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Federal probe casts light on CT budget earmarks for youth programs

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The Connecticut State Capitol, in Hartford, Conn. Jan 24, 2023.

The Connecticut State Capitol, in Hartford, Conn. Jan 24, 2023.

Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD — A federal grand jury probe is spotlighting vague budget earmarks that have directed nearly $50 million in the last 12 years to support nonprofit youth programs intended to reduce violence and involvement in the juvenile justice system that members of the legislature’s Black and Puerto Rican Caucus select.

Without much public scrutiny, a series of Democrat-controlled legislatures and two Democratic governors have been processing these handpicked selections for Youth Services Prevention grants from Black and Latino legislators.

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The $48 million distributed through these budget earmarks since the 2014 fiscal year represents a fraction of the nearly $260 billion in overall state spending in that time. The grant amounts, ranging from four to six figures, go to youth sports leagues, religious institutions, theater groups, community and recreation centers, and civic organizations, among others. 

But this small amount of earmark spending is under examination because of how the funding pool is reserved for members of the caucus, the opaque process for making the appropriations, and the lack of general oversight.

Legislators in the recently established Asian American and Pacific Islander Issues Caucus are also now able to submit earmarks for Youth Services Prevention grants.

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Members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus are each granted $150,000 for budget earmarks to nonprofit and community groups within their districts. The practice traces back to the deadly mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in December 2012 and the juvenile justice reform movement of the early 2000s.

There are no funding bills with the names of legislators sponsoring the Youth Services Prevention grants, no hearings and no application process. The governor and the Appropriations Committee recommend only the grant program’s bottom line in spending plans. The specific earmarks are spelled out later in the final budget bill, but only the names of the recipients and grant amounts are listed, with no details about a nonprofit program’s purpose or how the funds will be spent.

Once a state budget is enacted, the administration and oversight of this state funding is left to the state’s Judicial Branch through its Court Support Services Division. 

But a federal grand jury investigation examining the role of state Sen. Douglas McCrory, D-Bloomfield, a member of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, in the distribution of millions of government funds sent to Hartford-based nonprofits and companies has turned a spotlight on these budget earmarks. McCrory has denied any wrongdoing.

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Reform debate

House and Senate Republicans have seized on the grand jury probe to demand the Democratic majority make budgeting changes to increase transparency and oversight.

The proposed GOP reforms include identifying legislators making a funding request, giving a clear description of its public purpose, holding a hearing on each grant application, completing audits to verify funds are used as intended and adding more detailed reporting requirements. 

Gov. Ned Lamont has signaled he is open to earmark reform. His administration has also made use of budget earmarks over its two terms.

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“I don’t think we track them enough,” Lamont said. “A lot of this comes late in the day from the legislature. We’re not going to let this continue.”

Senate President Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said Democratic leaders are also willing to discuss a process for providing more review of all budget earmarks, not just the ones for Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative grants.

“From my point of view, I think the most important part of that would be making sure grantees are not in a position to donate money or give out money to subgrantees who have not been properly vetted,” he said.

One focus of the grand jury probe is the awarding of subgrants. Records show nonprofits and companies run by Sonserae Cicero-Hamlin, a businesswoman and nonprofit leader who has relationship with McCrory, regularly secured funding for associated nonprofits and companies through subgrants. That includes through the reportedly defunct Blue Hills Civic Association that offered youth employment and other programs.

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The Blue Hills Civic Association received $106,880 in Youth Service Prevention grants since 2015. It is unclear whether the grand jury investigation involves any of this funding. Federal investigators have subpoenaed records related to economic development and education grants.

Grant spending

Overall, $48 million in Youth Services Prevention grants have been distributed as designated by members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus since the 2014 fiscal year, according to the state comptroller’s office. 

The two-year $55.8 billion state budget that took effect July 1 appropriates another $7.3 million per year for Youth Services Prevention grants. The two-year budget for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years allocated $3.3 million per year.

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In addition, members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus have separately directed another $29.6 million in Youth Violence Intervention grants to cities and nonprofit organizations through budget earmarks since the 2013 fiscal year, according to the comptroller’s office.

The current two-year budget sets aside nearly $5.5 million a year for these grants aimed at decreasing urban youth violence. Five years ago, the 2021 and 2022 budget allocated $2 million a year.

