Connecticut Senate Democrats' News

Looney’s Senior Fair Draws Hundreds for Advice and Information

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:55:58 -0500

New Haven — State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) was joined by more than two hundred area residents at the Bella Vista Complex in New Haven this week for a Senior Fair. Senator Looney listened as fair attendees shared their thoughts on state and national issues while gathering information on a number of social services and medical conditions affecting senior citizens.

Maynard & Williams to Host Senior Fair at QVCC

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:34:17 -0500

Free event for area seniors will feature health screenings, vendors and service providers

Danielson — State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Senator Andrew Maynard (D-Stonington) will hold a Senior Fair at Quinnebaug Community College on Friday, December 4, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Harp to Host Lead Poisoning Experts at Capitol for Childhood Health Forum

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:46 -0500

Senator Toni Harp hosted nationally recognized researchers and a panel of health education experts at the Capitol for a childhood health educational forum on lead poisoning.

Senate President Receives Award from Connecticut Farm Bureau for Support of Farmers

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:50:54 -0500

Senate President Don Williams received the Sustaining Friend of Connecticut Agriculture award at Connecticut Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting on November 6. Senator Williams represents the 29th District — serving the residents of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Mansfield, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson, and Windham.

Daily Welcomes New Housing, Economic Development in East Haddam

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:20:02 -0500

State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook), Senate Chair of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, took part in an East Haddam groundbreaking ceremony today to formally begin construction of a new Goodspeed Musicals initiative. The $5.5 million project represents significant economic development for the town and region.

Prague, A.G. Blumenthal Troubled by DOT Contract With Barr, Inc.

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:52:16 -0500

State Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia), Senate Chair of the legislature's Labor and Public Employees Committee, was joined by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, other elected officials, and prominent labor leaders at a press conference this morning to question a recent contract awarded by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to Barr, Inc., a Putman, CT-based contractor with a spotty record of past contract compliance.

Colapietro: Home Energy Assistance Web Page Refreshed for Coming Winter Months

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:31:03 -0500

Families seeking heating assistance will find resources to reduce energy bills, weatherize homes, upgrade furnaces

State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) announced to his constituents today that the Senate Democrats have updated their home-heating assistance Web page in preparation for the coming winter months.

Duff Earns 100 Percent Rating From Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:45:46 -0500

On this year's annual scorecard, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has awarded state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) a 100 percent rating for his support and advocacy for environmental initiatives in 2009. This year, the CTLCV scorecard was based on voting records on 19 separate bills considered by the General Assembly.

Children and Neighbors Gather for Playground Dedication in Hartford’s North End

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:38:57 -0500

Children, neighborhood residents, and plenty of area firefighters and grassroots activists gathered on Seyms Street in Hartford’s North End this afternoon to join State Senator John W. Fonfara (D-Hartford), Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez and State Rep. Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (D- Hartford) in a dedication ceremony for the newly refurbished Lozada Park and Playground.

Musto Receives Perfect Score From Conservation Voters on First Year in Office

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:51:48 -0500

In his first year representing the 22nd Senatorial District, Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) has received a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for his support and advocacy for environmental initiatives in 2009. The CTLCV scorecard is provided annually; this year’s gauge was based on voting records on 19 separate bills considered by the General Assembly.

LeBeau, Harris Featured at November 16 Connecticut Bioscience Roundtable

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:14:48 -0500

In the midst of a national recession, state Senators Jonathan A. Harris (D-West Hartford) and Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford), the Senate chairman (respectively) of the Public Health and Commerce committees, will be two featured guests at the one-day Connecticut Bioscience Business Roundtable to be held this Monday, November 16 in West Hartford.

Colapietro Awarded Perfect Environmental Score by Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:03:50 -0500

State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) was recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLVC) today as the organization released it’s 2009 annual Environmental Scorecard, which grades lawmakers according to their votes on significant pieces of environmental legislation. Senator Colapietro received a perfect score of 100 percent.

New Haven State Senators Earn High Marks from New 'Environmental Scorecard'

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:51:46 -0500

Hartford: Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senator Toni Harp (D-New Haven) have earned perfect scores on the just released Connecticut League of Conservation Voters’ (CTLCV) 2009 Environmental Scorecard.

Harris Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Supreme Court's Marriage Equality Decision

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:50:02 -0500

State Senator Jonathan A. Harris (D-West Hartford) — a justice of the peace who performed the first gay marriage ceremony in Connecticut history one year ago today — said today that he is proud of his small role in Connecticut’s civil rights history, and that he remains committed to protecting the rights of Connecticut’s gay and lesbian citizens while still protecting the religious beliefs of others.

Senate Majority Leader: Democrats' Home Energy Assistance Web Page Can Help Families Save This Winter

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:40:40 -0500

Web site (www.senatedems.ct.gov/Energy) provides one-stop shop for families seeking help with heating expenses, furnace upgrades and home weatherization.

Meyer Honored As ‘Environmental Champion’ by Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:20:03 -0500

State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) was hailed as the “outspoken chair of the Environment Committee” and a “chief proponent of many environmental bills” when he was named today as one of a dozen legislative “Environmental Champions” for 2009 by the Connecticut League of Conservations Voters (CLCV).

Senate President Williams Wins Special Recognition from Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:12:20 -0500

Hartford: Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) has earned special recognition by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) as one of 12 ‘environmental champions’ in the General Assembly.

Crisco Receives 100 Percent Rating From Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:11:48 -0500

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today received a 100 percent rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for his support and advocacy for environmental initiatives in 2009. The CTLCV scorecard is provided annually; this year’s gauge is based upon voting records on 19 separate bills considered by the General Assembly.

Hartley Honored by Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cabinet

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:11:13 -0500

State Senator Joan V. Hartley (D-Waterbury) was honored by the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cabinet at their annual luncheon this week with their “Legislator of the Year Award,” recognizing her for her dedication and leadership in support of Connecticut’s small businesses.

Local Veterans, Public Officials Unveil and Dedicate State Memorial to Korean War

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:06:29 -0500

Three hundred and fourteen Connecticut servicemen gave their lives and another 80 are missing in action from their service in what is often referred to as America’s ‘Forgotten War.”

For more than five decades, Connecticut’s Korean War veterans have gone unacknowledged in the halls of the State Capitol in Hartford. Their service, however, was honored and recognized in a ceremony Monday that unveiled and dedicated the state’s new Korean War Memorial sculpture.

Statement on Gov. Rell's Announcement from Senator Donald Williams

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:11:26 -0500

"Gov. Rell should be thanked for her years of public service and work on behalf of Connecticut residents. I wish her and her family well as they begin the next chapter of their lives. In the meantime, the best thing we can do for the next governor -- whoever it is -- is to work together to grow jobs and help stabilize our economy."

As the Weather Turns Colder, Senate Democrats Launch New Home Energy Assistance Web Page

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:58:23 -0500

State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) announced today that the Senate Democrats have released an update to their home-heating assistance Web page to help provide Connecticut families with a convenient location on the Web for information on a wide variety of home-heating assistance programs. The Web page may be found at www.senatedems.ct.gov/Energy.

Senate President Williams Recognized by AARP for Legislative Leadership

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:57:54 -0500

State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) was recognized today by the members of the Connecticut branch of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as they presented him with their Legislative Achievement Award for his work in support of public assistance and health care programs for Connecticut’s older residents.

Duff to Secretary Sebelius: When Will Vaccine Be Available?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:57:20 -0500

When will H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines make their way back to Connecticut? It’s a question on the mind of many local public health officials and parents, and today state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) wrote to federal Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking that very question.

Stillman to Host Senior Fair in New London Friday, November 13, 2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:20:50 -0500

State Senator Andrea L. Stillman (D-Waterford) will host a senior fair Friday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Port 'N' Starboard at New London's Ocean Beach Park.

