During a late night session on May 22nd the Democratic majority initiated debate on a bill which would require the State Department of Motor Vehicles to issue valid Connecticut driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants who reside in the state in violation of federal immigration laws.
The legislation, which was put before the chamber with little opportunity for review, would in the dead of night convey legal rights to a population that has illegally entered the United States. The measure did not go through the normal legislative process, and has not passed through a single legislative committee.
Among the many failings of the legislation are the alarming lack of a mechanism to validate where an individual is originally from, or where they currently reside. It provides an incentive for out-of-state felons to move to Connecticut because there is no attempt to ascertain if there is any criminal record for the applicant outside the boundaries of Connecticut. It also allows unverifiable documents such as emails to suffice as valid forms of proving residence.
There are an estimated 50,000- 250,000 undocumented aliens who might be made eligible for a state driver’s license under this legislation, and as this state would be the only one on the East Coast of the United State to enact such a law, our state would instantly become a magnet for undocumented aliens from across the country seeking to obtain this documentation which would convey legitimacy upon them.
A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found that 65% of Connecticut residents opposed giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
The bill passed at 5:45 a.m. by 74-55. It now moves on the State Senate.
HARTFORD- In an attempt to stop the widespread problem of childhood obesity across the state, State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell and Portland) authored and introduced HB-6225, a bill to establish a task force to find ways to address childhood obesity.
Today House Bill 6525, based on Rep. Carpino’s bill, passed the House and now heads to the Senate. This bill establishes a task force that will guide Connecticut in establishing priority, evidence-based strategies aimed at raising the physical activity level in children across the state in order to reduce childhood obesity.
Carpino worked with Democratic lawmakers to negotiate a bi-partisan compromise which would get support of the legislature.
Carpino said, “Overweight and obese children face a much greater risk of developing physical, emotional and social problems which include diabetes, high cholesterol, negative body image, depression and bullying. In addition, the health problems are costly to society in terms of dollars and cents. Some studies estimate the cost of obesity-related health problems cost Connecticut $856 million in one year alone, but the impact to an individual can be devastating,” said Rep. Carpino.
The bill would establish a 13-member task force to study the effects of obesity on children’s health and report its finding to the Children’s Committee by October 1, 2014.
Carpino has spent this legislative session attending and promoting fitness activities in both Cromwell and Portland through different events, including the Get Fit Challenge and Family Fitness Day sponsored by the Portland Park and Recreation Office, and an upcoming Nature Walk, and a self-defense workshop at the Jiu-Jitsu Strength Academy in Cromwell. Also she adopted two State Parks in an effort to raise awareness.
In a study published in 2008 by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, more than 25% of high school students are overweight. According to an American Heart Association study, almost 1 in 4 children does not participate in any free-time physical activity. Additionally, the average American child spends four to five hours in front of the TV, computer or video games every day.
“Children need to be taught the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles,” said Carpino.
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.
Legislative leaders announced Wednesday that the General Assembly plans to vote today to create a special fund to assist individuals who suffered psychological trauma as a result of their work related to the Sandy Hook tragedy.
The Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund will be funded through private donations and provide support to volunteer and professional workers who are suffering from mental health issues as a result of the tragedy. Traditional workers compensation does not currently cover most workers for exclusively mental injuries.
“The trauma and stress experienced by the brave workers, teachers and volunteers who responded to this tragedy and its aftermath has been life altering—unfortunately the existing help available falls short of what is needed,” said Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “This fund reflects the generosity, compassion and appreciation of people throughout the state and shows how Connecticut can come together as a community.”
“The creation of this fund fills a huge void in which many of those who responded first on Dec. 14 in Sandy Hook continue to find themselves,” said House Republican Leader Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk). “Just as the families of the victims will never be the same, many of the men and women first on the scene to help that day at Sandy Hook Elementary have had their lives altered. This dedicated fund is a step toward helping these good people achieve some semblance of normality, whether it is getting help returning to work or finding health care programs or other needs they may have.’’
“On that terrible day in December and in the days that followed, our first responders showed incredible dedication to their duty,” said Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) “What they witnessed that day has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on their lives. This fund will help those affected receive the care they need to heal and resume their careers.”
Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield), whose district includes Newtown, said, “So much of the discussion in the aftermath of Sandy Hook has focused on what to do to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again; and that’s important work. But, as a community and as a legislature, we also have an obligation to provide our neighbors—many of whom have witnessed unimaginable horror and violence—the resources they need to heal. The Sandy Hook Workers Fund is part of that effort. I’m pleased that we were able to work across party lines and partner with such an esteemed group of civic-minded Connecticut-based organizations to help launch this initiative.”
