Could the legislature’s failure to cancel raises for state judges discourage unionized state employees from granting wage and benefit concessions? Gov. Dannel P. Malloy expressed concerns this past week, and the head of the court marshals union said Friday that the governor could be right.
June 2017
Posted inMoney, Politics
Malloy prepares CT for life without a new state budget
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy struck a conciliatory tone Friday, urging legislative leaders to adopt a new budget even as he signed an executive order to begin managing state finances without one.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Globalism explained
The political battle lines over globalism have created an unpredictable electoral climate that is perplexing the Ruling Class of the Western world. Fault lines have developed, with the Ruling Class outraged that the masses will not listen to their betters and vote accordingly. Thus, we have Ruling Class outrage over the Brexit vote in England and the victory of President Donald Trump.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Making smarter choices today for a more balanced future tomorrow
Connecticut is considered one of the richest states in the country, yet headlines spread fear about the state of our poor economy. There are several key factors that have caused Connecticut’s financial problems, many of which were preventable. These include deteriorating infrastructure, population trends and burdensome financial obligations. Connecticut has been the thoroughfare for much of the northeast’s wealth and commerce for many years, but times have changed, and Connecticut is feeling the squeeze from its own economic downturn.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Early childhood: An effective long-term investment in Connecticut’s children
Usually, but especially when resources are limited, good investments are those that are based on research about what really works and have promise for making a positive and long-term impact. One of the state’s recent examples of a good investment is the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Unfortunately, budget proposals recommend decreasing, and in some cases ending. this positive long-term investment in order to create short-term savings.
Posted inPolitics
U.S. House takes aim at ‘sanctuaries’ like Connecticut
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives, on largely party-line votes, approved two bills Thursday aimed at tightening immigration enforcement and stripping local jurisdictions of federal policing money if they don’t fully cooperate with immigration authorities.
Posted inMoney
Aetna picks NYC as new HQ site, keeps deep ties to CT — for now
As Aetna changes its home address from Farmington Avenue in Hartford to Ninth Avenue in New York City, the company plans to keep nearly all of its jobs in Connecticut and continue playing a corporate jurisdictional game that will allow it to remain in the state’s friendlier regulatory environment.
Posted inPolitics
Congress authorizes boost of CT-made weapons systems
WASHINGTON — House and Senate Armed Services panels have finished work on bills that would allow increased submarine production and boost the Pentagon’s authority to buy Sikorsky-made helicopters and F-35 fighter jets whose engines are made by Pratt & Whitney.
Posted inEducation, Money, Politics
Malloy on budget deadlock: ‘This is a failure of the legislature’
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy excoriated the General Assembly on Thursday for failing to vote on even a provisional budget, saving his greatest scorn for the House leadership and any rank-and-file member absent from Connecticut as the fiscal year nears its end Friday.
Posted inMoney, Politics
A new complication: moderate Democrats’ doubts on concessions
Several moderate Democrats in the General Assembly have told their leadership they agree with Republicans that concessions negotiated by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy are insufficient, a potential complication in the intertwined efforts to pass a budget and win ratification by state employees.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Legislators should enact the Passport to Parks initiative — Connecticut needs it!
As the Malloy administration and state legislators negotiate a new FY18-FY19 biennial budget, many residents will directly be affected by the cuts made to public programs they depend on. There is, however, one decision that can still be made that would not increase the deficit, and be greatly appreciated by Connecticut residents—enactment of the bipartisan Passport to Parks.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Will our children become casualties in the state budget battle?
Any family enduring a budget crisis is faced with a difficult task — prioritizing where to cut back on expenses. They must decide which expenses are unnecessary, which can safely be postponed, and finally, which are absolutely essential. Ultimately, the new sofa will be cancelled and replacing the tires on the family car will be delayed. These sacrifices will be made for one reason: to ensure money is available to pay for what is essential, such as food, rent, or life-saving medications for their children. The governor and state legislature of Connecticut currently face a similar task.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Adopting a pet is good for you and the animal
Did you know that in the United States every year, about 2.7 million cats and dogs have to be euthanized due to the fact that shelters are overpopulated? Connecticut has many animals that end up in shelters and need a forever home. People should consider adopting a pet instead of buying a new family pet for many reasons. If you choose to adopt instead of shop, you can help save an animal’s life. Adopted animals also cost less, and pets that are adopted make a great family pet. Adopting a pet is both beneficial for you and the animal.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Aresimowicz wants mini-truce on Malloy’s ‘mini-budget’
House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, under fire for blocking a provisional budget vote, is calling for a temporary truce. The speaker, who may not have enough votes in the closely divided House to defeat GOP amendments on major issues related to labor concessions, told CT Mirror on Wednesday he wants a pledge from the GOP minority for a clean vote, meaning no amendments and limited debate.
Posted inEducation
UConn building, enrollment initiatives collide with fiscal realities
Hundreds of beds in dorm rooms will be left empty at the University of Connecticut next school year because the school can’t afford to hire the teachers and other staff necessary to accommodate more students. And construction plans are being pushed back.