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HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that beginning on January 1, 2024, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $15.00 per hour to $15.69 per hour as a result of the state’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment.

This newly enacted adjustment is required under a state law Governor Lamont signed in 2019 (Public Act 19-4), which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index. Beginning on January 1, 2024, and occurring annually each January 1 thereafter, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the twelve-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. The law requires the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor to review this percentage change and then announce any adjustments by October 15 of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1.

Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reports that the employment cost index increased by 4.6% over the twelve-month period ending on June 30, 2023, accounting for a $0.69 increase to the state’s minimum wage that will become effective on January 1, 2024.

Governor Lamont said, “The minimum wage for many years remained stagnant, making existing pay disparities even worse and preventing hardworking families from obtaining financial security. That is why several years ago I signed a bill into law enacting several increases in the minimum wage and then ultimately attaching it to federal economic indicators so that as the economy grows the wages of low-income workers can grow with it. This is a fair, modest increase and the money earned will be spent right back into our own economy and support local businesses.”

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, “For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of minimum wage workers stayed stagnant – worsening economic disparities. Connecticut took steps to address this problem with a fair, gradual increase for workers and brought the minimum wage to $15. Today, we mark another significant step in ensuring a fair, livable baseline of income for those who work as the state makes it’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment. We will continue to do everything we can to improve the quality of life for all the residents who call Connecticut their home.”

Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “This increase will benefit Connecticut’s 160,000 to 200,000 minimum wage workers and help offset some of the effects of national economic challenges, such as higher energy costs and interest rates. I commend Governor Lamont and the legislature for enacting this important wage reform.”

According to the Current Population Survey as calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 60% of minimum wage earners in Connecticut are women.

Moving forward under this new law, Connecticut workers and employers may anticipate announcements by October 15 of each year declaring the change in the minimum wage that will become effective on January 1 of the approaching year

New Haven Grand Prix cycling race and Apizza Feast street festival happening this Friday, September 15th in downtown New Haven and some related parking restrictions and road closures for the event. Por favor espere para escuchar este mensaje en español.

Treasurer Erick Russell Announces Strong Year-End Investment Performance,
$200 Million in New Commitments at September Investment Advisory Council Meeting

HARTFORD, Connecticut – On Wednesday, Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell announced that the state’s pension funds have outperformed investment benchmarks over the past fiscal year. 

The update, given during the September meeting of the Investment Advisory Council (IAC), shows the Teachers' Retirement Fund ("TERF") and the State Employees' Retirement Fund ("SERF") generated net investment results of 8.35% and 9.02% respectively for Fiscal Year 2023. Across the full portfolio of Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF), the positive investment performance added an estimated $1.1 billion in plan assets during Fiscal Year 2023.

“Reforms that have been put in place to strengthen our investment returns are starting to produce positive results,” said Treasurer Russell. “As long-term investors, single year returns are not how we measure success, but I’m confident that we will build on this work and continue towards our goal of being among the best performing public investors in the nation. Maximizing pension investments is important, not just for the retirement security of retired teachers, state and municipal workers, but for all state residents. Strong returns will free up resources for other budgetary priorities, including long-term investments in our communities, and complement the progress that’s been made to build reserves and stabilize state finances. I’m grateful to the IAC and the team in my office that have worked so hard to get to this position, and I look forward to continued success going forward.”

The investment performance comes after the Office of the Treasurer and IAC rewrote the Investment Policy Strategy in 2022 and made targeted changes to asset allocations and risk mitigation strategies. Legislation passed this past session will improve retention, recruitment and professional development opportunities within the agency, and expanded eligibility for members of the IAC. 

"The volunteer members of the IAC are proud to serve and share responsibility for Connecticut's investment strategy and performance," said Ellen Shuman, Chair of the Investment Advisory Council. "Together, we have implemented several significant changes to rebalance assets, improve manager selection, mitigate risk, and position the CRPTF for sustained, long-term growth. While the results for FY23 are promising and evidence that we are heading in the right direction, our efforts are aimed at maximizing performance over multi-year intervals. It will be crucial to maintain our positive momentum and build on this encouraging progress."

For the longer-term period of 10-years, ending June 30, 2023, both the TERF and the SERF plans outperformed benchmarks, generating net investment results of 6.94% and 7.04%, respectively. 

Also in Wednesday’s meeting, Treasurer Russell announced two upcoming investment commitments totaling $200 million, based on input he received at July’s IAC meeting. Both investments are in the state’s private credit portfolio: $125 million to Bregal Sagemount Credit Opportunities Series 2023 and $75 million to Bregal Sagemount Direct Lending Series 2023.  

