Tag: connecticut
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Connecticut Governor Signs Legislation to Strengthen Hate Crime Prosecutions
Governor Ned Lamont signed new legislation consolidating Connecticut's hate crime statutes. This aims to improve prosecution and protect communities amidst a nationwide rise in hate crimes, making laws more effective starting October 1, 2026.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsLegalSocial Issues Ned LamontConnecticutHate CrimesLegislationProsecutionPublic Act 26-77Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory CouncilConnecticut Governors Office
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DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes to Depart, Emma Cimino Named Acting Commissioner
Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will leave in July after 14 years of state service. Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will step in as acting commissioner, continuing the agency's focus on environmental protection and clean energy initiatives.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEnergyClimate Change ConnecticutDEEPKatie DykesEmma CiminoEnvironmental ProtectionEnergy PolicyGovernment AppointmentsConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Announces 90 New Teachers Graduate from Connecticut's ARC Program
Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program celebrates 90 new teachers, enhancing the state's educator workforce. Governor Lamont highlights the program's role in diversifying classrooms and addressing critical teacher shortages.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEmployment and LaborEducation ConnecticutAlternate Route to CertificationTeachersWorkforce DevelopmentDiversityGovernor Ned LamontConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Governor Bans Pistols Easily Convertible to Machine Guns
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation banning the sale and importation of pistols easily converted into machine guns. This new law, a Class D felony, aims to prevent mass casualty incidents and supports law enforcement against emerging firearm technologies.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsLegalSocial Issues Ned LamontConnecticutGun ControlFirearmsLegislationPublic SafetyMachine GunsConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Enacts Mandatory License Suspension for School Bus Violations
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill mandating a six-month license suspension for drivers who repeatedly fail to stop for school buses. This new law, Public Act 26-95, aims to enhance child safety and reinforce caution around school buses.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementEducationGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsLegalTransportation Ned LamontConnecticutSchool BusesLicense SuspensionTraffic LawPublic Act 26-95Driver SafetyConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Launches Blue-Ribbon Commission to Overhaul K-12 Education Funding
Governor Ned Lamont's Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability held its first meeting today. The commission will review Connecticut's outdated funding formulas, aiming to develop actionable recommendations by January to improve student outcomes statewide.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEducation Ned LamontConnecticutK-12 EducationEducation FundingBlue-Ribbon CommissionEducation ReformPublic PolicyConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Allocates $8.5 Million to Aid Residents Losing Federal SNAP Benefits
Governor Ned Lamont announced $8.5 million from Connecticut's Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to 25,000 residents losing SNAP benefits due to new federal rules, including veterans, ensuring food security.
Politics and GovernmentHealthGeneral PoliticsFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsEconomySocial IssuesEmployment and Labor ConnecticutSNAP benefitsFederal Cuts Response FundGovernor Ned LamontDonald TrumpGrocery assistanceSocial ServicesConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Erases $315 Million in Medical Debt for 97,000 Residents
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced nearly $315 million in medical debt will be erased for 97,000 residents. This fourth round brings total relief to over $513 million for 252,000 people, supported by state funding and Undue Medical Debt.
Politics and GovernmentHealthGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomySocial Issues ConnecticutMedical DebtGovernor Ned LamontUndue Medical DebtHealthcareFinancial ReliefARPA FundingConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Enacts Landmark Legislation for Youth Online Safety, AI Regulation, and Workforce Upskilling
Connecticut's new bipartisan law protects youth from social media addiction, regulates AI for safety and employment, and upskills the workforce, positioning the state as a leader in the digital age.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyHealthGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsArtificial IntelligenceSocial IssuesEducation ConnecticutYouth Online SafetyWorkforce DevelopmentGovernor Ned LamontSocial MediaLegislationConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Reappoints Major General Evon to Lead Connecticut National Guard
Governor Ned Lamont reappointed Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr. as Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard for a new four-year term. Evon, praised for his leadership, will continue to oversee the Guard's dual state and federal missions.
Politics and GovernmentConflictGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsFederal GovernmentMilitaryEducation Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr.Governor Ned LamontConnecticut National GuardAdjutant GeneralReappointmentMilitary LeadershipConnecticutConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Declares June LGBTQ Pride Month in Connecticut, Highlights Legislative Progress
Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month in Connecticut, celebrating the community's contributions and reinforcing the state's commitment to equality, non-discrimination, and recent legislative advancements in hate crime laws and fertility care.