The Youth Violence Intervention grants are appropriated and distributed in the same way as Youth Services Prevention grants.

The Youth Violence Intervention grants were limited to Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven in 2013. Five years later, Danbury, Meriden, Waterbury and West Haven were added, and eligibility was subsequently expanded again. The legislature approved grants for more than 80 communities and organizations for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The Court Support Services Division also administers this grant program.

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The 2026 and 2027 budget for the first time includes some earmarks for Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative grants from members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Issues Caucus that was established in 2024. 

Spending scrutiny

The funding requests for Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative grants receive greater scrutiny compared to other earmarks, said Sen. Catherine Osten, D-Sprague, and Rep. Toni E. Walker, D-New Haven, co-chairwomen of the Appropriations Committee. 

They questioned why the earmarks from the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Issues Caucus should be subject to more stringent review and oversight than other budget earmarks that are regularly inserted into spending, revenue and other bills from both Democrats and Republicans.

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“I have no problem with having deliverables on any earmarks that we have. There were a lot of earmarks that we had in the budget that were small, but we also have earmarks that were large,” Osten said.

Walker, a member of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, questioned why Republicans singled out the Youth Services Prevention and Youth Violence Initiative grants. She said other significantly larger state grant and contract awards do not receive a level of scrutiny approaching what the House and Senate GOP proposed for the two youth-related grant programs.

“That’s what bothers me is that they took this one group. Why? That’s what I want to know,” Walker said. “Why are you scrutinizing this small amount of money compared to what we’re doing every year.”

Sen. Robert C. Sampson, R-Wolcott, said Republicans are focused on these two grant programs because they are appropriated largely behind the scenes. But they are not the only earmarks that Republicans are scrutinizing. 

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“It is the process,” said Sampson, the ranking Senate Republican on the Government Administration and Elections and Government Oversight committees. “It is that these grants are awarded without any open process at all and that the ultimate contract is drafted in secret after the money is already awarded.”

Once House or Senate Democratic leadership accepts a Youth Services Prevention or Youth Violence Initiative earmark, the funding is essentially secured, he said.

“That is it. Then, the Judicial Branch is left to figure out who the grant actually goes to and puts something on paper,” Sampson said. “It is just amazing to me.”

Once Youth Services Program and Youth Violence Initiative grants are authorized, judicial officials gather contact information and verify the accuracy of the names, confirm they are registered with the secretary of the state’s office, and corroborate the amount, said Rhonda Hebert, a spokeswoman for the Judicial Department.

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Once a grant agreement is executed, the funds are issued on a quarterly basis, depending on how quickly a recipient provides documentation, she said.

Recipients are required to provide a description of services, a budget narrative, fiscal expenditure reports twice a year, and an annual program report, Hebert said.

Budget narratives that align with the description of services are accepted, she said. The fiscal expenditure reports are also reviewed for alignment with the description of services and the budget narrative, she said

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Audits are not required, and the judicial branch does not submit any reports to the Appropriations Committee, Hebert said. 



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A celebration of success | News, Sports, Jobs

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December 23, 2025

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Photo courtesy Bay College
The Center for Youth Health & Wellness staff outside the new Center on the Escanaba campus in 2024.

ESCANABA – The Center for Youth Health and Wellness opened its doors on the Bay College Escanaba Campus in Fall 2024. The Center has quickly become a vital resource for students and local youth ages 10-21, providing accessible, high-quality medical and mental health services in a welcoming, youth-focused environment.

The Center has demonstrated strong community engagement and meaningful impact. Since opening in 2024, The Center has served 1,045 unduplicated clients. These individuals visited The Center for a wide range of health and wellness needs, including medical visits, mental health visits, and annual wellness exams.

“We are thrilled by the positive response and the number of young people who are choosing to access care right here on campus through The Center,” said Cindy Gallagher, Bay College Vice President of Workforce Innovation and Strategic Partnerships. “This partnership with Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties ensures that students and community youth have the support they need to thrive academically, personally, and socially.”

Since the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025, The Center’s momentum has remained strong. In the first quarter alone, The Center has provided 99 medical visits and 147 mental health visits.

Since its opening, The Center has become a critical provider for the required high school sports physicals that allow youth to participate in high school sports. Kayla Coltson, Family Nurse Practitioner at The Center, shared that they have provided 755 sports physicals to area youth since August 2024.

