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Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez today announced the release of three state grants totaling more than $400,000 that will be used to support programs focused on improving the financial wellness of Connecticut residents with a priority focus on women and girls. The grants are being awarded through a competitive RFP process issued by the Connecticut Department of Banking that solicited proposals centered on the grant’s objectives.

“These grants will be used to support programs that empower people to improve their own financial stability through education and training, with a particular focus on our underserved populations, including women and girls,” Governor Lamont said. “I appreciate the partnership of the organizations that are working in our shared goal of helping people get on the road to financial independence and wellness.”

“Empowering women towards financial wellness benefits all of us,” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, who serves as chairperson of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, said. “Decades of research have shown that the benefits of women’s full participation in economies are enormous. By uplifting women and girls, we can increase financial stability in their households, as well as their local communities and broader societies. Through these partnerships, we are increasing the opportunity and accessibility – especially for women and girls – of these essential programs that will help propel them, and their communities, to a better financial future.”

“The recipients have demonstrated that they can effect real change with the money allocated from this grant,” Commissioner Perez said. “I would like to thank all the committee members who thoroughly reviewed each proposal. It was a difficult decision, as all the proposals had merit. While we could not fund all applicants, it is encouraging to see the various organizations working and making a difference each day in people’s lives.”

The Connecticut Department of Banking sourced the grants from settlement funds with various companies. As per those arrangements, a portion of the monies are set aside for financial wellness and investor education. A committee, composed of department staff, representatives of other state agencies, and industry professionals, reviewed 15 responses to the department’s RFP. Consideration was given to organizations, entities, coalitions, and collaborations able to reach and assist underserved communities, with a priority on women and girls, to improve their financial wellness and empowerment.

Each application required a detailed description that included:

• the program’s method of delivery of financial education;
• the targeted demographic of the program;
• information regarding the nature and structure of the program including the programs goals for participants;
• how the proposed program would go beyond what is available and to what extent would the program serve as an innovative and scalable model; and
• how success of the program would be measured and, if available, information pertaining to the success of past programs.

The committee considered the following factors and gave preference to proposals that:

• empower individuals with financial capabilities that help prepare them to meet their future financial goals;
• describe the benefits of saving and checking accounts;
• teach the importance of establishing good credit as a foundation for future financial success;
• encourage individuals to think long-term by teaching investing principles;
• deliver information regarding consumer protection including high-cost loans, frauds/scams, cybersecurity, and identity theft;
• apply knowledge to practical skills and real-life experiences;
• inspire participants to set personal and financial goals and demonstrates how those goals can be achieved
• provide participants with the ability to seek follow-up services; and
• build upon current programs in a manner that is innovative, measurable and scalable.

The following organizations have been selected to receive the grants:

Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will receive a $250,000 state grant to expand seven of its Financial Opportunity Centers, which are located throughout Connecticut. These serve as career and financial coaching service centers that provide three core services to individuals with low-to-moderate incomes: one-on-one employment coaching, one-on-one financial coaching, and access to benefits that help build credit, savings, and assets. The centers also have the opportunity to transition into Bridges to Career Opportunity Centers. These funds will be used to enhance one-on-one financial coaching, and access to benefits that help build credit, savings, and assets.

“LISC Connecticut is excited to receive this support from the Connecticut Department of Banking, which will strengthen our network of seven Financial Opportunity Centers across the state,” Jim Horan, senior executive director of LISC Connecticut, said. “With this award, our clients will receive budget coaching to save $500 over the course of a year, which will be matched two-to-one with Department of Banking funds and support from Liberty Bank. At the end of the year, clients will have $1,500 and improve their credit score.”

The Village for Families and Children

The Village for Families and Children will receive a $103,911 state grant for its Boosting Financial Wellness for Greater Hartford Families project, which will support connection between its Financial Opportunity Center and its family-centered programs based at the Spring Street site in Hartford. The Village’s Financial Opportunity Center helps low and moderate-income adults living in the Hartford area to effectively manage their finances and achieve financial goals. The Village served more than 690 families at the Spring Street site in the most recent program year. Many of these were single-parent, female-led households.

“At The Village, we know that there is a direct relationship between financial health and overall well-being,” Tammy Freeberg, vice president of strategy and planning for The Village for Families and Children, said. “This grant will increase capacity and resources for our Financial Opportunity Center, helping us to empower more families in Greater Hartford with education, coaching, and tools to achieve financial wellness and gain stability in many aspects of their lives.”

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut will receive a $50,000 state grant for its Path to Financial Wellness program. The mission of this program is to provide an opportunity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and female-led households to engage in financial literacy education on their own time and at their own page, and to provide an opportunity for those individuals to make empowered financial decisions. The program will utilize self-directed e-learning and professional financial coaching to guide participants in gaining financial stability through self-assessment, goal setting, and practical application of financial literacy skills. The grant funding will allow them to provide their program to the Greater New London area.

