Madison, CT- Today, Bob Stefanowski, candidate for Governor of Connecticut, released the following statement calling on the Governor to lift the mask mandate in Connecticut schools in advance of the opening of the legislative session on February 9th:
“The Governor has maintained full executive authority over the state for nearly two-years and it’s time to end the one-size-fits-all approach for masks in our schools,” said Stefanowski. “I am calling on the Governor to immediately remove the mandate on masks for Connecticut’s schools.”
“Two years ago, Amy and I along with a dedicated group of volunteers, were proud to lead the effort to provide 1.5 million masks to nursing home workers and first responders throughout the state,” said Stefanowski. “But today, two years into the pandemic, it’s time to move our state forward. Most local mandates in Connecticut towns have been lifted for months. Now is the time to do the same in our schools by empowering parents to make this decision for their own children.”
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to restore full funding for educational and early-intervention services for children with disabilities. U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The need for early intervention and pre-school special education services has only increased over the past several decades. However, federal investments have not kept pace with the number of students requiring these services. Programs funded through Part B, Section 619 and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) Act – which assist states with early intervention services for children with disabilities ages 3-5 and 0-3, respectively – are woefully underfunded, despite high demand for the services these programs provide. The Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act would assist states in providing this critical support by bringing funding for these programs back to where it belongs.
“Early childhood interventions are critical for young learners with disabilities, but those services were dramatically cut back while schools were remote. This legislation would increase early childhood funding to the levels required by the IDEA Act and ensure our youngest students get the support they deserve and need to get back on track. For far too long, Congress has failed to meet its obligation to fully fund IDEA. I’ll keep pushing until every kid has access to a quality education,” said Murphy.
“For children who experience disabilities, early intervention is critical to give them the tools and resources that they need to succeed as they grow,” said Hassan. “Yet, the current funding does not meet the demand from families across the country who are struggling to access these resources. Closing this funding gap is about making sure that all infants and toddlers are fully included and thrive.”
The complete list of supporting organizations includes: All4Ed, American Federation of Teachers, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Physical Therapy Association, American Psychological Association, American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs, Association of California School Administrators, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, California School Boards Association, Center for Law and Social Public Policy, Center for Learner Equity, Child Care Law Center, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, CommunicationFIRST, Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf, Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Cure SMA, Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children (DLD), Early Edge California, Early On Michigan Foundation, Easterseals, Educare Learning Network, First Five CA, First Five LA, First Five Years Fund, Higher Education Consortium of Special Education (HECSE), IDEA Infant Toddler Coordinators Association, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Los Angeles Unified School District, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), Michigan Division for Early Childhood, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Disability Rights Network, National Head Start Association, National Organization for Women (NOW), National Parent Teacher Association, National PLACE, National Women’s Law Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Parent to Parent of Georgia, Parents as Teachers, RespectAbility, San Diego Unified School District, Start Early, Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, The Advocacy Institute, The Arc of the United States, The Early Care and Education Consortium, The National Down Syndrome Congress, The Superintendents Association (AASA), Unite-LA, ZERO TO THREE.
In November, Murphy joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) to reintroduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to fully fund IDEA. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our commitment to America’s children and schools. Murphy also urged Appropriations Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Vice Chair Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) to maintain the $2.6 billion increase in IDEA funding that has been included in both the House and Senate appropriation bills for fiscal year 2022, and aligns with President Biden’s budget request. Thanks to a push by Murphy, Van Hollen, and Hassan, the American Rescue Plan included billions in dedicated funding to support students with disabilities.
2022-02-06@10:18pm–#Ansonia CT– #ctfire– Firefighters are on Dempsey Road where a homeowner was grilling a steak outside and it caught the shingles on the side of the house to catch fire. The shingles were just smoking when firefighters arrived.
If it were really bad our sponsor would have made it Like It Never Even Happened!
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Bridgeport Police Department is pleased to announce that Shanda Scott has been hired to fill the vacant position of Victim’s Services Coordinator. Mrs. Scott will serve as a point person by offering direction, resources, and information to members of the Bridgeport community that have been the victim of a violent crime and are in need of assistance.
Mrs. Scott is a Bridgeport resident and comes to us with extensive community outreach experience working in New York City with youth and victims’ services. Her qualifications, presentation and expressed desire to work with the Bridgeport community were just some of her strong points. Her mission in this capacity is to limit the impact of violent crime and tragedy through information, referral, support, and education.
Mayor Ganim met with Mrs. Scott and expressed his support for this position, “We appreciate Mrs. Scott joining the department to provide residents with help. Having a professional with the know-how and resources is critical for individuals that may be dealing with trauma as the result of a crime.”
Deputy Chief Baraja stated, “I am thankful for the support from the Mayor and the Chief and look forward to working with our newest team member. I am confident that with Mrs. Scott, we will be able to provide enhanced services to the community.”
