“Helping area nonprofits work together makes sense,” Rep. Boukus said. “This funding will help promote quality services and efficiency.”

A grant of $134,841 is expected for Bristol Community Organization for an information technology collaboration that will consolidate administrative functions among Bristol Community Organization, TEAM, and the Human Resource Agency.

A separate grant of $121,405 is expected for Wheeler Clinic to purchase a video conferencing system to help foster collaboration with Community Health Resources.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 27th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

"We congratulate and commend Lake Compounce for providing employment opportunities to people with ASD and for hosting annual training for all of your employees about ASD," said Rep. Betty Boukus. "The dedication and friendship shown to people and families with Autism Spectrum Disorders is simply outstanding."

"Raising the level of awareness regarding autism is a critical issue for our educational system. Individualizing education plans helps address this and other barriers to learning and growth," said Rep. Frank Nicastro. "Each child deserves our best efforts to make their personal experiences as enriching and rewarding as possible."

Plainville Director of Planning and Economic Development Mark DeVoe, Governor Dannel Malloy,
Rep. Betty Boukus and DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith at the State Bond Commission meeting.

Rep. Boukus said, “Brownfield remediation creates jobs and cleans up blighted properties by turning them into productive sites with an opportunity for economic growth.”

Brownfields are former factory, mill and other sites that can be converted to productive use after environmental remediation. The Municipal Brownfield Grant Program provides funding to towns or their economic development agencies to clean up untreated brownfields and low interest loans to property owners with the goal of producing significant economic development benefits for the municipality.

Rep. Boukus was joined at the Bond Commission meeting by Plainville’s Director of Planning and Economic Development Mark DeVoe, who was able speak with Governor Dannel Malloy and DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith.

For more information about the application process or other brownfield redevelopment programs visit DECD’s Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) at www.ctbrownfields.gov. The office is Connecticut’s one-stop resource for information on the programs and services available for brownfield redevelopment in the state.

“After school and summer programs have a proven track record of providing students with a positive, structured environment that allows children to complete schoolwork, participate in athletic activities and have fun while learning,” Rep. Boukus said. “The conference was an opportunity to share ideas with policymakers across the country.”

The Mott Foundation is funded the trip and conference, bringing together after school advocates and policymakers from 40 states.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, More than 15 million school-age children (26 percent) are on their own after school. A 2007 study of about 3,000 low-income, ethnically-diverse elementary and middle school students found that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits.

Rep. Boukus and members of the Connecticut After School Alliance
in San Francisco discussing after school programs.

PLAINVILLE — Elka Precision is one of five small businesses that qualified for grants Thursday through the state’s Small Business Express program.

To its president and owner, Lithuanian-born Leonid Kashchenevsky, the $250,000 grant was welcome news.

“It will ease our cash flow without selling part of our company to private investors,” he said.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the state will provide a total of $100 million to help small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

A world leader in the design and manufacture of hydrostatic spindles, tables, and slides that improve grinding accuracy and reduce grinding, Elka Precision plans to aggressively market its products in Europe and in Asia. The company, which plans to hire eight new employees (it currently employs seven workers), received a Job Creation Incentive loan to use for equipment, training, travel, and other related expenses.

Created as a part of jobs legislation bill passed during the October special session, the grant will also enable Kashchenevsky to develop a product that he says will set his company apart from his competition.

“This is a solid investment in job growth,” said state Rep. Betty Boukus, D-Plainville. “This commitment to Elka Precision sends an important message that Governor Malloy and the legislature are committed to growing manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut.”

“What great news for Elka Precision and great news for Plainville,” said state Sen. Jason Welch, R-Bristol. “The bipartisan jobs bill puts small businesses first by providing much needed assistance for companies wishing to expand and hire more employees. This announcement is a perfect example of how the policies we create in Hartford can keep and grow jobs right here in central Connecticut.”

The four other small businesses receiving grants are Norwich Printing Co; Connecticut Casket Co., Willimantic; Wooden-it-be-Nice Inc., a Marlborough consignment furniture company and My Three Sons, an indoor family entertainment center in Norwalk.

“This is a solid investment in job growth,” said State Representative Betty Boukus (D-Plainville). “This commitment to Elka Precision sends an important message that Governor Malloy and the legislature are committed to growing manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut.”

Elka Precision of Plainville is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of hydrostatic spindles, tables, and slides that improve grinding accuracy and reduce grinding times for the overall improvement of machined products. Elka Precision plans to begin an aggressive campaign to market its products overseas, including European and Asian markets. The company, which plans to hire eight new employees, will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000 to use for equipment, training, travel, and other related expenses.

“Last year, when I met with business owners and chief executives on my Jobs Tour, I heard firsthand about the tough the challenges they face and what they needed to overcome them,” said Governor Malloy. “The Small Business Express Program is designed to provide an accessible source of much-needed funding that will help our small enterprises make a big impact in their communities. It’s just one more way we’re trying to begin an economic revival in cities and towns across our state.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

Regional firefighter training schools in Fairfield and the Naugatuck Valley would receive millions of dollars to rebuild facilities under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed budget.

Firefighters from throughout the state Tuesday joined lawmakers in praising the long-delayed projects, for which the governor has budgeted $26.2 million in his pending plan for long-term state borrowing.

"This is a historic day in the General Assembly," said state Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, a deputy speaker of the House who led a news conference detailing the upgrades of five of the nine regional fire schools that have been stalled in the planning process since 1999.

"The money they save the state of Connecticut and our municipalities is somewhere about $100 million a year, if all of our volunteer fire services had to go to a full-time paid service," Aresimowicz said.

"It's so critical that we move Connecticut out of, more or less, the 19th century and into the 21st century when it comes to the quality of our fire schools in all of the regions of our state," said Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn. "We need the best training that we can have for our firefighters in the state of Connecticut."