“United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is excited to bring our Path to Financial Wellness program to New London County,” Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said. “We are excited to partner with local nonprofits and Chelsea Groton Bank to provide members of our community an opportunity to make empowered financial decisions. This program aims to increase financial stability, focusing on communities that are disproportionately affected by financial hardship including female single-headed households, Black, Indigenous and people of color.”

Three Prize-Winning Students Awarded $20,000; 24 Students Awarded $6,000; Ten Connecticut Schools Also Announced as Recipients of Technology Prizes

State Treasurer Erick Russell, Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), today announced the winners of the 2023 CHET Dream Big! Competition.

Three students were awarded $20,000 prizes and 24 students were awarded $6,000 prizes. An additional 336 students will be awarded $500 prizes this month.

Treasurer Russell also announced ten schools that will receive a $7,500 technology prize to help provide new items like tablets, smartboards, and small electronics for classrooms. Each school in Connecticut represented by at least one entry in the Dream Big! Competition was eligible for a random drawing for these prizes. 

Since 2013, the Dream Big! Competition has awarded over $4.5 million dollars to Connecticut students to help pay for future education expenses. The 2023 competition began on August 1, 2023, and ended on November 6, 2023, and was open to all Connecticut residents in grades K-12.

To enter, students were asked to submit a drawing, short essay or video answering a question focusing on their dreams for the future – dependent on their grade level group, as defined in the competition Official Rules.

From bettering neighborhoods with free sports equipment, improving the environment, helping people with addiction, and working in a soup kitchen to sheltering the homeless, being kind, and collecting donations, winning entries showcased imaginative and innovative dreams for themselves and their communities through essays, drawings, and videos.

“I was so impressed with the nearly 3,000 entries we received from students from across the state for the Dream Big! Competition,” said Treasurer Russell. “These students’ entries were so creative and show that they are truly committed to their goals and their communities. I congratulate all our winners and look forward to seeing all they do in the future.

“I also want to congratulate the ten schools that won technology prizes,” he continued. “We are grateful for your encouragement of students to Dream Big.”

First-prize winner in the kindergarten through fourth grade group, Flynn J. of Watertown, wants to organize a community garden at his school to benefit people in need. “Each week, a different grade would be responsible for caring for the garden. After each grade has improved the garden, we could harvest the vegetables and divide them into groups to sell 50% and donate 50%,” he wrote.

Grand-prize winner in the fifth through eighth grade group, Zia V. of Manchester, created a detailed and colorful collage showing different ways someone could improve the lives of others. Examples include helping the less fortunate, being an active listener, becoming a teacher, supporting people with mental health needs, and protecting the Earth. 

First-prize winner in the ninth through twelfth grade group, Layan J. of Farmington, wrote about a nonprofit organization she created to benefit people in Yemen, her mother’s home country. “After receiving a tremendous amount of support from the public, (my organization’s) outreach increased dramatically, ultimately allowing me to acquire a greater sense of purpose,” she wrote. “As I transition into the next chapter of my education, I plan to pursue political science in order to expand my ability in solving international issues.”

For more information about the CHET Dream Big! Competition and the winners’ vision, go to www.chetdreambig.com.

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It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. I told our steel workers I have their backs, and I meant it. U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated..

Governor’s Bill Approved by General Law Committee Last Week, Now Awaits Further Action by the Full Legislature 

Governor Ned Lamont is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he proposed for consideration this session that will enact a new consumer rights law requiring upfront pricing on all event tickets, hotel and short-term rental accommodations, and food and beverage sale and delivery services, and accordingly prohibit the increasingly common practice of adding unexpected, mandatory hidden fees that are tacked on at the end of a consumer’s transaction.

These hidden fees, frequently known as junk fees, are often vaguely labeled as a “service fee” or “convenience fee.” It is estimated that they cost Connecticut families thousands of dollars each year and they disproportionally impact low-income families who may lack the time, resources, or financial literacy to filter through these fees or search for a competitive price.

The governor’s proposal is Senate Bill 15, An Act Requiring Fee Disclosures. It was unanimously approved last week by the members of the General Law Committee, and it now awaits further action by both chambers of the General Assembly. The governor is urging them to act on the legislation so that he can sign it into law.

“We are increasingly seeing situations in which a product or service is being advertised at a low price and then when a consumer gets to the very end of their transaction that price suddenly increases with any number of mandatory fees being tacked on, and frequently consumers will complete their purchase without even realizing the price jumped until well after it has already been finalized,” Governor Lamont said. “This proposal simply says that the price of a product or service cannot be misrepresented to consumers. Upfront pricing will ensure that consumers are able to make well-informed purchases, and it levels the playing field among competitors in these industries by requiring that they all be honest and transparent on the costs of their products and services from the get go.”

Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli also support the enactment of this law, saying that if it is approved by the legislature it will be a major win for Connecticut consumers.

“Junk fees tacked on at the last minute add up to serious costs for consumers,” Attorney General Tong said. “These hidden charges make it next to impossible to compare costs and find affordable deals. Everyone hates these bait and switch charges, and I fully support the governor and the legislature in strengthening our state laws to ensure fair, transparent pricing.”

“Companies have increasingly found ways to gain more money from consumers, often by tacking on superfluous ‘service fees’ just when you’re ready to hit the final purchase button on an event ticket, hotel room, or food purchase,” Commissioner Cafferelli said. “By waiting until the last second to add on these junk fees, companies make it difficult for consumers to shop around, price compare and find the best deal. This legislation promotes open and honest transactions in the marketplace and raises consumer confidence in our retail and services industries, and putting money back in people’s pockets.”

This proposal builds on a provision included in Public Act 23-98, which the General Assembly approved and Governor Lamont signed into law last year. That law, which took effect on October 1, 2023, requires upfront disclosure of pricing for the purchase of tickets to live events, however some consumers have noted that since its enactment certain ticketing platforms continue to run advertisements or otherwise not disclose the full price of tickets until the consumer begins a transaction by selecting the tickets they want to purchase. Senate Bill 15 closes this loophole by requiring ticket platforms to disclose the full price of tickets beginning at the moment they are first advertised, displayed, or offered, even prior to the consumer selecting a ticket.

President Joe Biden, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently announced similar efforts to crack down on junk fees on a nationwide level. Governor Lamont applauds these efforts, and notes that until those federal rules are able to take effect, the states must act to protect consumers from deceptive pricing.

The General Assembly must act on the proposal prior to the adjournment of the regular session, which will occur on May 8, 2024.

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation approved this afternoon by the Connecticut General Assembly that allocates $17 million to cover a gap in federal assistance to the state this winter from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Federal LIHEAP money is used by the state to fund the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and helps low-income residents afford to heat their homes during the winter months. This year, Congressional Republicans blocked consideration of President Joe Biden’s request for additional funding for LIHEAP, rolling this aid back to the lowest levels since the winter of 2018-2019.

The legislation signed into law today by Governor Lamont designates $13.5 million in supplemental aid for CEAP this winter season, and $3.5 million for Operation Fuel, a nonprofit that provides energy assistance support to Connecticut residents.

“The federal LIHEAP program is an important safeguard to assist our most vulnerable residents, seniors, and families with children,” Governor Lamont said. “Working with the state legislature, we have identified one-time funds that can be used to supplement the decline in assistance that our state received this winter. The Connecticut Department of Social Services and Operation Fuel will work to ensure this funding gets to those in need. I continue to urge bipartisan leaders in Congress to follow the example of what Connecticut’s Congressional delegation have repeatedly demanded – more federal funding for LIHEAP next winter.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 111, An Act Concerning Home Energy Assistance. It was approved in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 0 and in the House of Representatives by a vote of 147 to 0. The bill took effect immediately upon being signed by the governor this afternoon

Vice President Kamala Harris met today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House. The Vice President and the King discussed latest developments in Gaza and the Vice President thanked the King for providing vital humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including the eleven airdrops of medical supplies to the field hospital that Jordan has established in Gaza. The leaders also discussed the situation in Rafah. The Vice President reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration’s position that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there. 

 

 Photo Jordan news 

Governor Lamont Orders Executive Branch State Office Buildings Closed to the Public Tuesday Due to Winter Storm

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering all State of Connecticut executive branch office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, due to the significant winter storm that is anticipated to impact the state throughout the day.

For the duration of this storm-related closure, the governor is directing that:

1. All level 1 executive branch state employees should report to work as scheduled or directed;
2. All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties can be completed remotely should telework, or they may request use of accrued leave; and
3. All level 2 executive branch state employees whose job duties cannot be completed remotely should not report to work in-person.
4. 

The terminology used for state employee classifications was established through an executive order issued in 2018. Level 1 state employees include those who were previously designated as “essential” based on their respective job duties. Level 2 state employees include those who were previously designated as “nonessential.”

The governor’s storm-related directive applies to executive branch offices. Decisions regarding the operations of offices within the judicial and legislative branches are made by the leaders of those respective branches of state government.

