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Category: State News
Should Mississippi Change Their State Flag?
After public outcry, South Carolina Governor calls for the removal of the Confederate flag from the grounds of the state Capitol Monday. Should Mississippi change the design of their flag?
Después de la protesta pública, el gobernador de Carolina del Sur pide la retirada de la bandera de la Confederación de los terrenos del Capitolio estatal el lunes. En caso de Mississippi cambiar el diseño de su bandera?
Após clamor público, South Carolina Governador apela à remoção da bandeira confederada do recinto do estado do Capitólio segunda-feira. Mississippi deve mudar o design do seu pavilhão?
Fairfield News: First Selectman GE Update
#Fairfield CT–I met with Fairfield’s First Selectman Tetreau and asked him about any progress on General Electric’s threat to move out of the state. General Electric is Fairfield’s largest taxpayer and contributes about 3,500 jobs to the local economy. First Selectman Tetreau said right now his goal is to work with GE and the governor’s office to make sure dialogue continues and that GE’s viewpoints are heard by the governor and his staff. Tetreau said bringing up last minute rhetoric in the eleventh hour without being vetted by the assembly without doing an economic impact analysis. I asked if he is nervous and he said “No not as long as people keep talking, and are reasonable people, I think will come up with a resolution”.
Me reuní con Fairfield Concejal Principal Tetreau y le pregunté acerca de los progresos en la amenaza de General Electric para moverse fuera del estado. General Electric es contribuyente más grande de Fairfield y contribuye alrededor de 3.500 puestos de trabajo a la economía local. Concejal Principal Tetreau dijo ahora su objetivo es trabajar con GE y la oficina del gobernador para asegurarse de diálogo continúa y que los puntos de vista de GE son escuchadas por el gobernador y su personal. Tetreau dijo la crianza de la retórica de última hora en el último momento sin ser investigados por la asamblea sin hacer un análisis del impacto económico. Le pregunté si él está nervioso y me dijo “No, no, siempre y cuando la gente sigue hablando, y son personas razonables, creo que va a llegar a una resolución”.
Eu me encontrei com Fairfield Primeiro Selectman Tetreau e perguntei-lhe sobre qualquer progresso na ameaça da General Electric para mover fora do estado. General Electric é a maior contribuinte de Fairfield e contribui cerca de 3.500 postos de trabalho para a economia local. Primeiro Selectman Tetreau disse agora seu objetivo é trabalhar com a GE e do gabinete do governador para se certificar de diálogo continua e que os pontos de vista da GE são ouvidas pelo governador e sua equipe. Tetreau disse trazendo retórica último minuto na décima primeira hora sem ser controlado pela assembléia sem fazer uma análise de impacto econômico. Eu perguntei se ele está nervoso e ele disse “Não, não, enquanto as pessoas continuam falando, e são pessoas razoáveis, acho que vai chegar a uma resolução”.
Indiana Lures Connecticut Companies
The State of Indiana ran a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal Wednesday reaching out to General Electric Co., Aetna Inc. and the Travelers Companies Inc. The ad said Indiana is offering its “support in the wake of Connecticut’s looming tax increase, because friends don’t let friends pay higher taxes.”
El estado de Indiana publicó un anuncio de página completa en el Wall Street Journal Miércoles llegar a General Electric Co., Aetna Inc. y Travelers Companies Inc. El anuncio decía Indiana está ofreciendo su “apoyo a raíz de la inminente subida de impuestos de Connecticut , porque los amigos no dejan a amigos pagan impuestos más altos “.
O Estado de Indiana publicou um anúncio de página inteira no Wall Street Journal quarta-feira para a General Electric Co., Aetna Inc. e os Travelers Companies Inc. O anúncio dizia Indiana está oferecendo seu “apoio na esteira do iminente aumento de impostos de Connecticut , porque os amigos não deixam amigos pagar mais impostos “.
Governor Malloy Press Release
Largest transportation investments in Connecticut history, launching a new era of infrastructure improvements:
- The adopted state budget includes the largest transportation investments in Connecticut history, which will launch a new era of infrastructure improvements to give Connecticut a best-in-class transportation system.