Fairfield Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Tracy was among more than two dozen volunteer and uniformed firefighters who participated in a news conference celebrating the legislation, which if approved, could get work started on five projects that are ready for construction.

Fairfield's firefighter training facility is on One Rod Highway.

"I stand among my brothers who are looking forward to getting out of borrowed facilities and decrepit resources and getting what will finally be state-of-the-art resources for your first responders," Tracy said, describing the governor's budget proposal as the culmination of a 12-year process.

About $14.3 million has already been allocated for the upgrades, which must be preceded by a $2 million design process, said state Rep. Elizabeth A. Boukus, D-Plainville, noting recent fires that have challenged firefighters, including the Christmas fire in Stamford that killed five in the Shippan neighborhood.

Under the proposal, the Fairfield Regional Fire School would receive $7 million to construct a new "burn" building, where firefighters are trained how to react in battling blazes.

The Valley Fire Chiefs Regional Fire School in Derby that has been shut since 2000 currently stages training programs 20 miles away in Fairfield. But property has been purchased in Beacon Falls and the new facility is ready for construction.

Other construction-ready school sites include the Wolcott State Fire School, the Eastern Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic and the Fire Training School of Torrington.

“I want to thank the Governor for his commitment to firefighting training,” Rep. Boukus said. “Education and training are paramount when molding young first responders. Safety doesn’t happen by accident. It requires the hard work and training available at our regional fire schools.”

The funding was announced today at the State Capitol complex.

In 1999 the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) launched a long-term construction plan to upgrade seven of Connecticut’s regional fire schools. To date, work at the New Haven school has been completed and work has begun on the Hartford County fire school in Windsor Locks. The other five projects are:

• Eastern Connecticut regional fire school (Willimantic)
• Fairfield regional fire school
• Burrville regional fire school (Torrington)
• Naugatuck Valley regional fire school (Beacon Falls)
• Waterbury area Wolcott regional fire school (Cheshire)

According to the CSFA there are about 26,000 firefighters in Connecticut. About 4000 are professional firefighters and more than 22,000 are volunteers.

When municipal payments for charter school students are factored into the new aid formula, New Britain has the fourth-largest proposed funding increase in the state, just behind Waterbury, Hartford and Bridgeport.

Gov. Malloy proposed increasing New Britain’s 2012 Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant from $73.93 million to $76.58 million - another $245 per-pupil - as part of his state budget address delivered yesterday on the opening day of the 2012 legislative session.

New Britain legislators said the proposed ECS increase will be put to good use.

“I strongly endorse the governor’s position that every child in Connecticut deserves access to a quality public education, no matter where they live. That has not always been the case in some of Connecticut’s poorer cities and towns,” Sen. Gerratana said. “It is folly to think that money doesn’t play a key role in equalizing some of that achievement gap. So I welcome the governor’s proposed additional ECS funding, and I welcome his concurrent demand that these funds be accounted for as part of an overall educational reform process.”

“The Governor and the New Britain state delegation made a commitment to better fund education, especially in underperforming urban districts like New Britain,” state Rep. Rick Lopes said. “Increasing the education performance in New Britain is the most important thing we can do as legislators. It decreases our local tax burden while improving the abilities and opportunities of our students.”

“This is great news for New Britain’s children. Our city will see almost a four-percent increase in school funding under this proposal and that’s real money,” said state Rep. Peter Tercyak. “Although our schools could use more help, this is an important step in the right direction. I thank Governor Malloy for his strong support for public education.”

“While I am pleased to see the state stepping in and doing its part to support and promote education, we still have a lot of work to do to bring more state resources to New Britain’s education system,” state Rep. Robert Sanchez said. “I am committed to keep working until we find a balance that will help us achieve our educational goals. Municipalities struggle with the budgetary impact of funding education and the influence it has on mill rates imposed on property owners. This proposal eases some of that burden while putting in place beneficial educational reforms that we welcome with open arms.”

“The governor’s commitment to New Britain is impressive,” said state Rep. Betty Boukus. “This is an investment in our students’ futures that will pay dividends.”

Governor Malloy announced his proposed ECS funding changes on Wednesday as part of his broader proposals to reform education in Connecticut from early childhood through college.

He proposed spending an additional $50 million in ECS funding for public schools, nearly $40 million of which will go to newly-established ‘Alliance Districts’ made up of the state’s 30 lowest-performing school districts - conditioned upon the districts’ implementation of key education reform strategies. An additional $4.5 million in competitive funding will be offered to all districts - with a preference for the 30 Alliance districts - to enable even more ambitious innovations and deeper reforms.

A total of 130 towns will receive more ECS funding than they did in 2011-2012; no town will see funding drop from 2011-2012 levels.

“It is critical that we get to the schools that are really struggling—and do it quickly,” Gov. Malloy said Wednesday. “We can get good teachers into classrooms, and hire the best superintendents and administrators, but we must address the overarching resources issue and fund the programs that will directly reach the kids who are at a disadvantage because their school is underperforming. We have held towns harmless, no one is losing ECS funding—which sends a clear signal to our children that we will make the investment and deliver on our promise of high-quality education for every student in Connecticut.”

Rep. Boukus, Rep. Aresimowicz and Rep. Johnson with members of the Connecticut State
Firefighters Association.

In 2004, funding was authorized to begin a long-term construction project at 8 of the 10 schools. To date, work at the New Haven school has been completed and work has begun on the Hartford County fire school in Windsor Locks.

“I thank the many firefighters who participated in our session,” Rep. Aresimowicz said, “These meetings are an opportunity for us to share our concerns and to continue to work to provide our citizens with the fire protection and safety they deserve.”

“Education and training are paramount when molding young first responders,” Rep. Boukus said. “Safety doesn't happen by accident. It requires the hard work and training available at our regional fire schools.”