“The timing of winter storm is of particular concern, especially considering that snowfall rates are expected to be heavy during the morning rush hour commute and continue through the afternoon,” Governor Lamont said. “Out of an abundance of caution, I am directing all executive branch state office buildings closed to the public on Tuesday. Level 2 state employees who work in those buildings should stay home, and those who can complete their jobs remotely should work from home for the day. I strongly encourage everyone in Connecticut to stay off the roads on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the height of the storm so that plow crews can clear the roads and keep everyone safe. Please check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or need assistance, to make sure they are safe.”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has more than 600 trucks and more than 900 drivers prepared to respond to the storm and clear the roads.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares. That website also contains a useful list of contact information for each of the state’s utility companies, should a customer experience an outage.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

Governor Lamont Implements Ban on All Tandem Tractor Trailers and Empty Tractor Trailers Ahead of Winter Storm

Ban on All Limited Access Highways Takes Effect at Midnight 12:01 am Tuesday and Remains in Effect Until Further Notice

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to the severe winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut, he has signed an order banning all tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers from traveling on all limited access highways statewide effective at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, and remaining in effect until further notice.

This travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers is being implemented in coordination with the neighboring states of New York and Massachusetts, who are enacting similar bans on their roads during the storm.

Limited access highways are those designed to carry large volumes of traffic at generally high speeds and have controlled access with on and off ramps. (For a list of limited access highways in Connecticut, click here.)

“During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating treacherous conditions that will make travel very difficult,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve consulted with our neighboring states and have decided as a region that it’s in the best interest of safety to enact this travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers during the duration of the storm.”

The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when it has been determined when this ban will be lifted.

**Download: Order implementing a travel ban on all limited access highways in Connecticut for tandem and/or empty tractor trailers

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

Mayor Justin Elicker with an important message for New Haven residents about the snowstorm headed our way.  Por favor espere para escuchar este mensaje en español. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our region beginning tonight and through most of the day Tuesday with a projected snowfall of 6 to 10 inches. 

In order to help ensure that our snowplows can quickly and efficiently clear city streets, a citywide parking ban will be in effect beginning tonight at 12 midnight. In residential areas, there is no parking on the odd-numbered side of the streets. On all posted snow emergency routes and in the downtown area, there is no parking on both sides of the street. There is also no parking within 25 feet of a fire hydrant, intersection or bus stop.   

For residents in need of an off-street parking option, there are multiple free and low-cost options available, including selected school parking lots, Yale University parking lots and downtown parking garages. The full list is available on the city’s website at newhavnenct.gov/snow.    

For individuals who might need a warm and safe place to stay, our walk-in winter Warming Centers will be open with extended hours, beginning Monday 7 pm and operate continuously through Wednesday 

7 am. The list of warming centers can also be found on the city's website or by calling 2-1-1. 

Finally, please stay off the roads if you can, please shovel your sidewalks so there is a path at least 3 feet wide to ensure wheelchair and stroller access, and please check on your family, friends and neighborhoods who might need a helping hand. Finally, as always, please call 9-1-1- for any life-threatening emergencies. 

Thanks for your cooperation everyone, stay safe and enjoy the snow! 

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Operation Fuel, Inc.

New Haven home incentive program

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, very much.  (Applause.)  Folks, look, I was — where — I’m going to stand in the middle here so I can get both sides.
 
Folks, you know, my dad used to have an expression, for real.  He’d say, “You know, a job is about a lot more than a paycheck.  It’s about your dignity.  It’s about being treated with respect.  It’s about making sure that people know what you do matters.  It’s about being able to look your kid in the eye and say, ‘Honey, it’s going to be okay,’ and mean it.” 
 
I have a reputation that I’m proud of: being the most pro-union president in American history.  And there’s a simple reason for that.  When unions are doing well, everybody does well.  Not a joke.  (Applause.)  By the way, that’s a fact.
 
I had the Treasury Department do a study: What are the impact of union movement?  What’s the impact?  The impact is when you do well, everybody does better.  Workers that aren’t even members of a union are getting raises because of the things you guys have done and the work you’ve done and organizations.
 
So, I came to say thank you, thank you, thank you.  And we’re just getting started.  We’ve got over 260- — 300- — 260,000 jobs — new jobs just here in the state of Nevada.
 
Come here, Congresswoman. 
 
REPRESENTATIVE TITUS:  (Inaudible.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  By the way, I’ve got a passport with me because she gave me — this is her district here — she gave me a passport to come here.
 
But all kidding aside, look, there’s a simple proposition.  For the longest time — and I know I don’t look — I know I only look like I’m 40.  (Laughter.)  Times two.  (Laughter.)
 
But, look, one of the things that I’m — I was raised in a family — we weren’t poor, but we weren’t — we were middle class and sometimes lower middle class.  We lived in a three-bedroom, split-level home with four kids and a grandpop.  It was a safe neighborhood, but it was — it was — you know, we didn’t have the money to make it to college.  We had to go borrow the money or work through college, that kind of thing. 
 
We didn’t — and I’m the first in my family to go to college — the first Biden to go to college.  And it’s because a lot of people made sacrifices for me to get there, along with my sister.  And my sister is a hell of a lot brighter than I am.  (Laughter.) 
 
