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 Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his Administration:

• Jennifer D. Gavito, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Libya
• Vanesa Soledad Simon, Nominee for Member of the National Council on the Arts

Also today, the White House will begin renominating candidates whose nominations were returned to the President at the end of the first session of the 118^th Congress. Today’s transmission to the Senate will include 25 renominations. The White House will continue transmitting renominations to the Senate in the coming weeks and hopes the Senate will take action expeditiously.

Jennifer D. Gavito, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Libya

Jennifer Gavito is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. She most recently served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq, Iran, Press and Public Diplomacy.  Prior to assuming that position, she served as the Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in London and, before that, she was the U.S. Consul General in Munich, Germany. Gavito, a specialist on the Middle East, served previously as Deputy Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai; Director for Syria and Lebanon on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House; Deputy Director of the Maghreb Affairs Office in the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; Libya Desk Officer; and as head of the Economic/Commercial section at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Among her other assignments, Gavito was Chief of the Political Section at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem and the Foreign Affairs Policy Advisor to the U.S. Africa Command’s Director for Plans and Policies (J5). Gavito earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University, Washington, D.C.

Vanesa Soledad Simon, Nominee for Member of the National Council on the Arts

Vanesa Soledad Simon is an entrepreneur and artist who has innovated ways to use the arts in health for herself and others. She is the Founder and Program Director of Healing Through the Arts, which she piloted in 2017. This program works with an array of organizations to bring varied art modalities to communities facing health, environmental and historic traumas. It promotes the use of the arts in non-clinical ways to process stress for wellbeing and encourages participants to develop a creative practice in a supportive environment. Mariposa Arts, Simon’s company, utilizes strategic partnerships at the organizational, sponsor and community level with an entrepreneurial approach to community building that is human-centered and promotes belonging. 

Simon holds a Creative Catalyst Certificate, is a Certified Zentangle Instructor, holds a Trauma-Informed Teaching Artist certification and training for instructing Adults as Beginners from Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation, has been trained in Creative Aging facilitation practices through Lifetime Arts, and is a Certified Facilitator for Open Studio Project method. 

As an artist, she has participated in exhibitions throughout Argentina, Barcelona, and New York City with an artist collective from Argentina and has exhibited locally in Delaware.  

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he will be nominating Jodi Hill-Lilly to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) when the 2024 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly begins in February. She will succeed Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes, who is planning to leave state service in January to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector.

Hill-Lilly has worked at DCF since 1988. She is currently the agency’s deputy commissioner of administration in a role that she has held since 2019 and that requires her to oversee several of its administrative functions, including fiscal services, human resources, workforce development, information systems, multicultural affairs, and systems development. She also leads the department’s initiative on racial justice and is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of policy, training, and coaching on issues related to race and culture throughout the agency and with community partners.

Prior to her current role, Hill-Lilly was DCF’s director of training, in which she was responsible for delivering and providing a multi-faceted training program for employees statewide. She also worked for the agency as a child welfare trainer, an investigations supervisor, and a case management social worker.

Hill-Lilly was one of only 15 fellows and the only child welfare professional to be selected for class 12 of the Annie E. Casey Fellowship program focused on leadership development for administrators in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors to improve life circumstances of children, youth and families living in low-income communities. She is the co-chair of the National Partnership on Child Safety and is a nationally recognized practice improvement and subject matter expert and consultant including for the Center for States in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, and the American Humane Association.

She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut State University.

“Jodi has dedicated her career to strengthening the lives of children and families, and her direct, hands-on experience in this field, including as a case management social worker, will be a valuable benefit to Connecticut as we work to protect the safety and security of the youngest and most vulnerable residents of our state,” Governor Lamont said. “For more than 35 years, she has been intimately involved in every aspect of our state’s child welfare system and has formed strong relationships with the state and community partners who contribute to these efforts. Jodi will be able to seamlessly transition into the role of commissioner, and I thank her for agreeing to step into this leadership position.”

“Good leaders listen, they learn, and they remain teachable,” Hill-Lilly said. “In this world of child welfare and well-being, that means taking to heart the lived experiences of our kids, our families and our communities, and keeping our promise to remain accountable as we strive to serve their unique needs. I am grateful for the trust Governor Lamont has placed in me to follow in the footsteps of Commissioner Dorantes. My friend and my colleague of decades will be a hard act to follow, but I am committed to continuing the momentum of all we have accomplished over the last five years.”

Dorantes is leaving DCF after working with the department for more than 31 years. Since becoming commissioner in January of 2019, the department has reduced the number of children in state care and custody by approximately 30%. During this time, the department has helped more than 7,200 children have reached permanent housing, including 2,324 adoptions, 1,794 transfers of guardianship, and 3,117 reunifications.

Governor Lamont specifically credits Dorantes’ leadership with helping to bring an end to the three decades of federal court oversight DCF accepted under the Juan F. consent decree, which ended last year. The court’s decision to end the oversight indicated the court agreed that DCF had made transformative, systemic reforms that are meeting the needs of children in care.

“I am so grateful to have had Vannessa at the helm of DCF for the last several years, and I am absolutely convinced that her leadership is responsible for having a forever impact on improving the lives of many children in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “The employees who work with DCF have some of the most essential responsibilities that we face in state government, and their selfless dedication to their work is an inspiration. Throughout her more than three decades with DCF, Vannessa has been amazingly devoted to serving and safeguarding the most vulnerable youths of our state. She is a friend, and I applaud her public service to Connecticut.”

“Social work is not just what I do, it’s who I am,” Dorantes said. “I have the highest regard for the DCF staff – as they are me. They make personal and professional sacrifices each and every day to keep children safe, empower parents, and strengthen Connecticut families. I will miss all of our cherished memories, shared experiences and accomplishments – most notably from the last five years. Lastly, I cannot thank Governor Lamont enough for his unconditional support from day one and the faith he has shown in me and my team. His trust in my leadership has been unparalleled.”

When Dorantes departs DCF in January, Hill-Lilly will immediately begin serving as the agency’s interim commissioner until her confirmation by the legislature as commissioner.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

Jill and I were horrified to learn that three college students of Palestinian descent, two of whom are American citizens, were shot Saturday in Burlington, Vermont. They were simply spending Thanksgiving gathered with family and loved ones.

We join Americans across the country in praying for their full recovery, and we send our deepest condolences to their families. While we are waiting for more facts, we know this: there is absolutely no place for violence or hate in America. Period. No person should worry about being shot at while going about their daily lives. And far too many Americans know a family member injured or killed as a result of gun violence. We cannot and we will not accept that.

Earlier today, I spoke to Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger to offer my support. We are grateful to the Burlington Police Department – as well as the FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement partners – for their swift work identifying and arresting a suspect. Our Administration will provide any additional federal resources needed to assist in the investigation.

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Governor Lamont Urges Connecticut's Semiconductor Industry To Take Advantage of Chips Manufacturing Incentive Funding Opportunities

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development To Support Interested Semiconductor Industry Representatives Through the Connecticut Chips Consortium

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging Connecticut’s semiconductor industry to submit applications to the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS) Manufacturing Incentive Program and to join the Connecticut CHIPS Consortium with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Recognizing the role semiconductors play in driving innovation across industries, Governor Lamont is committed to supporting continued growth and technological advancement in the semiconductor industry as part of a broader economic vision focused on job creation and sustainable growth.

“With a demonstrated track record in advanced manufacturing, Connecticut is well-positioned to support a regional cluster of semiconductor firms interested in leveraging federal dollars to strengthen the regional semiconductor fabrication and supply chain,” Governor Lamont said. “By utilizing the CHIPS for America Fund opportunities, semiconductor firms can tap into the state’s skilled workforce and industry experience to drive transformative technological advancements for next-generation chips.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the CHIPS Act created the CHIPS for America Fund, appropriating $52.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry by reshoring the electronics supply chain as well as cutting-edge semiconductor research and development. Approximately $39 billion was appropriated for the CHIPS Manufacturing Incentives Program.

Funding will be made available across three Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), two of which target semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers. Applications for commercial fabrication facilities and larger materials and equipment facilities (project expenditures over $300 million) are currently open and accepted on a rolling basis. A second NOFO will accept project concept plans for smaller supply chain projects between December 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024. A research and development-focused NOFO is expected for release in 2024.

Commercial fabrication or larger supply chain projects may request up to 35% of capital investment through a combination of grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan guarantees, and are required to demonstrate state or local support in the form of other cost-share incentives. Smaller supply chain projects are encouraged to request up to 10% of capital investment in the form of grants or cooperative agreements.

