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Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Awarded $2 Million Federal Grant To Improve Energy Efficiency in the Manufacturing Sector

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 29, 2023 at 18:04 in NEWS

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Manufacturing has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the rapid deployment of smart manufacturing technologies into Connecticut’s supply chain. The goal of the initiative is to help small and medium-sized companies in the state reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improve energy efficiency.

“Connecticut is a leader in advanced manufacturing, and this grant reflects the confidence in our federal government for us to continue taking this lead,” Governor Lamont said. “Working to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency meets two important goals of our administration – meeting our targets to combat the impacts of climate change and lowering the cost of doing business for Connecticut manufacturers.”

“Connecticut is home to a thriving advanced manufacturing industry that is especially critical to our national security,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “These federal funds will supply Connecticut manufacturers with energy-efficient technology to reduce carbon emissions and help tackle the climate crisis. I am proud to have fought for these funds alongside the Connecticut delegation, and I will continue to push for clean energy solutions for our state’s manufacturing sector.”

“Connecticut manufacturing is the backbone our state’s economy, and these companies play a major role in helping us reach our climate goals,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “This $2 million federal grant is going to help smaller manufacturers across the state begin implementing innovative technology to lower their carbon emissions and help them become more energy efficient. I’ll continue pushing for more federal government investments in the future of Connecticut manufacturing.”

“Federal funding we secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bolster Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and support both public and private efforts to lower energy costs and reduce emissions,” Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said. “Since President Biden took office, we’ve seen record job growth, including thousands of new, good-paying manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut. The State Manufacturing Leadership Program will bring new jobs to the state and expand our presence as a hub for clean energy manufacturing and innovation.”

“Connecticut is one of America’s great manufacturing hubs – thanks in part to federal investments like this $2 million award and the outstanding workforce training programs that have prepared workers to take on new jobs in clean energy manufacturing, infrastructure development, defense manufacturing, and more,” Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) said. “In fact, this week, Connecticut was rated one of the top ten states for defense spending, highlighting the large role the defense industry and manufacturing plays in our state. I look forward to seeing how this new investment will help Connecticut’s manufacturing industry continue to lead the way and improve energy efficiency across the sector.”

“This investment from the U.S. Department of Energy will increase Connecticut’s competitiveness on a global stage, creating good-paying American jobs, and accelerating our clean energy economy,” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said. “This funding will allow us to be on the cutting edge of nationwide efforts to promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy strategies. By deploying these energy efficiency technologies, we can begin building upon and supporting our states robust manufacturing sector. I am proud that Connecticut is able to play a part in meeting the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals.”

“I’m glad to see manufacturing companies in Connecticut awarded the funds they need to invest in innovative technologies that will reduce costs, improve efficiency, and cut harmful emissions,” Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said. “Federal investments like these allow our manufacturing sector to continue to lead and flourish, providing good jobs and contributing to a cleaner energy future.”

“Investing in lowering carbon dioxide emissions and improving energy efficiency produces jobs, fights climate change, and strengthens our advanced manufacturing industry in Connecticut,” Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said. “Enhancing our supply chain with high-quality manufacturing technologies increases production and grows skilled workers across our state.”

The DECD’s Office of Manufacturing is partnering with the University of Connecticut, the Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., and CONNSTEP to launch the two-year pilot program that this grant is supporting. DECD will be matching the grant with $654,648 in funding.

“Connecticut’s manufacturing supply chain is known around the world for its skilled workforce, innovation, and productivity, but we know we can’t rest on our laurels,” Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, said. “Strategically planning for and investing in our manufacturing future is critical to our long-term economic success, and this award will help build capacity and resilience throughout our manufacturing ecosystem.”

For more information about the state’s efforts to support and strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing sector, visit the Office of Manufacturing’s website at manufacturing.ct.gov.

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Governor Lamont: Flags Lowered Nationwide in Honor of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 29, 2023 at 17:44 in NEWS

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Governor Lamont: Flags Lowered Nationwide in Honor of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that pursuant to U.S. Flag Code and in accordance with a proclamation from President Joe Biden directing flags to be lowered throughout the country as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S. and state flags in Connecticut should be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff.

“Senator Feinstein has made a legendary mark in Congress and her passing is a substantial loss for our country,” Governor Lamont said. “In particular, I am incredibly appreciative of her commitment toward enacting commonsense policies on gun violence prevention, as well as her trailblazing work on equal rights. My condolences are with Senator Feinstein’s family and her colleagues in Congress. I am deeply grateful for her service to the United States and the legacy she leaves.”

United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(m) directs flags to be lowered to half-staff upon the passing of a sitting member of Congress.

 

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CTDOT Announces CTpass Program to Support Workforce Development Applications Now Available

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 28, 2023 at 11:13 in NEWS

 Connecticut Department of Transportation

Announces CTpass Program to Support Workforce Development Applications Now Available

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that eligible organizations can now submit applications to participate in the CTpass program. CTpass offers 31-day bus passes to eligible organizations at a 10% discount per pass for CTtransit and CTfastrak bus services throughout the state, including Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, New Britain, Bristol, Waterbury, Meriden, and Wallingford service areas.

