HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a request to President Joe Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking a federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County in response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that portions of Connecticut received earlier this week.

The governor is requesting under such a declaration the support of direct federal assistance to supplement the state and its municipalities in meeting critical emergency protective requirements and providing restorative efforts that defend public safety. This includes a request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide support for the repairing of dozens of bridges, dams, and other infrastructure, as well as for the Environmental Protection Agency to provide support in response to the numerous oil tanks, propane cylinders, vehicles, vessels, and drums that are floating in multiple waterways. Additionally, the governor is also requesting assistance from the Federal Highway Administration for the numerous destroyed and compromised state roads.

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the support of their local partners, have been working since the immediate aftermath of the storm to assess, clean, and repair washouts on state roads where possible, as well as to secure these areas to prevent further damage. The state agency has also begun the process of developing plans for the repairing of the severely damaged Route 34 so that it can be reopened, as well as for other structures that need to be replaced.

Under his authority, Governor Lamont declared a civil preparedness emergency in response to the flooding on Monday.

“This was an extreme amount of rainfall in an incredibly short period of time that resulted in historic levels of flooding in western Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Our state experienced two fatalities in which people were swept away from flood waters, and first responders bravely rescued and evacuated hundreds of people during and after the storm. Scores of state and local roads are washed away or compromised, dams and bridges have been affected, and oil tanks, vehicles, and other hazardous items were flooded into waterways. I appreciate President Biden and FEMA for considering this request to assist our state and municipalities with the immediate effort to protect public safety in the aftermath of this devastation.”

This request for a federal emergency declaration is not to be confused with a request for a FEMA major disaster declaration, which could provide federal funding to support homeowners, businesses, and local and state governments with financial assistance for the costs of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the storm. That type of declaration requires the state and local governments to provide FEMA with a detailed accounting of all public and uninsured private property damage incurred as a direct result of the storm and a cost estimate that can determine whether certain thresholds have been met. That process typically takes several weeks to complete, and the Lamont administration is already working with municipalities to conduct it. Any homeowners and business owners who experienced damage to their property from this storm are strongly urged to contact their town’s local emergency management office as soon as possible so that their damages can be documented as part of this effort.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s request for a federal emergency declaration

“Throughout this afternoon and evening, I have been working with our state’s emergency management team to coordinate with mayors, first selectmen, and other municipal officials on any immediate response needed due to the severe and sudden rainfall that has impacted our state today. So far, our urban search and rescue teams have helped at least 100 people evacuate unsafe conditions. We will continue helping towns with any resources they need to immediately respond and keep the public safe.

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Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.

I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.

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Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order directing the establishment of the Connecticut Office of Equity and Opportunity – a new state office that will be responsible for leading Connecticut’s efforts to ensure that state government is a leader in equity and inclusion with the goals of eliminating institutional and systemic barriers and creating opportunity and access for all those it serves and employs.

Administratively held within the Office of the Governor and funded through existing appropriations, the Office of Equity and Opportunity will be led by a chief equity and opportunity officer who will be appointed by the governor and responsible for coordinating a number of activities prescribed in the executive order related to ensuring that state government offices are representative of the people they serve and that people from different racial, ethnic, gender, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds have a voice in the decision-making processes concerning the policies and practices of state government.

“I firmly believe that government should actively seek out and engage with individuals and opinions beyond those who typically have access and opportunity because doing so will create a stronger workforce within government while also crafting more effective and representative public policies,” Governor Lamont said. “State government is accountable to the public and we have a responsibility to maintain trust and confidence by demonstrating our commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and social progress. By doing everything we can to create a fair, equitable, and inclusive environment representative of the people who live in our state, we can address historical and ongoing disparities and promote social justice.”

