Among the ideas Access Health CT will explore: Allow insurers to offer plans with narrow provider networks, restrict coverage for people who sign up after the enrollment deadline, and consider eliminating the lowest-cost, high-deductible bronze plans.
CT exchange officials considering big changes to stay viable
Posted inPolitics
Bridgeport throws Joe Ganim an anniversary party
BRIDGEPORT — Mario Testa leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and counted the room. The last of the state’s old-school Democratic bosses saw 250 men and women at a couple of dozen tables, not a bad turnout for what Testa called a last-minute, multi-purpose affair: a Democratic fundraiser and pre-election pep rally on the first anniversary of Joseph P. Ganim’s election as mayor. “I’ll be honest with you,” Testa said. “There was no arm-twisting.”
Posted inPolitics
In CT Democrats’ new campaign ad, money is the message
With a new ad and press conference, Democrats made the corporate and billionaire backers of a Republican effort to gain seats in the Connecticut House an issue Thursday. The GOP called the effort a disingenuous gambit to distract voters from the state’s economic failings under a Democratic governor and legislature.
Posted inPolitics
Get all your election coverage at our Election Headquarters
We’re your headquarters for Connecticut election news and results, interviews and analysis. Beginning today and through Election Day, the Connecticut Mirror will keep you up to speed on the state’s elections with a special site dedicated to that purpose.
Posted inEnergy & Environment, Politics
Koch brothers, others seek to quash tax break that aids CT fuel cell industry
Connecticut’s fuel cell industry, one of the most robust in the nation, is up against a powerful coalition that includes the Koch brothers and other conservative interest groups who want to end an important tax break for the industry.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
When righting school funding wrongs, remember charter schools
In his historic and sweeping decision on Connecticut’s broken school funding system, Judge Thomas Moukawsher announced something we have been shouting from the rooftops for years – many of Connecticut’s kids are not getting the education they deserve and was promised to them under law. They’re languishing. Their rights are being violated. It’s unconstitutional, it’s unfair and finally it seems people have woken up and are taking notice.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
The real war on women in Connecticut
Donald Trump’s atrocious war on women has been on full display, but there’s another war on women that takes place inside our Capitol every legislative session. Big business lobbyists, and the Republicans they now indirectly fund, routinely fight the right of women to achieve equal pay and fair workplace policies that keep women in the workforce.
Posted inEducation
Turmoil greets new teacher training program in CT
Hoping to increase the number of minority teachers working in urban districts, the Connecticut State Board of Education on Wednesday approved a controversial private program that fast-tracks would-be teachers toward certification.
Posted inPolitics
We can’t tell you the right way to vote, just the right place
Here are some suggestions gleaned from a pep talk elections officials gave Wednesday, a mix of practical advice and reassurance about the integrity of U.S. elections. It’s a good idea to check where you are supposed to vote – and if you still are registered. If you haven’t shown up in a few years, you may have been “purged” from the rolls and deemed “inactive.” The good news is you can be “restored” on the spot.
Posted inPolitics
CT lawmakers spend millions fending off underfunded foes
WASHINGTON — Boosted by their success at fundraising, members of the all-Democratic Connecticut delegation to the House of Representatives have spent a total of nearly $5 million to stave off woefully underfunded challengers this year.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
‘Revolution’ talk serious, from Shays’ Rebellion to today
Disparaging the U.S. government and election system, with menacing warnings and occasionally occupation and weaponry, is in season…. Would-be rebels and gun zealots revive one reason the U.S. Constitution was created: to counter conflicts like Shays’ Rebellion, when Massachusetts farmers burdened by debt took up arms against the Commonwealth in 1786–87.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Targeting business for Connecticut: Attract globally, welcome locally
In football, no matter how perfect the spiral leaving the quarterback’s hand, no matter if the pass is aimed precisely right, if the receiver fails to turn around when the pass arrives it is likely to bounce away incomplete. Or be intercepted. Much the same is true when the state and its municipalities consider economic development. The guiding phrase should be “attract globally, welcome locally.” One without the other will not get the job done.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
On the Himes – Wall Street connection
I thought I would provide some vital statistics on U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who is seeking reelection. In the 2012 election cycle Rep. Himes received a total of $63,450 in contributions from Wall Street bank CitiGroup. I found this data on opensecrets.org. Rep. Himes was a Wall Street banker before being elected to Congress.
Posted inPolitics
Business, labor bet big on fight for Connecticut Capitol
Business groups intent on boosting the influence of Republicans in the General Assembly outspent labor allies of majority Democrats by roughly a 2-1 margin in independent expenditures reported to the State Elections Enforcement Commission through Tuesday, according to an analysis by CT Mirror.
Posted inHealth
Panel endorses strategies to curb health costs, redesign care system
The recommendations are aimed at curbing health care costs, but some members of the state’s Health Care Cabinet wondered if they will be too expensive. Another key recommendation faces opposition from one of the agencies that would be charged with implementing it.