ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG LEADS BIPARTISAN COALITION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING CONGRESS TO PRESERVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR 9/11 RESPONDERS AND SURVIVORS

Bipartisan Coalition Calls on Congressional Leadership to Take Immediate Action to Protect World Trade Center Health Program Ahead of Imminent Funding Shortfall

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong today led a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general urging Congress to take immediate action to address the impending funding crisis threatening the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), a lifeline for more than 135,000 first responders, survivors, and families impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a letter to congressional leadership, Attorney General Tong and the coalition called for urgent legislative action to ensure the long-term financial stability of the WTCHP, which is projected to face a devastating funding shortfall as early as next year.

“The survivors and heroic first responders of September 11—many of whom live in Connecticut— are not a political football. They were exposed to toxic dust and debris, and require specialized medical care to monitor and treat the serious diseases linked to their exposure. This is a non-negotiable obligation of our government, and Congress needs to set aside any disagreement or dysfunction to immediately address the looming funding shortfall,” said Attorney General Tong.

Established by Congress under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, WTCHP provides free medical care, monitoring, and treatment to more than 132,000 Americans living with 9/11-related health conditions. Patients served by WTCHP include survivors, first responders, and people who lived or worked near the crash sites, as well as those who participated in rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts.

In the letter, the coalition writes that WTCHP has been an essential resource for 15 years for the more than 135,000 Americans exposed to toxic dust and debris following the collapse of the World Trade Center. The attorneys general note that patients include firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, construction workers, volunteers, and community members who were present in the aftermath – many of whom are now suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, cancers, mental health conditions, and other serious illnesses directly linked to their exposure.

The attorneys general argue that despite being reauthorized in 2015 and 2019 with overwhelming bipartisan support, the program now faces a severe funding shortfall that could result in the denial of care to thousands of current and future enrollees. The program is authorized to run until 2090, but the attorneys general contend that the far-off date is essentially meaningless if the program is not funded during that period.

In the letter, Attorney General Tong and the coalition argue that WTCHP funding gap is driven by increasing demand for specialized care, as more survivors and first responders are diagnosed with 9/11-related illnesses each year. They note that approximately 400,000 people were exposed to the toxic air around Ground Zero, and though only a third of that group are currently enrolled in the program, many first responders and survivors are still getting sick at an alarming rate.

The attorneys general contend that increased demand for services and treatment means that current funding levels are simply not enough for this country to keep its commitment to 9/11 heroes. Without additional funding, waitlists could grow, medical providers may be forced to cut back services, and the program could be unable to accept new enrollees, many of whom are only now receiving diagnoses for conditions directly linked to their exposure.

Attorney General Tong and the coalition are calling on Congress to act swiftly and decisively to ensure WTCHP has the full funding it needs. The attorneys general strongly urge Congress to enact legislation that will both address the WTCHP funding shortfall and provide the financial stability necessary for the program to serve current and future enrollees.

Joining Attorney General Tong in sending this letter are the attorneys general of American Samoa, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Electrical Fire Displaces 9

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/00-3-1.mp4

At approximately 4:15pm, the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to the 800 block of North Avenue to a fire in the area of the electrical panel which was quickly extinguished. UI has shut power off to the structure. No reported injuries and the Fire Marshal’s office is investigating. 9 adults are being relocated by the Red Cross.

STRATFORD LIBRARY KIDS EVENTS IN JUNE

Summer Storytimes
The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers summer storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Beginning Monday, June 16, Music Time meets weekly for ages 0-2. Tuesdays are Preschool Storytimes for ages 3-5. Storytimes run through July. On Thursdays, June 26, July 24, and August 14, Baby Lapsit meets for ages 0-18 months. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! Storytimes meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Children’s Craft Table
The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers weekly summer crafts with teen volunteers in the Library starting Monday, June 16. The craft table will be open Monday-Thursday, 10am-12pm and 2pm-6:30 pm as well as Fridays from 10am-12pm, volunteer availability permitting. Each week will feature a different, free craft, while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Preschool Playtime: Dinosaurs
The Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering preschool STEAM activities on Thursday, June 5 at 4:00pm for children ages 3-6. Activities will be about Dinosaurs. Preschool Playtime will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Book Scientists
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children ages 5-12. Each kit includes books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. This month the themes will be Summer Fun (June 6) and Adventure (June 20). Kits can be picked up for two weeks after the kit release date. Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Seed Library Grab ’n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Seed Grab ‘n’ go for pick up on Monday, June 9 (Primrose) and June 13 (Peppers). Receive both seeds and instructions on how to plant. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org Events page.

