July 2009 Issue

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 3200
Hartford, CT 06106-1595

E-mail
Meyer@senatedems.ct.gov

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

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-0455
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420
 

SUMMER HAPPENINGS

BRANFORD
Summer Jazz Series
Thursdays until August 23
Dana Lauren
July 30, 6 – 8 PM
Town Green

DURHAM
Farmer’s Market
Thursdays through Sept. 3
3 – 6 PM
Town Green

GUILFORD
Shoreline Wine Festival
August 15 – 16, 11 AM – 6 PM
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery

KILLINGWORTH
50th Annual Country Fair & Chicken Barbecue
Friday, July 31, 5 – 8 PM
Saturday, August 1, 9 AM – 3 PM
Killingworth Congregational Church
273 Route 81
Info: 860-663-1789

MADISON
Madison Farmers’ Market
Fridays through October 23
3 – 6 PM
Town Green

NORTH BRANFORD
Potato and Corn Festival
August 7 – 9
Friday 4 AM – 11 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 9 AM – 8 PM
Augur Farm
Route 22

Road Work Alert

The State Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on I-95 (north & south) from Exit 54 in Branford to the Guilford town line. This project was scheduled to begin on or about Wednesday, July 22, 2009 and continue through Monday, August 24, 2009.

The regular work schedule for this project is 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday evenings) and 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Monday — Thursday evenings).

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work area.

For more information on transportation issues, Shoreline East updates, traffic tie-ups and cameras, visit the DOT’s Web site at www.ct.gov/dot/

We continue to fight for a fair budget that protects families and businesses. Meanwhile, I invite you to share your thoughts and concerns with me at any time by contacting me at my office using the contact information on the left.

What’s In and What’s Out

Connecticut is currently operating on an emergency, one-month budget crafted under executive order by Governor Rell. The General Assembly has no participation in that budget order (you can download the details of her July budget here). Connecticut residents must endure a wide-ranging series of cuts under Governor Rell’s July budget, including her elimination or major reduction of services for youth employment, school readiness, public libraries, health care, culture, tourism, and veterans. The governor has also indicated that — due to her opposition to a more progressive income tax — she is willing to cut even more programs in August. I will keep you well informed of any and all new developments.

Vetoes Here, Vetoes There,
Vetoes Vetoes Everywhere

Governor Rell vetoed 20 bills this session, the most since former Governor Ella Grasso vetoed 21 bills in 1980. Governor Rell vetoed bills that: would have created a Bi-State Long Island Sound Commission to prevent the industrialization (Broadwater, Islander East, etc.) of Long Island Sound; required the governor and the legislature to agree on the size of the state budget deficit; and sought increased access to health care with reduced patient costs. I found some of her vetoes to be indefensible and disturbing, and that’s why I voted in the State Senate on July 20 to override those vetoes and five others. Each of those bills is good for Connecticut’s citizens, environment and economy. It should be noted that several of the veto overrides were passed with bipartisan votes.

Cooling Off

As July hits its stride we are finally beginning to enjoy some true summer heat and humidity. Despite the state’s fiscal crisis and our lack of tourism advertising, state parks and beaches are still staffed and open. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison holds a special place in my heart, as it is where the Senate President introduced me as the new Senate Chairman of the Environment Committee, and it is a place where I have secured state bonding for infrastructure improvements. Please take some time this summer to enjoy all that nature and the 12th Senate District have to offer!

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