Author Archive for Michael Downes

O’Neill Shepherds Common Interest Community Legislation Through House

by Michael Downes
May 17th, 2013

Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-69) ushered a significant condominium association bill through the House of Representatives during session late Wednesday night. The bill, which passed unanimously, requires that in order for a condominium community budget to be rejected, a majority of unit owners voting must vote to reject it, instead of a majority of total unit owners. It also requires that the number voting to reject it must exceed 1/3 of the total unit owners. This qualification would prevent small and unrepresentative populations from blocking what would otherwise be a satisfactory budget.

“This bill is meant to protect and enhance the democratic process at Southbury’s Heritage Village and all condominiums throughout the state,” said Rep. O’Neill. “I am grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as well as the early support expressed by the governor’s office for this measure.”

In January Representative O’Neill joined State Senator Rob Kane, and Scott Sandler, President of the Community Associations Institute, for a discussion on the measure he has introduced this year which would provide a more democratic process for unit owners in common ownership communities who vote on budget questions before those communities.

Under current law, common interest community annual budgets and special assessments are approved unless a majority of all unit owners, or a larger number specified in the association’s declaration, votes to reject them. The bill instead provides that a proposed budget or assessment is rejected if a majority of all unit owners participating in the vote rejects it and at least one-third of unit owners entitled to vote on the measure vote to reject it. Otherwise, the budget or assessment is deemed approved.

Under existing law and the bill, the absence of a quorum in the vote does not affect the budget’s or assessment’s approval or rejection.

If the unit owners reject a proposed budget, the last approved budget continues until they approve a subsequent budget. Also, unit owner approval is not required for special assessments that are small relative to the association’s budget unless the declaration or bylaws provide otherwise or needed in an emergency.

The bill, House Bill 6513, AN ACT CONCERNING THE BUDGET AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENT APPROVAL PROCESS IN COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITIES now moves on to the State Senate for action there. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns on June 5th, 2013.

 

 

Categories o'neill feature

Veterans’ Grave Flag Measure Passes Senate; Heads to Governor Malloy for Signature

by Michael Downes
May 16th, 2013

vet-grave-flag-slider

Last evening the State Senate passed a measure introduced by Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) which would protect the placement of flags at the gravesites of war veterans around Memorial Day.  The measure was added to a larger flag code bill when Rep. Perillo ushered it through the State House earlier this month.

Current law prohibits any town, cemetery association or ecclesiastical society from enacting bylaws restricting the placement of the flag of the United States on veterans’ graves from the Saturday before Memorial Day until the Monday after the Fourth of July.  The new bill would prohibit such restrictions starting from the Friday prior to Memorial Day.

“We felt it was important to improve on past legislation to assure that a cemetery could not restrict the placement of American flags at veterans’ gravesites during the season when their sacrifices are observed,” said Rep. Perillo.  “I am pleased that this measure received such complete approval in the State Senate and it is our hope that Governor Malloy will now sign this bill which is hitting his desk just as we head into Memorial Day.”

“I am proud to join with my colleagues to support legislation that would protect the caring and dedicated volunteers who decorate veterans’ gravesites in observance of Memorial Day,” said Senator Kelly. “Among the many issues facing our state today, it is important to recognize the veterans who have sacrificed their time, safety and in some cases their lives on our behalf. I applaud the unanimous support for this measure that will now provide more time to properly memorialize veterans’ gravesites.”

The legislators noted that the time frame allotted for flag placement is too narrow with VFW organizations and American Legion members, many of whom are advanced in age, needing more time to ensure adequate placement of these flags in advance of the Memorial Day holiday. 

The bill, HB 6457, An Act Concerning the Display of the State or National Flag at Half-Staff passed unanimously in the Senate, and had passed the House on May 2nd.  The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.

This session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn on June 5th, 2013.

 

Categories perillo feature

Reps. Miller, Hwang and Hoydick Recognize the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County

by Michael Downes
May 15th, 2013

disability slider

Reps. Laura Hoydick, Tony Hwang and Larry Miller recognized the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County and the great work they do, last night at their annual meeting. Their thirty-second Annual Meeting was held at St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Center and featured a performance from the Triumphant Fire Choir. The dinner honored the retirement of Tony LaCava, the organization’s executive director.

“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to recognize the amazing contributions of Tony LaCava at his last annual meeting as Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Rep. Hoydick. “His leadership and direction have been indispensable in raising the agency to new heights providing essential resources, technology and support to disabled adults.”

“I want to thank Executive Director Tony LaCava for the tremendous effort and passion he has given to the advocacy of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Hwang. “The DRCFC has done remarkable work to ensure that those with disabilities are empowered and that they are given the tools to do so successfully. Their effort to remove the societal barriers that sometimes face those with disability is truly a great asset to have in our community.”

“Tony LaCava has been a driving force behind the success of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Rep. Miller. “His service to those in need in our region has set a tremendous example of providing the means of independence to countless citizens, and we will all miss him in his well-earned retirement.”

The Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County is a cross-disability resource and advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Its basic values are consumer primacy, empowerment, and a belief that the problems of disability are located in society, not in the individual. The work of Centers for Independent Living is directed primarily at advocating for the removal of physical and psychological barriers and assisting consumers in dealing with those barriers.

Categories miller feature

Reps. Hoydick, Hwang, and Miller Recognize the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County

by Michael Downes
May 15th, 2013

disability slider

Reps. Laura Hoydick, Tony Hwang and Larry Miller recognized the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County and the great work they do, last night at their annual meeting. Their thirty-second Annual Meeting was held at St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Center and featured a performance from the Triumphant Fire Choir. The dinner honored the retirement of Tony LaCava, the organization’s executive director.

“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to recognize the amazing contributions of Tony LaCava at his last annual meeting as Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Rep. Hoydick. “His leadership and direction have been indispensable in raising the agency to new heights providing essential resources, technology and support to disabled adults.”

“I want to thank Executive Director Tony LaCava for the tremendous effort and passion he has given to the advocacy of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Hwang. “The DRCFC has done remarkable work to ensure that those with disabilities are empowered and that they are given the tools to do so successfully. Their effort to remove the societal barriers that sometimes face those with disability is truly a great asset to have in our community.”

“Tony LaCava has been a driving force behind the success of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County,” said Rep. Miller. “His service to those in need in our region has set a tremendous example of providing the means of independence to countless citizens, and we will all miss him in his well-earned retirement.”

The Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County is a cross-disability resource and advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Its basic values are consumer primacy, empowerment, and a belief that the problems of disability are located in society, not in the individual. The work of Centers for Independent Living is directed primarily at advocating for the removal of physical and psychological barriers and assisting consumers in dealing with those barriers.

Categories hoydick feature

STATE LEGISLATORS, LEADERS FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS STAND IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED CUTS

by Michael Downes
May 14th, 2013

State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), Larry Miller, (R-122) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined Dr. Stuart G. Marcus, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Mr. William Jennings, President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital today to stand in opposition to proposed cuts to Connecticut hospitals in the Governor’s proposed budget which would have a significant impact on patient care and healthcare workers in the region.

At a press conference today at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Urgent Care Center in Shelton, the legislators and hospital presidents outlined how in a span of only four years, hospitals have gone from gaining $50 million in FY12 to losing $268 million in FY15. What started as a mechanism to help the state and hospitals has turned out to be a tax increase with the state retaining almost all of the tax revenue instead of returning it to hospitals. In addition, hospitals will begin seeing reductions in federal Medicare dollars starting next year.

“This cut proposed by Governor Malloy could have a significant long-term negative impact on the ability of our local medical facilities to provide timely, critical care to patients in our region,” said Rep. Perillo. “This tremendous drop in funding can have no other result than to compromise the ability of our healthcare providers and emergency responders to provide our area with needed medical services. We stand with our local hospitals today to oppose the dangerous course the administration is setting us on.”

“The state budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of our healthcare providers, or at the expense of quality care across Connecticut,” said Rep. Hoydick. “We are collectively calling on the administration to recognize the need to adequately fund our hospitals and to honor the commitment they made just a couple of years ago to make them whole in the state budget.”

“I don’t think it’s any secret that all areas of the economy are having substantial difficulty in recovering from the recession,” said Rep. Miller. “But it is inexcusable to place into jeopardy the quality of care and patient service at our local hospitals by shifting funding away from them to satisfy other state budget items.”

“The Governor’s proposed cuts to hospitals will reduce healthcare quality and access, eliminate jobs we need and shred a safety net which many people depend upon, especially those families who do not qualify for Medicaid and have no insurance,” said Sen. Kelly. “I oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts to healthcare, and I am working to keep these good paying jobs and hospitals in our community by reversing this poor public policy choice.”

