Month: April 2014

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman will chair the monthly meeting of the Health Care Cabinet, then attend the YWCA’s 19^th annual In the Company of Women luncheon.  In the afternoon, the Lt. Governor will join DMV Commissioner Currey and state and local partners to announce a new program to promote teen driver safety.

 

 

 

What: Health Care Cabinet Meeting

Who: Lt. Governor Wyman

When: Tuesday, April 8, at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Capitol room 310

 

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What: YWCA In the Company of Women luncheon

Who: Lt. Governor Wyman

When: Tuesday, April 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Where: CT Convention Center

 

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What: Announcement of new teen driving safety program

Who: Lt. Governor Wyman, DMV Commissioner Currey, students, and advocates

When: Tuesday, April 8, at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center World Café, 282 Washington Street, Hartford

(HARTFORD) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State of Connecticut is applying for $600 million in federal transportation funding to help cover the capital costs of three resiliency, or “hardening”, projects central to the commuter rail infrastructure of Connecticut. The federal funds will be matched with $200 million in state funds for various upgrade and replacement projects along the New Haven Line.

 

“We learned some tough lessons during Super Storm Sandy, but one of the most important was that several aspects of our transportation infrastructure are in dire need of hardening measures. We have made billions of dollars in investments in new rail infrastructure in recent years, but it is just as crucial to maintain, protect and replace existing systems along the Northeast rail corridor,” said Governor Malloy. “The New Haven Line is the busiest single commuter rail system in America and the backbone of our economy and its failure due to a weather-related event would have a catastrophic ripple effect throughout the region and the nation. In anticipation of adding even more service on this state owned rail corridor, we want to undergo these projects now to ensure a safe and reliable commute for riders, prevent any major system interruptions and protect against future natural disasters.”

 

Congress and the Obama administration made $3 billion available for 11 states affected by Storm Sandy in October 2012. Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker said that the Federal Transit Administration will announce grant awards under the Sandy Resiliency Project Program in the fall. Connecticut is applying for $603 million to be applied to the following key components of the New Haven Line, which is owned by ConnDOT and operated by Metro-North:

 

·         ConnDOT is requesting $349 million in federal funding to help cover the cost of the Walk Bridge Replacement Project in Norwalk, representing 75 percent of the $465 million total project cost. ConnDOT would match the federal funding with $116 million in state funds.

§  The funding will be used for project design, engineering, environmental clearance, and construction.

§  The WALK bridge was built in 1896, and replacing it with a more resilient “bascule” bridge (which would open for marine traffic from one side with a counterweight system) will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of commuter and intercity passenger service along the Northeast corridor.

 

 

·         ConnDOT is requesting $245 million in federal funding for the replacement of the existing communications and signaling system along the Connecticut section of the New Haven Line, representing 75 percent of the $326 million total project cost.  ConnDOT would match the federal funding with $82 million in state funds.

§  The requested federal funding will be used towards completing the design, engineering and construction of a new reliable and resilient communications and signaling system.

§  The current system was installed over 35 years ago and is now well past its useful life, with its poor condition exacerbated by winds and flooding.

 

 

·         ConnDOT is requesting $9 million in federal funding for a Power Upgrade at the New Haven Rail Yard, representing 75 percent of the $12 million total project cost. ConnDOT would match the federal funding with $3 million in state funds.

§  The New Haven Yard Power Upgrade project will protect power transmission to the yard in the event of high winds and flooding by providing two new underground feeders from the power company (United Illuminating), to the yard’s power distribution system.

§  Two dedicated 10 megawatt feeders will be installed underground and fed directly from UI’s Water Street substation; if one feeder fails, the other feeder can still supply the entire yard.

 

 

“As storms like Sandy become the new normal, we must take immediate action to strengthen the resiliency of our public transportation systems. Protecting the New Haven Rail Yard, the Walk Bridge and communications systems along the New Haven Metro-North line are important measures that will help ensure the viability of our commuter rail system for generations to come,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). “These are investments we must make now, or pay for later with paralyzing service disruptions causing lost economic opportunity and hardship. I look forward to working with the state and the rest of the delegation to ensure Connecticut receives the funds it needs and deserves to prepare its transportation infrastructure for the future.”

 

“Protecting and upgrading our transportation systems are among the smartest investments we can make,” said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). “We have seen the havoc disruption to these systems can cause several times over the past several years. Putting the necessary money into this infrastructure will protect a vital part of our transportation system and yield economic benefits in the long run. I am proud to support the Governor’s request and will do everything possible to support it.”