The executive order directs the chief equity and opportunity officer to:

• Serve as the coordinator of the state’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy;
• Support equity-oriented efforts throughout the state to ensure services and resources are available and accessible to all in Connecticut;
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of current and proposed policies and practices of state agencies to identify areas where disparities exist, and where underserved communities may face barriers to accessing services;
• Develop a formal process for the development and implementation of agency equity plans;
• Coordinate the publication of agency equity plans on a centralized and easily accessible website;
• Develop equity-oriented systems, policies, and procedures that operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion and support sustainable practices within state agencies;
• Identify diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings opportunities for all state employees;
• Develop statewide diversity, equity, and inclusion benchmarks and measures of progress;
• Oversee and provide guidance to state agencies on how to engage and incorporate the perspectives of underserved communities;
• Partner with state agencies to ensure communications with residents are culturally and linguistically appropriate and accessible;
• Integrate equity considerations into the budget process and assess the impact of budget decisions; and
• Provide strategies to promote equitable contracting and purchasing practices.

Additionally, the executive order directs all state employees to participate in trainings focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion as coordinated by the chief equity and opportunity officer. It also directs all state agencies to develop an agency equity plan with the assistance of the chief equity and opportunity officer.

“State government has a responsibility to approach our work through an equity lens,” Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “This executive order is an important step forward as we work to ensure that every person who seeks state services or employment is greeted with equal opportunity. I look forward to working with the chief equity and opportunity officer on these critical efforts.”

“We thank Governor Lamont for underscoring his commitment to equitable government,” Pareesa Charmchi Goodwin, executive director of the Connecticut Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, said. “Leadership buy-in from the very top is imperative to ensuring that equity initiatives are prioritized and implemented. We are proud to see our recommendations and the work of many leaders across the state reflected in today’s executive order.”

In the coming weeks, the Office of the Governor will post a job listing on the State of Connecticut Executive Branch online job portal seeking candidates to apply for the position of chief equity and opportunity officer. Governor Lamont stressed that he does not yet have a candidate for the position and encourages interested candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Multiple agencies

I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. 

I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.

Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.

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Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Dallas, Texas

11:18 A.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Oh, my goodness.  Hello, everyone.  (Applause.)  Good morning, my sorors.  (Applause.)  Good morning.

Oh, my goodness.  Please have a seat.  Please have a seat.  Oh, my heart is full. 

To our supreme basileus, Danette Anthony Reed, thank you for your leadership, your kind words, your friendship, and all that you do.  To the members of the Directorate, to my dear friend Dr. Glenda Glover, and to all (inaudible) supreme basilei, thank you for your years of leadership and mentorship.  (Applause.)

To my line sisters, the 38 Jewels of Iridescent Splendor — (applause) — oh, you are such an incredible part of my journey.  And I love you, guys.  Thank you for being here.

And to all those who serve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, it is an honor — (applause) — and a joy to be with you today.

Before I begin, I will say a few words on Hurricane Beryl.  Our hearts, of course, are with the millions of Texans who are facing the devastating impact of the storm and all those who lost loved ones and the first responders who have worked around the clock to keep people safe and the line crews, who are working as fast as possible to restore power.

President Biden has approved a major disaster declaration.  And we will continue to stand with the people of Texas as we rebuild and recover.

And with that — (applause) — I will address the topic at hand.

Sorors, as many of you know, this sisterhood has been a part of my life since my earliest days, starting with my aunt, Ms. Christine Simmons, who was initiated in 1950 at Howard University.  (Applause.)  And from 1978 to 1981, she served as basileus of Alpha Nu Me- — Nu Omega Chapter in Wa- — in Oakland, California.  (Applause.)

And, in fact, one summer, Auntie Chris hosted one of our revered founders, Ms. Norma E. Boyd, who was then 93 years old.  And Ms. Boyd gave me her book, “A Love That Equals My Labors,” which she signed, “To Kamala.  With love, Norma E. Boyd.”  (Applause.)

And that cherished book now sits in my West Wing office at the White House — (applause) — as a testament to our enduring legacy, a legacy that began 116 years ago when Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was founded to create desperately needed social and legal change and to build networks of support for Black college women.

Our sisterhood was also founded, as we know, in the face of profound challenges in our country.  Think about it.  In 1908, women were not guaranteed the right to vote.  There was not a single Black person in the United States Congress.  And that year, 89 Black Americans were lynched, and that was just the number that was documented.

And yet, despite all of this, and perhaps because of it, our founders believed in the power of sisterhood and service.  And our founders believed in the promise of America — a promise of freedom, opportunity, and equality not for some but for all.  (Applause.)

