The funding, which comes from the state’s Interest on Real Estate Broker’s Trust Account (IOREBTA), will help provide area residents with assistance in foreclosure proceedings, financial counseling and housing remediation. Established in 1992, IOREBTA is not funded by Connecticut taxpayers. Under the program, real estate brokers deposit residential and commercial escrow funds into interest-bearing accounts with the purpose of providing mortgage assistance for low- or moderate-income families or persons with downpayments or any other appropriate housing subsidies. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority serves as the fiduciary for the funds.

Operation Hope runs homeless shelters for men, women and families, a community kitchen and a food pantry. It also owns or operates 46 units of affordable, supportive housing.

Operation Hope’s Executive Director Carla Miklos said, “We are so appreciative for this funding, and we thank Tony and Brenda for their tireless support of our mission. For many years, we have not made it onto the list of non-profit awardees. We see this year’s selection as a testament to the good work we are doing every day for the underserved in our communities.”

Sen. Hwang and Rep. Kupchick, who serve as Ranking Members of the state legislature’s Housing Committee, praised Operation Hope on its efforts to help families in-need.

Sen. Hwang said, “Carla Miklos and her staff help to stabilize the American Dream for families in our communities. That stability helps put families back on the right track. We’re so pleased to announce this funding, because we know it will provide lasting dividends and help get people out of poverty.”

Rep. Kupchick said, “Operation Hope is about empowerment. This funding will help lift families up and make a real difference in the lives of people who truly need it. I’ve been volunteering with the Operation Hope for many years and have witnessed firsthand their compassion and results. I’m proud of the work Carla Miklos and the amazing staff at Operation Hope do toward their mission of not only ending homelessness, but for also working to prevent it.”

Operation Hope can be contacted at (203) 292-5588.

Attached photo, left to right: Operation Hope Board Member Michael Rosten, Rep. Brenda Kupchick, Sen. Tony Hwang, Operation Hope Executive Director Carla Miklos, and Operation Hope Director of Development Jennifer O’Neill.

Fairfield lawmakers today issued the following statement regarding the state’s decision to hike rail and bus fares Dec. 1 despite vocal opposition from lawmakers and angry commuters:

Sen. Tony Hwang said, “This fare increase is just another tax on the backs of the working middle class in our state. This added financial burden comes with no additional infrastructure or rail service improvements, and that is unacceptable. It also comes on top of two record-setting tax hikes in five years. Combined with rate increases in utilities and health insurance, this fare increase might just be the last straw that breaks the back of Connecticut taxpayers. That truly is a shame, but I will say this: I was proud to stand alongside state lawmakers, tireless commuter advocates like Jim Cameron, and fed up taxpayers in opposition to this hike. We came together at the fare hike public hearing to send a clear message: No Fare Increases. Our unified, reasonable voice of opposition obviously was not heard by state transportation officials. That’s just terribly disappointing and frustrating, but it won’t deter us from re-doubling our efforts to be a strong, persistent voice for commuters and taxpayers. It will only motivate us to work harder in demanding that the people of Connecticut get heard.”

Rep. Laura Devlin said, “The decision to move ahead with these fare hikes without even acknowledging the opposition of a group of bipartisan legislators and the voices of almost 1,800 individuals these fares would hurt, is incredulous. This is the same arrogance we see in Hartford when it comes to discussing the state’s finances and budget. I can tell you the people I represent have had enough of the never-ending hits they are taking through tax hikes and fees. The majority party and Gov. Malloy need to stop balancing the budget on rosy revenue projections, then being forced to make ill-advised budget decisions when the revenue never ends up meeting what they say want to spend. Not including this increase, Metro North fare hikes have gone up over 20% in recent years with no tangible service improvements or infrastructure investments.”

Rep. Brenda Kupchick said, “We will not let this decision stand unchallenged, I and other legislators plan to propose legislation in January to repeal these rail fare hikes, the people of Fairfield and Southport deserve better than subpar rail service at a higher cost. The proposed fare increase is a direct result of the $37 million in cuts imposed on the DOT by the Malloy administration as part of the 2016-2017 revised state budget that was passed by majority legislators last May.”

Fairfield lawmakers today applauded the approval of state funding for local and regional projects which aim to improve public safety and bolster local infrastructure.

The State Bond Commission on Sep. 30 approved $500,000 for equipment for the renovation project at the Fairfield Regional Fire School and $750,000 for the replacement of 3,000 linear feet of sewer lines in Fairfield.

“I have witnessed firsthand the dangerous job our Fairfield firefighters undertake,” said Rep. Brenda Kupchick. “It is our job as legislators to make sure they receive the proper training. Today’s grant for the Fairfield Regional Fire School provides firefighters with a safe and modern facility to learn the skills we rely on them to deliver to protect our community.”

“The Fairfield Regional Fire School is essential to maintaining the public safety of every resident in the County,” said Rep. Laura Devlin. “As most volunteer and professional firefighters know, fire schools are instrumental in the training of firefighters and I have been very happy to have been a part of moving this matter forward.”

“This equipment for the Regional Fire School will help save lives in a crisis or disaster,” Sen. Tony Hwang said. “Updating our sewer infrastructure is also critical for Fairfield’s economic and community well-being. I weigh every bond item seriously against any budgetary constraints that state and local taxpayers are currently experiencing. Every taxpayer dollar is precious and must be treated as such. That said, I support these solid, long-term investments. They will positively impact our businesses and residents and make our communities safer.”
Attached photo:

At the Legislative Office Building Sep. 30, from left to right: Rep. Laura Devlin, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Fairfield Fire Department Chief Denis McCarthy, Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau, Sen. Tony Hwang, Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Tracy, Rep. Brenda Kupchick