The CTpass program was developed to support workforce development and increase access to Connecticut’s bus transportation system. The Governor’s Workforce Council Legislation developed the CTpass program idea, which was passed through state legislation in 2022.

“Public transportation plays a vital role in expanding Connecticut’s economy by breaking down barriers to employment and connecting more people to opportunities throughout the state,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. “CTpass will make a big difference in supporting Connecticut’s existing and future workforce. I encourage eligible organizations to apply and contact us with any questions. Our staff is here to help.”

Eligible organizations in Connecticut who can apply to participate in the CTpass program include: 

  • Organizations that provide a training program listed on the State of Connecticut Labor Department’s Eligible Training Provider List
  • An apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program sponsor
  • A provider of an alternate route to certification program that the State Board of Education has approved
  • An institution of higher education
  • A private occupational school
  • A private employer
  • A state or municipal agency
  • A public of nonprofit social service provider in Connecticut

Any organization that meets the criteria may apply. Upon the application submission, CTDOT will review the application and contact the organization for the next steps. The application period does not close.

 

For more information on the CTpass program and how to submit the initial application, visit ct.gov/dot/CTpass.

Organizations that want additional information or have questions about the CTpass program and application process are encouraged to email DOT.CTpass@ct.gov.

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President Biden and Vice President Harris Before Meeting with the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 28, 2023 at 3:41 in BLACK NEWSENTERTAINMENT

Remarks by President Biden and Vice President Harris Before Meeting with the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Roosevelt Room


 
THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to turn the meeting over to the fellow I asked to chair all this.  We used to — I used to be a really good senator because of this guy.  He was running my show. 
 
And all of a sudden, he got a PhD from Delaware State University and quit.  What the hell?  (Laughter.) 
 
Tony, it’s yours.
 
DR. ALLEN:  Thank you, Mr. President.  And thank you, Madam Vice President.  I just want to say we’ve had an excellent meeting with all of you.  We had the great pleasure of being appointed by you in March of ‘22 and have really gone about the work of building on what I think is an incredible foundation this administration has set for HBCUs.
 
I’ve said it publicly many times, and I’ll say it once more: No other president, no other administration in American history has given so much to HBCUs so quickly, so clearly, and with a clear vision for doing more.  And we just want to applaud this administration for that work.
 
Your initial investment from — of $7 billion just in the Department of Education alone is outstanding.  And I want to add that that includes 3.6 million dollars — billion dollars — excuse me — during the pandemic, which was critical for us; $1.6 billion in loan forgiveness for infrastructure concerns at HBCUs — 45 public and private HBCUs benefited from that work; another 1.4 — -5 billion dollars in annual appropriations; and $12 million, which might not sound like a lot of money to any of you, but was really important when HBCUs were under terroristic threat not so long ago. 
 
So, just to give you a sense of that commitment, we have framed our recommendations around President Biden, Vice President Harris’s core fundamental tenets in that regard.  And there are four. 
 
One, let’s continue to work on infrastructure, both as it relates to physical infrastructure and technological infrastructure. 
 
We already know that HBCUs were the best return on investment in higher education and provide a quality education, and we want our living and learning spaces to match that quality education. 
 
Two, let’s make sure we’re spending time continuing to build the research capacity of our institutions.  We think we have unique expertise across an array of disciplines that will help the American economy.  And we have a number of HBCUs who are in the R2 position, which is a cla- — a Carnegie Classification that are ready for their R1 status. 
 
Three is connected pathways.  And the President and the Vice President have already done this, particularly as it relates to using the bully pul- — pulpit to spend time with industry supporting this notion of real opportunities for our students from the time they come to our campuses through graduate school. 
 
And then finally is HBCU preservation and growth.  We believe that that is critically important because, as many know — particularly my colleagues in this room — still the number one factor for a low-res- — low-resourced student getting into the middle class who is African American is their attendance at an HBCU. 
 
So, I’m very proud to chair this body.  I’m very proud of my colleagues and the continued work.  I’d only add that our report comes with a detailed fact pattern established by the Institute for Black Economic Mobility at the McKinsey Institute that they provided pro bono. 
 
So, we believe our work is real, sound, and will really help set the trajectory for our institutions. 
 
With that, I am proud to introduce and turn it over to my dear friend, the president of the United States, Joe Biden. 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Tony, thanks for the introduction.  And — and, Dr. Glover, thank you for co-chairing this effort.  Look — and the board of advisors.  I think we’re making — with your help, we’re making a lot of progress.  And there’s a lot more to do. 
 
But, you know, we just finished a meeting about the critical role HBCUs play — in the private discussion we had in here — and what they can do to continue this legacy of excellence and growth. 
 
