Month: April 2019

Senator Haskell Applauds Removal of Regionalization from State Budget Proposals and Thanks Constituents

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Senator Haskell Applauds Removal of Regionalization from State Budget Proposals and Thanks Constituents

haskell

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded the removal of language that would mandate school regionalization as a cost-saving measure from the proposed 2019-2020 state budget. Sen. Haskell has fought against proposals that could negatively impact students across Connecticut since he was sworn in to the State Senate in January.

“For months, I’ve lobbied our state’s leaders to drop the issue of forced school regionalization and instead invest in student success in every district,” said Sen. Haskell. “While these proposals were made in an effort to improve our state’s fiscal situation, the reality is that forced regionalization risks negatively impacting students’ classroom experiences. For months, I’ve worked with leaders in my district, and heard from thousands of my constituents, about how important it is for our towns to maintain control of their classrooms. The budget released today reflects the belief that the best way to improve educational outcomes for every student is to invest in all classrooms and increase funding for the Education Cost Sharing Formula.”

Since January, Sen. Haskell has worked alongside his constituents to oppose forced regionalization and instead explore how to voluntarily build economies of scale, consolidate resources and save money. As a result, Sen. Haskell endorses his fellow legislators’ efforts to fully fund the Education Cost Sharing formula as presented Tuesday.

As part of his work, Sen. Haskell met with Governor Ned Lamont in the 26th District to discuss the issue. He also testified with Bethel Public Schools superintendent Dr. Christine Carver in front of the Education Committee to explain how many districts in southwestern Connecticut already work together to combine services in an effort to support student success and save taxpayer dollars.

“Together, we sent a clear message that broad-brush regionalization is not in the best interest of students,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m thrilled that mandated regionalization is not included in the budget, and look forward to continue working with my colleagues to find new ways to support public education.”

Senator Needleman Supports Removal of Forced Regionalization from State Budget Proposals

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Senator Needleman Supports Removal of Forced Regionalization from State Budget Proposals

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) voiced support that language mandating school regionalization is not included in the proposed 2019-2020 state budget. Sen. Needleman has advocated against any mandated changes to schools across the state, instead supporting plans that would allow for cooperative and voluntary agreements between boards of education.

“As the First Selectman of Essex, I have extensive first-hand experience working with education boards and school budgets. While there are ways we can improve our schools and find cost savings, mandated regionalization is not one of them,” Sen. Needleman said. “Our local schools and towns know how to support their students better than anyone else. They know what they need. We should be supplying them with tools to support these efforts, not making them change their current practices, and I applaud my colleagues and fellow legislators for taking education seriously.”

Since school regionalization efforts were first proposed earlier this year, Sen. Needleman has been an outspoken critic. Instead, he advocated for legislation he introduced that would allow boards of education to define their own school districts, with their collaborations recognized by the state as Local Education Agencies. This would give them the ability to inspect their own budgets to reduce costs, also reducing complexity in state laws.

In March, Sen. Needleman joined school and town leaders at the State Capitol to advocate for the alternative legislation, which has been adopted into different committee bills. Those bills are scheduled to be discussed and potentially approved by the General Assembly in coming weeks. Additionally, Sen. Needleman met with Governor Lamont in Essex to show him how local schools in his district are already working to share services on a voluntary basis and emphasize how future legislation could further improve their efficiency.

“I look forward to continuing our work at the Capitol to help schools and towns save money, and I thank my fellow legislators for their consideration of the issue,” said Sen. Needleman.

Senator Looney Calls on Republicans to Release Fully Vetted, Line-by-Line Budget Document

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Senator Looney Calls on Republicans to Release Fully Vetted, Line-by-Line Budget Document

HARTFORD, CT – (April 30, 2019) Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney called on Republicans in the General Assembly to release a fully vetted, line-by-line budget document in order to begin bipartisan budget negotiations.

“The only way to take into consideration Republican budget priorities is to see a fully vetted document that indicates where they seek to raise revenue or cut spending,” said Senator Looney. “It is impossible to budget in a piecemeal fashion.”

