Capitol News from State Senator Paul Doyle

October 2009 Issue

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 2000
Hartford, CT 06106-1595

On the Web
www.SenatorDoyle.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-0498
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420

Dear Friends,

Thank you for reading the October edition of my monthly e-newsletter, an energy-efficient, cost-saving, low-impact way for me to share some of the latest developments at the State Capitol. I appreciate your interest and would welcome the chance to send these updates to others, so if you know someone who would like to receive this mailing, please let me know.

Probate Court Reform Wins Adoption

We used this budget crisis as an opporutnity to make state government more efficient. The reform of the probate court system was one of our greatest achievements this past legislative session. We were able to overhaul an outdated and costly system and save taxpayer money in the process.

Introducing the Probate Reform bill on the floor of the State Senate. With a lead role on the ad hoc probate court reform committee that met last spring, I was particularly gratified when I brought out the bill and it was passed by each chamber in late September and was signed into law by Governor Rell. The law establishes 54 new probate court districts in Connecticut, the most noticeable of many changes.

The new, streamlined system, beginning in January 2011, will benefit residents who require help while navigating sometimes delicate probate matters. These include estate settlements, child custody and resolution of other personal and family issues. Connecticut residents use probate courts only rarely, but often at the crossroads of their lives, so we wanted to maintain an emphasis on personal service, attention to detail and sensitivity to the nature of the issues at hand.

I’m convinced our current, unprecedented economic circumstance accelerated completion of these reforms, and I’m equally convinced we will save the state millions of dollars each year as a result of these reforms. Early estimates suggest $4 million in savings the first year and $8 million per year going forward.

The passage of this legislation completes a process begun years ago to bring vital probate court services current with the 21st century needs of state residents. I expect that once new districts are incorporated and new court facilities finalized, people will welcome the more professional approach of regional courts with regular, full-time hours, rather than the current patchwork network of part-time courts.

Participate in the Democratic Process

Your Vote Counts I’ll take this opportunity to remind voters that municipal elections are just around the corner, on November 3rd. Local governments (by definition) deliver services to residents one neighborhood at a time in each community, and in many cases are responsible for the administration of state-level initiatives. A smooth-working partnership between local officials and state agencies is essential.

Voter participation in local elections is the best way for individuals to exercise their voices in decisions that will affect everyone. I urge you to become familiar with the candidates for local office in your town and to vote on November 3.

Heating Assitance Available

home heating graphic With the autumn chill in the air it is undeniable: heating season is upon us. Our state government has many programs in place to help residents. Some provide sales tax exemptions for energy-efficient products, others offer rebates for more efficient boilers and furnaces, and still others make direct assistance available for the purchase of fuel oil.

Most of these programs operate on a sliding scale according to strict income guidelines; if you would like more information about eligibility and program specifics you are encouraged to call my Capitol office or visit our Home Heating Assistance Web page.