For generations, in furtherance of the vision of our founders, we have fought, then, to realize that promise.  From our creation of the Mississippi Health Project in the 1930s — (applause) — to job training and literacy programs in the 1960s and ‘70s — (applause) — and then, most recently, of course, the work on voting rights and economic opportunity and child hunger.

Throughout our history, the leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha have stood up, spoken out, and done the work to build a brighter future for our nation, including, of course, in 2020, when, during the height of a pandemic, you helped elect Joe Biden president of the United States — (applause) — and me as the first woman elected vice president of the United States.  (Applause.)

And it is because of your work and your support that we have been able to then fill our administration with incredible leaders, such as Shalanda Young — Soror Shalanda Young — (applause) — who is the head of the most powerful Office of Management and Budget — she controls the money — (applause) — and, of course, a member of our sorority.

The promise of America: the promise of freedom, opportunity, and equality for all people. 

You know, when we first took office, the president and I knew that to realize that promise, we must address long-standing issues — some issues that people just don’t like to even talk about. 

We decided we must, for example, make health care more affordable because the reality is that access to health care should be a right and not just a privilege of those who can afford it.  (Applause.)

We decided to look at specific communities that have been long suffering on specific issues, then, including diabetes.  So, we decided to address the cost of insulin with the knowledge that Black people are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.  (Applause.)  And we took on Big Pharma and capped the cost of insulin for our elders at $35 a month.  (Applause.) 

We knew, to realize the promise of America, we must address the issue of student loan debt.  (Applause.)  And I know there are many here who have benefitted from that work.  (Applause.)  Please testify.  (Laughs.)  And we have forgiven debt for nearly 5 million people so far — and twice as much for our public servants, including our nurses and our teachers and our firefighters.  (Applause.)

The president and I have also taken on the issue of medical debt, finally making it so that medical debt, which is usually the result of a medical emergency — it’s not something you plan; it’s not something you invite — but we have made it now so that medical debt can no longer be used against your credit score.  (Applause.) 

Because that credit score, of course, is supposed to measure whether you are responsible financially or not.  The fact that you have endured a medical emergency is not a measure of that.  And so, it was just wrong, and we have corrected that.

To realize the promise of America, we have addressed the long-standing crisis of maternal mortality — (applause) — something, as you know, I’ve been working on since I was in the United States Senate. 

Why?  Because women in America die at a higher rate in connection with childbirth than women in any other wealthy nation in the world, and Black women are three times more likely to die in connection with childbirth.  (Applause.)

So, to address this crisis, among the work that I’ve done, I challenged every state in our nation when we first came in.  I challenged every nation in our — every state in our nation.  And I challenged them and said, “Extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum coverage from the measly two months a year that you’ve been doing to a full year.”  (Applause.)  And I am proud to report that, when I issued the challenge, only 3 states offered a full year of coverage; now 46 states offer a for year — full year of coverage.  (Applause.)

And today, I am announcing, for the first time, we have created national health and safety standards for maternal care — for the first time, national standards — (applause) — which means nearly every hospital in our country will soon be required to provide new mothers with delivery rooms that are fully stocked with lifesaving medical equipment.  (Applause.)  It’s the first time.

So, sorors, all of us here are clear: While we have come a mighty long way, we have more work to do.

Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights: the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to live without fear of bigotry and hate, the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride, the freedom to learn and acknowledge our true and full history as America — (applause) — and the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.  (Applause.)

And these are not only basic freedoms and rights.  These are the pillars of our liberty, the essence of our democracy, and the promise of America.

On that last point about the attacks we see on reproductive freedom, understand how we got here.  Then-President Donald Trump hand-picked three members of the United States Supreme Court — the court of Thurgood — because he intended for them to overturn Roe v. Wade.  And as he intended, they did.

Now, two years later, in the South, where the majority of Black women call home, every state except Virginia has a ban — many with no exceptions even for rape or incest. 

Now, we all know: One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body.  (Applause.)  If she chooses, she will talk with her priest, her pastor, but it should not be the government replacing her good judgment with its own.  (Applause.)  Faith and freedom can coexist.

