Seymour Public Library to host program on Hartford circus fire

 

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page. 

Ansonia police make 2nd arrest in connection with July homicide

Sahvone Valentine

ANSONIA - Police today arrested Sahvone Valentine, 20, of Hartford for his involvement in the homicide of Abdul-Jalil Humphrey on July 14, 2023 on Hodge Avenue. 

Valentine was charged with felony murder, murder, robbery first degree, conspiracy to commit robbery first degree, criminal possession of firearm and theft of firearm. 

Sahvone is being held on a $2M bond and was to be arraigned today in Derby Superior Court.

The arrest of Valentine was the result of a multi-agency investigation where a second suspect, Jada Artis,17, of Ansonia, was arrested on Nov. 3. Artis was charged with felony murder, robbery first degree, conspiracy to commit robbery first degree, and hindering prosecution.

The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the Derby Police Department, Connecticut State Police – Central District Major Crime, Shelton Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory for their assistance in the investigation.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Police charge Ansonia woman, 18, with involvement in homicide

 

Jada Artis

ANSONIA - Police arrested Jada Artis, 18, of Ansonia on Nov. 3 for her involvement in the homicide of Abdul-Jalil Humphrey on July 14, 2023 on Hodge Avenue. 

Artis was charged with felony murder, robbery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree, and hindering prosecution. 

Artis is being held on a $2M bond and was to be arraigned today in Milford Superior Court, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

 

The arrest of Artis was the result of a multi-agency investigation where a second suspect, Sahvon Valentine, 20, of Hartford, was identified as the person who shot Humphrey, police said.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Valentine. He is currently in the custody of the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and will be arrested in the near future.

 

The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the Derby Police Department, Connecticut State Police – Central District Major Crime, Shelton Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory for their assistance in the investigation.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 

The Salvation Army in Hartford seeks to hire full-time grant writer

Join our team! We are hiring a Grant Writer.

https://salarmy.us/GrantWriter

This is shared from the Salvation Army - Ansonia CT Facebook page.

Rochelle to meet with constituents Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

 

Cabrera votes to extend cost-savings measures, including heating assistance

HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, Monday joined the state Senate in special session as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. 

Senators voted to keep the state's gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. 

The bill passed 33-0 and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont.

 

"Cutting the gas tax and making public bus rides free have been a success and it just makes sense to keep these going through spring of next year," said Cabrera. "The additional funding for energy assistance should also help during the winter. I know for many; costs are still too high, and bills are piling up. I've experienced the same in my life and I know these cost-saving measures will provide some relief, as will the bump in funding for hero pay. These frontline workers embody the spirit of Connecticut and community and I'm proud to vote yes on a funding increase to the essential worker fund."

 

Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state's holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. 

That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from Jan. 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, Dec. 1.

 

Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.

 

Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.

 

The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state's heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. 

This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of EverSource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.

 

Additional actions taken Monday include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. 

The Senate also voted to ensure retailers' existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after Jan. 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.

Cabrera represents the 17th District.

This is a press release from Cabrera's office.

 

