Archive for January 2012

Klarides Hears about Local and State Topics During Orange Office Hours

by admin
January 31st, 2012

ORANGE — A handful of residents met with state Rep. Themis Klarides tonight to discuss issues they consider important to this community and their state. Klarides joined state Sen. Gayle Slossberg and First Selectman Jim Zeoli in holding office hours at Town Hall. She’ll lead a similar session in Woodbridge on Feb. 7 at Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

“I represent the interests of three communities, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously,” said Klarides, who serves as Deputy Republican Leader. “I can’t do that job effectively unless I’m talking to constituents regularly—whether it’s here at Town Hall, on the telephone, or at a local coffee shop.”

Among the topics discussed Monday was a matching grant application drafted by folks from Amity Teen Center, where administrators would like to go “green” by installing solar panels.

Klarides and her colleagues also heard from the owner of a landscape company who shared his thoughts about state regulations and how they affect both businesses and consumers.

The 2012 legislative session begins Feb. 8, and Klarides urges constituents to contact her office with their ideas, questions or concerns about issues related to state government.

Klarides can be reached at 800-842-1423 or themis.klarides@housegopct.gov

Categories themis

Band Together and Stand Up for Alzheimer’s Awareness

by admin
January 31st, 2012

My friends Jerry, Lia, Thomas and Joe Vigorito know the challenge of Alzheimer’s.

Their mother, Mrs. Vigorito, has Alzheimer’s. This is a terrible disease that steals it’s victims of their memories and life. Alzheimer’s also steals these victims’ families of their memories and interactions with their loved one.

On Februay 16 at FTC Stage One (70 Sanford Street, Fairfield), Band Together CT will be performing in honor of Mrs. Vigorito and raising money for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Lia Vigorito wanted to use her birthday to honor her Mother, take action and make a difference for this important cause.

Band Together CT was founded by Rob Fried and Jerry Vigorito and they perform “community minded musical events” to benefit important and chairitable causes like Near and Far aid, the Pilot House for children with special needs, and the Haiti relief project. Band Together CT has used concerts to help raise over $850,000 for local charities and families. Also, they have worked with Paul Newman and Meryl Streep to raise millions to protect Connecticut farmland. We are honored to have them performing for a cause that hits so close to home for all of us.

For the price of concert ticket ($28), you can support an important cause that effects so many families and enjoy a fun evening too.

Categories kupchick

Davis Meets with East Windsor Residents

by CFryx
January 31st, 2012

Today State Representative Christopher Davis visited the East Windsor Senior Center to meet with residents and spend time speaking with them about issues facing the state of Connecticut.

Davis explained some of the issues the legislature has dealt with over the last 12 months and touched on a number of things that will likely come before the legislature in the upcoming session.

Those in attendance had many questions, mostly dealing with spending, taxes and jobs. A number of people expressed disgust in the practice of increasing spending at the same time the state raised taxes by a record amount.

Davis suggested the state should work on decreasing spending and easing taxes and regulations on businesses to help encourage job growth in Connecticut and get people back to work.

The 2012 session begins on February 8th and will convene on May 9th.

Categories davis

Reps. Rowe and Hovey introduce legislation to increase penalties for sale of alcohol to minors

by Michael Downes
January 31st, 2012

Representative T.R. Rowe (R-123) and Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-112) are introducing legislation this session of the Connecticut General Assembly which would increase the penalty for liquor stores and other properly licensed permittees when they sell alcohol to minors.

Current law prohibits sale and delivery of alcohol to those under 21-years of age and provides for a penalty of $1000, one year in prison, or both.  The penalty for sale or delivery of alcohol to a minor via the Internet is $1500, 18 months in prison, or both. There is no provision for a mandatory revocation of a liquor license; however the Department of Consumer Protection is authorized to revoke liquor licenses for any violation of the Liquor Control Act.

“The establishments that sell liquor have an obligation to ensure that they are not selling to minors, and most of them do a good job at it” said Rep. Rowe.  “In the instances where an establishment is lax or indifferent to selling to a minor, the current schedule of penalties isn’t appropriately tough.”

The proposed bill would increase the penalty for a permittee selling to a minor to a fine of $2000 and/or two years in prison, and $3000 or three years in prison for those selling via the Internet or through other means. A second offense would double those penalties, and a third offense would be a permanent revocation of the permittee’s liquor license.

“Of course, parents must be the first line of defense against underage drinking,” said Rep. Rowe.  “However, that defense ought not to be undermined by establishments who willfully turn a blind eye in order to profit.”

“Our intent is not to target law-abiding establishments, or even those who are duped by fake licenses or identification presented by a minor trying to illegally purchase alcoholic beverages,” said Rep. Hovey.  “This measure is intended to provide a substantial penalty against those who make an insufficient effort to ensure the law is adhered to and alcohol is not sold to minors.”

