Archive for July 2008

Fiscal Year 2009: Budget Adjustments Have Just Begun

by Michael Downes
July 28th, 2008

By Representative Vincent Candelora

Many people have been asking how Connecticut is facing a deficit when the state enjoyed a surplus just a year ago. In past years when Connecticut has had a surplus, the legislature put some of it into a “rainy day” account. This account currently stands at approximately $1.2 billion. Given, however, that the Office of Policy and Management is projecting, based upon current spending, deficits of $170 million in 2009; $568.6 million in 2010; $818 million in 2011 and $630.8 million in 2012, we must refrain from raiding this account and first reduce government spending.Connecticut sets a bi-annual budget, meaning in the odd years, the legislature creates a two year budget that the Governor must approve or veto. In the even years, the legislature almost always will make necessary adjustments in order to account for under/over spending and revenue projection shortfalls. This year, the legislature made the unusual decision to do nothing and make no adjustments to the 2009 budget.

In 2007, when the legislature established its two year budget, the financial landscape was dramatically different. Energy prices were stable, gasoline prices were much lower and the economy had healthy growth. The Office of Fiscal Analysis was projecting a $260 million surplus. When the downturn in the economy occurred, these projections quickly turned into a deficit, which is currently pegged at $19 million for 2008. Corporate tax revenue has declined 14.1%; the real estate conveyance revenue is off by 21.5%; investment income is down 20%; and the “casino” money dropped by 5.9%. These four drops account for approximately $200 million of the 2008 revenue projection shortfall.

Because the legislature did not adjust the budget to reflect these actual drops in revenue, the Governor has been handed the political hot potato and must address a projected 2009 deficit of $170 million, which is 1% of the overall budget. The legislature consciously abdicated its responsibility to the public. The Governor has been charged with the difficult task of making cuts and does not have the same flexibility that the legislature enjoys. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 4-85, the Governor may modify allotments if estimated budget resources are insufficient to finance all appropriations. These modifications are known as “rescissions”, and cannot exceed more than 5% to any one account or 3% of any one fund. Fortunately, no aid may be cut to municipalities.

Under this statutory framework, the Governor is forced to make many small percentage cuts across the entire budget while holding the line in some accounts that are slipping into the red due to increasing cost. For example, with the slowing economy, Connecticut is realizing an increase in HUSKY healthcare enrollment, thus increasing the expense beyond what was budgeted.

While the general public may criticize her proposed rescissions, the true blame must fall on the legislature. Families, seniors and all residents have gone through extraordinary measures to make ends meet. The legislature had an obligation to do the same; rather we chose to ignore the political climate, punt the ball and now arm chair quarterback the Governor’s decisions. The legislative leadership should work with the Governor and call us back into special session to make the necessary adjustments for the betterment of Connecticut. Raising taxes after the November election is not he answer. Connecticut must tighten its belt like every other Connecticut household.

Categories candelora
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GREENWICH DELEGATION: APPLAUDS PUSH FOR FLEXIBLE STATE WORKFORCE HOURS; TEST TELECOMMUTING FIRST

by jdooley
July 24th, 2008

HARTFORD – State Representatives Livvy R. Floren, R-149th District, Lile R. Gibbons, R-150th District and Claudia “Dolly” Powers, R- 151st District expressed support for more flexible work weeks for state employees by promoting their own office plan to allow for telecommuting, a policy to save taxpayer dollars, make workers more productive and get commuters off clogged highways.

“We want to do our part to make Connecticut and its government ‘Leaner and Greener’ with a test program to permit staff to work one day a week from home,’’ said Rep. Floren. Four day work weeks and “flex time,’’ must also be considered, she said.

In order to implement the policy legislative leaders must agree to offer the telecommuting option, and Republicans are awaiting approval from Democrats on the trial program.

