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.

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. spoke today with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohamed bin Salman about the situation in the Middle East region.  The President affirmed that the United States fully supports the defense of U.S. partners facing terrorist threats, whether from state or non-state actors.  He discussed ongoing diplomatic and military efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict between Israel and Hamas.  The two leaders agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding.  They welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance from Egypt into Gaza and recognized that much more is needed for civilians to have sustained access to food, water, and medical assistance.  The President welcomed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s contribution of $100 million to support these humanitarian efforts, and discussed the disbursement of $100 million from the United States to support the response.  Both leaders welcomed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and called for their immediate release.  They also affirmed the importance of working towards a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians as soon as the crisis subsides, building on the work that was already underway between Saudi Arabia and the United States over recent months.  They agreed to remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming period. 

Governor Ned Lamont, Kiana Foster-Mauro, and Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker( NEW LONDON, CT) 

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced that Kiana Foster-Mauro, a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London, has been selected as Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. The recognition is the state’s highest honor celebrating extraordinary teachers.

Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and other state and local officials delivered the news to Foster-Mauro this morning during a surprise visit to her classroom, which was followed by a schoolwide assembly and celebration with the honoree’s students, fellow educators, and family.

“We are grateful to have a hardworking educator like Ms. Foster-Mauro teaching in our public schools,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve heard so many impressive stories about her from her colleagues and students at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School. She embodies the qualities needed to prepare students for success throughout their lives. It was an honor to visit her in her classroom today to deliver this great news. Connecticut has the best public school teachers in the nation and they should be recognized and celebrated.”

“Teachers are the heartbeat of our education system, and it is a privilege to acknowledge Kiana Foster-Mauro as Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Kiana empowers her students through culturally-sustaining learning and recognizes the importance of diverse representation and practices in education. We are thankful for all she does to uplift and recognize the infinite possibilities of all students. Congratulations to Kiana for achieving the state’s highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers.”

Foster-Mauro is a lifelong learner who is committed to empowering her students. As a Black, biracial woman, Foster-Mauro understands the importance of diversity in education. She believes teaching is a radical act that impacts minds and hearts, designing lessons that empower and tackle critical and relevant topics.

Foster-Mauro has presented at conferences, nationally and locally. She has been a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since 2018 and was recently accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in education with minors in history and human rights, and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut. At UConn, she served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education.

She is passionate about community and empowering others. She enjoys teaching her students reading, writing, and social studies daily and connecting with former students just down the hall and at her annual classroom family reunion. Outside of the classroom, she extends her commitment to education, diversity, and community as a dance teacher at The Dance Extension and company advisor to the Community Dance Ensemble.

“Kiana has shown exceptional qualities, such as intentional planning, unwavering responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the craft of teaching,” Jason Foster, principal of Nathan Hale Arts Magnet Elementary School, said. “Her passion and dedication to our students exemplify the highest standards of education. She is a critical part of our school community, and we are proud to honor this achievement.”

“Kiana Foster-Mauro is an exceptional teacher who represents all that is good about our profession,” David Bosso, president of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council and Connecticut’s 2012 Teacher of the Year, said. “She joins an impressive group of Connecticut Teachers of the Year, and her selection is a testament to the prevalence of teaching excellence in our state. The positive, enduring impact that Kiana has on the lives of her students, her school community, and beyond is abundantly evident. We look forward to working with her and her fellow district honorees this year.”

“We are beyond thrilled to highlight and honor Ms. Foster-Mauro,” Dr. Cynthia Ritchie, superintendent of New London Public Schools, said. “She is an exemplary teacher, role-model for our students, and an integral part of the New London Public School community who ignited a passion for learning among all. She will continue to inspire others to understand that education is truly a tool to make a positive difference in the world. We are incredibly proud and grateful for her contributions.”

“Kiana Foster-Mauro exemplifies how early career educators are effecting change in their classrooms and their profession,” Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, said. “From her college days as a member of Leadership in Diversity, where she encouraged students of color to enter the teaching profession, to her role as a fourth-grade teacher in New London, she tackles each new challenge with confidence, enthusiasm, and the desire to do what’s right for students and public education in Connecticut.”

The designation of Connecticut Teacher of the Year is decided annually by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, a group composed of former recipients of the honor and representatives from educational organizations, businesses, and the community. The council reviewed nearly 100 district-level Teachers of the Year through a rigorous selection process that included candidate applications, interviews, and school site visits, including focus groups with faculty, parents, administration, and students.

Kiana Foster-Mauro will now become Connecticut’s representative for 2024 National Teacher of the Year. She succeeds Connecticut’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, Carolyn Kielma, a science teacher at Bristol Eastern High School in Bristol.

