Category: State News

GOV. MALLOY SELECTED TO SERVE ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today was named to the National Governors Association (NGA) Executive Committee for the 2014-2015 year by his fellow governors at the association’s annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

In this NGA leadership role, Governor Malloy will help lead the organization whose mission is to share best practices among states and advocate on behalf of all states to federal policymakers.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve on the NGA Executive Board and to have received the bipartisan support and confidence of my fellow governors,” said Governor Malloy.  “The NGA is a valuable organization that supports state-led innovation and solutions, and is a venue for governors to discuss the national issues confronting our nation so that we speak, when possible, with one powerful and unified voice in Washington, DC.”

The new NGA Chair, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, and NGA Vice Chair, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, will lead the nine-member Executive Committee through which the association’s priorities and activities are determined.  The committee’s other members include Iowa Governor Terry Branstad; Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton; Montana Governor Steve Bullock; North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory; Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin; and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

This past year, Governor Malloy served as the Vice Chair of the NGA’s Natural Resources Committee, which successfully pushed Congress to pass a maritime infrastructure bill that reflected governors’ priorities concerning coasts and inland waterways.  He previously also served as Chair of that committee, as well as the NGA’s Education and Workforce Committee.

Gobernador Dannel P. Malloy fue nombrado hoy a la Asociación Nacional de Gobernadores (NGA) Comité Ejecutivo para el 2014-2015 año por sus compañeros gobernadores en la reunión anual de la asociación, en Nashville, Tennessee.

En este rol de liderazgo NGA, el gobernador Malloy ayudará a dirigir la organización, cuya misión es compartir las mejores prácticas entre los Estados y abogar en nombre de todos los estados a los legisladores federales.

“Me siento honrado de haber sido elegido para formar parte del Consejo Ejecutivo NGA y de haber recibido el apoyo de ambos partidos y la confianza de mis compañeros gobernadores”, dijo el Gobernador Malloy. “La NGA es una organización valiosa que apoya la innovación y soluciones dirigido por el Estado, y es un lugar para los gobernadores para discutir los temas nacionales que enfrenta nuestra nación de manera que hablamos, cuando sea posible, con una sola voz poderosa y unificada en Washington, DC.”

El nuevo presidente de NGA, el gobernador de Colorado, John Hickenlooper, y el Vicepresidente NGA, el gobernador de Utah, Gary Herbert, liderarán el Comité Ejecutivo de nueve miembros, a través del cual se determinan las prioridades y actividades de la asociación. Otros miembros del comité incluyen el gobernador de Iowa Terry Branstad; Minnesota gobernador Mark Dayton; Montana Steve Bullock Gobernador; Carolina del Norte el gobernador Pat McCrory; Oklahoma Gobernador Maria Fallin; y del gobernador de Wisconsin de Scott Walker.

El año pasado, el gobernador Malloy sirvió como Vice Presidente del Comité de Recursos Naturales de la NGA, que presionó con éxito al Congreso a aprobar un proyecto de ley infraestructura marítima que refleja las prioridades de los gobernadores en relación con las costas y vías navegables interiores. Anteriormente, también se desempeñó como presidente de dicha comisión, así como la educación de la NGA y el Comité de la Fuerza Laboral.

Governador Dannel P. Malloy hoje foi nomeado para a Associação Nacional de Governadores (NGA) Comitê Executivo para o ano 2014-2015 por seus colegas governadores na reunião anual da associação, em Nashville, Tennessee.

Neste papel de liderança NGA, o governador Malloy vai ajudar a liderar a organização cuja missão é compartilhar as melhores práticas entre os Estados e advogar em nome de todos os estados para os formuladores de políticas federais.

“Estou honrado por ter sido escolhido para fazer parte do Conselho Executivo NGA e de ter recebido o apoio bipartidário e confiança dos meus colegas governadores”, disse o governador Malloy. “A NGA é uma organização valiosa que apoia a inovação e soluções liderada pelo Estado, e é um local de encontro para os governadores para discutir as questões nacionais que enfrentam nossa nação a fim de que se fala, quando possível, com uma voz poderosa e unificada, em Washington, DC.”