The 2012 session of the Connecticut General Assembly begins on February 8th, and concludes on May 2nd.

 

Categories rowe

Small Business Growth is Top Priority

by kruane
January 31st, 2012

Believe it or not, our current state government is both a burden and obstacle to the growth of small businesses in Connecticut. Just ask any Connecticut business owner about the oppressive over regulation and specific taxes that they must cope with each and every day.

These issues MUST be dealt with later this month at the special legislative session on job creation to minimize the intrusive policies that discourage businesses from setting up shop in Connecticut.

To ensure that we are prepared to talk about common sense solutions, House Minority Leader Larry Cafero and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney have met with the Governor and his staff to offer a list of recommendations which we support.  These proposals reflect a bipartisan approach to addressing the state’s grim business climate and bringing small business growth back to Connecticut.

The growth within the small manufacturing sector of Connecticut has proven to be an ongoing struggle over the past few decades. Ironically, Connecticut is also one of the most highly concentrated manufacturing states in the nation. The Connecticut Economy recently found that small manufacturers are approximately 28 percent more numerous in Connecticut than anywhere else in the nation, yet we still appear to be failing to meet the standards that are necessary for growth.

The national economic recession has certainly made it difficult for existing small business to prosper, but even during better times, like between 1996 and 2006, Connecticut lost 2.2 percent of its small businesses while the average state in the country saw a 10 percent increase. So despite a decade of economic prosperity, Connecticut had a true challenge sustaining business growth within its own borders.

So what is to blame for Connecticut’s ongoing lack of development in the private sector?

Small and large business employers alike are quick to point their fingers at Connecticut’s strict regulations and high tax rates as the conspirators standing in the way of industrial development. Small businesses have a tendency to be much more affected by these heavy regulation and numerous taxes simply because of their smaller wallets and smaller workforces to help navigate through tedious and ever-changing red tape regulations.

We have laid out a clear job creation and development plan to start to repair how the state deals with businesses.

These recommendations include providing general tax relief for small businesses by not taxing 30 percent of a company’s income as long as that 30 percent is reinvested in the company’s inventory, capital improvements, or company expansion.

Also, expanding the new job creation tax credit by permitting greater eligibility criteria would afford a break to businesses. Further expansion of the tax credit will make any business eligible to receive tax credits if it creates one new job.

Other proposals include improvements to current pro-business programs that are already in place in Connecticut. Eliminating the 3.5 percent withdrawal tax on the Manufacturer’s Reinvestment Account would enhance the program by opening it up to all small manufacturers.

There is no question that these are tough times.  With a 9% unemployment rate and fledgling record on jobs over the last 20 years, it’s time for the state government to make the necessary changes and “get down to business” about jobs.

Categories molgano

Hovey Introduces Bill to Preserve Equine Trails Across Connecticut

by Michael Downes
January 30th, 2012

The State ofConnecticutneeds to preserve a number of trails for equine use says State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112).  Hovey has introduced legislation this session of the Connecticut General Assembly to ensure equine access to a number of state trails and parks.

“You may not immediately think so, butConnecticuthas one of the highest populations of horses per square mile of all U.S. States,” said Rep. Hovey.  “Equine care and management are a significant part of this state’s economy, and we need to maximize accommodations for horses and riders throughout the state where possible. Equestrians contribute significantly to the state’s economy and they deserve a share of the open space we have worked to preserve.”

The bill would require that State Department of Environmental Protection to preserve the following trails for equine use:

  1. The Pequonnock and Housatonic Rail Bed Trail inBridgeport,Trumbull,MonroeandNewtown.
  2. The Bissell Trail.
  3. The Keney Park Trails inHartford.
  4. TheMachimoodusState ParkinEast Haddam.
  5. TheSunriseResort inEast Haddam.
  6. The Shenipsit State Forest Trails.
  7. TheBluffPointState Parkand Coastal Preserve and the Haley Farm inGroton.
  8. The Pachaug State Forest Trails.
  9. The Naugatuck State Forest Trails.

Similar legislation was enacted in 2009 and signed by then-Governor M. Jodi Rell preserving a number of other state parks for horse trails.  There is no additional cost associated with allowing horses on these already-existing trails.

Hovey said it was important to note that there are other important benefits to keeping the trails open, especially that it encourages people who are riding to keep an eye on what is happening in wooded areas.  She added that private property owners who allow horse riders to cross their property are not liable for any injuries or property damage resulting from the horses crossing through. 

The bill has been referred to the legislature’s Environment Committee for consideration.  This session of the Connecticut General Assembly convenes on February 8th and concludes on May 9th.

