Democrats in the House and Senate, working cooperatively with a Democratic governor, accomplished a great deal during this session. Legislation was passed that will stabilize the state’s finances, remake state government, and create jobs.

A balanced budget was passed in early May to move our state forward. Our most vulnerable citizens were protected, sacrifice was shared but fair, and government was made smaller and more efficient.

This is just a beginning. More needs to happen to get Connecticut on the right track to full recovery – creating jobs, putting the unemployed back to work, and stimulating economic growth. After this session, the fundamentals are in place:

• Invested in the University of Connecticut Health Center to develop Connecticut’s bioscience industry (SB 1152: AAC the University of Connecticut Health Center)

• Established the Technology Park at the University of Connecticut to spur the growth of new, high-tech industries
  (SB 1242: AA Authorizing Bonds of the State for Capital Improvements Authorizing Special Tax Obligation Bonds of the State for Transportation Purposes and Authorizing State Grant Commitments for  School Building Projects)

• Created the First Five Program to jumpstart job creation
  (SB 1001: AA Creating the First Five Program)

• Provided funding for tourism promotion
  (SB 1239/PA 11-6: AAC the Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2013, and Other Provisions Relating to Revenue)

• Developed a comprehensive energy plan to reduce costs and spur green job creation
  (SB 1243: AAC the Establishment of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Planning for Connecticut’s Energy Future)

• Provided additional flexibility for businesses by streamlining corporate and securities laws
  (HB 6497: AA Creating Jobs by Enhancing Connecticut’s Corporate and Securities Laws)

• Invested in capital improvement projects that will provide immediate construction jobs and improve infrastructure
  (SB 1242: AA Authorizing Bonds of the State for Capital Improvements Authorizing Special Tax Obligation Bonds of the State for Transportation Purposes and Authorizing State Grant Commitments for  School Building Projects)

• Improved economic development programs designed to assist small businesses and start-ups
  (HB 6525: AAC the Continuance of the Majority Leaders’ Job Growth Roundtable)

• Created closer links between our research institutions and private businesses
  (SB 1173: AAC Qualified Private Investments for Connecticut Innovations, Inc.’ Pre-seed Program)

• Developed a responsible, balanced budget that protects the middle-class
  (SB 1239/PA 11-6: AAC the Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2013, and Other Provisions Relating to Revenue)

• Increased access to quality, affordable healthcare through comprehensive healthcare reform and pooling for municipalities
  (HB 6308: AAC Healthcare Reform)

• Gave all students of our state equal access to post-secondary education, regardless of immigration status
  (HB 6390/PA 11-43: AAC Access to Postsecondary Education)

• Addressed the educational achievement gap by providing schools the flexibility they need to ensure our kids get a good education
  (SB 929: AAC the Achievement Gap)

• Ensured workers have access to paid sick days to protect the health of employees, their families, and the public
  (SB 913: AA Mandating Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave to Employees)

• Extended the foreclosure mediation program to keep families in their homes and neighborhoods whole
  (HB 6351: AAC Foreclosure Mediation and Assistance Programs, the Highly Compensated Employee Exemption for Mortgage Loan Originators, General-Use Prepaid Cards and Neighborhood Protection)

• Increased the legal protections available to victims of domestic violence by closing the loopholes that allow offenders continued access to victims
  (HB 6629: AAC Domestic Violence)

• Gave municipalities more tools to work together to save taxpayers’ money
  (HB 5780: AAC Interlocal Agreements)

• Protected transgender individuals facing discrimination in the workplace, education, housing and public accommodations
  (HB 6599: AAC Discrimination)

• Reduced the burden on our criminal justice system by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana
  (SB 1014: AAC the Penalty for Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses)

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“We preach safety on the roads – we say, ‘If you’re tired, pull over, rest, take a break.’  Closing the rest areas send the opposite message.” Rep. Guerrera said.

Rep. Guerrera noted that truckers have mandated rest periods and even non-commercial drivers need to stop on long trips.

“The summer vacation driving season is just about here. People will need these rest areas and I am happy Governor Malloy was so receptive to keeping them open,” Rep. Guerrera said.

The state Department of Transportation was scheduled to close the two rest stops on I-84 in Willington on July 1 and the other five non-commercial rest areas in 2012.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“We are taking responsibility for Connecticut’s energy future with this legislation,” said Representative Nardello, House chair of the legislature’s Energy & Technology Committee. “We are clearly moving to cleaner energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and have successfully balanced our energy needs in a way that recognizes the impact on rate payers. We have included goals for lowering rates in all aspects of our planning process.”

In its major components, the legislation:

• Creates the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Creates the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority to leverage private capital for clean energy projects
• Improves electricity contracting and procurement procedures to lower rates
• Orders a study of electric market rules and their effect on higher rates
• Supports zero-emission and low-emission technologies
• Establishes a one-stop-shop to proactively reach out to businesses and consult with them on available programs and reducing their energy costs

“This marks a major step toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable energy future for Connecticut’s families and businesses. It will help to create jobs and businesses in clean energy and energy efficiency industries, putting Connecticut at the forefront of innovation and development,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan.

“This legislation will build Connecticut’s energy future by lowering energy costs and opening up job and business opportunities across a wide spectrum of energy industries. With this bill, Connecticut becomes a national leader in energy policy, embracing clean energy as the path to success in the 21st century economy,” said Senator Williams.

“This bill will create a full-time, dedicated energy department led by a nationally recognized expert on energy and environmental matters. It will enable us to fulfill our commitment to reduce energy costs and deliver on the promise of clean, safe and reliable energy,” said Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford), Co-chair, Energy & Technology Committee.

"Passing this bill allows Connecticut to lead the nation by growing a truly green economy and by achieving a cleaner, greener, more affordable energy future for the people and businesses of our state," said Rep. Lonnie Reed, Vice-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee. "It is a bold, thoughtful and collaborative accomplishment that includes innovative ideas from the Malloy administration and from knowledgeable legislators on both sides of the aisle."

“The process of creating this bill was long, arduous and complicated," said Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-Stratford), Energy & Technology Committee ranking member. “That’s what happens when so many people representing so many points of view and constituents and areas of expertise work to create legislation that affects our entire state. I applaud the administration, legislative leaders and staff who worked tenaciously and tirelessly resulting in a very good outcome for the residents and businesses of our state. The focus is on the lowering of electric rates, making renewable energy and conservation programs accessible to all. I’m happy we have a department that will manage the environment and energy needs of the state because though the legislature can set direction, we need the administration to effect those changes.”

The broad aim of Senate Bill 1243 is to lower Connecticut’s energy costs and electric rates (amongst the highest in the nation), while moving the state toward clean and efficient energy. The bill seeks to help create the industries, jobs and businesses necessary to facilitate this kind of transformation in Connecticut, and then export those products, technologies and services elsewhere in the world.

The bill, having passed both the House and Senate now goes to the Governor who is expected to sign the bill.

Read a fact sheet on Senate Bill 1243.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The organization selected Speaker Donovan for this recognition because of his support of legislation during the 2011 session of the General Assembly aimed at improving the educational, health and emotional well-being of young children in Connecticut.

Among his initiatives, the Speaker’s Task Force on Children and the Recession and his Domestic Violence Task Force helped craft important legislation for children and their families.

“There is nothing more important than taking care of our children,” Speaker Donovan said. “They are our future. I am honored by this recognition from the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, but honestly, this work is a labor of love and passion and necessity.”

The Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals, such as the Alliance for Bloomfield’s Children and Hartford Area Childhood Collaborative, committed to improving the lives of children from birth through age eight. Member organizations employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Anticipating a deficit in the 2011 budget, the General Assembly last year approved legislation authorizing the issuance of Economic Recovery Revenue Bonds. The bonds were to be paid off from revenues generated by surcharges on electricity bills, which would have been extended past their expiration date this year.

But because of an improving economy and increased revenues, it is now projected that the state has a $680 million operating surplus. Consequently, the borrowing and extension of the surcharge are no longer necessary.

“The provisions of this legislation (HB 6652) close the door on using energy efficiency or Competitive Transmission Assessment funds to balance the state’s budget,” said Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Guilford, Branford), House chair of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs are among the best in the nation and should be strengthened – not compromised, she added.

“This really is a win-win situation,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan. “Ratepayers win by having the surcharge removed from their bills, and the state wins because we don’t need to borrow additional funds.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“People who don’t stop for school buses put our children at risk,” Rep. Guerrera said. “By videotaping cars that fly by school buses, we can make sure they think twice before doing it again.”

Under current law, drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red signal lights. This bill allows towns and school boards to install cameras on school buses to record motor vehicles that violate this law. Violators would receive a ticket in the mail.

The legislation increases the minimum fine for failure to stop for a school bus from $100 to $450. It also provides that 80% of all revenue collected for this offense be sent back to cities and towns.

The bill awaits action by the Senate.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Rep. Gregory Haddad of Mansfield announces plans for a research and technology park at UConn.

“The long talked about research park at UConn is now set to become a reality,” said Rep. Haddad. “This bill provides resources required to build an Innovation Partnership Building to anchor the effort. On top of the important mission of encouraging collaborative efforts between the university and hi-tech businesses, there will be the potential for hundreds of new jobs for eastern Connecticut residents. Concerns over Mansfield’s long-term water needs may also be met with resources that will allow for the development of safe new water sources.”

The landmark project, first discussed in Connecticut more than 20 years ago, calls for construction of a 125,000 square-foot multi-story building comprised primarily of large, flexible-use laboratories containing specialized equipment, not readily available to industry, for collaborative industry-university research. The building will also provide high tech “clean rooms” and a bio-nanofabrication facility, business incubators, private space for use by individual companies, and office space.

“This is the job-generating plan that Eastern Connecticut has been waiting for,” said Senator Williams. “This research and technology park will create thousands of high-quality jobs and ensure that Eastern Connecticut is an integral part of Connecticut’s emerging research triangle—spanning Farmington, New Haven, and Storrs. We couldn’t move this project forward without the support of the Malloy Administration and local community leaders—all of whom understand the incredible potential for Connecticut’s families and businesses.

The UConn tech-park will eventually include multiple buildings—many of which could be privately funded—that will house large, flexible-use laboratories containing specialized equipment for collaborative research. The complex, to be located in the North Campus and completed within four years, will provide space for business incubators and individual companies.

