In a hearing before state legislators last month, Terrence Cheng, chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, apologized again and again. He apologized for inappropriate spending and misuse of a state credit card during his three-year tenure. He apologized for indiscretions that included acceptance of a hefty moving allowance without having moved. […]
Michele Jacklin
Posted inCT Viewpoints
For democracy’s sake, give early voting a fair chance
So far, early voting in Connecticut has produced low turnout numbers. But it’s too early to judge its success.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
CT’s attack on freedom of information has escalated
The FOIA is being blasted to oblivion by lawmakers who unfortunately think that by making information and government off limits, they are acting in the public’s best interest.
CT Viewpoints
Nix these new restraints on CT’s FOI Act
Concealing information about wrongdoing in state government is anathema to maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Connecticut: A tax nightmare for retirees
Connecticut is not among the 39 states that don’t tax Social Security; the 14 that don’t tax pensions; the 12 that don’t tax 401(k)s and IRAs; or the 10 that – like Florida – don’t tax any retirement income.
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Money for property tax reform is there for the asking
Like buried treasure, the money to reform the state’s property tax system is there for the asking. All it will take is some fortitude and digging.
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Fundamental property tax reform: If not now, when?
The ideas for carving up Connecticut’s surging budget surplus are flowing faster than the waters of the Long Island Sound after a nor’easter: Lower the sales tax. Eliminate the income tax on pensions. Increase the property tax credit. Pay down the state employee and teachers retirement pension debt. Cancel the surcharge on restaurant food. Bolster […]
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Middle-class retirees: The forgotten cohort
Middle-class retirees, Baby Boomers, older Americans – whatever you want to call them – seem to be the forgotten cohort among advocates and policymakers clamoring for state tax relief for select groups.