DoingItLocal

HARTFORD, CT — Senator Tony Hwang (R–Fairfield) today applauded the awarding of $4,437,138 to the Town of Fairfield for the Commerce Drive Bridge Replacement project, a major infrastructure improvement made possible through the state’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP).

As Ranking Member and leading Republican on both the Transportation Committee and the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, Senator Hwang played a role with Bridgeport legislators in advancing this project and more than a dozen others funded through the LOTCIP initiative. His efforts, in collaboration with state officials and committee leadership, helped ensure a transparent, data-driven process that prioritized local needs and long-term sustainability.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Transportation Committee and Transportation Bonding Subcommittee leadership for their collaborative efforts, particularly as it came to funding, throughout the past year. I would also like to thank Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for their partnership in advancing the items prioritized by these committees,” said Senator Hwang.

Senator Hwang emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation in the infrastructure planning and funding process, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and equitably across Connecticut communities. He also highlighted the critical need for modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible transportation systems that meet the needs of residents today while preserving the natural environment for generations to come.

The Commerce Drive Bridge project is designed to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and align with broader goals for sustainable development and climate-conscious public works.

“Investments like these are not just about replacing aging infrastructure,” Hwang added. “They’re about building stronger communities, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring that Fairfield remains connected, safe, and environmentally responsible.”

For more information on the LOTCIP program and upcoming infrastructure improvements in the region, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/lotcip.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves today announced that the Lamont administration has reached an agreement with the 17 community health centers in Connecticut regarding a three-year plan to boost Medicaid reimbursement rates for the centers that service 440,000 people across the state each year.

The agreement will phase in rate increases over three years totaling approximately $80 million by June 30, 2028. The deal also clarifies the process for these centers to request rate adjustments based on the scope of services they offer and authorizes collaboration between the state and the centers to develop alternative payment models.

“While Republicans in Congress are defunding Medicaid and raising health care costs for all Americans, here in Connecticut we are making key investments in primary care, dental, and behavioral health,” Governor Lamont said. “Our community health centers are a lifeline for our residents, providing care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay, and this agreement helps to provide sustainable and reliable care for those who count on them.”

“These investments will position the community health centers to lead in value-based care, improve patient outcomes, and community health,” Commissioner Barton Reeves said. “The Federally Qualified Health Centers are essential partners in delivering high quality, affordable health care to all residents. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership, with the shared goals of addressing the health care needs of Connecticut’s residents and increasing access to preventative care throughout the state.”

“We appreciate the willingness of Governor Lamont and Commissioner Reeves’s teams to continue to work with our health centers towards this agreement,” Shawn K. Frick, CEO of the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut CHC/ACT, said. “Patients across the state will benefit from this investment in primary care.”

Mark Masselli, CEO of CHC, Inc., the largest health center in the state, agreed, stating, “Many thanks to all who worked together to achieve this compromise.”

The agreement provides:

A three-year phase in of new rates, reflective of 2023 costs for each health center, beginning on October 1, 2025.

A new “change in scope” process.

Change the appeals process for Federally Qualified Health Centers to align with other Medicaid providers beginning January 1, 2027.

Withdrawal of the declaratory ruling request.