Politics and GovernmentHealthLaw EnforcementUSAState GovernmentsSocial IssuesLegalGeneral Politics ConnecticutGovernor Ned LamontLGBTQ Pride MonthLGBTQ+ rightsLegislationHate CrimesFertility CareConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Announces $320 Million Boost to Early Childhood Education Endowment
Connecticut invests $320 million more into its Early Childhood Education Endowment, totaling $620 million. This aims to boost affordability, access, and workforce stability, providing no-cost care for many families by July 2027 and solidifying the state's leadership in early education.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEmployment and LaborEducationSocial Issues ConnecticutNed LamontEarly Childhood Education EndowmentChild CareEducation FundingWorkforce DevelopmentHartfordConnecticut Governors Office
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New Haven Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Pandemic Robbery Spree
William Rosario Lopez received a 29-year federal prison sentence for a series of armed gas station robberies across Connecticut during the early COVID-19 pandemic, involving threats and a firearm discharge.
Law EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentLegalFederal GovernmentState Governments William Rosario LopezNew HavenConnecticutArmed RobberyFederal PrisonCOVID-19 pandemicFirearms OffensesFBI
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New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking Charge
New Haven's Christian Lopez, 42, known as "Face," pleaded guilty to fentanyl distribution, facing a mandatory minimum of five years. The FBI's Safe Streets Task Force uncovered his involvement in 300 grams of fentanyl transactions.
Law EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentFederal GovernmentLegalState GovernmentsSocial Issues Christian LopezFentanylDrug TraffickingNew HavenFBI Safe Streets Task ForceConnecticutGuilty PleaFBI
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Connecticut Approves Major Investments in Education, Housing, Technology, and Public Safety
Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission approved significant investments in Connecticut, funding early childhood education, affordable housing, graduate student loans, state technology upgrades, public safety enhancements, and environmental protection, aiming to strengthen communities and boost affordability.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyState GovernmentsEconomyEducationSocial IssuesEnvironment ConnecticutState Bond CommissionEarly Childhood EducationHousingTechnologyPublic SafetyInfrastructureConnecticut Governors Office
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Natalie Braswell Named Interim Chancellor for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
Natalie Braswell has been appointed interim chancellor for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. Governor Ned Lamont lauded her as a steady leader with sound judgment, crucial for focusing on student success and opportunity within the state's higher education system.
Politics and GovernmentUSAGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEducation Natalie BraswellCSCUInterim ChancellorGovernor Ned LamontConnecticutHigher EducationLeadershipConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Names Elisa Velardo Interim DDS Commissioner as Jordan Scheff Departs
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff will leave on June 11, 2026, for a new opportunity. Deputy Commissioner Elisa Velardo, with 25 years of experience, will serve as interim commissioner, continuing the agency's mission to support individuals…
Politics and GovernmentHealthGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsMedical ScienceSocial Issues Jordan ScheffElisa VelardoConnecticut Department of Developmental ServicesGovernor Ned LamontIntellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesConnecticutGovernment AppointmentsConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Signs FY 2027 Budget, Boosting Education, Municipal Aid, and Affordability
Governor Ned Lamont signed Connecticut's FY 2027 budget, increasing funding for schools and municipalities, expanding early childhood education, and enhancing affordability initiatives. The bipartisan bill also makes significant pension payments and introduces new tax credits.
Politics and GovernmentHealthBusinessLaw EnforcementGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEducationMedical Science Ned LamontConnecticutState BudgetEducation FundingMunicipal AidProperty TaxesEarly Childhood EducationConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Names Ari Santiago Interim Chair of CT Board of Regents
Governor Ned Lamont has appointed entrepreneur Ari Santiago as interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. Santiago will focus on workforce development and ensuring transparency and accountability within the CSCU system.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessState GovernmentsEducationEconomyEmployment and LaborComputers and Internet Ari SantiagoNed LamontConnecticut Board of Regents for Higher EducationCSCUWorkforce DevelopmentHigher EducationConnecticutConnecticut Governors Office
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New England Governors Urge FERC to Reject Utility Profit Hike
New England governors, led by Connecticut's Ned Lamont, jointly urged FERC to reject a proposed profit increase for transmission owners. They argue the 11.39% return on equity would unfairly burden ratepayers and hinder economic competitiveness, following a recent order for…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyGeneral PoliticsFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsEconomyEnergyLegal New England GovernorsFERCElectricity TransmissionRatepayersUtility ProfitsConnecticutEnergy PolicyConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Flags to Half-Staff for Memorial Day, Landmarks Illuminated
Governor Lamont directs U.S. and state flags to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, to honor fallen military. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge and Stamford Transportation Center will be illuminated red, white, and blue.