In a June 18 2017 op-ed in the Hartford Courant Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano stated:

Thus far, Senate Republicans and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy have offered the only fully vetted and balanced line-by-line budgets that could be voted on by the General Assembly. […] It’s now time for Democratic lawmakers, who have refused to release their full plans, to share exactly how they propose modifying the budgets that have been made public. Senate Republicans remain open to negotiating with anyone who shares their ideas and who recognizes that we need to change course.

https://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-fasano-gop-ct-budget-0618-20170616-story.html

In an April 27 2017 CTNewsJunkie article Senator Fasano stated:

“There’s going to be criticism, but don’t criticize Republicans because we have a budget we’re willing to pass.”

https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/republican_budget_is_out_of_balance_before_its_even_released/

Senator Looney agreed with Senator Fasano’s previous statements that both Democrats and Republicans should release fully-vetted budgets.

“We look forward to seeing a fully vetted and balanced line-by-line Republican budget,” said Senator Looney. “Until then any statements by Republicans are merely political posturing.”

 

Senator Osten Statement Re: Appropriations Committee Proposed FY20-21 State Budget

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Senator Osten Statement Re: Appropriations Committee Proposed FY20-21 State Budget

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) issued the following statement this morning regarding the Appropriations Committee proposed state budget for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021.

“We started this budget-making process back in February with public hearings, then went to bipartisan subcommittee meetings, and then to bipartisan subcommittee report-outs. We have hundreds of hours of public and legislative input in this budget.

“This is an honest line-by-line budget that increases local education funding, increases our investments in job training, and continues the promises we made the last two years in our bipartisan budget.

“We provide funding for the start-up of a higher minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, a public health care option for families and small businesses, a jobs funnel, juvenile justice initiatives, a new state trooper class, and re-opening our highway rest stops and welcome centers.

“All in all this Appropriations Committee budget is about a quarter-percent higher than Governor Lamont’s FY 20 General Fund proposal, and about four-tenths of a percent higher than his FY 21 General Fund proposal, and most of that is due to reversing the governor’s proposed ECS cuts to cities and towns, which I think is something that teachers, students, and local property tax payers will appreciate. I think this Appropriations Committee budget is fair and honest.”

Highlights of the Appropriations Committee proposed FY 20-21 biennial state budget:

Investing in Workforce Development

  • Provides greater funding than the governor proposed for several workforce development programs including:
    • Jobs Funnel Programs ($632K each year)
    • Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative ($1.1 M each year)
    • Healthcare Apprenticeship Initiative ($500K each year)
    • Connecticut’s Youth Employment Program ($1 M each year)
    • Cradle to Career ($100K each year)
    • Pilot Re-Entry Program ($800K each year)
    • Veteran Machinists Training ($250K each year)

Advancing Education

  • Increases funding for K-12 education by tens of millions of dollars from FY 19 ($42 million in FY 20 & $80 million in FY 21)
  • Fully funds the ECS formula as required under the ten year phase-in adopted by the bipartisan budget in 2017.
  • Increases funding for community colleges from FY 19 ($8 million in FY 20 & $10 million in FY 21)

Supporting Connecticut Families

  • Includes funding to support the implementation of an increase in the minimum wage
  • Funds the creation of a Paid Family Medical Leave program
  • Funds a public health care insurance option for families and small businesses

Safeguarding Seniors

  • Provides funding for the Center for Medicare Advocacy ($300K in each year)
  • Increases funding for Meals on Wheels ($475K in each year)

Other Investments

  • Includes funding for Juvenile Justice Outreach ($11.7 M in FY 20 and $10.2 M in FY 21)
  • Funds services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities including employment and day services for new high school graduates ($6.3 M in FY 20 and $14.6 M in FY 21) as well as individuals aging out of the Department of Children and Families and residential schools ($3 M in FY 20 and $5.7 M in FY 21)
  • Preserves funding for mental health and substance abuse grants ($1.6 M in each year)
  • Provides funding for caseload growth in the Birth to Three program ($1.4 M in FY 20 and $2 M in FY 21)
  • Includes funding for a new State Trooper Class in FY 20
  • Provides funding to staff Welcome Centers and restore the hours of operation at the Rest Areas on our highways

Senator Anwar Pushes for, Lauds Release of Bonding for Crumbling Foundations

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Senator Anwar Pushes for, Lauds Release of Bonding for Crumbling Foundations

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) applauded Governor Lamont for fully bonding important funding allocated for repairing homes with crumbling foundations. The release ensures continued work on affected homes will not experience an extended delay.