You know, it’s not just about, you know, hourly wages.  It’s about being able to accumulate wealth.  It’s being able to focus on more than just what’s — what you’re going to put on the table tonight.  And we’ve done a good job on that, but there is a lot more to do.
 
And HBCUs produce 40 percent of all Black engineers in America, 50 percent of all Black lawyers, 70 percent of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80 percent of all Black judges.
 
And — and HBCUs are engineers of economic mobility because — helping form — increase the Black middle class.
 
I know everybody talks — I’m focused too much on the middle class.  When the middle class does well, everybody does well.  The poor have a road up, and the wealthy still do well — although they got to start paying their taxes.
 
And that’s why it’s — we — it’s critical we invest in these universities.
 
Folks have the audacity to say I cut funding for — I saw — heard something I want to — on the Internet — that I cut funding for HBCUs.  And I — that’s the furthest thing from the truth.  But then again, there’s a lot on the Internet.
 
But I’ve kept my promise to make historic investments in HBCUs.  Tony mentioned $7 billion so far, including research investments, the largest increase in Pell Grants in over a decade — the significant percent- — percentage of African Americans going to college who receive Pell Grants.  The student debt repayment plan is — the total lifetime payment per dollar borrowed for Black students and families is cut in half, and I established a board to do even more.
 
We just had a good discussion around ensuring HBCUs continue to be strong financially and affordable for students.
 
And, Tony, you mentioned the four things that you suggested in your report: growth, infrastructure, the whole idea of student support, and research. 
 
And I was reminiscing about when I was a senator and then as vice president, I realized we had the ability as vice president — the president had the ability to assign government programs that were funded to — if you’re going to build a new aircraft carrier, who puts that on the deck?  Well, we’re supposed to pick Americans and American — American material and American personnel. 
 
And — and I remember going down to an HBCU in Northeastern Virginia, and they had the capacity to do anything anybody else did, except one thing: They had no laboratories.  They had no laboratories. 
 
And so, the infrastructure of the school is not just housing, not just the classrooms in which you meet in; it’s the laboratories to be able to take advantage of the opportunities to compete for the contracts that are being put out by the federal government that generate — and with artificial intelligence around the corner — not around the corner — on our back right now, you know, we have to increase that even more.
 
And with regard to the making sure that we engage in — making sure you — you have student support — well, that’s why we increased Pell Grant so significantly.  And we’re going to continue to do that.  And that’s why we’re focusing so much on — on infrastructure and research.
 
And so, the point is that — in the meantime, I want to say a word about — about — well, about those in Congress who are willing to shut down the government.  I know — I — I know you all want me to stick exactly to the subject.  You don’t want to ask me any questions about anything else.  (Laughter.)  I know that. 
 
But — excuse me.  You’re having trouble hearing me?
 
I know you’re — you know, anyway.  In the meantime, I want to say a word about those in Congress who are willing to shut down the government. 
 
Just a few months ago, the Speaker of the House and I agreed to spending levels for the government.  We were up right to the very edge, almost reneged on our debt, and — that we could fund essential priorities and still cut the deficit by $1 trillion over the next decade.
 
Now, a small group of extreme House Republicans, they don’t want to live up to that deal, and everyone in America could be faced with not — with paying the price for that. 
 
They’re changing it.  We made a deal.  We shook hands.  We said, “This is what we’re going to do,” and now they’re reneging on the deal, which is not much of a surprise these days.
 
And the Black community, in particular, is going to suffer if that occurs.  For example, a shutdown is going to risk nutrition assistance to nearly 7 million moms and children, and it’s going to disproportionately affect Black families.  
 
The Department of Housing and Urban Development would have to stop nearly all of its enforcement work fighting housing discrimination.  
 
EPA would have to stop its important work bringing environmental justice to frontline and fence-line communities because most of the inspections in hazardous waste sites and chemical facilities would come to a halt.
 
The historic work we’re doing to increase the share of federal contract dollars going to small, disadvantaged businesses would be disrupted. 
 
Funding the government is one of the most basic fundamental responsibilities of the Congress.  And if Republicans in the House don’t start doing their job, we should stop electing them. 
 
Now, there’s a lot more to say, but let me turn it over to Kamala. 
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Well, I want to, as the President has said, welcome and thank each of you for your service: Chair Dr. Allen, Co-Chair Dr. Glover, and the Advisory Board. 
 
I am proudly the first vice president of the United States who was an HBCU graduate.  And so — (applause) — so the work —
 
THE PRESIDENT:  She made her staff wear the Howard jersey.  (Laughter.)
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  So, the work of this esteemed group of leaders, under the guidance of our President, is especially meaningful to me for many reasons. 
 
I strongly believe — based on experience and knowledge about what our country needs, in terms of its strength and growth and development — that our HBCUs are extraordinary centers of academic excellence and must continue to be supported, not only because of the historical role that they have played in building and helping to contribute to America’s leadership and global leadership, but also because, as the President has said: As we look forward, we know that our HBCUs are also pipelines for very extraordinary young people to enter the fields of work that we require to cure disease, to create that which we have not imagined, to supply us with the innovative approaches that will allow us to continue to work on the strength, prosperity, and security of our nation.  
 
