Sen. Cohen Welcomes Substantial State Investment In Environmental Projects

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Cohen Welcomes Substantial State Investment In Environmental Projects

State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), who is Senate Chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, today welcomed the news that the State Bond Commission is poised next week to approve nearly $51 million for a variety of pro-environment investments in Connecticut, from clean water projects to energy-efficient buildings, soil and groundwater clean-ups, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the purchase of open space.

The State Bond Commission will approve these projects when it meets at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2019 in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“Time and time again the State of Connecticut has stepped-up to invest in our environment, whether it be buying open space, funding local clean water projects, cleaning up brownfields and contaminated soil, or making energy-efficiency improvements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every little bit helps. Every little bit saves local taxpayers money, and every little bit contributes to our exceptional quality of life here in Connecticut,” Sen. Cohen said.

Just two weeks ago, Sen. Cohen was recognized as a “2019 Environmental Champion” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Her award was based on her effectiveness in leading passage of, and voting for, pro-environment legislation.

The environment-related projects on the State Bond Commission agenda include:

$23,600,000 for the Clean Water Fund to provide grants to local cities and towns to assist with their local Clean Water Fund projects. The Department of Environmental Protection will release the funds when individual projects are ready to proceed. Under state law, a combined sewer project receives a grant for 50% of the cost of the project and a loan of the remaining 50%; other eligible water quality projects receive a grant of 20% and a loan of 80%. Projects involving nitrogen removal (nitrogen contributes to plant growth and algae blooms and reduces the oxygen levels in water for fish) receive a grant of up to 30% and a loan for the remainder of the cost of the project.
$5,000,000 for grants to towns to purchase open space for conservation or recreation purposes. These funds can be used to provide grants to cities and towns, nonprofit land conservation organizations, or water companies to acquire land or a permanent interest in land for open space and watershed protection. Properties acquired under this program have a conservation and public access restriction placed on the land.
$12,000,000 for energy-efficiency improvements at the Northern Region Department of Correction facilities (Osborn, Northern, MacDougal and Walker prisons). The improvements are expected to provide significant energy cost savings.
$8,277,900 for environmental compliance, soil and groundwater remediation, hazardous materials abatement, demolition, salt shed construction and renovation, storage tank replacement, and environmental emergency response at state-owned properties or related to Department of Transportation operations.
$1,000,000 for the ongoing removal of severely damaged, decayed or distressed trees in state parks and recreation areas.
$1,000,000 for energy audits of larger state facilities to help create plans to achieve the sustainability goals contained in the Governor’s Executive Order Number 1, which sets a goal of a 34 percent reduction in greenhouse emissions from 2014 levels by 2030.

Senators Abrams, Maroney and Community Leaders Hold Suicide Prevention Summit and Discussion Panel at the University of New Haven

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Webmaster

Senators Abrams, Maroney and Community Leaders
Hold Suicide Prevention Summit and Discussion Panel at the University of New Haven

Today from Dodds Hall on the University of New Haven (UNH) campus, state Senators James Maroney (D-Milford), Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown, and Rockfall), community leaders, students and faculty from UNH and Yale University and other state legislators hosted a Suicide Prevention Summit and panel discussion.

The Suicide Prevention Summit was held to address the growing issue of suicide among teenagers and young people. Sen. Maroney said the discussion and summit was a success and he is committed to helping to find legislative solutions to this issue.

“This is a serious issue that requires our immediate attention and action,” said Sen. Maroney. “The numbers are staggering and sobering, but through open communication we can find and implement potentially life-saving solutions. I am grateful to all those who participated in today’s summit and discussion, as these talks represent positive steps to address the rate of suicides in our state.”

This summit comes following recent government reports that suicide rates among teenagers and young adults have skyrocketed over the last 10 years. Nationally, suicide has become the second-most common cause of death among teens and young adults, leapfrogging homicides. Sen. Abrams, who is Senate Chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, acknowledged the importance of the discussion and summit.

“Suicide does not discriminate — statistics show that it harms individuals from all communities,” said Sen. Abrams. “Discussions like todays are drastically important in breaking the stigma of suicide and working toward solutions that can limit and lessen the pain it causes. We owe it to the public to push forward and strive for advances that will address the alarming rate of suicide in our state.”