On Monday, the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc., which oversees the distribution of state funds to help homeowners with crumbling foundations, ceased authorizing new construction work. It did so because $20 million in bonding, which was initially allocated on April 4, has not yet been released to the Department of Housing, it said.

Upon discovering the issue, Sen. Anwar contacted the governor’s office, the Department of Housing, and CFSIC to find a solution. The governor’s office then confirmed that the funds will be released to the CFSIC quickly, allowing it to continue authorization of work without significant delays.

“I applaud Governor Lamont office for working quickly to rectify this issue,” Sen. Anwar said. “Crumbling foundations are a disaster for so many across Connecticut, one that has a significant financial impact, and any delays in getting those homeowners the support we have pledged to them is something we must address. The governor’s office, the Department of Housing and CFSIC do so much to support those in our community who struggle with these problems, and I am happy to see them move forward with the urgency this issue requires.”

 

Senator Anwar Testifies in Favor of Legislation Supporting East Windsor

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Senator Anwar Testifies in Favor of Legislation Supporting East Windsor

anwar

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-East Windsor) testified in front of the Government Administration & Elections Committee in support of legislation that would assist the town of East Windsor. In the event a state-run facility currently operated by the state was to cease operation, the legislation would convey that facility’s land to the town of East Windsor.

Sen. Anwar testified to support Raised Bill No. 1124, “An Act Concerning the Conveyance of a Parcel of State Land in the Town of East Windsor and Any Improvements on Said Parcel.” This legislation proposes that the Commissioner of Children and Families would convey the property of 36 Gardner Street in East Windsor to the town at a cost equal to that conveyance’s administrative costs. That address, with an area of 24.45 acres, would be granted to East Windsor in return, for it to be developed into a municipal services complex under the language of the legislation. The land is currently the north campus of the Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center, a psychiatric residential treatment facility for teenage males.

In testimony given Monday, Sen. Anwar said the town of East Windsor submitted a questionnaire indicating interest in obtaining the property, and he supported the request. “In the case of this facility’s closure for any reason, the Town of East Windsor should be given first priority in the acquisition of the property for use as a municipal services complex, provided they are in a good financial position to do so,” he said.

 

Lesser Supports Conveyance of 18 Acres of Land to Newington

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Lesser Supports Conveyance of 18 Acres of Land to Newington

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) joined the Newington delegation in favor of requiring the Commissioner of Administrative Services to convey conservation and recreation easement over a parcel of state land to the town of Newington. Sen. Lesser said this land is important to the people of Newington.

“This land will provide residents of Newington with opportunities to enjoy this open space in their town,” said Sen. Lesser. “This is an important piece of the town and I stand with the Newington delegation in favor of conveyance of this land from the state to the town of Newington for the purposes laid out in this proposed legislation.”

If enacted, Raised Bill 7421 will convey a portion of a parcel of land with an area of approximately 18.2 acres located on Cedar Mountain to the town of Newington to be used for open space and passive recreational use only.

Sen. Lesser joined a bipartisan coalition which included State Representative Gary Turco (D-Newington), Newington Mayor Roy Zartarian, Town Councilpersons Chris Miner and Gail Budrejko and Town Planner Craig Minor in favor of this land conveyance to the town of Newington.

Senator Anwar Testifies Against Legislation That Could Cost South Windsor $776,000

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Senator Anwar Testifies Against Legislation That Could Cost South Windsor $776,000

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) testified to oppose a section of proposed legislation in front of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee that would have a directly negative impact on the town of South Windsor. Sen. Anwar said in testimony that a section of the bill in question would serve to cost the town $776,000.

Sen. Anwar testified against Raised Bill No. 7413, which aims to change tax exemptions in the state and specifically adjust some tax processes in the towns of Wallingford and Woodbridge. However, he continued, one section of the legislation would grant a special tax reimbursement to an individual South Windsor business valued at $776,000.

“If this legislation passes, the payment of this reimbursement would be extremely detrimental to the town’s budgetary situation, to the climate of trust amongst local businesses, and to our residents’ confidence that municipal tax policies are administered uniformly,” Sen. Anwar said in testimony. He cited South Windsor Mayor Andrew Paterna and Town Manager Matthew Galligan, both of whom have said that loss would harm South Windsor’s operating budget, damaging its ability to pay for its education and town functions.