So, for all of those reasons, I thank this group for the work you do in advocating for the resources and the growth of our HBCUs.
 
HBCU graduates are in every room where important decisions are made, and they should be.  
 
Right now, among the many issues that we are tackling is how will we address artificial intelligence. 
 
One of the issues therein that we have discussed a lot — at this very table, in fact — is that we want to ensure that machine learning adapts to and includes the experiences of all people.  We therefore will all benefit from HBCU graduates being at the table where those decisions are being made. 
 
We came out of a pandemic some time ago.  What we know is that when we look at health issues and public health crises, there will be disparities based on people’s background, based on their race.  And in order to best address those, we’re going to want to have people in those fields of research who understand the culture, the mores, and the particular impact that certain communities have.  
 
In the media, we want to make sure that those voices are represented, so when the stories are told, the stories will take into account the experiences of particular groups based on experience and — and tradition and culture.  
 
So, for all those reasons, we need our HBCUs.  They benefit everyone in our country.  
 
The President has been very adamant since we came in office that we will — as Dr. Glover said, we will not just think of our HBCUs as an afterthought, but they will be at the forefront of our mind. 
 
So, our administration has at least — dedicated at least $7 billion — Dr. Allen, I think you rightly calculated more —
 
DR. ALLEN:  Yeah.
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — to what we need to do to support these schools. 
 
And we will continue to do it, understanding that our HBCUs also have particular challenges.  Their endowments tend to be smaller than other universities who are similarly situated, 50 percent of our HBCU buildings are in need of repair, and 70 percent of the students at HBCUs are Pell Grant eligible.  
 
These are all areas that our administration has been working on, and we will continue to do that work.  
 
And again, I cannot thank our president enough.  Sometimes he — I think he almost wants to let me know that he has spent more time at an HBCU than I have.  (Laughter.)  It becomes a source of a healthy debate — (laughter) — between he and I in the Oval Office, quietly. 
 
But, President Biden, I thank you for all that you do on leadership on this issue and so much more.  And I’ll turn it over to Mayor Benjamin.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Before you do, Steve.
 
MR. BENJAMIN:  Yes, sir.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I — look, one of the things that — to keep in mind as a good measure, I think, is that land-grant universities — and HBCUs are mostly land-grant universities, as my university of Delaware — the State University of Delaware.
 
Land-grant universities used to be robustly supported by their state legislative bodies.  They would support, in some cases, up to 60 percent of the land-grant budget for that university.  
 
Well, since the — 1987 to 2000, land-grant universities have lost — Black and white — more than $13 billion in investments from the state — from the state univer- — from the states and government to help them.  And that has exacerbated the problem in — for particularly Black land-grant universities, HBCUs. 
 
And I — I think it’s important that we understand that, you know, the one thing I — and I know you’re tired of hearing me say this about all my initiatives — on the economy as well — is that if land-grant universities and, for example, HBCUs are doing extremely well — they’re producing students that are going to make us wealthier, make us smarter, make us more compatible — it helps everybody.  Everybody does better in the whole United States when the potential of HBCUs is realized.  Everybody.
 
And so, I just — I make no apologies for the kind of effort we’re expending on HBCUs.
 
And — and I did spend probably more time on campus.  (Laughter.)  But I didn’t do nearly as well — (laughter) — either in the land-grant university I went to at Delaware or —
 
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Howard University.  (Laughs.)
 
THE PRESIDENT:  — Howard University.
 
But all kidding aside, it really makes a lot of difference.
 
But I’ll turn it back to you, Steve. 
 
MR. BENJAMIN:  Thank you so much, Mr. President; Madam Vice President; our chairs, Dr. Allen, Dr. Glover; and this amazing body for your leadership. 
 
We’re going up wrap it up right now and let the press exit. 
 
Q    Mr. President, do you support UAW demands? 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Do I support a what? 
 
Q    UAW demands.
 
Q    Do you support the UAW demands, Mr. President? 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I can’t hear — I heard — I heard —
 
Q    Do you support the UAW demands?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  One at a time.
 
Q    Mr. President, do you support the UAW demands?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under.  They gave up everything from their pensions on.  And they saved the automobile industry. 
 
And I think that now that the industry is roaring back, they should pr- — they should participate in the — in the benefit of that.  And I — if you take a look at the significant increase in salaries for the executives and growth of their industry, they should benefit from it. 
 
So, yes, I support — I always support the UAW. 
 
Q    Have you spoken to Speaker McCarthy?  Have you spoken to Speaker McCarthy?
 
THE PRESIDENT:  I haven’t.
 
Q    Will you speak to him? 
 
THE PRESIDENT:  (Shakes heads.)
 