My sister was three years younger than me.  She’s now 23 years younger than me.  I don’t know how the hell that happened.  (Laughter.)  And she’s managed all my campaigns. 
 
We got — we went to the same university at the same time, two years apart.  I graduated.  She graduated with honors.  (Laughs.)  Anyway.
 
The point is this: I’ve never believed that trickle-down economics is the way to build an economy, meaning that if the very weal- — and, by the way, if the very wealthy do well, that’s good by me, as long as they start paying their taxes.  That’s a different issue.  But anyway.  (Applause.)
 
But all kidding aside, the idea was the trickle-down economy would work because what would happen is you would have the very wealthy doing well and that would all drop down to the middle-class folks and poor folks.  I’ve never believed that.  Not a lot dropped on my dad’s kitchen table growing up.
 
So, I’ve always believed that you build the economy from the middle out and the bottom up.  That way, the working-class folks have a shot and the middle class grows.
 
And guess what?  You’ve heard me say it before, and I mean it.  And when I first said it, everybody thought I was going to get in real trouble, but I didn’t care.  Wall Street did not build America.  The middle class did — built America, and unions built the middle class.  (Applause.)  There would be no middle class without the union.  No, I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
 
And, by the way, even the business folks in — on Wall Street and other places are beginning to understand that.  There’s much less resistance now to deal with these issues. 
 
And so, we’re just on a roll here.  We’ve created over 15 million brand new jobs just in three years — more than any president has in American history in that period of time.  We’ve — we’ve actually made sure that we have all kinds of additional help. 
 
People are getting the paychecks for — Hispanics at 4- — 4- — they’re making 40 percent more money than they did before we started, in terms of wealth.  African Americans, 50 percent.  But this — it’s about everybody.  It’s not about just one group of people.  Because when we all do well, everybody does well.  I really mean it.
 
So, I came to say thank you — not just thank you for the support you’ve given me the last time out and this time, but thank you for having the faith in the union.  Thank you for continuing to push it because this really matters.  It matters, it matters, it matters.
 
And so, like I said, my dad would say, “It’s all about dignity — being treated with dignity.”  My dad would no more walk by the — the shoeshine guy in the Hotel DuPont, where the DuPont company was, and — or the — if he saw the chairman of the board, he’d say hi.  But he’d walk over and make sure he said hi to the shoeshine guy too, because that’s what we’re all about.  That’s what built America. 
 
And b- — we’re coming back.  We really are.  We have the best economy in the world.  Inflation is coming down.  There are still too expensive — too much is at expense and a little bit of corporate greed going on, too, nationwide.  (Laughter.) 
 
There’s — by the way, there’s a little article written — you ought to — I’ll get you a connection to it.  It’s called — it’s about Snick- — what’s happening with the Snickers bars.
 
Snickers bars — you know that candy? 
 
AUDIENCE MEMBERS:  Yeah.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Well, they haven’t raised the price of a Snickers bars.  They just took 10 percent of it out.  (Laughter.)  Oh, no, no.  It’s a lot smaller.  So, that’s how they’re making more money.
 
But, anyway, I thank you for all you do and the way you make people happy.  And I know it’s not always easy.  So, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)
 
11:28 A.M. PST   
 

Our immigration system has been broken for decades. That is why President Biden and I have spent the last three years putting forward solutions to fix it and address the root causes of migration.

On the first day of our Administration, we sent a comprehensive immigration reform bill to Congress that included an increase in funding for border security and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, such as Dreamers who have been here for years.

We have partnered with countries in the Western Hemisphere to address global pressures that are forcing people from their homes, and worked with the private sector to promote investment in Central America. Last October, as part of our national security supplemental request, we asked for $14 billion for border security, which would increase personnel and technology to secure the border and provide assistance to cities to manage the influx of migrants.

At each step, we have been clear: Congress must act. Unfortunately, we have too often been met with those who sought to play political games instead of participating in solutions.

For the past two months, President Biden, members of our Administration, and bipartisan Senate negotiators have worked together. Thanks to their collaboration, additional solutions are now at hand. Congress must quickly pass this agreement.

This package will also ensure that the United States can continue to fulfill its role of global leadership by supporting the people of Ukraine in their brave fight against unprovoked Russian aggression; providing Israel what it needs to defend itself against Hamas terrorists; ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people; and strengthening our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

This agreement on border security and immigration does not include everything we have fought for over the past three years — and we will continue to fight for these priorities – but it shows: we can make the border more secure while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.

Let us remember: we are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants have always helped strengthen our country, grow our economy, and drive innovation. We know that in America, diversity is our strength. So rather than politicize this issue, let us all address it with the urgency and seriousness it requires.

