HARTFORD, May 10 – Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143) introduced legislation on the House floor last night to provide mandate relief to high-performing schools in Connecticut.  She introduced the proposal as an amendment to HB 6358, AN ACT UNLEASHING INNOVATION IN CONNECTICUT SCHOOLS. Her amendment, which gained full bipartisan support, passed unanimously in the House. Once amended, the underlying bill passed subsequently as well.

The legislation focuses on one of the original six objectives set by Governor Malloy and accepted as a bipartisan framework for the 2012 education reform bill. When he first articulated these objectives in December 2011, one of them included administrative and mandate relief for high-performing schools: “Unleash innovation by removing red tape and other barriers to success, especially in high-performing schools and districts”.

This objective, which up until now had still not been addressed either by legislation or by other means, was the focus of Rep. Lavielle’s proposal. Her amendment requires the appointment of a task force that must deliver by October 1, 2013 a list of concrete recommendations for mandates and routine requirements from which high-performing schools can choose to be relieved. Implementing the amendment entails no state spending and may help school districts save money.

“I have fought hard for this legislation because all of our towns are under pressure from escalating costs in their education budgets, and our teachers are overburdened with administrative tasks,” said Rep. Lavielle, a member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee. “Mandate relief can help high-performing school districts save money by operating more efficiently and free up resources to pursue real innovation in learning that can benefit all Connecticut school districts. Not addressing this issue would be dismissive of our state’s greatest educational accomplishments, and I am extremely grateful that all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have chosen to support the outstanding work and continuing improvement of our most successful schools.”

This is not the first time that Rep. Lavielle has proposed mandate relief legislation. During the 2012 session, she introduced the same concept in the only amendment to the education reform bill (SB 458, now PA 12-116) that was called in either the House or the Senate. That amendment was voted down along party lines on the grounds that the executive branch was to appoint a Red Tape Task Force to explore and recommend mandate relief options. That task force did in fact submit a report with a limited number of recommendations earlier this year. These were included in an early version of HB 6358, but they fell short of the Education Committee’s expectations and were struck from the bill, which did not address mandate relief at all when it was passed out of committee to the House floor. Rep. Lavielle felt strongly, however, that the issue must be treated as a top priority. Her amendment requires the formation of a new task force that is accountable to the legislature and that must deliver firm recommendations early enough to be acted upon in the 2014 session.

While the gap in student achievement between Connecticut’s highest and lowest performing schools is the largest in the country, many Connecticut school districts have much to be proud of and to share in the area of teaching and learning innovation. In the recent ranking of the nation’s high schools published by U.S. News & World Report, Connecticut is distinguished with 11 Gold Medal schools*, 24 Silver Medal schools, and 4 Bronze Medal schools.

“We must close the achievement gap from the bottom up, not from the top down,” said Rep. Lavielle. “Even as we work hard to raise the performance of our lowest performing schools, I believe we must support and encourage excellence by giving our best schools the freedom to keep doing what they do so well. Many superintendents and Board of Education members from high-performing districts agree that one way we can do this is by providing them substantial education mandate relief. Despite its initial objectives, last year’s education reform bill left open the question of how to make sure that our best schools can foster continuous improvement.

“Consistently high-performing districts have demonstrated that they have what it takes to provide students a fruitful learning experience, to develop excellent teachers, and to maintain high standards,” continued Rep. Lavielle. “But it’s essential that they be able to continue improving all the time. While their state funding is not likely to increase, mandate relief will help the professionals at these schools spend available education dollars more efficiently and devote more time and resources to educating students.”

State Representative Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.

* Gold Medal schools in the 143^rd district’s towns are Wilton High School and Westport’s Staples High School

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WILTON— In order to keep constituents up-to-date on the latest at the State Capitol, State Reps. Gail Lavielle (R-143), Tom O’Dea (R-125), along with State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26), hosted a town hall style meeting recently at Trackside Teen Center in Wilton April 29th.