Q    Thank you, Mr. President.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
 
4:03 P.M. EDT 

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President Joe Biden to Establish First-Ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, To Be Overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 28, 2023 at 3:31 in NEWS

President Joe Biden to Establish First-Ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, To Be Overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris

New office will focus on implementing executive and legislative action, including historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed by President Biden, to end the scourge of gun violence in America
 

Tomorrow, President Biden will announce the establishment of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to reduce gun violence, which has ravaged communities across the country, and implement and expand upon key executive and legislative action which has been taken to save lives.
 
The new Office of Gun Violence Prevention will be overseen by Vice President Harris, who has been a been a key leader in the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to end our nation’s gun violence epidemic. Stefanie Feldman, a longtime policy advisor to President Biden on gun violence prevention, will serve as Director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, alongside leading gun violence prevention advocates Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox, who will join the Administration as Deputy Directors of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
 
Statement from the President: “Every time I’ve met with families impacted by gun violence as they mourn their loved ones, and I’ve met with so many throughout the country, they all have the same message for their elected officials: ‘do something.’ It’s why, last year, I signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to keep guns out of dangerous hands, and have taken more executive action than any President in history to keep communities safe. But as I’ve said before – while these are important steps, they are just the first steps toward what is needed.
 
“That’s why I’m announcing additional steps forward, with the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris, to build upon these measures and keep Americans safe. The Office will include Stefanie Feldman, who has capably led my Administration’s gun violence prevention efforts and been a trusted aide for more than a decade, alongside leading experts Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox whose own lives and families have been touched by the tragedy of gun violence. They have turned their pain into purpose and dedicated their careers to being advocates for change – that important work will continue as they join my team in these new roles.”
 
“I’ll continue to urge Congress to take commonsense actions that the majority of Americans support like enacting universal background checks and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. But in the absence of that sorely-needed action, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention along with the rest of my Administration will continue to do everything it can to combat the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our families, our communities, and our country apart.”
 
Statement from the Vice President: “Every person and every child deserves the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and live up to their God-given potential. Every family, in every community, should have the freedom to live and to thrive. We know true freedom is not possible if people are not safe. This epidemic of gun violence requires urgent leadership to end the fear and trauma that Americans experience every day. The new Office of Gun Violence Prevention will play a critical role in implementing President Biden’s and my efforts to reduce violence to the fullest extent under the law, while also engaging and encouraging Congressional leaders, state and local leaders, and advocates to come together to build upon the meaningful progress that we have made to save lives. Our promise to the American people is this: we will not stop working to end the epidemic of gun violence in every community, because we do not have a moment, nor a life to spare.”
 
About Stefanie Feldman:
 
Stefanie Feldman has worked for President Biden for more than a decade. She currently serves as Assistant to the President and White House Staff Secretary, and will now add the role of Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to her responsibilities. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the White House Domestic Policy Advisor, the National Policy Director for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign, the inaugural Policy Director for the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy & Administration. She started her career in various policy roles in the White House Office of the Vice President during the Obama-Biden Administration. After the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in December 2012, she was part of the team that helped then-Vice President Biden develop executive actions and legislation to reduce gun violence. She holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
 
About Greg Jackson:
 
Greg Jackson will serve as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Greg has been a gun violence prevention leader for over ten years. A survivor of gun violence, Greg has led Community Justice Action Fund, a national, survivor-led gun violence prevention organization focused exclusively on the impact to Black and brown communities. Greg has testified before Congress and has regularly appeared in an array of media outlets including Time, CNN, Vice News, The Problem with Jon Stewart, The Washington Post, MSNBC and “Price of Freedom” HBO Documentary. Greg holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia.
 
About Rob Wilcox:
 
Robert Wilcox will also serve as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Previously, Rob served as the Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety. His tenure at Everytown has included advising policymakers at all levels of government, leading the organization’s federal advocacy efforts, and testifying before Congress. Previously, Wilcox worked at Brady, served on the Board of Directors of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, and practiced law at a firm in New York City. He holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Northwestern School of Law. His work honors his cousin Laura, who was shot and killed at nineteen, and is inspired by the tireless advocacy efforts of his Aunt Amanda and Uncle Nick.
 

***

 
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention builds on historic actions taken by President Biden to end gun violence in our country: including signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant legislative action in nearly 30 years aimed at doing so, and taking more meaningful executive action than any other president to make our schools, churches, grocery stores, and communities safer.
 
The Biden-Harris Administration has worked to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in nearly 30 years. This legislation is already saving lives by keeping guns out of the hands of individuals under 21 who are prohibited from purchasing firearms, empowering the Justice Department with new authorities to prosecute firearms traffickers, improving access to mental health services in our schools to help young people deal with the trauma and grief resulting from gun violence, and investing in community violence interventions.
 
