Hartford, Ct. – Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman Nick Balletto released the following statement in response to the announcement that Gov. Dan Malloy is the 2016 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award recipient for his embrace of Syrian refugees.

“This is a tremendous honor for Governor Malloy and the state of Connecticut,” said Balletto. “For generations, refugees and immigrants have enriched the cultural fabric of our nation. And while some governors tried to turn their backs on Syrian refugees to score political points, our governor showed compassion, opening his arms to refugee families fleeing unimaginable atrocities. We have always been a compassionate state, and today I am prouder than ever to stand with Governor Malloy.”