#Bridgeport CT–#Hartford – Representative Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport), in response to a recent disturbing increase in violent crime in Bridgeport, has reached out to Governor Malloy for assistance from the Connecticut State Police to work in concert with the Bridgeport Police Department to address the issue.
“As State Representative for the 128th District in Bridgeport, I have become quite concerned about the recent and rapid increase in gun violence plaguing our city and impacting the safety of our community,” Rep. Rosario said. “Residents must see we are making every effort to quell the violence with a clearly present law enforcement response to this quality of life issue in the city.”
Rosario issued a formal request today and will work with the Governor and law enforcement on putting a course of action together that will have an impact on reducing the violence.
Rep. Rosario represents the 128th Assembly District and serves on the Appropriations, Energy and Technology and Transportation Committees. He also serves on the Transportation, Human Services and Judicial and Corrections Appropriations Subcommittees.
Many of you like me received an amber alert for a silver Hyndai Elantra. Connecticut State Police received a call that it was on I-95 northbound and being followed by the caller. Connecticut State Police called and confirmed the alert but that the car is in Pennsylvania not in Connecticut. Other police stations broadcasted a BOLO (Be On The Look Out) which they soon canceled.
Muchod de ustedes como yo recibieron una alerta amber para un Hyndai Elantra color gris. La policía del estado de Connecticut recibieron una llamada que estaba en I-95 hacia norte y siguifo por la persona que llamo. La policía del Estado de Connecticut llamó y confirmó la alerta, pero el auto esta en Pennsylvania no en Connecticut.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the launch of a new emergency preparedness mobile application for Connecticut residents that provides information and alerts in emergency situation, and also helps residents prepare in advance of an emergency.
The “CT Prepares” app, which can be downloaded to most smartphones, incorporates and integrates text messaging, email, and social networking, allowing residents to communicate with family members during an emergency. Real-Time notifications including emergency news, state office closings, and public safety messages can be sent directly to the device, providing up-to-the-minute information for residents.
“We are constantly planning and constantly preparing to remain one step ahead of potential emergency situations. This is yet another tool in our goal to be as resilient as we can be as a state. As we have seen in past storms and emergency situations, communication is critical. The CT Prepares app will no doubt help us in that effort by providing residents with critical information during emergencies. I encourage residents to download this app to their mobile devices,” Governor Malloy said.
“With just a keystroke, anyone can download the CT Prepares app to their mobile devices and in a matter of a minute, be better prepared for any disaster or emergency they may face,” Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Dora Schriro said. “And that’s especially important as we approach the height of this year’s hurricane season in Connecticut.”
Other features of the app include:
Send an “I’m Safe” message to contacts via email, text, and social networks
View real-time alerts for emergencies, weather and traffic
View current and extended National Weather Service forecasts based on current location
Access Connecticut Emergency Management Agency news and events
View emergency preparation guides for different types of emergencies
Locate Connecticut Emergency Management contacts and other useful emergency resources
The app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes Apple Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices by searching the keyword “CT Prepares.” It was developed jointly by DESPP and Connecticut Interactive.
9:22pm–#Stratford Connecticut– Checkers at 1796 Barnum Avenue and a customer was robbed at gunpoint. Police are looking for three black males, 2 wearing black hoodies the other a gray hoodie. All three were wear white handkerchiefs for masks. Two of the had shown a gun.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, Senator Tony Hwang hosted an informational forum on Connecticut’s proposed health insurance and long term care rate increases at Sacred Heart University’s Schine Auditorium at 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield.
Senator Hwang is encouraged rate payers to speak out about potential double-digit increases in health care insurance rates. Public hearings on the potential hikes will take place in Hartford on August 3 and 4. “Average increases on individual and small group employer plans in Connecticut could be as high as 28 percent among plans that cover thousands of workers and their families,” Senator Hwang said. “That’s outrageous, that’s unaffordable, and that’s why people need to know howto weigh in.”
Comments can be registered with the state Insurance Department by visiting http://www.ct.gov/cid/cwp/view.asp?a=4059&Q=581302 .
Sen. Hwang has also posted a testimony link at www.SenatorHwang.com .
Sen. Hwang has proposed that Connecticut change the specific definitions of what would disqualify insurers from excessive increases. Sen. Hwang has also called for mandatory state public hearings when proposed health insurance rate increases exceed 10 percent. Democrats and Republicans supported those proposals, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy vetoed the legislation. Sen. Hwang is also urging area residents to contact him with their thoughts and concerns about the potential rate hikes atTony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov .
I heard things are getting ugly in the streets in Philadelphia where the Democratic National Convention is being held. My go to for out of state radio transmissions is RadioReference.com. Here is what is posted for the Philadelphia Police:
#HARTFORD – After hearing continued complaints from constituents living with mental illness and substance use disorders about equal access to treatment, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led a group of 17 senators on Monday in urging the White House Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force to consider taking a specific set of actions – including conducting random audits and establishing an online public portal – to improve compliance with parity laws and ensure that Americans receive equal access to behavioral health care. In a letter addressed to Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, the senators outlined the most common issues their constituents experienced while attempting to access mental health treatment, and recommended that the White House consider taking action on six specific proposals to address some of the most significant barriers to mental health parity.
“We are writing to applaud the President for establishing the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force and to inform the Task Force recommendations,” wrote the senators. “Given that mental health parity is still not a reality for our constituents, we ask that you consider the need for the following [proposals] when developing your recommendations.We believe the steps outlined…would address some of the most significant barriers to equitable access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.”
