The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) has opened a public comment period on a proposed bulletin which will provide guidance to insurers in how to manage the financial risks associated with climate change. The proposed bulletin details the Department’s expectations for domestic insurers and their taking a strategic approach to managing climate risks that considers both current and future risks and identifies the actions necessary to manage those risks. To review the proposed bulletin and submit comments online, click here. “The risks associated with climate change are significant. Insurers must adapt to these risks to ensure solvency. The Department plays a critical role in protecting consumers and will continue to work with insurers on climate change issues,” said Commissioner Andrew N. Mais. “I look forward to reviewing the public’s comments and suggestions on how best to manage the industry’s risk associated with climate change.”
The bulletin, once finalized, will be consistent with the objectives of Connecticut Public Act 21-2 and is based upon ongoing dialogue with the insurance industry over the past few years along with initiatives taken by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and other state insurance regulators.
Once the comment period ends on May 23, 2022 and the public’s suggestions are reviewed, a final bulletin will be issued to all insurers licensed by the Department. The bulletin would direct insurers to: Integrate the consideration of climate risks into its governance structure at the group or insurer entity level. Incorporate climate risks into the insurer’s existing financial risk management. Appropriately disclose its climate risks and engage with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, the NAIC Climate Risk Disclosure Survey, and other initiatives when developing its disclosure approaches. This press release was made possible by:
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education is dedicating $8 million of federal American Rescue Plan funding to continue the state’s highly successful Summer Enrichment Program in 2022.
Launched last year in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant program was created to help connect students during the summer months to high-quality enrichment opportunities, including at summer camps, childcare centers, and other similar programs, with a priority for those in towns and communities that were most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. It is funded using a portion of the state’s share of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.
“The pandemic has created a challenging situation for many students, and it is a priority of mine to ensure that Connecticut has opportunities during the summer months to keep students engaged between academic years,” Governor Lamont said. “I don’t want any student to fall behind because they did not have access to high-quality summer enrichment opportunities, and I am glad that we can continue this successful program into another year thanks to the sustained federal funding championed by Connecticut’s Congressional delegation.”
“I am pleased to announce a second round of funding for the 2022 Summer Enrichment Program,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “The impact of fun, challenging, and enriching summer programming on student growth and development cannot be understated. Today, we are proud to dedicate these federal dollars toward an initiative with a proven record of expanding access to affordable, high-quality summer programs.”
Similar to 2021, a competitive grant application will be launched to award enrichment grants to eligible organizations to provide students and families with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences. Applicants can apply for either one expansion grant (up to $75,000) or one innovation grant (between $75,000 and $250,000) per program site. Camps can use the funds to expand the number of students served, add additional supper services and activities, and subsidize enrollment costs by providing scholarships to families from low-income backgrounds.
A virtual information session will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. for interested grant applicants. (To register, click here.) An on-demand video recording of the session will be published on the Summer Enrichment website shortly after its conclusion.
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GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS LEGISLATION EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed legislation (Public Act 22-2) expanding two of the six statutory reasons under which voters in Connecticut can qualify for an absentee ballot during an election, primary, or referendum by allowing out-of-town commuters and caretakers of those who are ill or have a disability to vote by absentee ballot.
The legislation removes more restrictive language on these qualifications from state statutes and better aligns state laws with the standard that is set in the state constitution.
“This slight change better aligns our state laws with that allowed under the constitution,” Governor Lamont said. “We should be doing everything we can to encourage qualified voters to cast a ballot, and this is a responsible step forward in that direction.”
“It is important that we work together to ensure that any person who is eligible to vote can cast their vote,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Voting is one of our most important civic duties, and this minor expansion of our state’s laws is another positive step towards facilitating voter engagement for all Connecticut residents.”
“No voter should ever have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote,” Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said. “The COVID-19 crisis is still with us, and this legislation will ensure that voters will be able to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.”
“Our democracy simply works better when more people have a say on the future of their towns, state and country,” State Representative Dan Fox (D-Stamford), co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said. “Just because someone has to commute in order to bring home a paycheck each week or spends time caring for a loved one who cannot take care of themselves should not prevent them from making their voice heard. These changes are small but important steps to ensuring all Connecticut residents have the opportunity to exercise this vital right.”