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Image courtesy Collab New Haven

Collab is taking applications for its Spring 2024 Business Accelerator Program. This free, 12-week course offers education, mentoring, and technical help to entrepreneurs who want to build unique businesses and create positive change. 

Please email with questions, or visit Collab New Haven to apply by the March 10 deadline. 

Image courtesy CT Next

On February 9 from 1 to 6 pm at Kroon Hall on Prospect Street, the City, Yale University, and several local business organizations will host the Big CT Food Event, a pitch competition and networking opportunity for up-and-coming food business entrepreneurs. The event’s goal is to support such entrepreneurs and to connect them with industry representatives who can help them to take their business to the next level. In addition to the pitch competition and networking opportunities it will feature panel discussions, free business coaching, and product sampling. To register for this ticketed event, please visit CT Food Event.

Treasurer Russell Urges Connecticut Residents to Reclaim Lost Funds on National Unclaimed Property Day

HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell encouraged state residents to find and claim their lost or forgotten money on Thursday, the fourth annual National Unclaimed Property Day. 

“Unclaimed Property Day is a great opportunity to see if you have property waiting to be returned,” said Treasurer Russell. “We want to get this money back to its rightful owners, where it belongs. Finding your property and filing a claim has never been simpler. Don’t let this become a forgotten opportunity to reunite with your unclaimed property.”  

Connecticut’s official unclaimed property website is CTBigList.com. There is no cost to search for property or file claims and no time limit for rightful owners to do so. It’s estimated that one in seven Americans has unclaimed property waiting for them. 

Lost or forgotten money and other property is handed over to the Connecticut Office of the Treasurer for safekeeping until it can be claimed by its rightful owners. This unclaimed property can include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits and refunds, annuities, and more. Most unclaimed property owners are individuals, but corporations, municipalities, schools, nonprofits, hospitals, and small businesses are also among those who’ve found they have money owed to them.   

Connecticut has returned more than $1 billion to rightful owners through the unclaimed property program. Technological and process improvements put in place over the last year have resulted in a marked increase in claims paid. In Fiscal Year 2023, $72 million was returned to 72,981 rightful owners, tripling claims paid over the prior year. 

Treasurer Russell will be introducing legislation this year to further enhance the program’s ability to locate and contact potential owners and to guard consumers against scam attempts. 

“It's our goal to make finding your money and filing claims as easy as possible,” said Treasurer Russell. “We’ve made important progress in modernizing technology with more improvements to come. We’ve also expanded our outreach efforts for residents and local governments in partnership with stakeholders across the state. I’m proud of the work of our great Unclaimed Property team and our agencywide commitment to reuniting as many owners as possible with their funds.” 

Through a partnership with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, the state also participates in a nationwide unclaimed property lookup tool, MissingMoney.com, that allows users to search for funds in multiple states. 

“While there’s no time limit to claim your funds, I encourage everyone to make searching for unclaimed property part of your annual financial routine,” said Treasurer Russell. “Whether it’s your birthday, tax season, or National Unclaimed Property Day, find time at least once a year to search CTBigList.com and claim what’s yours so we can get your money back into your pocket.” 

For more information, or to search for unclaimed property, visit CTBigList.com or call 800-833-7318.

Private Residence
Miami, Florida

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Chris, thank you. And I have to tell you, I’m not going home. (Laughter.)

Folks — I want to thank you for chairing the — the Biden Victory Fund. You’re a great friend, traveling all across the country to bring so many folks into the process. And I mean that. We’re lucky to have you on the campaign trail with us.

And thanks to all of you for the support you’ve given us.

I’ll start with the simplest message: From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re the reason I’m President of the United States. Not hyperbole. You’re the reason. (Applause.)

Kamala Harris is a — you’re the reason Kamala Harris is the first — historic Vice President, first woman to be in that position. (Applause.) You’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former President. (Applause.) And you’re the reason we’re going to continue to make him a loser again. (Laughs.) (Applause.)

Folks, in 2020, I ran because I thought this country stood at a — for — everything I believed in was at stake. I really mean it. I thought it was at risk.

I made a couple speeches I got criticized for, saying I thought our democracy was at stake. I think people thought I was being hyperbolic at the time. “Joe, what do you mean democracy is at risk? What do you mean we’re in a battle for the soul of America?” Well, people don’t say that anymore.

You know, I don’t think anyone today doubts democracy was at risk in 2020. And thank God, because of you and supporters like you, we won.

Just think back to the mess that Donald Trump left this country in: a pandemic that was raging, an economy that was reeling.

Look how far we’ve come. We vaccinated America to get through that pandemic. Less than 2 million people were vaccinated when we came into office. Today, 270 million Americans have gotten that COVID vaccine. (Applause.)

We created 14 million new jobs — new jobs — more than any president has in the first term — to get this economy going strong.

