Connecticut Rallies Join National Resistance

 

Three large nationally coordinated President's Day rallies rocked Connecticut. in Hartford, New Haven, and Old Saybrook, with thousands gathered to collectively demand: STOP THE COUP. Additional actions are planned in the coming weeks to boycott the large monopolies backing the Trump/Musk attack on working class gains.

In Old Saybrook, the community speakers explained that America’s democracy is under attack.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are responsible for dismantling the civil service, firing workers, gutting government programs, and exposing the personal information of millions of Americans to “flood the zone” and to overwhelm workers and cripple the bulwark that blunted Trump’s first administration.

The speakers encouraged rally-goers and onlookers get organized, and join community organizations and political groups mobilizing to protect civil society. They shared that the thousands of phonecalls flooding Congress were having a tremendous impact on mobilizing political leadership. But, more still had to be done.

At the State Capitol in Hartford 1,000 people lined the sidewalks with signs and chants cheering the many cars that honked as they passed by. In New Haven about 500 people gathered in front of City Hall with many creative chants like “Hey Hey Ho Ho Trump and Musk Have Got to Go,” demanding that their assault as billionaires on peoples needs and rights be stopped immediately.

Upcoming national coordinated actions will target the large monopolies that are backing the

Trump/Musk coup. On February 28, during a 24-hour “buy nothing shutdown,” not a dollar will be spent on purchases from big businesses while Trump and Musk dismantle our civil society.

From March 7 to 14, a week-long boycott will target Amazon, the largest retailer in the United States. Rally organizers said these two actions were being planned to target the capitalists that are backing the Trump/Musk coup.

Before 400 people marched down Main Street in Old Saybrook, the last speaker quoted Martin Luther King, Jr.: “The evils of capitalism are as real as the evils of militarism and racism. The problems of racial injustice and economic injustice cannot be solved without a radical redistribution of political and economic power.” Shop and restaurant goers came out to read the signs.“Stop the Coup.” “Oligarchs Should not be in Our Government.” “Stop the Billionaire Takeover.” “Rule of Law for All.” “America has no King.” “No Dictators.” “Stop Facism.”

Tenants and Workers Organize: Eviction Protections and UI for Striking Workers

 

In the midst of challenging economic and social times, tenant, union and immigrant coalitions are organizing to protect and expand their rights during this state legislative session. Heaing rooms were packed for the Labor Committee hearing on unemployment for striking workers and the Housing Committee hearing for just cause eviction protection for tenants

The labor committee hearing on allowing unemployment insurance for striking workers after two weeks on the picket line included nine hours of moving testimonies from workers who have experienced weeks on the picket line after being forced on strike by corporations refusing to negotiate a fair contract. Senator Marty Looney led the testimony drawing on his family experience and those of his constituents insisting that as workers are organizing for their rights the bill is essential this year.

Scores of tenants turned out to testify before the Housing Committee in support of HB 6889 to expand Just Cause eviction protections, led by Connecticut Tenants Union, Make the Road CT, Connecticut Fair Housing Center; and allies from Connecrticut for All. The Just Cause coalition is giving voice to the dire needs of tenants in the midst of the severe housing crisis. Many testimonies emphasized housing as a huan right, citing rising homelessness due to mega landlord greed.

HB 6889, An Act Concerning Evictions for Cause expands existing protections to prohibit no-fault, “lapse of time” evictions to all tenants who have lived in a complex with five or more units for at least one year. It requires a landlord to provide a reason to evict or non-renew a lease of covered tenants, such as not paying the rent, violating the lease, engaging in illegal activity, or refusing to agree to a fair and equitable rent increase. The current law, in place for over 40 years, protects tenants who are 62 years or older or have a disability and live in a complex with five or more units. Expanding Just Cause to all renters has no cost to the state, and provides immediate relief to tenants, reducing evictions by 11%, and preventing countless move-out notices.

51st Annual Celebrates Black Youth Leadership Resistance 2.0 in Today's Freedom Struggle

 

As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the achievements of African Americans in our country, we are excited to announce the forthcoming People’s World 51st Black History Month Celebration which is sponsored annually by Connecticut People's World Committee. This year's theme is "BLACK YOUTH LEADERSHIP: Resistance 2.0 in Today's Freedom Struggle," focusing on our youth defending their democratic rights and protecting our future by rejecting racism, bigotry, militarism, and division.