Preschool Yoga w Jyothi
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Thursday, June 12 at 10:30am for some Preschool Yoga with Miss Jyothi. Children ages 2-5 are welcome to participate. Please bring your own yoga mat or a blanket to use during the program. Preschool Yoga will meet in the Lovell Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. Kits can be picked up for two weeks after the kit release date. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Alphabet Parade Grab ‘n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering Alphabet Parade grab ‘n go craft kits on Friday, June 13 (Letter “A”) and 27 (Letter “B”) for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

LEGO Club
The Stratford Library will offer LEGO Club on Saturday, June 14 at 2:00pm, and Monday, June 30 at 4:00pm for ages 5-12. Children will be provided LEGOS to make their own creations, and each family only needs to register once. LEGO club will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Juneteenth Music & Dance
Join the Stratford Library on Wednesday, June 18 at 2:00pm for a celebration of Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday. African dance instructor Jolyn Washington Walker from African Dance Expressions will lead families through a musical celebration. All ages are welcome, and the program meets in the Lovell Room. Courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Kids Podcasting Club
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Podcasting Club for children ages 7-13 and a parent/guardian. This club will meet on Friday, June 20 at 3:00pm. Librarians and uCreate volunteers will help children record stories, book recommendations, insights and more! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Crocheting
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering crochet lessons on Saturday, June 21 at 2:00pm. Ages 9 to adult are welcome, and supplies are provided. Beginners and more advanced learners are welcome to attend. This program meets in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Kids Lego Robotics Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Lego Robotics workshop on Monday, June 23 at 4:00pm for children ages 7-12. Thanks to a grant from the Stratford Rotary Club, the Library now owns LEGO Spike Essential kits, which combine LEGO building with some coding fun! This program will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Living Connecticut History: The Amistad
On Tuesday, June 24 at 12:00 PM, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will host a program by performing artist and storyteller Tammy Denease about the schooner Amistad. Children and teens ages 9 and up are welcome. Learn about Sarah Margu, a child enslaved aboard the Amistad. Sponsored by Discovering Amistad and Connecticut Humanities, this program meets in the Lovell Room. Registration is recommended. Attendees will receive a free copy of Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad by Monica Edinger, while supplies last. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org and click Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165.

Wizards and Witches Crafts
On Wednesday, June 25 at 2:00 PM, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will host an all-ages Wizards and Witches Crafts event in the Lovell Room. Kids and adults can create themed crafts inspired by Merlin, Dumbledore, Gandalf, and more, while chatting about favorite magical books and movies. Costumes are highly encouraged. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org under Events. For details, call 203.385.4165.

Kindness Club
On Thursday, June 26 at 4:00 PM, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will host a Kindness Club meeting for ages 6–11. This summer’s projects will focus on spreading joy and benefiting the community. The program meets in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org. For more information, call 203.385.4165.

Saturday Storytime: Ladybugs
The Stratford Library Children’s Department will host a Saturday Storytime for ages 3–6 on Saturday, June 21 at 10:30 AM. Children will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a ladybug-themed craft in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org. Call 203.385.4165 for details.

Gardening for Kids
On Friday, June 27 at 11:00 AM, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer a Gardening for Kids program for ages 8–12 in the Children’s Program Room. Kids will learn how to start planting their own garden. Presented in partnership with the Stratford Health Department. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org. For info, call 203.385.4165.

Preschool Art
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department for Preschool Art on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM. Children ages 3–7 are invited to participate. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org. For more details, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Mayor Ganim and the Department of Public Facilities Announce the Opening of City Parks for 2025 Memorial Day Weekend

Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim and the Bridgeport Department of Public Facilities has announced the opening date for the City’s parks for Saturday, May 24, 2025. Mayor Ganim is reminding all residents that checkpoints will be in effect for all visitors to purchase park stickers from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend in September. Residents should be aware that checkpoints will accept Credit Cards only for payment. There is also the option of obtaining Park Stickers at the City’s Parks & Recreation department via Cash or Credit, located at 7 Quarry Rd, Trumbull, CT, Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm.

The Bridgeport Police Department will be providing additional patrol cars on warm days and weekends. Parking Enforcement officers will be used to keep people from parking outside of the park, as vehicles may be subject to fines. There will also be an officer at each checkpoint in Seaside Park.