During the panel discussion, faculty and students shared stories on how this issue has personally impacted them and ways to combat it. Experts provided information on ways to help those struggling to process emotional pain and trauma. Those in attendance heard from keynote speakers Dr. Frank Fortunati, medical director of Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, and Dr. Madelon Barnoski, professor of psychiatry at Yale University.

Speakers also included Dr. Lillie Macias, assistant professor at the University of New Haven, Andrea Iger Duarte, a public health official and licensed social worker on the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, and Matthew R. Riley, the chief operating officer of the Jordan Porco Foundation. Through presentations and discussions, legislators and medical professionals worked to better understand the plight of suicide and ways to counteract it, including policy ideas.

Suicides have touched Connecticut as The Connecticut Violent Death Reporting System reports 1,170 individuals committed suicide in the state between 2015 and 2017. The number of suicides among people ages 10 to 24 rose 56 percent from 2007-2017. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have cited family history of suicide, maltreatment, feelings of hopelessness, local epidemics of suicide and a history of alcohol or substance abuse as just a few potential suicide risk factors.

Suicide does not discriminate, with consistent rates of death among older and younger demographics. The National Institute of Mental Health reported that suicide was the second-leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 and the fourth-leading cause of death for those between the ages of 35 and 54. In recent years, the suicide rate for adolescents and young adults increased, while the highest suicide rates are among middle-aged adults and those 85 years and older.

According to the CDC, talking to a licensed therapist, taking a break and refraining from drug and alcohol use are just a few effective coping methods. If suicidal thoughts persist, call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and additionally, consult a psychologist. One can also call 211 and then press 1 for a crisis.

Senator Haskell Applauds Announced Grant Release for Ridgefield Library Association

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Haskell Applauds Announced Grant Release for Ridgefield Library Association

State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today announced the expected release of funds from the State Bond Commission to benefit the Ridgefield Library Association. Through the State Library Construction Grant, the state will provide $40,400 to the association in support of a remodeling project to finish the library’s planned outdoor roof terrace space, according to the agenda for the Bond Commission’s scheduled December 18 meeting. The Ridgefield Press reported in February that the funds will be matched by a private donation to complete the project.

“The Ridgefield Library Association’s dedication in providing educational resources and bringing the community together has benefitted Ridgefield for decades,” said Sen. Haskell. “Today, I want to thank the State Bond Commission and Governor Ned Lamont for their expected release of important funding to support this outdoor roof terrace, providing a scenic haven in a building already known for its beauty. I’d also like to commend the town of Ridgefield for its work to secure a match for these funds and ensure the project’s completion. I can’t wait to see the new outdoor space when it’s done.”

A Responsible Plan to Fix Transportation

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Webmaster

A fully loaded 18-wheeler truck causes the damage equivalent of between 5,000 and 10,000 cars—an estimated 1.7 billion truck miles per year on Connecticut roads.

Republicans want to recklessly raid our Rainy Day Fund, the state’s savings account, which will only result in increases in taxes and drastic cuts for Connecticut residents.

The Republican Rainy Day Raid Costs Connecticut Residents Money: Every penny that isn’t collected from 18-wheeler trucks is another penny taken in taxes from the pockets of Connecticut residents. If the trucks don’t pay, you will.
The Republican Rainy Day Raid Means Drastic Cuts and Increased Taxes: Recessions are unavoidable, but they do end; a strong Rainy Day Fund allows us to weather the next storm. The Republican Rainy Day Raid will leave Connecticut families on the hook for drastic tax increases and deep cuts to education, local town aid, healthcare, and environmental programs. Connecticut will once again go have to through the pain of post-2008 crash.

Call Senate Republicans and House Republicans and tell them not to raid our state’s future!

CT Senate Republicans:
860-240-8800

CT House Republicans:
860-240-8700

CT 2030 will not only strengthen our economy but shorten your daily commute and protect the financial future of the state from potential tax increases. Trucks-only tolling will save Connecticut residents money and ensure 18-wheelers pay their fair share.

CT 2030 Will Strengthen Our Economy: Long overdue and unprecedented investment in the state’s infrastructure that sends a message to the region and the country that the state is forward-thinking and open for business.
CT 2030 Will Reduce Daily Commutes: Rebuilt bridges, exits, intersections, and historic enhancements to Metro North will reduce commute times, remove headaches and give more time to Connecticut residents to be at home with their loved ones rather than sitting in traffic.