Completion of the North Campus Road will allow the development of up to 1.4 million square feet of research, technology and academic space, consistent with the University’s long-range Master Plan. The roadway project is to be funded primarily by federal and UConn 2000 resources and will include a 4,000 linear foot-long, two-lane road that will need to accommodate all utilities underground. Also connected to the project is the new ‘Innovation Partners Eminent Faculty Program,’ which seeks to attract some the nation’s top scholars and scientists and to leverage millions of dollars in federal and private investment.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The bill now heads to Governor Malloy who has promised to sign the bill into law.

The bill provides paid sick leave to service workers and excludes manufacturers and certain non-profit organizations. The bill does not require covered employers to provide paid sick leave to day or temporary workers or non-hourly employees such as salaried employees.

“This is an historic achievement because Connecticut is the first state in the nation to pass such legislation,” Rep. Zalaski said. “We have sent a message that Connecticut values its workers and people should not be forced to work when they are sick.”

Rep. Zalaski, who is House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and a chief proponent of the bill, led the floor debate over the bill for more than 11 hours fighting off several amendments proposed by opponents.

Under the bill, service employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked. The number of permitted sick days is capped at five per year.

The earliest service workers can begin accruing sick leave is January 1, 2012. The workers must have worked for the employer for at least 680 hours and worked an average of at least 10 hours a week for the employer in the most recently completed calendar quarter.

“It’s an historic moment,” House Speaker Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) said. “This is the right thing to do. People who work get sick and they deserve to be protected.”

“Paid sick days are good for both workers and businesses because we have created a better, healthier and safer environment for people who work and live in Connecticut,” Rep. Zalaski said. “Now, I look forward to Governor Malloy’s signature on the bill.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The bill now heads to Governor Malloy who has promised to sign the bill into law.

The bill provides paid sick leave to service workers and excludes manufacturers and certain non-profit organizations. The bill does not require covered employers to provide paid sick leave to day or temporary workers or non-hourly employees such as salaried employees.

“This is an historic achievement because Connecticut is the first state in the nation to pass such legislation,” Rep. Zalaski said. “We have sent a message that Connecticut values its workers and people should not be forced to work when they are sick.”

Rep. Zalaski, who is House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and a chief proponent of the bill, led the floor debate over the bill for more than 11 hours fighting off several amendments proposed by opponents.

Under the bill, service employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked. The number of permitted sick days is capped at five per year.

The earliest service workers can begin accruing sick leave is January 1, 2012. The workers must have worked for the employer for at least 680 hours and worked an average of at least 10 hours a week for the employer in the most recently completed calendar quarter.

“It’s an historic moment,” House Speaker Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) said. “This is the right thing to do. People who work get sick and they deserve to be protected.”

“Paid sick days are good for both workers and businesses because we have created a better, healthier and safer environment for people who work and live in Connecticut,” Rep. Zalaski said. “Now, I look forward to Governor Malloy’s signature on the bill.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

In essence, the bill (HB 6351) gives homeowners an opportunity to participate in the foreclosure mediation program without simultaneously engaging in litigation for up to eight months.

“Connecticut’s foreclosure mediation is a national model and this enhances an already successful law,” Rep. Godfrey said. “We have held public forums in Danbury with House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan that were very well attended and the need for mediation services in the community is great. I am pleased the program will now continue to help keep families in their homes during these tough economic times.”

In response to the national foreclosure crisis, the General Assembly took action in 2008 to protect and assist homeowners by establishing a Foreclosure Mediation Program. The new legislation extends the program to June 30, 2014.

The program assists lenders and homeowners in negotiating a mutually agreeable resolution of a mortgage foreclosure action through the mediation process. Since the program’s inception, over 9,000 cases have completed mediation and the program has achieved a 79 percent settlement rate.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“This is one of the most important pieces of legislation this year. The fact that it received unanimous bipartisan support shows that we can work together and achieve concrete results that will help create and retain manufacturing and technology-based jobs for the long-term,” Sharkey said. “Incentives and a strong network between investors, academics and the state can transform Connecticut into a center of innovation that can be a magnet for entrepreneurs, talented people and great ideas to take root.”

The goal of the legislation is to jump-start job creation in the state and lays a foundation for long-term economic growth. Incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation, investments in manufacturing and education are all contained in the bill.

The legislation is an outgrowth of the Majority Leaders’ Job Growth Roundtable initiative that was led by Sharkey and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven). In addition to lawmakers, the roundtable was made up of academics, economists, labor and business leaders, and venture capitalists.

“We need to attract more high-tech jobs to the state for the long-term and this bill has the potential to do just that,” said Representative Jeff Berger, Chair of the legislature’s Commerce Committee. “This bill represents the kind of strategic vision and systematic approach to economic development that we have to take. We have to take full advantage of our state’s many assets. And we must refocus our attention on technology and small manufacturing businesses where many of the new jobs will be created to make Connecticut competitive once again.”

Specifically, the Job Growth Roundtable’s recommendations reflected in HB 6525 include:

• Investing in business growth – Positions Connecticut to be an innovation leader by driving technology-based economic development and manufacturing reinvestment.

• Student loan reimbursement for green tech degrees – Students can qualify for up to $2,500 or 5 percent of annual tuition for 4 years.

• A manufacturing reinvestment fund – Expands and protects manufacturing base through new tax-preferred account where machinery, equipment or facilities can be purchased. Up to $50,000 can be used by 50 manufacturers with 50 or less employees for up to 5 years to reinvest and grow their businesses. Account disbursements are taxed at only 3.5 percent.

• An innovation network created in government – DECD will organize technology leaders and entrepreneurs, to increase the state’s innovation competitiveness using incentives and financial support to strengthen the bond between universities and industry. In partnership with federal research funds, increases corporate-sponsored research and establishes an innovation accelerator linking universities, corporations to start-up technology companies. Strengthens technology transfers and entrepreneurship activities at UConn and links angel networks and incubators.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“As we have argued for the past several years, this legislation will move Connecticut further on the path to quality, affordable healthcare for all,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, who has been a chief proponent of health care reform in Connecticut.

He added, “The Healthcare Partnership and Sustinet have been designed to work together as coordinated steps in health care reform. By allowing towns and non-profits to join the state health care system the Partnership provides an important foundation for the broader reforms that Sustinet will create in the future.”

Under the bill, municipalities and non-profits will be able to take advantage of the increased bargaining power and reduced administrative costs associated with the state plan. The state comptroller will offer the option to municipalities for enrollment beginning July 1, 2012 and non-profits for enrollment starting January 1, 2013.

At least 24 states allow local government employees to participate in the state employee plan.

"Hard work and persistent effort has ultimately resulted in a comprehensive bill that moves Connecticut closer to accessible healthcare for all," said State Rep. Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford, Montville), chair of the Public Health Committee. "This process has been extremely challenging, but I am pleased to see we are making progress in our commitment to provide viable options for those in need. I thank my colleagues and Speaker Donovan for his leadership on this bill and also all the people that helped make this happen."

 “Similar to shopping at a wholesale store, buying health care in bulk saves consumers money—it’s the power of numbers,” Speaker Donovan said. The Partnership expands on the successful prescription drug pooling initiative from last year, which is already saving money for some municipalities by allowing them to take advantage of the state’s bulk purchasing power. The City of Harford will save $1.8 million per year by joining the state prescription plan. In turn, the state will save $6 million through Hartford’s participation.

Speaker Donovan said the state employee health plan has been providing good benefits to employees while keeping cost increases to a minimum, in large part due to the efforts of the state’s health care cost containment committee, which would continue to oversee the plan under this proposal.

The legislation, he said, will also stimulate our economy. “Employee benefits are one of the largest expenses faced by our cities, towns and non-profits. This plan would allow these entities to take advantage of good healthcare while providing financial relief to balance their budgets,” he said.

The provisions in the bill move the state toward Connecticut-specific health care reform that improves health care delivery, controls costs and results in savings and better health outcomes by:

• planning for a multi-payer database
• improving data collection at DPH
• establishing the Office of Health Reform and Innovation
• developing mechanisms for expanding access to insurance when the individual responsibility requirement takes effect in 2014
• identifying non-state funding sources to facilitate implementation of the federal healthcare reform
• coordinating Medicaid enrollment planning with the Exchange
• convening a consumer advisory board
• establishing the SustiNet Healthcare Cabinet to advise the Governor on development of an integrated health care system and a business plan for expanding coverage through private or public mechanisms; implementing a Basic Health Program for people 133-200% FPL; and convening working groups on health care system reforms, such as multi-payer initiatives, medical homes and electronic health records.

With this legislation, Speaker Donovan said, Connecticut will be able to attract new federal health care dollars; put in place more effective and sustainable ways to deliver health care, improve quality and expand coverage; provide affordable state options for residents; and implement delivery system and payment reforms to move toward a more coordinated, patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to health care that improves quality and slows cost growth.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“Unfortunately there are people who peddle animals for adoption or sale that they brought here under abusive conditions with little or no care,” Hurlburt said. “Many of these animals are being sold right out of shipping crates in parking lots with disease or injury without ever seeing a veterinarian.”

Animal importers would have pay an annual $100 registration fee before bringing any dog or cat into the state. Before offering an animal for sale to the public, the importer must have each animal examined by a veterinarian. The bill also prohibits importing of a dog or cat under eight weeks old with its mother and the sale of a dog or cat less than eight weeks old. Violators are subject to fines of up to $500 per animal. The provisions do not apply to sales to a licensed pet shop.

Tolland resident and veterinarian Gayle Block submitted testimony in support of the legislation to the Environment Committee noting she has seen a high volume of disease in imported animals that eventually end up in shelters or are euthanized.

Agriculture Commissioner Steven Reviczky of Coventry noted the lack of control of the influx of imported animals and wants to foster a close relationship with legitimate animal rescue organizations under Hurlburt’s legislation.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The bill, which passed the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate, specifies qualifying criteria for attorney general by simply requiring someone to be admitted to the Connecticut Bar Association as an attorney for a continuous period of at least 10 years.

“Voters should ultimately decide if someone is qualified to hold office, not the courts,” said Fox, who led debate on the House floor. “By clarifying and simplifying requirements for attorney general, we should be able to avoid litigation in future elections.”

