The CT Mirror (https://ctmirror.org/tag/connecticut-general-assembly/)
The 2017 legislative session begins today, kicking off a five-month frenzy as lawmakers work to craft a budget in the face of bleak fiscal problems and debate topics ranging from school funding to legalizing pot. Here’s a look at what to expect. Continue Reading →
WASHINGTON– Connecticut’s growing Latino population is not increasing its political clout, so Sen. Chris Murphy and members of the state legislature’s Hispanic Democratic Caucus are trying to do something about it. They have established the Latino Leadership Academy. Continue Reading →
WASHINGTON – Connecticut, one of 11 states that approved a law requiring schools to stock EpiPens, is on drug maker Mylan’s sizable lobbying list. According to the center, Mylan, under fire for its steep price hikes of the EpiPen, expanded its lobbying presence in state houses to Connecticut and 35 additional states between 2010 to 2014. Continue Reading →
The state House of Representatives offered a fond farewell Thursday to retiring Speaker J. Brendan Sharkey through a video that was part roast, mixed with moments of gratitude and a little advice. Continue Reading →
Rep. Robert W. Megna, D-New Haven, who adopted a consumer advocate’s role as co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, added his name Saturday to the list of legislators who will not seek re-election to the General Assembly this fall. Continue Reading →
One is 32, recently married and looking for a job that pays more than the $28,000 salary of a Connecticut state legislator. Another is 81, ready to retire from the battles in Hartford. Others are weary of having to explain a chronic fiscal crisis. For reasons personal and political, at least 20 members of the Connecticut General Assembly marked the end of their last regular session Wednesday. Continue Reading →
Updated 1 a.m. Tuesday
The Senate delayed a vote Monday on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s major criminal justice initiative, An Act Concerning a Second Chance Society, raising questions about whether it had sufficient Democratic votes to pass before the session ends at midnight Wednesday. Other bills were being held as leverage in budget talks. Continue Reading →
It’s opening day of the Connecticut General Assembly’s three-month session. If you can’t tell the players without a program, if you want a little history of an institution that has dramatically changed in the past 50 years, this is your quick guide to the session – with links to bios and contact information on every lawmaker and constitutional officer. Play ball. Continue Reading →
While nearly a fifth of the nation’s state legislatures increased their salaries last year, Connecticut’s General Assembly members are in the midst of their 13th year without a pay hike. Continue Reading →
State Sen. Andrea Stillman: “I feel immensely proud of the work I have done for my constituents.” Continue Reading →
No one quite captured the zeitgeist at the State Capitol last year like Tara Cook-Littman. The founder of GMO Free CT used social media to rally foodies, environmentalists and consumer activists behind a successful crusade to require the labeling of genetically modified foods. Now, she wants to try public policy from the inside — as a legislator. Continue Reading →
Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, told Democratic senators Wednesday he will not seek re-election this fall, heralding a turnover in leadership in three of the General Assembly’s four caucuses. Continue Reading →
Snow will delay the delivery of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget to the General Assembly by 24 hours until noon Thursday, when he will address a joint session of the General Assembly. “Given the forecast over the next couple of days, I’ve asked legislative leaders to postpone the start of session until February 6,” Malloy said. “While I hope the storm is not as bad as the predictions suggest, I also don’t want to put anyone in harm’s way. I want to thank the leaders for accommodating this request.”
Legislative leaders had considered delaying the opening until Wednesday evening, but a winter storm warning for Hartford will be in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Snow is expected to fall at the rate of an inch or two an hour at times, with accumulations of six to 12 inches. “Safety is first and foremost,” said Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn. “It makes sense to exercise caution and move opening day to Thursday given the blizzard-like conditions being predicted for tomorrow.”
“This decision was based on the latest forecast for a serious winter storm Wednesday, and is the prudent thing to do for the safety of all concerned,” said House Speaker J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden. Continue Reading →