Urban Agendas

The strength of our state depends on the strength of our cities. If our cities have healthy economies, strong education systems, living-wage jobs, and empowered citizens our state can be an even better place to live, work and raise a family. But if our cities are struggling, our state is in trouble.

Connecticut is a great state with much to offer all people. But the multitude of barriers to economic freedom and success in our urban communities are staggering and cannot be ignored. Transforming our state’s urban areas into centers for economic development and cultural advancement with opportunities for all people is vital to move our state forward.

Many of the problems that impact our cities occur in non-urban areas of the state as well. No town is devoid of economic challenges, poverty, drug abuse or unemployment. But the high concentration of these challenges in urban areas make it all the more imperative that we look to help our cities by addressing not only the effects of these problems, but actually tackling the causes of these issues.

The following is a list of proposals put forward by the CT Senate Republican caucus and caucus leaders to empower residents in our cities and address issues:

• 2015: Plan for Progress and Opportunity in Connecticut’s Cities
• 2016: Agenda to Enrich the Lives of Urban Residents & Employers
• 2017: Plan to Strengthen Connecticut Cities & New Education Cost Sharing grant formula (New Direction for Connecticut – 2018/2019 State Budget Proposal)that weighs factors such as enrollment, poverty and English language learner population so resources go to students most in need.
• 2018: Minority Teacher Recruitment & 7/7 Program Modifications
• 2019: Empowering Connecticut Residents, Community Empowerment/Neighborhood Assistance & A Healthy & Safe Connecticut
• 2020: Community Empowerment Bill & Health Equity