Semiconductor companies looking to expand or establish a presence in Connecticut are encouraged to explore available incentives and partner together under the Connecticut CHIPS Consortium. DECD’s Federal Funds team will provide technical assistance to prospective applicants, supporting the development of a statewide semiconductor workforce development strategy for the Connecticut CHIPS Consortium.

For more information on CHIPS manufacturing incentives, interested parties can visit DECD’s Connecticut CHIPS Consortium website, submit a preliminary interest form, or contact DECD’s Federal Funds team at CTFederalFunds@ct.gov.

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01), U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02), U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04), and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) today announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected ten projects in Connecticut for a total of nearly $2 billion in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The grants are funded through the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, which received an increase of $24 billion thanks to the IIJA.

This NEC Federal-State Partnership investment will be supported by nearly $400 million in state funding that Governor Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission voted to approve in October.

Governor Lamont said, “President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues delivering for Connecticut and the entire region. The Northeast Corridor is the busiest rail line in the nation, and improvements here mean more jobs, continued economic growth, and improved quality of life. Many of our railroad bridges are more than 100 years old, and this major investment of funding ensures that trains can operate with higher speeds and fewer disruptions well into the future. I applaud and thank President Biden and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for working with our administration to secure this funding for our state.”

Senator Murphy said, “When Congress was writing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, my number one priority was making sure any legislation we passed made long-term, historic investments in modernizing the Northeast Corridor. I’m thrilled that Connecticut is receiving $2 billion in federal funding to make our rail system faster, safer, and more advanced. Investing in the future of rail in Connecticut is a no-brainer – it makes life easier for travelers and commuters, boosts economic growth, creates good-paying jobs, and helps fight the climate crisis. I will always be a champion for the NEC in Washington.”

Senator Blumenthal said, “This massive, history-making rail money – a federal $2 billion investment – means faster train trips and more good-paying construction jobs for Connecticut. It will be strikingly visible and impactful in our everyday lives – replacing aged bridges and unsteady tracks, vastly enhancing safety and reliability, promoting more on time, affordable travel. It will empower a transportation transformation, bringing our rail system into the 21^st century. Federal investment in our crumbling infrastructure is long overdue, and I’m thrilled that our delegation has fought hard and successfully for dollars our state needs and deserves.”

Representative Larson said, “The Hartford Line unites the cities of Springfield, Hartford, and New Haven via passenger rail, expanding transit connections and economic opportunity for residents and businesses across our ‘Knowledge Corridor.’ I am thrilled to announce record infrastructure funding the Connecticut delegation secured for track repairs and expansions across the Northeast Corridor, including more than $100 million dedicated to Hartford Line improvements. These investments will support more frequent and reliable passenger rail service to better connect residents across the region.”

Representative Courtney said, “This long overdue transformational grant for the Connecticut River Bridge comes after a determination in 2006 that the bridge was ‘structurally deficient’ and repair work was no longer capable of keeping it functional. Despite chronic underfunding of Amtrak’s capital accounts, I have worked with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation since 2007 to secure initial funding of $130.4 million for design and planning of this project. Today’s announcement of an additional $826 million federal grant ensures that the entire construction phase will be fully funded, and not delayed any more by incremental piecemeal grants. This development will provide a stable horizon for contractors to acquire materials and workforce, and is a testament to the importance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 that provided a historic level of resources to Amtrak. Make no mistake – this monumental investment was only possible because of this law. When this new bridge is finished, rail traffic will be safer and faster, for passengers on the Northeast Corridor-Acela Express, Northeast Regional, and Shoreline East, as well as freight traffic. It is a generational investment for the most heavily traveled rail system in America that will pay dividends for decades to come.”

Representative DeLauro said, “I’m proud to join Governor Lamont today to celebrate the bold investment of $2 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding across the state of Connecticut. These upgrades being announced today will ensure that rail infrastructure will continue to be recognized as a critical component in statewide and regional transportation. When I was Chair of the House Appropriations Committee I helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act so government could enhance accessibility, mobility, and the customer experience for thousands of New Haven County residents who use this mode of transportation every day. When we invest in our public transit system, we ensure that everyone has access to opportunity which is vital in amplifying economic activity along Connecticut’s shoreline.”

