Two months ago, our state became the center of a national debate after a tragedy we never imagined could happen here. The horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School brought home the fact that we are not immune to problems that face the nation at large, that we can never become complacent in our effort […]

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, fellow citizens: Fifty-one years ago, John F. Kennedy declared to this chamber that “the Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress.” (Applause.) “It is my task,” he said, “to report the State of the Union — to improve it is the […]

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, distinguished members of the General Assembly, thank you for inviting me back into the people’s House to address you. I want to recognize and thank my trusted friend and advisor, Connecticut’s exceptional Lt. Governor – Nancy Wyman. I’d like to thank my wife for being here today, […]

SUPREME COURTJudge Lubbie Harper, Jr.*Andrew J. McDonaldCarmen Espinosa* * Harper has retired and was succeeded by McDonald. Espinosa is awaiting confirmation. APPELLATE COURTJudge Carmen Espinosa*Michael R. SheldonChristine E. Keller* *Espinosa succeeded Harper on Appellate Court and is nominated for Supreme Court. Keller was nominated to succeed Espinosa on Appellate Court. SUPERIOR COURT Sybil RichardsLeeland J. […]

Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for DeliveryInaugural AddressMonday, January 21, 2013Washington, DC Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of […]

“In the hours after the worst of our fears were confirmed, in the midst of the grief and sorrow over the loss of 20 innocent children and six dedicated educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School, there was one question on the minds of people across Connecticut and around the nation: How do we make sure […]

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, Lt. Governor Wyman and my fellow state officials, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, honored members of the Judiciary, members of the clergy, and all the citizens of our great state who are watching or listening today: thank you for the honor of inviting me into […]

After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, some policymakers have called for considering outpatient commitment laws that allow for court-ordered treatment of people with mental illness who could be dangerous to themselves or others. Forty-four other states have such laws, but the concept has been unpopular in Connecticut, where the mental health system’s focus […]

By Jack Dougherty, Associate Professor of Educational Studies, Trinity College When State Commissioner of Education Stephen Pryor unveiled Connecticut’s “School Performance Index” (SPI) website earlier this year, the initial story grabbed front-page headlines, but the substance was underwhelming. Both the Connecticut Mirror’s Jacqueline Rabe Thomas and the Hartford Courant’s Kathy Meganreported that the SPI site revealed few surprises. […]

The unspeakable horror that took 20 young children and six brave adults from their families naturally has spawned a search for answers. While no satisfactory response may emerge, one important part of the discussion has focused on children’s mental health. The Department of Children and Families has children’s mental health as one of our mandates […]

By Joette Katz The unspeakable horror that took 20 young children and six brave adults from their families naturally has spawned a search for answers. While no satisfactory response may emerge, one important part of the discussion has focused on children’s mental health. The Department of Children and Families has children’s mental health as one of our mandates and, […]

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release                                                              December 19, 2012 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN A PRESS CONFERENCE   James S. Brady Press Briefing Room       12:02 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  It’s now been five days since the heartbreaking tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut; three days […]