For the second consecutive year, the legislature’s Appropriations Committee will not recommend a new budget before its deadline. But Democratic and Republican leaders from the House and Senate said lawmakers will continue working between now and the session’s end on May 9 to close a projected shortfall in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
April 4, 2018 @ 6:26 pm
Posted inPolitics
List of Republicans eyeing Esty’s seat grows as Petit considers race
WASHINGTON — The list of Republicans eyeing Rep. Elizabeth Esty’s seat in Congress grew longer Wednesday. J.R. Romano, the head of the Connecticut Republican Party said William Petit is considering a run for the seat.
Posted inPolitics
Courtney draws ‘Quiet Corner’ challenger
WASHINGTON – Dan Postemski, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of the Hampton Republican Town Committee, said on Wednesday that he plans to challenge Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.
Posted inPolitics
WNPR: Esty used personal email address for severance agreement
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty used her personal email address in a confidential severance agreement with former Chief of Staff Tony Baker, Connecticut public radio station WNPR reported Wednesday.
Posted inMoney
Lembo sees ray of fiscal hope in April income tax returns
While avoiding any promise of windfalls, Comptroller Kevin P. Lembo pointed Monday to one positive trend as Connecticut approaches a crucial review of state income tax receipts.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
In Esty’s decision not to run, morality and politics coalesce
Now that Elizabeth Esty has said she won’t run for reelection in November, Connecticut Republicans are hoping they can pick up the state’s 5th District Congressional seat. They believe they have the advantage for two reasons. One, the Democratic governor is monumentally unpopular. Dannel Malloy, who is also not seeking reelection in November, is the least liked governor in the entire country. Two, Esty is leaving under a cloud of controversy. Last week, she conceded to being complicit in a former chief of staff’s sexual and physical assault of a female aide.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Further privatize the VA? Not on my watch
Last week’s dismissal of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin undoubtedly will renew the long-standing debate over privatization of Veteran healthcare. It’s no secret the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has had its problems, as the inspector general’s report on Shulkin’s personal use of travel funds has revealed. Other high-profile debacles, like the wait-times scandal at the Phoenix VA in 2014 and, more recently, the staggering cost overrun of the Denver VA, have caused an erosion of the VA’s brand in the public eye. Yet for all these administrative difficulties — real or perceived — further privatization of VA care is not the solution we need.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Now is the time for addiction treatment solutions that work
Every fatal opioid overdose means our system has failed to provide treatment. A patient of mine — I’ll call him John — overdosed and almost died last year. After missing a visit in our addiction treatment clinic, he was brought in to the emergency department after being found nonresponsive in his car. John’s close call could have been avoided. When he had first come to our clinic months before, worn-down from years of addiction to heroin and prescription opiates, he was ready to change his life and get treatment.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Why we should believe Hartford is getting better and stronger
In his third State of the City address, Mayor Luke Bronin described Hartford as “better and stronger” and cited awards won and initiatives championed. While residents, public officials, and pundits debate the extent to which “Hartford Has It,” unprecedented collaboration among Hartford’s community-based organizations, anchor institutions, city government, residents, and community activists is reason for hope. Cooperation in developing compelling grant applications to support new city initiatives is impressive evidence of a collective commitment to improve the health and well-being of all residents, including those most disadvantaged.