The legislation was approved in the House by a vote of 126 to 16 and in the Senate by a vote of 30 to 4. It takes effect immediately.
Attorney General William Tong today released consumer guidance on reporting suspected violations of the state gas tax holiday.
Starting today, April 1, and ending on June 30, 2022, the 25 cent state tax on gasoline is suspended under Special Act 22-2. The law requires that retailers reduce their price per-gallon by the amount of the excise tax, $0.25. Any gas station suspected of charging that tax, or a portion of that tax, during this gas tax holiday will be subject to investigation by the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Acting in coordination with the Department of Consumer Protection, the Office of the Attorney General may file suit against retailers found to be in violation of this law and seek appropriate relief, including injunctive terms, restitution, and civil financial penalties designed to deter future unscrupulous sellers.
“Starting today, April 1, the 25-cent state tax on gasoline is suspended. Any retailer suspected of charging this tax or a portion of this tax will be investigated and subject to penalties under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act,” said Attorney General Tong. “It’s important to remember that prices at the pump will continue to fluctuate along with changes in wholesale prices. Not every increase, or decrease, in gasoline prices is related to the $.25 tax or constitutes price gouging. Every complaint will be investigated and all facts will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You can help our investigations by sharing as much detail as possible in your complaints, including receipts if possible. Please include in your complaints the address of the gas station, the date and time of your purchase, and the exact price you paid.”
Consumers are encouraged to file complaints online using the Office of the Attorney General complaint portal: https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/This press release was made possible by:
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is now offering 10 new license plate options for veterans that commemorate specific wartime periods, including the Afghanistan War, Grenada, the Iraq War, the Korean War, Lebanon, Operation Ernest Will, Panama, the Persian Gulf War, the Vietnam War, and World War II. These plates are offered in addition to the standard Connecticut license plate for veterans and are available exclusively for veterans who served during these specific periods of war and those who received campaign medals.
“Expanding the license plate options offered to veterans is a wonderful opportunity to honor their service,” Governor Lamont said. “Not only will it enable our state to recognize those who served during specific periods of war, but it will also serve as a consistent reminder that Connecticut is home to many thousands of veterans who have admirably served our nation. I thank all of the veterans and advocates who worked with our administration to turn this idea into reality.”
“Our military members and veterans exemplify what it means to be an American, to feel great pride for our country, to honor it, to and to work to continue to keep our great nation safe and prosperous,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “We will never have the right words to fully express the gratitude we feel for their service and dedication to our country. These license plates are only a small token of our appreciation for our veterans, serving as a great way to honor them and to recognize them for their service.”
“We owe our freedoms to the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, especially those who have served in war and conflict zones,” Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas Saadi said. “These new veterans license plates recognize that service and sacrifice by Connecticut veterans in wars and conflict zones from the Second World War II to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. My thanks to Representative Dorinda Borer for introducing this idea, which is now law, and thanks to the Department of Motor Vehicles leadership and staff for the great collaboration with Department of Veterans Affairs in making these license plates a reality for our veterans.”
“Bringing this idea to life was a true collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Motor Vehicles,” Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Sibongile Magubane said. “Commissioner Saadi and his team were instrumental in helping the DMV to establish a process for validating information as it pertains to each war and conflict. Thank you, Department of Veterans Affairs, and to all veterans who have defended our freedom.”
“We would not be here today if it weren’t for our veterans. Thank you for your dedication and service,” Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Deputy Commissioner Tony Guerrera said. “Thank you to the Department of Veterans Affairs and to Representative Dorinda Borer for advocating for Connecticut veterans.”
“We have a rich history of veteran sacrifice here in Connecticut,” State Representative Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) said. “The designation of a war period license plate is a special way to provide our veterans with the recognition and appreciation that they so greatly deserve. I’d like to thank David Ricci, a West Haven Vietnam veteran who originally brought this request to my attention, secured hundreds of signatures from interested veterans to help draft the bill, and who strongly advocated for its passage. This bill passed with strong bipartisan support by my colleagues and I could not be more excited to see all our veterans drive with pride.”