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Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is releasing $11.5 million to 46 school districts across Connecticut to build and expand high-dosage tutoring through the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program.

This significant investment underscores the commitment of the Lamont administration and CSDE in empowering students with enhanced educational opportunities and addressing the education disparities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The need for robust accelerated learning interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has never been greater, and by dedicating this funding to create an intensive tutoring program, we can provide school districts with greater support to identify students who are struggling and connect them with the resources they need to succeed,” Governor Lamont said.

“We were truly inspired by the energy, vision, and thoughtfulness displayed in so many of these applications,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “It is evident that district and school leaders are enthusiastic and deeply committed to implementing high-dosage tutoring programs, which research has found time and time again to have a significant, positive impact on accelerating academic recovery for students.”

Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker announced the launch of the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program in March 2023 to target students in Grade 6 to 9 with a primary focus on enhancing mathematics proficiency. CSDE initially allocated $10 from American Rescue Plan Elementary Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding for this program. In light of the high interest from districts during the application period, CSDE increased its commitment to $11.5 million.

Following an application period, a rigorous review process culminated in the allocation of funding to 46 districts, which are collectively expected to serve nearly 11,000 students. Among these districts, 26 have been identified by CSDE as high-needs districts, where at least 43% of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals between 2014 and 2022. Additionally, 15 of these districts are Alliance Districts. Funding amounts were determined based on individual district grant requests, anticipated student enrollment in the high-dosage tutoring program, and an analysis of each district’s 2021 ARP ESSER allocation. LEA applications that scored above the minimum cutoff score were offered grant funding through this program.

This strategic investment in mathematics education follows recent data released by CSDE, revealing that while there have been improvements in mathematics proficiency across nearly all grades and student groups over the past year, the state is still striving to exceed pre-pandemic performance levels. Research indicates that in-person, in-school tutoring is the most effective means of addressing learning gaps. As a result, more than 40 districts in the state have committed to using the funding to integrate or expand in-person tutoring during regular school hours.

In an additional announcement, CSDE today announced a new partnership with TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project), a prominent national education nonprofit organization. TNTP will support CSDE by providing guidance for all participating school districts, technical assistance, coaching, and a suite of resources to aid schools as they establish new tutoring programs.

The efficacy of this program will be evaluated by researchers through CSDE’s research collaborative called the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration. The lessons learned from this evaluation are expected to inform all Connecticut districts and the state as high-dosage tutoring is considered as a key long-term strategy for accelerating student learning and closing access, engagement, and achievement gaps.

Scheduled to begin by January 2024, the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program will allocate funding to schools for 2023-24 and the first half of the 2024-25 school year.

The 46 school districts selected to receive this funding is provided in the chart below.

For more information on the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program, visit portal.ct.gov/sde/covid19/acceleratect/high-dosage-tutoring.

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Governor Lamont and Connecticut Public Health Officials Encourage Breast Cancer Screenings, Highlight Program Providing Access To Free Mammograms

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 20, 2023, is National Mammography Day

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, are encouraging women across Connecticut to schedule an appointment for a breast cancer screening, noting that early detection of breast cancer is when it is most treatable.

The month of October is recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the third Friday of each October is celebrated as National Mammography Day. This year, that day falls on Friday, October 20, 2023. The officials say that these commemorations are a good reminder about the importance of making an appointment to get screened for breast cancer on a regular basis.

Anyone can develop breast cancer. The standard screening test for breast cancer is called a mammogram, which are x-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in those who may not be showing or be aware of breast cancer symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women between the ages of 50 and 74 have a mammogram screening every two years. Women ages between the ages of 40 and 49 are recommended to discuss with their health care provider whether and how often they should get screened.

“Getting screened on a regular basis is key to detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable,” Governor Lamont said. “We have incredible medical services in Connecticut that specialize in detecting and treating breast cancer. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we can connect you with providers that will give you a mammogram at no cost. This is critically important and can save your life.”

“Early detection saves lives,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Today we want to remind women – no matter your age – to attend your annual well woman exam and talk with your primary care physician to determine when to begin annual mammograms or other regular cancer screenings. I know that those appointments can be anxiety inducing, but it’s too important to skip. When cancer is caught earlier, before it has a chance to grow or spread, it is much easier to treat.”

“Early detection is the best defense against cancer for all women,” Commissioner Juthani said. “Regular mammograms are still the best method to find breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Screening early and regularly saves lives.”

People who live in Connecticut and cannot afford regular mammograms may be eligible for free services. The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program provides breast cancer screenings at locations throughout the state for patients who have low income and who have no or limited health insurance.

