Washington — While he has a grand, old Irish surname, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said Tuesday he actually has more “Polish blood.” That’s why he founded the Senate Polish caucus with Sens. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, just in time for the visit of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to Washington. “When people think […]
June 4, 2013
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Omnibus policy bill ends health program launched by former Gov. Rell
Voting along party lines, legislators adopted an omnibus bill to implement numerous social service policy changes in the next state budget, including the end of a health coverage program launched by former Gov. M. Jodi Rell to help the uninsured. One thing it doesn’t change: Medicaid eligibility for low-income parents. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy had […]
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On second try, renewable energy bill wins final passage
A well-traveled renewable energy bill that pitted environmentalists and consumer activists against erstwhile legislative allies and the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy won final passage Tuesday in the Senate on a 26-6 vote. The governor is expected to sign the bill. The bill was originally passed by the Senate on May 1, then revised […]
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New charter schools: Heading to a city near you?
Two organizations vying to open charter schools in Waterbury and Windham are expected to get final approval this week from the State Board of Education. “I assume there will be action” Wednesday, State Board of Education Chairman Allan B. Taylor said during an interview. The expected opening of these new charters defies the odds; only […]
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The truth behind Connecticut’s gas prices
Ever wonder why Connecticut’s gasoline prices are so high? Today, about 47 cents of every gallon you buy goes straight to the state of Connecticut. On July 1, 2013, gas prices will jump nearly 4 cents overnight — a record amount — thanks to a state tax very few people know about — the wholesale […]
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Malloy in D.C. for school security, campaign fundraising
Washington — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy flew to Washington on Tuesday to address a security conference, then spend a little time working on the financial security of the Connecticut Democratic Party, which recently hired a full-time fundraiser as it takes on a larger role in state campaigns. Malloy and the congressional delegation were the draw […]
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Military wary of bills from Blumenthal, others, to combat sexual assaults
Washington –- The nation’s top military officers agreed that sexual assaults are a severe problem in the ranks, but they cautioned Congress Tuesday against too much meddling in military affairs. “Sexual assault and harassment are like a cancer within the force — a cancer that left untreated will destroy the fabric of our force,” said […]
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Bill toughens penalties in child sex trafficking cases
Targeting minors for prostitution is about to become a little more difficult for pimps and “johns.” A bill that would make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute those who sexually exploit children — and increase the penalty for those who knowingly solicit them — is headed for the governor’s desk after receiving a unanimous […]
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House backs car tax repeal —several years down the road
The House of Representatives adopted a bill early Tuesday morning that would phase out Connecticut’s municipal tax on motor vehicles – but it would be several more years before motorists get any relief. The bill passed 111-28 with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate. It technically begins the phase-out with the municipal tax […]
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Spooked by outside dollars, Senate allows unlimited spending by parties
Under legislation approved early Tuesday on a partisan vote in the Senate, state parties would be able to make unlimited expenditures on Connecticut legislative races next year, weakening a campaign finance reform passed in 2005.
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Some education reforms to be phased-in
With the support of the administration, the House of Representatives voted unanimously Tuesday to give final passage to a bill that allows school districts to move a little slower in implementing two elements of the 2012 education reforms pushed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. The bill gives districts the flexibility to roll out the new teacher […]