State News

GOV. MALLOY RELEASES UPDATED BUDGET PROPOSAL

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released a revised, balanced budget proposal that addresses the entirety of the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis’s deficit projection by closing a projected $922 million deficit for FY2017.  Falling under the statutory spending cap, this is the only budget presented thus far that tackles the full scope of the challenge.  It includes no tax increases.   The proposal identifies and maintains funding for core services and:   Asks non-union employees, appointees, and elected officials in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to pay 20 percent for their health care benefits, creating a savings of as much as $5 million per fiscal year moving into the future Maintains funding for Community Residential Services…

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Governor Bans Another State for CT State Funded Travel

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is banning non-essential state-funded travel to Mississippi, following that state’s enactment of a discriminatory law that allows businesses and nonprofit groups to refuse service to people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.   The state-funded travel ban falls under Executive Order No. 45, signed last year after Indiana enacted similar legislation.   “Government should be in the practice of eliminating discrimination – not embracing it.  This law in Mississippi is an active attempt to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.  We, as a state, cannot stand for that,” Governor Malloy said.  “I am proud of Connecticut’s continued advancement of equality for all residents.  Our state prides itself on…

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#HARTFORD, CT - -Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport) continued his advocacy for reforming Connecticut’s policies around hiring applicants with a criminal record. Testifying in front of the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, Sen. Gomes called for the passage of Senate Bill 467: An Act Concerning Municipal Implementation of Criminal Justice Reforms.   The bill is a set of hiring policies for private employers, designed to ensure that applicants with criminal records are evaluated on the merits of their qualifications, not on their criminal records.   “This is an important bill for those with a record to have an opportunity to receive a job,” said Sen. Gomes. “A felony conviction too often haunts a person their whole life preventing them from moving on…

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NEW NATIONAL REPORT MEASURING CRIME RATES SHOWS CONNECTICUT’S SMART APPROACH TO VIOLENT CRIME

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloyy highlighted the release of a new report on national crime punishment rates by the Pew Charitable Trusts, which shows that Connecticut’s approach of focused deterrence, including prioritizing violent and predatory offenders for incarceration, is reducing crime.   The report introduces a new metric known as the punishment rate, which compares the number of people in prison to the rate of crime for Part I crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle thefts.  The report shows Connecticut ranks 13th nationally in the punishment rate – which is the highest of any state in New England – while its imprisonment rate ranks 34th.  That indicates that violent criminals are serving…

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GOV. MALLOY REMINDS THOSE IN CONNECTICUT: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

  "My experience with listening to the scanners is this is code for saying "He doesn't look like he belongs in our neighborhood"  Steve Krauchick--DoingItLocal.com #HARTFORD, CT – In the wake of the terror attacks in Brussels, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today is reminding those in Connecticut to be aware of their surroundings and if they see something suspicious, say something by contacting authorities.   “Keeping our citizens safe is our number one priority, and the public’s vigilance is critical to keeping authorities informed and protecting Connecticut from potential threats,” Governor Malloy said.  “There are currently no credible threats to the United States or Connecticut, but we cannot be complacent.  Please be aware of your surroundings at all times and…

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New Leadership For DMV

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has selected a new leadership team to operate the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Michael R. Bzdyra of Wallingford has been appointed to serve as Commissioner of the agency and Judeen Wrinn of Middletown has been named Deputy Commissioner.   “For the last three or four decades, people talked about making modernization upgrades to Connecticut’s DMV only to put it off.  Now we’re actually doing it.  Transitions in an agency of this size and importance are challenging.  We’re moving from an antiquated, outdated system into one takes advantage of today’s modern technologies.  Because of the challenge, many put off the hard decisions.  We didn’t,” Governor Malloy said.  “I…

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