Archive for February 2012

Williams Supports Funding for Fire Training Schools

by CFryx
February 29th, 2012

State Representative Sean Williams (R- Oakville) applauded the Governor’s proposal to bond $26.2 million for our aging and antiquated regional fire training schools inConnecticut, including theWolcottRegionalFireSchool.

Williams, the House Republican leader on the State Bond Commission, stressed the need for proper training facilities for firefighters. “When people dial 911 they expect a properly trained firefighter at their door,” he said. “Providing suitable training facilities will help ensure that happens.”

“I have always said that we should limit our bonding to public health, public safety and infrastructure. The renovation of our fire training schools fits in that category,” Williams added.

Williams said there are a lot of people that should be thanked for pushing the bonding project including Dave Hardt of the Watertown Fire Department, Al Hawkins, Chairman of the Fire School Education Committee and Jeff Morrisette from the Commission of Fire Prevention and Control.

“It took a lot of time and effort to see this to fruition,” Hardt said. “I would like to thank the all of the members of the Statewide Fire School Education Committee, all of the regional Fire School Directors and the State Fire Commission for sticking together to secure the bonding. It truly was a group effort. These renovations will help improve the training of our firefighters and, by extension, makeConnecticutresidents safer.”

Along with theWolcottRegionalFireSchool, the other schools affected by this legislation are: theBurrvilleFireSchoolinTorrington, theEasternConnecticutFireSchoolin Willimantic, theFairfieldFireSchool, and theValleyFireSchoolinBeaconFalls.

According to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, there are about 26,000 firefighters inConnecticut. About 4,000 are professional firefighters and more than 22,000 are volunteers, as is the case inWatertown.

Categories williams

Representatives Hoydick and Miller, Senator Kelly Host Business Forum

by Michael Downes
February 29th, 2012

Stratford – State Senator Kevin C. Kelly (R-21) and State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120) and Larry Miller (R-122) attended a business forum in partnership with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the Stratford Chamber of Commerce at the Stratford Library on Tuesday, February 28th.

“The passage of the jobs bill last October gives me hope that we can continue in a bipartisan way toward fixing our economic problems and expand job growth in this state,” said Rep Hoydick. “This was a great opportunity to discuss the provisions and the opportunities that the jobs package offers, while continuing to address the needs of the business community.”

“After the jobs bill was passed in October, numerous provisions are now available to help our local businesses expand and create jobs,” said Senator Kelly. “It is important to share this information with business owners in our community, and I am happy to have had this opportunity to speak with the Stratford Chamber of Commerce.”

The legislators gave a presentation to local business owners and Chamber members regarding provisions in the jobs bill that was passed at an October special session.  The forum was attended by over two dozen people.

Categories hoydick

Rep. D’Amelio Testifies on Minimum Wage Issue

by admin
February 29th, 2012

State Representative Tony D’Amelio (R-71) today testified in front of the Labor Committee saying it’s the wrong time to raise the state’s minimum wage and put more mandates on Connecticut’s businesses.

“While I appreciate the intent of this bill I do not believe now is the right time to add even more regulations and mandates on our businesses,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “Connecticut businesses, especially the small businesses who can least afford it are already struggling to survive and placing one more burden on how they operate will cause them to reduce costs further and that means letting people go.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 12,000 Connecticut businesses closed their doors in 2011 alone. During testimony Rep. D’Amelio referenced his own restaurant business and said this past year was one of the most difficult he’s experienced in almost thirty years.

“A business owner only has so much revenue coming in and forcing him to spend more on minimum wage means he must cut costs somewhere else,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “Unfortunately, many small businesses will reduce staff in order to survive. Energy and material costs keep going up and business owners can only control the cost of labor.”

Connecticut currently has the fourth highest minimum wage in the country and 65% of businesses in CT say that the cost of doing business is the greatest challenge that they face. Increasing the minimum wage increases the cost of doing business. Raising the minimum wage also reduces the availability of entry-level jobs which provide on-the-job training and experience and higher minimum wages saw off the bottom rung of many workers’ career ladders.

Categories d'amelio

Shaban Seeks Tax Relief for Seniors

by CFryx
February 29th, 2012

The continuing weakness in the economy has been especially hard on seniors living on fixed incomes. In response, State Representative John Shaban (R- Easton, Redding, and Weston) proposed a bill earlier this month to exempt social security benefits from the state income tax.

“Our seniors have paid state and federal taxes for their entire lives, and were promised that the social security portion of their money would be returned as retirement benefits,” Shaban said, “reducing these benefits through taxation would be a second bite at the apple.” 

Shaban commented that people living on fixed incomes have been forced to keep up with our state’s repeated increases in income and sales taxes, local property taxes and the general cost of living in Connecticut. “I think its time we provide some modicum of relief to our seniors and let them keep what they earned decades ago.”