The Department of Public Facilities will utilize LED Message Boards at Seaside Park at the Perry Memorial Arch and West Beach entrance. These boards are installed at Beardsley Park as well, advising visitors of pertinent information regarding stickers and other park information.

Mayor Ganim stated, “As the date has finally approached for us to officially open our parks for the warm seasons, I hope all residents and visitors get to take advantage of these amenities. I encourage everyone to enjoy themselves and be reminded that safety is our top priority when it comes to our parks.”

PARK STICKER INFORMATION BELOW IS AS FOLLOWS:

Seaside Park and Beardsley Park

Annual Passes

  • Annual Parking Sticker (Resident Permit) – Vehicle Registered in Bridgeport: $15 Required starting May 24th.
  • Annual Parking Sticker (Non-Resident CT Permit) — Vehicle Registered in CT: $230 Required starting May 24th.
  • Annual Parking Sticker (Special Permit) — Vehicle Registered in CT with proof of current City of Bridgeport property tax bill: $20 Required starting May 24th.
  • Annual Parking Sticker (Out of State Permit) — Vehicle Registered Out-of-State with proof of current City of Bridgeport property tax bill: $20 Required starting May 24th.

Day Passes Available to CT Residents starts Saturday May 24th.

  • Seaside Park, CT Registration: $50 Required starting May 24th.
  • Beardsley Park, CT Registration: $50 Required starting May 24th.

Day Passes Available to Out-of- State Residents starting Saturday May 24th.

  • Seaside Park Out of State Registration: $100 Required starting May 24th.
  • Beardsley Park Out of State Registration: $100 Required starting May 24th.

Park stickers will be available for purchase on Saturday May 24th at the following locations:

  • Checkpoint booths at Seaside Park West Beach (Credit Card), and Beardsley Park (Credit Card); Weekends 8am-4pm
  • Parks and Recreation Department, 7 Quarry Road, Trumbull; Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (cash and credit)

Stickers can only be purchased for the vehicle entering the park with proof of registration. The sticker will be affixed to the windshield by a checkpoint attendant.

If you have an Out-of-Town or Out-of-State vehicle but pay Bridgeport property taxes – please visit the Parks and Recreation Department with a current City of Bridgeport property tax bill to acquire a sticker. These stickers are NOT SOLD directly at the park checkpoints.

Senior Park Stickers

Bridgeport resident senior citizens (65 and older) are eligible for a free lifetime Senior Park Sticker with proof of Bridgeport car registration and proof of age. Senior Park Stickers can only be acquired at the Parks and Recreation Department during office hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

Lifeguards

Lifeguards will be on duty at Seaside Beach and Pleasure Beach from June 21st until Labor Day.

Pleasure Beach

Pleasure Beach Taxi Service will officially be open on July 4th (Weekends Only, including Holidays). The Taxi Free Service to Pleasure Beach begins at 10am and stops at 4pm, Pleasure Beach closure is at 6pm.

Splash Pads

Opening Day May 24th

  • Beardsley Park Splash Pad – 1875 Noble Avenue (Upper East Side)
  • Seaside Park Splash Pad – West Beach, 1 Barnum Dyke (South End)

Tentative Opening Day June 21st

  • Newfield Park Splash Pad – 104 Eagle Street (East End)
  • Puglio Park Splash Pad – 3531 Madison Avenue (North End)
  • Went Field Splash Pad – 401 Hanover Street (West Side)
  • Alice Street Splash Pad – 1 Alice Street (North End)
  • Curiale School Splash Pad – 189 Wood Avenue (West Side)
  • Columbus School Splash Pad – 275 George Street (The Hollow)
  • Ellsworth Park – 58 Ellsworth Street (Black Rock)
  • Johnson Oak Park – 55 Hewitt Street (East End)
  • Luis Munoz Marin School Splash Pad – 475 Helen Street (East Side)
  • Nob Hill – 115 Virginia Avenue (Upper East Side)
  • Park City Magnet School Splash Pad – 1526 Chopsey Hill (Reservoir/Whiskey Hill)
  • Success Splash Pad – 303 Grandfield Avenue (Boston Avenue/Mill Hill)
  • Washington Park Splash Pad – 475 East Washington Avenue (East Side)

Fishing

Day & Night fishing is both permitted along the city’s waterfronts and piers with a valid Fishing Permit. Follow all signs posted, and adhere to No Trespassing signs, specifically noted for the breaker at Seaside Park.

For more information, visit the City of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department website at www.Bridgeportct.gov/ParksandRec.

Exit mobile version