- This will include a $2.8 billion increase for infrastructure over the next five years, including $1.77 billion for rail, $613 million for highways, $281 million for bridges, $101 million for bicycle and pedestrian trails, and $43 million for bus service. In total over the next five years, approximately $10 billion will be spent on transportation between this budget, planned capital spending, and federal funds.
- Projects include fixing the “Mixmaster” on I-84 in Waterbury, as well as the Hartford I-84 Viaduct. For rail, it will allow Connecticut to complete the Hartford Line running from New Haven to Springfield, and also to increase service on the New Haven Line with improvements to all branch lines including New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury. It also includes historic, first-of-their-kind investments in local bike and pedestrian improvements throughout our state.
- In recent decades, Connecticut has not kept up with a needed modernization of its transportation systems. With the adopted state budget, Connecticut is entering into a new era that will deliver a best-in-class transportation system. (House Bill 7061)
Improving access to affordable and reliable energy for Connecticut families and businesses:
Sikorsky Announces Consolidation to Stratford
“Unfortunately, the global market for aircraft has prompted a consolidation of facilities. Their decision makes smart business sense for them. We’re glad there was no job loss and that Sikorsky will continue to pay taxes on the property it owns in Bridgeport. This also presents a unique opportunity for further growth in our Eco-Technology Park.” – Mayor Bill Finch
Bridgeport, Conn (June 2, 2015) – Today, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced it will move its Bridgeport operations at 1210 South Ave. to its facility in Stratford. There will be no loss of jobs for the workers currently at the Bridgeport plant. The employees will be shifted to the Stratford facility as part of the company’s consolidation.
“Unfortunately, the global market for aircraft has prompted a consolidation of facilities,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “Their decision makes smart business sense for them. We’re glad there was no job loss and that Sikorsky will continue to pay taxes on the property it owns in Bridgeport. This also presents a unique opportunity for further growth in our Eco-Technology Park.”
“The decision by Sikorsky to close its Bridgeport South End plant, a location that has been a part of their manufacturing plant inventory for many years, and recently employed hundreds of workers, does not come as a surprise,” Timpanelli added. “Sikorsky, a long-time quality employer in our region and specifically in Bridgeport, is in the process of consolidating manufacturing functions around the world to better position the company to compete in an ever-changing global marketplace. Part of that consolidation strategy is to make the company more efficient, lean and productive. These Bridgeport-based jobs will be, for the most part, transferred to the Stratford location, and, therefore not lost to our region. Sikorsky, we are confident, will continue to be a major regional employer and positive regional economic force.
“The good news here is that the South End Sikorsky plant will provide Bridgeport with much needed inventory of clean, usable manufacturing space located within Bridgeport’s increasingly desirable Eco-Technology Park,” said Timpanelli. “Because of what we have been able to achieve in partnership with the city over the last few years, the South End Sikorsky plant will now be perfectly positioned for reuse, it will be near new sources of renewable, clean energy that will critically reduce power costs, and it will be in a renewed neighborhood with many new companies and added tax incentives that come with the formalization of the “Eco-Park”.
Bridgeport’s economy also is growing with major economic development projects downtown and at Steelpointe, creating hundreds of new jobs and adding millions of dollars to the tax rolls. Steelpointe Harbor is a 52-acre peninsula off of the Long Island Sound. Construction is underway there for a new Bass Pro Shop and a Starbucks and Chipotle restaurant. And that’s just the beginning. Once complete, Steelpointe Harbor will serve as a 2 million square foot super regional waterfront, featuring more than 750,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment, a 12-screen premium theater, two hotels, 1,100 mid-and-high rise residential units, 30,000 square feet of office and a 200-slip full service deep water marina.
(City of Bridgeport press release)
Joint Statement on CT Budget Agreement
#HARTFORD, CT — Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Senate President Martin Looney, House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz, and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff announced that they have reached an agreement on a biennium budget. The package takes Connecticut into the future by funding transportation, providing important property tax relief, and funding vital programs.
