LARSON VOTES TO PASS LEGISLATION TO HELP FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

Press Release

Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to pass H.R. 8294, a package of six government funding bills, which focuses on helping families and communities across America and addressing critical needs in Connecticut's First District. The transformative investments in the bill will lower the cost of living, create good-paying American jobs, lift up working families, and support small businesses.

"As we fight growing inflation and rising costs of living, I was proud to vote for a government funding package that makes the critical investments our district needs," said Larson. "The funding in this bill will invest in our community's infrastructure, transportation, and support victims of gun violence. Thanks to the leadership of Connecticut's own, House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro, the investments in this package will help the middle class, working families, small businesses."

Rep. Larson championed funding for 10 projects that will directly benefit CT-01 residents. These include:

$4 million for the Town of East Hartford to renovate the historic downtown post office building as an annex to the Raymond Library,
$3 million for the Town of Windsor for the Broad Street Complete Streets initiative to reshape Windsor Center to become more pedestrian friendly and add vitality to downtown,
$3 million for the Towns of Manchesterand East Hartford to replace aging boardwalk structures along the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail so the entirety of the trail is accessible to the public again,
$2.4 million for the iQuilt partnership to connect more communities to the Connecticut Riverfront and develop walkable, bikeable bridges across the river,
$1 million for the City of Hartford and Riverfront Recapture to make Charter Oak Landing Park more resilient to seasonal flooding and accessible to the public,
$1 million for the City of Hartford's Levee Systems to recommend modifications to Hartford and East Hartford's levee systems along the Connecticut River so the levees can continue to protect these communities from flooding,
$750,000 for the Town of East Hartford's Church Corners Rehabilitation to create high-quality housing for low-income and veteran tenants,
$750,000 for the Connecticut Trolley Museum to move forward the goal of developing the Trolley Museum into a living history museum,
$650,000 for the Hispanic Federation Financial Education Initiative Program to offer financial literacy trainings in both English and Spanish for residents,
$500,000 for Mothers United Against Violence to support victims and families who have been impacted by gun violence.

"The funding passed in today's funding package vote will help support ongoing work to address seasonal flooding damage at the Charter Oak Landing and planning work to strengthen our levee systems along the Connecticut River," said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. "We are lucky to have an incredible partner and a tireless advocate in Congressman Larson, and we're grateful for his commitment to the important work of updating our aging infrastructure and improving resilience across our City, especially as flooding and serious weather incidents become more and more common in the face of climate change."

"I am excited to know the importance of these critical projects for the Town of East Hartford has been recognized! These projects are instrumental for East Hartford's economic development, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Larson and his office for their continued support of our community and initiatives that will enhance the quality of life of our residents and businesses," said East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh.

"On behalf of the citizens of Windsor, I would like to express my gratitude to Congressman Larson for his tireless work in getting us the funding we need to move forward with our Town Center Transit-Oriented Development Plan," said Windsor Mayor Don Trinks. "With this funding we can create a more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly downtown, parking, and a safer center of town. Congressman Larson has been, and continues to be, a good friend to the Town of Windsor, most recently with his work to secure American Rescue Plan funds and now funding for our downtown redevelopment."

"When people think of what makes Manchester such a great place to live and visit, often the first thing that comes to mind is our town's first-class parks and trails system," said Manchester Mayor Jay Moran. "Thanks to Congressman Larson's efforts to secure these federal funds to invest in the Laurel Marsh trail, Manchester residents and visitors will be able to enjoy enhanced access to the scenic riverside path."

"We thank Representative Larson for his commitment to uplifting Latino communities across Connecticut by providing Hispanic Federation with this transformative investment. With this funding we will provide participants with a variety of culturally competent interactive financial education workshops that will build confidence in making sound financial decisions by improving their money management proficiency. The series will help individuals, non-profits, and small business owners learn about local, State, and local financial recovery resources that can help the most vulnerable get back on their feet and protect their assets," saidFrankie Miranda, President & CEO, Hispanic Federation.

"We are so grateful Congressman Larson understands the importance of public parks. Caring for existing parks and creating new green spaces are critical to the region's quality of life, the health of its residents, and economic vitality. His transformative vision has led to funding that will help heal Charter Oak Landing, a treasured, historic park in South Hartford, and funding that will help build a new park to the north, creating essential green spaces for communities with the least access. We will connect more people to the Connecticut River and the region thanks to Congressman Larson," said Michael Zaleski, President & CEO of Riverfront Recapture.

"To reach its full potential as one of our region's great living history museums, the Museum has embarked upon a transformation plan to ensure its success well into the future," saidMichael P. Speciale, Development Chair of the Connecticut Trolley Museum. "This includes upgrades and additions to its buildings, and innovative programs for its visitors, a stepped-up trolley restoration program, track, and railroad tie replacements, and more. Congressman Larson appreciates both the historical value of the Museum and its economic potential as a major tourist attraction, and we at the Museum value his support."

"On behalf of Mothers United Against Violence, we are extremely honored to be receiving the earmark from Congressman John Larson to further support our efforts in the violence intervention/prevention work, which includes addressing trauma and PTSD under the Juvenile Impact program within the Hartford region," said Mothers United Against Violence.

"When Hartford and the region celebrate turning 400, they should also celebrate Congressman Larson's bold and ambitious vision for infrastructure that prioritizes opportunities for economic development, green infrastructure, creative placemaking and enhancements to the region's quality of place. This will dramatically reshape the Capital Region's future and focus efforts to achieve a region that is more sustainable, prosperous, equitable, mobile and vibrant. The Congressman has been leading this vision and keeping us focused on achieving our goals. Funding will focus on East-West linkages over the Connecticut River and through Hartford to contiguous communities," said Jackie Gorsky Mandyck, Executive Director, iQuilt Partnership.

A detailed summary of the funding package is available here.

Source