Rep. Aresimowicz and Rep. Boukus planned to support additional funding during the next legislative session that convenes in February to ensure that the training facilities are capable of providing the state’s firefighters with the tools needed to safely protect their communities.

According to the CSFA there are about 26,000 fire fighters in Connecticut. About 4000 are professional firefighters and more than 22,000 are volunteers.

“I want to thank everyone for participating in our 9th annual Secret Santa Collection for the Rocky Hill Veterans Home and Hospital,” Rep. Boukus said. “The approximately 400 veterans residing at the Rocky Hill facility continue to be in need of many basic personal items and this collection helps provide these necessities as well as some much need holiday cheer.”

In addition to personal items, gift cards and clothes, this year’s donations included Wii video game consoles and a flat-screen TV. After the press conference, the donations were loaded into a van for delivery to the Veteran’s Home.

“I commend Rep. Boukus for her leadership in organizing the Collection for our Connecticut veterans,” said Sen. Welch. “Her tireless work each year helps to meet pressing needs and show our veterans how much they are appreciated. The Secret Santa Collection is just another example of how local residents can make a positive difference in others' lives.”

Rep. Boukus said, “It is important to remember the veterans who gave so much for our country. During these challenging economic times the number of veterans in need of a helping hand has grown. This is a small way of reaching out and saying, ‘Thank you for your service’ and ‘Happy Holidays’.”

Donations were provided by lawmakers, legislative staff, visitors to the Capitol and many others.

Since 1863, the residential facility at the Veterans’ Home and Hospital has offered a place to live and a continuum of rehabilitative services designed to prepare veterans for their return to independent living in the community.

WLA Vice-Chair Cris Coffin said, “The Working Lands Alliance is honoring Rep. Boukus with our legislative leadership award for her incredible dedication to Connecticut agriculture and leadership on the State Bond Commission.”

The General Assembly has made a strong commitment to farmland preservation by authorizing $10 million per year in bonding over the next two years.

“Connecticut’s farmland is a valuable resource,” Rep. Boukus said. “The state has turned a corner and is working very hard to aid local farms and protect farmland.”

The Working Lands Alliance was formed in 1999 with the sole purpose of preserving Connecticut’s most precious natural resource - its farmland. WLA is a coalition whose supporters include more than 600 individuals and 200 businesses and organizations that include farmers, conservationists, anti-hunger groups, planners and local food enthusiasts.

Rep. Boukus receives the 2011 Working Lands Alliance "Legislator Appreciation Award " -- a bushel of Connecticut-grown produce and a bottle of Connecticut wine -- from Cris Coffin, New England Director of the American Farmland Trust, during the WLA's 11th annual meeting at the State Capitol in Hartford on November 16, 2011.

The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain is slated to receive $5 million for planning, design, land acquisition, development and construction of a cancer treatment center. The funding will also go toward renovations and upgrades of its oncology unit, and a Permanent Regional Phase One Clinical Trials Unit.

“I’m proud and thankful our leadership is providing funds for the cancer center in New Britain,” said State Representative Tim O’Brien (D-New Britain, Newington). “It’s critical to advance high tech and healthcare job growth into New Britain’s economic future.”

These funds were requested to provide a grant-in-aid to The Hospital of Central Connecticut as part of the UConn Health Network and Bioscience Initiative bill passed by the Legislature.

“This investment in a new cancer treatment center right here in New Britain couldn't come at a better time," said state Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain), who is Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee. "Not only does this mean jobs and development, it is the culmination of a promise we made only a few months ago to begin re-making the health sciences sector in Connecticut. The people at Jackson Laboratories have recognized that, too, and it's one of the reasons why we have been able to move forward so quickly and so decisively on a new future for Connecticut's economy."

“With this bonding money, New Britain will improve our capacity for cancer treatment and enhance the hospital's well deserved reputation for excellence,” said State Representative Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain). “It's the right time to build.  Lower construction costs and needed jobs.”

Rep. Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain, Bristol) said, “I want to thank Governor Malloy for placing on the Bond Commission agenda funding for the cancer center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. For many patients, the ability to receive quality care close to home is so important.”

The Hospital of Central Connecticut has an accreditation as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and an accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

An additional item on the bonding agenda for New Britain is part of an overall $1.5 million upgrade to judicial buildings across the state. $225,000 will modify the New Britain courthouse lobby heating system.

“These funds are welcome news to New Britain as work on the new and upgraded hospital units and improved courthouse lobby heating system will bring much needed jobs,” Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain) said. “This support for the infusion of activity in our local economy is very encouraging.”

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m. Friday, October 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

The members of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club and their dream of a new facility will soon get a big boost, thanks to the State Bond Commission and state Rep. Betty Boukus — and we couldn’t be more excited for them.

Boukus, whose 22nd District includes Plainville and parts of New Britain and Bristol, announced Thursday that the club will receive a $2 million grant — subject to a commission vote on Oct. 28 — that will be used to complete the $850,000 purchase of a vacant property on West Street. It will also help pay for architectural work, construction design and organizing the project. The result will be a shared facility that will bring together the Boys and Girls Club and The Family Center in a spacious new complex.

When the merger was first announced, we noted that the coming together of these two important city institutions will “offer children hope, help and recreation for generations.”

The envisioned “green” building will include a 14,000-square-foot field house and a club area, library, technology center, arts space and fitness center.

“This is one of the best things that’s ever happened for children in the city of Bristol,” said Michael Suchopar, chief professional office at the club. “This will help kids for generations to come.”

And, as an added bonus, it will offer men and women in Bristol and surrounding towns dozens of construction jobs, when work gets underway, perhaps as early as 2013.

The start date, of course, depends on the success of the capital campaign, which is turning out to be a community affair.

In 2009, Bristol-based ESPN made a sizeable donation, a fact that “had a lot to do with “ getting state support, Boukus said. That amount, plus other funding raising, has put the project near 50 percent of the estimated cost, according to Suchopar.

