State News

MURPHY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING FOR ALL KIDS

45 Percent of Children Nationwide Lack Summer Learning Opportunities, Citing Cost As Biggest Barrier WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Friday introduced the Summer for All Act, legislation to provide high-quality summer enrichment opportunities to kids and families who otherwise would not have access to these programs. The bill would establish two new grant programs to provide long-term, direct funding that would help community-based organizations provide free summer camp and other activities to underserved kids and support states in the planning and implementation of initiatives to address summer programming gaps in sustainable ways. In 2021, Murphy secured a dedicated set-aside in the education funding in the American Rescue Plan for summer…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S BETTER CLIMATE CHALLENGE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge, becoming one of more than 50 organizations across the United States that are stepping up to the challenge and driving real-world action toward a low-carbon future. In joining the challenge, the state is committing to reduce portfolio-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within ten years and work with DOE to share successful solutions and decarbonization strategies. As Connecticut undertakes this challenge, DOE will support its efforts with technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and a platform for the organization to demonstrate its commitment to being part of the solution to climate change. To reach its emissions…

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THE SENATE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS RELEASES NEW STAFF REPORT ON ZELLE, BANK FAILURES TO PROTECT CONSUMERS

Ahead of hearing with Zelle owner and major banks, Majority staff report unveils stunning lack of consumer protections [WASHINGTON, DC] – Ahead of a hearing with Early Warning Services (EWS) CEO Cameron Fowler and major bank executives, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chair of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), released a majority staff report today detailing the Subcommittee’s findings thus far in its bipartisan inquiry into EWS and the three largest Zelle owner banks, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo (the “Three Banks”). “Zelle and the big banks who own it know that Zelle’s speed and convenience makes it a target,” said Blumenthal. “They are well aware that, every single day, some of their customers will…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT TO ACCELERATE ADOPTION OF AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Awards $450 Million to the Multi-State New England Heat Pump Accelerator Coalition (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding a coalition of states known as the New England Heat Pump Accelerator Coalition – which includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island – with a $450 million grant through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program to accelerate adoption of affordable electric heat pumps throughout the region. Cold-climate heat pumps are proven to substantially reduce emissions, provide significant health benefits, and deliver energy savings. The coalition’s application was led by the State of Connecticut through the Connecticut Department of Energy and…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES EXTREME HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL FROM SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY

Cooling Centers Are Open and Can be Located by Calling 2-1-1 or Visiting 211ct.org (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as another heat wave is expected to approach Connecticut in the coming days, he is directing Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, and remaining in effect through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe hot weather conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide.…

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BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT FEDERAL WHISTLEBLOWERS FROM RETALIATION

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced the Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act to shield federal employees who report information to Congress from retaliation. Under current law, federal employees are guaranteed the right to petition or provide information to Congress. However, without adequate protections in place, individuals who do so can face termination or retaliation. The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act ensures that all federal employees, contractors, and applicants are able to file an administrative complaint if their right to share information with Congress has been interfered with or denied. Additionally, if corrective action is not reached within 180 days of filing a complaint, the legislation allows whistleblowers to pursue a lawsuit in federal court and seek a range of relief, including lost wages and…

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The City of Bridgeport Health & Social Services Department Receives Grant to Address Heat and Air Quality Issues in Public Housing

Bridgeport, CT – The City of Bridgeport’s Health & Social Services Department has been a recent recipient of the Connecticut State Department of Public Health for Local Heat and Air Quality Preparedness & Response Planning grant; counting Bridgeport as one of two cities in Connecticut who’ve received this grant. The grant’s primary use will be for implementation of six community groups within public housing areas underneath the Park City Communities leadership: one in each of the City’s zip codes. The initiative behind the usage of the grant is to address heat and air quality disparities within public housing areas that specifically affect Bridgeport’s elderly population. Mayor Ganim stated, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the State Department of Public Health…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES EXTREME HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

Cooling Centers Are Available and Can be Located by Calling 2-1-1 or Visiting 211ct.org (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience very hot and humid temperatures over the next several days, he is directing Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, and remaining in effect through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The current forecast is indicating that temperatures over this period during the daytime will rise into the 90s and the heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s and dewpoints…

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State Police Prepare for July 4th Weekend Enforcement

Connecticut State Troopers are preparing for increased traffic and patrols during the upcoming Independence Day holiday. With July 4th on a Thursday, celebrations could extend from Wednesday evening, July 3, through Sunday evening, July 7. This period is expected to see more trips to the beach, backyard barbecues, and fireworks displays. State Troopers will ensure safe driving and conduct DUI roving patrols. They remind drivers to buckle up, adhere to the speed limit, put down cell phones, and focus on driving. Motorists should plan for possible traffic delays due to road construction and increased traffic. Connecticut’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to slow down and move over for stationary vehicles when safe. Troopers urge drivers to designate a driver if…

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Governor Lamont Has Covid

(HARTFORD, CT) – Julia Bergman, director of media relations and chief spokesperson for Governor Ned Lamont, today released the following statement: “Yesterday afternoon, Governor Lamont was feeling slightly under the weather and out of an abundance of caution he decided to take an at-home COVID test, and the result came back positive. He is feeling fine other than a couple of mild symptoms. During these last couple of days, he has not been in the office, nor has he been in close physical proximity with any staff or state officials because he had been taking previously scheduled time out of the office. He has notified those he recently came into close contact with regarding his test result and he has…

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