The Wilton lawmakers discussed the current state budget crisis giving a presentation on Governor Malloy’s proposed budget, and answered questions from attendees about issues concerning the community and state.

Among the topics discussed were the state’s growing unfunded pension liabilities, Connecticut’s continued increase in state borrowing and spending even while the state is in deficit, and the Connecticut’s poor business climate and high unemployment.

“Connecticut’s economy continues to struggle,” said Rep. Lavielle. “Hearing from constituents at local town hall meetings like this one demonstrates that our constituents are looking for real leadership that changes the current course. We must do everything we can to make the future more prosperous for the residents of Connecticut.”

“Since personal income growth, was only 2% from 2011-2012, the second slowest in the country, I believe this two year tax and spending proposal asks more from those already hit hard by the recession and by the highest retroactive tax increase in the state’s history. A budget is a statement on the direction you wish to take the state. A 9.6% spending bill in the next two years while revenues fall short of forecasts and employee concessions are only half of those predicted, does not engender confidence that we are moving the state in the right direction,” said Sen. Boucher.

Rep. O’Dea said, “Our delegation wants public input to be at the center of this debate. We will bring that feedback back to the legislature and continue to fight on Wilton’s behalf to control state spending, eliminate government waste and stop any proposed tax increase.”

Anyone who was unable to attend the event but would like to speak with Reps. Lavielle and O’Dea and Sen. Boucher can reach them any time by contacting 800-842-1423 or 800-842-1421.

HARTFORD – Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143) applauded the State Bond Commission’s vote on Friday to authorize a $47,750 grant to the Norwalk Senior Center. The funding will provide resources to fund the installation of a new non-slip floor in the facility.

Commenting on the grant, Rep. Lavielle said, “The award of this grant is a testament to the importance of the services that the Norwalk Senior Center, its Executive Director Paul Palermo, and its staff provide to seniors in Norwalk and its surrounding communities. There is no more worthy organization for this type of funding. The new non-slip floor will make the Senior Center a brighter, safer, and cleaner place for its members, their friends, and families.”

The grant was awarded to Norwalk Senior Center, Inc. through the Connecticut Department of Social Services, as one of its grants-in-aid to social service providers.

State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.
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HARTFORD – Connecticut’s majority Democratic lawmakers offered their 2014-2015 budget proposal today for consideration by the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

The proposal spends $49 million more than the proposal offered by Governor Dannel Malloy, resulting in a nearly 10% increase in state spending over the next two years. It also shifts more than $1 billion in government operating expenses to the state’s credit card.

“Despite the largest tax increases in state history in 2011, revenues continue to lag behind expenses,” said Rep. Lavielle, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee. “Instead of addressing spending, this budget increases spending and borrows to keep up the pace. Borrowing ever greater amounts of money is not a sustainable path to economic and fiscal health or job growth.”

Elements of the budget proposal include:

• A total spending increase of $1.9 billion over two years
• A 16% gas tax hike that takes effect on July 1
• A funding scheme that creates what is essentially a $500 million tax on hospitals
• Continuation of a tax surcharge on corporations that was scheduled to expire on July 1
• Redefinition of the state spending cap to exempt more than $1.4 billion in spending that would otherwise not be permitted
• The creation of two new government agencies
• A raid of the Special Transportation Fund that moves $80 million to the General Fund, using rail and bus fares and gas taxes to balance the budget,      instead of to maintain and upgrade mass transit and roads and bridges

“Budgets are policy documents,” said Rep. Lavielle, “and this budget was an opportunity to attempt to redefine policy in a way that could have at least acknowledged the state’s persistent current deficits, begun to reduce its debt – about $50,00 per capita — and made Connecticut a more competitive place to do business. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop the state’s incessant spending growth, which consistently outpaces revenues, does nothing to make Connecticut more attractive to businesses, and massively increases the state’s debt obligations. Connecticut is already last or near the bottom in most categories of economic performance, and this budget will not remedy that situation.”

Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees. She is also Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.