Klarides-Ditria lists new legislation taking effect Oct. 1

I wanted to make you aware of new laws affecting Connecticut taxpayers and businesses taking effect on Saturday, Oct. 1.  This year, several important public safety measures become law, including many that were a result of pressure from both the public and Republican lawmakers concerned about an increase in crime, especially juvenile crime, and the dramatic rise in incidents of car theft; from 2019-2020 the increase in motor vehicle theft was just less than 4 times the national average - 41% vs 12%. Public Act 22-115 makes many changes to juvenile justice statutes to continue to preserve the rights of younger offenders, while also delivering faster arraignments and access to necessary intervention and diversionary program services. This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The new law will, among other things: Require juveniles to be arraigned no more than 5 days after arrest (in some cases the next day) Require that the juvenile be assessed for services (such as diversionary programs) within 2 weeks of arraignment Allow a judge to order GPS tracking of a juvenile who is already awaiting trial for an offense and is arrested for a second or subsequent offense involving theft of a motor vehicle or a property crime Require judges to articulate within 48 hours the reason for denying a request for detention Replace the existing larceny statutes dealing with motor vehicles with a new standalone charge of “larceny of a motor vehicle,” with gradually increased charges based upon number of arrests The CT Post covers the topic in this article. Children’s Mental Health I supported Public Act 22-47 - An Act Concerning Children’s Mental Health - to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the state’s mental health systems. This wide-ranging legislation aims to address the youth mental health crisis and support children and families by growing the behavioral health workforce, expanding treatment facilities, and increasing insurance coverage for mental health services. Additionally, the legislation funds a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline. Protections for Domestic Violence Victims Another law I supported was Public Act 22-82 to address several important topics, including increased protections for domestic violence victims, increased safety for online dating, domestic violence training, workplace sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and more. The law requires online dating operators to provide Connecticut users with safety awareness notifications before allowing them to use the platform, sets up a grant program to provide education and training on online abuse, and extends anti-discrimination statutes to more workplaces. The law also prohibits discrimination against domestic violence victims, requires state agencies provide domestic violence training, and requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) provide $1.44 million for domestic violence agencies.  View the full list of new legislation here New legislation effective dates are typically January 1, July 1, and October 1 throughout the calendar year.

Sincerely,

Cabrera announces $1.4M in grants for Beacon Falls, Bethany, Woodbridge

HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, Monday announced three towns will receive grant funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program.

The program supports small towns for economic development, community conversation, and quality-of-life capital projects. 

A combined $1.4 million will be released to Beacon Falls and Bethany for road improvements and Woodbridge for renovation of the Woodbridge Center Gym.

 

"I'm grateful to Governor Lamont for making these approvals for the towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany and Woodbridge," said Cabrera. "The towns are also contributing to these important projects which will benefit drivers and pedestrians in Beacon Falls and Bethany, and all those who enjoy using the Woodbridge Center Gym."

 

Funding through the STEAP grants will support:

· Beacon Falls: $500,000 in state funding is approved for a road improvement project at Church Street. This will be matched by $580,000 from the town.

· Bethany: $404,696 in state funding is approved for road improvements that will ensure access to essential facilities and roads. This will be matched by $101,174 from the town.

· Woodbridge: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the renovation of Woodbridge Center Gym. This will be matched by $106,687 from the town.

Cabrera represents the 17th District.

This is a press release from Cabrera's office.

Rochelle seeks input from constituents in 104th District

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, is seeking input from the people of her district as she launches her annual legislative survey for the 2022 legislative session.

Residents across the 104th can take the 2022 constituent survey by visiting www.housedems.ct.gov/rochelle or by returning the paper survey that is being mailed to them in segments to comply with mail volume restrictions.

"I hope residents will complete the survey and will continue to stay in touch with me and share what matters most to them," said Rochelle.

The survey will ask residents for their ideas and thoughts on a myriad of issues that may come up this session, including the high cost of health care, reducing the cost of living in Connecticut, managing government efficiency, and strengthening the state's relationship with the business community to drive work force development and economic growth.

"I work for my constituents, and our community comes first. Thoughtfully engaging with residents about the issues that matter most to them allows me to bring their stories and ideas to Hartford so I can successfully advocate on the issues that impact their lives," said Rochelle.

Residents who would like more information about the survey can contact Rochelle directly by emailing her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

In addition, Rochelle also hosts monthly community events for residents to speak with her over coffee in a relaxed setting to ask questions, provide feedback, and share ideas. 

If residents need immediate assistance, they can call her office at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Beacon Falls Public Library to host presentation on Hartford in the Gilded Age

To RSVP for this special program, please call the library at 203-729-1441 or register on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-character-of-the-place...

The Library is located at 10 Maple Ave., Beacon Falls.

To RSVP for this special program, please call 203-729-1441 or register on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-character-of-the-place...

