As state legislators, my colleagues and I are charged with two basic tasks – forming sound public policy, and finding a way to pay for such policies in a responsible manner. Our continuing fiscal crisis, however, has once again caused good public policy to suffer at the expense of funding our government’s unsustainable spending habits.
Transportation
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Tesla: We want a level playing field and chance to compete
At a time when new tax revenue, economic development and job growth are urgently needed, Connecticut stands poised to welcome one of the most innovative and sustainability driven companies to the state. Allowing Tesla to compete and sell their vehicles to Connecticut consumers helps further the state’s desire to be home to new, innovative companies.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Malloy uses ‘F word’ (not that one) at transportation rally
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who sees a need for $100 billion in transportation spending in Connecticut over 30 years, engaged in word play Thursday on the question of whether U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy is right to seek the first federal gasoline tax increase since 1993 to fund infrastructure projects.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Malloy’s proposed transit development authority is bad news for Newington
In Newington, my lifelong home, there is increasing concern about Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s proposal establishing a statewide transit development authority and its intentions to oversee his ambitious transportation plan. This proposal is not a friend of Newington — or any other municipality with open space.
Posted inMoney
Malloy’s big ask: Find $100 billion for transportation
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy named a group Tuesday to identify means to pay for a 30-year, $100 billion effort to modernize and maintain Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. He gave them a late summer deadline, meaning he is unlikely to place a funding plan before the legislature until a special session this fall or the 2016 regular session.
Posted inMoney
Malloy ‘getting close’ to talking dollars on transportation vision
In a conference call from Washington, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Wednesday he believes there is a consensus for Connecticut to undertake a massive, long-range program to invest in transportation — and it’s almost time to talk about how to pay for it.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Legislative panel keeps tolls debate alive
The legislature’s Transportation Committee kept the prospect of restoring tolls to Connecticut’s highways alive on Wednesday, but the issue remains far from settled.
Posted inPolitics
Amtrak may study high-speed service that would skip CT
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives will vote on legislation Wednesday that would require Amtrak to determine the feasibility of a new high-speed service from New York City to Boston that would likely cross Connecticut but make no stops in the state.
Posted inNews
Op-Ed: Use of data can help families benefit from public transit expansion
In order for our region to take full advantage of CTfastrak, the New Britain to Hartford busway, the needs of the residents living in the vicinity of the new transit lines must be taken into consideration. This should include children and families, who are not traditionally the primary part of transit studies.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Use of data can help families benefit from public transit expansion
In order for our region to take full advantage of CTfastrak, the New Britain to Hartford busway, the needs of the residents living in the vicinity of the new transit lines must be taken into consideration. This should include children and families, who are not traditionally the primary part of transit studies.
Posted inPolitics
In Washington, Malloy burnishes liberal credentials, national leadership role
WASHNGTON – At the National Governor’s Association meeting this weekend, Gov. Dannel Malloy looked out for state interests, including transportation needs and environmental concerns, and began to lay the groundwork for the very political job he will hold in an important election year.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Malloy proposes a ‘best-in-class’ transportation system
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy put forward a 30-year, $100 billion transportation initiative Wednesday, including a $10 billion investment in state and federal funds over the next five years. But the governor’s proposal does not say how it would keep transportation spending balanced beyond the next two years.
Posted inMoney, Politics
GOP offers no-tax-hike transportation plan
Republican legislators unveiled a $37 billion transportation proposal on Tuesday while making pre-emptive political strike against Gov. Dannel P. Malloy anticipated initiative on the same topic. GOP leaders stressed their plan makes a major investment without imposing tolls, increasing overall debt or raising taxes.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Snow plus salt equals Connecticut controversy
The salt treatments used in Connecticut to get snow and ice off the roads are spurring debate over what they may or may not be doing to vehicles and the environment. But everyone agrees they do a good job clearing the roads.
Posted inPolitics
Looney: Glaring car tax disparities must be closed
State budget problems have blocked recent efforts to repeal Connecticut’s car tax. But even though a big deficit is forecast for next year, the Senate’s top leader says the state at least can act now to fix the car levy’s greatest flaw – a huge gap between urban and suburban tax rates.