Governor Lamont: “President Biden has returned America to its rightful place as the leader of the free world.”
Governor Ned Lamont’s:
“In his first State of the Union since taking office, President Biden marked considerable progress in building a better America. The Biden-Harris administration implemented a vaccine program that has inoculated more than 200 million Americans and, today, is allowing us to safely return to a more normal and regular life. Together with Congress, President Biden enacted the American Rescue Plan Act that reduced child poverty to the lowest rate on record, provided our schools the resources to safely educate our children in-person, and has helped fuel historic economic growth and job creation. The bipartisan infrastructure law the President championed will rebuild our infrastructure, reduce carbon pollution, and make our communities more resilient, redress historical inequities, and lay the foundation for American prosperity for years to come.
“Internationally, President Biden has returned America to its rightful place as the leader of the free world. Instead of coddling dictators, we’ve reengaged with our allies across the globe. We worked to repair international supply chains. We rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. We recommitted the United States to freedom and democracy. And when Russia chose to wage war on a peaceful neighbor, President Biden rallied our friends and allies to support the sovereign nation of Ukraine and hold Russia accountable.
“I commend President Biden for all that he and Vice President Harris have achieved, and I applaud the President’s vision and goals that he outlined in his speech tonight. He presented a clear and achievable plan to lower everyday costs for all Americans, to strengthen our economy, and to ensure a fair shot at the American dream for all Americans with an economy built from the bottom up and the middle out. In Connecticut, we’re working to achieve the same goals. We’re making historic investments in developing a modern workforce to fill Connecticut jobs, make Connecticut products, and reduce costs for Connecticut families. Likewise, just as President Biden proposed a plan to reduce the costs of everyday expenses, including energy and prescription drugs, in my Connecticut Difference budget we tackle these challenges head-on.
“I look forward to working with President Biden and our amazing congressional delegation to ensure that the progress we’ve made over the past year is sustained and that our Union remains strong.”
Aquarion Seeks Nominations of People, Businesses, and Organizations for Environment Champion Award
Aquarion Water Company:The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations across Connecticut dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Now in its 12th year, the Environmental Champion Awards are an opportunity for environmental advocates to earn statewide honors for their work.
Winners in the Adult, Non-Profit Organization, and Business categories will have the opportunity to select an environmental non-profit to receive a $5,000 grant. The winner of the Student category (grades 9-12) will receive a $1,000 award.
“Individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Connecticut work tirelessly to preserve our state’s natural resources,” said Donald J. Morrissey, President of Aquarion Water Company. “As Stewards of the Environment, Aquarion Water Company is excited to salute their efforts and celebrate their achievements through the 12th annual Environmental Champion Awards.”
The deadline for submissions is May 6, 2022 and winners will be announced on June 4, 2022 at an awards ceremony to be held at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Details and the nomination form for the 2022 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards are available at www.aquarionwater.com/awards.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 5; State Positivity Rate 2.42%, Hospitalizations Up 3
The Aspetuck Health District and the State Department of Public Health reported 5 new COVID-19 case for Westport over the past day. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 2.42% while hospitalizations increased by 3 patients.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,831 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 35 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.42% [down from 2.58%]
State Hospitalizations: 191 patients [+3]
Weston Candlelight Vigil Held to Support Ukraine
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A woman from Ukraine and her husband listen to her countrymen as they describe the situation in their homeland.
About 100 people braved the cold Monday night to show support for the people of Ukraine as they battle against the Russian invasion to preserve their freedom and save their democracy. First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, who helped organize the event on the steps of the Weston Town Hall, introduced nearly a dozen speakers. Clergy included Pastor Thomas Burke of the Norfield Congregational Church, who led the attendees in prayer. Local elected officials were in attendance including State Representative Anne Hughes . Several members of Weston's Ukrainian community spoke passionately about their family and friends who are hurting - fearful about what is yet to come.
In Their Own Words: Ukrainians Tell Their Stories:
Sergey Ishin-
"In these strange times many things are happening that I could never have imagined were possible. I could never have imagined that we could see a full-blown war in Europe. I could never have imagined that my friends would be hiding from bombs in basements and subway stations. I could never have imagined that I’d see such unity around the world against the aggressor. But I have always believed and continue to believe in the spirit of Ukrainian people and their desire for freedom. They are holding up against the Leviathan and they will win! Slava Ukraini! Слава Україні!"
Iryna Akozina-
“Dear World! Thank you for supporting Ukraine, democracy, freedom of speech, and justice. More than 40 millions of Ukrainian people want to live in their home country, on their Ukrainian land. And the villains wants to take this land from them. I am scared. I feel pain for the Ukrainians who have been experiencing the horrors of war since February 24, 2022. I am proud for the united Ukrainian patriotic spirit! But no people deserve such unprecedented abuse and harassment! The situation is heartbreaking. The restitution will have to be paid to every human being who suffered. Ukrainians are praying for a quiet night, we are praying for them! Let the villains tumble down to where they belongs right now! Let the peace be restored! The whole 40 millions population of Ukraine can’t flee the country looking for a new home, they have to stand or dig in and defend their motherland!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes! “
Katrina Moran-
I’m from Ukraine and my whole family is currently stranded outside of Kyiv. It’s unfair what’s happening to our country and our people. Before this, Ukraine was a thriving country with a bright a future and all we want now is peace and freedom for our country and our people.
Remarks By First Selectwoman Nestor:
Today we stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
We stand against oppression.
We stand with people from all around the world choosing democracy over autocracy.
We stand with displaced Ukrainians fleeing and fighting for their lives.
We stand to bear witness and not look away.
We stand to act in support. Let us be ready and willing to make sacrifices as a country and as individuals to help stop this illegal violent aggression and help those hurt by it.
We stand for PEACE.
I light this candle for Ukraine tonight: for the moms and dads trying to shield their children who suddenly don’t have safe places to sleep, the soldiers protecting their country, Ukrainian leaders, and for those who have already perished in this conflict.
We are inspired by Ukraine’s courage, leadership, and example.
Westport will hold it's own event, "Stand With Ukraine" in support of the people of Ukraine at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge
