Month: February 2017
Senator Hartley E-News: Join Me for Office Hours
Senator Osten E-News: Stabilizing State’s Pension System; Good News for Norwich Area
Larson Releases Statement on Governor Malloy’s Budget Proposal
Larson Releases Statement on Governor Malloy’s Budget Proposal
State Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) made the following statement Wednesday in response to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s Fiscal Year 2018/2019 biennial budget proposal, which was unveiled before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.
“I think we all need to digest the information that was rolled out today, and remember that we are still in the very early days of this process. No budget proposal has ever been passed without changes by the Legislature, and so while there are some stark numbers in this proposal, nothing is set in stone. I do think that towns will have to sharpen their pencils and be ready to come to the table and partner with the state. We all need to take a hard look at areas where savings can be made, and not live in fear of new ideas and methods for meeting our obligations.”
View Governor Malloy’s full budget proposal online.
Senator Larson E-News: Big Gains for Business in 3rd District; State Pension Stability
Senators Moore and Gomes Call on Bridgeport Public Schools to Remain a Safe Haven for Students
Senators Moore and Gomes Call on Bridgeport Public Schools to Remain a Safe Haven for Students
Bridgeport, CT—State Senators Ed Gomes and Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) were among the over 100 of community members who rallied Monday night, calling on Bridgeport’s City Council to declare Bridgeport a Sanctuary City. The Council sent the resolution to the Public Safety subcommittee for discussion.
The fight continues on Tuesday night, with another rally ahead of the Board of Education special meeting, where a discussion and possible approval of recognition of a Safe Haven School District will take place.
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport), Senate chairwoman of the Children Committee, released the following statement ahead of tonight’s Board of Education meeting.
“For too long, Bridgeport’s undocumented immigrant students and children of undocumented immigrant parents have lived in fear of being separated from their families through deportation,” said Sen. Moore. “This is a burden no child should bear. Our schools should be a safe haven for all students, regardless of their citizenship status. Educators in this city have a responsibility to teach our children, but also to ensure that schools remain a safe, secure, welcoming environment for everyone.”
Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport) released the following statement.
“Last night’s council decision was the first step towards protecting undocumented immigrants in this city from President Donald Trump’s harmful immigration policies. Bridgeport will not turn its back on its neighbors,” Sen. Gomes said. “But we also need to make sure our undocumented students can attend school every day without having to worry about whether or not they will be reported to federal immigration officials. Making Bridgeport a Safe Haven School District will reassure our immigrant community their children are safe in our schools.”
Statements from the Senate President Pro Tempore Looney and Speaker of the House Aresimowicz
Statements from the Senate President Pro Tempore Looney and Speaker of the House Aresimowicz
Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) today released the following statements regarding Republican calls for mid-year budget adjustments:
“Responsible governing is about defining priorities and moving resolutely to address them. We offered to continue to meet in order to bridge the gap. The Republicans instead chose to hold a press conference and play politics as usual, much as they did last week on the pension refinance bill. Rather than rushing into a press conference without details or consensus, we intend to meet with the members of our caucus on Wednesday to discuss the issue in hope to move from there to a bipartisan consensus.” — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven)
“It’s potentially a workable idea, but the details still need to be fully assessed. With the current budget year in balance, making a minor adjustment to avoid these cuts is certainly worth looking at. We offered to sit down to go over their proposal, but were told an announcement was already set. I’m still willing to meet and govern together.” — Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin)
Hartley and D’Amelio Announce Upcoming Middlebury Office Hours
Hartley and D’Amelio Announce Upcoming Middlebury Office Hours
Event to be held on February 15
State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) and State Representative Anthony D’Amelio (R-Waterbury) have announced that they will hold office hours meetings on February 15th in Middlebury. The meeting will take place at 6:00pm in the Shepardson Community Center, located on 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury.
“District office hours are a great chance to hear directly from my constituents,” said Senator Hartley. “I look forward to hearing the thoughts and suggestions of my constituents on the kind of things they would like to see from us in the 2017 legislative session. This feedback is invaluable in continuing my work to improve the quality of life and economic vitality in Waterbury, Middlebury and throughout Connecticut.”
“With the 2017 legislative session underway it’s important to listen to the issues that are important locally and I look forward to meeting with constituents during these, and upcoming, office hours in the district,” Representative D’Amelio said. “I appreciate everyone that reaches out in person or contacts my office with concerns or questions.”
Senator Hartley’s upcoming office hours schedule is as follows. Additional dates will be announced as they are scheduled:
Middlebury
Wednesday, February 15
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Shepardson Community Center
1172 Whittemore Rd., Middlebury
Senator Winfield in the News: Run for Refugees
Sold-out Run for Refugees turns into march, rally at New Haven Green
New Haven Register: Hundreds strong marched onto the Green Sunday chanting, “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here,” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, this Muslim ban has got to go!”
Read the full article at the New Haven Register.
Thousands Run, March, Rally For Refugees
New Haven Independent: Thousands of New Haveners poured onto the streets to show their support of refugees Sunday—first with a run, and then with a march and a rally on the Green.
Read the full article at the New Haven Independent.
As the U.S. Senate Prepares to Vote on President Trump’s Choice of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, Senate Majority Leader Duff Vows to Fight Connecticut Republican Proposals that Could Prevent Special Needs Students From Receiving Appropriate
As the U.S. Senate Prepares to Vote on President Trump’s Choice of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, Senate Majority Leader Duff Vows to Fight Connecticut Republican Proposals that Could Prevent Special Needs Students From Receiving Appropriate Education Services
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today joined parents of special education students and advocates to vow to fight against several Republican proposals that will make it harder for special needs students to receive appropriate educational services.
Senator Duff and parents of special education students raised the alarm on two bills that would drastically change the process for determining if a school’s special education plan is appropriate for a student.
Senate Bill 408, An Act Concerning Independent Evaluations and the Burden of Proof in Special Education Hearings and House Bill 5787, An Act Shifting the Burden of Proof in Special Education Hearings would shift the burden of proof in special education hearings from the school district to parents to prove that the special education plan developed by the district for their child is inadequate, instead of the district proving it is.
“Drastically changing the burden of proof process puts parents at a clear disadvantage, by shifting the burden of proof onto their shoulders,” said Senator Duff. “Parents without the financial resources are less likely to able to hire an attorney and find expert witness. Unrepresented parents already face an uphill battle. A free and appropriate public education is critically important to a child’s ability to grow into a successful and independent member of society.”
Senator Duff and parents also warned that Senate Bill 409, An Act Concerning the Time Limit for Special Education Hearings and House Bill 5710, An Act Concerning the Revisions to the Special Education Hearing Process would limit special education due process hearings to a maximum of three days. While some cases can be heard in that time frame, others have factual details that make a three-day hearing infeasible. Setting an arbitrary limitation will interfere with due process and makes it more difficult to receive appropriate services.
The press conference coincided with this week’s expected vote by the United States Senate on Betsy DeVos, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education. During her confirmation hearing, DeVos appeared confused about federal law protecting students with disabilities. DeVos, who does not have any experience with public education, has been referred to as the least-qualified candidate ever nominated for Education Secretary.