And credit also goes to Boukus herself, as House chairwoman of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. A consistent advocate for the region’s children, she recognized what the club means to Bristol’s kids and their families, the adults who will have the chance to use its many facilities and to the revitalization of the city — and went to bat for the project with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the State Bond Commission.

It’s one more reason to rejoice in Bristol ‘rising.’

Plainville will use the funding to expand the town’s housing rehabilitation program. Twenty-five housing units are expected to be renovated for code deficiencies, energy upgrades and mold and lead abatement.

“The town was very successful in its application for this funding,” said Boukus. “This funding will help complete 25 homes for families in our community.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and other revitalization projects. The federal program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.

“For most Connecticut towns and smaller cities, budgets are stretched thin but their infrastructure needs and the housing needs of their residents haven’t diminished,” Governor Malloy said. “That’s why the Small Cities program — and the federal grants the program awards — are so critical. The funding is key to these communities and their efforts to improve the lives of residents through housing programs and community projects.”

BRISTOL — Plans for a new Bristol Boys and Girls Club on West Street got a big boost Thursday when state Rep. Betty Boukus, D-Plainville, announced a $2 million state grant may be coming for the project.

“It’s a Godsend,” said Michael Suchopar, chief professional officer at the club. “This is one of the best things that’s ever happened for children in the city of Bristol. This will help kids for generations to come.”

Suchopar said he was “ecstatic and extremely thankful” to learn that the state funding is on the way. The State Bond Commission is expected to approve the money when it meets Oct. 28.

“It was wonderful,” said Boukus. “I’m very excited. It’s a worthwhile project.”

She said the project will bring construction jobs and allow the 100-year-old club, which has outgrown its home on Laurel Street, “to continue a very good program in a new, state-of-the-art building.”

Boukus, who is the House chairwoman of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, said she’s been working to secure the money for most of a year, getting necessary information for the governor’s staff and legislative leaders.

“You’re always competing for projects,” said Boukus, who added that she’s grateful for the governor’s support.

In a prepared statement released late Thursday, Gov. Dannel Malloy said, “Upgrading the facilities at the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol will allow this valuable organization to continue providing the city and surrounding communities with an increased array of recreational and cultural activities.”

Suchopar credited Boukus, a Plainville Democrat whose district includes a small part of Bristol, for working long and hard to land the funding.

“Betty Boukus has done a marvelous job really advocating for this,” said Suchopar. “If not for her efforts, I don’t know if we would have been able to achieve what’s been achieved.”

The state funding will be used to complete the $850,000 purchase of the vacant West Street property between Jacob and Gaylord streets, which is owned by St. Ann Church, and to get started on the new building.

“The architect has already started,” said Suchopar.

The bonding money will be used for architectural work, construction design and organizing the project, Suchopar said, sending a strong signal to all that the project is moving ahead.

In 2009, ESPN made a hefty donation toward the project, a fact that “had a lot to do with” getting state support, Boukus said.

She hopes more donations will now follow, Boukus said, adding that the club clearly has the support of the city.

Suchopar said he is in “the quiet phase” of a capital campaign to line up major supporters for the project.

Though he didn’t know the exact cost, Suchopar said the price will likely fall between $7 million and $8.5 million.

“We’re approaching 50 percent of what the projected cost is going to be,” Suchopar said. “We’re hoping we can build the club in 2013.”

“The Bristol Boys & Girls Club is a community treasure,” Rep. Boukus said. “They provide a safe place for children to learn and have fun. I’m so pleased to announce that funding for their new facility will be on the State Bond Commission agenda next week.”

Bristol Mayor Art Ward said, “I want to express my gratitude to Governor Malloy and Representative Boukus. This is definitely making a dream become reality for young people in Bristol.”

For more than 100 years the Bristol Boys & Girls Club and Family Center has provided services for children and families in Bristol and surrounding communities.

“Upgrading the facilities at the Boys and Girls Club of Bristol will allow this valuable organization to continue providing the city and surrounding communities with an increased array of recreational and cultural activities,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “I would like to thank the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol for their active community service, and Mayor Ward and Representative Boukus for their continued advocacy on its behalf.”

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m. Friday, October 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

State Rep. Betty Boukus, D-22nd District, who led the effort to install a sculpture of state heroine Prudence Crandall in the state Capitol, was invited by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Central Park Conservancy to the dedication of the Frederick Douglass Memorial in Manhattan’s Central Park.

The ceremony was held Sept. 20 at Central Park West, Frederick Douglass Boulevard and West 110th Street in Harlem.

Both the Douglass and Crandall statues were the work of sculptor Gabriel Koren.

“Gabriel Koren is a brilliant sculptor,” said Boukus, who represents Bristol, New Britain and Plainville in the legislature.

“That her work has been immortalized in Central Park and the Connecticut Capitol is a testament to her talent and skill. I will never forget the experience of working with her to bring Prudence Crandall to Hartford and I was so pleased to be invited to the unveiling of her Frederick Douglass statue in New York.”

Boukus was able to see an early cast of the Douglass statue in 2008 while visiting a New York foundry with the artist to see the progress of the Prudence Crandall statue.

Frederick Douglass, who lived from 1818 to 1895, escaped slavery and dedicated his life to the abolitionist movement.

Though born a slave, Douglass learned to read and write. He published his famous autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” depicting his life as a slave, and later traveled the U.S. and Europe speaking out against slavery. Douglass served as an adviser to President Lincoln during the Civil War.

The New York memorial includes a bronze statue of Douglass with granite seating and paving designed with traditional African-American quilting patterns. The memorial is located at the northwest corner of Central Park in Harlem.

“After school and summer programs have a proven track record of providing students with a positive, structured environment that allows children to complete schoolwork, participate in athletic activities and have fun while learning,” Rep. Boukus said. “On the State Leadership Team we will be advocating for healthy, structured environments for student learning.”