The improvements of I-84 in Waterbury increased average rush hour speeds by more than 45 mph while also reducing rush hour travel time by 25 minutes, and reduced monthly crashes by 35.

CT 2030 Provides Long-Term Transportation Solution: Currently the Special Transportation Fund is on the road to bankruptcy, this plan stabilizes and funds the Special Transportation Fund beyond 2030, providing a reliable revenue stream from large tractor trailer trucks only while also reducing the amount the state finances and borrows to pay for transportation infrastructure.
Trucks Create The Most Daily Damage to Our Roads: A fully loaded 18-wheeler truck causes the damage equivalent of between 5,000 and 10,000 cars—an estimated 1.7 billion truck miles per year on Connecticut roads.
Trucks-Only User Fees Work: Rhode Island trucks-only tolls brought in $7.2 million in 2018, even higher than estimated and RI residents are already seeing and feeling improvements to their roads and bridges.
Trucks-Only User Fees Save Connecticut Residents Money: CT 2030 means only trucks will pay $230 million every year into transportation infrastructure which means less money from Connecticut taxpayers and more investments in education, towns, and other infrastructure.
Chance for Protection & Investment: CT2030 funded by truck-only tolls will allow the state to build its way through the next recession with a consistent revenue stream, creating thousands of jobs, while also having the protection from a recession. Republicans have proposed nothing anywhere near as responsible.

Senator Haskell Applauds Announced Grant Release for Weston Public Library

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Haskell Applauds Announced Grant Release for Weston Public Library

State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) today cheered the expected release of funds from the State Bond Commission to assist the Weston Public Library with an important renovation. Through the State Library Construction Grant, Weston is slated to receive over $80,000 to remodel its Children’s Room, add new energy conservation resources, and better adhere to code compliance, according to an agenda for the Bond Commission’s planned December 18 meeting. Senator Haskell wrote a letter to Governor Lamont in August advocating for the importance of the project and the speedy release of funding.

“The Weston Public Library plays a vital role in bringing the community together and educating the next generation. I thank the State Bond Commission and Governor Ned Lamont for recognizing the importance of this project and appreciate their responsiveness to our request,” said Sen. Haskell. “I also want to commend the town of Weston for working to secure matching funds for the project. Thanks to the wonderful team working tirelessly to make this renovation a reality, the library will remain a comfortable and enlightening gathering place for years to come.”

As part of this grant, the library will be able to remediate asbestos in window caulk, install new energy efficient windows and upgrade fluorescent lights to more energy efficient LED lights. Most importantly, the library can now remodel the Children’s library to reflect cultural and technological changes, adding new technology, collaborative, educational and play spaces. The Children’s area is widely used by the local community and these upgrades will benefit Weston’s students.

Duff, Rilling, and State and Local Officials Announce Plan for New Norwalk High School The State of Connecticut Agrees to Fund 80% of the Costs for the New High School

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Webmaster

Duff, Rilling, and State and Local Officials Announce Plan for New Norwalk High School
The State of Connecticut Agrees to Fund 80% of the Costs for the New High School

NORWALK, CT – Today, at Norwalk High School, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced plans for a new Norwalk High School with Mayor Harry Rilling (D-Norwalk), Director of the Connecticut Office of School Construction Grants & Review Konstantinos (Kosta) Diamantis, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Adamowski, State Representatives Lucy Dathan, Travis Simms, and Chris Perone, local Board of Education members, members of the Norwalk Common Council, and other local officials.

The new 337,000-square-foot facility will feature three educational programs accommodating a total of 2,000 students. 80% of the construction costs for the new school will come from the state of Connecticut through this plan.

In addition to the thousand-student population of Norwalk High School, the campus will additionally support P-TECH Norwalk, formerly referred to as the Norwalk Early College Academy, while expanding its enrollment from 400 to 500 students. The 500-student Norwalk Visual and Performing Arts Academy will also be included in the new campus.

“Today’s historic announcement is a tremendous win for the students, educators, families, and taxpayers of Norwalk,” said Senator Duff. “The new Norwalk High School is a commitment to the next generation of Norwalk Bears coupling state-of-the-art facilities with innovative programming. In addition, state funding will account for 80% of the construction costs in order to protect local taxpayers.”