Those eligible for benefits from the fund include first responders, school employees, as well as other professionals and volunteers involved in the Sandy Hook response or investigation.
“This is simply the right thing to do. Now those suffering from mental health issues because of the tragedy at Sandy Hook can receive the help they need without causing an undue financial burden on themselves or their families,” said House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin & Southington). “Moving forward, I’m committed to looking at our state’s workers’ compensation law that treats mental illness differently than physical ailments.”
“No one should have to struggle alone with the aftermath of this tragedy,” said Senate Majority Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “This fund will provide necessary and vital financial support to the first responders, teachers and volunteers suffering with the mental health aftereffects of this terrible tragedy.”
The fund will be administered by the Office of Victim Services (OVS) within the Judicial branch, with the state Treasurer managing its assets. The Treasurer will be authorized to accept donations directly, and charitable organizations will also be able to take donations on behalf of the fund.
Republican lawmakers today submitted sweeping gun safety proposals to the bipartisan legislative Task Force that restrict certain gun ownership, impose universal background checks and ammunition prohibitions, and enact tougher penalties for weapons crimes.
In response to the Dec. 14 Sandy Hook tragedy, the bipartisan effort includes 15 separate broad areas that will close loopholes in current law and vastly restrict who can legally possess specific weapons.
“This is a comprehensive approach to gun safety that will make our schools and society safer and restricts access to guns by people who are potentially dangerous and should not possess weapons,’’ House Republican Leader Larry Cafero said. “At the same time, we respect constitutional rights and the Second Amendment.’’
Cafero said the proposals are the “most significant’’ ever considered by the legislature and will strengthen existing Connecticut laws that are already deemed to be among the most restrictive in the country.
The proposals were forwarded to Republican and Democratic legislative leaders who will formulate legislation. Cafero said he hopes that the final versions of bills will be voted on by March 13.
“We set an aggressive schedule for the Task Force from the start and we remain on track to conclude our work,’’ Cafero said. “Unlike other states such as New York which rushed legislation without any public input, we believed it was important to get it right.’’
The Governor’s proposed budget, a gimmick-riddled shell game, puts the state’s finances on a credit card, cuts municipal aid and raises millions in taxes, House Republican Leader Larry Cafero said today.
Cafero challenged Gov. Malloy to be up front with state residents and acknowledge that the budget cannot balance without massive borrowing and exceeds the constitutional spending cap as currently defined. Malloy proposes not counting $900 million in spending against the cap.
“This is not an honest approach to governing at a time when we are facing a $2.5 billion deficit over the next two years. This governor promised not to borrow for operating expenses, not to raise taxes again and to cut spending. He has broken all those commitments with this budget,” Cafero said.
Cafero called the plan a “contradiction in terms” because it purports to deliver budget cuts, increase money to towns and cities and holds the line on taxes. “It accomplishes none of that,” Cafero said.
This budget:
Increases spending by 9 percent over the current plan
Borrows $750 million to fill up the state’s depleted cash account
A scheme to add $73 million for local education takes state money for municipal general funds and gives it to boards of education, leaving a hole in town budgets
Raises taxes on electricity generators by $80 million
Cuts $48 million from municipal school transportation
Does nothing to address the huge disparity in taxing motor vehicles from one town to the next
Cafero noted that the net reduction in state workforce through governmental reorganization is just 12 positions.
Cafero said the most troubling aspect of the proposal is the massive borrowing to finance operating expenses such teacher salaries and other day-to-day costs that should be included in the general fund.
“I agree with the Governor on one basic fact: this budget is a continuation down the path we started on two years ago. It is just the wrong path,” Cafero said.
Democratic and Republican legislative leaders joined today to announce the creation of a special bipartisan task force on gun violence prevention and children’s safety.
The task force, formed in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, will conduct a review of current law and make recommendations on a range of potential legislation to prevent gun violence, enhance school security and ensure the availability of mental health services in Connecticut.
“The eyes of the nation are on Connecticut to see how we respond to the horrific tragedy in Newtown and the plague of gun violence, said Senate President Donald E. Williams Jr., (D-Brooklyn). “Our children’s safety is not a partisan issue and I am pleased to join with Democrats and Republicans in crafting a bipartisan plan to reduce violence, improve school security and address access to mental health services.”
“I have had the privilege of representing Newtown, Connecticut in the state Senate for the past 14 years and the tragic events that occurred there on December 14th require a response from our government and our society at large. I am pleased that this task force is set up to work across party lines to make legislative recommendations based on facts and evidence in the areas of mental illness, school safety and gun control.” said state Senate Republican Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield).