O novo presidente NGA, o governador Colorado John Hickenlooper, e Vice-Presidente NGA, o governador Gary Herbert Utah, conduzirá o Comitê Executivo de nove membros, através do qual as prioridades e atividades da associação são determinadas. Outros membros do comitê incluem Iowa governador Terry Branstad; Governador de Minnesota Mark Dayton; Montana Governador Steve Bullock; Carolina do Norte Governador Pat McCrory; Oklahoma Governador Mary Fallin; e Wisconsin governador Scott Walker.

No ano passado, o governador Malloy atuou como vice-presidente do Comitê de Recursos Naturais da NGA, que empurrou com sucesso o Congresso a aprovar um projeto de lei infra-estruturas marítimas, que refletia as prioridades dos governadores relativos costas e vias navegáveis ​​interiores. Anteriormente, ele também atuou como presidente da comissão competente, bem como de Educação do NGA e Comitê de Recursos Humanos.

If you have noticed an increase of air traffic circling overhead tonight it is traffic being diverted from New York airports due to weather issues they encountered according to Sikorsky Airport.

Si usted ha notado un aumento del tráfico aéreo en círculos por encima de esta noche es una desviación del tráfico de los aeropuertos de Nueva York debido a problemas meteorológicos que encontraban de acuerdo con Sikorsky Airport.

Se você tem notado um aumento do tráfego aéreo circulando em cima esta noite é o tráfego desviado dos aeroportos de Nova York devido a questões climáticas que encontraram de acordo com Aeroporto Sikorsky.

Obama offered drugs in Denver and Mexican judge orders US Marine to remain in jail:
http://www.2sentencenews.com/

Obama ofreció drogas en Denver y juez ordena mexicana de Marines de EE.UU. de permanecer en la cárcel:

Obama ofereceu drogas em Denver e juiz ordena mexicano da Marinha dos EUA para permanecer na cadeia:

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Connecticut will receive $7.97 million in federal competitive matching grants for four projects designed to make local communities more resilient against future storms.

 

“These grants will allow Connecticut to build upon substantial progress we have already made along our coastline and in other areas throughout the state that are prone to flooding.  Projects funded will also help restore critical natural habitat in the state,” said Governor Malloy.  “Today’s grant awards demonstrate the continued commitment of the Obama Administration to make communities more resilient in the face of future storms that we are going to experience.”

 

Received under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program, the funds are being administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The projects being funded include:

 

• $3.75 million to increase Mill River’s flood resiliency and re-create a habitat corridor in Stamford.  Project will eradicate invasive species, replant native flora, and remove 15 properties from the one percent flood risk area.
• $2.8 million to remove a hazardous and unused fish barrier in Enfield.  Project will restore 7.7 miles of fish runs, reunite brook trout populations, and reduce flood hazards.
• $700,000 for ten municipalities that run along the entire central coast of Connecticut.  The municipalities will integrate green infrastructure principles, prioritize projects, and contribute to a Regional Coastal Resiliency Plan.
• $720,000 to develop a flood and storm resiliency management plan for the Pawcatuck River Watershed and 11 communities in Connecticut and southern Rhode Island.  Project will aid in the watershed’s resiliency enhancement, restore habitat, and protect local communities from flooding.

 

“We are grateful to Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell and the department’s funding of projects designed to address the needs of Connecticut’s residents and businesses facing firsthand the effects of a changing climate,” added Governor Malloy.  “We know as a state, we are going to experience more frequent and more severe weather events and the time to prepare is now.  Today’s grants will provide us with significant resources to aid in those preparations.”

 

A complete list of the projects announced today under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program can be found online.

Today Governor Malloy held a news conference with Connecticut No Kid Hungry to launch the 2014 Summer Meals Program and promote the availability of free or reduced-priced lunches to children during the summer months.  While Connecticut ranks fourth in the nation for number of children participating in the free summer meals programs, only 26 percent of low-income children in Connecticut who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year participated in summer meals programs last year.  Also participating in the event will be Congresswoman Rose DeLauro and state Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor.

 

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has signed into law a bill that will reduce unwanted, unsolicited commercial phone intrusions by modernizing the state’s “Do Not Call” registry to include text messages in addition to the already prohibited phone calls.

“The ‘Do Not Call’ registry provides consumers with protection and privacy from unwanted telemarketing calls, and as technology evolves we must update it to ensure these consumer rights,” Governor Malloy said.  “In addition to being an annoyance, some cell phone plans charge a fee for each text message received, whether that message was wanted or not.  This new law strengthens these consumer protections by banning unsolicited commercial text messages and increasing the penalty for these types of violations.”