The group recently received a $50,000 grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation. The grant will support The State Leadership Team’s plan to develop, adopt and implement policies that integrate ELOs into local education systems.

Other members of the State Leadership Team include State Rep. Matthew Lesser; Alvin Wilson, Governor Malloy’s director of operations; Charlene Russell-Tucker, associate commissioner of the state Department of Education; Tracey Lay with the Education Connection; Karissa Niehoff from the Connecticut Association of Schools; and Michelle Doucette Cunningham, executive director of the Connecticut After School Network.

The State Leadership Team is expected to report its findings in December 2012.

Both the Douglass and Crandall statues were the work of artist Gabriel Koren.

“Gabriel Koren is a brilliant sculptor,” Rep. Boukus said. “That her work has been immortalized in Central Park and the Connecticut Capitol is a testament to her talent and skill. I will never forget the experience of working with her to bring Prudence Crandall to Hartford and I was so pleased to be invited to the unveiling of her Frederick Douglass statue in New York.”

Rep. Boukus was able to see an early cast of the Frederick Douglass statue in 2008 while visiting a New York foundry with the artist to see the progress of the Prudence Crandall statue.

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) escaped slavery and dedicated his life to the abolitionist movement. Though born a slave, Douglass learned to read and write in secrecy. He published his famous autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, depicting his life as a slave and later traveled the U.S. and Europe speaking out against slavery. Douglass served as a consultant to President Lincoln during the Civil War.

The memorial includes a bronze statue of Douglass with granite seating and paving designed with traditional African American quilting patterns. The memorial is located at the northwest corner of Central Park in Harlem.

Rep. Betty Boukus, actor Andre DeShields as Frederick Douglass and artist Gabriel Koren
at the dedication of the Frederick Douglass Memorial in New York City.

The chemical, Bisphenol-A (BPA), has become a key ingredient in plastics and resins used in food and beverage containers. Most clear, shatterproof plastics used to make baby bottles, food storage containers, and rigid water bottles use the material. Its presence in a number of baby products has caused growing concern among parents.

Studies found the substance present in 95% of Americans and show that its exposure has been linked to infertility, obesity, early puberty, breast and prostate cancer, thyroid malfunction and even attention deficit disorders.

“Connecticut has led the national charge to keep this toxic chemical out of food containers, especially those used by children,” said Boukus. “This chemical should not be close to our food.”

In response to consumer pressure and mounting scientific evidence, some companies have been voluntarily phasing out BPA from beverage containers, including Playtex, Similac, Nalgene, and Toys ‘R’ Us, who no longer use the substance in their baby bottles.

The legislation, Public Act 09-103 was signed into law in 2009.

“Our economy depends on quality, affordable childcare,” state Rep. Boukus said. “Parents can’t make it to work if they don’t have a place like the Ben Franklin Early Childcare Learning Academy providing these valuable services.”

The project is expected to create or retain approximately five construction- related jobs.

“We’re not just investing in building improvements, we are investing in improving the children who attend the Ben Franklin Academy and who will go on to become high school and college graduates and our next-generation workforce,” said state Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain), who is Co-Chairman of both the Children’s and the Public Health Committees. “Better facilities make for a better learning environment and better outcomes. It’s the most basic of investments we can make.”

“The Human Resources Agency is vital to the New Britain community and the services provided by HRA lift the quality of life for our city’s residents and our community as a whole,” state Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-New Britain) said. “These funds will provide for overdue improvements to HRA’s facilities and save this agency operating money that can be used to provide these much-needed services.”

“Early childhood education is a proven success—it helps children succeed both in and out of the classroom,” said state Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain), who is House Chair of the Human Services Committee. “I am proud to support this funding and will continue working to make sure these programs are properly funded.”

The Academy improvements consist of: re-grading, resurfacing and drainage improvements to the parking lot; a canopy for the pick up/drop off area; and various heating, ventilation and air conditioning and wiring improvements.

The mission of the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA) is to improve the quality of life by helping people achieve economic and social potential; responding to the causes and conditions of poverty; and building stronger individuals, families and communities in the greater New Britain area.

Operating since 1964, The HRA is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of equal representation from the public sector (elected officials), the private sector (business and community organizations) and the neighborhoods (residents served by programs).

For more information, please visit: www.hranbct.org.

The funds will assist with renovations and improvements to its facility including the relocation of the entrance, the creation of a bus drop off area and renovations to create expanded program space.

“This organization has been providing indispensable programs and services for the empowerment of women for many decades,” Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain) said. “These funds are well spent and we will get the same positive returns the YWCA has been delivering since its inception.”

“Providing opportunities and assistance for children and their families is an ongoing challenge that the YWCA continues to meet,” said Rep. Betty Boukus (D-New Britain, Plainville, Bristol), who serves as the legislature’s bonding subcommittee chairwoman. “This investment in our community sends a very positive message.”

"I applaud Governor Malloy's decision to fund this important project," said Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-New Britain, Newington). "The funding will go a long way in helping children and families in greater New Britain."

Formed in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world with more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

For children, the state judicial branch is sponsoring a pair of daytrips to Hartford. On Tuesday, July 12 and Thursday, August 11, children will be able to explore state government through tours of Connecticut’s Supreme Court, State Capitol and the Museum of Connecticut History.

Activities include:

• A scavenger hunt in the Museum of Connecticut History, where you will find exhibits that trace the growth of the State and its role in the development of the nation

• Visiting the State Capitol’s Hall of Flags, which displays flags Connecticut soldiers have carried into battle, and also learn about the legislative process

• Celebrating the upcoming 100th anniversary of the historic Connecticut Supreme Court courtroom by visiting and learning about the room where Connecticut’s most important legal rulings have occurred

A full schedule of events is available at www.jud.ct.gov. Rep. Boukus attended the tour last year and is planning to attend again this year on August 11. Anyone interested in joining Rep. Boukus can call her Legislative Assistant, Adam Chiara at 860-240-8500.