Representative Himes said, “After years in Congress fighting for federal money to upgrade and replace Norwalk’s Walk Bridge and the Westport Saugatuck River Bridge, I am elated to have helped secure nearly $500 million to bring these projects across the finish line. I spend much of my time as a representative thinking about how to modernize the rail systems and bridges in our community, but the best part about receiving a grant like this is knowing that eventually my constituents won’t have to think about infrastructure at all. Rather than stressing about traffic delays or train disruptions, commuters will be free to think about that big project at work, an upcoming homework assignment, or whatever else matters most in their lives. Today is one of those moments when we get to celebrate real progress that will make a difference for the next hundred years.”

Representative Hayes said, “The monumental investments of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) continue to truly impact the day-to-day life of residents across the state. This time it’s $2 billion for Connecticut rail and bridge projects to connect more communities. Great to see the IIJA transform our state through improved infrastructure and good-paying jobs.”

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said, “This grant funding helps address a backlog of major projects and improvements that will help improve the safety and reliability of rail service, offer operational flexibility and provide for increased capacity, speed, and efficiencies of rail transportation along the Northeast Corridor. Thank you to the FRA for supporting these projects and thank you to Governor Lamont and state legislature for ensuring we had the matching funds ready to go with our grant applications.”

Connecticut will receive a total of $1,998,799,600 in funding for ten projects, including:

• $826.65 million for the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project: This project includes construction to replace the existing 116-year-old Connecticut River bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, with a modern and resilient new moveable bridge immediately to the south of the existing structure. The bridge serves the NEC main line as well as Amtrak’s intercity services, Connecticut Shore Line East commuter service, and freight operators.
• $465 million for the WALK Bridge Replacement Project: This project will replace the existing deteriorated bridge with a resilient bridge structure to improve safety and reliability of rail service along the New Haven Line and NEC, while improving navigational capacity and dependability for marine traffic in the Norwalk River.
• $245.92 million for the Devon Bridge Replacement Project: This project will provide a safe and reliable bridge crossing for rail over the river and marine navigation under the rail. The Devon Bridge serves as a critical transportation link between Stamford and New Haven on MNR’s New Haven Line and between New York and Boston on Amtrak’s NEC and carries 6,300 passengers every day.
• $122.8 million for the New Haven Line Power Improvement Program: This project is a phased approach to replace power equipment across three areas of the New Haven Line Power System, including replacement of two signal substations, two balancing substations, and power apparatus at three supply substations.
• $119.32 million for Devon Bridge Interim Repairs: This project will ensure the bridge can be structurally reliable until a major rehabilitation or replacement can occur as described in the Devon Bridge Replacement description above.
• $104.87 million for the Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track Phase 3B Project: This project will improve three single-track sections (totaling approximately 6.2 miles of track improvements) to double track sections to increase the frequency and speed of passenger rail service and to address the intercity transportation needs of Connecticut, Central Massachusetts, Boston, and Vermont.
• $71.65 million for the New Haven Line Track Improvement and Mobility Enhancement Part 1 and 3: This project includes project development and final design for track improvements between mileposts 56.8 and 60.1 on the New Haven Line in Connecticut as well as reconstruction of seven rail overpass bridges and upgrade of all tracks to FRA Class 6 standards, track realignments, installation of a new interlocking, replacement of catenary system components, and railbed drainage improvements.
• $23.2 million for the Saugatuck River Bridge Replacement: This project will replace the bascule bridge which carries four railroad tracks over the Saugatuck River in Westport, which will improve safety and allow increases to the maximum authorized speed through this section of track.
• $15.4 million for the New Haven Line Network Infrastructure Upgrade Project: This project will provide security infrastructure upgrades at stations throughout Metro-North Railroad territory and at Cos Cob bridge and network connectivity at 60 locations by connecting them into the 144-fiber optic back bone.
• $4 million for the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study: This project is a planning study for future infrastructure, speed, and capacity improvement options between New Haven and Providence, Rhode Island.