“In light of the tragic events in Newtown, the public rightly expects us to deal with gun safety, school security, and mental health issues in a comprehensive way that will have a real impact on reducing violence,” said Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Public safety is an ongoing challenge and a top responsibility of government. This approach will help ensure the legislature is able to act decisively, quickly and in a bipartisan fashion on these critical issues.”
It is our sincere hope that we can come together and reach consensus on legislation that will safeguard our children and society as a whole while at the same time honor our constitutional
rights,” House Republican Leader Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk) said. “Our response must be reasoned and well- crafted if we are to be successful in our common goals.”
“The evil of gun violence has touched too many Connecticut families,” said Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney. “It is our goal to work in a bipartisan way and rise above politics to put in place common sense policies to reduce incidents of violence, increase access to mental health services and improve school security.”
“Last month’s tragic events in Newtown have left all of us asking how it could have been prevented,” said House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin). “As a father of two elementary school age children and someone who works with children in the school system, I’m confident that Republicans and Democrats can work together to ensure that our schools and children are kept safe.”
The task force, which includes Democratic committee chairs and Republican ranking members, will provide recommendations to Senate and House leadership with the goal of producing a bipartisan emergency certified bill in late February.
The task force has designated three working groups which focus on the three core issues of gun violence prevention, school security and mental health. Each caucus will appoint as many as four members to each group.
House Republican members appointed to the task force include:
Gun Control
Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (RM of Judiciary)
Rep. Craig Miner (RM of Approps)
Rep. Jan Giegler (RM of Public Safety)
Rep. Dan Carter – Newtown
Mental Health
Rep. Prasad Srinivasan (RM of Public Health)
Rep. Terrie Wood (RM of Human Services)
Rep. Rob Sampson (Insurance)
Rep. DebraLee Hovey – Newtown
School Safety
Rep. Tim Ackert (RM of Education)
Rep. Tim LeGeyt (RM of HED)
Rep. Whit Betts (RM of KIDS)
Rep. Mitch Bolinsky – Newtown
The first full meeting of the task force will be held on Friday, January 18th at 1:30 PM in Room 2E.
HARTFORD—Getting the state’s ailing budget back in the black and unemployed Connecticut residents back to work are top priorities for Thomas O’Dea, who was sworn in today as state representative for the 125th General Assembly District covering New Canaan and Wilton.
O’Dea was among 8 freshman Republican legislators who vowed to serve their districts over a two-year term.
“People in the towns I represent placed tremendous faith in me on Election Day, and it’s an honor I take seriously,” O’Dea said. “Our state faces significant challenges, but in those hurdles I see opportunity—a chance to restructure state government in a way that will create lasting financial stability.”
O’Dea was in the House chamber late Wednesday afternoon when Gov. Dan Malloy addressed lawmakers, focusing his remarks on the state’s economic crisis—namely, its estimated almost $2 billion deficit over the next two years and Connecticut’s public safety, after the tragic events in Newtown.
HARTFORD — Eight new legislators joined the House Republican caucus Wednesday when they were sworn into office inside the House Chamber. Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor takes over for state Sen. Clark Chapin, who represented New Milford’s 67th General Assembly District for several years. Rep. Mitch Bolinsky will represent the 106th General Assembly District covering Newton, and Rep. Jay Case represents the newly-configured 63rd House District covering Winchester, Colebrook, Torrington and Goshen. Rep. Lezlye Zupkus represents the 89th General Assembly District covering Bethany, Cheshire and Prospect, while Rep. Tom O’Dea takes over from John Hetherington in the 125th General Assembly District covering New Canaan and Wilton. Rep. Dave Rutigliano replaces T.R. Rowe as representative of Trumbull’s 123rd General Assembly District, and Rep. Stephen Walko has taken over from Lile Gibbons in the 150th House District. Melissa Ziobron is the new state representative for the 34th General Assembly District covering Colchester, East Haddam and East Hampton. House Republican Leader Larry Cafero urged the freshmen legislators to enjoy the day and the awesome responsibility that comes with the job, and reminded them to never forget the people that sent them to Hartford–their families and their constituents.
Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, 106th District
Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor, 67th District
Rep. Jay Case, 63rd District
Rep. Tom O’Dea, 125th District
Rep. Dave Rutigliano, 123rd District
Rep. Stephen Walko, 150th District
Rep. Melissa Ziobron, 34th District
Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, 89th District
During a late night session on May 22nd the Democratic majority initiated debate on a bill which would require the State Department of Motor Vehicles to issue valid Connecticut driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants who reside in the state in violation of federal immigration laws.