Since 1897, Connecticut law has required a person to be an attorney with at least 10 years of “active practice at the bar of this state” to be sworn in as attorney general. Under appeal of a Superior court ruling that deemed then-Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz an eligible candidate, the state Supreme Court disqualified her 2010 candidacy by interpreting “active practice” to include some experience litigating cases in court.

“Though court litigation is an important and high profile aspect of practicing law, the elected office of attorney general should not be limited as such,” said Fox. “There are plenty of excellent corporate and other types of lawyers that could make great attorney generals and they should have the right to seek office.”

During a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee last month, the Connecticut Bar Association testified in support of the bill, noting that current statute would disqualify many if not most lawyers from serving as attorney general.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“I commend and thank the Governor and union leadership for their hard work in making the tough choices. To move Connecticut forward, we knew that everyone in the state would have to contribute. In avoiding massive layoffs that would hurt our state, and by working together, we are stronger and Connecticut can prosper.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Earlier this week as the State Senate was preparing to vote on the biennial budget Senator Len Suzio (R-Meriden) filed an amendment which would eliminate $1 million of state funding for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, which provides critical health care services for 65,000 men and women each year. Services include cancer screenings, HIV tests, breast exams, contraceptive care, and pregnancy tests.

“The Senate amendment was extreme and dangerous and targeted one of Connecticut largest and most trusted health care providers,” said Judy Tabar. “The amendment would remove Public Health funding to Planned Parenthood which provides basic primary and lifesaving health care to women and families. To be targeted by this outrageous legislation and lobbying efforts is radically out of step with mainstream American values, and it’s out of line with the issues.”

“To propose cutting these funds is a contradiction for those who often complain about social issues like out of wedlock pregnancies and single parenthood as economic burdens on our society," Speaker Donovan said. "Women must continue to have access to services that help them make decisions concerning their family planning.”

Also this week, Senator Suzio and other Republican lawmakers participated in a conservative group’s lobbying day at the State Capitol. The Family Institute of Connecticut vowed to continue its efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and in a newsletter to members even touted the historic nature of its initiative, “So far as we know, there has never before been a proposal to cut Planned Parenthood in the midst of a Connecticut budget battle.”

“It is disturbing – but not surprising – that the right-wing agenda of the national Republican Party appears to be infiltrating Connecticut,” said Senator Williams. “There is no doubt that the amendment and subsequent lobbying is part of a coordinated effort to undermine women’s reproductive rights and health care in this state. I hope Republican leaders will denounce this kind of brand of politics.”

The attack on Planned Parenthood and the amendment offered by Senator Suzio mirror efforts by national conservative Republicans in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood, Two amendments introduced by the Republican majority in Congress seek to eliminate all federal funding for family planning and exclude Planned Parenthood from receiving any federal funds including Medicaid reimbursements as a budget-cutting measure.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“We have made significant spending reductions, consolidated 30 percent of our state agencies and maintained important investments that will help grow businesses and protect families. After 3 years of economic hardship, our state’s finances are stabilized and Connecticut is moving forward on the road to economic recovery.”

House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden): “We are turning a corner, putting our fiscal deficits behind us and moving forward with the business of creating jobs and growing our state’s economy. There is no borrowing, no one-time revenues, and no gimmicks.

"Unlike the budgets in New York and New Jersey, we are protecting funding to cities and towns. Schools, town services and local property taxes will not be impacted. We’ve made real deep cuts, reduced the debt, fully funded our pension obligations and restored the rainy day fund. Making tough decisions is what the people of Connecticut expect us to do.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

• There will be no 3-cent increase to the state’s excise tax on gas as was proposed.

• Additional language will be included in the budget regarding the $2 billion placeholder for concessions and savings. Any gap between the savings and concessions total and the $2 billion would require future legislative action.

Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn): “Connecticut’s economic crisis – like nearly every state – has been long and severe. Monday we will take the first step in turning the page and setting the foundation for economic growth. The budget has no gimmicks, no borrowing, and no cuts to municipal aid. With the recent increases of gas prices it was also important to avoid any increase to the gas tax – and that’s exactly what we did. By consolidating agencies and departments and cutting bureaucracy we also begin to reshape Connecticut state government. There is more work to be done but this week marks an important first step.”

Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden): "With Democrats working together, we’ve been able to complete a budget agreement earlier than in recent memory, one that is honest and shares sacrifice in a fair way in resolving the deficit. We were able to stay within Governor Malloy’s framework while ironing out final details. In eliminating the gas tax increase, we were able to help ease the burden on Connecticut residents at a time when prices at the pump are already putting a strain on them."

Governor Dannel P. Malloy: "The legislature should be commended for moving forward with an up-or-down vote on the budget. In doing so, they are taking an important step to stabilize our state’s finances and get our fiscal house in order. With an agreement on the final few details, this budget remains within my framework and relies on neither gimmicks nor tricks. This budget is the real deal, and I’m pleased we’ll have an up-or-down vote early this week."

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

There is currently about $400 million in state tax delinquencies eligible for collection and Fox said the legislation will serve as an avenue to garner revenue that is past due.

“It makes sense that someone who owes back taxes to the state should pay those taxes if they are lucky enough to win a lottery,” said Fox, who serves as House Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “This will not only raise needed revenue for the state, but will also help ensure greater confidence and fairness in our tax system.”

Current state statute already requires the Connecticut Lottery Corp. to check winning tickets valued at $5,000 or more against a list of individuals delinquent on child support payments. The lottery child support collection program, begun in 2004, has brought in about $1.5 million in delinquent payments.

“Connecticut is facing an unprecedented fiscal challenge and this bill will bring in needed revenue that is already owed to the state," said Rep. William Tong (D-Stamford), a co-sponsor of the bill. "If this bill results in the collection of even a relatively small percentage of what is due, it will help in our efforts to hold the line on taxes.”

Fox said Stamford resident Anthony Martino, who works as a Support Enforecemnt Officer with the Judicial Department at the Stamford Courthouse, suggested the idea and testified at a public hearing on the bill before the legislature’s Public Safety Committee.

“Winners are checked against a database of obligors owing child support, so I suggested the state could apply the same process to those owing delinquent taxes,” Martino testified in February. “The concept could be further extended to casino winnings.”

The legislation now goes to the Senate where Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford) is a sponsor and approval is expected.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

STORRS—State Representative Gregory Haddad (D-Mansfield, Chaplin) and Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) were joined by university and business officials as they announced plans to build a multi-million dollar technology park on the University of Connecticut campus.

The landmark proposal includes $18 million in funding for the design, site development and infrastructure improvements necessary to create the tech park. Also included, is $2.5 million to create an ‘Innovation Partners Eminent Faculty Program’ which seeks to attract some the nation’s top scholars and scientists and to leverage millions of dollars in federal and private investment.

“People who live in Eastern Connecticut have long understood the importance of UConn to our local economy,” said Rep. Haddad, vice-chair of the legislature’s Commerce Committee and a member of the Higher Education Committee. “I thank Sen. Williams for his vision and critical support of this initiative that has the potential to fuel an economic renaissance across the region. Seen to its completion, a technology park, anchored by an Innovation Partnership building has the potential to add hundreds of jobs for eastern Connecticut residents and to attract research divisions from some of the largest and most innovative companies in the world.”

The UConn tech-park will eventually include multiple buildings—many of which could be privately funded—that will house large, flexible-use laboratories containing specialized equipment for collaborative research. The complex, to be located in the North Campus, will provide space for business incubators and individual companies.

“The potential for Connecticut is outstanding. The state’s location between Boston and New York is a significant asset,” Sen. Williams said. “A research and technology center in Storrs will provide companies with easy access to world-class metropolitan areas, specialized R&D equipment, and a highly skilled workforce. The net outcome will be more private sector jobs for Connecticut, increased research and development, and greater opportunities for students and faculty.”

Rep. Haddad and Sen. Williams were joined by UConn President Philip Austin, UTC Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Brown, KTI President Howard Orr, and UConn Dean Of Engineering Mun Y. Choi.

“Connecticut is a state whose economic progress, indeed whose economic survival, depends on knowledge and innovation and very advanced technology,” President Austin said. “When the state succeeds in those realms it yields benefits almost beyond measure and keeps us at or near the top of the nation in terms of economic well-being. When we lag behind, we face problems that virtually defy solution.”

Research and technology parks are facilities or clusters of facilities that drive technology-led economic development by creating partnerships between research universities and industry. The parks are typically located adjacent to research universities and support the growth of existing companies by offering proximity and access to advanced technology, faculty expertise and engaged students.

“The natural affinity between universities and industry is perhaps most profound for engineering programs, the training ground of the nation’s producers and knowledge workers,” said Mike Brown. “UTC has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with the UConn School of Engineering. For decades, we have hired engineering graduates to work within our business units. It’s safe to say they have been instrumental in helping our company design and build some of the world’s most innovative products.”

The collaborations that result from these partnerships often lead to innovations and discoveries with commercial applications, create new jobs, and generate federal and industry research grants. A 2007 study of technology parks in the United States and Canada by the Battelle Memorial Institute estimated that the typical tech park generates 750 jobs. Many states, such as North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana have built tech-parks that attracted hundreds of companies and thousands of jobs.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Rep. Nardello and Sen. Fonfara offer new electric generation tax proposal.

The Energy Co-Chairs were joined at the press conference by Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Merdien), Rep. Brian Becker (D-West Hartford), Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Westbrook), Rep. Matt Lesser (D-Durham), Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), Rep. Bruce "Zeke” Zalaski (D-Southington), and representatives from the state Office of Consumer Council, the Connecticut AARP, Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG), Better Choices Connecticut, Fight the Hike and SEIU.

“Our primary goal in offering a generation tax proposal was to insure that the tax would be constructed in a manner that does not allow it to be passed on to ratepayers. By taxing generators who have low costs, and minimizing taxes on the natural gas generators who set the price of electricity, we enable ratepayers to be held harmless,” said Rep. Nardello.

“The goal of our proposed generation tax is that it be borne by generators, not electric ratepayers, who have already suffered enough. This new approach accomplishes that objective,” said Senator Fonfara.

The Energy Co-Chairs offer their new proposal as an alternative to a tax they first proposed in Senate Bill 1176, An Act Concerning Electric Rate Relief. They also offer it as an alternative to a flat generation tax of $0.0025 per kilowatt hour (kWh) across all fuel sources of electric generation.

“The flat generation tax as now included in the budget would result in less revenue than projected and less income tax revenue, cause dirtier plants to be running, and produce higher electric prices for Connecticut and all of New England,” said Senator Fonfara.

In a statement, Consumer Counsel Mary Healey said, “I am grateful that Legislative leaders are continuing to actively pursue electric rate relief while also seeking to solve the budget crisis.  I remain confident that a well-calibrated tax on power plants, which takes into account unique aspects of the regional electric market design, can yield revenues for rate relief and the budget while avoiding a pass-through to ratepayers.  Such a tax on power plants might also help to reduce or eliminate the direct tax on electric ratepayers that was passed as a last resort in the 2010 budget negotiations.” The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is the State of Connecticut’s advocate for all utility ratepayers.

The legislator’s proposal would tax electric generation according to each generator’s ability to pay, a reflection of the different costs incurred by generators using different fuels. Under electric market rules (which can only be changed through federal, not state law), all generators are compensated at an equal rate for their electricity, regardless of their different operating costs.

The legislator’s proposal consists of three possible levels of taxation, of which only one would be implemented, and which would raise approximately $72 million, $100 million or $150 million in revenue respectively.

The $72 million level matches and replaces the amount of revenue raised in the flat generation tax included in recent budget proposals. The $100 million and $150 million levels would raise additional revenue to support Connecticut based clean energy, and to further lower electric bills by eliminating the CTA electric bill surcharge, at a savings of $30 per year for the average household.

“Conversations on our proposal are ongoing with the governor’s office and legislative leaders. We are hopeful that our proposal will be adopted in future budget drafts to provide consumers with lower electric bills,” said Rep. Nardello.

All three levels of the proposal are graduated with respect to different fuel sources of electricity generation, including nuclear, coal, oil, and natural gas generation. This measure avoids the tax being passed through to ratepayers.

Level A ($72 million in revenue, approx.)
·Tax of $0.0040 per kWh on nuclear generation, raising $67 million
·Tax of $0.0020 per kWh on coal generation, raising $5.2 million
·Tax of $0.0010 per kWh on oil generation, raising $400,000
·Tax of $0.0005 per kWh on natural gas, raising $5.8 million

Level B ($100 million in revenue, approx.)
·Tax of $0.0052 per kWh on nuclear generation, raising $87.1 million
·Tax of $0.0026 per kWh on coal generation, raising $6.8 million
·Tax of $0.0013 per kWh on oil generation, raising $500,000
·Tax of $0.0006 per kWh on natural gas, raising $7 million

Level C ($150 million in revenue, approx.)
·Tax of $0.0080 per kWh on nuclear generation, raising $134 million
·Tax of $0.0040 per kWh on coal generation, raising $10.4 million
·Tax of $0.0020 per kWh on oil generation, raising $800,000
·Tax of $0.0006 per kWh on natural gas, raising $7 million

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The deal had been in the works since last week, and details were finalized last night.

“These conversations had been ongoing and I’m pleased that we were able to tie up loose ends and formalize this proposal on behalf of our state’s students who choose to attend our community colleges, regional universities and Charter Oak,” said Ojakian. “In the end, it’s the students who win – by flattening out administration costs and overhead, we can direct more money to our students and classroom instruction. In addition, this proposal will help make these schools more functional to those who attend them.”

“In addition to Chairman Willis, Senate Higher Education Chairman Beth Bye deserves to be commended for her steadfast support of this proposal,” Ojakian said. “Senator Bye has been a leader in this area, and I appreciate her willingness and enthusiasm to be a part of such a fundamental change to the way in which we operate our higher education system.”

“My concerns from the beginning have been the need to maintain the distinctiveness and uniqueness of mission of the colleges, particularly the community colleges,” Rep. Willis said. “They serve a critical and defined need in our communities, one that must be maintained even as we seek efficiencies and savings. I have been assured that these concerns will be met through this plan. The commitment to a strategic plan is important. The Advisory Commission will have an ongoing and permanent role, needed for us to be able to adjust to changing needs in Connecticut and responsive to student needs and workforce development needs in the state that our higher education system can address.

“We all agree on the need for change and improvement. Additional items still need to be worked out – more specifics on structure, for example. For me, though, this is a leap of faith worth taking. In the end, we can improve student learning, help close the achievement gap, prepare students for 21st Century jobs our state will need to move us forward, and make higher education more efficient and effective.”

The agreement’s main points include the following:

• The creation of a Board of Regents for the four CSU colleges, the community-technical colleges and Charter Oak effective July 1, 2011.
• The creation of an Advisory Commission to the Board of Regents which will be charged with, among other things, working with the Board to create and implement a strategic plan for higher education that will include the University of Connecticut.
• The Constituent Units – the community colleges, regional universities and Charter Oak – will remain separate with distinct missions. Each unit will have a lead individual designated by the Board of Regents.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Electricity is seen by most of us as a practical necessity. It keeps the lights on in our homes and on our streets. It connects us to the world through television, cellphones and the Internet. It powers our businesses, our hospitals and our children’s schools. In short, electricity is a vital part of our economy and our daily lives.

Like other necessities, one might expect that producers of electricity are compensated for their costs, along with a reasonable profit. But this is not how our electric system works.

Instead, electric market rules require that all generators — no matter how efficient and cost-effective — be paid the same as the most inefficient and costly plants. These rules, imposed on our state at the federal level, are a major factor in why Connecticut’s electric rates are some of the highest in the country.

As co-chairmen of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee, we have proposed to address this problem with Senate Bill 1176, An Act Concerning Electric Rate Relief.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy proposed an across-the-board tax on all electric generators as part of his shared-sacrifice budget plan for Connecticut. If imposed, certain generators, in particular natural gas facilities, will be able to pass this tax on to consumers, resulting in increased electric rates.

Our proposal is structured differently. It limits the tax to oil, coal and nuclear generation facilities, which —because of the existing market rules — cannot pass the tax on to consumers. It is aimed at those generators who have, and continue to, benefit most from the distorted electric markets.

The revenue would be used to lower electric bills ($30 per year for the average household), support Connecticut-based clean energy and raise funds needed to balance the state budget — avoiding painful cuts in essential services.

Some have criticized the higher tax that we propose for nuclear generation. The Millstone nuclear plant, owned by Virginia-based Dominion Resources, generates some of the lowest-cost electricity in New England. For this, the owners of Millstone should be rewarded. Yet because of the existing electric market rules, Dominion has benefitted from Millstone in excess of all reasonable levels of compensation, contributing to Connecticut’s high electric rates.

Despite this, Dominion claims our proposal would make Millstone insolvent, requiring it to close the plant. The company simultaneously threatens to continue operating the facility but with reduced safety standards. These fear tactics are not only inconsistent, but deeply disingenuous and needlessly traumatizing to their workforce and residents of the surrounding community.

Dominion, which purchased Millstone 10 years ago, has since paid off the plant many times over and received profits in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year. It is projected that if the full extent of our proposed tax were imposed, Dominion would still realize a very generous $200 million in annual profits from Millstone.

This finding is supported by multiple independent consultants as well as the state Office of Consumer Council. We have asked Dominion repeatedly to open its books or offer any figures in support of its threats. They have yet to do so.

Given what is at stake for Dominion’s shareholders, they have mounted an effective campaign of misinformation. But lost among all their commercials and press conferences is the fact that their hundreds of millions in profit over the years have come at an unjustifiable expense to Connecticut ratepayers. This has caused all of our state’s businesses to be less competitive and left many households on limited incomes to make choices between their electric bill, food or heat.

Dominion does not earn its incredible profits in a free market like other companies. Instead, it benefits from an artificial system of electric market rules unconcerned with consumer interests. The health of Connecticut’s economy demands a greater parity between the costs of electricity producers and their level of compensation. Our proposal would help establish that.

Connecticut’s residents and businesses deserve lower electric rates. Electric generators deserve to be compensated fairly. But amid calls for shared sacrifice, we should not tolerate a system that rewards one company excessively at the cost of higher electric rates for everyone.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“In a matter of days, the Finance and Appropriations committees are scheduled to vote on the legislative budget recommendations. Our budget will be responsible, not political.

“We appreciate the efforts of legislative Republicans to address the state’s budget issues, but are troubled by many aspects of their proposal. Here are just a few:

• Unrealistic expectation of savings: Assumptions on savings from items such as Medicaid Fraud Recovery seem wildly inflated. Further, we expect benefit reductions to low-income seniors and the disabled from the Medicaid waiver.
• Despite assertions to the contrary, their budget cuts do harm to the state’s safety net for low income elderly citizens, vocational-technical and neighborhood schools.
• The proposed selling off of parks, airports, and DMV functions would likely cost residents and change how Connecticut government functions and works for its residents.
• The elimination of the Clean Elections Program and cuts to the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Commission are just two examples of actions that would harm efforts we have made toward good and clean government.

“We are working diligently to reach a budget agreement with Governor Malloy, and expect that the Appropriations and Finance Committees will soon present a realistic and workable budget for Connecticut.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

STATE REPRESENTATIVE ELIZABETH B. "BETSY" RITTER
"SustiNet’s primary strategy for slowing cost growth is overhauling Connecticut’s health care delivery and payment systems. The fiscal note highlights the power of numbers to leverage health care innovation — measures that encourage care coordination and electronic medical records — to create savings, potentially $58.5 million for health care the state purchases."

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“We need to put more bite in our present stalking law and that not only means more severe penalties, but recognition and inclusion of online cyber stalking,” said Fox. “Technology has given stalkers a cloak to hide behind and made their victims much more vulnerable.”

The legislation came out of the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, of which Fox is a member, and was the subject of a recent public hearing before the Judiciary Committee.

Fox pointed to compelling testimony at the hearing by both law enforcement officials and victims citing examples of stalkers using communications tools such as email to contact their targets’ family and employers resulting in devastating consequences.

“Jane Doe” testified that her stalker had progressed from harassing phone calls and following to an all out cyber attack.

