SNAP if their monthly gross income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (for example, this would include $2,265 for a single person and $4,625 for a four-person household). This is an increase from the most recent eligibility benefit level of 185% of the federal poverty level ($1,986 for a single person and $4,086 for a four-person household).

The annual cost-of-living adjustment will result in households receiving an average 12.46% increase in their regular monthly food benefits. Specific amounts are geared to household and income size. For example, a household of four receiving the maximum SNAP benefit will see an increase of $104, from $835 to $939. A single person will receive an extra $31 in maximum benefits, from $250 to $281. The first monthly payment that includes this cost-of-living adjustment will be received by enrollees on October 1, 2, or 3, depending on the spelling of their last name.

DSS Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford notes that SNAP enrollees automatically become eligible for other services, ranging from Head Start to winter heating assistance.

“Simply put, qualifying for SNAP will help more Connecticut parents support their children’s health and education in other ways,” Commissioner Gifford said. “This is because families enrolled in SNAP are automatically eligible for Head Start, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, and National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. It’s also important to point out that SNAP enrollees of all ages are also automatically eligible for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. I join Governor Lamont and our partners in human services and advocacy to encourage residents who need help with their food budget to consider applying for the SNAP program.”

Governor Lamont said Connecticut’s move to expand SNAP eligibility is especially timely with this week’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health – the first such conference since 1969 – and the release of a national strategy with actions the federal government will take to help end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

SNAP enrollees are issued electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which work like a debit card and are replenished for every month of eligibility. The cards can be used at participating food markets and grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and online at many retailers for food items approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. DSS recommends that SNAP enrollees change their EBT PINs each month to prevent benefits from being stolen due to illegal scams or skimming operations.

Guidance on the new eligibility levels, along with application and program information, are available online at www.ct.gov/snap.

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Commissioner Andrew N. Mais announced the Connecticut Insurance Department will host the second annual NextGen Career Academy to showcase the numerous and exciting careers available in the insurance industry. The free, virtual conference on October 17th will provide students with an insightful glimpse into the world of insurance through four informational sessions. Attendees will gain valuable insights and learn firsthand from young professionals and industry leaders on why insurance brings many career opportunities, how to navigate educational paths, where to find some of the most rewarding jobs, and what is on the horizon for the industry. 

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“Great paying jobs are here in Connecticut. You can do well while you’re doing good,” said Commissioner Andrew N. Mais. “Why not kick-start your professional journey by working in an ever-growing industry with endless opportunities for advancement? The financial security, flexibility, and room for growth that everyone is seeking, can be found through a career in insurance. It’s time to introduce job seekers to what insurance has to offer.” 

Hear from speakers working in InsurTech, Startups, FinTech, Regulation, Consulting, Marketing, and more! To join the NextGen community and get insider insight. You won’t want to miss this chance to discover what is waiting for you in insurance, register on the NextGen Career Academy website. 

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/NextGenCommunity?language=en_US

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 9, 2022, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an observance honoring the sacrifices of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The nationwide recognition occurs annually during Fire Prevention Week.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

Governor Lamont said, “Firefighters are heroes, who dedicate their careers to the protection of our communities and the safety of those who live in them. They put themselves in danger on a moment’s notice, at times putting their own lives in danger to shield others. We owe it to them to honor their fearlessness. I am thankful to all of the firefighters in Connecticut, and I encourage everyone to reflect upon those firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.”

FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF SUNDAY FOR NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL SERVICE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 9, 2022, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an observance honoring the sacrifices of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The nationwide recognition occurs annually during Fire Prevention Week.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

Governor Lamont said, “Firefighters are heroes, who dedicate their careers to the protection of our communities and the safety of those who live in them. They put themselves in danger on a moment’s notice, at times putting their own lives in danger to shield others. We owe it to them to honor their fearlessness. I am thankful to all of the firefighters in Connecticut, and I encourage everyone to reflect upon those firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.”

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