“It seemed that there were already a number of specialty plates in Connecticut and that a specific war veteran plate would be a great way to recognize veterans,” David Ricci, president of West Haven Vietnam Veterans, Inc. and the West Haven Veterans Council, said. “Dorinda drafted the bill to include several wars, which I thought was a fantastic idea. Her determination and hard work on this bill resulted in the bill being passed by the General Assembly. I’m sure that this will be much appreciated by all Connecticut war veterans.”
The license plates are available for passenger, commercial, combination, camper, and camp trailer types, and cost $27.50. Veterans can request a new veteran plate by completing the Special Plate Application Form on the DMV’s website at portal.ct.gov/DMV-War-Vet-Plate.
Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is nominating Claire Coleman of Woodbridge to serve as consumer counsel for the State of Connecticut. In the position, which is a five-year term, Coleman will lead the Office of Consumer Counsel in its mission of advocating on behalf of Connecticut consumers on issues relating to electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and water.
The office is an independent state agency authorized to participate on behalf of consumer interests in all administrative and judicial forums and in any matters in which the interests of consumers with respect to public utility matters may be involved.
“Claire’s expertise in energy law, investigations, and regulatory reform makes her a great fit to effectively advocate for the interests of all customers of electricity, gas, water, telephone, and cable services,” Governor Lamont said. “Above all, I am confident that she will be a staunch advocate on behalf of Connecticut’s utility consumers and effectively represent their interests before regulators, courts, and the legislature. At this critical time, when energy commodity prices are spiking globally due to the pandemic, we need a consumer counsel who will fight for affordable utility service for Connecticut residents and businesses. Claire is a brilliant, strong, and dedicated advocate who will work hard every day for consumers. I also want to express my appreciation for Rich Sobolewski, who has served as the acting consumer counsel for the past two years, and whose leadership has allowed the office to provide strong representation for the interests of Connecticut’s utility customers.”
“I thank Governor Lamont for giving me the opportunity to serve as the voice of consumers during this critical juncture of modernizing our electric grid and telecommunication networks,” Coleman said. “I am looking forward to joining the Office of Consumer Counsel and advocating on behalf of Connecticut consumers by working with state leaders, regulators, and stakeholders on innovative, equitable, and inclusive solutions that will improve the affordability, sustainability, and performance of our energy, water, and telecommunications utility infrastructure to the benefit of all consumers.”
Coleman is currently the undersecretary for legal affairs at the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM), where she has served since April 2019 providing legal and policy advice related to the formulation and implementation of the budget and public policy for the state. In this role, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities recently honored her as a Municipal Champion for her work on emergency COVID-19 pandemic executive orders that supported the efforts of local governments to respond to and govern during the pandemic.
Coleman previously worked as an energy attorney at Save the Sound (formerly Connecticut Fund for the Environment), and as counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where she conducted investigations into both private business practices and government programs and regulations, and prepared members of Congress for hearings on many areas of government policy and practice. She also worked as a litigation associate at Wiggin and Dana LLP in New Haven and Sullivan and Cromwell LLP in New York, and served as law clerk to the Honorable Ellen Bree Burns, United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctor from the Northwestern University School of Law.
Coleman will begin serving in the role on an interim basis beginning December 3. Her nomination for permanent confirmation will be forwarded to the Connecticut General Assembly for its consideration when the next regular legislative session begins in February.
HARTFORD, CT– Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched a revitalized web portal for the agency that also increases the number of transactions customers are able to complete online. New online services added during this launch include the ability to request a duplicate driver’s license, a duplicate non-driver ID, and driving history. The DMV’s web portal can be accessed by visiting ct.gov/dmv.
These new online services are in addition to the announcement made last month that Connecticut residents now have the ability to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs online. Renewing credentials online can take as little as seven minutes. The addition of more online services is part of the Lamont administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize state government by creating more convenience for residents and making services more easily accessible. “The DMV’s efforts to make sure services are accessible, easy to find, and online are a critical part of our modernization efforts,” Governor Lamont said. “Our residents deserve a government that is dedicated to changing with new technology and makes transactions as easy as possible. I am pleased to see these updates happening at such a critical agency, and I look forward to providing more streamlined services to our residents soon.”
“We have a team of dedicated professionals in place propelling our modernization efforts forward,” DMV Commissioner Sibongile Magubane said. “Their attention to detail is paramount, and their determination to improve the user experience has led to the development of several new online services. We will continue to identify opportunities for improvement and have plans to launch additional services in March.”