“My ex boyfriend had changed my webpage and placed a webpage on my computer alerting me to a website that explained how cell phones are tapped,” she testified. “He uses social networking websites to spread rumors, gossip and emails to friends and strangers.”

Fox expects the bill to be approved by his committee within the next two weeks.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The study, “Paid Sick Days: Measuring the small cost for Connecticut businesses,” by Douglas Hall and Elise Gould (http://epi.3cdn.net/b4d148952162ef259d_skm6bn82u.pdf) says that “the potential cost of providing paid sick days is in fact extremely small relative to the total sales of a firm. In addition, available research shows cost-savings for employers that provide paid sick days, largely resulting from reduced employee turnover.”

The authors conclude, “By adopting legislation that further extends paid sick days to its workers, Connecticut can build on its well-founded reputation for having a highly educated, healthy, and productive workforce. Without regulation, policymakers can expect a continued “race to the bottom” in which competitive pressures cause employers to reduce benefits that improve the health of employees, and, in this case, the health of the public. Instead, establishing a minimum standard for the provision of paid sick days would level the playing field among employers within the state and improve the health of families and workplaces. The empirical evidence shows that the costs of such a policy for Connecticut’s employers would be extremely low, and therefore easily absorbed through very small adjustments  without a measurable impact on employment.”

In testimony earlier this month before the Labor and Public Employees Committee, Speaker Donovan wrote that he believed paid sick leave legislation could strike a balance “between protecting working families without placing onerous burdens on employers. I am confident that this committee and the legislative process can produce a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will meet both of those challenges.”

“From a public health point of view, staying home from work when you or your children are sick is just common sense,” Speaker Donovan wrote. “While the majority of Connecticut employees do in fact have paid sick leave, the common sense option of staying home is difficult, if not impossible, for many working families if they lack access to paid sick time.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

According to Speaker Donovan, one goal of HB 6629 is to develop “a statewide law enforcement model policy that articulates best practices, for example, for responding to violations of restraining and protective orders.”  He made his comments in testimony at a Judiciary Committee public hearing today. [The full text of Speaker Donovan’s testimony is below.]

Another goal, he said, is “to protect teen victims by clarifying that people of any age can request a restraining order to protect them from a partner who has subjected them to abuse.” He cited Department of Public Health statistics that show 10 percent of Connecticut teens were involved in a physically abusive relationship this past year, and 17 percent reported being an emotionally or verbally abusive relationship.

A third provision of the bill would amend the restraining order statute “to permit victims who have experienced a pattern of verbal intimidation, threatening or stalking to request a restraining order; providing restitution services to the families of victims like those provided for other crimes; and requiring offenders to surrender their firearms to police.”

A significant part of the bill would make changes to the bail bonds system “to strengthen the Insurance Department’s regulatory authority over surety bail bond agents and address the practice of ‘undercutting.’” Speaker Donovan cited “a number of serious and fatal domestic violence incidents—including the tragic murder of Shengyl Rasim last year in West Haven—where the practice of bail bond undercutting played a role. In these instances, bail bond agents illegally discounted the premium due on the defendants’ bonds and failed to charge the statutorily required amount. As a result, defendants post bond at rates lower than what the state requires and were released back into our communities, sometimes without any ‘cooling off’ period.”

The legislation also requires the Judicial Branch to develop additional domestic violence dockets within available appropriations, and makes several changes to the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP), a diversionary program

 “We have met and listened to victims of domestic violence, prosecutors, and judges from around the state over the past few months,” said Rep. Mae Flexer (D-Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling), chair of the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence. “Based on their recommendations, we crafted comprehensive legislation that builds on the work we began last year reforming domestic violence laws. Today’s bill makes it easier for victims to get the protection they deserve and will also help prevent new incidents of domestic violence.”

“Finding ways to reduce domestic violence is an ongoing challenge, particularly when you consider that about 30 percent of criminal court dockets involve domestic violence,” said Rep. Gerald Fox III (D-Stamford), House Chairman of the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee and member of the Speaker’s Domestic Violence Task Force. “Providing more tools for law enforcement and enhancing victim services are a critical part of the equation and that is what this legislation aims to accomplish.”

The legislation and a bill that was voted out of the Human Services Committee last week comprise the 2011 legislative recommendations of the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence. The bipartisan task force has met with dozens of advocates, survivors, judges, prosecutors, attorneys, law enforcement officers, support service providers, and state agency staff. In 2010, this input helped shape the most sweeping changes to Connecticut’s domestic violence statutes since the Tracey Thurman Law passed in 1986.

“We have seen a lot of progress since 1986, but tragically, domestic violence continues to plague families in each one of our communities,” Speaker Donovan said.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

SB1171, which Haddad authored, aims to promote more collaboration between Connecticut’s research universities like UConn and hi-tech businesses. SB1172 would implement recommendations of the Connecticut Technology Council, which is charged with creating a joint research institute between the University of Connecticut and other colleges as well as enlisting support for the initiative from businesses.

“Creating business and academic partnerships is a critical part of any successful formula for encouraging sustained economic growth,” said Haddad. “Our research universities, like UConn and Yale, give us an extraordinary advantage as innovation is becoming more critical to our future economic well-being.  We must take full advantage of their research capacity to develop new technologies that will be the foundation of a vibrant economy in Connecticut.”

Haddad said two other bills takes the concept a step further. SB1173 puts public university start-up companies on par with other businesses when seeking pre-seed funding from Connecticut Innovations Inc. (CII), a state economic development arm which invests in new hi-tech companies. And SB1174, would encourage development of technologies patented but unused by private businesses by engaging mentored student teams to develop plans to commercialization them.

“This is a very exciting concept that will take intellectual property that is being passed over by private companies and giving students an opportunity to see if the idea can be developed into a business.  The experience gained by the students make them an important resource for innovative companies once they graduate,” said Haddad.

Finally, SB1175 would provide matching funds to small businesses receiving federal funds for innovation research. “This will help us better leverage funding that comes from Washington to our state, and frankly is a matter of putting our money where our mouth is,” Haddad said.

Haddad specifically thanked Commerce Committee Co-chairs Rep. Jeffrey Berger (D-Waterbury) and Sen. Gary LeBeau (D-East Hartford) for their support in helping to get this package of bills approved.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Of the $44.2 million proposed cut of the MME Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, Larson’s hometown of East Hartford would lose about $3.6 million, the largest loss of any town in the state. Larson said it is in large part due to the presence of United Technologies’ Pratt & Whitney division. Waterbury, the home of Berger, stands to lose about $2 million. South Windsor, also located in Larson’s district, would lose just over $1 million.

“If we are to stave off the impact of the governor’s proposal to eliminate these funds for our cities and towns we must come up with viable solutions,” Berger said. “Creating a special fund with dedicated revenue may make sense because we’re dealing with a problem that impacts specific municipalities.”

One option being discussed by a working group of legislators led by Berger, who is House Chair of the legislature’s Commerce Committee and member of the Finance Committee, is to establish a dedicated fund from a combination of revenue derived from proposed increases in sales, real estate conveyance and hotel taxes to help towns affected by the MME PILOT loss.

“It’s not like we can simply send a $3.6 million tax bill to UTC to make up for the loss,” said Larson, a member of the Finance Committee. “I was encouraged by our meeting with the governor’s people and there are a lot of legislators committed to getting this problem fixed before voting on a budget.”

The MME program provides a 100% exemption of local property taxes due on qualified, newly acquired manufacturing machinery and equipment, with the state reimbursing municipalities for a portion of the lost tax revenue. Elimination of MME disproportionately impacts heavy industry cities with larger manufacturing bases.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The bill also would help individuals who experience trauma and trauma-related symptoms resulting from incidents of domestic violence. Speaker Donovan’s testimony was made before the Human Services Committee on HB 6588, AAC Domestic Violence and Child Trauma, and HB 6587, AAC the Department of Social Services’ Establishment of a Basic Health Program.

During his testimony, he also made a commitment to “continue working to identify funding to make up for the loss of stimulus money and preserve staffing levels at emergency shelters.”

He said with the help of federal stimulus funding, the FY 11 state budget included funding for 24/7 coverage at domestic violence shelters. “The presence of support staff can mean the difference between keeping a victim safe and that victim returning to his/her abuser and the cycle of violence. I appreciate the Governor’s consideration of this important issue and that his proposed budget maintains current state funding levels for domestic violence shelters.” The loss of stimulus funds in FY 12 will mean that some shelters will no longer be able to provide full staff coverage.

In 2010, the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence helped pass the most sweeping changes to Connecticut’s domestic violence statues since the Tracey Thurman’s Law was passed a quarter century ago. “We have seen a lot of progress since 1986,” Speaker Donovan said, “but tragically, domestic violence continues to plague families in all of our communities.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Speakers at the forum included representatives of the Bradley Advisory Board, Bradley Development League, Metro Hartford Alliance, Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, and State Rep. Timothy Larson (D-East Hartford, South Windsor) who is Executive Director of Tweed New Haven Airport. Members of the legislature’s Transportation and Commerce committees also participated.

“Bradley is a multi-billion dollar economic driver for Connecticut and its future is critical to sustaining long term growth,” Sayers said. “When you add our other airports into the mix, particularly as it relates to business travel, there is potential for even greater growth.”

For the first time in five years, Bradley Airport served more passengers going from 5.3 million in 2009 to 5.4 million in 2010. New airline carriers and additional destinations along with terminal renovations and upgrades are credited with the increase.

Pending legislation introduced by Sayers (HB 6139) and Governor Dannel P. Malloy (SB 1003) aim to better utilize state airport assets to encourage economic growth by increasing the independence and authority of airport governing boards. Sayers’ bill is currently before the Transportation Committee while the Governor’s bill was recently approved by the Commerce Committee.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

McLeod told the lawmakers that the center has achieved great success in its programs,
training students who are entering the job market for the first time and older ones who have been displaced and are looking for new careers.

“We have had incredible success,” McLeod said, pointing out that 90 percent of the center’s graduates have been placed in jobs and average more than $40,000 annually in their first year. The center is a key component of the college’s mission.  

“Companies in our state have an ever-increasing need for skilled workers and Asnuntuck is providing the talent pipeline for them,” Kiner said.

