Greg Stroud is a quiet, thoughtful academic with limited experience in civic engagement; but he transformed into a relentless community organizer and grass roots lobbyist after learning of a federal proposal that would route a high-speed rail line through historic Old Lyme. Using social media, he rallied his neighbors to get the plan changed — and he did not stop there.
His grassroots rebellion stops a federal railroad plan in its tracks
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 inMoney, Politics
Trump’s wall: How much money does the government have for it now?
During the campaign, President Donald Trump promised to build a wall across the southern border some 1,000 miles long. The number of miles the president currently has money for: seven.
Posted inEducation
Yale is stalling, waiting for Trump, grad union claims
Hundreds of Yale graduate teachers union members and supporters rallied Wednesday afternoon demanding the university now negotiate a first contract.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
‘All in’- Equitable funding for all Connecticut schools
Posted on a wall in my second-grade classroom is a motivational poster that states, “We’re all in this together!” These five powerful words remind my second-grade students the importance of unity, perseverance, and teamwork. This simple catch phrase empowers them to tackle any challenges that they face. It reinforces that they are supported by the adults in their lives and their peers in the classroom. As my students tackle the challenges of the current school year, this mindset affords them the opportunity to be “all in” and invested in their own learning.
Posted inPolitics
Early Malloy announcement gives Dems a fundraising head start
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s relatively early announcement Thursday not to seek re-election gave his fellow Democrats seeking the gubernatorial nomination a crucial head start in fundraising. But it won’t deter the GOP from making the 2018 race a referendum on Malloy’s record.
Posted inEducation
State to run school desegregation lottery but tight-lipped on seat count
The state Department of Education declined to say whether the lottery will include more seats for students in desegregated magnet and suburban schools or whether the state will continue a present cap on the number of seats it will pay for.
Posted inPolitics
Malloy says he won’t seek third term, setting up 2018 battle
The Stamford Democrat, choked with emotion several times in a 35-minute press conference, pledged he would devote his remaining 20 months in office “to continue implementing my administration’s vision for a more sustainable and vibrant Connecticut economy.”
Posted inPolitics
Text of Malloy’s announcement that he won’t run for re-election
This is Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s prepared text announcing he will not seek a third term. His remarks were delivered in the Old Appropriations Room at the State Capitol.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Connecticut’s financial situation is perilously unstable
Like a profligate spender with maxed out credit cards and limited income, Connecticut finds itself stumbling towards financial ruin. Relying on an addict to convey the true depth of his problem is, in general, ill-advised. This instance is no different. Hiding behind accounting gimmicks impermissible in the private sector, Connecticut politicians in the state’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (“CAFR”) measured a substantial $70 billion hole at the end of 2014: $22 billion of bonded debt, $26 billion of unfunded pension liabilities and $22 billion of unfunded retiree healthcare liabilities. Large as these numbers are, they understate the scale of the problem.
Posted inPolitics, Transportation
CT rebellion against federal rail plan grows — and may have impact
WASHINGTON — A rebellion that began in Old Lyme and has spread along coastal Connecticut is pressing the federal government to make big changes in an ambitious plan to bring high-speed rail to the Northeast, and to turn the proposal into merely “aspirational” recommendations.
Posted inPolitics
Gender pay equity bill advances — minus key wage-history provision
A measure to promote pay equity among men and women advanced Wednesday in the House of Representatives — but minus a key provision regarding inquiries into a prospective employee’s salary history.
Posted inEducation
State auditors looking into vo-tech system contracts
Connecticut’s state auditors have joined other state and federal officials in investigating contracts between the state’s vocational-technical school system and two Rocky Hill-based marking and consulting firms.
Posted inHealth, Money
House passes measure to allow automated beer and wine sales
The House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would enable bars and restaurants to sell beer and wine on their premises using an automated machine.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Labor study: Businesses can pay more to preserve CT’s quality of life
Connecticut businesses can afford — and should pay — higher taxes to support investments in education, health care and other priorities to grow the economy and preserve quality of life, a report sponsored by the state’s biggest labor group urged Wednesday.