HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s Director of Communications Kelly Donnelly today released the following statement in reaction to comments made today by Connecticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL) President Scott Wilson, who is advocating to increase guns in schools:
“Comments made today by CCDL leadership are a new level of disgusting, even for the gun lobby. Claiming that gun free zones are the cause of mass shootings is the height of lunacy. It is an insult to compassionate people everywhere, and to the victims of gun violence. Their purposeful distortion of reality and their readiness to ignore voices of educators – the very professionals they are trying to arm – is shameful and unhelpful. Rather than continuing to oppose commonsense gun safety measures that passed with Democratic and Republican support in the aftermath of the tragedy in Sandy Hook, the CCDL should instead have the courage to stand up to the almighty NRA – they should lend their support to keeping our children safer with real school safety and gun violence prevention measures that work.
“All this from a group that today put a bump stock on display in the halls of the legislature for no other rational purpose than to lobby against bills that would ban these deadly devices.”
HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that as winter weather conditions continue to deteriorate this evening, he has signed an order banning travel of all tractor trailers and tandem trailers on limited access highways until further notice to assist neighboring state New York manage traffic on its worsening highway conditions.
New York instituted a similar tractor trailer ban on highways earlier today. Drivers are advised to stay tuned for further updates as the storm is anticipated to wind down late tonight and into the morning.
“As roads continue to deteriorate and out of an abundance of caution, we are putting a tractor trailer ban in effect until further notice,” Governor Malloy said. “There are substantial concerns about driver safety and we need to keep the roads as clear as possible. Again, we are advising that folks stay home unless absolutely critical tonight.”
#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker today released the findings of a study on the impact of widening and improving both the western and eastern portions of Interstate 95 in Connecticut, and outlined the consequences of failing to act.
Currently, peak morning and evening congestion on the highway accounts for 54 million hours of delay and costs $1.2 billion in lost time annually. The study finds that limited, strategic widening will yield major benefits and can be constructed within existing CTDOT property. The Governor’s revenue proposal – which includes a seven-cent increase in the gas tax over four years and the implementation of electronic tolling – would allow for these investments to go forward.
“Anyone who has traveled on I-95 during rush hour understands the urgency of addressing our congestion problems,” Governor Malloy said. “It hurts our economy. Every day, commuters spend hours in traffic and businesses face unnecessary burdens in getting products to market. The report released today outlines a commonsense path toward reducing congestion and improving safety on one of our busiest and most important roads.”
“CTDOT is excited to announce that after a detailed study of options for relieving congestion on I-95, we are able to report a stunning set of findings,” Commissioner Redeker said. “For years, the accepted thinking was that the only way to relieve congestion on I-95 was to add a lane in each direction from border to border. After a detailed study of alternatives, we have determined that strategic, directional widening on I-95 between New Haven and New York can significantly reduce congestion and can be built within existing CTDOT right of way. Similar strategic, localized investments can also reduce congestion between New Haven and Rhode Island. These findings indicate that we can achieve congestion relief through strategic and much less costly investments far sooner than previously thought. In addition, the return on these investments would far exceed the cost of the projects. Connecticut deserves this rational, sensible and cost-effective investment to support our economic growth.”
Among other findings, the report notes that just one of the projects proposed – adding one northbound lane between exits 19 and 28 – would reduce travel time from the New York border to Bridgeport from 63 minutes – if no improvements are made – to 41 minutes during weekday afternoon peak times. However, the Governor warned that without legislative action this session to shore up the Special Transportation Fund (STF), this type of investment will be impossible.
“These improvements shouldn’t be seen as optional,” Governor Malloy added. “But without new revenue to stabilize the Special Transportation Fund, critical projects like the I-95 widening will not be possible. I put forward a reasonable proposal last month, and I look forward to working with the legislature this year to find real, long-term transportation solutions.”
The I-95 widening projects were included in the $4.3 billion in projects canceled or suspended by the CTDOT last month because of long-term failure to adequately fund the STF.
