In the News

Majority Democrats in Congress looking to bridge the wealth gap in the U.S. are considering a proposal that would let workers profit from Wall Street’s impressive gains.

The SHARE Plan Act proposed by Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, would give an incentive to companies to distribute more stock to middle- and low-wage workers by allowing shareholders to claim long-term capital gains treatment on stock sales. Shareholders would otherwise pay at higher ordinary income tax rates.

BRISTOL – Congressman John Larson of Connecticut’s first district reminded others that with the passing of the federal eviction moratorium that there are still options for state residents to tackle their rental issues.

Larson said he is cosponsoring legislation to reinstate the moratorium. However while that process continues, residents may still apply for up to $15,000 in rental assistance and $1,500 in electrical assistance through UniteCT. More can be learned online or residents may call 1-844-864-8328. The program is funded through American Rescue Plan dollars.

Hartford — A Dalio family foundation, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the city of Hartford announced Wednesday a combined investment of $9.85 million to reengage young people who are disconnected from school or work.

The money will allow two youth organizations in Hartford, COMPASS Youth Collaborative and Our Piece of the Pie, to expand and a third group, Roca, to start working in the capital city for the first time, serving young mothers who are connected to urban violence, which has spiked in many U.S. cities, including in the past year.

Plans to construct a park linking Hartford’s North End with the Connecticut River could get a boost in the form of nearly $1 million in federal funding.

In a statement released Monday, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-Conn., said his request to steer $900,000 to the City of Hartford to support the park’s development has been included in a House transportation, housing and economic development appropriations bill.

East Hartford — With a big boost from the federal government, East Hartford officials expect to buy and renovate the historic Main Street post office as an addition to the public library next door.

U.S. Rep. John Larson announced recently that $600,000 to purchase the building at 850 Main St. was included in a House appropriations bill. Town council Chairman Rich Kehoe said he is fairly confident Congress will approve the funding within the next two months.

EAST HARTFORD — The town is in line to receive some $1.3 million in federal funds to renovate local trails and help purchase more space for the library, should Congress approve a federal appropriations bill.

U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, announced in a press release that funds are included in the bill drafted by the Appropriations Committee, which is scheduled for consideration by the House of Representatives next week.

Local museums, theaters and art associations will soon see an influx of grant money to further their operations.

U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, announced Tuesday more than $10.4 million has been awarded to live entertainment venues in his district from the Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.

The Gilson Cafe and Cinema theater in Winsted will receive $219,441.

It sometimes seems that the second 50 years after World War II are being spent correcting the mistakes of the first postwar half-century.

One was situating highways so they blocked cities from their waterfronts, as happened in Hartford and Middletown.

This year, Hartford celebrates the 40th anniversary of its effort to reconnect to the Connecticut River. Middletown has just initiated a riverfront revival plan.