“The state of Connecticut encourages private sector companies to allow their employees to telecommute. We need to take this initiative ourselves and make government more efficient and in the process, cut down on air pollution,’’ Gibbons said. “We have the technology and the ability to make this a seamless transition that works for the state and the taxpayer. We hope this House Republican initiative will become the first step toward can become the model for state government,’’ Gibbons said.

“Other states have turned thousands of lost commuting hours into productive work, saved workers millions in gas bills and reduced pollution and congestion,’’ Powers said.

Other states and at least seven towns and cities in Connecticut have also gone to four-day work weeks to save money which could be another option for the state. The flexible schedules will not work for all state agencies, but Connecticut needs to be creative. The pilot telecommuting program we hope to test out over the next few months and evaluated:

· Republican House staff members could telecommute one day per week on a department basis, ensuring that all their legislative responsibilities are covered;

· Staff would use laptop computers that are already available to communicate easily with the Legislative Office Building;

· Because the telecommuting would be staggered throughout the office, no disruption of service for constituents or anyone else who contacts the offices would take place;

· Similar programs have been tried in other states such as Arizona where state workers have converted 181,000 hours of commuting time into productive working hours and reduced air pollution by 175,000 pounds;

· A 2007 national study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimated that telecommuting saves enough energy in the traditional workplace to power one million households for a year. The same study determined that 3.9 million telecommuters saved 840 million gallons of gas.

· Telecommute Connecticut estimates that employees who telecommute save an estimated $1,200 annually on gasoline.

Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be “cost effective.’’ Only 140 state workers participated last year.

Categories floren
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Telecommuting Gathers Support

by admin
July 21st, 2008

While legislative Democrats double talk on the issue of Telecommuting brought to the forefront by House Republicans last week, the plan to allow state employees to telecommute one day a week, saving taxpayer dollars, alleviating traffic congestion and saving fuel, the plan is gathering critical support.

The Hartford Courant editorialized in favor of the proposal and points out that Democrats were in favor of the idea last session, and perhaps they just want the idea to be theirs.

The Democrats want telecommuting to be part of a bipartisan discussion on how to reduce the cost of state government and get cars off the road. No one’s stopping them from scheduling that discussion, which should include other possible efficiencies, such as a four-day work week.

Here’s a suggestion for Item 1 on the agenda: Conserve hot air by working together.”

-Hartford Courant, July 20, 2008.

Also, The Norwich Bulletin editorialized today in favor of the proposal as well, also pointing out that if the legislature really wants to save money, there’s something else they can do:

Read More→

Categories cafero
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Seniors age 62 and older eligible for free college tuition

by admin
July 17th, 2008

For those seniors wanting to expand their horizons and continue to learn in their later years, there is some excellent news. The state of Connecticut offers free tuition, under certain conditions at the University of Connecticut, Eastern, Western, or Southern Connecticut State University, and at the state’s Community-Technical colleges.

To be eligible for free tuition, the applicant must be at least 62 years of age. Credits obtained through the free courses can be put towards a degree, but do not necessarily have to be applied to a particular degree.

At most institutions, free tuition is available when space exists in a class with the requisite number of tuition-paying students. At many universities, the student fees are also waived. However, costs incurred for books and supplies are not covered by the state.

The tuition waiver was originally enacted by the General Assembly in 1974. It is estimated that here are currently approximately 3,000 seniors taking advantage of the tuition waivers at Connecticut colleges and universities.

This is a great opportunity for any senior who wants to spend some leisure time, or personally fulfill themselves. For more detailed information regarding senior tuition waivers, please contact the school of your choice, or email the state Department of Higher Education at info@ctdhe.org. It’s never too early to begin looking at January class schedules and offerings.

Categories sawyer
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“Phoning it in?”

by admin
July 17th, 2008

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oABEobpvUIM]

Following the rollout of the House GOP plan to implement a telecommuting plan statewide for government agencies, and encourage state businesses to allow telecommuting where practical, Senate Democrats took the low road about a plan that could save taxpayers money and alleviate traffic congestion.