“A brighter tomorrow will start with this budget today. This agreement will help Connecticut now and in the long-run — it helps transform our transportation infrastructure as we aim for a best-in-class system. It supports our schools, supports the middle class, and supports vital programs for those who need it most. Most importantly, it helps us build a Connecticut for the long-term, making our state an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor Malloy said.
“This budget meets the State’s obligations and provides historic property tax relief for the people of Connecticut,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “After years of acknowledging the need to change our Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, this year, we delivered revolutionary changes by taking into account the relative need for assistance based on the percentage of tax exempt property in each municipality. We also begin to provide substantial relief for car owners and high mill rate municipalities on their car tax.”
“This budget has major property tax relief for Connecticut’s families by sharing sales tax revenue with local communities.” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “Additionally, this budget supports our people, our business sector and makes significant long term investments in our transportation system.”
“This budget protects hard-working, middle-class families by providing property tax relief through additional aid to our communities, and funds vital services people rely on every day by asking the wealthy and corporations to pay a little bit more. The legislature worked closely with the governor to finalize a budget that represents the wide ranging priorities of our diverse state, and sets us on a path that encourages continued economic growth. Concerns over some provisions in earlier versions of the budget were heard and reflected in the final deliberations,” said Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden).
“This is a balanced, responsible budget that protects middle-class taxpayers and restores the funding for services on which hard-working Connecticut families depend,” said House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington). “We made sure to listen to what was important to Connecticut residents and were successful in restoring critical funding to the people that need it most.”
Passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) voted in favor of HR 1191 the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. The bill, which passed both the Senate and the House with strong, bipartisan support, requires that President Obama submit to Congress any deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear weapons programs. Congress will then have 30 days to express approval or disapproval of the agreement.
“I am pleased that the administration and our negotiators are so close to reaching a final deal to prevent the worst case scenario of a nuclear Iran,” said Himes. “This bill does not undermine the work that they have done. It simply requires that Congress have a chance to weigh in on the entirety of the agreement, which I think is our proper role as representatives of the American people. This bill adds to the transparency and the openness of the process, something that benefits everyone.”
The framework of the current deal on Iran’s nuclear programs involves a sharp reduction in centrifuges and uranium-enrichment facilities, as well as increased transparency for international inspectors. In exchange, the international community will agree to lift some of the sanctions that are currently imposed on Iran.
“While I’m going to withhold my judgment on the final deal until the President submits it,” Himes continued, “I strongly believe that this is the right path for us to follow. There are those in Congress who think war is the only option to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power, but I, and the people in my district, have already seen too much American blood spilled in the Middle East. It is our duty to do everything possible to support a peaceful resolution before we ever consider putting the lives of more young Americans at risk, spending money we don’t have, and risking destabilizing the region even further.”
There’s A Joke In The Making In This Press Release
(HARTFORD, CT) – On Wednesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman join other elected officials at the 30th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House on George Street in New Haven.
Later, the Lt. Governor will make remarks at Polish Day at the Capitol. This is event celebrates the 224thanniversary of the Polish Constitution.
CT Received $700k to Combat Veteran Homelessness
#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded Connecticut nearly $700,000 in federal funding to support Connecticut’s efforts to help end veteran homelessness.
“To build an economy for the future, we need to make smart choices on housing. Our nation’s veterans, whether they are just returning home or have been out for years, deserve access to quality housing, good healthcare, and career opportunities,” Governor Malloy said. “We have done more on housing over the past several years than Connecticut has done in decades – and it’s because we’re building a brightertomorrow by making smart choices today. We have an opportunity to make a significant impact to improve the lives of those who have given so much for their country, and I am confident that we can reach our goal of ending chronic homelessness among veterans.”
“This funding will help Connecticut expand our housing options for veterans, and help hundreds of service members rebuild their lives and rejoin their communities,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “I applaud HUD, Governor Malloy, and the Connecticut Department of Housing for their tireless commitment to veterans. Strong partnerships throughout all levels of government are critical if we are to end homelessness – and strong communities depend upon our success.”
Last year, Governor Malloy joined the Obama Administration’s goal of ending homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015. In January, Governor Malloyannounced that the state was chosen to join the Zero:2016 initiative – a national effort to combat veteran homelessness.
