Never coming close to resolving a budget crisis in the five-month regular session that ended Wednesday night, the General Assembly and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy now will try again in special session, burdened by the knowledge that neither chamber has a reliable working majority on the question of how to fund Connecticut’s government.
June 8, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
Posted inHealth
Wade may be fined for withholding records on Aetna-Humana merger
In a proposed ruling, a Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission hearing officer has determined the Insurance Department failed to prove the records were exempt from disclosure and has recommended a rare civil fine against Commissioner Katharine Wade. The commission is scheduled to consider the case June 28.
Posted inJustice
Blumenthal calls Comey’s tale ‘chilling;’ Murphy says Trump should testify
WASHINGTON – This city was transfixed Thursday by former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony to Senate Intelligence Committee and Sen. Richard Blumenthal was among those had a front-row seat during the riveting three hours of questioning. He said Comey painted a “chilling picture” of his contacts with President Donald Trump.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
The true crisis in Connecticut higher education
I recently had the honor of speaking at an event to support the Student Crisis Fund at Charter Oak State College, my alma mater. This is a fund that helps students – and their education – survive unexpected financial challenges, from broken computers to dental emergencies. For many students, these $100 – $1,000 problems can stop an academic career dead in its tracks. And yet, colleges and universities – ours included – raise tuition and fees by easily the amount of the average withdrawal from the Student Crisis Fund. For too many students, these increases themselves create a widespread financial crisis every year.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Trump is changing foreign policy toward Saudi Arabia
President Trump has begun the slow process of changing the course of American foreign policy. Interestingly, in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, John Bolton, a foreign affairs guru, argued that so far Trump has followed the same basic course as his two predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
However, the recently concluded visit to Saudi Arabia marked a real turning point. It is obvious that the visit had been well planned. No one makes a $100 billion-plus arms deal on the spur of the moment. But there was more to the visit than a deal that might bring jobs to Connecticut companies like Sikorsky.
Posted inMoney
With the parties dug in, what will happen with budget talks now?
With the regular General Assembly session over, and a budgetary nightmare just 23 days away, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and legislative leaders no longer can avoid one huge question: Should they continue with bipartisan budget talks, or is it time for Democrats and Republicans to go their separate ways?
Posted inPolitics
Wins, losses and bills left for OT at the General Assembly
The 2017 session of the Connecticut General Assembly ended at midnight Wednesday, leaving the usual list of wins, losses and unfinished business. The biggest item left on the to-do list, of course, is the matter of a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.