Connecticut lawmakers closed out a legislative session like no other on Wednesday night, with the state Senate approving a two-year, $46.3 billion state budget that proponents said will help Connecticut in its continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while beginning to address some longstanding inequities in the state.

Legislators wrapped up their work shortly before midnight. In the final moments, the House and Senate chambers were nearly filled with lawmakers - a rare sight this session, given the strict COVID-19 protocols.

As in the House, there was bipartisan support for the budget in the Senate, where the bill passed 31 to 4. Shortly afterward, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said he will sign it into law, calling it the “most progressive, transformative, and life-changing budget our state has ever seen.” The new fiscal year begins on July 1. Read More

The Connecticut Water Works Association (CWWA), which represents municipal, regional and private water companies serving residents and businesses throughout Connecticut, is urging lawmakers to include investment in water infrastructure funding in its plan to allocate federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

"Recognizing the importance of replacing and upgrading aging water infrastructure to provide residents and businesses with safe, reliable public water supplies, the ARPA emphasizes that funds may be used to make investments in water infrastructure, including building or upgrading facilities and transmission, distribution, and storage systems, the replacement of lead service lines and climate change initiatives," said Elizabeth Gara, Executive Director of the Connecticut Water Works Association (CWWA). "Given the lifelong impact of lead exposure on children, the U.S. Treasury Interim Final Rule encourages states to consider funding projects to replace lead service lines," Gara noted. Read More

Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday warned that Connecticut should not take the state's downward trend in coronavirus metrics for granted.

Connecticut saw another decrease in coronavirus-related hospitalizations on Thursday. The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was fewer than 250.

There were 114 new coronavirus cases reported on Thursday, bringing the total to 44,461. The number of people tested who were positive for COVID-19 was around 2%, which is an important number, according to Lamont.

The state saw another 26 fatalities due to coronavirus. The death toll now stands at 4,146. Read More

Friday, June 18 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

American Job Center, 560 Ella Grasso Blvd., New Haven

Calling people ages 16 to 24 in greater New Haven and Middlesex County to attend this free event and meet with local community resources who have hiring opportunities and can help you make a plan and launch your career. Hosted by Project CEO and the American Job Centers this outdoor event includes more than 30 organizations, food trucks, raffles, and DJ KG from 100.9 The Beat. Advance registration is encouraged. Learn more