“We are incrementally transforming the DMV,” DMV Deputy Commissioner Tony Guerrera said. “We are improving how customers interact with the agency. With the onset of the pandemic, customers have become accustomed to having access to services online. Government should not be the exception.” “State government needs to catch up in using technology in order to best serve our residents,” Connecticut’s Chief Operating Officer and Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Josh Geballe said. “The DMV has worked hard throughout the pandemic – and before the pandemic – to make sure that our residents can interact with a significantly smaller burden on time and energy than in the past. I want to thank the leadership at the DMV for making these common-sense updates for our residents so quickly. Changes of this magnitude are not always easy but make a huge difference for our state.” Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic early last year, the DMV revitalized its service delivery model through the implementation of an appointment-based system, which has resulted in a significant reduction in customer wait times
. Customers can view all online services or schedule an in-person appointment with the DMV by visiting the agency’s newly refreshed web portal at ct.gov/dmv.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut has become the first state in the nation to require all high schools in the state offer courses on African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies.
The requirement is the result of a law Governor Lamont signed last year – Public Act 19-12 – that directs all regional and local boards of education to include an elective course of studies at the high school level that provides students with a better understanding of the African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino contributions to United States history, society, economy, and culture. Last week, the Connecticut State Board of Education unanimously approved the curriculum for the course, which was a final step needed to implement the requirement.
High schools may offer the course in 2021-2022 and will be required to offer it during the school year that begins in the fall of 2022.
“Increasing the diversity of what we teach is critical to providing students with a better understanding of who we are as a society and where we are going,” Governor Lamont said. “Adding this course in our high schools will be an enormous benefit not only to our Black and Latino students, but to students of all backgrounds because everyone can benefit from these studies. This is a step that is long overdue, and I applaud the work of the General Assembly, State Board of Education, and everyone at the State Education Resource Center whose collaborative work helped get this done.”
“Identities matter, especially when 27 percent of our students identify as Hispanic or Latino and 13 percent identify as Black or African-American,” Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona said. “This curriculum acknowledges that by connecting the story of people of color in the U.S. to the larger story of American history. The fact is that more inclusive, culturally relevant content in classrooms leads to greater student engagement and better outcomes for all. This law passed due in large part to the strong advocacy of students from around the state and the legislative leadership of State Representative Bobby Gibson and State Senator Doug McCrory. I thank Ingrid Canady, the SERC team, and all of our partners who contributed to and drove us to this historic moment.”
The adopted curriculum focuses on a two-pronged, inquiry-based approach, including both content knowledge and student identity development. It utilizes Connecticut’s Social Studies Framework themes and inquiry-based approach already familiar to social studies teachers to deliver a content rich and personalized learning experience. The Connecticut State Department of Education partnered with the State Education Resource Center (SERC) to develop the curriculum.
The development process was guided by a 150-member advisory group comprised of educators, administrators, higher education professors and scholars, national researchers and historians, representatives from education and community organizations, and studies and families. The group organized into nine committees with specific tasks. The work of each committee was facilitated by a SERC liaison to ensure seamless communication and workflow between committees.
Additionally, an expert review panel was convened, consisting of ten national and state-level experts to review course deliverables as they were developed and provide critical feedback and resources. Other opportunities for stakeholder involvement included providing feedback through surveys and focus groups.
“I am extremely proud of the passage of this bill,” State Senator Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford), co-chair of the Education Committee, said. “It was a humbling experience to hear students passionately call for the Black and Latino studies curriculum, and I thank them for it. Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’ and I hope this new curriculum will facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of the many contributions made by Black and Latino Americans.”
“I am excited to see implementation of this bipartisan legislation that will give students a more realistic view of their heritage and the many accomplishments of their ancestors,” State Representative Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain) said. “This curriculum, which is a year-long study of Black and Latino history, will lead to better racial relations in our communities and a more inclusive state for our children and theirs. At public hearings, last year students explained how history classes didn’t reflect their heritage. Now, high schoolers will have that opportunity.”