“At this juncture, it is imperative that legislators and their constituents realize the devastating impact on patient care at our hospitals that will result from Governor Malloy’s proposed budget cuts,” said Dr. Marcus. “We ask state residents to express their opposition and legislators to vote against these cuts which amount to a huge tax on hospitals, a tax far greater than that imposed on for-profit corporations.”

“The proposed state budget cuts to hospital reimbursement would have a devastating impact on Connecticut hospitals,” said Mr. Jennings. “In this changing healthcare environment, we need to find ways to balance the interest of our safety nets with the state’s budget shortfall. We need targeted reforms that will create a long-term solution to rising healthcare costs. It is critical that the proposed cuts are removed from the state budget.”

In December of 2012 (FY13), faced with a current-year deficit, the legislature worked on adjustments to the Governor’s Deficit Mitigation Plan. The largest part of the plan was a reduction in funding to hospitals. Governor Malloy proposed cutting hospitals by $113 million. Republicans fought during negotiations to reduce that cut by $10 million – to $103 million. In his proposed budget for FY 14 and FY15, Governor Malloy has proposed cuts of $207.4 million and $343.1 million in each of the fiscal years, respectively. Cuts are applied to the state’s Disproportionate Share – Hospital (DSH) program, as well as Medicaid.

Categories HRO Featured

STATE LEGISLATORS, LEADERS FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS STAND IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED CUTS

by Michael Downes
May 14th, 2013


State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), Larry Miller, (R-122) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined Dr. Stuart G. Marcus, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Mr. William Jennings, President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital today to stand in opposition to proposed cuts to Connecticut hospitals in the Governor’s proposed budget which would have a significant impact on patient care and healthcare workers in the region.

At a press conference today at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Urgent Care Center in Shelton, the legislators and hospital presidents outlined how in a span of only four years, hospitals have gone from gaining $50 million in FY12 to losing $268 million in FY15. What started as a mechanism to help the state and hospitals has turned out to be a tax increase with the state retaining almost all of the tax revenue instead of returning it to hospitals. In addition, hospitals will begin seeing reductions in federal Medicare dollars starting next year.

“This cut proposed by Governor Malloy could have a significant long-term negative impact on the ability of our local medical facilities to provide timely, critical care to patients in our region,” said Rep. Perillo.  “This tremendous drop in funding can have no other result than to compromise the ability of our healthcare providers and emergency responders to provide our area with needed medical services.  We stand with our local hospitals today to oppose the dangerous course the administration is setting us on.”

“The state budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of our healthcare providers, or at the expense of quality care across Connecticut,” said Rep. Hoydick.  “We are collectively calling on the administration to recognize the need to adequately fund our hospitals and to honor the commitment they made just a couple of years ago to make them whole in the state budget.” 

“I don’t think it’s any secret that all areas of the economy are having substantial difficulty in recovering from the recession,” said Rep. Miller.  “But it is inexcusable to place into jeopardy the quality of care and patient service at our local hospitals by shifting funding away from them to satisfy other state budget items.”

“The Governor’s proposed cuts to hospitals will reduce healthcare quality and access, eliminate jobs we need and shred a safety net which many people depend upon, especially those families who do not qualify for Medicaid and have no insurance,” said Sen. Kelly. “I oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts to healthcare, and I am working to keep these good paying jobs and hospitals in our community by reversing this poor public policy choice.”

 ”At this juncture, it is imperative that legislators and their constituents realize the devastating impact on patient care at our hospitals that will result from Governor Malloy’s proposed budget cuts,” said Dr. Marcus. “We ask state residents to express their opposition and legislators to vote against these cuts which amount to a huge tax on hospitals, a tax far greater than that imposed on for-profit corporations.”

“The proposed state budget cuts to hospital reimbursement would have a devastating impact on Connecticut hospitals,” said Mr. Jennings. “In this changing healthcare environment, we need to find ways to balance the interest of our safety nets with the state’s budget shortfall.  We need targeted reforms that will create a long-term solution to rising healthcare costs.  It is critical that the proposed cuts are removed from the state budget.”

In December of 2012 (FY13), faced with a current-year deficit, the legislature worked on adjustments to the Governor’s Deficit Mitigation Plan. The largest part of the plan was a reduction in funding to hospitals. Governor Malloy proposed cutting hospitals by $113 million. Republicans fought during negotiations to reduce that cut by $10 million – to $103 million. In his proposed budget for FY 14 and FY15, Governor Malloy has proposed cuts of $207.4 million and $343.1 million in each of the fiscal years, respectively. Cuts are applied to the state’s Disproportionate Share – Hospital (DSH) program, as well as Medicaid.

