“The future we want – opportunity and security for our families; a rising standard of living and a sustainable, peaceful planet for our kids – all that is within our reach. But it will only happen if we work together. It will only happen if we can have rational, constructive debates.”
Prepared text of President Obama’s State of the Union speech
Posted inHealth
CT to study other states to target health costs, market changes
As part of a major new health care law, a state board has until December to recommend ways to address rising health care costs and market changes.
Posted inPolitics
Advocacy groups for nonprofits to merge
Two prominent lobbying groups that represent nonprofits plan to merge next month, days before the start of a legislative session likely to find them trying to avert funding cuts to their members.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
CT Muslims thank Courtney for invitation to State of Union address
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Connecticut wholeheartedly thanks God and the honorable U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, 2nd District, for graciously inviting Dr. Mohammed Qureshi, our statewide president, as his guest at State of the Union 2016.
Posted inEducation
On trial: Is educational opportunity sufficient everywhere in CT?
Opening arguments begin today in a trial five-month trial to ultimately determine whether the education being provided in Connecticut’s lowest-achieving school districts fulfills the state’s constitutional obligation.
Posted inJustice, Politics
A governor, a commissioner and a new take on prison
Dannel P. Malloy is a socially progressive Democratic governor trying to make prison a place for second chances. Scott Semple is a Republican who came of age as a correction official when the primary mission of U.S. prisons was to punish. Together, they are trying to remake criminal justice in Connecticut.
Posted inPolitics
DeLauro defies Obama on State of the Union issue
WASHINGTON — Once again, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro is defying President Obama as he prepares to give his State of the Union address to the nation. Once again, the split is over trade.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Borrowing to pay off debt could poke new holes in CT’s budget
The state’s controversial practice of borrowing to pay off debt now threatens to poke new holes in the budget — a small one this fiscal year and a larger one after June — just a few weeks after lawmakers and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy wrapped a special session to balance the books.
Posted inNews
Aetna, Cigna boost spending on lobbyists
WASHINGTON — Aetna and Cigna spent more than $1.3 million last year on outside lobbyists whose work is aimed mainly at winning government approval of their respective mergers with Humana and Anthem.
Posted inPolitics
Obamas to put Malloy in spotlight at State of the Union
WASHINGTON — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will be one of the most notable guests at Tuesday’s State of the Union speech, sitting with Michelle Obama.
Posted inPolitics
U.S. asks CT, other states, for help enforcing gun rules
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration coupled its move to tighten gun laws with a plea to Connecticut and other states for help to strengthen a flawed system used to screen gun buyers.
Posted inJustice
Malloy gives early peek at 2015 stats showing falling crime
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy demonstrated one of the first rules of modern politics Thursday: If you have good news, get it out. And he says it looks like the news on crime in Connecticut is continuing to be good.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Connecticut IS preventing and ending homelessness
In August of 2015, Connecticut made history when we became the first state to end the long term homelessness of veterans with disabilities. We are also on track to end the long-term homelessness of all Connecticut residents with severe disabilities by the end of this year. Rep. Dan Carter wrote in a recent op-ed that our state’s system to addressing homelessness, “merely put a Band-Aid on the hopelessness of those already without a home.” He also referred to the people we serve as, “’statistics’ who will be back out on the street in no time at all.” These statements could not be further from the truth.
Posted inHealth
Coming soon to your mailbox: An Obamacare tax form
Even if you don’t get your health insurance through the federal health law, you’re likely to get the form, which is part of the way the federal government verifies whether people are complying with the mandate that nearly all Americans have health care coverage. Here’s what you need to know.
Posted inPolitics
Challenges at home as Malloy raises national profile
He’s already had five years of crisis, conflict and close calls. But 2016 is dawning as a pivotal year for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, a Democrat taking on a leadership role in national politics while trying to solidify a legacy in Connecticut.