November 3, 2017 @ 6:55 pm
Posted inMoney

CT-N goes into reruns, debate over its future untelevised

Avatar photo by Mark Pazniokas

It started so well, with mutual respect and shared ambition. But the 18-year marriage of the Connecticut General Assembly and the Connecticut Public Affairs Network ended Friday, each finally acknowledging that the growing tensions of recent months over the operation of CT-N had hardened into irreconcilable differences over money and mission. CT-N apparently will survive, but in what form and under whose management is uncertain.

Posted inHealth, Politics

GOP, Dems collide over funding of health centers, HUSKY B

Avatar photo by Ana Radelat

WASHINGTON — With scant support from Democrats, the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved a bill that would authorize new spending for a health care program that covers about 17,000 children in Connecticut, and for the state’s community health centers, which serve many uninsured and Medicaid patients. But many are calling the bill dead on arrival in the Senate because it would take money from other health programs.

Posted inCT Viewpoints

Our hokus-pokus, smoke and mirror, Three-card Monte budget

by Craig Hoffman

The Connecticut legislature has finally agreed upon a two-year budget and Gov. Dannel Malloy has signed it into law — minus a hospital funding mechanism which he deleted with a line-item veto. Part of the details say “all individuals with a valid Connecticut license plate will be exempted from paying parking fees at state parks.” However, “A $10 surcharge on motor vehicle registrations will go to support parks. It is expected to raise $8 million this year and $16 million next year, but $2.6 million will be transferred to [the] general fund each year.”

Posted inCT Viewpoints

The difference between raising tax rates and raising taxes

by Francis P. DeStefano

There is a difference between raising tax rates and raising taxes. An increase in tax rates on the rich or anyone else does not always lead to increased government revenues. Historically, almost the opposite has occurred. Over 50 years ago, President Kennedy lowered tax rates and Federal revenues grew dramatically. President Reagan did the same thing with a similar result after he took office.