“I would like to thank Kosta, Governor Lamont, and the entire administration for believing in this project and helping make today a reality,” Duff continued. “Additionally, this announcement would not be possible without the support of our local leaders like Mayor Rilling, Dr. Adamowski, and our Board of Education.”

“This is wonderful news! We are excited to capitalize on this moment and replace the 48 year old school instead of taking a Band-Aid approach to repairs,” said Mayor Harry Rilling. “We have worked hard with the Board of Ed and through our State Delegation, led by Senator Duff, to make this happen. A new Norwalk High School is great news for our students, families, staff, and community. With 80% reimbursement for Norwalk High, we will continue moving forward with other much-needed school capital improvement projects across the city.”

“We believe that the new high school will be a ‘game changer’ in Norwalk education,” said Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools. “I look forward to working with our teachers, administrators and Board of Education to develop education program specifications for a new high school building that will support the secondary education of generations of NHS students, at a level of excellence comparable to the finest secondary schools in Connecticut and the US. We are grateful to all the state and local officials who have worked diligently to make this opportunity available.”

“Meeting the educational needs of Norwalk’s children is facing a challenge,” said Rep. Perone. “How to best prepare our students for the future when the building they are learning in is reaching the end of its useful life. Norwalk High was built 50 years ago so this means we need to begin now to discuss what will take its place. With that thought in mind, we need to insist that the 2000 Norwalk High students enrolled in P-TECH, the Arts and Norwalk High are taught in brand new, state-of-the-art, multipurpose educational spaces. These learning spaces will be wired for the latest technology, energy efficient and equipped with the tools to give our children every chance to succeed.”

“A major contributing factor to successful educational outcomes is an environment that is conducive to learning,” Rep. Simms said. “Investments in facilities that meet the needs of modern day instruction provide for the best returns. I am looking forward to the new high school’s completion for the benefit of all our Norwalk students.”

“I am delighted to celebrate the completion of this new state-of-the-art Norwalk High School project and that our students will be able to take advantage of the great educational opportunities this facility will offer,” said Rep. Dathan. “I am committed to supporting efforts that advance our goals so that families, students and school administrators get the tools and resources needed to succeed. Education is the foundation of strong communities and I am proud to stand with all the partners that made this possible.”

The P-TECH program, a partnership program with IBM and Norwalk Community College, allows students access to develop professional skills for the STEM industry, with first-in-line access to paid IBM internships and an offer for students to simultaneously earn associate’s degrees from Norwalk Community College in technical majors including web development, mobile programming or software engineering. Of its 2018 inaugural graduating class, the P-TECH program saw 68 students graduate, 12 of them earning simultaneous associate degrees in software engineering from NCC.

As part of the extensive project and expansion of the P-TECH program, the school will source these additional 100 students from outside of Norwalk, with students in other Fairfield County towns including Stamford and Bridgeport eligible to participate in a “tuition or student exchange” program. That advancement is designed to increase access to educational resources for underserved populations and break down economic and racial lines in the region.

Additionally, the school’s Arts component, supporting 500 students from Norwalk, will see the addition of a variety of new resources for visual and digital arts, theater, acting and dance among other specializations. Students will have access to new, state-of-the-art ceramics, arts and digital arts rooms and a TV film studio with additional classes taught in topics including theater design and costume design for a fully rounded and targeted process.

The school will feature 47 classrooms, including four each of biology, chemistry and physics laboratories, two computer science labs and two Makerspaces for engineering use. The campus will also feature music rooms including orchestral and choral rooms and dance studios as well as extensive resources for current and future students to utilize in a variety of different ways.

Senator Bergstein Spends the Day Listening and Talking About Senior Issues in Connecticut

Posted on December 6, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Bergstein Spends the Day Listening and Talking About Senior Issues in Connecticut

GREEENWICH – Today, State Senator Alex Bergstein (D-Greenwich) hosted a roundtable discussion on issues impacting seniors at Greenwich Town Hall with guest speakers with expertise on a range of issues including health care, prescription drug costs and long-term care.