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsMilitarySocial IssuesTransportation Memorial DayConnecticutFlagsNed LamontSusan BysiewiczIlluminationConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut State Parks Kick Off Summer Season, Highlight America's 250th Anniversary
Governor Lamont and DEEP invite residents and visitors to explore Connecticut's state parks this summer, highlighting historic sites, ongoing investments, and enhanced accessibility as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEducationGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEnvironment ConnecticutState ParksOutdoor RecreationAmerica's 250thGovernor Ned LamontDEEPTourismConnecticut Governors Office
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Six Connecticut Schools Earn Prestigious 2026 Blue Ribbon Recognition
Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker announced six Connecticut schools as 2026 Blue Ribbon Honorees, recognized for academic excellence and supportive learning environments. This state-run program replaced the national initiative, highlighting top-performing schools across the state.
Politics and GovernmentEducationState GovernmentsGeneral PoliticsSocial Issues ConnecticutBlue Ribbon SchoolsGovernor Ned LamontCharlene M. Russell-TuckerAcademic ExcellenceSchools of DistinctionConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Slams Eversource Rate Hike Amidst Billions in Profit
Governor Lamont challenges Eversource's proposed $25 monthly rate hike, citing the utility's $1.69 billion profit and high executive pay. He urges regulators to prioritize Connecticut families over shareholder returns, advocating for energy affordability.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyEnergyLegal Ned LamontEversourceConnecticutUtility RatesEnergy PolicyExecutive CompensationPURAConnecticut Governors Office
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Governor Lamont Enacts Earmark Transparency Legislation
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed new legislation, Public Act 26-27, to enhance transparency and accountability for state earmarks. The law establishes clear procedures for fund distribution, ensuring public oversight and protecting critical funding for nonprofits.
Politics and GovernmentGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsLegalEconomy Ned LamontConnecticutLegislationEarmarksTransparencyAccountabilityPublic PolicyConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Enacts No-Excuse Absentee Voting for All Elections
Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation allowing all eligible Connecticut voters to cast ballots via no-excuse absentee voting, effective immediately. This move, supported by a 2024 constitutional amendment, aims to enhance voter accessibility and includes new election safety measures.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsElectionLegalSocial Issues Absentee BallotsConnecticutElectionsVoting RightsElection SecurityNed LamontGovernmentConnecticut Governors Office
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New Haven Firefighter Dies 34 Years After On-Duty Injury
New Haven Firefighter Thomas Kelly died May 4, 2026, from injuries sustained in a 1992 fall during a commercial building fire. His death, 34 years after the incident, is among 20 firefighter fatalities reported in 2026.
Politics and GovernmentHealthFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsSocial IssuesEducation Thomas KellyNew Haven Fire DepartmentFirefighter Fatality2026On-duty InjuryConnecticutFirefighting
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Lamont Establishes Blue-Ribbon Commission for K-12 Education Funding Reform
Governor Ned Lamont has appointed a Blue-Ribbon Commission to overhaul Connecticut's K-12 education funding. The group will deliver actionable recommendations by January 2027 to update formulas, improve efficiency, and maximize student outcomes statewide.
Politics and GovernmentEducationState GovernmentsEconomyGeneral Politics ConnecticutK-12 EducationEducation FundingGovernor Ned LamontBlue-Ribbon CommissionPublic SchoolsEducation PolicyConnecticut Governors Office
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to 3 Years for $2.5 Million Fraud Scheme
Connecticut man Dominick N. Donofrio received a 36-month prison sentence for a $2.5 million wire fraud scheme. He defrauded a client by inflating property prices and charging fictitious fees.
Law EnforcementBusinessLegalEconomyFederal Government Dominick N. DonofrioWire FraudFinancial SchemeConnecticutPrison SentenceWindstar Financial ServicesRandall Robert Binversie HoldingsFBI
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Governor Lamont Proposes Third Plan to Shield Connecticut from Federal Funding Cuts
Governor Ned Lamont unveils his third plan for Connecticut's Federal Cuts Response Fund, allocating $87.3 million to support dairy farms, homelessness prevention, refugee aid, and academic research amidst federal funding reductions.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessHealthScience & TechnologyGeneral PoliticsEconomySocial IssuesEducationMedical Science ConnecticutGovernor Ned LamontFederal Cuts Response FundDairy IndustryHomelessnessRefugeesAcademic ResearchConnecticut Governors Office