In addition to prohibiting unsolicited commercial text messages, the legislation increases the maximum fine for each registry violation from $11,000 to $20,000.  It also requires all companies that issue account statements for cellular phones, telephones and mobile devices to print a conspicuous notice at least twice each year that informs consumers of prohibited actions by solicitors, how to place their numbers on the “Do Not Call” registry, and how to obtain a complaint form from the Department of Consumer Protection for any violations.

“Unsolicited text messages are more than just a bother for consumers,” said State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield), Senate chairman of the legislature’s General Law Committee.  “They can also cost people a lot of money. Providing Connecticut consumers with the necessary safeguards will go a long way in keeping the public protected from a new generation of marketing.”

“This is a great consumer law that strengthens the protections afforded under the existing ‘Do Not Call’ registry,” said State Representative David Baram (D-Bloomfield), House chairman of the legislature’s General Law Committee.  “The law will allow residents to avoid unwanted commercial text advertisements in addition to commercial telephone solicitations. As technology evolved allowing commercial solicitations on cell phones, it was logical to amend the law to allow consumers the right to avoid such marketing.”

“I am very pleased to see strong legislation move forward to discourage intrusive text messaging marketing tactics,” said State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton), ranking member of the legislature’s General Law Committee.  “As technology advances, so does the need for updated safeguards.  This new law gives the people of Connecticut the protections they deserve and promotes more honest consumer marketing.”

“Robocalls and unsolicited phone messages are a nuisance to residents, who should be able to expect reasonable restrictions on telemarketing and meaningful penalties for violations,” said State Representative Dan Carter (R-Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding), ranking member of the legislature’s General Law Committee.  “This measure is a step in the right direction as we seek to prevent aggressive sales tactics that can border on harassment as technology expands our channels of communication.”

The “Do Not Call” registry gives consumers a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls.  To register a phone number, consumers should visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

The legislation is Public Act 14-53, An Act Prohibiting Unsolicited Commercial Text Messages and Increasing Penalties for Violations of the Do Not Call Registry.

 

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Friday morning announced that he has signed legislation clarifying that it is illegal for a person to falsely represent themselves as being the recipient of a medal or decoration for military service when it is done with the intent to fraudulently obtain money, property, goods or services.

 

“Misrepresenting oneself as having served in our military for your own profit is not only disrespectful, but selfish and cannot be tolerated,” said Governor Malloy.  “Serving in our military is an incredibly honorable act.  Especially as our country prepares to observe Memorial Day this weekend, we should take this opportunity to reflect on the generations of men and women who have fought to make our nation a better, stronger place.”

 

The crime remains punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine between $500 and $1,000, or both.

 

“Our military men and women and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for us.  It is important that we take every opportunity to assist our veterans in all the ways we can,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman.  “Ensuring housing, healthcare, and job training are a big part of protecting our veterans, but this legislation makes it clear we will also defend the very titles they have fought so hard to earn.”

 

State Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford), co-chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, “Our veterans make great sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and we recognize their service by bestowing them with medals, ribbons and other honors.  To wear one of these symbols is a great point of pride, and to wear one without having earned it — particularly for fraudulent purposes — is fundamentally disrespectful to our country and all those who have served.  This tightening of our laws will help to discourage that kind of fraud, and if it occurs again, ensure it is appropriately punished.”

 

“When I was an active member in the military, I was prepared to go into a combat zone to give up my life to defend our nation’s freedoms – that was an oath taken very seriously,” said State Representative Jack Hennessy (D-Bridgeport), co-chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “People that walk around pretending to be in the military, or pretending to have served, disrespect those who have actually served and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

 

“The brave men and women who sacrifice and serve their country honorably should not be diminished by the callous act of those who pretend to be soldiers.  It is about time we say it is dishonest to misrepresent who you are by wearing a military uniform or fake medals for personal gain,” said State Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol), ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “Stolen valor is sadly a real crime.  Anyone who would disrespect those who are bravely fighting for their country should be held accountable for their actions.”

 

“The passage of this bill is an essential factor to protecting the men and women who defend our nation and freedom,” said State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-North Haven), ranking member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “It’s truly unfortunate that such a bill is needed.  However, those falsely assuming the awards, decorations, and uniforms we reserve for the highest form of patriotic service deserve nothing less than to be treated as criminals.  Stealing military valor is simply disrespectful to the men and women in our military.”