These numbers reflect the continued and growing demand for accessible youth-focused health services in the region. The Center’s integrated approach–combining medical care, mental health support, prevention services, and wellness education–helps empower young people to make informed decisions and build healthier futures.

“It’s clear that this collaboration is filling a critical gap in our community,” said Michael Snyder, Health Officer at Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties. “We are committed to providing quality services, reducing barriers, and meeting the evolving needs of youth across Delta and Menominee counties.”

The Center for Youth Health and Wellness remains open to individuals ages 10-21, offering walk-in and scheduled appointments. Services include primary medical care, behavioral health counseling, vaccines, wellness visits, and health education–all provided in a confidential, inclusive, and supportive setting.

The Center employs four staff, including a receptionist, a licensed mental health counselor, a registered nurse, and a nurse practitioner. The Center also has an active Advisory Board consisting of representatives from local K-12 partners, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD, Public Health, Bay College, and local parents.

Funding for The Center is provided through a grant awarded to Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with reimbursement from billing public and private insurance plans. No client between the ages of 10-21 will be denied care due to an inability to pay.

Bay College and Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties look forward to building on this strong foundation for years to come as we continue to serve the youth of our community.

For more information, visit the Center’s page at baycollege.edu, contact The Center for Youth Health and Wellness at 906-786-1672 or visit The Center’s Facebook page.



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Advocacy Groups Warn Against Kalshi’s Gambling Push

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December 23, 2025

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By Hayley Fowler ( December 22, 2025, 3:36 PM EST) — A trio of nonprofits that advocate against gambling are fighting betting company Kalshi’s efforts to curb Maryland gaming regulators’ oversight, telling the Fourth Circuit that health consequences and threats to elections and youth sports would be significant if Kalshi succeeds….

Law360 is on it, so you are, too.

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Letter: Sports complex at Pendleton would mean higher taxes

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33 minutes ago

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December 23, 2025

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Letter: Sports complex at Pendleton would mean higher taxes

Published 4:58 pm Monday, December 22, 2025

Pendleton city officials announced that replacement of condemned stairway on Southwest 13th Street was a top priority, submitting a grant request for funding through the Safe Pathways To Schools Program sponsored by the Oregon Department of Transportation as adequate city funding was unavailable. The request was denied perhaps because the plan was not compliant with the federal American with Disabilities Act, according to the program administrator.

In 2011 the city purchased 40 acres adjacent to Barnhart Road, affectionately known as the “road to nowhere” for $500,000. The current city’s mayor and the economic development director have approved a proposal giving that property to Round-up City Development Corp., an agency masquerading as economic power house for the city, to construct a youth athletic complex. This sounds like a great idea until you consider the city, the school district, Babe Ruth and Little League associations have already established a good foundation of facilities that could be improved for considerably less. For the complex to be completed, a bond would be needed and approved by the voters, meaning property tax hike.

A common excuse from city officials when asked about improving streets is there is no funding. I wonder why.

Rick Rohde

Pendleton

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Orange Bowl Committee and AutoNation Unveil New $600,000 STEAM Center in Miami Gardens

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December 23, 2025

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Today, the Orange Bowl Committee, in partnership with Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami Gardens, and AutoNation, officially opened the doors to the new Orange Bowl STEAM Center presented by AutoNation at Bunche Park West Recreation.

The $600,000 legacy project provides local students with a state-of-the-art environment designed to foster innovation, creativity, and technical skill-building. The center features a dedicated workspace equipped with robotics, engineering kits, and maker materials, alongside a high-tech Multimedia Room. This digital hub offers green-screen capabilities, audio-visual tools, and editing stations, allowing students to master digital storytelling and graphic design.

“This center represents a major investment in the future of our youth,” said Henri Crockett, President & Chair of the Orange Bowl Committee. “By providing these resources, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders in Miami Gardens has the tools they need to excel in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The unveiling featured remarks from several community leaders, including Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, and representatives from AutoNation and School Specialty.

A Legacy of Community Impact

The STEAM Center is a cornerstone of the Orange Bowl Cares initiative, specifically falling under its Legacy Programs pillar. These investments are made possible through the Orange Bowl Committee’s leadership of the both the Capital One Orange Bowl and the 2026 Miami Host Committee, which is preparing to host the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium.