#Hartford CT– In celebration of Black History Month, African American women legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly nominated Bridgeport’s own Margaret E. Morton, the first African American woman to sit in the state legislature, to the CT Women’s Hall of Fame. During the press conference, legislators and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman also highlighted the contributions of African American women in Connecticut and emphasize the need for more women of color in government. Bridgeport’s City Hall Annex at 999 Broad Street is named in honor of her.
Margaret E. Morton, the first African-American woman to sit in the state legislature, to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Joined by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp, they also emphasized the need for more women of color in government.
“Margaret Morton laid the ground-work for me to stand where I am today— the third black woman ever to be elected to the Connecticut Senate,” Sen. Moore said. “Margaret knew that being the only black woman in the legislature meant she had an added responsibility to serve as a mentor to the men and women of color who would come after her. She broke down barriers and became a leader at the State Capitol. She is a true role model to women across the state.”
“It is my honor to stand in support of the late Margaret E. Morton’s nomination to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame for her extraordinary service in state government and her commitment to advancing the priorities of our communities of color,” Rep. Miller said. “Ms. Morton’s accomplishments are even more laudable today, because back in 1972 when she was elected to the House of Representatives, being a woman of color running for office was not as common as it is in this day and age. Her resolve, integrity and dedication during her service still inspire us to keep serving with pride and honor as we continue working toward a better future for our constituencies.”
“The late Margaret Morton was a phenomenal role model for all women in the Connecticut General Assembly. She was a force to be reckoned with, who always exercised her power on behalf of her constituents and the community at-large. No matter how massive the mountain, Margaret Morton always found a way to make moves that redefined history,” said Rep. Porter. “While this Queen Matriarch put down the roots and carried the torch for a more equitable future, I feel a personal calling in my spirit to carry on her legacy, and that calling has only been further solidified in discovering that we both were sworn in at the age of 48 with a passion for people and a tremendous love for God and community.”
“I had the honor and privilege of serving with Margaret. She was a powerful woman and legislator, one who set a high standard and served as an example for all of us,” said Lt. Governor Wyman. “Her nomination to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame speaks to her accomplishments and her legacy. Margaret’s story and her work continue to inspire—offering the next generations a reason to get involved in government and public service, to run for office, and to make their voices heard.”
“I’m quite sure no one in this room second-guesses the value of role models in the development of Connecticut’s future leaders, but in the African-American community, there’s a dearth of outstanding role models because they were omitted from so many history lessons and overlooked when positions of prominence became vacant,” Mayor Harp said. “The pattern of omission and oversight is only amplified when the conversation is about African-American women, so those of us gathered today want to provide as much momentum as possible for Senator Morton’s induction.”
HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement regarding an announcement made by President Trump this afternoon that he has directed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to draft regulations regarding bump stocks:
“Unfortunately, this has all the hallmarks of a classic bait-and-switch. We need more than just regulations – we need to make this the law. In Connecticut, we are going to pass a law banning bump stocks and we firmly believe that the federal government should do the same. The language in the legislation I proposed this session represents a strong, smart approach to this issue. I strongly urge federal officials, including President Trump, to take a look at our bill and implement similar legislation nationwide.”
Last month, Governor Malloy announced his intention file legislation this session banning bump stocks and other “rate of fire enhancements” in Connecticut through state statute. That legislation is Senate Bill 18, An Act Banning Rate of Fire Enhancements. It is currently pending in the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security.
