(photo) At Fairfield U., Sen. Hwang & Vets Advocates Spend “Day in the Boots of a Hero”
Sen. Tony Hwang on Oct. 27 took part in an event held at Fairfield University which raised awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and their families who are homeless or living below the poverty line.
The event, called “A Day in the Boots of a Hero”, brought together lawmakers, community stakeholders, medical professionals and students to better understand the struggles of our nation’s heroes.
Sen. Hwang, who serves as Ranking Senator on the legislature’s Housing Committee and also serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the discussion was enlightening.
“Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for our nation – they are our heroes,” Sen. Hwang said. “I commend Fairfield University on hosting this gathering, which shined a bright light on the significant challenges our vets face each and every day. We are all one community. We are all blessed to live in this great country and to enjoy its freedoms. That’s why we can never stop striving to improve the quality of life for our vets. That quality of life involves health care, housing, job training, and many other issues. The focus in Washington, DC and at the State Capitol in Hartford must always be on our vets and their well-being.”
Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov . On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com.
Attached photo: Among the participants in the Oct. 27 “A Day in the Boots of a Hero” event at Fairfield University were, from left to right: Volunteer Najja Salmon, Pastor John Diamond of the Cathedral of Faith in Bridgeport, Sen. Tony Hwang, Sandra Salmon of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Fairfield University Assistant Professor Kathryn Phillips.
(photo) In Newtown, Sen. Hwang Hears from Students
“How Does a Bill Become Law?”
Sen. Tony Hwang (at right) on Oct. 27 visited Newtown Middle School to speak to an assembly of students and answer their questions.
Sen. Hwang told the students about his background as an immigrant from Taiwan, his duties as their state senator and his passion for serving the community.
Sen. Hwang commended the students, teachers and administrators at Newtown Middle School for their emphasis on civics and urged them to continue to stay apprised of the debates taking place in Hartford and in Washington, DC. Sen. Hwang introduced legislation this year which increases the penalties for when a threat involves a preschool, K-12 school or an institution of higher education. The new Safer Schools state law makes threats felonies which would result in a prison sentence.
Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov . On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com.
(photo) Sen. Hwang, Rep Kupchick Applaud Funding for Operation Hope
Sen. Tony Hwang and Rep. Brenda Kupchick today applauded the approval of $21,000 in funding for Operation Hope (www.operationhopeCT.org).
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.
Sen. Hwang Lauds Grant for Easton Public Library
“Idea Factories” Provide Opportunities for All
Noting the recent state grant to the Easton Public Library, Sen. Tony Hwang today praised libraries in the region as community treasures, idea factories and key education resources.
On Oct. 5, the State Library Board approved a $24,250 grant to fund a high-speed fiber connection between the Easton Public Library and the Connecticut Education Network (CEN). The connection is expected to be completed in early 2017.
“This improvement will allow all residents in Easton and surrounding communities to access the World Wide Web,” Sen. Hwang said. “That access will be there for those who do not own a computer, those who are not yet computer-savvy and for anyone who simply wants to learn. I carefully weigh each dollar that is spent in a difficult budget, and I thank the state for recognizing the need for this wise investment.”
Sen. Hwang said he remains committed to helping local libraries flourish in Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.
“What was once simply a place to read books and conduct research has evolved into full-fledged idea factories, business incubator lab, job search central, meeting place, and an all-around hub of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Sen. Hwang said. “In Easton and across the state, our libraries are helping to usher in a new grassroots level of economic development and social enrichment.”
* Sen. Hwang represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421. On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com