MADD Recognizes Senator Defronzo for Work Promoting Safe and Sober Driving

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:24:35 -0500

he state of Connecticut has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related fatalities in the country. At a ceremony in New Haven last night, the Connecticut chapter of the national nonprofit group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized state Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain), co-chair of the General Assembly's Transportation Committee, for his efforts to change that fact and to reduce driving under the influence in the state.

Budget Deficit Mitigation Efforts Must Include Follow Through on Cuts Already Included in Budget

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:28:57 -0500

Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says that analysis of OPM's letter to Comptroller Nancy Wyman on October 20th as well as new budget estimates from Comptroller Wyman show that not only are revenues declining, but spending reductions included in the budget are not being made by the executive branch.

Hundreds Expected at New Haven Senior Fair

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:26:33 -0500

State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), and representatives from the US Social Security Administration, AARP, the state Commission on Aging, and many other organizations and government agencies.

Gaffey Says Foreign Language Studies in Connecticut ‘Essential’ for 21st Century

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:48:09 -0500

State Senator Thomas P. Gaffey (D-Meriden), long-standing Senate Chair of the legislature’s Education Committee, today called for a renewed commitment to the study of foreign languages in Connecticut’s public schools. Senator Gaffey described an ‘immeasurable need’ for American students to learn to communicate with those from other countries in languages other than English.

State Approves funding for Improvements at New Haven Firefighter Academy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:35:05 -0400

State officials made a major investment in fire safety and prevention today as the state Bond Commission approved $4.1 million in funding for renovations and additions to the New Haven Regional Fire School. Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) says that the funding will contribute greatly to the safety and security of towns throughout the New Haven area.

Colapietro, LeBeau Visit Business Incubator Success Story

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:27:58 -0400

State Senators Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford) and Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol), along with State Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville) visited a Connecticut Small Business Incubator Program success story today to highlight their commitment to maintaining various pro-jobs and pro-business programs in the state budget.

Statement From Senator Musto on Bonding Withdrawal for Bridgeport Facility

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:20:10 -0400

State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) today issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal of requests for state bonding for the construction of a juvenile detention facility for girls in Bridgeport:

Senate Majority Leader: Approval of Gateway Project Couldn't Come at Better Time

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:02:23 -0400

Hartford: Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) says that Greater New Haven's economy will score a major victory this Friday when the state Bond Commission is expected to approve funding for the new campus of Gateway Community College (GCC). Construction on the $182 million project in downtown New Haven will begin this fall and the campus is expected to be open for the start of the 2012 school year.

McDonald Honored for His Commitment to Protecting Connecticut Legal Services

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:57:59 -0400

State Senator Andrew J. McDonald (D-Stamford), who is co-chairman of the legislature's Judiciary Committee, will be honored here this evening at the annual meeting of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. for his role in protecting funding for this vital public service at a time of great economic upheaval in the state.

Crisco Honored by State Chapter of American Association of Retired Persons

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:17:33 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, received a Legislative Achievement Award this month from the state chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

LeBeau Welcomes Transfer of State Land for South Windsor Film Studio

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:10:57 -0400

SOUTH WINDSOR-At a brief ceremony this morning in Town Hall, state Sen. Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford) witnessed the completion of an economic development initiative which he helped launch over a decade ago: the transfer of land from the state to South Windsor for the purposes of building Connecticut Studios LLC, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in personal income and tax revenue for the town and the state.

Nearly Two Hundred Gather for Mansfield Senior Fair

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:24 -0400

MANSFIELD — State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia) welcomed almost 200 area senior citizens to their annual Senior Fair in Mansfield today at the town’s Community Center.

Harp, Looney Welcome Attorney General's Ruling Re: Saving High Meadows Funding

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:48:01 -0400

Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and state Sen. Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) today welcomed a legal opinion from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal which unequivocally states that Gov. M. Jodi Rell cannot ignore legislative intent and unilaterally close the High Meadows state home for mentally ill teens.