The Senate Democrat spokesman Derek Slap said “We always knew the Republicans were phoning it in, now they want to make it official policy.”

That’s almost clever.  But as it turns out, Senate President Don Williams is on record four times in favor of telecommuting legislation.  When pressed, they clarified:

I’m a big fan of the telecommuting concept. The test ought to be: does it save the state money? Is it accountable? … We are on record of being in favor of telecommuting,” said Williams according to Capitol Watch.

We think it’s a good plan that ought to be tried and House Republicans are leading not only with ideas but by example.  Senate Democrats should consider leading with either.

Categories cafero
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House Republicans push for flexible state workforce hours; test telecommuting first

by admin
July 16th, 2008

HARTFORD – State Rep. Pamela Sawyer (R-Bolton) joined House Republicans today in underscoring their support for more flexible work weeks for state employees by promoting their own office plan to allow for telecommuting, a policy that to save taxpayer dollars, make workers more productive and get commuters off clogged highways.

To highlight the telecommuting initiative, House Republican Leader Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk) was joined at a Capitol press conference by a Republican lawmaker and a staff member from their homes via telephone hook up. In order to implement the policy legislative leaders must agree to offer the telecommuting option, and Republicans are awaiting approval from Democrats on the trial program.

“The time has come for this pilot program to be implemented as a means of seeing what we can do as a state government, particularly the legislative branch, to ease congestion on our roads and reduce our usage and burden with regard to gasoline,” said Rep. Sawyer. “We have talked about freeing up our roadways and reducing air pollution for years, now it’s. to take some action on the issue.”

Other states and at least seven towns and cities including Andover in the 55th District within Connecticut have gone to four-day work weeks to save money which could be another option for the state. The flexible schedules will not work for all state agencies, but Connecticut needs to be creative.

The pilot telecommuting program Rep. Sawyer hopes to test out over the next few months and evaluated:

* Republican House staff members could telecommute one day per week on a department basis, ensuring that all their legislative responsibilities are covered;

* Staff would use laptop computers that are already available to communicate easily with the Legislative Office Building;

* Because the telecommuting would be staggered throughout the office, no disruption of service for constituents or anyone else who contacts the offices would take place;

* Similar programs have been tried in other states such as Arizona where state workers have converted 181,000 hours of commuting time into productive working hours and reduced air pollution by 175,000 pounds;

A 2007 national study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimated that telecommuting saves enough energy in the traditional workplace to power one million households for a year. The same study determined that 3.9 million telecommuters saved 840 million gallons of gas.

Telecommute Connecticut estimates that employees who telecommute save an estimated $1,200 annually on gasoline. Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be “cost effective.” Only 140 state workers participated last year.

Categories sawyer
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House GOP Proposes Telecommuting Pilot

by admin
July 15th, 2008

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-Xsh_naQCA]

Program would save Taxpayer Dollars, Lessen Traffic on Highways

House Republicans today underscored their support for more flexible work weeks for state employees by promoting their own office plan to allow for telecommuting, a policy aimed at saving taxpayer dollars, making workers more productive and getting commuters off clogged highways.

“We want to make Connecticut and its government ‘Leaner and Greener’ with a test program to  allow staff to work from home one day a week,” said House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. of Norwalk. Four-day work weeks should also be considered, he said.

To highlight the telecommuting initiative, Cafero was joined at a Capitol press conference by staff member Lisa Roy and other Brookfield state Rep. David Scribner from their homes via telephone hook up. In order to implement the policy legislative leaders must agree to offer the telecommuting option, and Republicans are awaiting approval from Democrats on the trial program.

“Other states have turned thousands of lost commuting hours into productive work, saved workers millions in gas bills and reduced pollution and congestion,” Cafero said. “Not only will this not cost taxpayers a dime, it will save them in the long run through workplace efficiencies.”

Read More→

Categories cafero
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House Republicans first to test drive telecommuting; to save millions in gas costs, make air cleaner

by admin
July 15th, 2008

HARTFORD – State Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) joined her House Republican colleagues today in announcing that their office plans to allow employees to work remotely from home on a staggered basis to create more efficiencies in state government, get commuters off clogged highways and combat soaring gas prices.

