State Representatives Anthony D’Amelio (R-71) and Selim Noujaim (R-74) today applauded the state’s Bond Commission for approving more than $3.6 million in grants for Waterbury.

“I am pleased that Waterbury is receiving a share of funds to beautify our river greenway, to rehabilitate decaying housing and to care for the underprivileged,” Rep. Noujaim said. “I do understand that some bonding is inappropriate because it carries debt into the future, however, essential projects like these are needed for our city and I am certain will offer our neighborhoods a better future.”

“In tough economic times every little bit we can get to improve the city helps taxpayers and I’m pleased these grants were passed,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “Renovating housing and taking care of those who are less fortunate are worthy causes and worth investing in.  Likewise, creating public recreation spaces like the Naugatuck River Greenway benefits everyone.”

The grants approved today are for:

• Rehabilitation of 102 units of the Brookside Housing complex for $ 3,292,300
• Boiler Replacement for NAFI CT, Inc. for $ 35,405
• ADA improvements and renovations at administrative offices at Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, Inc. – $ 182,499
• A grant matching federal funding for construction of a 7.1 mile section of the Naugatuck River Greenway – $139,000

As always, the entire Waterbury delegation will continue to work together to bring valuable state dollars back to the people of Waterbury.

In recent weeks there has been a lot of news surrounding investment in the University of Connecticut system and the proposed “Next Generation Connecticut” program. While I certainly understand the concerns about spending money in a down economy I want to add my perspective.

Two of my three children- my youngest is a senior at Holy Cross and still evaluating colleges- received their degrees from UConn, and the quality of the education and guidance they received was unparalleled. As a Waterbury native, I have also seen UConn’s commitment to our city’s revitalization with a beautiful downtown campus, outreach efforts and programs that combine academics and service.

The qualities UConn graduates bring into the real world have been repeatedly shown to me through my work at the Capitol, in real estate, and at my Waterbury restaurant. The return on investment in a UConn education is undeniable.

Still, spending so much money when people and businesses are struggling is difficult and a concern I take very seriously.  However, I have always been an advocate for education and investing in the future of our state’s college system, and its flagship University, makes sense.  Investing in science, technology, engineering, and math programs is a good thing.   UConn has become more than a sleepy college in the farmlands of Connecticut and is now a destination university for students from across the country and the world.

As this process moves forward, the Waterbury delegation and I, along with the rest of the legislature will

scrutinize the governor’s “Next Generation Connecticut” proposal before making our decision. We know Connecticut taxpayers expect a full accounting of the money’s intended use and assurances of how it will create jobs and help our economy.

When it comes to return on investment, though,  UConn already has my confidence based on its track record with my family, our community, and our state.

 State Representatives Tony D’Amelio (R-71), Selim Noujaim (R-74) and Victor Cuevas (D-75), members of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, today announced SB 527- An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for Economic Development Projects- moved out of the Commerce Committee and is one step closer to helping the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury.

One piece of the larger bill, designed to provide funding important projects across the state, will be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose of providing a grant-in-aid for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury for much-needed roof replacement and gym floor repairs

The 21,000 square foot flat roof, which underwent its last major repair in the early 80’s, has outlived its useful life and is in need of total replacement said Boys and Girls Club Executive Director John Chiero. At the same time, the gym floor, which sustained damage from leaks in the roof, will have any buckled or rotted sections repaired to provide a better surface for activities and sports.

“The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury has been a strong advocate for the children of our community for decades and replacing the damaged roof and gym floor will allow them to continue their good work,” Rep. D’Amelio said “Knowing how many programs and projects they have going I am sure these repairs will benefit all of our youth.”

“I think any time we can help an organization like the Boys and Girls Club provide services to the kids of Waterbury and the surrounding area it is a benefit to the entire community,” Rep. Noujaim said. “Making sure our kids have a safe, fun and educational environment to play sports, learn a skill and have positive interactions with each other is important and I’m happy this bill is moving closer to helping the Boys and Girls Club to continue to provide these services.”

“This venerable institution has been contributing to healthy, well-adjusted youth for many years,” Rep. Cuevas said. “It is only fitting that we do what we can to continue supporting this organization and making sure they have the facilities to continue their important work.”

For more than 125 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury’s has inspired and enabled young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

State Representatives Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and Selim Noujaim (R-74) today applauded several state grants being awarded to Waterbury-based arts organizations. Seven Angels Theatre, Shakesperience Productions, The Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center and the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra will each receive grants from the Connecticut Arts Endowment.

“The Arts are very important to a thriving community like Waterbury and I’m happy each of these worthy organizations will benefit from state grants,” Rep D’Amelio said.  “Each of the organizations brings people from the surrounding community into our city and showcases the incredible talents of local performers and artists. This is great news for the entire Greater Waterbury area.”

Rep. Noujaim agreed, adding “Although the amounts given to each of these worthy Waterbury entities seems small, I feel that every little bit helps and every dollar is worth the effort especially in today’s difficult economy. Waterbury was not overlooked and that is what the entire Waterbury delegation works toward.”

The organizations will receive:

Seven Angels Theatre – $1,503

Shakesperience Productions – $1,544

Mattatuck Museum- $2,325

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra – $40,755

The Arts Endowment was created by the General Assembly to provide state matching support to the private fund raising efforts of Connecticut arts organizations.  The interest on the Arts Endowment is distributed annually to arts organizations which have raised at least $25,000 of private funds and the distribution formula is specified by statute.  This year, The Connecticut Office of the Arts awarded $620,700 from the Connecticut Arts Endowment to 107 arts organizations.

