The state’s clean elections watchdog agency warned Wednesday that while it has enough funding to provide public grants for this fall’s state elections, it lacks the resources to monitor how candidates qualify for and spend the money. Though a final report hasn’t been completed yet, the State Elections Enforcement Commission expects to notify lawmakers later […]
Elections watchdogs fear they lack resources to monitor public campaign grants
Posted inMoney
Retirement panel approves Malloy’s pension fix
The State Retirement Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve the first stage of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s two-tiered plan to bolster the state employees’ pension fund. The second component, which requires action by the General Assembly, is expected to be considered before the 2012 session ends in early May. The retirement panel endorsed a revised […]
Posted inNews
On Foxwoods’ 20th, Malloy declares the casinos a partner
Mashantucket – The economic and political clout of the state’s two tribal casinos was amply demonstrated Wednesday by the sight of Connecticut’s top officials on a casino stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Foxwoods Resort Casino. The distant, soft singing of slot machines could be heard faintly inside the darkened Fox Theater as Gov. […]
Posted inNews
Report finds low recidivism rate amongst convicted sex offenders
Once sex offenders in Connecticut are released from prison, they are unlikely to be sent back for another sex crime, according to a report released Wednesday by the state Office of Policy and Management. Of 746 sex offenders released in Connecticut in 2005, five years later, less than 4 percent had been re-arrested and charged […]
Posted inNews
Up next: Shared sacrifice for retired teachers
Waves of retired teachers once covered by their districts’ health plans are opting to get insurance through the state’s less expensive policy. If Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has his way, his budget will slow this migration by increasing the cost the state’s 32,000 retired teachers and spouses would pay to join the state’s health plan. […]
Posted inNews
Senate Democrats offer plan to safeguard electric service
Majority Democrats in the state Senate announced a multi-tiered initiative Wednesday to better safeguard electric service and to hold Connecticut’s utilities accountable through new performance standards and penalties. The proposal includes a $300 million state investment over the next decade to create “microgrids” — sections of community centers with extra safeguards to ensure electric service […]
Posted inNews
Arts funding drama takes center stage
Arts organizations in Connecticut had been feeling the love from the Malloy administration: a new home in the Department of Economic and Community Development, leadership that seemed to care what they had to say, new programs, and not insignificantly — more funding. But not after last week. Tucked into Gov. Dannel Malloy’s revised fiscal 2013 […]
Posted inEducation
Media: 1, Hartford school officials: 0
Hartford school officials would not allow the media to cover a potentially controversial meeting Monday where a discussion was expected on the mid-year reshuffling of principals. “Please be advised that this evening’s meeting of the Classical Magnet School Governance Council parents with Superintendent [Christina] Kishimoto is closed to the press,” read the statement that went […]
Posted inHealth, Money
Gov gets recs for home care, child care worker collective bargaining
The working groups charged with recommending how to structure collective bargaining rights for home care workers and daycare providers in state-funded programs issued their reports to the governor Wednesday. Neither group offered a prescription for collective bargaining, but identified key issues to address and options for resolving them. The legislature must take action for either […]
Posted inNews
When social media isn’t sociable
Who knew? It seems that sitting up posting angry thoughts on Facebook at 2 a.m. is not a good idea for public officials. A Manchester school board board member is facing demands for her resignation.
Posted inNews
Mild winter, unexpected federal funds help keep LIHEAP afloat, for now
The unusually mild winter might have flummoxed forecasters, frustrated ski buffs and worried those concerned about climate change, but so far, it’s been a critical break for poor families relying on a reduced pot of government assistance to pay for heat. “It’s been a blessing that the weather has not been anywhere near like it […]
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Sides ready for new round on outdoor wood furnaces
You can chuckle all you want about outdoor wood furnaces and whether they’re a subject the legislature should even bother with given that there are probably only a couple of thousand in the state. Then you might want to get out of the line of fire. “I’ve been here a long time,” said Bob Girard, […]
Posted inEducation, Money
No love on Valentine’s Day between Cafero, Malloy
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, exchanged pointed Valentine’s greetings over what Cafero says was a curious element of Malloy’s budget proposal: Only his city faces a net loss in education aid. Hmmm, how to view this? A little gesture from a Democratic governor toward a nettlesome GOP […]
Posted inEducation
Education heavyweights draw line in the sand on reforms needed
Six days. That’s how long it took for six of the state’s education heavyweights to back most of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s education reform package, including requiring teachers to have to re-earn tenure every few years. “There is basically agreement here,” said Joseph Cirasuolo, leader of the state’s superintendentassociation, backed by leaders from two groups representing businesses, and […]
Posted inEducation
Malloy’s education chief gets the nod
A legislative committee has given the nod to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s choice of education commissioner. Stefan Pryor, who has been on the job since October, is certain to have a busy next three months as he helps shepherd through the governor’s education agenda. Pryor has been able to lead the department the past few […]