 

“We must protect the flow of commerce by investing in our transportation infrastructure,” said U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-1). “Severe weather is a reality in Connecticut and I commend Governor Malloy for recognizing the need to improve our infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events, lower congestion and provide stronger avenues to help put people back to work. Infrastructure is neither Republican nor Democrat, it’s American, and whether it is our railways, highways or levees, we must provide funding necessary to protect it.”

 

“This funding would provide critical infrastructure improvements and help improve the future of our state’s rail lines,” said U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2). “I applaud Governor Malloy’s leadership in Sandy recovery efforts and I intend to work alongside my colleagues in the state and in Congress to secure funding for our infrastructure priorities.”

 

“Super Storm Sandy made it all too clear that Southwest Connecticut is far from immune to the effects of severe weather, and that we must do everything we can now to mitigate the damage from future storms,” said U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-4). “Governor Malloy’s request for funding to help pay for important resiliency projects along Metro-North’s New Haven Line, including for the replacement of Norwalk’s Walk Bridge, will help ensure that the trains so many of my constituents rely on to get to work will keep running after the next big storm.”

 

“Even though the Northeast rail corridor is the busiest railroad in the country, Congress has systematically failed to prioritize investment in its infrastructure or boost its resiliency,” said U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (CT-5). “Since joining the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Rail, I’ve been a strong advocate for increased investment in upgrading our rail infrastructure, and I’ve gained bipartisan support for increasing resiliency for our critical infrastructure. We simply can’t keep waiting until a bridge falls down or a train derails. I applaud Governor Malloy and Commissioner Redeker for their leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with federal, state, and local partners to secure this much-needed funding to ensure safe, reliable rail service for Connecticut businesses, commuters, and their families.”

 

In February, Governor Malloy and ConnDOT announced that the $10 million upgrade of the power supply for the New Haven Line was successfully completed, giving full back-up power redundancy for the east- and westbound lines.

Human Services Director Barbara Butler has announced that the Westport Youth Commission is seeking

nominations for the annual James S. Bacharach Service to the Community Award. “All qualified

Westport high school seniors are eligible for this award,” said Butler. “This honor, given to one or more

Westport high school seniors, recognizes their significant community service contributions in our town.”

Citations have been given annually since 1989 as a tribute to the late James S. Bacharach, founder and

past-president of the Youth Adult Council, predecessor of the Westport Youth Commission which

Bacharach and other concerned citizens founded in 1974. “Eligible nominations must demonstrate the

student’s exemplary leadership ability and high standards of community service to Westport,” Butler said.

“Either adults or students may nominate a deserving high school senior for their contributions to our

community.”

Applications will be available online at www.westportct.gov and at the counseling offices at Staples

High School, Greens Farms Academy, Hopkins School, Laurelton, Fairfield Prep, at Toquet Hall, the

Westport Public Library and from the Department of Human Services at Town Hall. The application

should be submitted along with a maximum of two references or letters of support attesting to the

student’s contributions to the town. Applications must be faxed to 203-341-1073; e-mailed to

elained@westportct.gov; or mailed to Department of Human Services, Attention Bacharach Awards

Committee, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT 06880 by May 10, 2014.

Finalists will be chosen by a subcommittee of the Westport Youth Commission. Winners will be

announced at the annual end-of-year awards presentation at the recipients’ school.

The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectman and staffed by the Department of

Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport

adults. It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth

in their families, schools, community and among their peers. For further information, contact Elaine

Daignault at 203-341-1165, or via e-mail at elained@westportct.gov.

Governor Forms Advisory Commission to Review Policies Protecting the Victims of Crime

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is creating the Victims’ Rights Enforcement Advisory Commission – an expert panel of criminal justice and victim service professionals who will review policies, services, and victims’ rights in the state, and make specific recommendations in the areas of compliance with and enforcement of the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims.

 

The Governor made the announcement during Crime Victims’ Rights Week, explaining that he created the group to ensure that the state is protecting the rights of crime victims.

 

“Connecticut has been at the forefront of many criminal justice reforms and has enacted many measures considered to be national models and best practices,” Governor Malloy said.  “We are committed to meeting the mandate that our state constitution and laws impose on all of us, and I am confident that this commission will bring me a number of common sense recommendations that will maintain our status as best in the nation when it comes to honoring and advancing crime victims’ rights.”

