It has been estimated that 24 million Americans lack access to broadband internet because of insufficient availability or high cost. Research from The Third Way has shown that communities that are majority Black are significantly less likely to have broadband access than communities which are majority white. The ramifications for people in these communities are intensified in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bridging the digital divide to assure access to opportunity
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Two sides to the Hamden solar farm issue
Elizabeth L. Langhorne and Diane Hoffman strongly support the intention of Connecticut State Colleges & Universities to place a solar farm in Hamden, their home town, for its commitment to expanding renewable energy production. However, they equally forcefully condemn the need to clear-cut 12 acres of woodland to install the solar farm, citing its loss of stored carbon and the destruction of ecological habitat that the forest provides.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
State could save $100 million annually
I would like to add to Keith Phanuef’s piece suggesting how to improve our transportation infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way. The Department of Transportation (DOT) wastes over $100 million annually through outsourcing key engineering services.
Posted inNews
PODCAST: Time to raise taxes on the rich? Lamont says yes…and no.
Last Wednesday night, I interviewed Gov. Ned Lamont as part of a special Connecticut Mirror Conversation. You can hear part one of this conversation on our last episode. We talked about where the state stands with pandemic response, vaccine distribution plans, and aid to businesses and individuals who are struggling through the economic downturn. […]
Posted inNews
Lamont’s press deputy has COVID, but governor is not in quarantine
Gov. Ned Lamont’s deputy press secretary, Rob Blanchard, is in quarantine with COVID-19 symptoms after getting two positive tests.
Posted inEvents
A CT Mirror Conversation: Gov. Ned Lamont
Gov. Ned Lamont joined us Dec. 2 for a wide-ranging conversation on Connecticut’s handling of the resurgent pandemic. Watch here.
Posted inEnergy & Environment, Politics
How Biden’s Treasury secretary pick could shape U.S. climate politics
In addition to other treasury duties, Janet Yellen will also be in charge of distributing congressional stimulus spending.
Posted inPolitics
Rosa DeLauro on her new gig: ‘It’s every aspect of people’s lives.’
Rosa DeLauro is holding a hearing on the Hyde Amendment. But COVID relief is the only immediate spending priority.
Posted inJustice
Ninth incarcerated person dies from COVID-19
The inmate who died was being held at Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers.
Posted inPolitics
House freshmen rise in Ritter’s new committee assignments
Incoming House Speaker Matt Ritter said his goal is to diversify legislative committee leadership, not just reward seniority.
Posted inMoney
Lamont to leverage $55M in federal aid to assist poor unemployed
Gov. Ned Lamont will expand unemployment eligibility to channel more than $1,800 this winter to about 38,000 residents.
Posted inPolitics
With more deputies, House Speaker Matt Ritter offers promotions and raises
More than half the Connecticut House Democratic majority will have a leadership title next year.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
What hath Lamont wrought?
At some point, very far in the future – long after President Donald Trump has been replaced in office by Joe Biden – some dispassionate and truly objective journalist will write an essay on the coronavirus political myth; that is to say, the way politicians used the coronavirus pandemic to feather their political nests.
Posted inStudent Voice
Private companies should not profit from inmates’ telephone calls
Despite the state of the world due to COVID-19 restrictions, neither phone fees for inmates nor fees for commissary items have been decreased in the state of Connecticut, even though these fees have been decreased in other states such as Arkansas due to the pandemic. There is no excuse as to why Connecticut is unable to compromise these fees for inmates and their families during these difficult times.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Personal caregivers do noble work — and are not adequately compensated
As a 59-year-old man who uses a wheelchair and has a very compromised immune system, one of the things I’m most thankful for is the unwavering support, help and caring shown by my personal care attendants. They are the reason I can be home for the holidays and all the other days of the year.