Categories hovey

Greenwich Legislators Focus on Environmental Priorities

by admin
January 30th, 2012

State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36) and State Representatives Livvy R. Floren (R-149), Lile R. Gibbons (R-150) and Fred Camillo (R-151) attended an annual legislative forum regarding environmental priorities that was hosted by Audubon Greenwich, the Greenwich Land Trust and the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission at the Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, January 25th.

“Living in close proximity to Long Island Sound and participating in numerous outdoor activities, I am personally aware of the importance of supporting a clean and healthy ecosystems and remain committed to doing so,” said Senator Frantz. “We must ensure that future proposals balance the need to create jobs and to protect the environment. I will continue to vote in favor of smart legislation that is sensitive to each of these responsibilities.”

“When faced with strained financial times, we must find innovative ways to protect our wildlife and the environment without a large price tag,” said Representative Floren. “We must do what we can to stay vigilant and protect our natural resources.”

The forum focused on numerous legislative priorities, including storm response, water management, tree maintenance, open space protection, and the streamlining of environmental regulations.

“The most important component of protecting the environment is awareness,” said Representative Gibbons.?”Everyone should know where and how to discard of harmful products like batteries and prescription drugs.?The Boy Scouts have been a great help in hosting events and publicizing the availability of proper waste receptacles.”

“Greenwich’s biggest accomplishment in 2011 was enacting a single stream recycling program,” said Representative Camillo. “Making it easier for residents to separate their garbage enhances the environment by?cultivating?positive recycling habits and??provides a financial savings to the town?by lowering our?municipal solid waste (MSW) numbers and increasing recycling rates.”

The “Environmental Priorities for Connecticut’s General Assembly” forum is an annual opportunity for members of the public to discuss environmental issues with state legislators in Greenwich.

Categories camillo, floren, gibbons

Rep. Giuliano Honors One of Old Saybrook’s Finest

by admin
January 30th, 2012

In December, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame inducted its 2011 class and of those 10 Veterans, one hails from Old Saybrook.

Hal Farrington, of the United States Army, was recognized for his outstanding community service and veterans’ support nationally and right here inConnecticut.

“Not many people are aware of how many active and retired veterans callEastern Connecticuthome.  Hal has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to connect these heroes to important services for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23. “His leadership has successfully established Veterans Service Offices at the New London Submarine Base, US Coast Guard Academy and Naval Station atNewportRhode Island.  These offices provide counseling and financial support to those veterans and families who need it most.”

 Farrington most recently served as the Federal Casualty Assistance Officer for the Veterans Administration. He supported families connected to over 148 Active Duty service men and women as they dealt with their loss.  Farrington did not shy away from such an important service when military families are in their greatest time of need.

“I was humbled joining Hal Farrington and his family for the induction ceremony,” said Rep. Giuliano. “It is rare to come across someone who continues to give so much for his country and community. I am glad he has received such a prestigious honor.”

Categories giuliano

Rep. Srinivasan speaks to Glastonbury area commissions

by jsorensen
January 30th, 2012

Rep. Srinivasan was on hand to speak at an informational event sponsored by the Glastonbury Commission on Aging and the Glastonbury Human Relations Commission. Rep. Srinivasan joined a panel of experts to help explain details of the Federal Affordable Care Act and the Connecticut Health Reform to attending seniors and people with disabilities. The conversation focused on the different avenues available for obtaining health care access for those groups. 

Rep Srinivasan was eager to compliment the organizers of the event who did a wonderful job of putting together a knowledgeable group of panelists who were willing to offer their valuable insight into these complex and vital issues.

He also spoke about the importance of home health care in certain cases, stating that ”Home health care is the most efficient way to deliver care. Patients and their families prefer the comfort of their own homes, and when you combine that with adequate medical care it is a win-win situation; both from a standpoint of personal comfort and cost effectiveness.”

Categories srinivasan

Rep. Srinivasan addresses the Indian Consulate in New York

by jsorensen
January 30th, 2012

Rep. Srinivasan speaks before the Indian Consulate in New York City

Rep. Srinivasan was honored to accept an invitation to address the Indian Consulate in New York City on Thursday, January 26, as part of their 63rd Republic Day Celebrations. Rep. Srivinasan marked the occasion by making a speech that articulated both the pride he has for his Indian heritage, as well as the passion he has for his present community and nation.

“As I look around the room, I see successful people. People who made the transition to living in this country and have done very well. Going beyond our personal successes are the individual and collective contributions we make to both our society here in the United Statesas well as inIndia. Our conscience, our personal barometer, should always raise the question of what are we giving back to these two nations? In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, ‘We make a living by what we get and we make a life by what we give’” said Rep. Srinivasan.

He went on to say, “We also need to foster an appreciation among our children and our grandchildren for the richness of our culture and history. When you combine our heritage with the the opportunities of this nation, the sky is the limit.” Rep Srinivasan concluded by saying “Thankful for our past, successful in the present and looking forward to better and brighter days in the future.”

Categories srinivasan
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