A temporary employee who worked at the state Office of Policy and Management is a suspect in the theft of personal information about applicants to a furnace rebate program from 2008 through this month, OPM said today. The state learned of the theft Friday from Hartford police, who have a potential suspect, said Robert Genuario, […]
OPM reports theft of personal data for up to 11,000 residents
Supreme Court clears the way for lawsuit to require state funding to ensure “adequate” public school education
The state Supreme Court ruled today that Connecticut schoolchildren are guaranteed an adequate standard of quality in their public schools — a crucial legal victory for a coalition seeking to force a dramatic increase in state spending on education. It is the most significant ruling on school finance since another lawsuit, Horton vs. Meskill, radically […]
Long-awaited education decision to be released today by Connecticut Supreme Court
The Connecticut Supreme Court today at 11:30 a.m. is releasing a long-awaited decision in an education-funding lawsuit brought to establish that children have a right to an “adequate” education, not merely a free and public education. The decision will be accompanied by two dissenting and concurring opinions, indicating a deeply divided court. The justices have […]
Democratic would-be governors court organized labor
It’s spring, when the fancy of nearly every Democratic gubernatorial candidate turns to organized labor. Over the weekend, five Democrats romanced 400 activists from the bargaining coalition that represents 51,000 state employees. State employee union lawyer Dan Livingston, left, introduces Democrat Ned Lamont at a union gubernatorial forum Today, about 200 members of the Connecticut […]
After hopeful start, renewable energy initiative struggles through recession
In 2003, when the General Assembly created what is now known as Project 150, it was widely anticipated that most if not all of the renewable energy projects it was supposed to spawn would be operational or close to it by now. Today none of Project 150’s 13 plants is even under construction, and only […]
Democrats divided on closing budget deficits
After battling Gov. M. Jodi Rell over spending and taxes for most of last year, majority Democrats in the General Assembly are developing their own fiscal rift, a divide that could widen during the session’s final month. While House Democrats were finding common ground against deep spending cuts in a closed-door caucus, their Senate counterparts […]
Democratic gubernatorial contenders tread lightly
The late George Carlin had his “Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television.” Then there are the “Words You Don’t Use If You’re A Democrat Who Hopes To Become Governor.” So the first televised debate between the six Democratic gubernatorial contenders, which aired live Friday on NBC Connecticut, didn’t include terms like “tax increases,” […]
Murphy says he will vote for health care reform
U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District, who had been described in national press accounts as undecided, said today he will vote this weekend to pass health-care reform, a potentially pivotal issue in his re-election campaign. “The message from the people I represent is clear – health care costs and health insurance practices are out of […]
Alex, I’ll take ‘deficits’ for $200
Picture the lightning round of “Jeopardy.” Substitute Gerry Brooks for Alex Trebek, invite eight contestants, and make sure every category and question involves Connecticut politics. That was the look and feel of a brisk, 60-minute debate between eight Republican candidates for governor Thursday night that focused on jobs, the economy and the state’s fiscal crisis. […]
Bill would cut targets for use of renewable energy
Halfway into a 20-year program to increase the use of renewable energy in Connecticut, leaders of the legislature’s energy committee want to drastically alter the program’s goals, saying it is not promoting investment in the state. “The bottom line is, (renewable energy) projects aren’t being built,” said Rep. Vickie O. Nardello, D-Bethany, co-chairman of the […]
McMahon’s investment produces its first returns
Nothing was going to spoil Linda McMahon’s good mood, not on the sunny day that transformed her from a political curiosity into the Republican frontrunner for U.S. Senate. Not unexpected questions from a reporter about gay rights, which produced a commitment to allow gays to openly serve in the military and an expression of her […]
Report says colleges must act to improve graduation rate of Hispanic students
After enrolling at Post University in Waterbury three years ago, Karina Heredia dropped out after her freshman year – a fate all too common among Hispanic students across the nation, says a study released Thursday. Barely half of the nation’s Hispanic college students complete bachelor’s degrees within six years, and the numbers are considerably worse […]
Larson: Pratt & Whitney to stay in Connecticut
U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, said today that he has been assured by David Hess, the president of Pratt & Whitney, that the jet-engine manufacturer is staying in Connecticut, despite public complaints by its parent, United Technologies Corp., about the cost of doing business in the state. “I am pleased to hear Pratt […]
Keno, tolls opposed in poll
Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s proposal to raise money by broadening legalized gambling with electronic Keno games in bars, restaurants and convenience stores is overwhelmingly opposed in a new poll, 70 percent to 27 percent. A Quinnipiac University poll released today found opposition to Keno across all demographic groups, a finding likely to give legislators pause […]
‘Undecided’ tops gubernatorial poll; Bysiewicz ahead in AG race despite negative news
Tom Foley, the only candidate airing television commercials, has opened a lead in the Republican race for governor, while Ned Lamont and Dannel P. Malloy top the Democratic field, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. But the two gubernatorial contests remain wide open, with 50 percent of Republican voters and 44 percent of […]