“I am so proud of how the state came together to make this legislation I brought forth come to fruition,” State Representative Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield, Windsor) said. “This history is for everyone. Our nation is at a point where we must change the one-sided narrative of how we view history. Racism stems from the lack of knowledge and respect for one another. Perhaps if our children grew up knowing more about the amazing accomplishments of our people, the actions of this past summer would not have had to happen. We would be doing an injustice to our children if we didn’t do our part to help them to understand each other more.”
“SERC’s mission has always been about access and opportunity, and our team is proud to have been part of this moment affirming our students’ racial identity and ensuring it is at the forefront,” Ingrid Canady, executive director of SERC, said. “Our coordination of this endeavor involved an advisory group of racially diverse, passionate, and committed individuals from across Connecticut and we have made history together because we passionately believed it could be done. Even through challenges like the pandemic, the group never backed down because we knew that every single student in Connecticut needs to understand the history of people of color in the American story which has been denied by textbooks for too long.”
To learn more about the curriculum and the next steps for district implementation, visit pa1912.serc.co.
HARTFORD, CT)– Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has received notification from the White House that his request to extend the federal authorization of the Connecticut National Guard’s support to the State of Connecticut for its ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency has been approved through March 31, 2021. The federal government will provide the state with a 75 percent cost-share for this period.
Previously, the state was authorized to use the National Guard with a 100 percent federal cost share from April 2 through September 30. That authorization was renewed on October 1 at a reduced cost share of 75 percent and had been set to expire on December 31.
“From constructing mobile field hospitals, delivering PPE, supporting the needs of nursing homes, and assisting in the operations of testing sites, the Connecticut National Guard has been a critical component of our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “And it must also be noted that the Guard’s support goes beyond assistance to state government – this authorization means it can continue to help our towns, cities, and health care providers protect Connecticut residents and communities. I thank the Guard for its commitment to the citizens of Connecticut and the impact they’ve made here. I also want to extend my appreciation to our Congressional delegation for their advocacy on behalf of the state’s request.”
“This extension is vital to enable our Guard Soldiers and Airmen to continue to support the Department of Public Health and the people of Connecticut,” Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “This fight is still far from over and we all have a lot more work ahead of us.”
Since their initial mission began at the outbreak of the pandemic in March, more than 1,000 Connecticut National Guardsmen and members of the State Militia have been called to duty to support operations designed to enhance the state’s health care infrastructure. Tasks have included the erection of mobile field hospitals, delivery and distribution of millions of pieces of personal protective equipment, nursing home inspections and support, testing kit assembly and collection, and providing support for the “Farmers to Families” food box program.
Headquartered at the William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford, the Connecticut National Guard is comprised of over 5,000 men and women serving in the Air and Army National Guard.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has received notification from the White House that his request to extend the federal authorization of the Connecticut National Guard’s support to the State of Connecticut for its ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency has been approved through March 31, 2021. The federal government will provide the state with a 75 percent cost share for this period.
Previously, the state was authorized to use the National Guard with a 100 percent federal cost share from April 2 through September 30. That authorization was renewed on October 1 at a reduced cost share of 75 percent and had been set to expire on December 31.
“From constructing mobile field hospitals, delivering PPE, supporting the needs of nursing homes, and assisting in the operations of testing sites, the Connecticut National Guard has been a critical component of our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “And it must also be noted that the Guard’s support goes beyond assistance to state government – this authorization means it can continue to help our towns, cities, and health care providers protect Connecticut residents and communities. I thank the Guard for its commitment to the citizens of Connecticut and the impact they’ve made here. I also want to extend my appreciation to our Congressional delegation for their advocacy on behalf of the state’s request.”
“This extension is vital to enable our Guard Soldiers and Airmen to continue to support the Department of Public Health and the people of Connecticut,” Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “This fight is still far from over and we all have a lot more work ahead of us.”
Since their initial mission began at the outbreak of the pandemic in March, more than 1,000 Connecticut National Guardsmen and members of the State Militia have been called to duty to support operations designed to enhance the state’s health care infrastructure. Tasks have included the erection of mobile field hospitals, delivery and distribution of millions of pieces of personal protective equipment, nursing home inspections and support, testing kit assembly and collection, and providing support for the “Farmers to Families” food box program.
Headquartered at the William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford, the Connecticut National Guard is comprised of over 5,000 men and women serving in the Air and Army National Guard.
HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut is the first state in the nation to provide a learning device to every PK-12 student in need, achieving a major milestone in the fight to close the K-12 digital divide in Connecticut, particularly as many schools move toward remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor committed to closing the state’s PK-12 digital divide by purchasing every student who indicated a need with a learning device and a reliable, at-home internet connection.
Since the outset of the pandemic earlier this year, every local school district has been sharing data with the State Department of Education on the number of students who indicated that they were without a learning device or internet connection in their homes. Using this data, the nonprofit organization Partnership for Connecticut spent $24 million in March to provide 60,000 laptops to high school students in need. In July, Governor Lamont launched the Everybody Learns initiative, which included a $43.5 million investment from the state’s portion of the federal CARES Act, to purchase 82,000 laptops and 44,000 at-home internet connections for Connecticut students. Combined, these two initiatives have invested more money per student in remote learning since March than all but two other states in the nation and makes Connecticut a leader among Northeast states.
“One of my top priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to minimize learning disruptions for Connecticut students and see that every K-12 student has the educational technologies they need to thrive in school,” Governor Lamont said. “Over the past eight months, we made significant progress in closing digital divides, especially for students of color and those in low-income communities. The work does not end here. My administration will continue to fight to ensure every last student in Connecticut receives a high-quality education, whether in person or remotely. I also want to extend my warmest thanks to Barbara and Ray Dalio for their partnership with the state and generosity in ensuring our neediest high school students received 60,000 laptops at the outset of this pandemic.”
“One of the core lessons learned from last spring was that we must aggressively tackle our PK-12 digital divide if remote learning was part of our future normal,” Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona said. “Under the leadership of Governor Lamont and through the partnership of Ray and Barbara Dalio and so many committed stakeholders, we did that by collectively expanding access to devices and connectivity to help level the playing field and address the disparities exacerbated by the pandemic. We are now leading the nation in removing the tech barriers that stood in the way of every child receiving a world-class education. While today’s milestone is one to be celebrated, we need to continue leading with a laser-like focus on accelerating learning and prioritizing equitable access to high quality content, especially for our most vulnerable students.”
“Achieving this milestone in closing the digital divide for our PK-12 students is a reflection of the achievements we can make when we all come together and step up for our students,” Melissa McCaw, Secretary of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, said. “There are few responsibilities more important to the State of Connecticut than devoting our resources to ensure all students can access educational opportunities in the midst of a public health pandemic and that is why Connecticut devoted $266 million of its CARES Act funds to support our schools during this challenging time – one of the highest per-pupil allocations of this money of any state in the country. Investing in our children and closing this digital divide was an absolute necessity and is indicative of Connecticut’s commitment to building upon its status as one of the best states for public education in the country both for learning in the classroom and at home.”
Educational ambassadors across the nation extended congratulations to Connecticut on this milestone in educational equity.
“I applaud Governor Ned Lamont and all of Connecticut for being the first state in the nation to achieve this milestone in ending the digital divide,” Arne Duncan, former U.S. Education Secretary under President Barack Obama, said. “This pandemic has made it abundantly clear that in the 21st century, all students deserve access to the educational resources they need to thrive not only in the classroom but also at home. Thanks to the remarkable work of Governor Lamont and the State of Connecticut, our nation is one step closer to closing our digital divide and achieving equitable educational opportunities for all students.”
“I applaud Governor Ned Lamont and the State of Connecticut for their extraordinary fight to provide internet access and devices to all students in the Nutmeg State,” Adam Safir, director of the Office of Education Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, said. “The innovative public-private partnerships and bulk purchasing models they developed to help Connecticut students learn anytime, anywhere are great examples of putting CARES Act funding to its best use.”
“Closing the digital divide is vital to ensuring students’ ability to continue their education during the COVID-19 pandemic,” John B. King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust and former U.S. Education Secretary under President Obama, said. “I want to commend Governor Lamont and the leaders of Connecticut’s school system for working together with philanthropic and private sector partners to implement a plan that will provide a device and home internet access to every student in the state. These resources are most essential for students who are too often shortchanged. I encourage the governor and leaders to prioritize the continuous engagement and learning of Connecticut’s most underserved students.”
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