Categories miller feature

STATE LEGISLATORS, LEADERS FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS STAND IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED CUTS

by Michael Downes
May 14th, 2013

State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), Larry Miller, (R-122) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined Dr. Stuart G. Marcus, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Mr. William Jennings, President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital today to stand in opposition to proposed cuts to Connecticut hospitals in the Governor’s proposed budget which would have a significant impact on patient care and healthcare workers in the region.

At a press conference today at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Urgent Care Center in Shelton, the legislators and hospital presidents outlined how in a span of only four years, hospitals have gone from gaining $50 million in FY12 to losing $268 million in FY15. What started as a mechanism to help the state and hospitals has turned out to be a tax increase with the state retaining almost all of the tax revenue instead of returning it to hospitals. In addition, hospitals will begin seeing reductions in federal Medicare dollars starting next year.

“This cut proposed by Governor Malloy could have a significant long-term negative impact on the ability of our local medical facilities to provide timely, critical care to patients in our region,” said Rep. Perillo.  “This tremendous drop in funding can have no other result than to compromise the ability of our healthcare providers and emergency responders to provide our area with needed medical services.  We stand with our local hospitals today to oppose the dangerous course the administration is setting us on.”

“The state budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of our healthcare providers, or at the expense of quality care across Connecticut,” said Rep. Hoydick.  “We are collectively calling on the administration to recognize the need to adequately fund our hospitals and to honor the commitment they made just a couple of years ago to make them whole in the state budget.” 

“I don’t think it’s any secret that all areas of the economy are having substantial difficulty in recovering from the recession,” said Rep. Miller.  “But it is inexcusable to place into jeopardy the quality of care and patient service at our local hospitals by shifting funding away from them to satisfy other state budget items.”

“The Governor’s proposed cuts to hospitals will reduce healthcare quality and access, eliminate jobs we need and shred a safety net which many people depend upon, especially those families who do not qualify for Medicaid and have no insurance,” said Sen. Kelly. “I oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts to healthcare, and I am working to keep these good paying jobs and hospitals in our community by reversing this poor public policy choice.”

 ”At this juncture, it is imperative that legislators and their constituents realize the devastating impact on patient care at our hospitals that will result from Governor Malloy’s proposed budget cuts,” said Dr. Marcus. “We ask state residents to express their opposition and legislators to vote against these cuts which amount to a huge tax on hospitals, a tax far greater than that imposed on for-profit corporations.”

“The proposed state budget cuts to hospital reimbursement would have a devastating impact on Connecticut hospitals,” said Mr. Jennings. “In this changing healthcare environment, we need to find ways to balance the interest of our safety nets with the state’s budget shortfall.  We need targeted reforms that will create a long-term solution to rising healthcare costs.  It is critical that the proposed cuts are removed from the state budget.”

In December of 2012 (FY13), faced with a current-year deficit, the legislature worked on adjustments to the Governor’s Deficit Mitigation Plan. The largest part of the plan was a reduction in funding to hospitals. Governor Malloy proposed cutting hospitals by $113 million. Republicans fought during negotiations to reduce that cut by $10 million – to $103 million. In his proposed budget for FY 14 and FY15, Governor Malloy has proposed cuts of $207.4 million and $343.1 million in each of the fiscal years, respectively. Cuts are applied to the state’s Disproportionate Share – Hospital (DSH) program, as well as Medicaid.

Categories hoydick feature

STATE LEGISLATORS, LEADERS FROM LOCAL HOSPITALS STAND IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED CUTS

by Michael Downes
May 14th, 2013

State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), Larry Miller, (R-122) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) joined Dr. Stuart G. Marcus, President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Mr. William Jennings, President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital today to stand in opposition to proposed cuts to Connecticut hospitals in the Governor’s proposed budget which would have a significant impact on patient care and healthcare workers in the region.

At a press conference today at the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Urgent Care Center in Shelton, the legislators and hospital presidents outlined how in a span of only four years, hospitals have gone from gaining $50 million in FY12 to losing $268 million in FY15. What started as a mechanism to help the state and hospitals has turned out to be a tax increase with the state retaining almost all of the tax revenue instead of returning it to hospitals. In addition, hospitals will begin seeing reductions in federal Medicare dollars starting next year.

