Why do you feel like this org is necessary? Why elections? What was the impetus for creating it?

• Connecticut is one of the most unequal states in the entire country. We’ve been that way for a long time. That’s not a status quo that we are willing to accept. We’ve identified a series of policies that we believe are driving inequities in our state - including housing, healthcare, economic development, and education - and we’re going to focus on supporting elected officials who are willing to take bold stances on these issues. 

• Ultimately, this is about the future of Connecticut. Are we going to do what it takes to make sure everyone can succeed here, or not?

 

You’re focused on a lot of issues. Are some more important than others?

• All of these issues are connected. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, or even if you’re on the edge of the middle-class, you often can’t access safe, affordable housing, in a neighborhood where you have easy access to quality public schools or high-quality healthcare. Unless you tackle them holistically, you’re not going to have the impact that’s necessary. 

 

Who is Impact CT targeting? What races? Why legislative?

• It's still early we haven’t determined where we can have the most impact

 

Is this organization a front for supporting charter schools?

• No. We have a number of priorities focused on increasing access to a better life in CT. Every candidate will be evaluated independently. 

 

Would you support a candidate that supports your other policy priorities but does not support choice/charters? 

• Yes. While we do believe that increasing access to quality education is critical, we support all forms of public schools. We believe in evaluating candidates on their entire platform. 

 

Why is Steve Mandel funding this organization? Where else will funding coming from?

• He is aligned with our mission of trying to increase opportunity across Connecticut. 

• We are asking like-minded individuals across the state to support this effort and have over X donors already.

 

Is Impact CT associated with the CT Project? (because Steve funds both)

• They are completely separate and unrelated, but they do share some similar policy priorities

 

Who created the organization? How was it originated? 

• There are 4 founding board members - Toni, Evonne, Carmen and Jeff as well as a group of community leaders from across the state. 

 

Does the organization have staff?

• We have several consultants who are acting as the staff to execute day to day operations. 

 

How will you determine what races Impact CT will engage in? 

• We are looking for candidates that support our policy agenda

 

Is this associated with the Governor’s political agenda/Dalio?

• There is no connection with the Gov or Dalio

 

When you say this organization is going to support or oppose candidates, what does that support, or opposition look like?  Mail?  Radio?  Digital?  TV?  Something else?

• All forms of support are on the table and those decisions will be made by the board on a case-by-case basis

 

How much money have you raised to date, and how much do you intend to raise?

• This organization is fairly new and fund raising is still ramping up. We’ll be filing our report on 4/10 where all of that information will be made public

 

Will you be supporting Democrats and Republicans?

• We will be supporting Democrats only

 

What do you say to those who say Independent Expenditures/Super PACs/527’s are ruining politics?

• One difference with our organization is that we are being fully transparent 

 

Does leadership in the legislature know about this entity?

• No idea. We have not discussed it with them

 

Your press release says you’re committed to transparency, but you don’t even have a website yet.  How do you explain that?

• We are working on the website now and it should be live in the next few weeks

 

When was this organization formed?

• The organization was formed in early February