“This pilot program takes into account the changing landscape and economy in Connecticut. If successful, these telecommuting efforts will cut back on traffic on our
congested highways and show the way for the private sector by example,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “We must make our state government leaner and greener, and this proposal is a good first step toward that goal.”

Highlights of the pilot program that will be tested over the next few months and evaluated:

• Staff members will be allowed to telecommute one day per week based on a
lottery system, ensuring that all Legislative Office Building responsibilities will
be covered;

• Staff will use laptop computers that are already available to allow them to
perform all their usual office functions;

• The voluntary program has been tried in other states such as Georgia where
state workers have converted 181,000 hours of commuting time into productive
working hours and 175,000 fewer pounds of air pollution;

• Because the telecommuting will be staggered throughout the offices, there will
be no disruption of service for constituents.

Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be “cost effective.’’ But last year only 140 state employees actually took advantage of the telecommuting option.

A 2007 national study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimated that telecommuting saves enough energy in the traditional workplace to power one million
households for a year. The same study determined that 3.9 million telecommuters saved 840 million gallons of gas. The pilot program can only be implemented with the approval of Democratic legislative leaders. State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.

Categories penny
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Rep. Labriola, House Republicans Test Telecommuting, Push Flexible Workforce Hours

by Michael Downes
July 15th, 2008

Initiative Could Lead to Greener, Leaner Government; Cleaner Air; Gasoline Savings

House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., state Representative David K. Labriola and other House Republican legislators today underscored their support for more flexible work weeks for state employees by promoting their own office plan to allow for telecommuting, a policy aimed at saving taxpayer dollars, making workers more productive and getting commuters off clogged highways.

“We want to make Connecticut and its government ‘Leaner and Greener’ with a test program to allow staff to work from home one day a week,” Representative Cafero, R-Norwalk, said at a Capitol news conference today. Four-day work weeks also should be considered, he added.

To highlight the telecommuting initiative, Representative Labriola spoke with his Legislative Aide Lisa Roy, who was at her home, via a telephone hook up during the news conference.

“Telecommuting is a creative and progressive initiative that is cost-neutral and fully takes advantage of new technology,” said Representative Labriola, R-131st District. “I know very well what a challenge commuting through Waterbury to Hartford can be. Telecommuting is a common sense solution that will benefit both our state work force and the citizens of Connecticut.”

In order to implement the policy, legislative leaders must agree to offer the telecommuting option. Legislative Republicans are awaiting approval from their Democrat counterparts on the trial program.

“Other states have turned thousands of lost commuting hours into productive work, saved workers millions in gas bills and reduced pollution and congestion,” Representative Cafero said. “Not only will this not cost taxpayers a dime, it will save them in the long run through workplace efficiencies.”

Representative Cafero noted that other states and at least seven towns and cities in Connecticut have also gone to four-day work weeks to save money, which could be another option for the state. He said the flexible schedules will not work for all state agencies, but Connecticut needs to be creative. He outlined the pilot telecommuting program he hopes to test and evaluate over the next few months. Under the pilot program:

· House Republican staff members would telecommute one day per week, ensuring that all their legislative responsibilities are covered.

· Staff would use laptop computers that are already available to communicate easily with the Legislative Office Building.

· Because telecommuting would be staggered throughout the office, no disruption of service for constituents or anyone else who contacts the offices would take place.

Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be cost effective. Only 140 state workers participated last year, Representative Labriola said.

Categories labriola
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Gas Taxes Going Up: Cafero on WTIC

by admin
July 2nd, 2008

House Republican Leader Larry Cafero appeared on the Ray and Diane Show this morning on 1080 AM, and spoke to Ray Dunaway about the Republican call to cap the gross receipts tax on gasoline.

You can listen to the discussion here.

Categories cafero
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