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WILTON – State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) has been honored by Norwalk’ Stepping Stones Museum for Children with its Stepping Up for Children Award. Rep. Lavielle was presented with the award for her commitment to enriching and improving the lives of Connecticut’s children and families.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by an organization that has done so much for children in our communities,” said Rep. Lavielle. “What I appreciate most about Stepping Stones is that its programs are designed to make children associate learning with fun and pleasure, not just work. Young children naturally love learning, and Stepping Stones helps them sustain that passion to keep learning for the rest of their lives.”

Rep. Lavielle is a member of the General Assembly’s Education and Higher Education Committees. She has been a strong advocate for legislation related to early literacy, teacher preparation, equitable school funding, and college readiness. In 2011, she was honored for her education advocacy with the Tip of the Cap Award from the CT Coalition for Achievement Now.

Rep. Lavielle has served on the state’s Advisory Council for Professional Standards for School Administrators. She was recently named to the Board of Trustees of the Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County, which provides mental health services to children and their families in Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Darien, and New Canaan.

Since its opening in 2000, Stepping Stones Museum’s mission has been to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and to enhance their understanding of the world. The Museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers, and educators as facilitators of children’s explorations.

State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.

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Wilton – State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) applauded today’s announcement by Governor Dannel Malloy that a $5,691,764 grant will be awarded for the second phase of construction of Wilton Commons, which will include 23 new congregate units. The first phase, now under construction, consists of 51 units and is nearing completion. The grant will be awarded to Mutual Housing of Southwestern Connecticut, Inc. for the construction.

Wilton Commons is an affordable senior living community that will offer qualifying seniors one-bedroom apartments and amenities including onsite staff, social events and activities, and handicapped accessibility. All members of each household must be 62 years of age or older. All of the units at Wilton Commons will be affordable and will serve seniors with incomes up to 60% of the Area Median Income for Wilton. The project’s original plan for a 74-unit senior congregate housing facility was amended to be implemented in two separate phases due to circumstances related to funding availability.

“Affordable housing is a critical component of a strong economy,” said Governor Malloy. “But perhaps most importantly, it’s projects like these that will make it possible for our seniors to stay in the communities they helped to make such great places to live.  Our state is getting older, and we need to take steps to make sure that seniors have access to affordable housing that meets their needs.”

Commenting on the news of the grant, Rep. Lavielle made the following statement:

“The construction of Wilton Commons, now fully underway, is the culmination of more than a decade of persistence and hard work by a committed group of Wilton citizens who are dedicated to the principle that people who have made their lives in Wilton, have contributed to the community, and want to remain near their families and friends, should have an affordable housing option in Wilton during their later years.

“Because of Wilton Commons, many people who have devoted themselves to Wilton and its neighboring towns will be able to stay here among their friends and family for years to come, and to continue contributing to the community they have helped to build.

“The success of Wilton Commons is important not only for Wilton, but for our region and for Connecticut. The public-private partnership that has made Wilton Commons possible can provide a template for similar projects across the state. Our seniors need affordable housing alternatives, and the citizens of Wilton have been true pioneers in finding a new kind of solution to help them retain their independence and remain in their communities.

“So much work, dedication, and good faith have gone into this project, under the leadership of George Ciaccio, whose determination and persistence have been an inspiration to everyone involved. We owe George and his fellow Board members, who have worked so hard over the years, as well as all those who have contributed time and funds and written letters of support, a great debt of thanks. We also must not forget that as a community, Wilton has done everything possible to support the project, from leasing prime land for a dollar a year to voting to support deadline extensions in several town referendums.

“Thanks go also to Governor Malloy, to Commissioner Catherine Smith of the Department of Economic and Community Development, and to Evonne Klein, Commissioner of the Department of Housing, for their support of Wilton Commons and its goals.

“This visionary project has always been an endeavor that has reached beyond politics or special interests to fundamental questions of compassion and community. It is Wilton at its best: caring and motivated people combining their talents and vision to bring a project to life that is good for everyone in our town, both now and in the future. I am so very proud to represent a community that has cared enough to join together to help our seniors live independently and with dignity, surrounded by the people and places that matter most to them.”