Free summer fun sponsored by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is available to seniors through the Charter Oak Pass. The pass allows residents 65 and older free admission to all state parks and forests (excluding camping).

“Our state parks and forests across Connecticut are for everyone’s enjoyment,” Rep. Boukus said. “This is an excellent chance for seniors to view some of the natural beauty of the state - and do it free of charge.”

To obtain a Charter Oak Pass by mail, send a photocopy of your current Connecticut drivers license or other legal proof of age and residency to: DEEP Charter Oak Pass, State Parks Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127. Or, call DEEP at 860-424-3200.

Rep. Boukus said, “The approval of the final phase of funding for downtown revitalization in Plainville is welcome news. I want to thank House Speaker Chris Donovan and the Bond Commission for finalizing this grant.”

East Main and West Main streets, near Whiting Street, will be the focus of the final phase of the project.

 “DiLoreto expansion is an exciting project, enhancing the quality of one of our great local schools,” said Rep. O’Brien.  “The DiLoreto community has worked hard on this project for many years, and this funding will bring those dreams to fruition. It’s my hope that the city of New Britain will begin the construction work this summer.”

The expansion and renovation project will enhance the capability of the DiLoreto Magnet School - which is built around a vibrant dual language theme - to serve students throughout New Britain, from grades pre-K to 8.

“I’m pleased the DiLoreto project made it through the process,” said Rep. Boukus, Chairwoman of the Bonding Commission. “This is a win-win for New Britain and for the DiLoreto community.”

"DiLoreto is one of the most popular and oversubscribed magnet schools in New Britain," Sen. Gerratana said. "This expansion is necessary and it will certainly help accommodate the demand for the dual language curriculum there. This is very exciting and long overdue."

“This is an outstanding project that will help the New Britain school district enhance the education quality at DiLoreto Magnet School. I’m pleased that funding is now available and that the School District can start construction soon,” said Rep Sanchez.

“The Board of Education has been working with the City and State for the past two years to make the DiLoreto expansion project a reality,” said Sharon Beloin-Saavedra, President of the New Britain Board of Education. “I would like to thank everyone who supported this project and understood the importance of it. Having a specialty program pre-K-8 Dual Language School is a high priority of the Board's and the facility needed to meet the needs of the students.  This school will prepare students for the global market place.”

The funding is part of a school construction package passed by the Connecticut General Assembly this month.

BRISTOL - Special legislation approved by the General Assembly over the weekend may save city taxpayers as much as $4 million.

The new measure clarifies that renovation work done more than a decade ago on Bristol’s two high schools should be eligible for a higher reimbursement rate than the state Department of Education figured.

School Superintendent Philip Streifer said Monday that there is “serious money” at stake — as much as $4 million extra for Bristol or, without the measure, a possible loss of just as much.

“This was an extremely important piece of legislation for Bristol,” said state Rep. Betty Boukus, a Plainville Democrat whose 22nd District includes a portion of Forestville.

The measure was inserted into a bonding package, Boukus said, with the help of the co-chairman of the Education Committee, state Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, a West Hartford Democrat.

State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said, “Changing the wording will assure Bristol gets its proper funding for these two projects.”

Streifer said auditors closing the books on the massive high school renovation projects sought a lower reimbursement rate than state officials had promised all along, something he blamed on turnover in the state bureaucracy.

The superintendent said that without the special legislation, the school system would likely have been forced to sue the state to get its full share of promised cash.

“The members of the legislature recognize the difficult financial situation being faced by Bristol and other towns and want to make sure that our children are provided with the facilities necessary for them to receive the best education possible,” said state Rep. Chris Wright, a Bristol Democrat.

State Rep. Whit Betts and state Sen. Jason Welch, both Bristol Republicans, introduced legislation at the beginning of the term to accomplish the same goal but it never got out of committee.

Betts voted for the measure after its inclusion in the bonding package while Welch voted against it.

Town officials want the state to designate 19 acres abutting New Britain as a bioscience zone, hoping that will help with plans to build a cancer treatment center on the parcel.

The complex would be on vacant land off New Britain Avenue straddling the town line. In addition to the land in Plainville, an adjoining 9 acres in New Britain are part of the plan.

Plainville's inland wetlands board approved the plans in May. Town Planner Mark Devoe said the planning and zoning commission will probably hold a hearing in July.

Devoe said the cancer center and an office building at the site would be occupied by the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. Hospital spokeswoman Helayne Lightstone declined to comment on the plans, saying they have not been finalized.

Devoe said officials are pleased with the plans.

"This could be good for Plainville if this is done correctly. I'm glad there is renewed interest in developing this property," he said. "This should excite people. It bodes well for tax revenue and the local economy could get a shot in the arm."

Businesses in a bioscience zone can get tax breaks, but the zone must be created by the state. Earlier this year, town officials asked state Rep. Elizabeth Boukus, D-Plainville, to introduce legislation creating the zone. She said in a statement on Friday that the state House of Representatives has approved the legislation and it is now going to the Senate for action.

Boukus said the project could have potential benefits to Plainville.

"High-tech companies increase the local grand list and bring good jobs to our community," she said. The land in New Britain that is part of the plan is already a bioscience zone, Boukus said.

According to an overview of the project presented to the wetlands commission last month, the cancer center would be in New Britain on land that is already designated as a bioscience zone and the 65,000-square-foot office building would be in Plainville. Access to the center would be through Plainville.

“This was an extremely important piece of legislation for Bristol,” Rep. Boukus said. “I want to recognize the House Chair of the Education Committee, Andrew Fleischmann, for helping us insert the legislation into the education section of the state bonding package.”