DeFronzo, Representative Guerrera Recognized by AARP for Dial-A-Ride Advocacy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:47:02 -0400

During this year's legislative session and despite staggering budget deficits, state Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-New Britain) and Representative Antonio Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill), co-chairs of the General Assembly's Transportation Committee, advocated for the preservation of a state matching grant program that provides funding to municipalities for Dial-a-Ride services.

Harp Honored by Community Action Groups for Her ‘Courage and Leadership’

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:36:18 -0400

State Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven), Senate chair of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, was recognized today by community action groups and social services providers for her steadfast defense of human services programs despite this year’s very difficult economic climate.

Handley Welcomes Hundreds to Her 7th Senior Fair

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:28:01 -0400

MANCHESTER — State Sen. Mary Ann Handley (D-Manchester) today welcomed hundreds of area senior citizens to her 7th biennial (every two years) Senior Fair, which was held in the Frederick W. Lowe, Jr. Building of Manchester Community College.

Legislative Majority Leaders Host Roundtable on Economic Development

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:21:11 -0400

State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and House Majority Leader Rep. Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) hosted a forum in the Legislative Office Building today on economic development and job growth in Connecticut, along with Senator Gary LeBeau (D-East Hartford), other legislative leaders, economic scholars, government officials and representatives from a variety of business organizations.

Crisco Welcomes Hundreds of Locals to Annual Senior Fair in Ansonia

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:18:56 -0400

Crisco Welcomes Hundreds of Locals to Annual Senior Fair in Ansonia

Doyle & Representatives Serra, Lesser Applaud New Law Regarding Soup Kitchen Health Code Compliance

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:22:57 -0400

State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) and State Representatives Joe Serra (D-Middletown) and Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) won legislative approval for an important amendment to state health codes as they apply to soup kitchens and homeless shelters. The language was included in new laws enacted in Special Session earlier this month.

Williams: Canterbury, Mansfield, And Scotland to Receive Special State Grants

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:23:25 -0400

Hartford – State Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says the towns of Canterbury, Mansfield, and Scotland have been awarded grants under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP).

LeBeau Congratulates Riverside Health on National Quality Award

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:43:00 -0400

EAST HARTFORD — State Sen. Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford) today extended his congratulations to the Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center at 745 Main Street East Hartford for being selected as one of just a handful of assisted living facilities across the United States to win a prestigious quality award from two national health care associations.

New Britain Delegation Honors Local Businessman at State Capitol

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:17:17 -0400

The members of the New Britain state legislative delegation on Friday honored Jim Sanders, owner of Sanders Contracting and Installation in New Britain, with a state citation during a legislative session for being recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as being one of the “Forty Under 40” business leaders in Connecticut.

Senate Democrats Pass Green Building Tax Credit

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:17:53 -0400

A measure included in one of the budget implementer bills passed by the state legislature today will help stimulate economic development in New Haven and elsewhere while also preserving the environment, says Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). The legislation establishes a maximum $25 million tax credit for taxpayers who build buildings that meet specific energy and environmental standards.

Slossberg Votes to Restore Long Island Sound Funding, Preserve Dedicated Account

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:18:18 -0400

In a special session of the state Senate this evening, state Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford) voted in favor of legislation that will return revenue paid to the state through the sale of Long Island Sound commemorative license plates to a dedicated Long Island Sound account.

Gaffey Says New Budget Will Help Meriden Students, Property Tax Payers

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:18:48 -0400

State Senator Thomas P. Gaffey (D-Meriden), long-standing Chairman of the legislature’s Education Committee, today steered another important education bill through the General Assembly. In today’s Special Session, the bill to formally implement appropriated funding for education was approved.

Duff, Representative Perone: Action Redirects Long Island Sound License Plate Revenue to Special Account

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:19:54 -0400

In a special session of the Connecticut General Assembly this evening, state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) voted in favor of legislation that will return revenue paid to the state through the sale of Long Island Sound commemorative license plates to a dedicated Long Island Sound account.