In addition to the $1.1 billion received by the Connecticut Department of Transportation in this round of grants, the FRA has also provided a letter of intent to the state agency committing upwards of $2 billion for the future construction of the Devon Bridge Replacement Project.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program funds capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

The Epsilon Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in collaboration with All ACCESS Training & Student Athlete Development, Inc., presents the 1st Annual Elm City Youth Leadership Summit. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Summit is to engage high school students in a day of workshops, presentations and activities designed to help develop their leadership skills. Present will be Keynote speaker William “June Boy” Outlaw. This event will be taking place this weekend, Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM @ Wilbur Cross High School, 181 Mitchell Drive, New Haven, CT.

*If interested, please can the QR on the attached flier to complete the Youth Leadership Summit Registration Form.*

I strongly support reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act— a landmark, bipartisan law that has formed a bedrock for U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa for more than two decades. I encourage Congress to reauthorize AGOA in a timely fashion and to modernize this important Act for the economic opportunities of the coming decade.

AGOA is facilitating private-sector led economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa by increasing the competitiveness of African products, diversifying African exports, and enabling the creation of tens of thousands of new, quality jobs in Africa. The benefits are felt on both sides of the Atlantic: AGOA fosters a more competitive environment for U.S. businesses operating in sub-Saharan Africa.

I am committed to expeditiously working with Congress and our African partners to renew this law beyond 2025, in order to deepen trade relations between our countries, advance regional integration, and realize Africa’s immense economic potential for our mutual benefit. In so many ways, Africa is the future – and so when Africa succeeds, the whole world succeeds.

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African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Johannesburg from Nov 2-4

Lamont Administration Plans To Upgrade CEN’s Backbone Network Infrastructure; Expand Dedicated Internet Access for Municipalities, Libraries, and Charter Schools; Deliver Grant Funds for Community WiFi to Residents in Need

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the U.S. Department of Treasury has approved his administration’s plan to invest a $70.9 million grant the state received from the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund to upgrade network and cybersecurity infrastructure in the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), connect up to 170 community anchor organizations to CEN, and expand public WiFi service.

The plan, entitled “CEN Connect,” is comprised of three parts: CEN Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI); CEN Connect Municipalities, Libraries and Charter Schools; and CEN Connect Community WiFi. The program’s website is located at ctedunet.net/cen-connect.

CEN Connect NGI is a direct implementation project and will provide a comprehensive update to the CEN to expand capacity to support the growth in internet use, accommodate the addition of new institutional members, and serve as the attach point for high-performance community wireless. This project will bring 100 gigabit per second network capability to every Connecticut community and serve as the platform to ensure ample internet bandwidth, capacity, and essential cyber security services are available to each community anchor institution (CAI) and open access member.

CEN Connect Municipalities, Libraries, and Charter Schools is also a direct implementation project offering 97 municipalities, 6 councils of government (COGs), 63 libraries, and 14 charter schools fiber-based, high-capacity CEN dedicated internet access (DIA) service. CEN’s DIA service is uniquely designed for CAIs and provides a host of benefits, including dedicated bandwidth with no slow-downs or data caps, exclusive access to the Internet2 national backbone, no-cost express on-ramps to cloud providers, essential cybersecurity protections for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack detection and mitigation, Children’s Internet Protection Act-compliant web filtering, end-to-end management, and a proactive 24x7 Network Operations Center.

CEN Connect Community WiFi is a competitive sub-grant program that will be administered in collaboration with the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology (CET). Expanding on the successful 2020 launch of the community wireless components of Governor Lamont’s Everybody Learns Initiative, CEN Connect Community WiFi will offer $10 million in grant opportunities to improve internet access for Connecticut residents in underserved and typically economically disadvantaged groups in urban and rural communities. Application process details will be forthcoming as the program ramps up.

Governor Lamont said, “Investments through CEN Connect are investments in Connecticut’s ability to deliver and support workforce development, digital government, learning, innovation, and health and human services. The CEN cyber infrastructure contributes to a healthy broadband ecosystem for Connecticut and represents the ultimate shared service platform for our anchor institutions to connect, aggregate, collaborate, and improve services across the state.”

Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said, “Federal approval of CEN Connect is a major step forward in our state’s efforts to support digital infrastructure for our valued community anchor institutions and improve connectivity for residents who have been traditionally underserved. The Department of Administrative Services, through the Commission for Educational Technology and Connecticut Education Network, is proud to support these priorities. Today’s news is sure to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of Connecticut residents.”