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria: Legislators work to strengthen human trafficking laws

View web version January 11 is International Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking, sex trafficking and other forms of mental and physical abuse are disturbing issues the legislature continues to tackle. Working together, the legislature continues to modify and strengthen state law in an effort to put an end to these abuses and to hold the abusers accountable. Last year, I proudly supported, and the legislature passed House Bill 6657, that: Provides human trafficking victims the ability to have certain convictions vacated if the crime was committed as a result of being a victim of human trafficking; Broadens the crimes of “sex trafficking,” “patronizing a prostitute,” and “commercial sexual abuse of a minor” to include taking these actions in exchange for anything of value, instead of only for money; Mandates a study of how online traffickers use the internet to groom minors to be trafficked and exploited, making recommendations to the Judiciary Committee on how to combat online grooming; Extends the Department of Children and Families (DCF) training in human trafficking awareness requirement to EMS personnel HB 6657 passed the House unanimously and was signed into law by the governor as Public Act  21-103.  I want to thank everyone who helped make this legislation possible. Sincerely,

Berthel backs GOP proposals to address violent crime in CT

State Sen. Eric Berthel

HARTFORD - State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32, Thursday issued a statement supporting the Connecticut Senate Republicans’ package of legislative proposals to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. 

The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut, includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

“Public safety should be our most essential priority. Right now, people do not feel safe in their own home or when out in the community. We see almost daily stories of violent crime with law-abiding citizens as the victims. This is not fear-mongering or playing politics. This is a fact - simply looking at a newspaper proves this point,” said Berthel.

“We must restore law enforcement’s ability to prevent and stop crime and also look at the root causes for those crimes. This is a holistic plan that addresses these matters. 

"Everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to succeed and this success begins with access to jobs. For youthful offenders, as a ranking member of our Education Committee, this includes a strong pipeline to these jobs by way of mentors and apprentice/internships. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join me in supporting these initiatives to restore a Connecticut where everyone has the tools to succeed,” he said.

READ the plan in full at CTSenateRepublicans.com (https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf).

WATCH the press conference: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=19011


PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

Part 1: Crime Response
Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity
Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
Workforce development programs
Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
Summer jobs program
Vocational program recruitment
Safe housing policies

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities
Law enforcement recruitment
Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

CRIME STATISTICS:

HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of Oct. 2. A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sept. 12, 2021.
WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.


Berthel represents Connecticut's 32nd District, which includes the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. 

www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from Berthel's office.

Berthel opposes extension of Lamont''s emergency powers

HARTFORD- State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32,  Tuesday issued a statement on the Senate's passage of a Democratic resolution extending Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID emergency executive powers through Feb. 15, 2022. 

This is the sixth time that these powers have been extended, which will now total nearly two years of state government under the emergency executive authority of Governor Lamont.

“It is time to move on. Our state boasts the highest vaccination rate in the nation, a fact of which Governor Lamont continues to be vocal. Meanwhile, the state is kicking off a $1.4 million fall season marketing campaign, enticing out-of-state residents to visit Connecticut's local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other public places. These conflicting messages defy logic. If we are truly in a public health emergency, the legislature has proven to be capable of convening in short order to debate and vote on policies relative to public health or otherwise," said Berthel.

 "These debates and decisions must be made in the 'People's House' by their elected representatives; not by unilateral edicts from a Governor and select individuals. Today, I voted 'no' on this measure, as I have done each time it has come before the legislature. I will continue to use my seat to support the ideals of co-equal branches of government, which allow the collective voices of those in the 32^nd District to be heard."

 The resolution, which passed the House on Monday, cleared the Senate 18-15 with three absent.

 

Berthel represents Connecticut's 32^nd Senatorial District, which includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from his office. 

 

Rochelle: Judicial Branch to streamline cops' access to juvenile arrest records

Friends and Neighbors,

I want to share some breaking news regarding efforts to curb car thefts: starting September 1, the CT Judicial Branch will provide police departments with 24/7 access to juvenile arrest records to help curb car thefts and break-ins.

The Judicial Branch and local police have struggled to share juvenile criminal history and that has hampered efforts to detain, investigate, and prosecute repeat offenders.

This is what the new policies look like:

Police departments will have the ability to seek and receive information regarding a juvenile’s prior criminal history if there is one (i.e., probation, pending cases/conditions of release, pending orders, convictions/adjudication, and suspended detention orders) at any time, even nights and weekends.

