With projected state tax revenues headed down the rabbit hole, Connecticut’s money troubles are really starting to fray some nerves.
Paul Stern
Paul has more than 45 years of reporting and editing experience at newspapers in New Jersey, Florida and Connecticut. He worked 22 years at the Hartford Courant in various editing roles including as deputy state editor, assistant editor of Northeast Magazine, and as an associate editor at Courant.com. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. A trained chef, he and his wife own and operate a bed and breakfast in an historic home in Mansfield.
Posted inNews
A big sucking noise is heard across Connecticut
It was the sound of a political vacuum being filled immediately after Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced his decision not to seek re-election.
Posted inNews
Connecticut’s harsh economic reality felt in ways large and small
Connecticut’s understanding of the harsh realities of its financial crisis is becoming sharper with every passing week. This one started with cities and towns contemplating the long-term impact of Gov. Dannel Malloy’s plan to have them pay one third of their teacher pension costs: a net loss for some this year growing to more than a five-fold increase in costs over the next 15 years.
Posted inNews
Some steamed as legislative session is reaching full steam
This year’s state legislative session has almost reached full momentum, propelled and directed by one unavoidable phenomenon: a rising tide of crushing state debt. And on the national front, the appointment of a U.S. Supreme Court justice and an air strike against Syria dominated public officials’ concerns.
Posted inPolitics
Of ‘blatant’ politics here and in Washington
Extreme political circumstances can inspire extreme counter-measures, and that seemed to be the case when state legislators began reacting to Trump administration policies that rub them the wrong way.
Posted inNews
Snow storm distracts from politics — but only briefly
Nothing like a blizzard to take the state’s mind off Donald Trump’s activities … for a day. Apart from the snow break, almost everything again revolved around the ideas, activities and impact of the nation’s chief executive.
Posted inNews
New immigration order, big healthcare bill, hit the partisan fan
Still reverberating from President Donald Trump’s unsupported claim that he was wire-tapped by Barack Obama during the 2016 election campaign, the nation began the week examining the potential impact of two major Republican initiatives. Both have local implications.
Posted inPolitics
Connecticut before, during and after Trump’s big address
In Connecticut last week there was life before, during and after President Donald Trump’s first speech to Congress. And while it left an impression on everyone, it brought little change.
Posted inNews
Conflict over immigration, labor and transgender bathrooms
Concerns over the Trump administration’s measures greatly expanding the potential number of deportations were not the only ones evoking strong emotions here last week, but they were the only ones earning Gov. Dannel Malloy a rebuke from the White House.
Posted inEducation, Health, Money, Politics
Angst over trains, guns, money, health insurance and Russian spies
Own a gun? Have health insurance? Seen any spy ships off the Connecticut coast? There were concerns over those items and more throughout the week.
Posted inNews
The big budget lands hard
The state budget was last week’s big focus for Connecticut lawmakers and policymakers. It almost took attention off the continued political fireworks in Washington, D.C.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Debts to pay, fiscal and political, here and in Washington
While the ferment continued around the country over President Donald Trump’s temporary ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim nations, Connecticut on Monday was waking up to disturbing news of another kind: the Mirror’s in-depth series on the dire condition of state government’s finances.
Posted inNews
Week starts badly for Aetna, then focus quickly turns to Trump
Catch up on a week in Connecticut that started with an antitrust setback for Aetna, then focused heavily on the effects of President Trump’s executive orders. The budget for child protection and the state’s response to the opioid crisis were also in the news.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Domestic workers deserve this bill of rights
In Bridgeport tomorrow, the Connecticut legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee will hear public testimony on an Act establishing a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights for Connecticut. We write today to voice our support for this act.