The event unites the community and youth in solidarity to celebrate our diverse working class, pledging to organize for multi-racial workers' rights. Our special guest keynote speaker, Aaron Boon, National YCL Coordinator for the CPUSA, alongside an inspiring youth panel, will discuss the importance of youth organizing and involvement in resistance movements.

Additionally, the African American History Month 2025 Arts and Writing Competition for students in grades 8 to 12 encourages creative submissions—artwork, essays, poetry, rap, or song—centered around the following questions:

1. What can you do with others in your school to promote equality?

2. What can you do with your friends to reject and educate against hate speech?

3. How can you help continue the fight and work to change your community now?

The celebration will feature an exceptional drumming performance by acclaimed musician Brian Jarawa Gray, showcasing African cultural drumming. Join us on Saturday, February 22nd, at 4:00 PM at the New Haven People’s Center, located at 37 Howe Street, New Haven, Connecticut for this significant celebration and contribute to building a better future.

'Resistance 2.0' to Stop the Coup Grows in Connecticut

 

by Joelle Fishman

The crowd was overflowing at Duffy Elementary School in Wast Hartford on Saturday for a Townhall meeting with Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal called together on 48 hours notice.

Murphy, who has taken a lead in the U.S. Senate challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration, received a prolonged standing ovation when he entered the auditorium. “I am here for two reasons, and maybe you are too,” he said. “One because I believe our democracy is worth fighting for, and two because I demand to live in a country where we do not fear our neighbors, we love our neighbors.” His statement brought another prolonged applause.

In addition to the 700 crammed into the school, hundreds more were participating on YouTube.

Following Trumps executive order and memo withholding federal funds to local programs the week before, sending healthcare, childcare, nutrition and countless other programs into crisis in Connecticut and across the country, the unconstitutionality of the administration's actions brought alarm, protests and court actions.

The courts overturned the memo withholding funds on the grounds that Congress controls all funding, but Trump made it clear that he will implement the executive order.

Murphy challenged the role of Elon Musk and DOGE saying,“in a democracy we can protect ourselves against abuses from those elites, from those billionaires, from those corporations who just want to amass power.”

Many who lined up at the mic to comment called on the Senators to do everything in their power to stop the coup. In response to one question Murphy declared, “don't feel hopeless, organize!” adding that “the first step is to show up in large numbers as we are doing.”

Audience members invited other participation to get involved in their organizations including Indivisible and faith groups. Bette Marafino, president of CT Alliance for Retired Americans urged those present to call friends and family they have who live in Republican states.

Murphy pledged to refuse to cupport confirmation of any nominees, saying ““If you’re signing up to destroy the constitution of the United States, I don’t want any part of your journey.”

Other questions centered on specific attacks including how to defend Diversity Equity and Inclusion against attempts to dismantle anti-racism. “Call it out for what it is – white supremacy.” was the reply.

In New Have, the snowfall that evening did not stop the annual run the next day to raise funds for the immigrant and refugee group IRIS. Thousands took to the streets affirming support for IRIS following withdrawal of federal funds leaving them struggling to survive.

At a press conference the following day New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced that the city has joined a lawsuit with San Francisco, Portland Oregon and King County Washington against the Trump administration to protect ”welcoming city” for undocumented immigrants..

The lawsuit challenges Trump's exeutive order to end funds for “sanctuary cities.” New Haven's “Welcoming City” order prohibits city workers from asking immigration status, disclosing confidential information, or using city resources to assist in an investigation unless compelled by state or federal law, or to coordinate with ICE.

The mayor said the city has received over $64 million in DOJ grants for violence prevention, adding that the threat of a federal funding freeze could impact moe than 300 city workers.

Since November immigrant groups and their allies began meeting, expanding relationships, studying what to do in the case of a visit from ICE, preparing the community to know its rights with “red cards” that explaining that ICE must have a court warrant signed by a judge to make an arrest.

In addition, Connecticut's Trust Act prevents state workers of sharing information with ICE. Attorney General William Tong has constantly affirmed that Connecticut is a welcoming state, and has filed numerous lawsuits against Trump's unconstitutional eecutive orders.

The previous week labor and progressive elected officials were in the house as 1500 people turned out for an historic Solidarity Summit hosted by the Unite Here unions at Yale and in Connecticut. Union workers courageously told their stories and vowed to stand firm for their democratic rights. (See story page four).

The Communist Party has been issuing weekly “Rapid Response” calls to action, this week for calls to Congress to “Stop the Coup”.