For over 90 years, the Orange Bowl has served as a primary civic engine for South Florida, using premier sporting events to fund year-round community engagement, education, and youth sports programs.

Key Features of the New Facility:

  • STEAM Lab: Hands-on learning with robotics, 3D modeling, and engineering kits.
  • Multimedia Room: A professional-grade digital production suite for video and graphic creation.
  • Collaborative Spaces: Intentionally designed areas to encourage group problem-solving and creative thinking.


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Lambda Legal 2025 Recap: 8 Key Moments

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December 23, 2025

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Before ringing in another new year, we at Lambda Legal want to take a moment to spotlight some of our achievements and milestones from 2025. 

We are proud of all that Lambda Legal has accomplished these last 12 months, and we’re carrying this momentum into 2026 as we continue our fight for full equality for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. 

Find our year-in-review list below, presented in chronological order. It’s worth noting that what’s mentioned here represents just a tiny, tiny snapshot of an incredibly busy 2025. One roundup post — or even four! — couldn’t possibly capture the scope of this year’s work. 

Launch of Our Four-Point Plan of Action and Trump Tracker Resource

This year began with Lambda Legal’s team prepared to defend our communities with courage and conviction. The elections of 2024 brought disappointing results, but our legal team had devoted months to prepare for the worst of possible outcomes and contingency plans were in place as we began 2025. Our four-point plan to navigate the challenges we anticipated following the change in administration guided our work – and yielded results. 

Trump Tracker resource

Since January of 2025, Lambda Legal has filed six major cases challenging unlawful and discriminatory actions by the Trump administration — including executive orders targeting transgender people, gender-affirming care, accurate identity documents, funding for LGBTQ+ community centers, and service in the military for trans people. Check out the latest breaking news on these cases using our Trump Tracker resource: www.LambdaLegal.org/TrumpTracker

Lambda Legal sued the Trump administration to stop executive actions that would erase trans people, defund LGBTQ+ programs, and ban DEI principles in federal grants. In the summer, a judge ruled in our favor, granting us a preliminary injunction that restored $6.2 million dollars in federal funding to these organizations.

Returning to the Supreme Court to Defend Trans Youth in Sports 

Early in 2026, Lambda Legal will return to the U.S. Supreme Court to defend the right of transgender students to participate fully and fairly in school athletics. We represent Becky Pepper-Jackson, a teenage track athlete challenging West Virginia’s cruel and unconstitutional ban on trans students in sports. Lambda Legal has represented Becky since 2021, and we could not be more proud to fight for her and all trans youth who just want a chance to play and be part of a team.

Oral arguments in B.P.J. v. West Virginia are scheduled for January 13, 2026 — a pivotal moment for transgender rights nationwide. Join us at our rally in Washington, D.C., that day, or find a rally in a city near you! 

Becky Pepper-Jackson ahead of our Supreme Court oral arguments on January 13, 2026

The Help Desk Receives Record-Breaking Number of Requests 

Every call, email, and message to Lambda Legal’s Help Desk begins with a story from a member of our community. In 2025, the need for the Help Desk has grown exponentially. 

By mid-December, the Help Desk has handled more than 7,154 requests for assistance – over 70% of the number we received in all of 2024, and on track to be the highest number we have received ever.

Our Help Desk is averaging 622 new requests per month — the equivalent of 21 new people every single day reaching out for support, information, and hope.

Unstoppable Future Fundraising Campaign Makes History 

Lambda Legal wrapped its Unstoppable Future campaign in June with a staggering $285 million raised. This has allowed us to grow our staff and capacity to serve our community. 

Building Our Team: Strength in Numbers 

To meet growing demand and sustain our litigation momentum, Lambda Legal has strengthened its legal team with at least 10 new attorneys and legal professionals this year. Each brings unique expertise, lived experience, and deep passion for justice.

queer and trans people hold up signs at freedom to be ourselves really outside of the supreme court during skrmetti oral arguments
“Freedom to Be Ourselves” rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court during U.S. v. Skrmetti oral arguments, photo by Rah Studios

This infusion of talent expands Lambda Legal’s reach and capacity at a pivotal moment. Together, this growing team is prepared to take on the next wave of challenges – and the next wave of victories.