The language, inserted into the bonding package (SB 1242), will allow Bristol to change its school building project descriptions from alterations to renovations on its applications for state funding for completed work at Bristol Central High School and Bristol Eastern High School.

Bristol Delegation members Rep. Boukus, Rep. Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol), Rep. Chris Wright (D-Bristol) and Rep. Whit Betts (R-Bristol) all voted in favor of the legislation.

Rep. Nicastro said. “Changing the wording will assure Bristol gets its proper funding for these two projects.”

“The members of the Legislature recognize the difficult financial situation being faced by Bristol and other towns and want to make sure that our children are provided with the facilities necessary for them to receive the best education possible,” Rep. Wright said.

“Bioscience firms are looking for towns to welcome them with open arms and that is the message we are sending in Plainville,” Rep. Boukus said. “High-tech companies increase the local grand list and bring good jobs to our community. I want to thank the Speaker of the House, Majority Leader and Commerce Chair for listening to my concerns and getting this done.”

Upon learning both House and Senate versions of a bioscience zone bill had not made it through the legislative committee process, Rep. Boukus worked with House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Majority Leader J. Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) and Commerce Committee House Chair Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) to ensure the legislation would be included as part of the Jobs Bill.

Speaker Donovan said, “Betty worked very hard to make sure we all understood the merits of including Plainville in the legislation. Job growth and economic development top the list of legislative priorities and this bill will bring high paying jobs to Connecticut’s bioscience corridor from Plainville to Farmington and Hartford to the Massachusetts border.”

A bioscience zone offers qualifying companies tax incentives to locate within the zone. Incentives include a corporate business tax credit, property tax abatement and real estate conveyance tax exemptions.

The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

The state Department of Transportation (DOT) had previously designated crosswalks at the intersection but had not installed electronic pedestrian signals.

“I am pleased DOT is moving forward to address this pedestrian safety issue,” Rep. Boukus said. “DOT has told me they have ordered the walk signals and they will be installed soon.”

Rep. Boukus originally contacted DOT on the issue after hearing from a number of constituents at her public office hours and around Plainville.

Work on the Route 177 pedestrian safety project is expected to be completed by July of this year.

Anyone with additional concerns about the Route 177 project or any other issue should call Rep. Boukus’s Legislative Aide, Adam Chiara 860-240-8500.

The Boys and Girls Club of America Youth of the Year awards recognize students for their service, academic success and solid character, as well as their dedication to hard work and achieving their goals.

“It was an honor to introduce these amazing young people to my colleagues in the House,” Rep. Boukus said. “I have had a long and rewarding history with the Bristol and New Britain Boys & Girls Clubs, so I was so pleased to see Bristol’s Adam Otero and New Britain’s Denise Yambo -extraordinary young people with very bright futures.”

During a break in the legislative session, Rep. Boukus, Rep. Frank Nicastro (D-Bristol) and Rep. Whit Betts (R-Bristol) met with Adam Otero, Youth of the Year award winner from the Bristol Boys & Girls Club.

“Adam is truly a model for others to emulate.” said Rep. Nicastro. “As an honor student, Adam shared his academic success as a mentor and homework tutor at the 'Club'. Adam has a strong commitment to our community by teaching younger youth the importance of giving back, and leading by example,”

“I was so happy to meet Adam today and spend some time with him,” said Rep. Betts. “He really is a remarkable young man and I wish him all the success in the world.”

A senior at Bristol Eastern High School, Otero will be attending Pace University. He has been a club member since he was a student at Mountain View Elementary School and has been a volunteer at the club for two years. Adam has logged 150 volunteer hours this year and works every Monday afternoon at the club, mentoring younger students.

(Left - Right) Rep. Frank Nicastro, Rep. Betty Boukus, Adam Otero and Rep. Whit Betts.

BRISTOL — Revisions to the so-called hospital tax and other fiscal changes in what the state is proposing would mean a crippling $3.7 million loss to Bristol Hospital, administrators say.

“Bristol is really walloped,” said Kim Hostetler, vice president of the Connecticut Hospital Association. “This is a huge hit.”

The new figures from the state Office of Policy and Management, which are part of the proposed state budget, came out Monday. Administrators previously thought the loss to Bristol Hospital would amount to $1.86 million.

Hospital President Kurt Barwis said he met Wednesday for a “very technical discussion” of finances with OPM Secretary Benjamin Barnes.

State Rep. Betty Boukus of Plainville, who represents part of Bristol, arranged the meeting, Barwis said, and Bristol Mayor Art Ward also attended in support of the hospital.

Barnes said he would consider the information from Bristol Hospital and get back to him later in the week, Barwis said.

“It was an excellent meeting,” said Barwis, adding that Barnes “understood how difficult it would be for Bristol Hospital. We understand how difficult it is for the state.”

Grappling with an estimated $3.7 billion deficit, the state is making changes to the way hospitals are taxed and reimbursed in order to save money and tap into a federal matching program. If accepted by federal officials, the plan, if adopted, will bring in $149 million for the state.

“This is the fourth version that has come out,” said Hostetler, whose organization has lobbied against the cuts to hospitals.

Hostetler said the changes show some “significant” swings in gains or losses to individual hospitals.

“It is worse for Bristol,” she said, but added that many hospitals will be harmed by the changes, which also include the elimination of the uncompensated care pool.

OPM officials made the changes to the hospital tax formula out of concern that the previous figures wouldn’t pass muster with federal overseers, according to information provided Wednesday by Anne Foley, an OPM undersecretary. The newest version taxes all hospital revenue at a flat 4.6 percent rate.

Under the other changes, the money previously paid to hospitals to help make up for the uncompensated care provided to the poor and uninsured disappears. Instead, some reimbursement rates have been raised for services to low-income patients in state programs.

