New Britain Legislators Demand Unfreezing of Federal Funds for Nonprofits, Hospitals, and Essential Services

New Britain, CT – Today, a united front of New Britain legislators, state Senator Rick Lopes, Representative Bobby Sanchez, Representative David DeFronzo, Representative Gary Turco, and Representative Manny Sanchez, called for the immediate release of frozen federal funds critical to non-profits, hospitals, and other essential services in the Greater New Britain community.

These funds, intended to support life-saving programs, healthcare facilities, and organizations serving the city’s most vulnerable residents, remain locked in political gridlock—deliberate inaction that the legislators condemned as reckless and harmful.

“This isn’t just about numbers on a budget sheet—this is about real people who depend on these services every day,” said Sen. Rick Lopes. “Freezing these funds is nothing more than playing political games with people’s lives, and we refuse to stand by while our community suffers.”

The funding freeze is affecting hospitals, community health organizations, food banks, and nonprofits that provide housing assistance, mental health services, and early childhood education—services that thousands of New Britain residents rely on.

“Nonprofits and hospitals serve as a lifeline for so many in our community, and yet they are being forced to make impossible decisions because of political posturing,” said Rep. Bobby Sanchez. “This funding is not optional—it is essential. Everyday it remains frozen, more families, seniors, and children face uncertainty and hardship.”

The legislators stressed that this crisis disproportionately impacts low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, further widening the gap between those who have access to care and those left behind.

“We were elected to fight for our constituents, and right now, our communities are being used as bargaining chips,” said Rep. David DeFronzo. “This is unacceptable. President Trump ran on a platform of helping working people and this action has done nothing but hurt them. Federal funds should be reaching the people they were intended for—not stuck in limbo while politicians argue.”

As hospitals struggle with rising costs and nonprofits face potential closures, the group is urging immediate action at both the state and federal levels to resolve the funding crisis.

“This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human issue,” said Rep. Gary Turco. “The people who rely on these services don’t care about political back-and-forth. They care about keeping a roof over their heads, affording medication, and putting food on the table. It’s time to stop the political theater and do what’s right.”

With the legislative session underway, the lawmakers are working to put pressure on federal and state officials to ensure that New Britain’s critical services receive the funding they need.

“We’re standing together to send a clear message: enough is enough,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “The people of New Britain should not have to wait another day for the support they deserve. It’s time to put politics aside and do the job we were elected to do.”

The legislators urge community members to join the fight by contacting their federal representatives and demanding the release of these much-needed funds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Rappaport | Michelle.Rappaport@cga.ct.gov