Maynard Votes to Restore Long Island Sound Account, Preserve Funding

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:20:17 -0400

Maynard: Stonington, North Stonington Set to Receive Stimulus Grants for Safety

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:20:42 -0400

Stonington — State Senator Andrew Maynard (D-Stonington) today welcomed news that Stonington will receive $30,000 and that North Stonington will receive $9,100 in grant funds through the federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Justice Assistance Grant program.

Senate President Offers Statement on Comptroller's Letter

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:46:13 -0400

“The Comptroller’s letter raises legitimate concerns, about revenues and savings. We remain hopeful that revenues will stabilize — the millionaire’s tax and other measures included in the budget are sure to help.”

Harris Welcomes $1.4 Million in Federal Funds for Children’s Health

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:05:28 -0400

State Sen. Jonathan A. Harris (D-West Hartford), the Senate Chairman of the Public Health Committee, announced today that the federal government has just released $1,388,761 in federal funds to help enroll eligible, uninsured Connecticut children in one of two federal health care plans, thereby providing kids and their parents with peace of mind and valuable, cost-saving medical care.

Crisco Earns High Honor From Connecticut State Medical Society

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:06:14 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), the Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, has been honored by the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) with its Legislative Achievement Award for 2009. Dr. Steven Fleischman, chairman of the CSMS Legislative Committee, presented Senator Crisco with his award at a formal ceremony recently.

Meyer Supports Agreement to Save Griswold Airport as Open Space

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:34:57 -0400

State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford), the Senate Chairman of the Environment Committee, today welcomed news that the national, nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL) has reached an agreement to purchase 42 acres of Griswold Airport property from a developer who had planned to build 127 units of luxury housing on the environmentally sensitive site, which abuts the Hammonasset River, Hammonasset State Park and the Connecticut shoreline.

Senators Crisco and Harris Joined by Women’s Health Advocates to Kickoff Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:59:26 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) and Senator Jonathan Harris (D-West Hartford), Senate chairs of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee and Public Health Committee respectively, were joined today at a Capitol press conference by their co-chairs and other women’s health advocates to kickoff Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Machine Gun Ban for Those Under Age 16 Takes Effect Thursday

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:58:58 -0400

Senator Martin Looney (D-New Haven) says common sense law may save lives Hartford: Nearly one year after a Connecticut boy was killed while using a machine gun a new law will take effect that bans the use of machine guns and assault weapons by anyone under the age 16.

New Law That Cracks Down on Identity Theft Takes Effect This Week

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:15:04 -0400

Beginning on October 1, 2009 criminals who commit identity theft in Connecticut will now face tougher penalties and provide restitution to their victims through the sale of their illegally gained assets. These changes to existing statutes come about thanks to a bipartisan bill supported and co-sponsored by General Law Committee Chairman Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-Bristol).

Duff: 2006 Law Delivers Tens of Thousands in Revenue to Norwalk, Darien

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:14:26 -0400

In 2006, state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) cosponsored legislation that applied a $10 surcharge to certain motor vehicle violations issued in the state of Connecticut and then required the state to return those surcharges to the municipality where the violation occurred.

Statement from Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr.: “Disarray and confusion running rampant in Rell administration”

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 -0400

“This veto threat is the latest example of the disarray and confusion that is currently running rampant in the Rell administration. One hand doesn’t know what the other is doing.”

Crisco Helps Win ‘STEAP’ Funding for Bethany Airport Hanger Improvements

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:58:36 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the release of state funding to help underwrite a portion of planned hanger improvements at the Bethany Airport. Last winter Senator Crisco wrote directly to Office of Policy and Management Secretary Bob Genuario on behalf of Bethany’s application.

DeFronzo: Local Dental Clinic Providing Services for HUSKY Kids, SAGA Patients

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:04:39 -0400

New Britain — For the last few months, a new family dental office located in downtown New Britain has been working to give quality dental care to area residents who might otherwise go without.

Williams: Transfer of Armory Building to Putnam Will Spur Town’s Growth

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:27:03 -0400

A bill passed in special session by the Senate this afternoon will grant ownership of the National Guard Armory Building to the town of Putnam for recreational or municipal purposes, state Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) said today.