And understand, the former president wants to pass a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every single state, but we will not let him.  (Applause.)  We will not let that happen.  We have worked too hard and fought too long to see our daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than our mothers.  (Applause.) 

America must trust women.  America must honor individual choice.  America must defend freedom.

And when Congress passes a law that restores the reproductive freedoms of Roe, our president, Joe Biden, will sign it.  (Applause.)

And there is so much at stake in this moment — including last week, when the Supreme Court basically told this individual, who has been convicted of fraud — (applause) — that, going forward, he will be immune for activity we know he is prepared to engage in if he gets back into the White House.

Consider: Donald Trump has openly vowed, if reelected, he’ll be a dictator on day one, that he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies, round up peaceful protesters and throw them out of our country, and even, and I quote, “terminate” the United States Constitution.

What’s more, Trump advisors have created a 900-page blueprint of their agenda for the second term.  They call it “Project 2025.”  It includes a plan to cut Social Security, to repeal our $35 cap on insulin, to eliminate the Department of Education and end programs like Head Start.

So, let us be clear: This represents an outright attack on our children, our families, and our future.  (Applause.)

And all of this is to say, I do believe this is the most existential, consequential, and important election of our lifetimes. 

Sorors — (applause) — sorors, this is a serious matter.

AUDIENCE:  Serious matter.  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And so, in this moment, once again, our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward; to energize, organize, and mobilize; to register folks to vote and to get them to the polls in November.

Because we know, when we organize, mountains move.  (Applause.)  When we mobilize, nations change.  And when we vote, we make history.  (Applause.)

So, I’ll conclude with this.  For 116 years, the members of our sorority have been on the front lines of the fight to realize the promise of America.  This year, let us continue that work.

Let us fight for freedom, opportunity, and equality.  Let us, as always, fight with optimism, with faith, and hope.  And let us see it through, because when we fight, we win. 

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

Photos of Event

END                  11:37 A.M. CDT

Las Vegas, Nevada

2:20 P.M. PDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Can we hear it for Maya?  (Applause.) 

Well, hello, Las Vegas.  (Applause.)  (Laughs.)  Oh, it’s good to be back.  It’s good to be back. 

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Indeed.  And we are going to work over these next hundred and — I think it’s eighteen or nineteen days to make sure that happens. 

But I want to say it is always good to be in Las Vegas and, as some folks call it, Hawaii’s “Ninth Island.” 

And I want to thank all the elected officials who are here today, including former governor Steve Sisolak and his incredible wife.  (Applause.)  Where is he?  Kathy?

And I want to thank all the union workers at this hotel who made this event possible — (applause) — including the workers of Culinary Local 226.  (Applause.) 

And today, on behalf of our president, Joe Biden, and myself, I am extremely proud to accept the endorsement of ASPIRE PAC, AAPI Victory Fund, AAAFund, and CAPA21.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.

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

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And a lot of work to do.  So — (laughs) — so, let me just say, this is an extraordinary room of leaders and dear friends and long-standing supporters of the president and me.  And I see so many friends here.  And so many of you have given so much of your time and your leadership to fight for the promise of America and everything we stand for.  And I thank you for that.  And on behalf of our president, I thank you for that. 

And you all know, this — (applause) — this event today is one of the highlights as testament to what the president and I stand for and who we stand for.  We stand for the beauty and diversity and the promise of America.  And the individuals in this room right now each represent just that.

You know, many of you know, my mother arrived in the United States from India when she was just 19 years old.  And she and my father met while they were active in the Civil Rights Movement.  In fact, when I was young, my parents would take me to the marches in a stroller.  (Laughter.)  I was in the stroller, of course. 

My mother had two goals in her life: to raise her two daughters — my sister, Maya, and me — and to end breast cancer.  She was a breast cancer researcher.  And I’ll tell you, my mother never asked anyone’s permission to pursue her dreams.  Never asked. 

You know, my mother, who was all of 5 feet tall, but if you met her, you would have thought she was 10 feet tall.  And it is because of her character and strength and determination that within one generation, I stand before you as vice president of the United States.  (Applause.)

