DANBURY — Some 14,000 low-income parents will lose their state-sponsored Medicaid health insurance coverage Aug. 1, so Connecticut’s health care insurance exchange held an enrollment fair Wednesday to help them find a replacement plan. Nobody came.
Kyle Constable
Posted inPolitics
After Orlando shooting, lawmakers renew push for gun reform
Less than 36 hours after a shooting at an Orlando nightclub left 50 people dead and more than 50 others injured, three Connecticut lawmakers renewed their calls for federal action to combat gun violence, including increased background checks, a ban on the sale of assault weapons and a ban on the purchase of any weapons while on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist.
Posted inJustice, Money, Politics
Judicial Branch to cut community programs
Facing $77 million in cuts under the finalized budget, the state’s Judicial Branch has announced new actions to close the gap, including a plan to scale back community-based programs for juvenile and adult offenders.
Posted inPolitics
Race for GOP nomination in 2nd District takes a European detour
It’s not every day that a candidate claims the endorsement of an unspecified former Portuguese vice president, but that claim prompted an unusual exchange of demands between the two contenders for the GOP nomination. The campaigns have since reached a truce on the matter.
Posted inPolitics
Veteran, newcomer vie for 2nd District GOP nomination
Daria Novak, a conservative radio host who wants to return the U.S. to the gold standard, has failed twice to win the Republican nomination for the 2nd District Congressional seat. Now, after nearly six months as the only candidate for the nomination in 2016, she has competition from a political newcomer.
Posted inEducation
Union protests timing, process of layoffs at juvenile jail
Dozens of people gathered outside Connecticut Juvenile Training School Thursday to protest state layoffs that cut about one-third of the facility’s staff last weekend, creating what one union official called a “potentially life-threatening situation” for those still remaining.
Posted inPolitics
Bill to allow fewer polling places in primaries back after 4 years
Connecticut’s cities and towns could see small cost savings in future election cycles if lawmakers approve a bill that would allow town registrars to reduce the number of polling places in primaries. It has substantial support, but not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.
Posted inPolitics
Westbrook attorney Ann Brookes files to run for Courtney’s seat
Ann E. Brookes, a Republican from Westbrook, announced Friday she will challenge Democratic Rep. Joe Courtney in the race for the 2nd District congressional seat.
Posted inEducation
Board of Regents gives final okay to tuition hikes
The Board of Regents for Higher Education approved 3.5 to 5 percent tuition hikes for the 17 schools in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system with only one dissenting vote.
Posted inEducation
Compromise would increase UConn Foundation transparency
State legislators have reached a compromise they hope will ease a dispute over transparency at the University of Connecticut Foundation. The foundation still would not be subject to the state’s Freedom of Information Act, however.
Posted inPolitics
Proposed change to law on carrying guns draws skepticism
A number of legislators expressed skepticism Thursday about a bill that would allow law enforcement officers to ask to see an individual’s state-issued pistol permit without reasonable suspicion of a crime. Others expressed support for the bill.
Posted inPolitics, Transportation
Auto retailers, makers call on Tesla to apply for franchise
Car manufacturers and Connecticut auto retailers pushed back at a bill that would allow electric car makers like Tesla to sell cars in the state without opening a franchise. The bill is being put forward again after being considered last year and dying as the legislative session expired.
Posted inEducation
Financial aid for undocumented students garners support
The Higher Education Committee, for the second year in a row, is expected to approve a bill that would open a $140 million pool of financial aid to undocumented residents at the state’s public colleges.
Posted inEducation
New program announced for substance abuse treatment
Reacting to a spike in drug overdoses in Connecticut and the placement of hundreds of youths into foster care because of substance abuse – mostly by their parents – state and federal officials announced a public-private partnership that would offer 500 additional families substance abuse treatment.
Posted inEducation
UConn plans learning community to support academic efforts of black men
A University of Connecticut official says a low representation of African-Americans in the school’s honors program has played a role in a decision to offer a new residential learning community designed to raise graduation rates for African-American men and prepare them for leadership, graduate school and the professions.