 Sign Support Repairs will Require Bank Street Ramp Closures in Waterbury

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that overhead sign support repairs will require daytime weekday ramp closures of the I-84 Westbound/Route 8 entrance ramps from Bank Street in Waterbury beginning Thursday, February 28, 2013.

      The repairs will be completed by Tuesday, March 5, 2013.  The two entrance ramps will not be closed at the same time.

• When the I-84 West/Route 8 North entrance ramp is closed, motorists will be directed to use the I-84 West/Route 8 South entrance ramp and detoured to the next exit (and back on north) if traversing to Route 8 North.
• When the I-84 West/Route 8 South entrance ramp is closed, motorists will be directed to use the I-84 West/Route 8 North entrance ramp and detoured to the next exit (and back on south) if traversing to Route 8 South.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the detour. The regular work schedule is 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (weekdays).

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

State Representative Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and State Senators Joan Hartley (D-15) and Rob Kane (R-32) look forward to meeting with constituents on Tuesday, March 5^th during office hours at the Shepardson Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The legislators invite constituents to share concerns and ideas and ask questions. They’ll provide information about the last legislative session as well as the current one.

For information on the session call Rep. D’Amelio at 800-842-1422, Sen. Kane at 800-842-1421 or Sen. Hartley at 800-842-1420

I wanted to pass along important information I recently received from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) regarding changes to state tax refunds.

In an effort to combat fraud and identity theft select taxpayers may have to provide additional information in order to claim their refund checks.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below or go to the DRS website http://www.ct.gov/drs/site/default.asp

FAQs for the Refund Protection Program

The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is committed to protecting taxpayers from identity theft and fraud.  This year we have implemented a new tax refund protection program.  The program will further curb identity theft and fraudulent tax refunds.

Some taxpayers who may be due a state income tax refund will be notified by DRS when the new refund protection plan indicates the possibility of identity theft and a fraudulent claim.  The notice will ask taxpayers to call a toll free number or visit a website in order to answer a few questions where the correct answer should only be known to the specific taxpayer.

While this new security program may cause a brief delay for taxpayers entitled to refunds, the result will be much better protection for taxpayers and for the state.

QUESTION 1:  Why is DRS making me answer questions before issuing my Connecticut tax refund?

ANSWER: This helps assure that your refund will not be stolen by someone who has stolen your identity or made a fraudulent claim.

QUESTION 2:  Where did DRS get my personal information?

ANSWER:  All the taxpayer specific information comes from public records but the responses will usually only be familiar to the actual taxpayer.

QUESTION 3:  Why was I selected to go through this process?

ANSWER:  Some of the information from the tax return submitted in your name has automatically triggered this further review. All you have to do is correctly answer a few questions specific to your identity.

QUESTION 4:  What if I elect not to answer the questions?

ANSWER: DRS cannot release your refund until assured that your refund is not being issued to someone posing as you.

QUESTION 5: What happens if make a mistake and answer the questions incorrectly?

ANSWER: You will be able to answer a second short series of questions.

QUESTION 6:  What if I cannot answer the second set of questions?

ANSWER:  Your refund cannot be released until our tax investigations staff works with you to confirm your identity.

QUESTION 7:  How can I be sure that the DRS notice is not some sort of identity theft scam?

ANSWER:  The DRS notice you receive will provide a specific, secure toll-free telephone number (855-842-1441).  Note that this is the only way to contact DRS in order quickly to clear a refund that is due to you.

State Representative Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and State Senators Joan Hartley (D-15) and Rob Kane (R-32) look forward to meeting with constituents on Monday, February 11th during office hours at the Shepardson Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The legislators invite constituents to share concerns and ideas and ask questions. They’ll provide information about the last legislative session as well as the current one.

For information on the session call Rep. D’Amelio at 800-842-1422, Sen. Kane at 800-842-1421 or Sen. Hartley at 800-842-1420

State Representative Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and State Senator Joan Hartley (D-15) look forward to meeting with constituents on Wednesday, February 6th during office hours in the Kennedy High School media center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The legislators invite constituents to share concerns and ideas and ask questions. They’ll provide information about the last legislative session as well as the upcoming one.

Kennedy High School is located at 422 Highland Ave. in Waterbury.

For information on the session call Rep. D’Amelio at 800-842-1423 or Sen. Hartley at 800-842-1420

Rep. Tony D’Amelio (R-71) has been named as a Minority Whip for the House Republican caucus for the 2013-2015 legislative session.

“I am honored House Republican Leader Larry Cafero selected me to assume a new leadership role in the General Assembly for the upcoming legislative session.” Rep. D’Amelio said. “As a caucus whip I will be able to lead on important issues for both Waterbury and the state and I look forward to the challenge.”

A Whip is traditionally responsible for helping to shape public policy, influencing fellow Republican lawmakers, and making sure Republican House members are in attendance to cast their votes on legislative issues.

Rep. D’Amelio also announced his legislative committee assignments for the upcoming two years- he will serve on the General Law, Public Safety and Security, and Commerce Committees.

The Public Safety and Security Committee oversees matters relating to homeland security, the Department of Public Safety, including state police, state organized task force on crime, municipal police training, fire marshals, the fire safety code and the state building code, civil preparedness and legalized gambling, and military and veterans’ affairs, except veterans’ pensions

The Commerce Committee oversees all matters relating to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated.

D’Amelio was first elected in a special election in 1996 and has served continuously since. He won his re-election bid in November by handily defeating his opponent. D’Amelio represents the 71^st district which covers a section of Waterbury and the entire Town of Middlebury in the Connecticut General Assembly.