This press release is made possible by:
Orange, CT (February 13, 2018): Connecticut State Troopers seize over one pound of marijuana, over one half kilogram of powder cocaine and approximately $2500.00 in cash during a motor vehicle stop. On February 13, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., troopers from Troop G-Bridgeport were conducting motor vehicle enforcement when they observed a 2004 Acura TSX conduct a motor vehicle violation. Troopers stopped the Acura on Route 114 near New Haven Ave. in Orange. Upon speaking with the Acura occupants, troopers immediately detected the odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle and determined that marijuana may still be contained in the vehicle. Troopers initiated an investigation and with the assistance of State Police narcotic detection dog, K9 Silver, troopers located and seized over one pound of marijuana, over one-half kilogram of powder cocaine and approximately $2500.00 in cash. Both the operator, Jocelyn Serrano-Rivera and passenger, Jonathan Brito, were taken into custody and transported to Troop G. Jocelyn Nyas Serrano-Rivera (4/27/1997) of 280 Gilbert St., Hamden was charged with Conspiracy to commit Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Sell (WITS), Possession of Cocaine WITS within 1500 Feet of a School/Daycare, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana WITS within 1500 feet of a School, Possession of Marijuana, two counts of Possession of Untaxed Marijuana/controlled substance and Speeding. Serrano-Rivera was held on $150,000.00 bond and scheduled to appear at Derby Superior Court on February 13, 2018. Jonathan Brito (dob 9/21/1993) of 10 Summit St., Derby was charged with Conspiracy to commit Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Sell (WITS), Possession of Cocaine WITS within 1500 Feet of a School/Daycare, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana WITS within 1500 feet of a School, Possession of Marijuana and two counts of Possession of Untaxed Marijuana/controlled substance. Brito was held on $250,000.00 bond and scheduled to appear at Derby Superior Court on February 13, 2018.
#WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement on Thursday after voting for bipartisan legislation that protects Dreamers and provides them a path to citizenship. The McCain-Coons legislation failed by a vote of 52 to 47. The bipartisan Schumer legislation failed by a vote of 54 to 45.
“Today the president blew up the only compromise on immigration that had a chance to pass. It’s unfortunate, but not surprising. His candidacy and presidency have been premised on anti-immigrant grandstanding, and he won’t sign anything that makes things better,” said Murphy.
There are a few ways to make your home high-performing – and one you’ll truly fall in love with. High-performance homes are airtight, comfortable, and healthy. Assess these three areas to get started.
Make sure your home is air-tight with proper insulation.
You wouldn’t wear a jacket with holes in it when you go out in the cold, so why allow gaps and poorly-insulated areas to let the frosty air into your home? Sealing cracks and gaps in walls, attics, and crawl spaces as well as around wires, pipes, windows and door frames will help solve that, keeping the warm inside air from escaping. Don’t forget about properly insulating those same walls, attics, crawl spaces and around your ducts too.
Keep on top of home energy maintenance.
How is your heating system performing this winter? You’ll need to continue thinking about its performance as we head into the spring and summer months, too. Be sure you have your heating and cooling system serviced annually by a qualified professional. Clean or change air filters every three months, or more often if you smoke or have pets. Homeowners and renters can also consider upgrading to a smart Wi-Fi thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature and can cut down on energy usage when you’re not home.
Go for top quality indoor climate and air.
You deserve clean air and a comfortable climate in your home. That begins with proper ventilation and air sealing. We talked about the benefits of sealing in previous blog posts, but did you know sealing not only keeps pollen and dust at bay, it also moderates the humidity levels and temperature swings in your home? Proper ventilation and air flow also reduces the chance for mold growth – whether it’s from leaky ducts or condensation in your attic and crawl spaces.
Fairfield, Connecticut (February 4, 2018) –The Greater Fairfield Amateur Radio Association (GFARA) is offering an amateur radio technician class at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 77 Building (Building 5) located at 595 Turney Road in Fairfield. Classes will run for 9 weeks from February 7th through April 18th and be held from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The class costs $50 which covers the textbook, handouts, exam fee and a one-year membership to the GFARA Amateur Radio Club. The course will be taught by a team of experienced amateur radio (also referred to as Ham Radio) operators, lead by Larry Gross.
The FCC Technician License exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Class Lead Larry Gross said, “You don’t need any prior experience or familiarity with electronics and you don’t even have to learn Morse Code”! Technicians are able to operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. Being a technician allows you to make international radio contacts via satellites using relatively simple station equipment.
Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It’s fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. Mr. Gross added that “many of us are active in the preparedness community, even assisting in events like the Fairfield Half Marathon”.
For more information and the class registration forms visit the club’s website, www.gfara.com or email the class’s coordinator at 4samfox@gmail.com or message their Twitter feed @GFARAclub.