“This cut proposed by Governor Malloy could have a significant long-term negative impact on the ability of our local medical facilities to provide timely, critical care to patients in our region,” said Rep. Perillo.  “This tremendous drop in funding can have no other result than to compromise the ability of our healthcare providers and emergency responders to provide our area with needed medical services.  We stand with our local hospitals today to oppose the dangerous course the administration is setting us on.”

“The state budget shouldn’t be balanced on the backs of our healthcare providers, or at the expense of quality care across Connecticut,” said Rep. Hoydick.  “We are collectively calling on the administration to recognize the need to adequately fund our hospitals and to honor the commitment they made just a couple of years ago to make them whole in the state budget.” 

“I don’t think it’s any secret that all areas of the economy are having substantial difficulty in recovering from the recession,” said Rep. Miller.  “But it is inexcusable to place into jeopardy the quality of care and patient service at our local hospitals by shifting funding away from them to satisfy other state budget items.”

“The Governor’s proposed cuts to hospitals will reduce healthcare quality and access, eliminate jobs we need and shred a safety net which many people depend upon, especially those families who do not qualify for Medicaid and have no insurance,” said Sen. Kelly. “I oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts to healthcare, and I am working to keep these good paying jobs and hospitals in our community by reversing this poor public policy choice.”

 ”At this juncture, it is imperative that legislators and their constituents realize the devastating impact on patient care at our hospitals that will result from Governor Malloy’s proposed budget cuts,” said Dr. Marcus. “We ask state residents to express their opposition and legislators to vote against these cuts which amount to a huge tax on hospitals, a tax far greater than that imposed on for-profit corporations.”

“The proposed state budget cuts to hospital reimbursement would have a devastating impact on Connecticut hospitals,” said Mr. Jennings. “In this changing healthcare environment, we need to find ways to balance the interest of our safety nets with the state’s budget shortfall.  We need targeted reforms that will create a long-term solution to rising healthcare costs.  It is critical that the proposed cuts are removed from the state budget.”

In December of 2012 (FY13), faced with a current-year deficit, the legislature worked on adjustments to the Governor’s Deficit Mitigation Plan. The largest part of the plan was a reduction in funding to hospitals. Governor Malloy proposed cutting hospitals by $113 million. Republicans fought during negotiations to reduce that cut by $10 million – to $103 million. In his proposed budget for FY 14 and FY15, Governor Malloy has proposed cuts of $207.4 million and $343.1 million in each of the fiscal years, respectively. Cuts are applied to the state’s Disproportionate Share – Hospital (DSH) program, as well as Medicaid.

Categories perillo feature

Connecticut’s Tax Freedom Day Arrives

by Michael Downes
May 13th, 2013

taxfreedom slider

Representative Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) joined State Senators Joe Markley (R-Southington) and Mike McLachlan (R-Danbury) today in celebrating Connecticut’s Tax Freedom Day – the day on which the state’s citizens stop working for the government and start working for themselves. This is the latest date for any state in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.

“This year’s tax freedom date is also eight days later than it was last year, reflecting a truly amazing and alarming jump in our tax burden,” said Sen. Markley. “High taxes – many of them retroactive taxes – have helped create a dismal economic climate in Connecticut.”

Around the nation, Tax Freedom Day arrived on April 18. Connecticut residents work three and a half weeks longer to pay taxes than the average person in American does.

“In this case, last most certainly is least,” Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury) said. “Connecticut is heading in the wrong direction. In 2011, we endured the largest tax hike in state history. Now, we are faced with a proposed budget which calls for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenues. The gas tax, for example, could jump by the largest amount in state history on July 1.”

According to the United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, personal income growth in Connecticut was only 2% from 2011 to 2012, the second lowest in the country. Since the state income tax was passed in 1991, our state has ranked dead last in economic growth.

Here are some of Connecticut’s taxes at a glance, as reported by the Tax Foundation:

• Connecticut’s personal income tax system consists of six brackets and a top rate of 6.7%. That rate ranks 18th highest among states levying an individual income tax. Connecticut’s income tax collections per person were $1617 in 2010, which ranked 4th highest nationally.

• Connecticut’s corporate income tax system consists of a flat rate of 9%. That rate ranks 6th highest among states levying a corporate income tax. Connecticut’s corporate tax collections per person were $142 in 2010, which ranked 12th highest nationally.