The Publishing of Vital, Expert Reports 

As 2025 draws to a close, two new Lambda Legal publications highlight the twin pillars of our work – reshaping systems and protecting people where the law meets lived experience. 

In Judging Our Future: What’s at Stake for LGBTQ+ and HIV Rights in the Federal Courts, Lambda Legal reveals that while there was great progress during the Biden administration, the federal judiciary remains far from reflecting the diversity of the nation it serves. The report also addresses what we can expect from new federal judges during Trumps’s second term.

Our second major publication, Advocating for Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Diverse Youth in Foster Care, equips attorneys and advocates with strategies to support one of the most vulnerable populations in the child welfare system.

The Launch of the All Rise Campaign 

All Rise Campaign

Lambda Legal has what it takes to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV: a 52-year track record of landmark victories, bold strategies, and the unwavering support of leaders like you. But this year, our opponents are better funded, more coordinated, and moving faster than ever. They are outspending us in courts and legislatures across the country — and we cannot let them win. 

That’s where our new All Rise campaign comes in. Through December 31, all gifts will be DOUBLED through the $250,000 All Rise Match. This is our moment to stand together, fight harder, and rise higher in pursuit of full legal and lived equality. Make a gift today by visiting our donate page.





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PARTICIPATING TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ECNL INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT, POWERED BY COACHES’ VOICE AND IN ASSOCIATION WITH EVERTON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

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December 23, 2025

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RICHMOND, Va. (December 22, 2025) – The ECNL International Tournament, powered by Coaches’ Voice and in association with Everton International Academy, is excited to announce the eight U13 boys teams and eight U16 girls teams that will compete in the event in May 2026 at Everton’s legendary Finch Farm facility. 

An exceptional and unique lineup of teams from England, Scotland, Wales and the United States will come together in a ground-breaking new youth competition to challenge some of the best players and teams from each country.  The teams competing are listed below: 

U13 Boys Division

  • US: Eastside FC (WA), NCFC (NC), Oklahoma Energy, XF Academy (WA)

  • UK: Chelsea FC, Everton, Leeds United, Wrexham AFC

U16 Girls Division

  • US: Bay Area Surf (CA), Legends SC (CA), Michigan Hawks, Solar SC (TX)

  • UK: Chelsea FC, Everton, Rangers FC, Welsh National Team

In January, teams will be placed in groups to determine their initial tournament opponents, with  each group featuring two teams from the United States and two teams from the United Kingdom. The event will include both group and knock-out play over two days, with the full schedule announced at a later date.

The ECNL International Tournament, powered by Coaches’ Voice and in association with Everton International Academy marks the first time that teams from ECNL Boys and ECNL Girls have qualified for international competition based on their performances in the ECNL. The event reflects a joint commitment from all three organizations to developing and challenging top players while creating meaningful sporting connections and relationships across countries. 

The ECNL International Tournament will be led by the elite operations team at Coaches’ Voice Tours, whose reputation for excellence in international soccer travel ensures the highest standards and world-class quality. In addition, the ECNL has subsidized the cost of the event for the United States teams to help make the dream of international competition a reality. 

For more information regarding the ECNL International Tournament, powered by Coaches’ Voice and in association with Everton International Academy, click here. 

###

About Everton International Academy: 

The Everton International Academy is the global development arm of Everton Football Club, designed to bring the Club’s renowned coaching philosophy – known as the Everton Way to aspiring footballers around the world.

Through the Everton International Academy Affiliate Programme, the Academy partners with clubs and organisations across multiple continents to deliver world-class coaching, mentoring, and player development support.

Everton Soccer Schools operate across the globe, predominately across the USA, Canada, and the UK – offering players aged 5–18 the chance to train under official Everton coaching methods, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and confidence. To find out more, visit evertonfc.com/international. 

About Coaches’ Voice:

Coaches’ Voice connects players, coaches, and clubs with world-class continuous learning and experiences. Through elite tournaments, player and coach education tours, online learning, specialist courses, and session planning tools, Coaches’ Voice ensures that coaches are fully equipped to create the best possible environment for player development.

For more information, please visit https://learning.coachesvoice.com/. 

About the ECNL:

The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform for America’s top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.

www.TheECNL.com 

ECNL FB: @TheECNL  |  ECNL IG: @TheECNL  | ECNL X: @TheECNL 

 





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