Doyle Hails Senate Passage of Bill Creating New Probate Court System

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:27:41 -0400

State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield), a key member of the ad hoc probate court reform committee last spring, welcomed today’s Senate approval of 54 new Probate Court districts in Connecticut, the most noticeable of many changes in a sweeping overhaul of the state’s probate court system.

LeBeau Votes Again for Important Land Transfer for South Windsor

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:28:24 -0400

State Senator Gary D. LeBeau (D-East Hartford) voted once again today for the transfer of a 4.84-acre piece of land from the state to the Town of South Windsor in order to help build a multi-million dollar movie studio near the intersection of Route 5 and Interstate 291.

Senate Democrats Boost Economic Development in Downtown New Haven

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:29:04 -0400

New opportunities for economic development and job creation in New Haven emerged today as the General Assembly passed two bills that will clear the way for a couple of brand new and environmentally friendly downtown development projects.

Crisco to Host Annual Senior Fair in Ansonia Thursday, October 8, 2009

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:29:46 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) has announced he will host this year’s edition of his annual Senior Fair on Thursday, October 8, from 11:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. The event is held each year at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway, in Ansonia.

Handley Celebrates National Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:14:43 -0400

State Sen. Mary Ann Handley (D-Manchester) today joined in the national celebration of “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” as she was lauded for being part of a Democratic legislature that saved $1 million in state funding for a proven fall prevention program that Gov. M. Jodi Rell and leading Republicans had characterized as wasteful, special-interest spending which they sought to eliminate.

Statement From Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. Re: Pratt & Whitney Plant Closings

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:17:43 -0400

“Disappointment only begins to describe my reaction to what I maintain is a short-sighted and hasty decision by Pratt & Whitney to close its plants in Cheshire and East Hartford,” Senator Crisco said. “By all accounts the unions made significant concessions to try and keep the doors open and I know our state government made available generous incentives through its economic development programs — I fail to understand the conclusion reached by Pratt & Whitney officials.”

Crisco Tours Hamden Sites Preserved, Bolstered by State Budget Agreement

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:57:16 -0400

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today visited two facilities in Hamden to highlight programs and services included in the budget package enacted earlier this month. The two-year state spending plan, enacted primarily along partisan lines, maintained limited funding for magnet schools and family resource centers.

Handley Lauded for State Support for Manchester Food Pantry

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:05:54 -0400

State Sen. Mary Ann Handley (D-Manchester) was thanked today by the executive director of the Manchester Area Conference of Church’s Food Pantry — and by a client — for helping to secure $150,000 in state funding for the Food Pantry in the recently approved biennial state budget — funding that Governor M. Jodi Rell had unconstitutionally threatened to veto as ‘pork barrel spending.’

Meyer’s Senior Fair Attracts More Than 100 for Health and Wellness Advice

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:05:48 -0400

GUILFORD — State Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) welcomed approximately 125 shoreline seniors to his annual Senior Fair this morning at the Guilford Community Center, and he listened as they shared their concerns about state and national health care policies as well as their delight in speaking with representatives from more than three dozen state and local heath and wellness agencies specializing in senior citizen issues.

Senate President Offers Statement on Latest Q-Poll

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:11:02 -0400

Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says the public supports the democratic legislature on key issues

“It is clear that on so many key issues, people support the Democrats.”

“Connecticut residents believe the millionaires’ tax is a fair way of helping to balance the budget.
They overwhelming oppose tax breaks for the wealthy — something that Gov. Rell insisted be a part of the final budget.
Residents believe the governor’s public posturing delayed the budget process.
People say the governor’s unwillingness to share responsibility for a budget that she helped craft was a cop-out.”
“Going forward, it is crucial that the governor carry out her significant responsibilities to make the budget cuts a reality. The deep spending reductions in this budget will require belt-tightening and smart choices by executive branch agencies. We urge the governor to meet immediately and frequently with her commissioners to ensure that the requisite cost savings are achieved while critical services are maintained.”