“The rising cost of health care impacts everyone,” said Senator Alex, “and particularly our most vulnerable citizens. I am deeply concerned about the current trajectory – costs are already the highest in the world, and they keep rising. Americans deserve a real solution to this problem.”

Joining Senator Alex to discuss these issues was state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), Dr. Claudia Gruss of the Connecticut Medical Society, Anna Doroghazi, AARP Connecticut’s Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach, and Steven Hernandez, Executive Director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity.
In addition to addressing the rising cost of care, Senator Alex presented some good news for seniors.

“One of the top legislative priorities for the AARP in Connecticut this year was passage of the Paid Family Medical Leave Act,” she said, “because the AARP recognizes that family caregivers are severely impacted. Without this policy, family caregivers often are forced to choose between their jobs and their aging parent, which is a choice no one should have to make.”

The PFML Act passed the legislature earlier this year and is entirely paid for by employees, not employers.

Other good news for seniors from the 2019 legislative session included tax cuts. Senator Alex noted that the legislature extended tax exemptions for Social Security and pension and annuity income.

“Though the governor’s initial proposed budget eliminated these exemptions, we fought to keep them and succeeded,” she noted.

Beginning in the 2019 tax year, full Social Security income tax deductions are available for single filers with $75,000 in income and joint filers with $100,000 in income. Taxpayers with incomes above these thresholds qualify for a 75% deduction. The biennial state budget also preserves a phased-in tax cut on pension and annuity income so those with incomes less than $75,000 (single filers) or $100,000 (joint filers) will receive full exemption by 2025.

“Seniors with limited income have earned this protection,” said Sen. Alex. “They have already contributed so much to the state of Connecticut – by paying income and property taxes for years. They deserve our support and appreciation.”
In addition to hosting the roundtable discussion at Town Hall, Senator Alex also visited with seniors at various locations throughout the day.

In the morning, she participated in a legislative panel hosted by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging in Stamford. And in the afternoon, she visited seniors at the Greenwich Senior Center as well as the River House Adult Day Center. She heard directly from seniors what their biggest concerns are.

“The cost of living in Connecticut is the top issue for seniors, and this includes many factors – taxes, housing, services, health care, and other matters. My colleagues and I are working hard to bring these costs down so that everyone in our state can feel safe and secure,” she said.

The senator invites anyone living in the 36th State Senate District – which covers Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford – to contact her at alex.bergstein@cga.ct.gov to discuss these issues further.

Duff Appoints Norwalk Police Lieutenant to Task Force to Study Compliance with Motor Vehicle Registration Laws

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Webmaster

Duff Appoints Norwalk Police Lieutenant to Task Force to Study Compliance with Motor Vehicle Registration Laws

HARTFORD, CT (December 5, 2019) – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced that he has appointed Thomas Roncinske to the Task Force to Study Compliance with Motor Vehicle Registration Laws. Mr. Roncinske is a Lieutenant with the Norwalk Police Department.

“Registering motor vehicles out-of-state continues to be a problem,” said Senator Bob Duff. “Tom’s expertise and 30 years of service with the Norwalk Police Department will allow him to contribute greatly to this task force and work toward finding solutions to this issue.”

Mr. Roncinske has been with the Norwalk Police Department since 1989. He was a police officer from 1989 until 2000 when he became a police detective working in the Cold Case Homicide Unit. In 2006, he became a police sergeant and in 2015 became a lieutenant, where he currently is the Special Victims Unit Commander.

“I look forward to collaborating with the task force to find solid solutions to this ongoing problem,” said Lt. Roncinske.

The Task Force to Study Police Transparency and Accountability was established in 2019 by Public Act 19-119. The task force consists of 12 members who seek to study compliance with motor vehicle registration laws and make recommendations to prevent Connecticut residents from registering motor vehicles in another state while residing in Connecticut.

The task force needs to submit a report on its findings and recommendations by no later than January 1, 2020. The task force will terminate on the date it submits its final report or by January 1, 2020, whichever is later.

Mr. Roncinske received an Associate’s degree from Monroe Community College, a B.S. from Nazareth College, and a Master of Science in Justice & Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University.