We passed the American Rescue Plan to put $1,400 in people’s pockets at the time, who were in real trouble, and $300 checks per child for families — of hardworking families — with thousands of dollars in people’s pockets through the re- — what was then a real crisis. And that money helped cut child poverty in half.

And we have to do more. Everyone is feeling the consequences of these investments and progress — not everybody is feeling it yet. And yet, inflation is now lower in America than in any other country [major economy] in the world.

In recent weeks, we’re starting to see real evidence that American consumers are beginning to feel confidence — renewed confidence in the economy we’re building. Just this morning, we learned that consumer confidence surged to its highest level in two years.

The Washington Post headline from this weekend is: Falling inflation ri- — rai- — rising growth in U.S. gives world the best — gives U.S. the best recovery in the world.

Look, let me tell you who else is noticing: Donald Trump. He recently said, “When the crash occurs, I hope it’s in the next 12 months.” “When the crash occurs, I hope it’s in the next 12 months.” It’s unbelievable. It’s un-American.

How can a former President or anyone say that an economic crash that would devastate millions of people is a good thing?

Here’s what he really means: Donald Trump knows the economy we’ve built is strong and getting stronger. And he knows that, while it’s good for America, it’s bad for him politically.

Trump also said one of the — one president does not — he said, “I’m the one guy that doesn’t want to be a Her- — Herbert Hoover.” Well, I’ve got news for him — bad news. He’s already Herbert Hoover. (Laughter.) The only president other than Donald Trump that lost jobs during an administration was Herbert Hoover. So, Donald “Herbert Hoover” Trump is — (laughter) — is moving right along.

Folks, I promised we’d beat Big Pharma. You know, they charge more for prescription drugs in America than they do anywhere else in the world. You have a prescription — the same exact prescription taken to a drug store here, I take you to one in Toronto, Berlin, anywhere around the world, and it’s somewhere between 60 and 40 percent less.

We said we’d beat them, and we did. Thirty-five-dollar-a-month insulin for seniors with diabetes instead of $400 a month. We tried to make it 35 bucks a month for everyone because it only costs 10 bucks to make and — and the total packaging cost 13 bucks. And they’re still making a significant progress [profit]. But our Republican colleagues pushed back on everybody having it. But with your vote in 2024, we’re going to make it available to everyone.

Out-of-pocket costs for seniors for prescription drugs, beginning in 2024 [2025], are capped at $2,000 a year, no matter how big they are. You all know somebody who is taking a cancer drug. It could be $12-, $15-, $16,000. Well, it’s going to be capped at $2,000 maximum. And it matters.

I promised we’d help ease the accumulated student debt in America that Americans carried during this economic crisis and pandemic. The Supreme Court blocked me, but it didn’t stop me. I found another way, a legal way, to do it. That is three m- — 3.7 million people, $130 billion relief and counting.

Here’s what we did. We went back and fixed what’s called the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which was designed to help public servants — like teachers, nurses, firefighters, social workers — get their student loans forgiven. If they make 10 years of payments without miss and they’re involved in public service, they get their debt forgiven.

By the time I took office, the program had been in place nearly 15 years. Behind red — because of red tape, only 7,000 borrowers had been helped.

Thanks to — today, we have 700,000 borrowers helped. And guess what? It’s growing the economy. (Applause.) They’re out buying homes. They’re out paying their debts. They’re out doing things that make a difference.

And all of you here in Florida knew how lucky America would be when I kept my promise to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. (Applause.) Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson of Miami, Florida — she’s making us proud.

And, by the way, I’ve appointed more Black women to the federal appeals courts than every other president in American history combined — every single one combined. (Applause.) All told, we’ve gotten 171 federal judges confirmed, and two thirds of them are women. (Laughs.) (Applause.) Well, it’s real simple. I got it right. All the women in my family are smarter than all the men, so I figure. (Laughter.)

Look, the fact is that we have a lot more work to do, but I’ve never been more optimistic about our future. I mean it.

An example: Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I signed, there are 40,000 infrastructure projects all across America.

How in God’s name can we be the most important country in the world, the most economically prosperous, and be ranked number 14 in infrastructure? It’s not possible.

We’re rebuilding our roads, our bridges, our ports, our airports. And we’re bringing affordable high-speed Internet everywhere in America; ripping out every poisonous lead pipe that exists so every child in America can turn on a faucet and drink it without having any brain damage. (Applause.)

We passed the most significant gun safety law in decades. And I will not stop until I once again ban assault weapons in this country. (Applause.)

We’re saving the planet with the most significant investment in climate change ever, anywhere in the history of the world. We’ve tripled sales of electric vehicles, built a national network of 50,000 [500,000] EV charging stations, put on a path to carbon emissions — to reduce by 50 percent by 2030. I could go on, but you’re standing. (Laughter.)

Now imagine the nightmare if Trump returned to office.