The college program primarily trains machinists and welders, but has also recently added electro-mechanical training and medical device coursework. It is designed to meet the specific needs of Connecticut corporations, which have partnered with Asnuntuck.

“We have a critical need not only to create new jobs in manufacturing but also to train workers for the new positions,” Donovan said. “The Manufacturing Technology Center is helping greatly in meeting those needs.” 

More than 1,000 students have graduated from Asnuntuck technology programs and transitioned successfully to the private sector with the requisite technology and academic abilities to enhance career goals and to benefit local industry, both short-term and long range.

Students spend time in the classroom, computer lab and the manufacturing center. The college has developed with the private sector a series of courses and certificate and degree programs designed to insure access and retention: learn the subject matter in the classroom, develop it further in the lab and produce it in the manufacturing center.

Students who complete an Associate in Science Degree in a program of manufacturing technology can apply for status as third year students in Central Connecticut State University’s School of Technology.

State House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan talks about job training as Manufacturing Technology Center Director Frank Gulluni (left), Instructor Ernest Canterbury (second from left) and Rep. David Kiner (right) listen. PHOTO BY JULIE COTNOIR

Martha McLeod, president of Asnuntuck Community College, explains the value of the college’s Manufacturing Technology Center to State House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (center) and Rep. David Kiner (left). PHOTO BY TYLER WILKINSON

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The legislation, HB 6305, An Act Concerning the Implementation of the SustiNet Plan, was voted out of the Public Health Committee and referred to Insurance Committee for further consideration.

SustiNet is a comprehensive plan that lays out a framework for leveraging the bargaining power of the state’s health care purchasing to create a larger pool open to individuals and groups. The plan creates an infrastructure for a state-wide health care delivery system while containing costs and promoting preventive care.

“Today, SustiNet gets closer to becoming a reality,” Ritter said. “We have all put a lot of energy and work in this proposal and I am delighted to see our work paying off.  I am confident that the Insurance committee will do everything they can to do support and advance this bill in the process.”

“The citizens of Connecticut deserve access to affordable, quality healthcare and we have been making key steps towards that goal,” Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan stated. “I commend Rep. Ritter and members of the Public Health Committee for their diligence in moving this bill forward.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

The bill would permit municipalities, non-profits and small businesses to purchase employee health insurance through the state employee plan, creating a large pool of insured lives with increased bargaining power and lower costs.

“The pooling bill can provide families in our state with greater access to quality, affordable health care,” Speaker Donovan said. “Further, it can provide economic relief to the state, our towns, small businesses and non-profits at a time of need. This bill will provide relief from the unpredictable rate hikes employers experience from year to year by giving them access to the stability of the large state pool.”

Speaker Donovan cited a prescription drug pooling bill that became law last year that is being considered by several municipalities across the state as a cost saving measure. The City of Hartford, for example, expects to save $1.8 million in annual employee prescription costs by coming into the pool. The addition of Hartford employees to the state’s plan would also result in a savings of $6 million per year on the part of the state.

“In these challenging economic times, we have come to understand that health care is a vital economic issue,” Speaker Donovan said. “It is so for individuals and families across our state, and it also is so for municipalities and businesses large and small. Access to affordable health care can mean choosing to become an entrepreneur, the difference of hiring an employee or being able to retain experienced employees and provide quality services.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

City officials are expected to apply for up to $1 million in funding that would be available for Meriden.

“As the New Haven-Springfield rail line comes closer to reality, it is important that Meriden is fully prepared to take advantage of its benefits,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), a long-time and leading proponent of the high speed rail project. “These funds would be greatly beneficial to a project that will mean jobs, a cleaner environment and less congested roads for greater Meriden and all of Connecticut.”

“Our state highways are being over utilized and cannot sustain the ever-increasing volume of vehicles,” Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello (D-Meriden) said. “These funds are crucial for the development of viable transportation alternatives to our crammed roads.”

“It is important that our state improve how we get people from place to place, and our Meriden train station is an important part of the solution,” Rep. Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden) said. “Economic development, jobs and overall quality of life hinge on a robust transportation system. Investment in high speed rail is long overdue and I look forward to jump starting this project.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Current law (Chapter 164 Sec. 10-15) allows the State Board of Education to authorize shortening a school district’s year due to “unavoidable emergency,” with no specific reference to weather. Inclement weather is mentioned only regarding scheduling of make-up days, saying they can’t be held on Saturday or Sunday.

Using his hometown of Tolland as example, Hurlburt noted there has been 11 snow days to date and even with the local Board of Education’s cancellation of three days of February vacation and potentially time also taken away from April break, the town will still struggle to complete a 180 day school year prior to the statutory deadline of June 30 (Chapter 172 Sec. 10-259).

“This is not dissimilar to what is occurring in many cities and towns throughout the state,” Hurlburt said. “Due to these highly unusual circumstances, I believe this winter’s wrath of mother nature should be acknowledged as a legitimate factor when considering district applications for a waiver of the 180 minimum school days statute.”

In addition to snowfall, school closings have resulted from poor road conditions and structural concerns of school buildings. The Connecticut National Guard was recently deployed to Tolland and Vernon to assist in clearing school roofs of excessive snow and ice build-up.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

State Rep. Douglas McCrory greets local residents at Hartford’s Northend Senior Center
during a lunch meeting on available energy assistance programs.

“Winter presents special challenges for everyone, but for many seniors on fixed incomes being able to afford their energy bills can be overwhelming,” said McCrory. “Programs such as Operation Fuel exist solely to help people stay warm and keep the lights on, yet not every one knows about it or how to get assistance.”

The lawmakers were joined by representatives of Operation Fuel and local community fuel banks, who explained what type of assistance is available and where to call for help. Operation Fuel is a private non-profit organization that helps families in need pay for home energy costs.

“Energy assistance is a critical part of our public safety net, and our responsibility includes making sure people know what help is available,” said Ritter. “The Northend Senior Center is a great place to bring people together to hear about the various assistance programs that are out there.”

Operation Fuel provides grants up to $350 to households with incomes up to 60% of the state’s median income. This translates into a maximum yearly income of $31,712 for a single person and $60,988 for a family of four.

State Rep. Matthew Ritter discusses energy assistance programs with senior citizens at
Hartford’s Northend Senior Center on Coventry Street.

“The combination of the frigid temperatures and tough economy has made it more important than ever that we fight to protect these programs for our seniors,” said Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (D-Hartford) “No one, least of all seniors, should have to choose between food and heat.”

“Programs that assist people in need are useless if they are not utilized by those they were meant to help,” said Representative Kelvin Roldán (D-Hartford). “It is important not only to support our constituents, but to make sure they know what is available to them. I thank my Hartford colleagues and Speaker Chris Donovan for his steadfast commitment to our communities.”

“As energy costs continue to rise, our vulnerable citizens, many of whom are seniors struggle to pay their electricity and heating bills,” said Speaker Donovan. “There are a number of programs available to help, but people need to hear about them and that is why we are here today.”

There are three local community fuel banks in Hartford serving Operation Fuel clients: Three Angels Adventist on Woodland Street, the Community Renewal Team on Wethersfield Avenue and the Salvation Army on Washington Street. For more information call 860-243-2345.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Haddad believes if his legislation becomes law, it will provide UConn’s police department with additional enforcement tools to use when responding to off-campus calls in Mansfield. It would also apply to other non-municipal independent departments such as the State Capitol Police in Hartford and Connecticut State University forces in Willimantic, New Britain, New Haven and Danbury.

“Our resident state troopers that serve our community do a great job and this would help UConn Police to also enforce our local ordinances, particularly when venturing off campus,” Haddad said. “It just makes a lot of sense that municipal ordinances should be readily available as law enforcement tools to all accredited police departments that serve our cities and towns.”

There are currently nine resident state troopers assigned to the town of Mansfield, and a 50-officer UConn police force serving the University.

“There are times, such as a mutual aid situation, where the university police respond to calls or patrol off-campus,” said Mansfield Town Manager Matthew Hart, who testified with Haddad at a public hearing on the bill before the General Assembly’s Public Safety & Security Committee at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. “For these situations, it would be helpful to ensure that university police have the ability to enforce Mansfield ordinances.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

House Bill 6132, “An Act Concerning Evidence Of Drunken Driving”, was introduced to make it possible for police to obtain blood or urine samples from suspected drunken drivers who go to hospitals for medical care after crashes.

Rep. O’Brien’s bill was heard by the legislature’s Transportation Committee Monday.

“This bill would close a loophole in the current law that drunken driver suspects can take advantage of by going to a hospital to avoid sobriety tests,” Rep. O’Brien said. “Tests at hospitals would let us know if drivers were drunk or not.”

“Drunk drivers can kill people and we need to be able to gather evidence against persons who drink or use drugs,” Rep. O’Brien said. “Let’s close the loophole and stop suspects from using the current law to avoid testing and possible punishment.”

Rep. O’Brien’s bill drew support from the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

James Strillacci, West Hartford Police Chief and President of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, told Transportation Committee members that Rep. O’Brien’s proposal was necessary because suspects were dodging testing procedures under current law, “even some of our brother officers.”

Cromwell Police Chief – Anthony Salvatore also testified in support of the bill warning that suspected drunken drivers refuse blood tests at hospitals to avoid the results being used against them.

Suffield resident, Don Minor, a 22-year emergency technician, testified at the public hearing saying, “I believe it’s time to take a step to reduce the carnage on our roads and close this loophole.”

Robbin Cullin of Mothers Against Drunk Driving testified in favor of  Rep. O’Brien’s bill saying it was “imperative to test injured suspects involved in a crash” in order to keep drunk drivers off the road.

Rep. O’Brien thanked the committee’s leaders for hearing her bill and was pleased for the support her measure received during public testimony.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

He also said that the economic issues posed by rising health care costs are a significant obstacle to business growth in Connecticut.

Speaker Donovan’s comments came in a morning press conference at the Legislative Office Building and at a public hearing before members of the three legislative committees – Insurance and Real Estate, Human Services and Public Health.  [Speaker Donovan’s complete testimony.]

There, he made comments about four bills currently before the legislature:

• CT Healthcare Partnership (HB 6308) – Speaker Donovan has been the chief champion of this legislation which twice passed the General Assembly but was vetoed by Governor M. Jodi Rell. “It is more important than ever now,” he said, “because municipal health care costs have continued to spike each year – far beyond the rate of inflation. And heads of businesses continue to tell us that rising health care costs are limiting their ability to expand and grow. Access to affordable healthcare can mean hiring an employee, choosing to become an entrepreneur, or being able to retain experienced employees and provide quality services.”

