DeLauro Holds Annual Meeting with Mayors and First Selectmen from Connecticut's Third Congressional District

NEW HAVEN, CT (February 18, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today met with mayors, first selectmen, and city leaders from Connecticut’s Third Congressional District for an annual update on the federal budget and its impacts on local communities. During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues facing Connecticut’s cities and towns, including the economy, investments in transportation, educational grants, fighting the opioid epidemic, and opportunities for federal funding for local programs.

“Meeting with Connecticut's leaders regarding their work in local communities and the impacts of the federal budget and legislation is one of the best ways that we can make government work for our constituents. Every year, I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the critical issues facing our communities and I thank all of the leaders who make this collaboration a priority. The work that these leaders engage in on the local level is essential in implementing the legislation that we pass in Washington.

“Over the last year, cities and towns in Connecticut have applied for a number of grants that will impact our local communities, including grants that will fund infrastructure and transportation projects. The federal government has allocated resources for a variety of projects and I strongly encourage every community to apply for funding that can better our state. I look forward to continuing to work with our local leaders to apply for funding that will move our economy and communities forward.

“While the economy has seen significant gains in the last year, the greatest economic challenge is that far too many working families have jobs that do not pay enough to make ends meet. My colleagues in the delegation and I will continue to fight for strengthening tax credits that impact working families and legislation like the FAMILY Act, which would provide paid family leave. Connecticut has led on policies for working families, including raising the minimum wage and offering paid sick days, and I encourage Congress to do the same.

“Across the country, communities are facing an opioid epidemic that is becoming a public health emergency, and it requires a response from every level of government. The President’s FY 2017 budget proposes a new $1 billion investment in mandatory funding to address the crisis by expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and the funding would go to the states. I am also crafting a bill that would provide $1 billion per year to behavioral health and substance abuse to support community clinics and expand access to treatment. Together, we can help end this epidemic and stop it from tearing apart our families and communities.

“While the increased funding in last year’s budget is a win for Connecticut and the American people, we still have not recovered from the mindless austerity of sequestration and many communities are still feeling the repercussions. As we look towards the FY 2017 budget, I will continue to fight for our communities on Capitol Hill and I look forward to continuing to work alongside these incredible community leaders.”

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