• Connecticut levies a 6.35% general sales or use tax on consumers, which is above the national median of 6%. Connecticut’s state and local governments collect $881 per person in general sales taxes and $623 per person in excise taxes, for a combined figure of $1505, which ranks 15th highest nationally.

• Connecticut’s gasoline tax stands at 45¢ (4th highest nationally) there is a scheduled increase on the petroleum gross receipts tax for July 1st bringing that from 7% to 8.1%

• The cigarette tax stands at $3.40 per pack (3rd highest nationally.)

• Connecticut’s state and local governments collected approximately $2522 per person in property taxes, which ranks 3rd highest nationally.

Connecticut has increased its tax revenue by 15% from 2011 to 2012. Less than 1% of that increase was the result of economic growth; the rest came from higher tax rates and one-time revenues.

The Governor’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) reported last month that the economic recovery of the state is “quite slow” and shows only “minor growth.”

This legislative session, Sen. Markley introduced a bill to ban retroactive taxes here in Connecticut, like the increase in the state income tax which surprised so many people in 2011. SB 154, An Act Concerning Retroactive Tax Increases, was debated in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

“Though I haven’t heard a good argument against my bill, there seems little chance it will even be brought up for a vote this session,” said Sen. Markley.

“The state faces a $2 billion deficit over the next two years, despite the enormous tax hike, largest in state history, in 2011,” added Rep. Sampson. “The problem is wasteful spending.”

The Governor proposed a budget increase in spending over the next two years by nearly 10%. That’s an additional $2.9 billion over two years. The majority party also proposed a budget with an even higher increase in spending suggesting the state budget for approximately $55 million more in spending than the Governor requested.

“We all have an incentive to confront state government’s spending addiction, and that is the preservation of Connecticut’s middle class,” Sen. McLachlan said. “Working families across this state are tapped out, fed up, and afraid of running out of money. Lawmakers who say they are ‘for working people,’ are passing policies which hurt working people and make their jobs less secure. We hope Connecticut taxpayers will stand with us in demanding spending cuts and reductions to our highest-in-the-nation tax burdens. Call your state legislators. Call the governor. On this Tax Freedom Day, we recognize that our freedom is being eroded. Together, we can reclaim it, but we need taxpayers to join with us to demand it.”

All agree we cannot afford to continue in this direction. The Tax Foundation’s report for Connecticut can be viewed here: http://taxfoundation.org/state-tax-climate/connecticut

Categories sampson feature

O’Neill Measure Preserving Southbury Training School Land Passes House Unanimously

by Michael Downes
May 10th, 2013


 

During a late evening session of the House, Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (R-69) ushered a bill through the chamber that would preserve and protect land owned by the Southbury Training School, and ensure its continued use for agricultural purposes. The bill reinforces a long-standing commitment on the part of the state to preserve the property, and continue its agricultural use.

The passage of the bill is a milestone in the 25-year long effort by Representative O’Neill to preserve the Southbury Training School land for agricultural use.

“This policy was originally placed in state statute as a result of legislation that I introduced more than 20 years ago,” said Rep. O’Neill. “Unfortunately the second purpose has not been fulfilled. For a number of years I have proposed legislation in keeping with the recommendations of the task force that studied the future use of Southbury Training School Farm and other state owned agricultural lands. The key recommendation of the task force was that a private party be given control over the land for the purpose of encouraging and facilitating long-term agricultural use. For a variety of reasons the state agencies charged with this task were unable to implement it. Partly this was a result of state leasing policies and partly a result of the fact that encouraging agricultural use of these lands was not a core mission of any of the agencies involved.”

O’Neill thanked his colleagues, the Department of Agriculture, and the administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for their assistance in seeing the bill through. “I am very pleased that the Administration is supporting the concepts contained in this bill,” he said. “This bill continues the legislature’s long-standing policy commitment to preserving the Southbury Training School Farm. It will also, I hope, become a model, for the preservation and agricultural activation of the other lands all across our state which were identified in the task force report.”

In March, O’Neill, Roxbury First Selectman Barbara Henry, Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson, and Southbury Board of Selectman member Chad Landmon submitted testimony to the legislature’s Environment Committee in support of the measure.

The bill, HB 6542, An Act Concerning the preservation of Farmland at the Southbury Training School, now moves on to the State Senate for action there. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns on June 5th, 2013.

 

Categories o'neill feature
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