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced dozens of executive actions to: keep especially dangerous weapons and repeat shooters off our streets; hold rogue gun dealers and gun traffickers accountable; provide law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to reduce gun violence; and address the root causes of gun violence.  Most recently, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – a critical leader in work to reduce gun violence – proposed a rule to reduce the number of guns sold without background checks and keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
 
President Biden continues to call on Congress to take additional action, including by:

  • Banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines;
  • Requiring safe storage of firearms;
  • Requiring background checks for all gun sales;
  • Eliminating gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability; and
  • Enacting his Safer America Plan, which would put more police officers on our streets for accountable, community policing and invest in gun violence prevention and intervention.
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Governor Lamont Says Tourism in Connecticut Experiencing Surge, Announces Upgrades To Welcome Centers

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 28, 2023 at 3:24 in NEWS

Governor Lamont Says Tourism in Connecticut Experiencing Surge, Announces Upgrades To Welcome Centers

Renovations to Welcome Centers in Danbury and Darien Now Complete; Similar Upgrades Coming Soon to Greenwich, North Stonington, West Willington, and Westbrook

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as the summer season nears its end and autumn approaches, the tourism industry in Connecticut has been experiencing a surge in visitation.

Through June, independent research data from Tourism Economics shows that visitation to the state has risen by 3% year over year. Through July, national benchmarking STR data shows that the Connecticut lodging industry has seen a 10% increase in revenues over the last year. Additionally, the state’s official tourism website CTvisit.com has logged an impressive 7.3 million site visits since January – up 44% over the previous year. Already the fifth most visited state tourism site in the nation, this increase in traffic positions CTvisit.com for a record-breaking year and bodes well for continued momentum for the state’s many tourism-related businesses.

“This spike in both current visits — and interest in future visits — reflects Connecticut’s growing appeal,” Governor Lamont said. “This fall, we encourage our residents and our visitors to explore Connecticut’s amazing attractions and enjoy all the ways you can take in our incredible fall foliage.”

“In addition to our breathtaking fall colors, there are so many reasons to enjoy Connecticut,” Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the Connecticut Office of Tourism, said. “It’s a great time to get out for a UConn football game and see why USA Today recently named UConn the best college for sports fans. It’s also an ideal time to experience our ever-popular fall fairs and music festivals, our worldclass museums and theaters, our perfect pizza, and local oysters, and so much more.”

Connecticut boasts the longest foliage season among its New England counterparts, offering visitors an extended opportunity to savor the bright colored landscapes. This year, forecasters are anticipating that the views may be even more vivid.

“With such ample rain this summer, the trees are less stressed this year, which can result in more vivid colors,” Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said. “Typically, the vibrancy of our fall colors do depend on seasonally cool nights in September and early October. Given that the temperatures soared at the beginning of this month, the colors may be a little later than normal, but they still should be particularly vibrant.”

In time for this expected surge of visitors, Governor Lamont also announced the recent completion of a successful pilot program between the Connecticut Office of Tourism and the Connecticut Department of Transportation that has revitalized the state’s Welcome Centers in Danbury and Darien. Upgrades include installation of touch screen kiosks connecting visitors with things to do, see, and eat; 50” LED television screens showing the Connecticut’s tourism reel; and the state’s new CT Visit tourism branding that was launched in June 2022. Four more Welcome Centers across the state – Greenwich, North Stonington, West Willington, and Westbrook – will see similar upgrades over the coming year prior to next summer’s peak tourism season.

“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with the Office of Tourism in revamping the Welcome Centers, where visitors often form their first impression of Connecticut,” Laoise King, deputy commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, said. “With so many must-visit Connecticut destinations, we look forward to working with Governor Lamont and our state agency partners to expand these upgrades to additional entry points to ensure that no matter how someone travels, they are aware of all that Connecticut offers.”

One popular activity that draws travel to and across Connecticut is hiking. Recent research from Why This Place named Connecticut the best state in America for hiking, with an impressive 1,455 hiking trails per 1,000 square miles.

Just in time for fall foliage, earlier this week the state launched CTParks.com, a cutting-edge website showcasing Connecticut State Parks that was designed to integrate with CTvisit.com. The inspiring and useful site makes it easier for residents and visitors to discover the beauty of our parks and recreational areas and all the activities that each park offers.

“What makes this video-rich website a great experience for users is that it allows visitors to find exactly what park is right for them based on their interests or location,” Commissioner Dykes said. “As we approach the much-anticipated fall foliage season, this resource becomes invaluable for planning an unforgettable autumn adventure. The difficult part will be deciding which park to enjoy first! Fall is a beautiful time to hike, so one great option for hikers and families to consider is DEEP’s Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge.”

“As the leaves begin to turn, there’s no better time for travelers and state residents to explore Connecticut, especially the scenic trails,” Alexandra Daum, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “Through DECD’s partnership with DEEP on the launch of this new website, visitors can plan a perfect day trip or vacation by picking the right state park and finding places to stay, restaurants to eat at, and other great things to do in surrounding towns and cities. By encouraging longer stays, we can grow our already robust tourism industry that brought $17 billion into Connecticut in 2022.”

