El Representante estatal Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) originalmente presento la medida en el 2011. Sin embargo, fue este año que logró que el comité judicial de la legislatura la incluyera en la agenda que exitosamente se aprobó. Candelaria, quien habló a favor de la propuesta en el hemiciclo durante el debate explicó, “Nuestra comunidad ha sido victima de notarios públicos que han utilizado su sello para proveer consejo legal no correcto cobrando altas sumas de dinero por servicio no autorizado. En nuestros países, un notario público por lo general ejerce la profesión de abogado y algunos notarios públicos del estado tomaron ventaja de esto. Esta ley, cuidará a nuestra población latina de futuros abusos.”

El Rep. Andrés Ayala (D-Bridgeport) quien apoyo la ley que protegerá a las comunidades mas vulnerables a esta practica comentó, “Es lamentable que individuos sin escrúpulos ni ética profesional hayan victimizado a personas en nuestra comunidad. Un notario publico que no es abogado, no tiene la preparación académica o necesaria para representar a clientes en asuntos legales.”

El Rep. Hector Robles (D-Hartford) señaló, “Estoy muy complacido de haber respaldado esta propuesta. Recibí llamadas de personas que fueron victimas y hoy estamos mas cerca de resolver este asunto.”

“El abuso en contra de aquellos que no conocen la ley y que no se saben defender no se puede permitir. Esta ley envía un mensaje claro de que tomamos esto muy en serio,” manifestó la Rep. Minnie González (D-Hartford).

El Rep. Kelvin Roldan (D-Hartford) citó, “Estoy muy satisfecho de apoyar una ley que protege a la comunidad y a la vez protege a los abogados, notarios y abogados notarios legítimos.”

El Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport) dijo, “Ya era tiempo de detener el abuso en contra de una comunidad sensible y que confía en anuncios confusos que los convierten en victimas.”

“Estoy de acuerdo con mis colegas en definir claramente y sin lugar a duda los que son abogados-notarios legítimos y los que son solamente notarios públicos,” expresó el Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain).

El Rep. David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury) dijo, “Esta ley proveerá a los oficiales una herramienta útil para proteger a nuestra gente hispana.”

La ley, HB 5147 requiere que si un notario público no es abogado, tendrá que explícitamente incluirlo en cualquier anuncio que utilice para promover sus servicios. Esto evitara, que personas falsamente crean que el notario público es también abogado. Violadores de la ley serán sujetos a multas de $250.00 y/o dos meses de encarcelamiento.

“Every grant and every loan is one step forward to Waterbury being free and clear of contaminated eyesores,” Rep. Berger said. “I am pleased to see progress on the ultimate goal of putting these properties back to use and putting people back to work.”

"While Waterbury's legacy as the former Brass Center of the World is a rich and moving story, today's reality is that the City is saddled with numerous Brownfield sites. But with the support the State's Brownfield program we are making definitive progress to recapture valuable urban sites such as the long dormant South End Anamet property. I am pleased to have worked as a member of the Waterbury delegation to achieve this vital support," Sen. Hartley said.

“This funding is welcomed news for Waterbury," Rep. David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury) said. "Bringing these contaminated sites back to productive use will hopefully result in future economic development for the city and job creation,” Rep. Aldarondo said.

These funds are requested to finance various projects under the Regional Brownfield Redevelopment Loan Fund and will be used to provide low-interest loans to eligible applicants for the remediation of contaminated brownfield sites to bring them back to productive use.

Brownfields are contaminated and often long-abandoned properties that can be remediated and turned into productive sites for economic development, open space or other public uses. Rep. Berger has been working to bring state and federal dollars to Waterbury as many properties lay contaminated and dormant due to its industrial history.

Included in job growth legislation championed by Rep. Berger and Rep. Butler was $17.8 million in state bond funding for the development of manufacturing programs at three community colleges. The Bond Commission is set to approve $8.9 million on Friday, March 30.

“Economic development and job creation are nothing without a workforce poised with the necessary skills and training to enter the field,” Rep. Berger said. “These centers will make the best use of funding and will ensure a consistent and productive partnership between manufacturing and the community colleges.”

"NVCC designation as one of three sites in the state for expansion of manufacturing technologies programs will build upon our community college's strong platform of manufacturing, which is deeply rooted in the Naugatuck Valley manufacturing sector," Senator Hartley said.

“The education and training provided by NVCC will ensure our residents are able to compete not only for the jobs of the future, but for the precision manufacturing jobs that are available today in Connecticut,” Rep. Butler said. “The center will have a significant and positive impact on unemployment and provide opportunities for young people and working adults.”

