Sen Lopes Praises Approval of Legislation Countering Trump Cuts, Creating Housing and Opposing ICE Abuses
Sen Rick Lopes (D-6) applauded final approval of state legislation to protect Connecticut residents from budget cuts made by Republican President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress, legislation to extend protection to Connecticut residents from ICE abductions at courthouses and legislation to build more housing in the state.
Editor’s note: The cover photo is by Dr Frank Gerratana.
The legislation was approved in the Senate, said Lopes’ office said, “one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.”
Sen Lopes said that, “By investing in affordable housing and encouraging towns to plan for growth, we are helping more people find a place to call home,” adding, “we are moving forward on housing solutions that will make our communities stronger. This legislation encourages towns and regional councils to create more affordable housing for families in neighborhoods they love.”
The legislation, Lopes’ office said, includes incentives in school construction grants for towns, “that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.”
“At the same time,” said Lopes, “we are using state resources to fill gaps left by the federal administrations war against poor and working class people. By funding shortfalls, ensuring families continue to have access to essential programs like food assistance, health care, and child services, our actions reflect our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities for everyone in our state.”
Sen Lopes added, “when federal funding falls short, Connecticut is stepping in to protect our residents, ensuring families and communities continue to receive the support they need. These bills reflect our commitment to protecting residents and building a Connecticut that is fair, safe, and inclusive for everyone.”
Lopes’ office said that, “The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as ‘The Rainy Day Fund’ – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.”
Programs that the Connecticut legislation is designed to protect from Republican federal budget cuts, Lopes’ office says, include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance and housing assistance.
The legislation to protect against ICE abductions at courthouses extends existing protection in Connecticut courthouses to include courthouse grounds, parking lots and walkways on courthouse grounds or connecting to its parking lots.
Lopes’ office says that the law, “provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.”
Other legislation approved provides for a study of children’s behavioral health services in the state and providing for the purchase of Waterbury Hospital to save the hospital after its private ownership filed for bankruptcy.