And today, then, we are 118 days out from the election.  And while many of us have been involved with these elections every four years, and nearly every time, we say, “This is the one,” well, this here is the one.  This is the one, the most existential, consequential, and important election of our lifetime. 

Now, we always knew this election would be tough.  And the past few days have been a reminder that running for president of the United States is never easy.  But the one thing we know about our president, Joe Biden, is that he is a fighter.  (Applause.)  He is a fighter.  And he is the first to say: When you get knocked down, you get back up.  (Applause.) 

We all know — many of us know what that is.  So, we continue to fight, and we will continue to organize. 

And in November, we will win.  (Applause.)  We will win. 

We know what hard work looks like.  We like hard work.  Hard work is good work.  (Applause.)

So, Las Vegas, in all of our work, President Biden and I have been guided by a fundamental belief: We work for you, the American people — not the special interest, not billionaires, or big corporations — you.

And in this election, there can be no doubt who you can count on to fight for you when it counts.  (Applause.)  Just look at, for example, the issue of health care and affordable health care. 

When he was in the White House, Donald Trump — let’s not forget — tried more than 60 times to end the Affordable Care Act —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and tried to take health care from millions of Americans with preexisting conditions.  Remember those days?

President Joe Biden and I, on the other hand, have defended the Affordable Care Act and made it stronger.  In fact — (applause) — in fact, today, more AA and NHPI Americans are insured than ever before in our history.  (Applause.)

Donald Trump said he was going to stand up to Big Pharma and lower the cost of prescription drugs.  Instead, he bowed down. 

On the other hand, we took on Big Pharma.  And with the knowledge that, for example, South Asians are twice as likely to have diabetes, we capped the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month.  (Applause.)

We are finally making it so that medical debt cannot be used against your credit score — (applause) — knowing how many of our relatives have had a medical emergency, something they did not invite or plan, racking up, then, tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills and debt.  And that being used against your credit score is just wrong.  The credit score is supposed to be a measure of whether you are financially responsible. 

And so, when we do the work that we have done — and you know Joe — we do it based on what we believe is morally right when you see the people and understand the struggles and the need for all people to have dignity.

So, what we’ve done with medical debt, now not allowing it on the credit score, that means it can no longer be used to deny someone a car loan or a lease on an apartment or a home loan.  Think about what that means.  (Applause.)

Then there’s the issue of student loan debt.  When he was in the White House, Donald Trump tried to end student loan forgiveness for our public servants, including teachers, nurses, firefighters. 

On the other hand, we have forgiven student loan debt for nearly 5 million Americans and — (applause) — and twice as much for our public servants.

We have also fought to protect our communities from hate and violence, including by passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which made it easier for AA and NHPI communities to report acts of hate. 

On the other hand, the former president consistently incites hate, including toward the AANHPI community.

I will not repeat his words.  I will not repeat his words because they should never be repeated.  But I will say that someone who vilifies immigrants, who promotes xenophobia, someone who stokes hate should never again have the chance to stand behind a microphone — (applause) — and the seal of the president of the United States.  (Applause.)

There is so much at stake in this moment, includly — including, sadly, that there are some issues that require, I think, a lot more attention from the press.  (Applause.)  And there are some issues that, sadly and most recently, have not been covered to the extent that they should commensurate with the seriousness of the matter — that, most recently — most recently, the Supreme Court of the United States —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — basically told this individual who has been convicted of fraud that, going forward, he will be immune for activity we know he is prepared to engage in if he gets back into the White House.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  This is not 2016 and 2020, when you think about what that fact means in this upcoming election. 

Consider: Donald Trump has openly vowed, if reelected, that he’ll be a dictator on day one.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  That he will weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — round up peaceful protestors and throw them out of our country —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and even, quote, “terminate” the United States Constitution. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Donald Trump wants to turn our democracy into a dictatorship.  And the Supreme Court basically just declared he can get away with it.

What’s more — what’s more, Trump’s advisers have created a 900-page blueprint they’re calling “Project 2025” —

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — detailing everything else they plan to do in a second term, including a plan to cut Social Security, to repeal our $35 cap on insulin, to eliminate the Department of Education, and end programs like Head Start. 