The position of Victim’s Services Coordinator became vacant following the retirement of a long time employee. After an extensive search and interview process this position was filled by Shanda Scott on January 18, 2022.
If you or a family member have been the victim of violent crime and are seeking help, please feel free to contact Mrs. Scott at 203-576-7714 or shanda.scott@bridgeportct.govThis press release was made possible by:
2022-02-03 #Milford CT–, Milford Police responded to Golden Hill Healthcare, 2028 Bridgeport Ave, on the report of a breach of peace incident. Investigation led to the arrest of David Santiago who was accused of causing a disturbance and hitting two females inside the facility. Santiago was released on a promise to appear in court.
2022-02-05@4:07pm–#Fairfield CT– First responders on the way to Shrub Oak Lane where there are downed wires across an Amazon Truck. Everyone is safely out of the truck.
Invests in Supply Chain, Workers, International Security
Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) voted in the House of Representatives for the America COMPETES Act. The bill passed by a vote of 222-210. The COMPETES Act is designed to support our country’s workers and families by making investments in supply chain, domestic manufacturing, research and development, and strengthening America abroad.
“When we passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress made a commitment to fund, roads, rail, bridges, waterways, broadband, and the framework that keeps Connecticut, and the rest our country, running,” said Himes. “Today, The America COMPETES act is continuing the essential work that is at the top of Americans’ minds – building an economy that benefits everyone, now and in the future.”
The America COMPETES Act addresses several issues that are holding back the American economy by making investments in securing the supply chain and building American manufacturing capability, so families have access to goods when they need them. In addition, the bill invests significantly in research and development, expanding several initiatives related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as well as seeking advanced solutions to climate change and other pressing issues. Notably, the package includes measures to address China’s human rights abuses.
“These investments will help companies like ASML in Wilton, which employs more than 1,600 employees, by bolstering our advanced manufacturing supply chain,” continued Himes. “The research and development components of the bill will help keep the U.S. at the cutting edge of innovation and growth, while also protecting our position as the global leader in technology in areas like cyber, AI, and quantum. I’ve called for investments like this for years from my position on the Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research Subcommittee of the House Intelligence Committee and am glad to see parts included here.”
The COMPETES Act also includes a provision from Congressman Himes that would further empower the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the Treasury Department to enact special measures against international individuals or entities engaged in money laundering.
“Drug smugglers, arms runners, sex traffickers, slavers, and other criminals will use any means necessary to avoid having their assets seized or frozen,” said Himes. “If there are mechanisms through which the bad guys can hide their money, they will use them. Right now, FinCEN is trying to fight with one hand tied behind its back. This provision will allow them to follow the money trail, wherever it leads, and shut it down, while maintaining the transparent public-comment period as it exists now.”
The Fairfield Police Department is receiving numerous reports of scam calls which appear to target Doctors. The calls involve the individual claiming to be a member of the Fairfield Police Department. The call also appears to come from our non-emergency telephone number. The recipient of the call is told they missed a court appearance in which they were required to provide expert testimony in a case potentially involving a patient and that as a result, a warrant for their arrest has been issued. Some recipients report receiving a voicemail stating there is a “confidential legal matter” that needs to be discussed and are given a number to call back which does not belong to the Police Department. These calls are fake and the phone number on the Caller ID is being “spoofed” or altered to appear as if they are coming for the Police Department. Please just ignore the call and do not respond. The Fairfield Police Department does not generally call individuals regarding active arrest warrants and never calls anyone regarding missed court appearances. The recipients of these recent calls immediately recognized the call as a scam and contacted police, however, these types of calls usually result in the scammer soliciting money for bond and threatening immediate arrest if the bond is not paid. The Fairfield Police Department does not take bond payment over the phone and bonds are only ever accepted following an arrest, not to prevent one. We encourage any resident who is contacted by an unknown individual and is asked for money to contact the Fairfield Police Department if they are concerned or in doubt about the legitimacy of the call. Odds are, the call is a scam with the purpose of extorting individuals for money. Anyone receiving such a call may contact Police at (203) 254-4800. More information on protecting yourself and family from falling victims to scams can be found here:https://fpdct.com/news-releases/fairfield-police-provide-tips-on-how-to-protect-yourself-family-from-falling-victim-to-scams/
2022-02-05@12:55pm–#Bridgeport CT– Report of a pedestrian being struck on Willison Street at Central Avenue.
This news report is made possible by:
2022-02-04@10:19pm–#Shelton CT– #ctfire– Firefighters on scene at Molnar Drive for a fire in the living room. Arriving firefighters report that there is a down branch in the long driveway with downed electrical wires complicating things. Turned out to be a surge protector on fire that melted and is now out.