• SustiNet (HB 6305) – “This program changes the way the state delivers healthcare,” Speaker Donovan said, “and offers new insurance choices to non-profits, businesses and individuals. SustiNet builds on the strength of healthcare pooling to increase purchasing power, lower costs and expand access to people of all health histories. It will maximize the potential of federal reform, spend state healthcare dollars more efficiently, improve quality, and offer employees and families a new health insurance choice that reforms healthcare delivery and slows cost growth throughout the entire insurance market.”

• Federal Health Reform Implementation: Exchange (HB 6323) – Speaker Donovan said this bill “helps individuals and small businesses access more options, is good for businesses because employers will spend less time and money buying their health insurance – -they can go directly online and compare apples to apples. Too often small and municipal employers aren’t given choices – with the exchange they can see the universe of options, understand them, and purchase them online at their convenience.”

• State Prescription Drug Purchasing (HB 6322) – Speaker Donovan said, “This bill is another great example of using the size of the state employee pool to leverage greater discounts for other healthcare purchasers. HB 6322 would enable the Comptroller’s Office to amend its existing prescription drug purchasing contract to include the Medicaid, Husky, ConnPACE and Charter Oak programs. The Comptroller’s office estimates that by implementing this innovative streamlining measure, the state will save $66.5 million annually—without harming prescription coverage for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

State Representative Joseph Serra (D-Middletown), House Chairman of the Legislature’s Committee on Aging, announces at a State Capitol press conference that his committee has been designated a full standing committee of the General Assembly.

From its inception over 12 years ago, the committee had been a “select” committee, which meant legislation originating in Aging was required to be approved by a second “full” committee before consideration by the House or Senate. The Committee on Aging now has the same status and rules that apply to other full standing legislative committees.

“This is particularly important since there is no longer a state Department on Aging agency in the executive branch,” Serra explained. “With this change, committee members are now better able to introduce and move legislation affecting seniors forward in a quicker more efficient manner.”

The Committee on Aging has cognizance of all matters relating to senior citizens and Serra expects bills expanding home health services, criminal background checks on employees of homemaker-companion agencies, and requiring air conditioning in nursing homes to be considered by his committee this year.

Last year, Serra and other members of the Committee on Aging successfully worked to lower the cost of elder in-home services such as meal delivery and personal care assistance, re-open the state’s Alzheimer’s Respite Care program, and allow seniors to protect more assets when a spouse needs to enter a nursing home.

The 2011 session of the Connecticut General Assembly convened January 5 and is scheduled to adjourn June 8.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Currently, registered voters seeking an absentee ballot must provide a valid excuse as to why they cannot vote at their polling location on Election Day.  Reasons such as illness, military deployment and travel are considered acceptable under existing law.

“Absentee ballots should be available to any registered voter— no excuses necessary,” Rep. Boukus said. “We want to encourage people to exercise this most important right.”

After meeting with the registrars of voters in her district, Rep Boukus determined that opening the absentee ballot process would encourage more people to vote.  Currently, 30 states offer "no-excuse" absentee voting.

According to a League of Women Voters study, “no excuse” absentee ballots would:

• Allow voters to cast their vote when they are able to.
• Allow voters to balance work, family and other interests including their civic duty to vote.
• Decrease barriers, such as time, distance and schedules, to voting.
• Give voters time to understand complicated issues and make informed choices.
• Eliminate problems with ballots being cast in the wrong precinct and reduce provisional ballots.
• Reduce lines on election days and eventually could reduce costs by reducing the number of precincts and precinct workers.

The resolution would begin the process of amending the state Constitution, section seven of article sixth, to eliminate the limited circumstances for which the General Assembly may provide for voting by absentee ballot.  The proposal is expected to be raised by the Government Administration and Elections Committee for public hearing and consideration.

Anyone wishing to discuss this issue with Rep. Boukus should call her at 800-842-8267.

Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus is serving her eighth term in the General Assembly.  She represents the 22nd District, which includes Plainville and portions of Bristol and New Britain.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“I am encouraged that the public overwhelmingly supports Sunday liquor sales and that Governor Malloy has said he supports repealing the current ban,” Rep. Tallarita said. “Our state will gain millions in new revenue from Sunday alcohol sales, revenue that is badly needed as we work towards digging ourselves out of a projected large deficit.”

“Repealing the ban is a win for everyone,” Rep. Tallarita said. “It would be convenient for consumers, keep tax dollars in Connecticut and store owners would have the option to open or not.”

Rep. Tallarita is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Aging, General Law and Legislative Management Committees.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Last January, Selami Ozdemir shot his wife, Shengyl Rasim, as she held her crying infant in her arms and their young son slept in the next room shortly after being released on bond following his second arrest for a domestic violence offense in a four month period.

Kevin Lawlor, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford, told the Domestic Violence Task Force that his office undertook an investigation following Rasim’s murder and discovered several shortcomings in Connecticut’s bail bond structure which contributed to the shooting.

Lawlor’s office discovered that Ozdemir, despite having his bail set at $25,000, was bailed out immediately by a bail bondsman without Ozdemir giving any monetary compensation to the bail bondsman. This is due to a loophole in state law which provides a maximum allowable percentage fee that a bondsman may charge, but not a minimum required fee.

The bondsman is also not currently required to immediately fill out any paperwork outlining the contractual relationship between the parties.

Under normal circumstances, Ozdemir would have had to raise $2,500 to pay the bondsman prior to his release or provide $25,000 cash himself to the police. His ability to immediately be released prevented any cooling off period and allowed him to immediately leave the police department and obtain the handgun used in this homicide.

“Our current bail bond situation is not working for the victims of domestic violence,” said Flexer. “We have a system where no one knows how much money someone actually needs to come up with to be released. That means your bail could be set at $1 million, but you could be released without paying a cent if a bondsman is willing to post the bond for free.”

Flexer said she supports introducing legislation, similar to a bill that died last year, which would remedy this problem. Last year’s bill (House Bill 5147) unanimously passed the house, but it was never brought out for a vote in the state senate.

The task force, created by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and chaired by State Representative Mae Flexer (D-Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling), was responsible for introducing and leading passage of a three-part package of reforms during the 2010 session that led to the most sweeping changes to the state’s domestic violence statutes in almost 25 years. Additional information about the task force can be found on its web site at www.housedems.ct.gov/DV.

State Representative Mae Flexer is serving her second term representing the 44th Assembly District of Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling. She is hair of state legislature’s Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Internship Committee.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Speaker Donovan said he was pleased to see that the report recommends allowing municipalities to join the state employee plan as soon as possible and providing new options for small businesses and non-profits.

According to the report, implementing health reform according to the board’s recommendations will save Connecticut taxpayers between $226 million and $277 million annually, beginning in 2014. These savings result from substituting newly available federal dollars for current state spending.

Further, the report maintains that if SustiNet’s system and payment reforms succeed in slowing cost growth even 1% per year, the state budget will improve by $355 million in 2014, with gains reaching more than $500 million a year starting in 2019.

“I was also pleased to see that the public SustiNet plan will be able to compete in the new insurance exchange when it rolls out in 2014, providing residents with a quality affordable option at a time when more residents will be seeking insurance,” Speaker Donovan said. “This proposal will allow the state to slow cost growth in existing healthcare programs and stretch new federal health reform dollars even further.”

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the dozens of health professionals and advocates who volunteered their time and expertise over the previous sixteen months to make a difference for Connecticut’s families and businesses who struggle every day with the high costs of health care,” he said.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“The licensure of teachers and health professionals is often not portable across state lines in this country, yet some legal work is being done abroad with no quality oversight,” Rep. Dillon said.

In crafting the legislation, Rep. Dillon noted that in order to legally hold oneself out for legal work in Connecticut one must be licensed by the state. The state regulates many professions to protect consumers and assure a level of quality.

“Interpreting the law is about more than the ‘letter of the law’ on the page of the Connecticut statutes,” Rep. Dillon said. “Attorneys admitted to the Connecticut Bar have been steeped in not only the law, but Connecticut’s legal traditions and values.”

Rep. Dillon noted the legislation was also about protecting jobs.

“Offshoring American jobs is nothing new,” Rep. Dillon continued. “We have seen it in manufacturing. We have seen it in customer service call centers.  Now we are seeing an undertow of white-collar jobs heading to foreign soil.”

Under the legislation: offshore, unlicensed workers who engage in the drafting, reviewing or analyzing of legal documents for clients in Connecticut could be charged with the offense of the “unauthorized practice of law.”

Rep. Dillon is also considering adding a provision to the bill that would require disclosure of who provided the legal work and where it was done.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Speaker Donovan said he was pleased to see that the report recommends allowing municipalities to join the state employee plan as soon as possible and providing new options for small businesses and non-profits.

According to the report, implementing health reform according to the board’s recommendations will save Connecticut taxpayers between $226 million and $277 million annually, beginning in 2014. These savings result from substituting newly available federal dollars for current state spending.

Further, the report maintains that if SustiNet’s system and payment reforms succeed in slowing cost growth even 1% per year, the state budget will improve by $355 million in 2014, with gains reaching more than $500 million a year starting in 2019.

“I was also pleased to see that the public SustiNet plan will be able to compete in the new insurance exchange when it rolls out in 2014, providing residents with a quality affordable option at a time when more residents will be seeking insurance,” Speaker Donovan said. “This proposal will allow the state to slow cost growth in existing healthcare programs and stretch new federal health reform dollars even further.”

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the dozens of health professionals and advocates who volunteered their time and expertise over the previous sixteen months to make a difference for Connecticut’s families and businesses who struggle every day with the high costs of health care,” he said.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“The years ahead promise to be challenging as well as a time of enormous opportunity for the state of Connecticut,” Speaker Donovan said. “I am convinced that this group of talented, experienced and committed legislators will get the job done for Connecticut families and businesses. I have encouraged them to think boldly and creatively as we seek solutions to the problems we face and position Connecticut for a robust recovery.”