Rapid Response - Stop the Coup!

 

CPUSA RAPID RESPONSE — Tell Congress: STOP THE COUP!  

Call or visit your Senators and demand that they join with their colleagues to publicly oppose the appointments of ALL Trump nominees. Call or visit your Senators and Representative to demand Elon Musk be fired and his attempts to hijack our money and the government be immediately halted. Represent the interests of working class people — not the billionaires! Call today 202-225-3121 and ask for your Senators and your Representative!

Please share with your coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors. cpusa.org/resist

Solidarity Summit Inspires Organizing

 

by Jahnal Henderson

Over a thousand people from New Haven and across Connecticut gathered at Trinity Temple for a Solidarity Summit convened by the three Unite Here locals at Yale, the hospitality workers local and New Haven Rising, a community organization for racial, economic and social justice. Present were New Haven’s alders, state legislators and several Connecticut constitutional officers.

The large crowd was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome from Rev. Scott Marks, who emphasized the importance of organizing in solidarity to fight against the Trump administration federal policies that benefit the rich and not the working people. 

Rev. Marks also called for continuing protest for racial and economic justice, good union jobs, safe affordable housing, and economic opportunities to create a better future for all, especially the youth.

“It feels like a boom is happening in this city,” shouted Rev. Scott Marks to the crowd, “But my question is: It’s a boom for whom?”

Union leaders and members addressed the standing room only audience, emphasizing the importance of unity and the fight for better wages and respect and for Yale to increase its financial contributions to the city. Omni hotel workers Local 217 recalled settling a contract last September after hard-fought negotiations and strike, while Local 33 gtaduate teachers celebrated their union contract after 30 years of retaliation from Yale University.

Jennifer Chona, Ward 4 co-chair, shared her concerns about protections for undocumented immigrants and Mareika Phillips, of New Haven Rising, said she and her loved ones have been used as “a tool for hate and division” calling for protections for LGBTQ communities. Jewell McKiever also speaking for New Haven Rising emphasized how organizing can bring change.

The overflow audience that filled the sanctuary and foyer of the church was inspired by the powerful words of keynote speaker Gwen Mills, national president of UNITE HERE, who said, “We need to turn handwringing into fist-pumping. Turn worrying into work. And fear into power!”

Two priorities of the Summit included a new effort to push Yale to finance a “People’s Endowment,” and passing state Senate Bill 8 to make striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. “Right here at home,” Mills said, “we’ve got to pass SB-8, mobilize this city for affordable housing, and insist that Yale settles fair contracts and redistributes money in the City of New Haven to level the playing field once and for all.”

Clergy Deliver Letter for a Moral Budget

 

Despite the snow, faith leaders representing community members across the state came together this week to deliver a letter - signed by over 120 clergy leaders -  to legislative leadership and the Governor, calling for a state budget that addresses the crisis of need in Connecticut, including a substantive modification of the fiscal guardrails that prioritizes working people and disrupts pattern of systemic racism and generational poverty. 

This letter represents a demand from our faith community for the Governor and legislative leaders to do what’s right by the Connecticut residents who are unable to thrive in our state without bold investment in the programs and services that lift up our communities and economy. 

“As a faith leader, when we consider a “moral budget,” in my congregation, we reflect on the budget we present to our congregation, which embodies our identity as followers of Christ and how we believe Jesus urges us to be His hands, hearts, and feet in our community and the world today,” said  Reverend Tracy Johnson Russell, Rector at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Hartford and  strategy team member for the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA).

“For too long the state’s fiscal roadblocks have diverted massive financial resources away from the general fund, out of reach of the legislature, out of reach of the governor, creating the fiscal crisis our people and communities now face,” said Reverend Josh Pawelek, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society East in Manchester, a leader with the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance and Connecticut for All, “The roadblocks may be a profitable arrangement for wall street bondholders and the state’s wealthiest citizens, but they are slowly impoverishing the people of Connecticut and the institutions they rely on. We see it every day. It needs to end.”

“It has been brought to my attention that we have many healthcare professionals in our congregation and it has been expressed that many who are in this industry are working families being set up by legislators to become hurting families,” said Dr. David Michael Bailey, Co-Pastor of the First Cathedral of Bloomfield, “They cannot afford to live like a decent human being and these people are caretaking for individuals who cannot take care of themselves. These caretakers are put into a cesspool of inequities and are being unjustly robbed by budgetary restrictions.”