Senator Haskell Named to Forbes Magazine’s 2020 ‘30 Under 30’ List

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Webmaster

Senator Haskell Named to Forbes Magazine’s 2020 ‘30 Under 30’ List

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Wilton) was named to Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list. Every year, the magazine recognizes 600 individuals under the age of 30 for their accomplishments, organizing them in groups of 30 sorted by industry. Sen. Haskell received recognition in the magazine’s Law and Policy category, along with Nebraska Republican State Senator Julie Slama and other millennial activists and leaders.

“I was shocked to see my name included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This is an incredible honor, and I have been humbled all morning as I read about the accomplishments of the other people Forbes has chosen to highlight,” said Sen. Haskell. “This is obviously about more than one senate seat in Connecticut. It’s about a generation that’s rolling up their sleeves and building a government that makes us proud. We’re a generation that sees the world differently. We know that climate change isn’t an academic anxiety, but an existential threat to our continued existence. We know the price of earning a degree has skyrocketed, because we’re paying it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on these issues in Connecticut’s State Senate.”

The Forbes “30 Under 30” list, which was first published in 2011, recognizes individuals in categories ranging from finance professionals to scientists to celebrities, with those recognized ranging from actors and Saturday Night Live writers to reporters, venture capitalists and educators. Haskell’s category was judged by Carrie Goldberg, Jon Huntsman, Laurence Tribe and Michael Tubbs.

Sen. Osten Notes ‘Exceedingly Good’ State Economic News in Latest Comptroller’s Report

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Webmaster

Sen. Osten Notes ‘Exceedingly Good’ State Economic News in Latest Comptroller’s Report

HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who is Senate Chair of the legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations Committee, said today that State Comptroller Kevin Lembo’s December 2 financial statement shows Connecticut is on-track to finish the fiscal year on June 30, 2020 with its largest state budget reserve in history: $2.79 billion, or 14% of annual state spending.

The statutory target for Connecticut’s budget reserve (aka the Rainy Day Fund) is 15%.

“This is exceedingly good news for the state and its taxpayers. It shows that the legislature has the fiscal discipline to save money while at the same time paying down its debts,” Sen. Osten said. “It’s incredible to think back that in the first year Governor Malloy took office after Governor Rell left, Connecticut’s budget reserve fund was at zero. It was empty. The next year it was $93 million, then $270 million. We’ve been saving ever since. Now we’ve got the largest Rainy Day Fund in state history, approaching $3 billion – all with Democrats at the helm. It’s something worth recognizing and celebrating.”

In his report (https://www.osc.ct.gov/public/news/releases/20191202.html), Comptroller Lembo states, “The statutory revenue volatility cap requires revenues above a certain threshold to be transferred to the Budget Reserve Fund (BRF). For FY 2020, the cap is $3,294.2 million for estimated and final income tax payments and revenue from the Pass-through Entity tax. If current projections are realized, a $318.3 million volatility transfer would be made to the BRF. The balance of the BRF presently stands at $2,505,537,507. Adding the estimated $318.3 million volatility transfer, less the projected FY 2020 deficit of $31.6 million would bring the year-end balance of the BRF to approximately $2.79 billion. This would represent approximately 14.0 percent of net General Fund appropriations for FY 2021. In order to help protect against future economic downturns, Connecticut must maintain financial discipline and continue building the BRF balance to the statutory target of 15 percent.”

The Comptroller’s report also makes an important distinction when it comes to Connecticut’s job growth numbers: the difference between private sector job growth and government sector job growth. Private-sector jobs have rebounded well since the end of the Recession, but government jobs in Connecticut have been decimated – thereby hurting Connecticut’s overall ‘jobs recovery’ numbers.

“Within the job recovery numbers, DOL points out a significant distinction. The private sector has recovered more than the total jobs lost in the recession (105.5 percent), which means the remaining employment losses are from the government sector. This sector includes all federal, state and local government employment, including public education, and Native American tribal government,” Comptroller Lembo states in his report.

“This distinction has really been lost on the general public, and it’s a shame, because Connecticut gets no credit for shrinking the size of state government while creating a climate that allows private sector jobs to grow,” Sen. Osten said. “The state Labor Department noted in its November report that Connecticut needs to add 18,300 new jobs to reach our pre-Recession employment levels. But 24,500 government jobs in Connecticut have been lost over the same time period. If we didn’t cut any government jobs, we’d be well over 100% recovery.”