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Dear Friend,
After a busy week in Congress, I'm back home in eastern Connecticut, and here with an update on a new bill I introduced responding to Groton residents' calls for safer living conditions, the opening of a new accessible field in Groton, and more. As always, thanks for kicking off your weekend here with me.
New Legislation to Improve Health & Safety in Federally-Assisted Housing
In Groton, residents at the Branford Manor apartment building have endured dangerous and unsafe living conditions due to an ongoing mold problem. They have petitioned local, state, and federal officials to reform out of date laws and a broken system that failed to address the problem – highlighted by the passing inspections conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While HUD has recently taken critical steps to improve the system and protect tenants’ health and safety at home, Congressional action is still clearly needed.
On Monday, I introduced the Healthy at Home Act to respond to the calls from Branford Manor residents and improve the health, safety, and habitability of federally-assisted housing. Click below to read more in the Day.
The Healthy at Home Act would hold bad-acting building owners accountable, provide financial support to those working to improve building safety, create an education campaign to reduce health risks, and more structural changes to prevent unhealthy conditions.
The strong support from national housing advocates for this measure validates the efforts of Branford Manor tenants that the system needs to change. Endorsing national housing advocates include: the National Housing Law Project, the National Center for Healthy Housing, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National League of Cities, and the National NeighborWorks Association. Health care advocates also strongly support, including: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of PAs. And right here in Connecticut: the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Partnership for Strong Communities.
Vernon Opens Miracle League Field with the Help of Federal Funds
On Wednesday, Vernon celebrated the opening of Miracle League Field, a new accessible baseball field made possible in part by $175,000 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. I had the chance to visit the field a few weeks ago, and it’s really a crown jewel of recreation for children and visitors of all abilities. This week’s opening is the culmination of hard work and the persistence of grassroots organizers, town officials, and Steve Leibowitz, the president of Miracle League Field, and his team.
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| Earlier this month, Rep. Courtney visited Miracle League Field with President of the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut Steve Leibowitz and Lauren Leibowitz |
The allotment of American Rescue Plan funding for Miracle League Field fits perfectly within the federal dollars’ intended use to build healthier, vibrant communities. Congratulations to the grassroots supporters of Miracle League Field. I’m pleased that federal funding from the American Rescue Plan could help make this project a reality.
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| During Wednesday's ribbon cutting ceremony, Rep. Courtney's office presented the Miracle League Field of Northern Connecticut with a U.S. flag. |
Working with the Senior Corps to Expand Programs
Yesterday, I was honored to receive the 2023 Leadership Award from the National Senior Corps Association. Nationwide, 140,000 seniors volunteer their skills and experience through Senior Corps programs, helping address vital needs in their communities. I have long been a supporter of advocating to sustain and increase funding for this important program.
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| Yesterday, Rep. Courtney was presented with a 2023 Leadership Award from the National Senior Corps Association. (left to right) The NSCA's Alan Lopatin, NSCA President Josefina Mata, and Lizbeth Mata. |
Senior Corps supports three volunteer programs for older Americans: the Senior Companion Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Not only do programs provide a great service to children, older adults, and those in need, they also benefit the volunteers who stay active, engaged, and strengthen healthy bonds with their community. Look no further than eastern Connecticut’s thriving Veterans Coffeehouse movement, which Senior Corps volunteers organize to connect veterans to benefits they’ve earned.
Thank you to NSCA President Josefina Mata, Lizbeth Mata, and Alan Lopatin for joining me in my Washington office to present the award. I look forward to continuing working together to grow Senior Corps programs in eastern CT and across the county.
Answering Questions About Social Security 2100 with Rep. John Larson
It's been far too long since Congress acted to improve Social Security. The last time benefits were increased was nearly 50 years ago! I’m a staunch support and original cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, a bill led by my friend and colleague Congressman John Larson. Earlier this month, Congressman Larson joined me at the Windham Senior Center to answer questions about the long-overdue legislation. Over 155,000 people in the Second District, including retirees, children, and veterans receive Social Security each year, and I consider it my sacred duty to keep benefits strong and reliable for decades to come.
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| (left to right) Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy Judy Stein, Windham Town Council Chairwoman Dawn Niles, Rep. Joe Courtney, State Rep. Susan Johnson, Rep. John Larson, Windham Senior Center Director Angela Fournier, and Mayor Tom Devivo to discuss the Social Security 2100 Act. |
Social Security 2100 would raise benefits across the board by 2%, improve the Cost-of-Living Adjustment so that it reflects seniors’ budgets, and repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset to ensure people who have worked in the public sector such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and more public servants are not penalized for doing so.
Thank you to Windham Senior Center Director Angela Fournier for hosting Congressman Larson and me. If you have questions about Social Security or other federal programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to my Norwich office.
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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