Category: State News

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Department of Education (SDE) Commissioner Dianna R. Wentzell today announced the implementation of a new step that will reduce testing time and expand learning time for more than 200,000 Connecticut children across over 800 schools.  Changes to the application of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), impacting every student in grades three through eight, is as part of a broader effort to help districts spend less time testing students and more time teaching.

 

Currently in grades three through eight, there are two components of the SBAC exam.  The first is a computer adaptive test – the portion of the assessment done electronically with adaptive questions based on student responses – and the second is a performance task, such as essays.  As part of the new steps to reduce state testing, the performance tasks, which are often duplicative with in-class work, will be eliminated.  The change could increase learning time by up to an hour and forty-five minutes for every grade three through eight student.

 

The change is intended to increase student learning time, decrease student anxiety, assuage family concerns about testing, and limit over testing.

 

“We are working as hard as possible to be smart about testing, limit anxiety, and boost learning time.  Tests are important – they help us measure ourselves and pinpoint how to improve.  But where we find duplication, we should act.  We’re going to do just that with this new step,” Governor Malloy said.  “When we know an exam won’t improve our understanding of a student’s standing, and we know it won’t necessarily improve teaching quality, then we should eliminate it so it doesn’t burden our students, teachers, and families.  It’s our goal to be smart about how we test and ensure we find the right balance.  This decision is a step in that direction.”

 

“By rightsizing the Smarter Balanced Assessment to Connecticut’s needs, we are not only saving time and money, but we are improving the teaching and learning process,” Commissioner Wentzell said.  “Assessments are important tools that help us deliver on our promise to our kids and ensure that we are holding all of our students to high standards.”

 

SDE has studied the issue extensively and found that the computer only tests remain very reliable without the performance task portion of the grade three through eight English Language Arts exam.

 

The decision to reduce the length of the Smarter Balanced Assessment is the latest move in SDE’s ongoing efforts to reduce the amount of standardized testing for public school students.  Other initiatives include the decision announced in the summer to eliminate duplicative testing at the high school level by replacing the Smarter Balanced exam with the SAT for eleventh graders.  This particular change is expected to save Connecticut as much as $1 million dollars in test implementation costs.

 

Additionally, SDE is working with school districts to gather and share innovative strategies for reducing assessment time.  Last year, the state agency awarded $428,253 to 48 districts as part of the Assessment Reduction grant program.  Districts received awards up to $10,000 each.  The grants aimed to help districts comprehensively analyze their tests to ensure that they reflect district priorities, remain aligned to new state standards, provide maximum value, and are not redundant with other assessments, with the ultimate aim of reducing testing time wherever possible.

 

Governor Malloy and Commissioner Wentzell made today’s announcement during a visit to Woodside Intermediate School in Cromwell, where they highlighted the district’s effective use of its grant. In Cromwell, utilizing state grants, the district assembled a team to analyze assessments in grades kindergarten through five and were able to reduce duplicative testing by 13 percent.  More importantly, they also strengthened their assessment system for those grades by better aligning assessments to standards.

 

Under federal law, Connecticut must administer end-of-year tests to all students in grades three to eight and once in high school.  This change does not require Board of Education or legislative approval.

(State of Connecticut Press Release)

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#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has introduced legislation designed to modernize the signage that designates reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities.  The updated symbol and language, being called for by advocates internationally, is more reflective of the diverse community of those who utilize the accessible parking spaces.

 

Under the proposal, the updated signs will only be installed at times when a new accessible parking space is being created or when an old sign is damaged or weathered and needs to be replaced.  As such, the revamped signs will come at no additional cost to taxpayers or businesses.

 

“For decades, Connecticut has been at the forefront in fighting discrimination against persons with disabilities, and this proposal is just one small, simple change that we can make.  Even though it will have zero costs, it can have an important long-term impact by fostering a deeper understanding of accessibility,” Governor Malloy said.

 

The current access symbol is nearly half a century old, depicting a symbol of a stationary individual.  The new symbol, known globally as the “Modified International Symbol of Access,” suggests independence and engagement, placing the visual focus from the wheelchair to the individual.  In addition to adopting the updated symbol, Governor Malloy’s legislation will remove the out-of-date word “handicapped” from the signs and replace it with the word “reserved” – a more inclusive term.

 

Last year, the State of New York adopted similar legislation replacing the outdated symbol with the modernized version, and many small businesses in Connecticut have already begun voluntarily making this change.  One of Connecticut’s larger businesses, Cigna, has already decided to begin voluntarily converting their signage to the modernized version at their locations in the state.  The city of Phoenix, Arizona has also adopted the new symbol.

 

“This change reflects continued progress in how we view people who have disabilities—specifically that diversity makes our state, our workforce and our government stronger,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said.