Police departments will have discretion if they need to seek additional information beyond what’s listed above. 

The same discretion still applies for detention orders.
The turnaround time for this information between police departments and the Juvenile Probation Office is estimated to be around one hour, effectively ending what people call “catch and release” of repeat offenders, as it will happen within the maximum time of six hours to hold a juvenile before applying for detention (i.e. gives officers time to receive this pertinent information and apply for a detention order well before the six hours is up).

This change comes after speaking with police chiefs across the state who told us they didn’t have access to information they needed to get the worst offenders off the streets. This change is critical in the effort to solve this statewide and national issue.

I am pleased the Judicial Department heard the concerns legislators brought forth on behalf of our constituents and police officers.

Both the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments are asking for your assistance by taking your car keys inside your homes, locking your doors, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative


This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Rochelle shares info on legislation concerning health care coverage

SB 1004, An Act Concerning Dental and Vision Insurance Coverage for Children, Stepchildren and Other Dependent Children, requires health, vision, and dental plans to cover dependents up to age 26 on their parents’ insurance plans – closing loopholes under the Affordable Care Act to ensure all families get covered. SB 1202, An Act Concerning Provisions Related to Revenue and other Items to Implement the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023, develops the “Covered Connecticut” plan to provide affordable, quality insurance to over 40,000 residents who do not currently qualify for assistance. HB 6687, An Act Concerning Medical Assistance for Children and Adults Without Health Care Coverage, expands healthcare coverage to all children 8 and under who otherwise are not able to get coverage. SB 1003, An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers and Pharmacy Benefits Managers from Employing Copay Accumulator Programs, ensures that all prescription drug discounts available to consumers will be passed on to consumers to reduce out of pocket costs. HB 5596, An Act Concerning Telehealth, continues expanded telehealth insurance coverage for two years. This is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Rochelle shares list of bills in support of CT veterans

HB 6449, An Act Expanding Economic Opportunity in Occupations Licensed by the Department of Public Health, reduces the requirements for health care professionals licensed in other states to obtain licensure and practice in Connecticut, making it easier for the family of service members to transfer into our state.

HB 5592, An Act Redefining “Veteran” and Establishing a Qualifying Review Board, ensures all Connecticut veterans have access to state-provided services and benefits.

HB 5737, An Act Establishing A Veterans and Military Tourism Trail, creates the Veterans and Military Tourism Trail to link memorials, battlegrounds and other historic sites related to CT's veterans and military history.

HB 6483, An Act Concerning the Enrollment of Children of Members of the Armed Forces in Public Schools and the Establishment of a Purple Star School Program, adopts the "Purple Star School Program" to ensure military-friendly schools for children who must relocate schools due to a change in a parent's duty station. 

This takes a vital step to address some of the challenges children face when they switch schools and better supports military families.

This is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby. She represents the 104th District.

Klarides-Ditria: DOT to host virtual public hearings on state rail plan update

HARTFORD - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced it will conduct a series of virtual public information meetings to launch the 2021-2025 Connecticut State Rail Plan update in compliance with Federal legislation, PRIIA (Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, Public Law 110-432). The kickoff meetings will provide the public an opportunity to learn about the purpose and requirements of the Connecticut State Rail Plan and how its updates were initiated. The meetings will he held: August 31, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. September 2, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. September 9, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. All sessions will present the same information and will be live-streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. Registration is not required. After a formal presentation, there will be a live question and answer (Q&A) session during which the public is invited to ask questions or provide comments. The Microsoft Teams Live Event offers closed captioning for multiple languages, and each meeting will be recorded and posted on the CTDOT Virtual Public Information Meeting library website. In addition to the virtual public informational meetings, a “virtual room” will provide content about the 2021-2025 Connecticut State Rail Plan update and the opportunity to submit comments and questions.  Please visit the 2021-2025 Connecticut State Rail Plan web page for more information, including detailed information about watching and participating in the meetings, and accessing the virtual room.

Sincerely,