“We have a responsibility to educate our young people about the exciting career opportunities in our industry and help build the manufacturing workforce of the future," Rep. Aldarondo said. “These centers will attract young students into engineering and manufacturing careers, helping to build the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow.”

“Education is a very important piece of the employment puzzle and this money will allow NVCC to educate and train even more students to excel in today’s changing high-tech manufacturing environment,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “Connecticut has a strong manufacturing background and equipping our residents with sought after skills will be a tremendous boost for our state.”

Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, and Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson were selected based on their ability to establish or expand manufacturing technology programs and their commitment to precision manufacturing.

Built on the region’s manufacturing roots and enhanced with modern advancement in technology and innovation, the Advanced Manufacturing Center located in NVCC’s Technology Hall, will continue to feature manufacturing and technical education with subjects ranging from CNE technology to welding and lean manufacturing.

Current enrollment and graduation trends indicate a strong resurgence in NVCC manufacturing programs. There has been a 425 percent increase in the number of students enrolled in manufacturing certificate programs from 2006–10.

The Advanced Manufacturing Center is expected to see an enrollment increase of 100 percent in two years (approximately 90 enrollees) and another 100 percent in five years (approximately 180 enrollees). As a result part of the grant, NVCC will purchase additional equipment to properly train the expanding student body.

NVCC will build upon existing credit and non-credit coursework in traditional machining. The existing Manufacturing Certificate is also being revised into a Multi-Disciplinary Manufacturing Technology Certificate program to introduce technologies and create a manufacturing generalist who can succeed in a wide range of manufacturing environments.

The NVCC Community and Economic Development Division will also provide complementary non-credit courses so manufacturing students will be well-prepared to enter the workplace as effective employees with manufacturing knowledge and skills. In addition, close collaborations with NVCC’s Job Placement Center and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board will provide students with internships and industry partnerships producing highly skilled graduates ready to meet the challenges of 21st century product design, innovation and manufacture.

NVCC will also be responsible for providing measureable outcomes — which include students graduating from the program and final job placement in the state’s manufacturing industry.

“We should all be proud of our arts and cultural programs in Waterbury and the individuals who make these programs so successful. These awards recognize the importance of that work,” said Rep. Butler. “I will continue to fight for these and other critical state dollars to improve and sustain the arts and our cultural heritage.”

The five groups in Waterbury who received grants are:

• Mattatuck Historical Society - $21,875
• Seven Angels Theatre - $2,882
• Waterbury Region Arts & Culture Collaborative - $108,744
• Waterbury Symphony Orchestra - $4,274
• Palace Theatre Group, Inc. - $8,009

“These organizations, as well as our beautiful Arts Magnet School, are a testament to the fact that Waterbury has consistently supported the arts throughout the years,” Rep. Berger said. “These grants are a confirmation of the importance of the arts in enriching lives in a vibrant and diverse community.”

The grant programs were was established by the State of Connecticut to stimulate the development of private sector funding and help stabilize arts institutions. The $108,744 grant is a one time initiative bringing mural-based public art into downtown spaces by enhancing public spaces through the visual arts and to connect the urban regions of Connecticut with a statewide place making initiative.

“These grants are good news for Waterbury's residents,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “This financial support helps our people who are working on the local level to promote art and culture right in our own community.”

“It is critical to support the cultural, artistic and historic preservation organizations so that they can achieve their goals and continue to add to Connecticut’s economic vitality and quality of life,” said Rep. Butler. “I’m pleased DECD included many Waterbury groups.”

The four groups in Waterbury who received grants are:

• The Mattatuck Museum - $14,865
• Seven Angels Theatre - $8,636
• Waterbury Region Arts & Culture Collaborative - $32,000
• Waterbury Symphony Orchestra - $7,514

“It is important and the responsibility of those in public service to work diligently for scarce state grant dollars,” Rep. Berger said. “We have worked hard to showcase our arts and culture in the Waterbury area and these awards highlight that work. I will continue to fight for these and other critical state dollars to improve and sustain our quality of life and cultural heritage.”

The grant programs were designed to strengthen Connecticut’s arts infrastructure by offering funding to arts organizations that have consistently provided quality public programming and to establish a network of committed Local Arts Agencies helping to develop a statewide culture and tourism infrastructure to more effectively serve Connecticut’s citizens.

“These grants are good news for Waterbury's residents," Rep. Aldarondo said. "This financial support helps our people who are working on the local level to promote art and culture right in our own community.”