“These federal vouchers are an important part of our mission to end chronic veteran homelessness in Connecticut,” Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein said. “We are excited for our continued partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are appreciative for these additional housing vouchers. Our veterans are an important part of our community, and it’s important to recognize their individual needs and help those who have fallen on hard times to get back on their feet. These vouchers will help us to accomplish just that.”
“As we well know, our veterans and their families face significant challenges every day, including homelessness,” Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly said. “This grant for additional vouchers will go along toward serving the great veterans of the State of Connecticut and their families. Those who have selflessly served our state and nation deserve no less. Veterans always!”
The funding announced for Connecticut today includes:
- Connecticut Department of Housing: $375,178
- Hartford Housing Authority: $76,630
- Norwalk Housing Authority: $135,527
- West Haven Housing Authority: $111,942
Gobernador Dannel P. Malloy anunció hoy que el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) y el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) de Estados Unidos ha concedido Connecticut casi $ 700,000 en fondos federales para apoyar los esfuerzos de Connecticut para ayudar veterano extremo desamparo.
“Para construir una economía para el futuro, tenemos que tomar decisiones inteligentes sobre la vivienda. Veteranos de nuestra nación, ya sea que se acaba de volver a casa o han estado fuera durante años, merecen tener acceso a una vivienda de calidad, buena salud, y las oportunidades de carrera “, dijo el gobernador Malloy. “Hemos hecho más en vivienda en los últimos años de Connecticut ha hecho en décadas – y es porque estamos construyendo un futuro más brillante, tomando decisiones inteligentes de hoy. Tenemos la oportunidad de hacer un impacto significativo para mejorar las vidas de aquellos que han dado tanto por su país, y estoy seguro de que podemos llegar a nuestro objetivo de terminar con la carencia de hogar entre los veteranos “.
“Estos fondos ayudarán a Connecticut ampliar nuestras opciones de vivienda para los veteranos, y ayudar a cientos de miembros del servicio a reconstruir sus vidas y reintegrarse a sus comunidades”, dijo el Vicegobernador Nancy Wyman. “Aplaudo el HUD, el gobernador Malloy, y el Departamento de Vivienda de Connecticut por su incansable compromiso con los veteranos. Las asociaciones sólidas a lo largo de todos los niveles de gobierno son fundamentales si queremos poner fin a la falta de vivienda – y comunidades fuertes dependen de nuestro éxito “.
El año pasado, el gobernador Malloy unió objetivo de la Administración Obama de poner fin a la falta de vivienda entre los veteranos a finales de 2015. En enero, el gobernador Malloyannounced que el Estado fue elegido para formar parte del Cero: iniciativa 2016 – un esfuerzo nacional para combatir la falta de vivienda veterano.
“Estos vales federales son una parte importante de nuestra misión de poner fin a la falta de vivienda veterano crónica en Connecticut”, comisionado del Departamento de la Vivienda Evonne Klein Connecticut dijo. “Estamos muy contentos de continuar nuestra asociación con el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos y estamos agradecidos por estos vales de vivienda adicionales. Nuestros veteranos son una parte importante de nuestra comunidad, y es importante que se reconozcan sus necesidades individuales y ayudar a aquellos que han caído en tiempos difíciles para volver sobre sus pies. Estos vales nos ayudarán a lograr precisamente eso “.
“Como bien sabemos, nuestros veteranos y sus familias se enfrentan a importantes desafíos todos los días, incluyendo la falta de vivienda”, Departamento de Asuntos de los Veteranos Comisionado Sean Connolly Connecticut dijo. “Esta donación de vales adicionales irá hacia el servicio a lo largo de los grandes veteranos del Estado de Connecticut y sus familias. Los que desinteresadamente han servido a nuestro estado y la nación no merecen menos. Veteranos siempre! ”
Los fondos anunciados para Connecticut hoy incluye:
Departamento de Vivienda de Connecticut: $ 375.178
Hartford Autoridad de Vivienda: $ 76.630
Norwalk Autoridad de Vivienda: $ 135.527
West Haven Autoridad de Vivienda: $ 111.942