At a recent — at a recent deadly school shooting in Perry, Iowa, three people died, including one sixth grader and the school principal. You know what Trump said? It’s hard to believe he said it, but he said it. You just got to “get over it.” You just got to “get over it.”

I’m not going to get over it. I’m going to stop it. I’m going to stop it. (Applause.)

Trump and his MAGA friends want to repeal the historic climate legislation. Maybe they don’t think climate is a real problem, but the rest of us know it is.

I’ve spent more time traveling the world — traveling the United States in the three years, looking at the forest that had been burned to the ground and is equivalent to the entire state of Maryland, burned to the ground. Now after — and you see what the rising tides are doing. You see what’s happening here in Florida. And we’re trying. And we’re trying.

Failing more than 60 times —

You know, look, how can I — I want to be — I don’t want to lose my temper here and say something I shouldn’t.

After trying and failing more than 60 times, Trump and his MAGA friends are promising to get rid of the Affordable Care Act, the only law that exists for people of modest means to be able to get insurance and not be denied because of preexisting condition. And they want to take that away.

Seniors here in Florida and all across America should know this: Trump and the MAGA Republicans are determined to take away the $35-a-month insulin payment and make it no longer the law, as well as the $2,000 cap on all prescription drugs.

Instead of saving Social Security and Medicare, Trump and his MAGA friends want to give another massive multibillion-dollar tax cut and not pay for it at all.

Look, you know, Trump and his MAGA friends are determined to take away your freedom as well. Today, they’re attacking voting rights — voting rights all across the country.

And now Trump is bragging about having overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away a woman’s right to choose. And now they’re planning a national ban on the right to choose. You know it here in Florida from your governor.

I made it clear: If MAGA Republicans try to pass a national ban on the right to choose, I will veto it. It will never go into effect. (Applause.)

And if you reelect me and Kamala and a Democratic House and a bigger Senate majority, we will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land everywhere — everywhere. (Applause.)

Look, you’re all standing for a long time, running out of po- — let me close with this.

Trump and his MAGA friends are dividing us, not uniting us; dragging us back into the past, not leading us to the future; refusing to accept the results of a legitimate election; seeking, as Trump did — says, to “terminate” elements of the Constitution; embracing political violence — embracing it.

I sit, next to my office, in the Oval Office — two — two doors — literally, doors to my office down is that dining room where he sat and watched on the 6th of — of January, watched that riot go on, watched those people being killed — watched the cops being killed, watched what’s happening.

You know, I was — shortly after that, I was — as President, I was in London — outside of London at a G7 meeting. And I sat down, and I said, “America is back.” And the French President looked at me, and he said, “For how long? For how long is it back?”

And then, Olaf of Germany looked at me — the Chancellor — and he said, “What would you say, Mr. President” — true story — “What would you say, Mr. President, if we woke up tomorrow morning and here in the London Times said, ‘A thousand people stormed the gates of Parliament, broke down the doors to the House of Commons, and stopped the election of a Speaker — of a Speaker — stopped the election of a Prime Minister’?”

And I started thinking about it. What would we think? What would we think had happened? The rest of the world — everywhere I — I know I’ve — because I’ve been around a while — I know I don’t look it, but I’m a little older. (Laughter.) But I’ve been around. I know every one of these former and present presidents of nations. I mean it sincerely. I’ve been in over 140 countries. I know them personally.

Every meeting I go to, from the G20 on, as I’m leaving, one of them pulls me aside and says, “Joe — Joe, you’ve got to win. You can’t let him back. My country is at stake.”

No, I — no, and a lot of you travel internationally. Find me some other leader in the — in the free world that is rooting for Trump to come back.

Folks, there’s a truth and there’s lies. We have to make clear we stand with the truth and we’re going to defeat the lies. We must make clear that America still — we believe in honesty, decency, dignity, respect. We believe that we’re all created equal. We’ve never fully lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it before. We’ve never walked away from it before.

You know, we leave nobody behind. We believe everybody deserves a fair shot. We don’t give hate a safe harbor. We believe in America.

I mean, it sounds corny, but think about it. We believe in the idea of America.

I know what’s at stake. We must keep the White House, keep the Senate, and win back the House. And then to win up — (applause) — up and down the ticket at state and local offices.

Here in Florida, we have to organize, mobilize, and vote. And if we do, we will win Florida. (Applause.)

When we do that, we’ll be able to look back and say something few generations can say: America’s democracy was at risk, like it was in 2020, but we saved it.

We just have to remember who we are. We’re the United States of America. (Applause.) And there is nothing — nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together. And that’s what we have to do.

So, God bless you all. Sorry to make you stand for so long. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)

May God bless you all. And may he protect our troops.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.)

All the way back there, thank you. Thank you, thank you.

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I don’t want to go home. Thank you. Thank you, all. Bye-bye.