 

“I’m excited to work along with the Governor in changing our handicapped symbol to one that displays both physical and mental independence,” Jonathan Slifka, the Governor’s Liaison to the Disability Community, said.  “It is my sincere hope that we can all view the spirit of the sign rather than the literal vision and agree that this change is appropriate and long overdue.”

 

“Symbols and words have meaning in our society.  When we change certain symbols and words, we help change and improve our understanding of the world around us,” State Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), an early proponent of the new sign, said.  “This change – which was proposed last summer by a constituent of mine and I publicly endorsed last fall, and which is now being promoted by the Governor – will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Connecticut residents.”

 

Stephen Morris, the executive director of Favarh, The Arc of Farmington Valley, started a campaign last fall called “Change the Sign, Change the Attitude” to promote adoption of the new design in Connecticut.  He also created an online petition that to date has over 2,000 signatures.

 

“Changing the accessible parking sign is not the biggest nor the most important disability-related issue that we face as a state, however it is important to my friends at Favarh and to more than 2,000 people who signed our petition.  It’s also important to the degree that it will bring much needed attention to larger issues such as the misuse of accessible parking spots and the inaccessibility of many buildings and public places in our community,” he said.  “We may all need an accessible community at some point in our lives.  This isn’t just about changing a parking sign, it’s about public awareness of disability issues.  And this isn’t about changing the community for a few of us. It is about improving the community for all of us.”

 

The Governor’s legislation is House Bill 5050   (State of Connecticut Press Release)

Connecticut taxpayers are being targeted by a new email scam.  On-line thieves posing as the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) are using email to steal taxpayer information.  These phishing attacks appear to originate outside of the United States.

 

According to DRS Commissioner Kevin Sullivan, taxpayers are receiving email messages about a “Connecticut state income tax verification exercise.”  Taxpayers are then directed to link to a phony website that looks like an official DRS website and asked to disclose confidential information.  Disclosing the information results in identity theft and likely fraudulent income refund claims in the name of the taxpayer.

 

What taxpayers will see in their email is the following message:

 

Due to routine check and validation of our new website, you are required to download the attachment CT STATE INCOME TAX VERIFICATION EXERCISE to validate your details on CT database to enable you log in and view your W2 for the oncoming 2015 Income Tax Return exercise.

Failure to update your details will result to termination of your account.

DRS Home CT.gov home FAQs Feedback/Questions

State of Connecticut Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. Copyright © 2002-2015 State of Connecticut

 

Commissioner Sullivan said, “DRS never contacts taxpayers this way.  Don’t get scammed.  Do not open or reply to this email.  Do not open the linked site however official it may look.”

(State of Connecticut Press Release)

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that 16 municipalities across Connecticut are being awarded $8.7 million in state grants that will help the communities revitalize and remediate specific properties so they can be put back into productive use and attract new development that will benefit each town and city.

 

“In a new economic reality, transforming and remediating sites is so important.  We’re on the cutting edge of taking otherwise unusable property and transforming it into new space for businesses and residents.  These strategic investments help towns and cities take abandoned, blighted, and vacant properties, and bring them back to life in order to spur new investments, new development, and new jobs for those in the communities,” Governor Malloy said.  “Since 2012, we’ve committed more than $150 million to investigate, clean up, and revitalize hundreds acres of property in communities in every corner of our state.  It’s an extraordinary amount – and it’s all designed to ensure that we are building for the future.”

 

The grants come under the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation Program.  Under today’s round of allocations, a total of $7 million will go towards the cleanup and redevelopment of five former industrial sites, while $1.7 million will be put towards the assessment of twelve other sites around the state.

 

“Cleaning up toxic and blighted properties is integral to creating attractive, livable communities,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said.  “These investments mean healthier cities and towns, but they also attract activity and help build neighborhoods, adding commerce, housing, retail, and greenspace.  This funding is an important part of strengthening and expanding our economy, and inspiring smart growth.”

 

“DECD, through its brownfield remediation and redevelopment programs, works closely with cities and towns to help them properly plan for, and take full advantage of, future economic opportunities that brownfields present,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said.  “This round of funding will provide financial support for 17 projects across our state that encompass 190 acres of redevelopment.”

 

“Investing in the cleanup of Brownfields in Connecticut facilitates the conversion of degraded properties that pose a risk to human health and the environment to opportunities for reuse and redevelopment,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said.  “This investment makes good sense, as brownfields are typically located near existing transportation, water, sewer and other infrastructure and their redevelopment will lessen pressure on open space and other environmentally-sensitive areas.”

 

“Governor Malloy has made Connecticut a national leader in brownfield redevelopment, with unprecedented investment in projects throughout the state.  Working with our partners in cities and towns, state funding is acting as a catalyst to attract private investment to these formerly dormant sites, resulting in new jobs and revitalized communities,” DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan said.  “With this new round of funding, we are also excited to be partnering with several communities that have not previously received DECD brownfield funding.”