 

State Victim Advocate Garvin G. Ambrose explained that in recent years, there have been a number of concerns about whether the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims are adequately understood and observed by criminal justice professionals, including concerns regarding failure to issue written orders of restitution, lack of notice to victims of court proceedings and opportunities to address the court regarding plea bargain agreements and at sentencing, lack of adequate private meeting space in courthouses, and other aspects of the criminal justice system.

 

“As Connecticut approaches the twentieth anniversary of the enactment of the Constitutional Amendment to the Rights of Victims of Crime, in 2016, I thank Governor Malloy for agreeing to take this historic step forward in recognition of the necessity for the enforcement of those rights,” Ambrose said.  “With the creation of this commission, Connecticut is once again setting the standard for the country.  This commission will look for ways to guarantee that those professionals who frequently interact with our crime victims throughout the state have uniform sets of policies and tools in place to ensure compliance with the rights of crime victims, adequate delivery of necessary services, as well as a set of enforcement mechanisms and remedies should any of those rights be violated.”

 

Laura Cordes, Executive Director of Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, said, “Far too many sexual assault victims struggle to find and access the justice they deserve following an assault. I applaud the Governor for elevating this issue and welcome the opportunity to collaboratively identify ways that our state can ensure the rights of all crime victims.”

 

“We are grateful for the leadership that Governor Malloy and State Victim Advocate Garvin Ambrose have provided with the creation of a Victim’s Rights Enforcement Advisory Commission,” Karen Jarmoc, Executive Director, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said.  “We are confident that this commission will play an important role in establishing strong policies that protect victims of domestic violence and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”

 

“It is an honor to be chosen to serve on the Victims’ Rights Enforcement Advisory Commission,” said Janice Heggie Margolis, Executive Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut.  “MADD advocates for victims of alcohol and drug-related crashes daily. It is time to review the Connecticut Constitutional Victim Rights and determine if they are compliant with best practices. It is imperative that the Commission provide the Governor any statutory or policy changes immediately – MADD expects no less for victims and their surviving families.”

 

Among its mandates, the advisory commission shall:

 

• Compile a comprehensive inventory of victims’ rights provisions of the Connecticut Constitution, General Statutes and Agency Regulations
• Determine whether and to what extent these provisions have been implemented
• Consider whether there should be a Model Policy for interactions with crime victims to ensure that they are provided accurate information regarding rights and remedies, that those rights are enforced, and advised regarding available services
• Survey rights, remedies and services available in other states and from the federal government
• Recommend to the Governor any statutory or policy changes necessary in order to protect and enforce crime victims’ rights, including training and coordination among state and local criminal justice agencies and social service providers

 

The commission will not examine any provisions related to Connecticut’s freedom of information laws, but instead will focus on the direct relationship between victims’ rights and the criminal justice system as a whole.

 

The members will include:

 

• Chairman: Garvin G. Ambrose – State Victim Advocate
• Marcy Carlone – Professor of Victimology, University of St. Joseph
• Patrick L. Carroll, III – Chief Court Administrator, Judicial Branch
• Linda Cimino – Director, Office of Victim Services, Judicial Branch
• Laura Cordes – Executive Director, Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.
• James Dzurenda – Commissioner, Department of Correction
• Mario T. Gaboury – Dean and Professor, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice &  Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven
• Ana González – Commissioner, Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission; Director of Community Outreach, Albertus Magnus College
• Janice Heggie-Margolis – Executive Director, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Connecticut
• Kevin T. Kane – Chief State’s Attorney
• Jillian Knox – Victim Services Unit, New Haven Police Department
• Dawn Luddy – Crime victim and member of the Victim Advocate Advisory Committee
• Karen Jarmoc – Executive Director, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Anne Mahoney – Assistant State’s Attorney, Hartford Superior Court
• Jessica Norton – Victim Advocate, Survivors of Homicide
• Bethany Phillips – Criminal defense attorney, Butler, Norris, & Gold
• James C. Rovella – Chief, Hartford Police Department
• Dora Schriro – Commissioner, Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
• Susan Storey – Chief Public Defender
• Andrew Woods – Executive Director, Hartford Communities That Care, Inc.
• Chair, Board of Pardons and Paroles

 

The commission will develop a schedule of meetings to be made available at a later date, and shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor no later than January 1, 2015.

 

 

**Download: Governor Malloy’s proclamation designating April 6 through 12 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week