And Project 2025 outlands — outlines a plan to limit access to contraception and for a nationwide abortion ban with or without an act of Congress. 

If implemented — if implemented, this plan would be the latest attack in Donald Trump’s full-on assault on reproductive freedom.  And —

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We won’t let that happen!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  No, we will not.  (Applause.)

And remember — remember, then-President Donald Trump handpicked three members of the United States Supreme Court because he intended for them to undo the protections of Roe v. Wade.  And as he intended, they did.  Now — now, over 20 states have a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions even for rape and incest. 

And Trump has not denied, much less shown remorse, for his actions.  Instead, he proudly — he uses the word “proudly” — takes credit for overturning Roe. 

So, make no mistake: If Trump gets the chance, he will sign a national abortion ban to outlaw abortion in every single state.  But we are not going to let that happen.  (Applause.)  No, we are not.

We are not going to let that happen because we trust women.  (Applause.)  We know women know what’s in their own best interest and don’t need their government telling them what to do with their body.  (Applause.) 

And when Congress passes a law that restores the reproductive freedoms of Roe, our president, Joe Biden, will sign it — sign it into law.  (Applause.) 

So, ultimately, in this election, we each — we each face a question.  What kind of country do we want to live in: a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law —

AUDIENCE:  Yes!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — or a country of chaos —

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — fear —

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — and hate?

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  And here is the thing — here’s the thing — and I say this to a group of people who already know this: We each have the power — we have the power to answer this question.  So, if the Supreme Court says the laws do not apply to Donald Trump, if people like Mike Pence are not around to stand up to him, and if extremists in Congress continue to bow down to him, our last defense — our last line of defense is the ballot box — (applause) — our vote.  Our vote.

In 2020 and 2022, it was the leaders in this room and in this community who showed the power of your voice and your vote.  And in 2024, we need you to do it again.  (Applause.)

So, today, I ask: Nevada, are you ready to make your voices heard?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in freedom?  (Applause.)

Do we believe in opportunity?  (Applause.) 

Do we believe in the promise of America?  (Applause.)

And are we ready to fight for it?  (Applause.)

And when we fight —

AUDIENCE:  We win!

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  — we win!

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

END                     2:35 P.M. PDT

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is receiving a $38.9 million competitive grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase 46 battery electric buses and install 29 chargers for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service.

The grant will aid in CTDOT’s project of converting CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet. It is being awarded through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, which provides funding through a competitive process to states and transit agencies to purchase or lease low or no emission transit buses and related facility upgrades. Approximately $5.6 billion in funding was made available from President Joe Biden’s recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for this program to support the replacement of thousands of public transit vehicles nationwide.

The awarding of this grant helps accelerate Governor Lamont’s goal of converting the overall statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035, which he directed CTDOT to complete through Executive Order No. 21-3.

Governor Lamont said, “The new battery-electric buses and chargers will help us meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly transit options, and will greatly benefit the thousands of residents and commuters who rely on CTfastrak services every day. Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to invest in green technology that will modernize Connecticut’s public transit system and spur new economic opportunities across the state.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This nearly $38.9 million in federal funding will transform CTfastrak’s fleet of buses, creating greener transportation options that reduce carbon emissions and improve our air quality. I am proud to fight for these investments in Connecticut’s public transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure, and I will continue to push for clean energy investments for our state.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said, “Investing in greener public transportation is good for our local economy and even better for the planet. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $38.9 million grant will help Connecticut replace old diesel buses with 46 battery-electric alternatives and expand the electric vehicle charging network across our state. The switch will help make our public transit more environmentally-friendly, cost-efficient, and convenient for the thousands of people who rely on CTfastrak every day.”

Congressman John Larson (CT-01) said, “The entire Connecticut delegation worked together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, investing in critical upgrades to our roads and bridges, multi-modal transit options for residents, and America’s clean energy future. These new buses will help reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and expand rapid bus service for the thousands of Capitol Region residents who rely on CTfastrak every day.”

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said, “During my time in Congress, I have advocated for federal funding to help local school districts replace diesel buses with zero-emissions buses to serve our children while also reducing our carbon footprint. Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make vital investments to benefit residents, commuters, and communities in Connecticut.”