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Governor Lamont Announces Bond Commission Set To Approve $25 Million for New Voting Machines

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 27, 2023 at 18:48 in NEWS

Governor Lamont Announces Bond Commission Set To Approve $25 Million for New Voting Machines

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission will vote at its upcoming meeting to approve an allocation of $25 million that will be used to purchase new ballot-counting tabulators for use in elections and primaries statewide. The equipment will replace Connecticut’s existing voting machines, which are used at every polling place in the state to tabulate the choices that voters make on their paper ballots.

The governor, who serves as chair of the commission and sets its meeting agendas, said that he is recommending the members to approve the funding because the existing machines, which were first put into use in 2006, are beginning to show signs of aging and should be replaced for the continued functioning of accurate and timely election results. The allocation is being placed on the agenda for approval at the commission’s October 6, 2023, meeting.

“The machines we use to record votes are the backbone of our election system, and it is essential that we provide election officials with the equipment they need to tabulate results with accuracy and timeliness,” Governor Lamont said. “Although our existing machines continue to function, they are more than 17 years old and election officials tell us that they are starting to show their age. Implementing a statewide replacement of all these machines now will ensure that election workers continue to have the tools they need to conduct an Election Day that runs smooth and free of any glitches that could potentially be caused by outdated technology.”

Following the commission’s approval of the funding, it is anticipated that the Office of the Secretary of the State will solicit proposals from manufacturers to supply the state with the equipment. Once purchased, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality and the existing equipment will be retired. The state is funding the entirety of the cost to purchase the equipment. It is estimated that the allocation will enable the state to purchase several thousand traditional tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to tally absentee ballots.

This will be the first time the state is implementing a statewide replacement of all its voting machines since it eliminated the use of lever machines 17 years ago and made a switch to machines that read paper ballots as part of a nationwide requirement enacted by Congress in 2002 for states to have voting systems that keep a paper record of every vote cast in case an election is audited or recounted. Because lever voting machines cannot produce a paper ballot, they were retired from use.

The October 6, 2023, meeting of the State Bond Commission will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Additionally, video of the meeting will stream live online at ct-n.com.

 

Twitter: @GovNedLamont
Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont
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Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week at the NHFPL!

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 27, 2023 at 1:07 in NEWS

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Let's Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week!


Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) is an annual week of promoting digital equity through awareness, recognition, and celebration. All individuals deserve the opportunity to participate, grow, and learn through the use of technology. This year, Digital Inclusion Week runs from October 2-6, 2023. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
 

Events at the NHFPL

Affordable Connectivity Program Kickoff with CFaL

Monday, October 2, 1 pm | Wilson Branch Library

NHFPL and the City of New Haven Office of Economic Development have partnered with Concepts for Adaptive Learning (CFaL) to offer citywide Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) information and sign up sessions. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. The ACP offers a $30 monthly discount on broadband internet service for qualifying households. 

 

Walk-In Tech Help Clinic 

Monday, October 2, 11 am-2 pm | Ives Lower Level Technology Center

Wednesday October 4, 2-5 pm | Ives Lower Level Technology Center

Thursday October 5, 3-5 pm | Ives Lower Level Technology Center

The Techs are in! The NHFPL IT team is hosting a walk-in tech help clinic for anyone with any burning tech question. Tell us what tech problems you're facing. Need help with your phone? Have a question about keeping your information secure? We're here to find out what you're struggling with and figure out a way to help!

 

Adult Computer Basics Class: Mouse and Keyboard

Thursday, October 5, 5:30-6:30 pm | Ives Computer Classroom

Learn the basics of operating a mouse and get an introduction to the functions of the keyboard. This class for beginners and requires no computer experience. Space is limited and registration is strongly encouraged. Register here.

 

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The Hill Neighborhood Festival on Saturday October 7th, 2023

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 25, 2023 at 20:03 in ENTERTAINMENT, FOOTBALL, and BASKETBALL

Place: DJs, food, children’s programming, community organizations, and vendors.

This event is FREE and open to the public. We're celebrating The Hill Neighborhood Festival on Saturday October 7th With music recording artist Rashaan Langley

THE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL

 

 

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 40 Plus Double Dutch Club)

 

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White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 23, 2023 at 7:11 in NEWS

The nation’s premier convening of college and university executive leadership, faculty, students, and supporters, the Annual National HBCU Week Conference is back, September 24-28, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport.

2023 National HBCU Week Conference

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Fathers Are People Too Cookout

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 20, 2023 at 19:15 in ENTERTAINMENT

 

Urban Community Alliance is rolling out a thrilling 3rd annual Fathers Are People Too – Community Cookout on Saturday, September 30, 2023, taking place from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm! All fathers are invited to commemorate the occasion, with good food, fun, and prizes. Community providers will participate to share their resources with fathers and their children! 

