WASHINGTON – Jahana Hayes, a political newcomer vying for the 5th District congressional seat, has pulled in nearly $1.3 million in campaign donations since she announced her candidacy in May. Some of that money came from political action committees representing special interests and from those Hayes hopes to call colleagues after the Nov. 6 elections, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
October 15, 2018
Posted inPolitics
Democrats challenge Stefanowski on payday lending
Democratic lawmakers said Monday that Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski’s history as the chief executive of DFC Global inextricably ties him to the “unscrupulous, illegitimate practices” of a payday lending industry now barred from doing business in Connecticut.
Posted inEducation
Do magnet schools need white students to be great?
In the Hartford region, a difference in philosophies about whether segregation contributes to poor educational outcomes divides parents, educators and lawmakers. Most magnet schools have no problem attracting enough white students from the suburbs to go to school with city kids, but some struggle. This means seats in some schools are left open to maintain diversity – a reality that is causing a rift among neighbors about what should happen next. On Tuesday, a federal judge will consider whether the state must stop considering race when awarding seats.
Posted inPolitics
Ads in race for AG feature Trump, Malloy, and a triple murder
President Donald J. Trump, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and violent crime loom large in the latest round of campaign commercials in the race for attorney general of Connecticut, an office at odds with the Trump administration on a broad range of civil issues, but lacking jurisdiction in criminal matters.
Posted inPolitics
Retiring Esty gives more than $100k to DCCC, still has large war chest
WASHINGTON — Retiring Rep. Â Elizabeth Esty has given more than $100,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and spent thousands more polling her constituents and posting digital ads that tout her work in Congress, according to her latest filing with the Federal Elections Commission.
Posted inNews, Politics
Bill to address racial disparities at Coast Guard Academy proposed as investigation continues
WASHINGTON – An investigation into the Coast Guard Academy’s treatment of minority cadets continues months after members of the U.S. House and Senate pressed the service for more information about racial disparities. The Coast Guard Academy’s poor rates of minority enrollment and graduation have prompted a lawmaker to introduce legislation that would change its admission policies and “culture” regarding minority cadets.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Eliminate the Board of Regents? Nonsense before every election
As sure as “death and taxes,” the question of whether the Board of Regents for Higher Education should exist reemerges every time there is a statewide election. The arguments to dissolve the BOR usually fall along one of two lines: “Dan Malloy created it, therefore it’s bad” or “the System Office does nothing, it is a waste of money, we are just fine on our own.” The State of Connecticut is better off having merged its public higher education system. Period. We are an example of what works in Connecticut.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Protect CT’s public lands with transparency. Vote yes on Question 2
Who benefits from Connecticut’s treasured public lands? Everyone. For many in our state, public lands like Hammonasset Beach, Heublein Tower, Gillette Castle, and Sleeping Giant, are the only resource to enjoy the outdoors and open space, making State Forests and Parks invaluable to our communities and the state as a whole. Public lands are here for everyone. That’s why most Connecticut State Parks and Forests are free, providing local places for relaxation, inspiration, and for kids to explore and learn about nature. On Nov. 6, you have the chance to vote yes on Question #2 to protect your state parks, forests, and other valuable public lands from being sold, swapped or given away without a public hearing. That will ensure public lands remain public and open for everyone.
Posted inHealth, Money, Politics
In a state of great wealth, all the health care some can afford
While the overall health care system in one of the nation’s wealthiest states ranks high, hundreds of thousands of low- and middle-income residents are struggling to afford coverage or seeing their earnings gobbled up by a system with outcomes as disparate as income is in Connecticut.