Potential investments in two categories were also reviewed at the meeting. Principal Investment Officer Denise Stake and Investment Officer Philip Conner presented Blue Owl Real Estate Fund VI, L.P., a Real Estate Fund opportunity. Principal Investment Officer Mark Evans and Investment Officer Carmen Melaragno presented Leeds Equity Partners VIII, LP, a Private Investment Fund opportunity.

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About the Office of the Treasurer 

The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut’s financial resources through prudent cash and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and nine state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state’s fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut’s social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the only Black elected state treasurer in the country. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ott. 

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FILE - Former President Donald Trump walks to speak with reporters before departure from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. A judge on Friday, Sept. 8, is expected to release the full report compiled by a special grand jury that helped an investigation by the Georgia prosecutor who ultimately indicted Trump and 18 others. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

Lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell are the two who have filed speedy trial demands. They also requested to be tried separately from each other, but McAfee denied that request. Chesebro is accused of working on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors. Powell is accused of participating in a breach of election equipment in rural Coffee County.

Most of the other defendants have filed motions to be tried alone or in smaller groups, but prosecutors noted that those defendants have not waived their rights to file their own speedy trial demands. The deadline for that is Nov. 5, and if such demands were filed it would trigger one or more trials starting within the two-month court term that begins Nov. 6, with the trial for Chesebro and Powell likely still underway. That could lead to multiple trials in the high-profile case happening simultaneously, creating security issues and “unavoidable burdens” on witnesses and victims, prosecutors argued.

Requiring defendants to waive their speedy trial right as a condition to separate their case “would prevent the logistical quagmire described above, the inevitable harm to victims and witnesses, and the risk of gamesmanship,” prosecutors wrote. Additionally, they argued, defendants who say they want to be tried separately because they won’t be ready by Oct. 23 should have to inform the court when they expect to be ready for trial.

Five of the defendants are seeking to move their cases to federal court, and lawyers for Trump have said he may do the same. McAfee expressed concern last week about proceeding to trial in the state court while those attempts are ongoing because the law that allows federal officials to move state charges to federal court in some cases says “a judgment of conviction shall not be entered” unless the case is first sent back to state court. But prosecutors noted that the law explicitly allows a case to continue to move forward in a state court while the question of moving a case to federal court is pending.

Federal Judge Steve Jones last week rejected the attempt by Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to move his case to federal court and sent it back to state court, but Meadows is appealing that ruling. The four others who have already filed notice to move their cases have hearings before Jones scheduled for next week.

As we all know, providers and front-line staff are seeing a rise in the number of unsheltered community members. This alarming shift is reflected state- and nation-wide, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts among state agencies, communities, and homeless services providers.

In acknowledgment of the incredible progress we have made as a state when we have worked collectively to address homelessness, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) is proud to introduce a pivotal conversation on implementing an Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) in Connecticut through the CT CAN End Homelessness Initiative.

Join us for an Interagency Roundtable Discussion with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)

Tuesday, September 19th, from 11:30AM to 12:30PM

That Motown Band and Garfield Fleming former vocalist of The Delfonics are coming to The Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk CT on Friday October 13th. and The EGG in Albany on Saturday October 14th. Joining That Motown Band and Garfield on stage will be special guest CP Lacey Co-Star of it's Showtime at The Apollo.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW:
The Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk CT
https://www.infinityhall.com/Events/motown-memories-ft-that-motown-band-garfield-fleming-10-13-2023/

The Egg in Albany NY
http://www.theegg.org/event/motown-memories

Gmen Arrive early for a special National Anthem performance by Grammy and Emmy award-winning and Oscar-nominated musician, actress, and producer Queen Latifah!

NEW HAVEN MAYORAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE SHAFIQ ABDUSSABUR ENDS CAMPAIGN WITH HOPES FOR FUTURE REFORMS

The Former Alder and Retired NHPD Sergeant ends Mayoral Campaign

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Friday, September 8, 2023 – Shafiq Abdussabur, a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and dedicated advocate for the people of New Haven, announced today the conclusion of his mayoral campaign. Mr. Abdussabur's decision comes after careful consideration and discussions with his campaign team, supporters, donors, and family.

From the outset, Shafiq Abdussabur's campaign was rooted in the core values of integrity, transparency, and the belief in the power of choice for the people of New Haven. These principles have guided his candidacy since its inception.