#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Connecticut is receiving a federal grant of nearly $400,000 that will support 43 new HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers, which combines rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and case management services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support veterans who are at risk of homelessness.
The HUD-VASH program is an essential tool as the state continues to maintain functional zero for the homeless veteran population. Earlier this year, the federal government certified that due to its investments in housing, Connecticut has effectively ended homelessness among veterans – one of only two states in the nation to reach this milestone.
Among the 43 vouchers that the grant will support, 29 will be distributed statewide by the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH), 9 will be distributed by the West Haven Housing Authority, and another five will be distributed by the Hartford Housing Authority.
“Over the last several years, with our partners in local, state, and federal organizations, Connecticut has created a system that is successfully working to prevent homelessness among veterans. We’re ensuring that when a new episode of homelessness occurs, it is brief and non-recurring. We’re proud of that record,” Governor Malloy said. “Our veterans must continue to have access to housing, quality health care, education, and career opportunities. I want to thank HUD and the VA for working with our state to ensure these services are available.”
“This is important progress towards ensuring all Connecticut veterans have a stable, permanent place to call home,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “We’ve done so much to serve our veterans – education and job training initiatives and building stronger supports on the state level – but there is more to do. I am grateful to HUD, the VA, and our own Department of Housing for their commitment to our veterans. They served us, now it is our turn to serve them.”
“Under the Malloy/Wyman administration, the State of Connecticut has been recognized as a national leader for its efforts to prevent and end homelessness while expanding access to affordable housing,” DOH Commissioner Evonne Klein said. “Providing rental assistance and case management support are essential components of the system we have developed here in Connecticut. I’m proud to say that Connecticut was the second state in the nation to effectively end veteran homelessness. These new vouchers will ensure that veterans who need a safe, affordable home will now have that opportunity and it will make the good work being done on the ground by our providers each and every day a little easier.”
“This funding is more than just housing for veterans. It also represents our collective intent to work together and ensure the best for the men and women who’ve sacrificed so much for us,” Connecticut Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly said. “I applaud Governor Malloy, the VA, and HUD for prioritizing veterans’ housing and for building the strong partnerships that are critical to supporting Connecticut veterans.”
“The federal funding awarded today demonstrates our commitment to our nation’s heroes,” the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation said in a joint statement. “This federal grant will ensure veterans and their families have safe and affordable housing. These brave men and women selflessly served our country, and it is our duty to ensure they have the support they need and deserve when they return home.”
The designation of having effectively ended veteran homelessness does not mean that a veteran in Connecticut will never again experience homelessness. What it means is that when a new veteran becomes homeless the state, working with a dedicated team of federal and local providers, has a mechanism to quickly identify and place the veteran back on the path to permanent housing. The addition of these new HUD-VASH vouchers will complement the state’s already historic investment in affordable housing development and homelessness prevention.
“Providing these vouchers to serve those who served our country remains a commitment by the administration and Secretary Castro,” HUD Regional Administrator Jim Reed said. “Collaborative efforts with our outstanding partners at the VA, the State of Connecticut, and participating housing authorities make it possible to help our veterans break their cycle of homelessness. The department is thankful to have our valued partners working together to assist our customers.”
“VA Connecticut Healthcare System is excited that CT is receiving new HUD-VASH vouchers again this year,” Debbie Deegan, Acting Director of the VA’s Errera Community Care Center, said. “We have been a part of the development of partnerships with the State of Connecticut, federal agencies and local organizations which has benefitted homeless veterans throughout the state. Through these partnerships, we have met the milestones of ending chronic veteran homelessness and veteran homelessness over the past year, but the work does not stop there. These additional vouchers will help us to continue on this road of helping Connecticut’s veterans who are homeless, and maintaining functional zero.”
Another essential component of ending homelessness is ensuring that the state has an adequate supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing. Since 2011, DOH, together with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, has completed 7,917 affordable units, with another 2,790 under construction and funding in place for approximately 5,200 more affordable units. In total, almost 16,000 units of affordable housing have been created, rehabilitated, or preserved in just the past five years alone.
Connecticut was one of only four states to sign on to the Zero:2016 initiative, with the goal of ending all chronic homelessness by the end of this year. These additional vouchers will allow the state to expand on the nationally recognized system that was established to combat homelessness.
The Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released photos of the Governor’s visit to Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida on Friday. Following the mass shooting there last month, the Governor recognized the victims and their families.
“What happened at Pulse was a truly devastating moment for the nation. To visit there personally, you think about the individuals who held their breath in fear inside that building, knowing a madman was nearby. You think about horror they must of felt – a horror no person should have to experience. You think about the parents and family-members who woke up to the tragic news that their loved ones would not come home – and the pain that will make their hearts swell forever. It fills you with emotion,” Governor Malloy said. “The wounds in Orlando and across the nation are still raw. These are challenging times – gun violence is simply taking too many lives. We must never forget. We must take real action on gun violence prevention nationwide, and we must do all we can to stop tragedy from occurring. My prayers continue to be with the victims and their families.”
The Governor also participated in a private memorial with other Democratic leaders Friday evening. At the event, on behalf of the people of Connecticut, he gave to Orlando leaders the pride flag that flew outside of the Governor’s Residence in the wake of the shooting.