Mark Raymond, Connecticut Chief Information Officer and chair of the CET said, “CEN has been providing access to modern technology at scale to our communities in Connecticut for decades. Collaboration across agencies, municipalities, libraries, and schools enable lower cost, meaningful digital access for the public.”

Ryan Kocsondy, Director of the CEN, said, “CEN Connect is an amazing opportunity to ensure every anchor institution in every corner of the state has access to advanced network services and help the CEN continue to serve as the platform for transformative technology delivery for years to come.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This historic investment in broadband infrastructure – connecting essential institutions to reliable high-speed internet – will help bring Connecticut communication into the 21^st Century. Broadband is not a luxury – it’s an essential need and this funding is critical for supporting our workforce, government services, and online learning tools. I applaud Governor Lamont for his commitment to expanding connectivity and I’ll fight for programs that bolster broadband infrastructure.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is a basic necessity, and CEN Connect is a comprehensive plan to ensure people in every corner of the state can get online. It’s great to see dollars from the American Rescue Plan support this project and continue to pay dividends in Connecticut.”

U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02) said, “Broadband is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. When Congressional Democrats enacted the American Rescue Plan in March 2021, we invested in the Capital Projects Fund so that local communities could more easily connect to the digital world. Today’s investment in Connecticut’s broadband infrastructure, made possible by the American Rescue Plan, will power opportunities for learners, employers, and educators across the state. These investments are particularly important for the rural communities I represent across eastern Connecticut.”

U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) said, “In the year 2023 every single Connecticut resident should have access to high-speed internet, and I’m glad to see the American Rescue Plan Act that I supported providing dollars to close the digital divide and invest in our broadband system. As the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, I am acutely aware of the threats posed by cybercriminals to local governments, school systems and libraries, and I’m extremely pleased that these funds are also going to help Connecticut beef up its cybersecurity infrastructure.”

U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “Hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents lack access to affordable high-speed internet connection. My district has one of the lowest connectivity rates in the state. This federal investment in CEN Connect will update our infrastructure and support our workforce and healthcare system. Broadband is essential, and our state has been waiting for additional bold assistance to increase access to safe modern internet service. For over two years, the American Rescue Plan has delivered and transformed our communities. This is the next step forward to the long-term goal of ensuring all Americans have strong and reliable internet connection.”

Joseph DeLong, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities said, “The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is proud to stand among other state leaders in support of Governor Lamont’s announcement of the recent $70.9 million dollar award in Broadband Improvement Plan funds to the Connecticut Education Network. The CEN provides critical broadband infrastructure to Connecticut’s anchor institutions like local governments, libraries, schools, and public safety facilities. As we have seen over the last couple of years, access to safe, secure, and reliable internet is essential. We applaud the CEN and Governor Lamont for their continued commitment to expanding broadband access in the state.”

CEN is one of the nation’s leading all-optical research and education networks providing a premier level of internet access, value added services, and personalized member service to more than 670 member organizations representing every Connecticut community. Established in 2000 as a joint venture between the State of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut, CEN is rooted in service to community anchor institutions. The CEN Connect Broadband Infrastructure Program will further empower each institution in their respective roles to support workforce development, digital government, learning, innovation, and health and human services.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

Governor expresses solidarity with the people of Lewiston, commits full resources of Administration to locating person of interest, orders flags to half-staff statewide in honor of victims

Lewiston, MAINE – In an address this morning to Maine people, Governor Janet Mills expressed solidarity with the people of Lewiston and asked Maine people to join her in helping the city to recover from last night’s tragedy.

Governor Mills was joined by public safety officials including Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck, who provided an update on the ongoing search for person of interest Robert B. Card. The Governor thanked Federal, State, county, and local law enforcement for their work to locate Card and pledged that the full weight of her Administration is behind bringing anyone responsible for the attack to justice.

“There are still many things that we do not yet know about these attacks, but the full weight of my Administration is behind law enforcement’s efforts to capture the person of interest, Robert B. Card of Bowdoin; to hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable under the full force of state and federal law; and to seek full justice for the victims and their families. We are not, and we will not, rest in this endeavor,” said Governor Janet Mills.

“I know that the people of Lewiston are enduring immeasurable pain. I wish I could take that pain from you, but I promise you this, we will all help you carry this grief.I ask Maine people to join me in offering our comfort to the families and friends who have lost someone and in offering our prayers for a swift recovery to the people who are healing in Maine hospitals today,” Governor Mills continued.