Waterbury legislators addressed the CPTC at a public hearing last year concerning the need for evening bus service to provide access to second shift retail and manufacturing jobs and to evening classes at Naugatuck Valley Community College.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for the citizens of Waterbury who for far too long have been denied the ability to seek employment and/or advance themselves through higher education due to transportation difficulties,” Rep. Berger said. “This is a defining moment and something we all can be proud of that is a result of everyone working together to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

“The Waterbury legislative delegation has advocated for this expansion for many months. I'm glad to help those needing transportation for jobs and for local students attending evening classes," Rep. Butler said. "Another positive development has the bus routes being evaluated to determine how the current service can be improved."

"This is good news for Waterbury's residents who need and use public bus transportation," Rep. Aldarondo said. "Evening bus service is a must for a many people and increased service is welcomed."

"The delegation worked together to make increased bus service a reality for Waterbury and I'm pleased the ridership numbers have surpassed expectations," Rep. D'Amelio said. "The ability for people to get to and from work and school is important not only for those using the service itself but also for the Greater Waterbury community as a whole."

“All statistics have shown that ridership has exceeded expectations," Rep. Noujaim said. "This is a service Waterbury has needed for many years and I am so pleased that everyone involved in the process worked in harmony to make it happen. I look forward to the service becoming permanent."

“I’m genuinely pleased with our expanded regional bus service and one feature in particular: those enrolled or who work on the Naugatuck Valley Community College campus can now use mass transit rather than go to the expense of driving and parking their own cars,” Sen. Hartley said. “This spares them the cost of gas and additional wear and tear on their cars and helps the entire city by reducing congestion and traffic-related delays.”

As a result of the Commission’s recommendation, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) designated a portion of its federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding to cover the operating cost of the evening bus service and has made a commitment to provide funding for a minimum of three years. Evening service began on October 24th of last year and ridership has steadily increased to 450-500 passengers per evening, proving need and possibly serving as a model for other municipalities to follow.

Pointing to the recent Justice Department’s investigation of racial profiling in East Haven, Rep. Aldarondo said he agrees with his colleagues that the East Haven disclosure could have been better addressed using better collection and reporting of state motorist data by Connecticut’s law enforcement agencies.

Under legislation passed in 1999, the Racial Profiling Prohibition Act, then sponsored by the late State Senator Alvin Penn of Bridgeport,  the state’s municipal police departments were to report traffic stop data to the state on an annual basis for analysis of racial profiling. According to 2010 data, only 27 departments have submitted reports.

“I support efforts to provide the necessary funding to ensure that all departments are able to comply with the law and submit the data required by law,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “By working together, I hope that we can obtain the necessary funding during the next legislative session that convenes in February.”

“This is an important issue that deserves the attention of all lawmakers,” Rep. Aldarondo said.

“I continue to maintain that brownfield remediation and development is the best jobs bill we as legislators can support. The continued work of the Commerce Committee and Brownfields Task Force has once again benefited economic growth, the tax base, and employment in the City of Waterbury,” Rep. Berger said, “While we continue to make significant progress much work still remains. It continues to be my mission to advance that work.”

House Speaker Donovan said, "Brownfield remediation is a win-win proposition -- it creates jobs and removes blighted properties from communities by turning them into productive sites. These funds will make an important difference in Waterbury, and I commend Rep. Berger for his tireless advocacy of brownfield development."

“I am grateful that Waterbury will be receiving these very important funds to clean up sites that have been a health and quality of life problem for so many years,” Representative Aldarondo said. “I would like to thank Rep. Berger for his unwavering support and work to make sure any and all available brownfield funds are utilized in our city.”

“Brownfields reclamation is a vital tool for economic growth in Waterbury and in other Connecticut cities, where untold acreage of suitable property, with readily accessible infrastructure, transportation links, and markets, lies idle,” Senator Hartley said. “With this grant to underwrite proper remediation, this once productive property will be redeveloped and returned to local property tax rolls.”

“This strategy also slows the all-too-common tendency in Connecticut to develop precious open space, which only adds to suburban sprawl and traffic congestion,” Senator Hartley added.

“The Waterbury Development Corporation has formed a partnership with our legislators, especially Representative Berger, DECD, EPA, EDA, The North West Regional Investment Board’s job funnel, The Chamber of Commerce and the City which has brought nearly $5 million dollars to Waterbury for assessments, abatements and demolition. This effort will ultimately put blighted properties back on the tax rolls and create jobs,” Leo J. Frank, CEO of the WDC said.

A $500,000 grant from the Regional Brownfield Development Grant Program will fund demolition deconstruction and remediation activities at 313 Mill Street, 777 and 835 South Main Street and 272 River Street.  A grant of $100,000 was also awarded in state funds for remediation at 44 Chapel Street in the Waterville section of Waterbury for phase 1, 2 and 3 studies.

