Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s plan to commission a $10 million analysis on restoring tolls to Connecticut’s highways continues to provide fodder for this year’s state elections. The latest move comes from lieutenant governor candidate Sen. Joe Markley.
Study of tolls remains CT’s political hot potato
Posted inPolitics
GOP primary rivals for U.S. Senate, Corey, Rapini, blast Murphy, not each other
Connecticut’s U.S. Senate race is a sleeper compared to the high-profile contest for governor or some of the other hot races this year. But, in a polite rivalry, Republicans Matthew Corey and Dominic Rapini are competing to see who can criticize Sen. Chris Murphy the most — and challenge him in November.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
All those opposed to mother’s milk…
In the tornado-like news cycle under President TwitterDee (aka TwitterDum), telling issues have a shorter lifespan than mayflies, one OMG moment is quickly eclipsed by next, ad nauseam, whether it’s about the leader of the free world cozying up to Vlad the Impaler or a porn star. One wonders how many TwitterDee devotees are opposed to mother’s milk. His administration is.
Posted inNews
Budget cuts, programs ended, and ‘We went off the cliff’
In June 2017 spending cuts ordered by the state in coping with its budget crisis closed many day programs for developmentally disabled clients. For Sarah Reith, who has autism and Down Syndrome, it meant the loss of a routine that kept her feeling happy and safe.
Posted inMoney
After years of cuts, nonprofits struggle to survive
The term “nonprofit organization” may well be misleading. Some might think nonprofits aren’t really businesses. Ah, but they are; indeed, some are large, intricate and highly regulated businesses. Like for-profit businesses, they need revenue to execute their missions. When that revenue falls off, they must make creative and/or hard-nosed business decisions.
Posted inNews
A 5 percent budget cut translates to lost hours, lost jobs
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County is finding it a little harder every year to operate its outreach and treatment program for clients who struggle with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.
Posted inPolitics
GOP gubernatorial candidates find common ground again and again
The five Republicans battling for the gubernatorial nomination had a tough time separating themselves Monday during a debate at the University of Fairfield.
Posted inPolitics
CT’s Democratic gubernatorial contenders take aim at Trump
Connecticut’s Democratic gubernatorial contenders took aim at President Donald Trump’s administration Monday, vowing to push back against attacks on abortion access rights and environmental standards.
Posted inNews
Tired of 30-second spots? GOP candidates debate tonight
If you want to see the five Republican gubernatorial candidates in more than the 30-second commercials now filling the airwaves, there are two more chances — a 90-minute debate tonight at 7 p.m. at Fairfield University and one Wednesday afternoon on WFSB, Channel 3.
Posted inHealth
Blumenthal calls on colleagues, Trump to act on soaring drug costs
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called on his federal colleagues and President Donald Trump to do more now to control the costs of skyrocketing prescription drug costs. “There is no way that America can stand idle and allow these prescription drug costs to continue increasing at the present rate,” said Blumenthal at a press conference on Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Celebrating immigrant heritage reflects Connecticut’s strength
The contrast could not be more stark. As the pace of preparation accelerates for the annual induction ceremony for the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame in Connecticut, the daily headlines trumpet a more hesitant, even hostile, view of immigrants and their continuing contributions to our state and nation. Immersed in the histories of immigrants thriving in our state, historically and currently, the invective aimed lately at the next generation of immigrants is concerning, as they, like others before them, seek to contribute to this nation while providing their families with the safety and opportunity that America has long exemplified.
Posted inCT Viewpoints, Talking Transportation
Connecticut’s travel trainers
Imagine being afraid to ride the bus, or being unable to read a timetable. Can you think of what your life would be like without access to a car or mass transit? There are hundreds of our neighbors who live lives of isolation because they are physically, emotionally or mentally unable to ride the bus or train. Some have physical handicaps while others are autistic or have learning disabilities. Shouldn’t they be able to travel like the rest of us?
Posted inNews
‘It gets harder and harder to make choices’
NEW BRITAIN – Behind a rusting iron fence, inside an aging red-brick building leased from the 170-year-old St. Mary Roman Catholic Church next door, Farrell Treatment Center offers a way out for people gripped by drug and alcohol addiction.
Posted inNews
Luckier than many, but an uncertain future
Robert Embardo is a 29-year-old guy in a Red Sox cap who weighs upwards of 300 pounds. Approaching with a slightly unsteady gait, he greets visitors with a left-handed handshake and a nod. But he doesn’t say much, even to his mother. The word he uses – the only word – is “key.”
Posted inHealth, Money, Politics
Change is coming for nonprofit human service providers, but will it make or break them?
It is a time of reckoning for Connecticut’s private, nonprofit social services. After two decades of flat or reduced funding from its chief client — state government — community-based agencies are struggling to retain both their programs and the low-paid staff who deliver care for thousands of poor, disabled and mentally-ill adults and children.