Rep. Gail Lavielle represents the towns of Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees. 
                                                       

HARTFORD – A Commerce Committee bill that would provide towns and cities in Connecticut a new tool to market their resources to businesses passed unanimously today in the House of Representatives.  HB 6529, AN ACT INTEGRATING MUNICIPALITIES INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELECTRONIC BUSINESS PORTAL, is based on HB 5570, a bill originally proposed by Rep. Gail Lavielle, Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee.

HB 6529 would allow municipalities to promote their local resources on the web portal that the Department of Economic and Community Development is developing to help businesses find compliance information and other resources they need to operate in Connecticut.

Commenting on the bill, Rep. Lavielle said, “Business owners and executives have told us that there is no central resource for information on what each of our 169 towns have to offer them when they are looking to relocate, to build, purchase, or rent a facility, or to invest in a local company. This legislation gives municipalities access at negligible cost to a central site that will make it easy for them to communicate with the business community. It also makes planning easier for businesses looking to locate or expand in Connecticut.

“In the face of increasing property taxes, many municipalities are looking to expand their tax base through economic development,” Rep. Lavielle continued. “This is particularly true now, because of the possibility that the governor’s budget proposal will lead to significant cuts in municipal aid. A straightforward, easily accessible economic development tool like this should be welcome to all our local governments.”

State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.

Hartford – Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143) has joined all 54 of her fellow women legislators in the General Assembly to sponsor HB 5666: An Act Concerning the Forfeiture of Moneys and Property Derived from Human or Sex Trafficking. A number of the co-sponsors discussed the bill at a press conference held today in the Legislative Office Building.

The bill, which is being considered by the Judiciary Committee, would stiffen penalties against those who engage in the trafficking of people, either for sex or labor. It would authorize the forfeiture of money and property used in or obtained through crimes involving human and sex trafficking.

“I’m pleased to support this bipartisan legislation, which will put strong penalties in place for those who commit terrible crimes against innocent victims, many of whom are women and children,” said Rep. Lavielle. “It will help bring to justice people who engage in nothing less than a form of slavery. I also hope that our support of this bill will also help to raise awareness of human trafficking, which occurs in more communities than many people realize.”

State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.

Rep. Gail Lavielle and SVP of Government Relations for the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) Ken Ferrucci.

Hartford — State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) addressed the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) this morning during its Physicians Day at the Capitol.  Rep. Lavielle focused on the issues doctors face as small business owners. She highlighted her bill that recently cleared the Commerce Committee by a unanimous vote:  HB 5568, An Act Concerning Targeted Health Areas.

“In addition to everything they do for patients, many physicians must also manage the business aspects of their practices,” said Rep. Lavielle. “It’s important to do everything we can to create a financial and regulatory environment that helps them keep their practices financially solvent and running smoothly so they can focus on their patients.”

HB 5568, which Rep. Lavielle introduced with CSMS support, would give licensed physicians and physician offices access to loans and grants available through the Small Business Express Program, provided they practice in municipalities that have been identified as medically underserved or exhibiting a high rate of chronic disease.

The legislation requires the State Department of Public Health to identify specific areas in Connecticut that either do not have enough physicians or do not have physicians with particular specialties. Doctors who practice in these areas or want to expand their practices there may apply to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for loans or matching grants already available under the Small Business Express Program to businesses with no more than 100 employees.

According to the Connecticut State Medical Society, most medical practices in Connecticut are small offices with 1-4 physicians, and these practices account for more than 50,000 jobs in the state and more than 6% of the state’s GDP. At the same time, patient access to care is declining: the state’s physician population is aging faster than it is being replaced, and one in four primary care physicians is not accepting new patients.

“Many patients in Connecticut do not have local access to the care they need, and many doctors who run their own practices, which are also small businesses, are finding it increasingly difficult to attract new colleagues to their practices and even to keep their practices financially solvent,” said Rep. Lavielle. “This bill addresses both of those issues.”

State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.