It is expected that deconstruction and construction jobs will exceed 125 with an estimated 50 permanent new jobs as well as generating $800,000 in taxes annually. The project will have a significant positive impact on city finances with the possibility of reversing $3,800,000 in back taxes.

The area is part of the Central City Brownfields Corridor designated by WDC to concentrate remediation activities because of the significantly poor demographics such as high unemployment, high poverty rates, tax delinquency and overall blight. Site funding for remediation and deconstruction leveraging Environmental Protection Agency funds and Housing and Urban Development Neighborhood Initiative funds will total more than $900,000.00

Brownfields are contaminated and often long-abandoned properties that can be remediated and turned into productive sites for economic development, open space or other public uses. Rep. Berger has been working to bring state and federal dollars to Waterbury as many properties lay contaminated and dormant due to its industrial history.

“I am so proud to see my work on the funding of these projects in the 72nd district become a reality”, said Rep. Butler. “Rep. Aldarondo worked with me on the extra $500,000 and Rep. Berger also helped with his support on the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committee.”

The work scheduled for the Slocum Childhood Daycare Center includes:

• Roof replacement
• Replacement or repair of the HVAC system
• Façade repair
• Parking lot improvements
• Window replacements
• Creation of additional classroom space

The central office of New Opportunities, Inc will receive installation of a new heating and cooling system. This office houses social service programs including day care, energy assistance and the WIC program.

“This funding will help New Opportunities, Inc. expand and improve its Childhood Daycare Center as well as making vital improvements to their building that is used to assist thousands of people with social services each and every year,” said Rep. Butler. “Dr. Gatling and his staff are held in high regard for the services they provide and I’m glad to be able to help them as they help so many others.”

“Child care continues to be a major stumbling block to self sufficiency and I am very pleased to see it receives the proper attention in this funding package. Also, New Opportunities has been providing critical services for many years through various programs and dedicated staff,” Rep. Berger said. “Given the state of the economy and the diminishing federal dollars, we must continue to push for and support any assistance that can be provided to keep these crucial programs intact.”

“This is important funding to pay for needed renovations and improvements to facilities that provide programs that serve our greater community," Rep. Aldarondo said. "I want to thank Governor Malloy for placing $2.8 million for Waterbury on the Bond Commission's agenda for action.”

Both projects are anticipated to result in 51 construction related jobs to complete the necessary work.

They are scheduled to appear on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, from 11am to 11:30am.

WPRX serves the Hispanic community in the Connecticut area and Massachusetts.

Rep. Aldarondo and the Lieutenant Governor will be interviewed by Felix Viera, host of The Serious Talk program.

“I am glad that Lieutenant Governor Wyman will be participating in this radio interview,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “She has been a friend of the Hispanic community for a very long time and I am pleased to join her to discuss issues that affect our community.”

Earlier this year Governor Malloy and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill participated in similar interviews with Rep. Aldarando on WPRX.

• The Waterbury Development Corporation was given a grant-in-aid for $1,052,205 for planning for a multimodal transportation center for greater Waterbury.
• A portion of $2.5 million will assist in returning brownfield sites to productive use.
• Funding for Cherry Street redevelopment
• Funding for East Main Street redevelopment
• Funding for the East End public safety facility

“Brownfields redevelopment in urban areas start with the remediation process,” said Rep. Butler. “I’m happy Waterbury continues to lead in this area.”

“I am happy for the funds allocated to this project,” said Rep. Aldarando. “They will go far in helping the Waterbury community.”

They are scheduled to appear on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, from 11am to 11:30am.

WPRX serves the Hispanic community in the Connecticut area and Massachusetts.

Rep. Aldarondo and Secretary of the State Merrill will be interviewed by Felix Viera, host of The Serious Talk program.

“I am very pleased to be joining our Secretary of the State Denise Merrill,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “She has been a strong advocate for improving access to voting and educating everyone on the importance of voting.”

Topics will include voting and issues that impact the state’s Hispanic community.

They are scheduled to appear on Thursday, March 24th, from 11am to 11:30am.

WPRX serves the Hispanic community in the Connecticut area and Massachusetts.

Rep. Aldarondo and Governor Malloy will be interviewed by Felix Viera, host of The Serious Talk program.

Topics will include the state budget and its impact on the state’s Hispanic community.

“I am looking forward to discussing issues of importance to Connecticut’s Hispanic community,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “I thank Governor Malloy for willing to share his time and thoughts on the budget and am honored to be joining him.”