Further testimony submitted by Galligan said that the section in question refers to a South Windsor company, Broadridge, which failed to follow proper tax law and did not file proper paperwork to receive a tax reimbursement despite being informed of requirements by the town. He added that this company has received tax abatements since 2000 from the town and filed a lawsuit against the town previously to try and recoup the funds, despite the issue stemming from the company’s failure to file proper paperwork.

Galligan further stated that the legislation could set a precedent for other businesses and communities to seek restitution through the state rather than proper legal channels. It would “put our taxpayers in a position of refunding taxes to a company that failed in its obligation,” he said.

Sen. Anwar testified that the legislation threatens the local business community’s trust in South Windsor, also threatening the confidence of the public in government when they see “a business was retroactively granted a tax exemption by a special act of our state’s legislature after said business failed to file the proper documentation within the designated timeframe.”

 

Senators Lesser & Fonfara Call for Release of Police Dash Cam Footage in Wethersfield Fatal Shooting

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Senators Lesser & Fonfara Call for Release of Police
Dash Cam Footage in Wethersfield Fatal Shooting

HARTFORD, CT — In the wake of the death of Wethersfield resident Anthony Vega Cruz, who was shot by Wethersfield police on April 20 following a traffic stop, state Senators Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and John Fonfara (D-Hartford) are calling on Hartford State’s Attorney Gail Hardy to release police dash cam footage of the officer-involved shooting.

Sens. Lesser and Fonfara jointly represent the residents of Wethersfield; State’s Attorney Hardy is leading the state investigation into the shooting.

“We need to know more about what happened,” Sen. Lesser said. “Releasing the dash cam footage promptly and without delay will help answer questions and address concerns from the community.”

Sen. Lesser noted that police dash cam footage of an April 16 traffic stop and police shooting in New Haven has already been released. Several members of Anthony Vega Cruz’s family have said they want Wethersfield Police video footage of the April 20 shooting released, and State’s Attorney Hardy has said she intends to do that.

“In consideration of the family of Anthony Vega Cruz, and the broad community interest in this incident, I ask that State’s Attorney Hardy release the dash-cam video as expeditiously as possible, in a manner that ensures a full and fair investigation,” said state Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford).

About Matt Lesser: Sen. Lesser was first elected in 2018 to represent the ninth Senate District which consists of Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, he was a State Representative for the city of Middletown. He has been a principle author of Connecticut’s Student Loan Bill of Rights, the first in the nation, a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing waste and a major workplace safety law later adapted as a national standard. He has been honored by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP and has been named a champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.

Senators Lesser & Fonfara Call for Release of Police Dash Cam Footage in Wethersfield Fatal Shooting

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Senators Lesser & Fonfara Call for Release of Police
Dash Cam Footage in Wethersfield Fatal Shooting

HARTFORD, CT — In the wake of the death of Wethersfield resident Anthony Vega Cruz, who was shot by Wethersfield police on April 20 following a traffic stop, state Senators Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and John Fonfara (D-Hartford) are calling on Hartford State’s Attorney Gail Hardy to release police dash cam footage of the officer-involved shooting.

Sens. Lesser and Fonfara jointly represent the residents of Wethersfield; State’s Attorney Hardy is leading the state investigation into the shooting.

“We need to know more about what happened,” Sen. Lesser said. “Releasing the dash cam footage promptly and without delay will help answer questions and address concerns from the community.”

Sen. Lesser noted that police dash cam footage of an April 16 traffic stop and police shooting in New Haven has already been released. Several members of Anthony Vega Cruz’s family have said they want Wethersfield Police video footage of the April 20 shooting released, and State’s Attorney Hardy has said she intends to do that.

“In consideration of the family of Anthony Vega Cruz, and the broad community interest in this incident, I ask that State’s Attorney Hardy release the dash-cam video as expeditiously as possible, in a manner that ensures a full and fair investigation,” said state Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford).

About Matt Lesser: Sen. Lesser was first elected in 2018 to represent the ninth Senate District which consists of Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, he was a State Representative for the city of Middletown. He has been a principle author of Connecticut’s Student Loan Bill of Rights, the first in the nation, a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing waste and a major workplace safety law later adapted as a national standard. He has been honored by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP and has been named a champion by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.