Since officially filing his candidacy on January 13, 2023, Abdussabur's campaign garnered tremendous support that transcended party lines, encompassing diverse communities, ethnicities, races, religions, genders, and socio-economic classes. The campaign's financial supporters contributed over $120,000, while their dedicated voter base exceeded 4,000 individuals. Furthermore, the signature team successfully collected 2,700 signatures, demonstrating strong grassroots support and a genuine desire for more choices in candidates.

Despite gaining significant momentum and widespread support, the campaign encountered a major obstacle when legitimate signatures from New Haven's democratic residents were inexplicably dismissed, stifling their voices in the September primary ballot.  In the past week, Abdussabur carefully considered different paths for a November victory. Despite his bipartisan commitment, he chose integrity over running as anything other than a Democratic candidate. And after heartfelt discussions with his team and supporters, he has made the difficult decision to conclude his campaign.

In reflecting on this journey, Shafiq Abdussabur expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering dedication of his campaign team, the generosity of every donor, and the countless volunteers and supporters who believed in the campaign's vision for a better New Haven and the importance of choice in candidates. He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to his family for their enduring support throughout this challenging process.

While the mayoral campaign has reached its conclusion, Shafiq Abdussabur's commitment to the needs and concerns that brought the community together desiring “A Better New Haven" remains resolute. A native of this great city, he pledges to continue working tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often overlooked and advocate for reform and increased transparency in New Haven's municipal democratic election process.

In the days ahead, Shafiq Abdussabur urges the community to remember that the strength of their democracy lies in collective efforts, shared values, and a dedication to improving the community for all. Together, they will continue to forge a brighter future and unite as a "Better New Haven."

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Shafiq Abdussabur For Mayor
https://www.voteshafiq.com

Registrar of Voters: • What are you doing to inform people where to vote on Primary Day and Election Day? Please respond in detail, including but not limited to the following topics: ? Are mailings being sent to every registered voter before each election and if so when were/will they be sent?

A mailing is going to every registered Democrat in the city alerting them to the Primary on September 12, 2023, to their polling location, and due to redistricting, it might be different than what it was in previous years.

Will maps/signs be posted around the city (e.g., post offices, NHFPL branches, Q House, senior centers, apartment buildings, etc.), so people can see what ward they are in/where they vote? We are not posting maps around the city.

If an elector wants a map, they can contact the City’s Engineering Office for a copy. (203-946- 6417) We also have requested that the guidebook be posted on our website. An elector can also call our office with any questions or concerns at 203-946-8035. ?

Do you have special messaging for individuals who were redistricted, telling them they are now in a new ward and how that does/does not affect where they vote? Is there any kind of special notation on the postcards being sent to voters that would help draw their attention to the fact they have been redistricted to a different ward?

Yes, the postcards that are being mailed to the elector has that Information on them. It also includes the office phone number for any elector who will have questions regarding their ward/polling location. ?

What kind of quality control mechanisms are in place to make sure that the information on the postcards is correct.

Although the information on the postcards is reviewed and reviewed again by our office errors can occur. All our information comes directly from CVRS and that is information which comes directly from the elector. We are only as good as the information provided to us by the electors. We do our best to keep our voter rolls as accurate as possible, but the law of human nature also exists. 

Does the State polling place finder work for redistricted individuals? How do you promote this resource to voters?

The redistricting lines are entered into the State polling place finder and if an elector is using the state system, they will get the correct information. 

If someone who is redistricted mistakenly goes to the wrong polling place on Primary or Election Day, will you have ballots they can use? Or will they need to go to their new polling location?

As with any election redistricting or not an elector will need to go to his/her correct (new) polling location in order to vote.

 Are you training poll workers on the confusion around redistricting/where people vote, since there may be lots of confused/frustrated folks?

Yes, as we do for every election or Primary. The poll workers are accustomed to electors coming into the wrong polling location. They are instructed to send the elector to the Moderator/ Assistant Registrar for assistance in finding their correct polling location. 

Have you updated your website with a big alert about redistricting, and removed outdated notices?

Outdated notices are being removed and a notice regarding redistricting will be posted on our website.

 What outreach are you doing to local colleges/universities about redistricting’s impact on voting? Has there been outreach to, or through, the school political party organizations?

We have been in conversation with some of Yale’s top people regarding this issue. We are sending a list of polling locations over to Yale to post on their website. Hopefully, this alleviates confusion as to where the students vote. 

 Is there a space for write-in candidates on the Primary ballot?

Write-in candidates do not appear on a Primary Ballot only on the Ballot for the November 7, 2023, election. 

New Haven green September 7th