 

Today’s round of state brownfield grants includes:

 

Remediation and Redevelopment Projects

 

• Bridgeport: $2,000,000 grant to remediate a 2.2 acre site in the city’s Eco-Technology park to enable the construction of a permitted anaerobic digester facility.
• Meriden (144 Mills Street): $2,000,000 grant to abate, demolish and remediate a 3-acre former public housing site in downtown Meriden to be redeveloped as a mixed-use transit-oriented development in partnership with a city-selected developer. This site was the subject of a DECD-funded assessment grant awarded in 2014.
• Shelton (223 Canal Street): $875,000 grant to abate and demolish a vacant industrial building in the downtown development district for residential redevelopment.
• Somers (40 Maple Street): $1,800,000 grant to abate, demolish and remediate the former Somersville Mill, which was substantially destroyed in a 2012 fire. This site was the subject of a DECD assessment grant awarded in 2014.
• Southington (318 North Main Street): $400,000 grant to demolish and remediate the former Corbin and Beaton site for redevelopment as commercial office space.

 

Assessment Projects

 

• Beacon Falls: $78,000 grant for investigation of 100 Railroad Avenue.
• Berlin: $100,000 grant for investigation of 303 New Britain Road.
• Bristol: $50,000 grant for investigation of 273 Riverside Avenue.
• Bridgeport: $200,000 grant for investigation of multiple parcels related to the proposed Civic Block redevelopment project.
• Hebron: $95,000 grant for investigation of 459 Church Street.
• New Haven: $200,000 grant for investigation of multiple parcels to enable development of affordable housing.
• Plymouth: $60,000 grant for investigation of 142 Main Street.
• Stratford: $200,000 grant to continue the investigation of the former Stratford Army Engine plant.
• Westbrook: $200,000 grant for investigation of 88 Pond Meadow Road.
• West Haven: $200,000 grant for investigation of multiple parcels to enable transit-oriented development surrounding the West Haven Metro North station.
• West Harford: $200,000 grant for investigation of 25 Brixton Street.
• Windham: $120,000 grant for investigation of 1248 Main Street.

 

 

For more information about DECD’s brownfield redevelopment programs, visitwww.ctbrownfields.gov.

(State of Connecticut Press Release)

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#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that in order to continue the state’s efforts to combat opioid overdoses, he has filed legislation aimed at increasing access to the overdose reversing drug naloxone for both first responders and citizens who want to purchase the medication.

 

“Addiction is a public health issue and a disease and our laws need to reflect that.  Connecticut is taking a stand against a nationwide prescription opioid and heroin overdose epidemic.  These are commonsense improvements that we can make today that will save lives tomorrow,” Governor Malloy said.  “We are committed to fighting this epidemic, and in yet another session, we are taking action.”

 

The legislation, House Bill 5053 – An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs, will require that municipalities update their existing emergency medical services plan to ensure that the primary emergency response provider on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer naloxone and has been appropriately trained to do so.

 

In addition, the legislation will prohibit commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.  Although no commercial health plans currently require prior authorization, the imposition of such a requirement could pose a significant barrier to individuals requesting the drug.

 

“Expanding access to life-saving treatment is the right thing to do,” Lt. Governor Wyman said.  “Addiction can tear apart lives.  Government can and should take these steps to help these families and their loved ones survive an overdose and get the treatment they need to recover.”

 

To date, Connecticut State Police Troopers have saved 63 lives by utilizing a state law adopted in 2014 that authorizes anyone to administer an opioid antagonist to a person he or she believes, in good faith, is experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose.  Previously, only licensed health care practitioners were allowed to administer the medication without being civilly or criminally liable for the action.  Following the law’s adoption, all Connecticut State Police Troopers completed a training program providing them with the skills to administer the medication.

 

Since 2011, Governor Malloy introduced and signed into law several new measures that position Connecticut as a leader in the fight to prevent substance abuse and opioid overdose.  Those include:

 

• The 2011 adoption of Good Samaritan laws protecting individuals from prosecution for minor drug crimes who seek medical attention for a friend experiencing an overdose (Public Act 11-210)

 

• The 2012 adoption of third party prescriber laws allowing the prescription of naloxone to an individual who is not the direct user of the drug (Public Act 12-159)

 

• The 2014 expansion of Good Samaritan protections for any person who, in good faith, administers naloxone to save a life (Public Act 14-61)

 

• The 2015 legislation that expanded prescriber education, made use of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) mandatory for all prescribers of controlled substances, expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists to allow them to directly prescribe naloxone and reconstituted the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council (ADPC) as a statewide coordinating body to fight the spread of substance abuse and overdose (Public Act 15-198)

 

Any potential fiscal impact of House Bill 5053 on municipalities is expected to be minor – many towns and cities already have first responders equipped with naloxone.  For those who will need to purchase the lifesaving medication, there are currently kits available that cost $35 a dose, not an overly burdensome cost.

(State of Connecticut Press Release)

 

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