“I am very pleased to see such experienced and committed colleagues appointed to serve leaders when the General Assembly convenes in January,” House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said. “There is little doubt that our leadership team in the House of Representatives is ready to get to work.”

Attached are the lists of House Democrats’ leadership positions announced by Speaker Donovan.

House Democrats Leadership | Committee Assignments

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

Geragosian was named by House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), and Ward was named by House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero Jr. (R-Norwalk) and Senate Republican Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield). Geragosian and Ward will take over for Auditors Robert G. Jaekle and Kevin P. Johnston, both of whom have retired.

“The auditor’s position requires individuals of high integrity and a thorough understanding of financial matters,” said Speaker Donovan. “I can’t think of a person who better exhibits those characteristics than John Geragosian, who served the General Assembly with distinction for many years, most recently as chair of the Appropriations Committee.”

“John has always been a fair-minded legislator and he will make an excellent state auditor,” Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) said. “I’d also like to thank outgoing state auditors Kevin Johnston and Robert Jaekle for their years of fair-minded and dedicated service.”

House Republican Leader Cafero said of Ward, “Bob Ward has been the consummate public servant who over the years gained the trust and confidence on both sides of the aisle. Bob has always commanded the utmost respect from his colleagues. He will prove to be a great choice for this critical position.”

"I am pleased to have nominated Bob Ward to become a State Auditor,” Senator McKinney said.  “Bob’s record of public service and reputation for fairness and hard work are beyond reproach.  He will be an effective watchdog for Connecticut’s taxpayers, helping to assure sound fiscal management of all state agencies and assets at this critical time when we all must work to reduce the size and cost of state government to close our budget deficits." 

Ward was the longest serving Republican Leader in the House and served 22 years in the chamber beginning in 1985. After deciding not to run for re-election in 2006, he was named by Gov. M. Jodi Rell as the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Geragosian was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in November of 1994. He represents the 25th Assembly District which is located in the eastern and central portions of New Britain. For the past two years, Geragosian has been House chair of the Appropriations Committee, leading the charge for a balanced budget that protects the state’s most vulnerable citizens. Geragosian has worked to change the state’s property tax system, chairing a task force to create alternative tax policy to benefit urban centers.

Prior to serving in the legislature, Geragosian served in local government. He was an alderman in the City of New Britain from 1989 to 1993. Geragosian has spent his professional life as a realtor in the greater New Britain area. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Political Science. Geragosian is a lifelong resident of New Britain, where he lives with his wife, Audrey and his daughter, Molly.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“Today, health care consumers in Connecticut have won a major victory in the ongoing battle against insurance company abuse,” Speaker Donovan said. “Those who hold individual policies due to unemployment, self-employment or employment by small businesses cannot access affordable coverage in this economic climate, and a 20 percent increase would simply have been too much to bear.”

Speaker Donovan had submitted comments for the record at the Insurance Department hearing on the rate increase request last month saying, “The insurance industry has proposed more shocking double-digit increases, even as insurance companies report record-breaking profits. If we do not take action to rein in health insurance companies, provide more affordable options, and protect consumers from abusive insurance company practices, families and businesses will continue to be crushed by rising health care costs.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“As surprised as I was to learn of the Insurance Department’s approval of Anthem’s outrageous request for an increase on individual policies last month—I am equally dismayed by the request you are considering today,” Speaker Donovan wrote in comments submitted for the record at an Insurance Department hearing on Anthem’s application.

“This request is especially unconscionable because it affects many people who hold individual policies due to unemployment, self-employment or employment by small businesses that can not access affordable coverage, especially in the current economic climate,” he wrote of Anthem’s request for an average 20 percent increase to individual-market health plans that are exempt from the requirements of federal reform.

Speaker Donovan wrote, “The insurance industry has proposed more shocking double-digit increases, even as insurance companies report record-breaking profits. If we do not take action to rein in health insurance companies, provide more affordable options, and protect consumers from abusive insurance company practices, families and businesses will continue to be crushed by rising health care costs.”

Speaker Donovan noted that the federal government has said the impact of health reform on rates will only be 1-2%, “offset by provisions that save us all money. In stark contrast, Anthem requested, and the department approved, a 47% rate hike on individual policies affected by health reform in October—a decision that amounts to writing a blank check to the insurance industry—at the expense of consumers.

“While today Anthem is attributing the need for a rate increase to rising medical costs, prior rate increases have not resulted in increased provider reimbursement rates to cover these costs. Instead, Anthem asks patients to shoulder a bigger cost share without increasing payments for actual medical care.”

Speaker Donovan said the recent spate of rate hikes highlights weaknesses in the Insurance Department’s process for scrutinizing rate increase applications, particularly current law that permits insurance company requests for premium increases to pass into effect after 30 days with no requirement for a public hearing or affirmative approval of these requests by the Insurance Department.

He cited a December 2009 report from the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research that documented the frequency of insurance company rate requests and Insurance Department rate approvals on individual policies in the last several years.

“Each of the eleven most recent rate increase requests on individual policies were approved by the Insurance Department,” he wrote. “Eight of these proposals were in the double-digits and nine of the requests were approved as filed, leading many consumers and state officials to question the level of scrutiny applied by the Department in examining whether the rates are ‘excessive’ or ‘unfairly discriminatory’ as is required by statute.”

Speaker Donovan argued for reconsideration of legislation that would hold insurance companies accountable for premium rate hikes.

Such legislation, he said would:

• require the Insurance Department to take affirmative action on rate increase applications
• require insurance companies to notify policyholders of requests for rate increases and disclose supporting documentation for public scrutiny
• require that rate requests be certified by an actuary that they are in compliance with the law and not excessive
• empower the Attorney General and the state Healthcare Advocate to access rate request documentation and be parties to hearings.

“It is my hope that the Insurance Department, the insurance industry’s regulatory authority in Connecticut, will support legislation that strengthens transparency and accountability for consumers in the rate review process going forward,” Speaker Donovan concluded. “Endless rate hikes are one of many examples of why we need a strong public option, such as opening the state health plan to small businesses and individuals, so they can get good health care without being subjected to insurance industry profit margins.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

In a separate vote, Rep. Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) was elected Majority Leader of the House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Sharkey succeeds Denise Merrill, who was elected on Tuesday as Connecticut’s next Secretary of the State.

“I am grateful to the members of the House Democratic Caucus for expressing confidence in me to help lead Connecticut into a new era of job growth and prosperity,” Speaker Donovan said. “I look forward to working with Majority Leader Sharkey in doing just that.”

“On Tuesday, the voters of Connecticut expressed that same confidence in Democrats at all levels of state government, presenting us with an opportunity to reshape Connecticut’s future. With a Democratic governor for the first time in two decades, we now have a chance to help and grow Connecticut’s middle class by putting people back to work, growing small businesses, delivering vital services and giving residents a state government that is more efficient and transparent.”

Speaker Donovan added, “Democrats won 66 percent of the seats in the House of Representatives. Combined with strong support for constitutional officeholders and our Congressional delegation, that is a clear message that our values and ideas for Connecticut’s future resonate with people across the state. We take the responsibility they have given us seriously, and look forward to setting Connecticut on the path to full recovery.”

Rep. Sharkey said, “I look forward to working with both parties in passing legislation to create jobs and new businesses in Connecticut and fix the state’s budget deficit. I’d like to thank my fellow Democrats in the House for their support and I look forward to fulfilling my duties as Majority Leader.”

“Communication and team building are keys to moving forward. We will create a leadership structure that is reflective of the diversity in our caucus,” said Rep. Sharkey.

Speaker Donovan has represented the 84th Assembly District of Meriden in the General Assembly since 1992. He is a former House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, served as Majority Leader from 2004-2008, and was sworn in to his first term as Speaker in January 2009.

Rep. Sharkey represents the 88th District of Hamden and served as chairman of the Planning and Development Committee and also serves on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding and Program Review and Investigations Committees. He was elected to his sixth term as state representative on Tuesday.

This year Rep. Sharkey chaired the Speaker’s Commission on Municipal Opportunities and Regional Efficiencies (MORE) that studied ways to restructure government at all levels that produced a comprehensive approach to regionalism and shared efficiencies between cities and towns that saves taxpayer dollars. Rep. Sharkey is a member of Hamden Chamber of Commerce and the CT Bar Association.  He also serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven.

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“The federal government says the potential impact of health reform on rates will only be 1-2% – offset by provisions that save money for all of us.

“The commissioner’s decision is just another example of why we need a strong public option, such as opening the state health plan to individuals and small businesses so they can get good health care without being subjected to insurance industry profit margins.”

... read more - State of Connecticut - House Democrats

“Today, some of the worst health care coverage abuses in the insurance industry thankfully come to an end,” Speaker Donovan said. “With these reforms, consumers can take charge of their health care. They will realize improvements in coverage that will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of families here in Connecticut.”

Speaker Donovan’s comments were made at a press conference sponsored by Health Care for America Now (HCAN) in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford commemorating the six-month anniversary of the federal health care reform act.

He pointed to several reforms that take effect today. “No longer will insurers be able to deny coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions, or put lifetime limits on benefits,” Speaker Donovan said. “No longer can insurance companies deny claims without the chance for appeal, and no longer can they cancel policies without proving fraud.”

In addition, he cited three additional provisions that will benefit consumers:

• New health plans must cover preventive screenings without co-pay.
• Most health plans must now keep dependents on policy until age 26.
• Insurers cannot require prior approval or co-pays for use of emergency rooms.

Speaker Donovan said Connecticut’s partnership with the Obama administration and the state’s Congressional Democrats in Washington has already provided significant benefits for the state through the federal health care reforms.

Connecticut, he said, will save $53 million by July 2011 from rolling SAGA into Medicaid, with 45,000 adults eligible for the Medicaid program.

“The reform act is helping Connecticut seniors and businesses at a time when they need it most,” Speaker Donovan said. As of September 20, 13,000 Connecticut seniors have received $3.25 million in tax-free $250 checks to help them afford prescriptions, and 30,000 Connecticut small businesses will qualify for tax credits to help pay for employee coverage.

“Thanks to the implementation of SustiNet, Connecticut is uniquely positioned for future monies,” Speaker Donovan said. “SustiNet implementation will put our state in the position to better leverage federal funding, saving money for all payers.”

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