Connecticut Mirror Budget Reporter Keith Phaneuf discusses the state budget, taxes and social services with Sen. Beth Bye, co-chair of the Connecticut legislature’s budget writing panel.
2014
For Larson, Coltsville win caps acrimonious session
WASHINGTON – In a Congress marked by partisan acrimony, only two House Democrats voted more loyally with their party than U.S. Rep. John Larson in the 113th Congress, according to a ranking by the Sunlight Foundation. But an analysis of the bills he’s sponsored and his work shows he’s the rare Democrat who can work with Republicans. (This is the first in a series of stories on the roles the Connecticut congressional delegation played in the 113th Congress.)
Malloy appointees get holiday raises of up to 12%
The holidays will be a little merrier for about 200 appointees of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other constitutional officers: They are getting raises ranging from three percent to 12 percent at an annual cost of $1.4 million.
Malloy reappoints Katz as commissioner at DCF
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday that Joette Katz will remain in charge of the Department of Children and Families — the state agency that has 4,000 abused and neglected children in its care on any given day.
Hartford families need some Sheff course corrections
Connecticut and Hartford could be smarter about how we tackle our state’s biggest constitutional obligation – ending the effect of long-term segregation in its schools.
Op-Ed: Hartford families need some Sheff course corrections
Connecticut and Hartford could be smarter about how we tackle our state’s biggest constitutional obligation – ending the effect of long-term segregation in its schools.
State revamps its approach to jail time for juvenile offenders
Last year 227 boys who committed crimes were incarcerated in the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, the state’s maximum-security facility in Middletown for juvenile offenders. They lived there for months before it was determined when they would be released. This uncertainty came to an end in October.
Lawmakers urge feds to buy CT-made flu vaccine
WASHINGTON – Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, and Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, released a letter Monday that urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consider a local company when the agency awards contracts for next year’s flu shots
Malloy names Sen. Ayala as his first Latino commissioner
Sen. Andres Ayala Jr., D-Bridgeport, who declined an administration post in Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s first term, was named Monday as the next commissioner of motor vehicles, giving Malloy his first Hispanic department head. Lobbying is under way for a second.
DDS Commissioner Macy to resign; Schriro staying at DESPP
State Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Terrence W, Macy will resign when the administration’s next term begins on Jan. 7, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Monday.
The Mirror’s 2nd State Budget Podcast: Transportation and Tolls
Connecticut Mirror State Budget Reporter Keith Phaneuf discusses infrastructure and transportation issues with Don Shubert of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association.
So far, few bet on adding gaming sites
Since Mohegan tribal leaders declared their interest six weeks ago in offering casino games at a new site, state officials responses have ranged from negative to lukewarm. But if the concept is to get even a public hearing this spring, someone at the Capitol is going to have to step up and champion the issue, according to the leader of the legislative panel with jurisdiction over gaming issues.
Dinardo ending a decade as Democratic state chair
Nancy DiNardo is ending a decade as Democratic state chairwoman next month and will be succeeded by her vice chair, Nick Balletto, with the backing of the recently re-elected Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
Malloy 2.0 update: Pitkin retiring; Jones-Taylor staying
Howard Pitkin intends to retire as the state banking commissioner in January, while Myra Jone-Taylor will return as commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood, the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Friday. The governor has yet to announce the fate of only three commissioners.
Senate’s failure to act on terrorism risk insurance roils industry
WASHINGTON – Insurers like The Hartford and Travelers are contemplating what to do following the U.S. Senate’s failure to approve a federal backstop for coverage the insurers offer businesses to protect them from a terrorist attack.