Governor Mills also announced that as a mark of respect for the victims of last night’s tragic events, she and President Joe Biden have ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Maine to half-staff statewide for the next five days. President Biden’s proclamation can be found here.

The Governor’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are as follows:

Thank you for being here. As you may be able to hear, my voice is a little hoarse after working through the night last night.

As you know, last night, local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers from across Maine responded to reports of an active shooter at multiple locations in Lewiston, including at Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille.

These law enforcement officers, in the face of danger, responded swiftly, selflessly, and with great bravery – bravery that they continue to demonstrate today as they search tirelessly for a person of interest in connection with last night’s events. On behalf of all Maine people, I express my deep gratitude for your response and for your continued service. As I also do for Maine’s hospitals and other medical emergency response.

I am profoundly saddened to stand before you today to report that 18 people were killed and 13 people were injured in last night’s attacks. In memory of those we lost, and in honor of those who were injured, President Biden and I have ordered all U.S. and State of Maine flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately for the next five days.

Maine state police have issued a shelter in place order for Lewiston, Lisbon, and Bowdoin as the manhunt for that person of interest, Robert B. Card of Bowdoin, continues.

I will let law enforcement speak to the ongoing manhunt and to their investigation, but Card is considered armed and dangerous, and police advise that Maine people should not approach him under any circumstances.

I continue to strongly urge Maine people to follow the direction of State and local law enforcement amid this everchanging situation. Please, if you see anything suspicious, I urge you to call 911.

There are still many things that we do not yet know about these attacks, but the full weight of my Administration is behind law enforcement’s efforts to capture the person of interest, Robert B. Card of Bowdoin; to hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable under the full force of state and federal law; and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.

We are not, and we will not, rest in this endeavor.

My Administration is communicating and coordinating closely with local, regional, and federal officials to respond to this shooting. I have spoken twice with President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Becerra, all of whom called me last night to express the Biden Administration’s unwavering support and to offer any and all help that we need moving forward.

The governors of our neighboring New England states and of other states have all contacted us to offer aid, and I am sincerely grateful to them.

We have been in touch with every member of Maine’s Congressional Delegation who have all offered their full support, for which I am grateful.

I also called Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque last night to reiterate that we are standing by them and that we will deploy all available State resources, including grief counselors and other mental health services, to help our communities heal.

If you or a person you love needs someone to talk to during this difficult time, please call or text 988 for free and confidential counseling. That’s 9-8-8.

Lewiston is a special place. It is a closeknit community with a long history of hard work, of persistence, of faith, of opening its big heart to people everywhere. Lewiston is where I worked for years, it’s where I met and married my husband, Stan, and it’s where the girls went to school.

I love this place, just as I love our whole state with my entire heart. I am so deeply saddened. This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security. No city does. No state. No people.

No words can truly or fully measure the grief of Maine people. Our small state, of just 1.3 million, has long been known as one of the safest states in the nation. This attack strikes at the very heart of who we are and the values we hold dear for this precious place we call home.

All Maine people are sharing in the sorrow of the families who lost loved ones last night, loved ones who were killed or injured while unwinding from a day at work or while spending time with their family and friends.

On behalf of the 1.3 million people in our state, I hold these families and this city in my heart today.

I know that the people of Lewiston are enduring immeasurable pain. I wish I could take that pain from you, but I promise you this, we will all help you carry this grief.

I ask Maine people to join me in offering our comfort to the families and friends who have lost someone and in offering our prayers for a swift recovery to the people who are healing in Maine hospitals today.

This is a dark day for Maine.

I know that it is hard for us to think about healing when our hearts are broken, but I want every person in Maine to know that we will heal together.

We are a resilient and caring people. In the days and weeks ahead, we will need to lean on those qualities more than ever before.

As we move forward, struggling as we may, let us wrap our arms around one another, offering comfort and solace and love.

I know the Maine State Police will continue to release information to the public as we confirm it and information about any steps that the public can take to support the people of Lewiston in this time.

May God bless the people of Lewiston and bless the memories of those we lost.

Thank you.

Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening. CARD should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement if  you have any information to share, please call the Lewiston Police Department at this number 207-513-3001 ext. 3327. Please stay off the streets and allow law enforcement to pursue this suspect.