Treasurer Applauds Support For Minority & Women-Owned Businesses

Press release from the State of Connecticut Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden:

July 7, 2020

Following today’s news conference, at which a loan program was launched for minority and women-owned businesses located in New Haven and the lower Naugatuck Valley that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden released the following statement:

“Whether it relates to excessive force by police, healthcare disparities, the education achievement gap or economic disparities, Black Americans have been suffering. This COVID-19 pandemic and the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McClain, and so many others have only brought many of these deeply rooted disparities to light, including within our state.

“I applaud the work done by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, HEDCO, and Amour Propre Fund in addressing these economic challenges that have been so clearly underlined by this COVID-19 pandemic. The loan program for minority and women-owned businesses in New Haven and the lower Naugatuck Valley is a good step towards helping these businesses return whole.

“Given the ever-growing awareness of our state and nation regarding systemic racism, it is time for our state to take action and address structural challenges that disproportionately impact Black and other marginalized communities. It is incumbent upon all state leaders to establish an inclusive, comprehensive and bold response to achieve sustainable change, and our upcoming legislative session is a good place to start.”

This press release was produced by the State of Connecticut Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden. The views expressed here are the author's own.