Published January 29. 2021 8:15PM
Keith M. Phaneuf, The Connecticut Mirror
Leaders of the legislature’s budget-writing panel pledged Friday to dramatically bolster Connecticut’s community-based social services and reverse more than a decade of eroding funding for the nonprofits that run these programs.
Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, and Rep. Toni E. Walker, D-New Haven, said the relief plan likely would be phased in over five or six years, similar to a pitch made last year by the state’s largest nonprofit coalition.
The co-chairwomen of the Appropriations Committee also wouldn’t rule out legally exceeding the state’s statutory spending cap to provide this aid for thousands of disabled and abused children, and people struggling with drug addiction.
Comcast, the internet provider serving much of southeastern Connecticut, plans to start charging the state’s “superusers” for the additional data they consume, a move some see as particularly ill-timed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With many adults working from home and kids glued to virtual classrooms and online games, internet usage has soared.
State Sen. Norm Needleman, the Essex Democrat who co-chairs the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said Thursday he’s heard complaints about Comcast s impending charges not only from constituents but from fellow legislators, many of whom, he said, are burning data like never before. They re at home with kids and they’re on Zoom call after Zoom call,” Needleman said. “They’re running up against the cap by the middle of the month. . They’re angry.”
Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, also said his caucus hopes to channel about $130 million in additional state aid annually into poor
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.
Erica Moser
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.