With some disdain, Shaban noted that Connecticut has again been ranked among the worst states in which to retire. While 36 states do not tax social security retirement benefits at all, Connecticut only exempts benefits received by those with a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of under $50,000 (under $60,000 for married filing jointly). Additionally, Connecticut is one of just five states that do not allow exemptions or credits against senior’s AGI for pension or other retirement income, one exception is that veterans’ pensions have a 50% exemption.

Since taking office Shaban has said we must rein in the taxing and spending of our government for the sake of all citizens. “Still, out of fundamental fairness, I think we should start with reducing the tax burden on seniors.” Shaban added that “my goal is to make senior tax relief a reality this session; if necessary I will continue to press the issue in future sessions until it’s done.”

The legislative session ends on May 9th.

Categories shaban

Rep. Kokoruda Refuses to Sell Out Small Businesses

by admin
February 28th, 2012

Today State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R-Madison) stood in opposition to another potential policy that would prove harmful to the small business community, contradicting the conversations, plans and bipartisan jobs bill we passed in October which did much to foster growth for existing business and encourage new business to open in our state.  

“Over the last year we have all talked about doing more for small business inConnecticut, recognizing the number of jobs created by these small businesses,” said Rep. Kokoruda.  “This bill is totally counter to all we have tried to do in supporting our small businesses.  In my own town ofMadison, seven independent package stores’ futures are being threatened by the provisions contained in this bill.”

According to Governor Malloy, this bill will modernizeConnecticut’s liquor laws so thatConnecticutwill be more competitive.  Local, independent package stores won’t be more competitive, they will be closed.

“Our independent liquor stores dot our main streets and are part of each of our communities.  These business owners obey our laws, pay their taxes and donate to their towns’ civic organizations,” Kokoruda said.

This bill, in allowing quantity discounts, gives an unfair advantage to big box stores.  Quantity discounts enable large stores to sell alcoholic products at much lower prices than the small retailers.

“While HB 5021 gives consideration to increased tax revenue and greater availability to the consumer, it does not address the public health and safety impact or greater access, cheaper prices and more consumption,” warned Rep. Kokoruda.

“I have met with several of my local package store owners, and each of these business owners and their employees oppose this bill. The changes proposed in this bill – in pricing, licensing and ownership rules – will hurt them and all independent package store owners throughoutConnecticut,” said Kokoruda.  “I respectfully urge you to protect these small business owners and not support this bill.”

Categories kokoruda

Rep. Brenda Kupchick Refuses to Sell Out Small Business Owners

by admin
February 28th, 2012

Today State Representative Brenda Kupchick (R-Fairfield) stood up for over 1000 local business owners around the state by fighting game changing legislation  which would practically eliminate small package stores in Connecticut.

Kupchick testified in opposition of HB 5021, An Act Concerning Competitive Alcoholic Liquor Pricing and Hours of Operation for Permittees, arguing that the so-called “Sunday Sales” bill is an easy sell at face value, however it contains several other protocol changes that would prove devastating to CT local package stores.

Giving consumers the option to purchase liquor on Sundays at first seems like a reasonable change in the law.  Rep. Kupchick, who operates a small business herself, has learned much visiting local shops and talking with their owners about the periphery effects this bill will have on small package stores and similar businesses.

“I believe, the passage of this bill as it stands will benefit large box stores tremendously and the local package stores will not be able to compete,” Rep. Kupchick said.

This bill is yet another item on the roster of policies in Connecticut that do not support the growth of small businesses.

Rep. Kupchick continued, “Do we want to have a hand in putting local entrepreneurs out of business?”

This bill also recommends the elimination the state’s pricing minimum, which would allow big box stores to over purchase, over stock, and under sell, driving the small business owner out of business.  The premise of this proposal hopes to cut into revenues that are currently lost to neighboring states, though it is no silver bullet. 

“Connecticut loses tax revenue on liquor not only due to availability, but because of price,” said Kupchick.  “Massachusetts’s taxes are lower on alcohol, so even on Sundays; it would be cheaper to travel out of state to purchase liquor.”

The governor’s budget last year included a large tax increase on liquor that added to the burden of the package store owners and consumers. 

“When you visit states that have little to no restriction on their liquor sales, you witness large warehouse liquor stores, aisles of liquor in grocery stores, and no small independently owned stores where you can ask for recommendations, discuss different vintages or develop a relationship with a local business owner,” said Rep. Kupchick.

“This past holiday season, like many Americans, I went out of my way to buy local because I felt it was important to support the small businesses in my community. Some Connecticut residents say they support Sunday Sales, but when you share the consequence with them, they change their opinion,” Rep. Kupchick said.  “It is my hope that we take the livelihood of our state’s small business community into sincere consideration when voting on this bill.”

