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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont

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

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

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

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

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

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