For more information, please contact Thomas Daniels

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Cardin, Collins Lead Senate Recognition of Direct Support Professionals Week

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 20, 2023 at 3:40 in NEWS

U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution to officially recognize DSP Recognition Week

 

Cardin, Collins Lead Senate Recognition of Direct Support Professionals Week

 

Frontline health care professionals honored for their service and dedication

 

WASHINGTON – The Senate has unanimously approved a resolution from U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) recognizing this week as Direct Support Professionals Week. Their resolution (S. Res. 337) designates September 10-16 as a time to honor frontline health care workers for their dedication and work enhancing the lives of individuals with chronic illness, seniors and those living with a disability.

 

"This week, we honor direct support professionals, the frontline health care workers who are on the job around the clock to make daily life more manageable for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses and seniors. They bring dignity back to people's lives and make a difference 365 days a year," said Senator Cardin. "We value your service and dedication all year, but this week, is a special time to recognize the challenges you face as you help patients. Building on your example, we will continue to invest in home- and community-based services and building up the home care workforce with appropriate income and support they deserve."

 

"Every day, direct support professionals work hard to provide those in need with critical support that leads to more independent living and a better quality of life," said Senator Collins. "Our bipartisan resolution ensures that these professionals receive the recognition they deserve. I thank all direct support professionals for making such an incredible difference in the lives of so many seniors and those living with a disability."

 

In addition to Senators Cardin and Collins, the resolution marking Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

 

 

The full resolution follows and can be downloaded at this link.

 

Title: Designating the week beginning September 10, 2023, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week".

 

Whereas direct care workers, including direct support professionals, personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals, are key to providing publicly funded, long-term support and services for millions of individuals with disabilities;

Whereas direct support professionals provide essential services that ensure that all individuals with disabilities are-

(1) included as a valued part of the communities in which those individuals live;

(2) supported at home, at work, and in the communities of the United States; and

(3) empowered to live with the dignity that all people of the United States deserve;

Whereas, by fostering connections between individuals with disabilities and their families, friends, and communities, direct support professionals ensure that individuals with disabilities thrive, thereby avoiding more costly institutional care;

Whereas direct support professionals build close, respectful, and trusting relationships with individuals with disabilities and provide a broad range of personalized support to those individuals, including-

(1) helping individuals make person-centered choices;

(2) assisting with personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and other aspects of daily living;

(3) assisting individuals in accessing the community and securing competitive, integrated employment;

(4) providing transportation to school, work, religious, and recreational activities;

(5) helping with general daily affairs, such as assisting with financial matters, medical appointments, and personal interests; and

(6) assisting individuals in the transition from isolated or congregate settings or services to living in the communities of their choice;

Whereas there is a critical and increasing shortage of direct support professionals throughout the United States, a crisis that was exacerbated by the COVID–19 pandemic, bringing uncertainty and risk to individuals with disabilities;

Whereas direct support professionals do not have their own Standard Occupational Classification for the purposes of Federal data collection, which includes data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor;

Whereas the direct care workforce, including direct support professionals, is expected to grow more than any other occupation in the United States;

Whereas many direct support professionals-

(1) are the primary financial providers for their families;

(2) are hardworking, taxpaying citizens who provide a critical service in the United States; and

(3) continue to earn low wages, receive inadequate benefits, and have limited opportunities for advancement, resulting in high turnover and vacancy rates that adversely affect the quality of support, safety, and health of individuals with disabilities; and

Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States, in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999)-

(1) recognized the importance of the deinstitutionalization of, and community-based services for, individuals with disabilities; and

(2) held that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S. 12101 et seq.), a State must provide person-centered, community-based service options to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate-

(1) designates the week beginning September 10, 2023, as "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week";

(2) recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities;

(3) appreciates the contribution of direct support professionals in supporting individuals with disabilities in the United States and the families of those individuals;

(4) commends direct support professionals for being integral to the provision of long-term support and services for individuals with disabilities;

(5) encourages the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to collect data that is specific to direct support professionals; and

(6) finds that the successful implementation of public policies affecting individuals with disabilities in the United States can depend on the dedication of direct support professionals.

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OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 20, 2023 at 0:28 in NEWS

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Check out the trailer for OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK, an upcoming Western action-comedy movie from the team that made Black Dynamite. OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK stars Michael Jai White, Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash, Byron Minns, Kym Whitley, Kevin Chapman (CODA), and more. Hell bent on avenging the death of his father, Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton and becomes a wanted man in the process while posing as a preacher in a small mining town that's been taken over by a notorious Land Baron. OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK, directed by Michael Jai White, opens in theaters on September 15, 2023. Check out the trailer for OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK, an upcoming Western action-comedy movie from the team that made Black Dynamite. OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK stars Michael Jai White, Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash, Byron Minns, Kym Whitley, Kevin Chapman (CODA), and more. Hell bent on avenging the death of his father, Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton and becomes a wanted man in the process while posing as a preacher in a small mining town that's been taken over by a notorious Land Baron. OUTLAW JOHNNY BLACK, directed by Michael Jai White, opens in theaters on September .

The Outlaw Johnny Black

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