Categories kupchick

Newtown Youth and Family Services Visits Hartford

by Michael Downes
February 28th, 2012

Newtown Youth and Family Services were among the numerous nonprofit organizations which visited the State Capitol during Nonprofit Week on February 17, 2012.  In the photo above are: Carlos Reinoso, Jr., coordinator of statewide outreach and community releations for the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling; Kaitlyn Johnson, community coordinator for NYFS; Candace Foster, executive director of NYFS; and State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112).

Categories hovey

Rep. Molgano Testifies Before the Public Safety Committee

by kruane
February 28th, 2012

 Rep. Michael Molgano testified before the Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 28th in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to speak in favor of House Bill 5295 An Act Concerning Eligibility Requirements for Employment as a Police Officer.

H.B. 5295 intends to assist a person who has served as a police officer outside of the state to have the opportunity to serve as an officer withinConnecticut by permitting the Current Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to examine a person’s law enforcement career despite a past offense.

Currently, a police officer from a jurisdiction outside ofConnecticutwho had previously committed a crime that would be equivalent to a Class A or Class B misdemeanor inConnecticutis prohibited from qualifying for a police officer position withinConnecticut.

The bill proposes that a person who has served as a police officer outside ofConnecticuthas the chance to be eligible to serve as an officer withinConnecticutdespite previous wrongdoings committed in other states.

“The regulation disallows POST from even considering the accomplishments and successful career of a person who wishes to serve and protect the people ofConnecticut,” said Molgano during the public hearing. “This bill does not usurp the Council’s authority to discern all necessary prerequisites and qualifications to serve as an officer of the law; it permits POST to acknowledge a person’s established law enforcement career despite a past offense.”

Categories molgano

Rep. Greene Testifies Before Veterans’ Affaris Committee to Support Increasing Penalties on Memorial Destruction

by kruane
February 28th, 2012

State Representative Len Greene testified before the Select Committee on Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, February 28th at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to support increasing the penalties for the damage or theft of war and veterans’ memorials.

S.B. – 198 An Act Concerning Desecration of War or Veterans’ Memorials aims to double the existing fine up to $10,000 for the theft or damage of memorials over $1,000, and up to $4,000 for theft or damage under $1,000. The bill would also require full restitution for the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged war or veterans’ memorials or monuments

In 2011, over the course of a few weeks the towns ofAnsonia,DerbyandSheltonwere victimized by thieves who stole War Memorial Monuments designed to permanently commemorate the heroic actions of many of the Valley’s bravest.

“The nature of this crime has truly struck home with our residents in the Valley, particularly those who served with their friends and their families,” said Greene. “The lack of sensitivity and respect to our veterans is abundantly clear in this case, but what is often not considered is the impact such a crime can have on the local community as a whole.”

Criminal penalties for vandalism or theft are currently tied to the monetary value of the monument. State Representative Len Greene expressed in front of the Veterans Committee that he would like to see an increase in those penalties across the board no matter the cost of the monument.

“Each year we hold events meant to honor our veterans, and often times these monuments serve as tangible reminders of their sacrifice. Therefore, in my opinion, any crime against the community as a whole should be subject to stricter penalties because of it. In doing so, we as a state are acknowledging that Veterans Memorials are in fact worth more to our communities then the simple material value of the monument.”

Categories greene

Perillo Supports Higher Penalties for those who Damage War Memorials

by jdooley
February 28th, 2012

HARTFORD- A bill to increase the penalties for the intentional desecration of war or veterans’ memorials has the full support of Shelton State Rep. Jason Perillo.

Perillo submitted supporting testimony at the public hearing of SB-198 An Act Concerning Desecration of War or Veterans’ Memorials in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, February 28th.

“The theft of property unfortunately has become a more common occurrence in our society. Items stolen nowadays are copper, bronze, and other valuable metals and then sold for scrap. In particular, two sources of these metals include veterans’ monuments and memorials found on town greens as well as cemeteries,” said Perillo.

In 2011 the towns of Ansonia, Derby and Shelton had a rash of such thefts over a several week period.
“I personally find this repulsive that individuals would desecrate their veteran’s monuments that were erected in recognition of their service to our country, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Perillo.

SB 198 would double the existing fine to up to $10,000 for a theft or damage of over a $1,000 and up to $4,000 for a theft or damage under $1,000 and the court shall require full restitution for all costs of repair and replacement of the property.

“The heftier penalty is a proper punishment for the crime and will assist to compensate towns for the repair or replacement of those memorials and monuments that honor our veterans and war heroes,” said Perillo.

Categories perillo
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