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Rep. Lavielle Opposes Midterm Budget Based on Flawed Assumptions, Supports Alternative

    HARTFORD—State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) opposed an approximately $19 billion midterm budget agreement between Governor Dannel P. Malloy and majority Democratic lawmakers in Saturday’s House session, citing its unsubstantiated revenue estimates and misleading accounting practices. The House voted on the budget adjustments bill on Saturday, May 3 shortly before 10 p.m., and it passed without a single Republican vote.   The General Assembly, which sets a biennial budget in odd-numbered years, must pass a revised midterm budget in even-numbered years, taking into account both changes in revenue assumptions and revisions in spending requirements and policies.   Last week, consensus revenue projections established by the administration’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) showed…

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Himes, DeLauro, Esty, Maloney Unveil Comprehensive Rail Safety Bill

    NEW HAVEN, CT—Three of Connecticut’s representatives to Congress—Jim Himes, Rosa DeLauro, and Elizabeth Esty—unveiled today the Rail Safety Enforcement Act, comprehensive legislation to enhance rail safety. They are joined by New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney as an original cosponsor. The four representatives announced their intent to introduce the legislation last month and are formally introducing the bill today.   “Metro North's string of accidents and delays over the past year is unacceptable and inexcusable. One of the busiest commuter rail lines in the country must be safer and must be more reliable – it is critical to our safety and to our region’s continued economic vitality,” said Himes. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will help…

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