FTA Region 1 Administrator Peter Butler said, “We are pleased to provide federal support to CTDOT to help make CTfastrak even more environmentally friendly and continue its work to create new opportunities that change people’s lives. Today, we are celebrating how Connecticut is transforming how people travel while improving air quality and our shared future.”

Commissioner Eucalitto said, “Investing in electric buses for the CTfastrak fleet is a forward-thinking move that highlights Connecticut’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. These low-emission vehicles ensure Connecticut will meet its commitment to modernize our public transportation system, ensuring cleaner, quieter, and more efficient travel for our communities. Thank you to the Federal Transit Administration, Governor Lamont, and Connecticut’s Congressional and state delegations for continuing to support this ambitious modernization initiative.”

The overall $86.6 million project includes purchasing and deploying 46 battery-electric buses for service on CTfastrak routes out of the CTtransit Hartford Division. The funding will also be used to buy and install 25 depot chargers at the Hartford facility and four on-route chargers at the CTfastrak New Britain Station, in addition to associated electrical infrastructure. This project is supported by more than $17 million in matching state funds and $30 million from federal formula funds.

CTfastrak is Connecticut’s first bus rapid transit system and provides direct service to and from Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford, and Manchester. It utilizes a bus-only roadway for a portion of the locations it services.

Recently, CTfastrak was ranked the best bus rapid transit system in the United States by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

From its inception in 2015 through June 2024, CTfastrak has carried more than 26.5 million total passenger trips.

1. Governor Lamont Activates Extreme Hot Weather Protocol Through Wednesday Afternoon

Cooling Centers Are Available and Can be Located by Calling 2-1-1 or Visiting 211ct.org

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience very hot and humid temperatures over the next several days, he is directing Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, and remaining in effect through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

The current forecast is indicating that temperatures over this period during the daytime will rise into the 90s and the heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s and dewpoints also in the 70s.

“It’s been pretty warm over the last several days and it’s about to get warmer, particularly over the next several evenings,” Governor Lamont said. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.”

The purpose of the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief.

Governor Lamont is advising people in Connecticut, particularly those who are most vulnerable to heat and humidity, to take precautions. Cooling centers are opening statewide. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that is being published online at 211ct.org.

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
• Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
• Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC in order to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
• The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

People throughout our Nation should be able to count on their government to ensure that our air and water are clean, health care is accessible and affordable, financial markets are sound, products are safe, and workers are not exploited on the job. Courts have long deferred to federal experts to make these ideals a reality. 
 
Unfortunately, today’s Supreme Court decision sides with powerful special interests who want to roll back commonsense rules that protect Americans. President Biden and I will continue to do everything in our power to protect the American people and ensure that every person in our country can thrive.

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Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz released the following statements regarding the death of Connecticut Department of Transportation employee Andrew DiDomenico, 26, who was killed today while working on the Wharton Brook Connector in Wallingford:

Governor Lamont said, “This is a heartbreaking tragedy and one that never should have happened. Andrew was with several of his colleagues in a work zone doing routine road maintenance when he was struck and killed by a driver. I am both outraged and saddened. I implore everyone getting behind the wheel to be fully alert and pay attention to what is happening on the road around them at all times. Show some respect for the workers on our interstates and roadways by following the speed limit and reducing your speed whenever you’re near work zones. My prayers are with Andrew’s family, friends, and his fellow state employees at the Connecticut Department of Transportation during this devastating time.”

Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said, “Our State Police and DOT workers are putting their lives on the line every day to ensure our roadways are safe, efficient, and clean. This is a terrible and senseless tragedy. Especially as we head into the weekend and July 4^th celebrations, please drive safely – use caution when approaching road work or stopped law enforcement, never drink and drive, and observe the speed limit. My heart breaks for the family of Andrew DiDomenico, and I’m keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. This is a young life taken far too soon because of someone else’s carelessness. We can all do more to make certain that each and every one of us is safer on our roadways.”

Governor Lamont will order flags to be lowered statewide on the date of Andrew DiDomenico’s funeral, which has not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be lowered.