Anyone who needs assistance obtaining a mammogram can find resources available online at ct.gov/dph/screening or they can call 860-509-7804 for more information.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of all races and ethnicities. In 2020, the incidence of breast cancer in Connecticut was 133.2 per 100,000 women – the highest rate in the U.S. The national rate that year was 119.2 per 100,000 women. In 2020, the breast cancer mortality rate in Connecticut was 18.0 per 100,000 women. The national breast cancer mortality rate that year was 19.1 per 100,000 women. These rates highlight the importance of detecting breast cancer early when treatments are more effective.

In 2022, Connecticut ranked fourth in the nation for breast cancer screening rates in women 40 years and older (76.2%), which is higher than the national rate of 70.2%. A total of 81.7% of women in Connecticut between the ages of 50 and 74 reported that they had a mammogram within the preceding two years, while the rate nationally is 76.3%.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 43,700 women in the U.S. will die this year from breast cancer and that more than 480 will be in Connecticut. These numbers warrant attention because when detected early, a women’s chance of surviving breast cancer decreases. Breast cancer screening exams can help detect the disease at its earliest stages of development, often resulting in less aggressive treatments and ultimately saving lives.

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I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted. Immediately upon hearing this news, I spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and have directed my national security team to continue gathering information about what exactly happened. The United States stands unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict and we mourn the patients, medical staff and other innocents killed or wounded in this tragedy.

Governor Lamont Statement on Release of Connecticut's Annual Crime Statistics Report for 2022

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont issued the following statement in response to the release today of Connecticut’s annual crime statistics report for 2022. Prepared by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Crime Analysis Unit, the annual report compiles data on crimes reported to law enforcement agencies in the state during each calendar year.

“This report demonstrates that Connecticut continues to be one of the safest states in the country, with violent and property crimes down from the previous year and below or trending toward pre-pandemic levels,” Governor Lamont said. “Any instance of crime in our state is unacceptable, and we will continue to improve our public safety record by prioritizing smart on crime policies, gun safety, and support for our most vulnerable residents.”

Background on the report

The annual report is created by the Crimes Analysis Unit of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and is now in its 45^th year of publication. It is the most comprehensive source of crime-related data for the state.

Data from the report released today shows that between 2021 and 2022, Connecticut experienced a:

• 4% reduction in overall crime;
• 13% reduction in violent crime, including a 13% reduction in homicides and an 18% reduction in robberies; and a
• 3% reduction in property crimes.

Additionally, the report finds that over the last ten years overall crime in Connecticut has fallen 26%, including a 41% reduction in violent crime and a 23% reduction in property crime.

Background on recent public safety initiatives

During the last five years, the Connecticut State Police Training Academy has graduated 376 new state troopers through seven training troops. The 134^th Training Troop is currently in progress and anticipated to graduate an additional 32 new state troopers by the end of January 2024. The Connecticut State Police plans to commence the 135^th Training Troop in February 2024, which will graduate in August 2024. The recruitment for the 136^th Training Troop will begin in November and the class will graduate in 2025.

Bipartisan legislation Connecticut enacted this year, following introduction by Governor Lamont, targets further reductions in violent crime and gun violence. Public Act 23-53 (An Act Addressing Gun Violence) makes communities safer by closing loopholes in existing gun safety laws, banning the open carry of firearms, cracking down on ghost guns and bulk purchases, expanding safe storage laws, and keeping guns out of the hands of bad actors and high-risk repeat offenders.

Connecticut is also employing a public health and community-centered approach, by providing the Department of Public Health’s gun violence prevention program in the FY 2024-2025 budget with $7.8 million to support grants to community violence intervention programs plus $12 million in bond authorization for communities and nonprofit organizations to complete capital projects. Another $9.5 million is provided for the Project Longevity gun violence reduction program along with $5 million for housing vouchers for populations at risk of gun violence.

Other community safety items in the FY 2024 and 2025 budget appear below.

Services and added protections for crime victims

• $33.2 million to fill the gap in federal Victims of Crime Act Assistance funding.
• $6.0 million for enhanced GPS monitoring, including high-risk populations with domestic violence charges.

Investments in prevention and services for system-involved youth

• $12.0 million for juvenile review boards to assess at-risk youth and connect them to services.
• $10.9 million for youth violence intervention programming.
• $14.6 million for prevention programs for at-risk youth.

Support for court system operations and personnel

• $17.6 million to increase assigned counsel rates.
• $4.2 million for judicial salaries to help with recruitment and retention.
• $1.3 million to modernize and upgrade courthouse security and technology.

Support for emergency services and public safety

• $34.9 million for the Connecticut State Police wage agreements to recruit and retain state troopers.
• $1.6 million to support State Forensic Science Laboratory operations.

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