August is coming to a close, and that means it’s once again time to examine what our elected officials are doing around the state and around the country.

1. Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the launch of a $20 million bond pool that will assist non-profit groups in Connecticut that provide health and human services. This investment will improve services to residents across the state.
2. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced two pieces of legislation to reform the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Court, a move that will create more transparency and hopefully stop the surveillance of innocent Americans
3. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy introduced the Supreme Court Ethics Act of 2013, which requires that the Supreme Court be bound by a code of judicial conduct.
4. Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman announced that the town of Clinton would receive a $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Grant. The grant is given to municipalities that are working to revitalize their business district and expand economic development.
   
5. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro led House Democrats in a call to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, in future farm bills.
6. Congressman Joe Courtney requested the creation of a Commemorative Coin series to benefit the Coast Guard.
7. Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty introduced a three-year authorization of the E3 Initiative Evaluation Act, which will support sustainable manufacturing. Esty’s bill will provide the program with more oversight to ensure it is working as intended, has needed resources, and will remain strong in the future.
8. Governor Malloy joined local and federal officials in celebrating the opening of the West Haven Metro-North train station. The station is expected to reduce regional traffic congestion.
9. Congressman Jim Himes joined State Representative William Tong and The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford to discuss the benefits of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
10. Comptroller Kevin Lembo worked with the Connecticut Education Trust, The Department of Children and Families and Hartford’s Camp Courant to donate more than 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to children as part of the Fourth Annual Backpack Donation Program.
11. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill joined the Voter Information Project, Pew Charitable Trusts, Google and other technology companies in the New York City area for the first-ever Hackathon. This gathering of developers, designers and usability experts were charged with generating innovative applications that can improve voting experience across the country.
12. Treasurer Denise Nappier announced that three recent summer bond sales brought in $900 million. The bond sales were successful enough to further replenish the Rainy Day Fund that was drained three years ago to balance the state budget.
13. State Senator Donald Williams praised the expansion of health care access and regional employment in the healthcare industry that will follow the opening of Windham’s 30,000 square foot Family Health Center.
14. Speaker Brendan Sharkey announced that Hamden biotech company CaroGen Corporation was awarded $150,000 by Connecticut Innovations, the State’s business investment arm.
15. Governor Malloy recently signed a legislative package that will provide greater levels of assistance for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
16. Senator Murphy fought to keep female inmates in Danbury from being transferred to Alabama, away from their children and loved ones.
17. In a recent press conference about the Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman DeLauro said, “Voting for the Affordable Care Act is one of the proudest votes I have taken, in no small part because it finally put women’s health on an equal footing with men’s.”
18. Governor Malloy announced the approval of $360,000 in state aid to the Norwich School District, helping the district fill 37 positions.
19. Congressman Larson presented a World War II veteran with eight medals he earned while serving in Europe.
20. Senator Blumenthal joined disabled Navy veteran Carmen Cardona in her fight to expand disability benefits for spouses in same-sex marriages.
21. Congresswoman DeLauro announced the approval of a $345,000 grant to the New Haven Education Americorps VISTA Project, a collaboration among seven nonprofits in New Haven that aim to improve education services in the city.
22. Congressman Courtney announced that Hart’s Greenhouse and Florist in Canterbury will receive a $14,528 grant that will help the business pay for 100 solar panels, reducing energy costs and growing business.
23. Secretary Merrill joined WFSB’s Scott Haney in kicking off the 2013 Connecticut State Employees’ Campaign for Charitable Giving, an annual fundraising event in Hartford that helps hundreds of charitable organizations support local and global causes.
24. Comptroller Lembo Joined local officials in the opening of the Albion Street Health Center in Bridgeport, which is part of the Southwest Community Health Center, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services to the greater Bridgeport community.
25. Attorney General Jepsen announced that our multi-state coalition has reached an agreement with the Department of Energy to develop a new time table for updating overdue energy-efficiency standards, which will help Connecticut residents reduce up to 2.2 million metric tons of waste.
26. Advocating for increased youth participation in the democratic process, Secretary Merrill spoke about strategies to develop meaningful youth engagement at “A Forum of Youth Engagement” hosted by Congressman Larson and The First Congressional Youth Cabinet.
27. Governor Malloy signed the Foreclosure Protections Act, which expands protections for Connecticut homeowners who are in the foreclosure process or at risk of foreclosure.
28. Treasurer Nappier announced that she will be hosting the 2013 Money Conference for Women, a free conference designed to assist women in taking charge of their financial futures.
29. Senator Williams announced that nearly $3 million in Housing and Urban Development grants were awarded to the towns of Canterbury, Killingly, Putnam, Thompson and Windham. These grants help each town repair, renovate and expand low- and moderate-income housing for residents.
30. Governor Malloy, alongside Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, welcomed 160 National Guard members back to Connecticut after serving a tour in Afghanistan.
31. Senator Blumenthal signed on to more bills than any other U.S. senator.

We’re proud of these accomplishments, but we never rest on our laurels. Look for another update on what Connecticut Democrats are accomplishing in a few weeks.

Regards,

Elizabeth Larkin
Communications Director
Connecticut Democratic Party