Even with the raised rates, hospitals like Bristol’s — where a majority of patients are on Medicare, Medicaid or other assistance programs — are struggling because the rates don’t add up to the cost of the care.

In addition, the number of these patients is on the rise, according to Barwis, and the hospital is struggling just to break even.

All hospitals in the state, except for the University of Connecticut Health Center and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, are affected by the taxes and other changes. Foley said those two hospitals are exempted because they are part of a separate, distinct class.

The Hospital of Central Connecticut, said Hostetler, will lose $2.1 million overall. The New Britain-based hospital gains $1.7 million from the tax because it gets a good reimbursement, but Hostetler said it loses so much in payments for uncompensated care that ultimately it sustains a loss.

Statewide, 14 hospitals out of 28 now stand to lose from the proposed changes.

The 134-bed Bristol Hospital is one of the city’s largest employers, with 900 working mostly full time. The hospital also operates an ambulance service, nursing home, urgent care facility and more, with 800 additional workers.

Rep. Boukus said, “This is important funding so Plainville’s property taxpayers don’t have to bear the burden of funding this repair work.”

As chair of the legislature’s General Bonding Subcommittee, Rep. Boukus sits on the State Bond Commission.

Opened in 1911, Robertson Field is the oldest airport in Connecticut.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 29th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

As chair of the legislature’s General Bonding Subcommittee, Rep. Boukus sits on the State Bond Commission.

Rep. Boukus said, “I’m pleased we were able to secure this funding. Bristol Community Health Center provides critical health care services to our community. I want to thank Governor Malloy for moving the process forward through the Bond Commission.”

The project is expected to create approximately 14 construction related jobs as well as nine permanent health care jobs.

Community Health Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency providing primary care and social services. Its quality health care services are available to all, and particularly to those who cannot gain access to such services elsewhere.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 29th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

NEW BRITAIN -- The city’s legislative delegation is scheduling a ceremony to honor local military veterans later this spring.

The legislators will present wartime service medals to a group of veterans on June 24 at 4 p.m. at Slade Middle School.

Earlier in the year, Rep. Tim O’Brien, D-New Britain, invited eligible veterans and survivors of deceased veterans to apply for the Veterans Wartime Service Medal. Those who have not yet applied should call his staff at 860-240-8532 and return their completed applications by May 13, O’Brien said.

Joining O’Brien will be Rep. Peter Tercyak, Rep. Robert Sanchez, Rep. Betty Boukus and Sen. Theresa Gerratana.

“Veterans sacrifice so much and this is one way to honor their service,” Boukus said. “I would like to see every eligible Connecticut veteran receive the wartime service medal.”

“Every man and woman who serves our country is a hero who deserves special recognition,” Sanchez said.

“I know it is difficult for some constituents to leave their homes to come to my usual office hours at the Plainville library. In order to hear from as many residents as possible, I will be holding office hours by phone on April 6th,” Rep. Boukus said.

Residents interested in participating in the April 6th office hours by phone, should call (860) 240-8840 between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 pm. If Rep. Boukus is on the line with another constituent, leave a message and she will return the call the same day.

“The Speaker of the House has said we will vote on a budget in May, so this will be an opportunity for residents of Plainville, Bristol and New Britain to share ideas on the budget and other state issues,” Rep. Boukus said.

Anyone unable to phone-in on April 6th are encouraged to call Rep. Boukus’s Legislative Aide, Adam Chiara 860-240-8500 to leave a message or ask for a return phone call.

According to the state Office of Police and Management, locating toll at the state’s border crossings could yield up to $600 million a year in revenue, or $18 billion over 30 years.

“Tolls would provide the state with a strong revenue stream,” Rep. Boukus, a member of the Transportation Committee, said. “We should make sure that people from neighboring states, who use our roads every day, help pay for their maintenance.”

Rep. Boukus noted that revenue from tolls should be securely set aside to pay for improving the state’s transportation infrastructure.

The legislation approved by the Transportation Committee would authorize tolls on new or unfinished highways but could be amended on the floor of the House to include border tolls.

BRISTOL -- State legislators heard how a state hospital tax proposed in Gov. Dannell Malloy’s budget would hurt Bristol Hospital’s progression back to profitability at a Tuesday breakfast.

Kurt Barwis, hospital president, spoke out against the proposal designed to generate a federal match of about 50 percent, which the state would keep before returning some to the hospitals. Barwis said that in the end some hospitals would come out ahead, but others, including Bristol Hospital, would lose money.

In the case of Bristol Hospital, he said, the tax would cost the hospital about $4.1 million and return about $3.25 million, leaving the hospital with a loss.

“Clearly, this is a way to balance the (state) budget,” said Barwis.

Bristol Hospital’s new computer technology -- a state-of-the-art system moving the hospital toward a paperless future -- will begin to save about $1 million a year a couple years from now, said Barwis.

“This is a very delicate time,” he said. “It’s not the time to be taxing a hospital.”

The hospital invested more than $7 million in the new system, and when the savings begin, Barwis said he wants to use the money to continue to improve the hospital, not cover losses.

State Rep. Whit Betts, R-Bristol, said the hospital should do a better job of getting the word out about its efficiency.

“It’s one of the lowest-cost hospitals in the state,” said Betts.

State Rep. Betty Boukus, D-Plainville, said the session with lawmakers was informative.

“We’re very proud of the hospital,” said Boukus. “We’re getting good results. People are getting great care.”

Barwis said he was grateful to Betts, Boukus and state Sen. Jason Welch, R-Bristol and state Rep. Frank Nicastro, D-Bristol, and others who made the time to listen to the hospital’s perspective.

James Iacobellis of the Connecticut Hospital Association said the state should take care of its hospitals before putting money into a “rainy day fund.”

“We have to think long term,” Iacobellis said.

Hospitals are also asking the state to ban the use of a “most favored nation” clause in contracts with insurance companies.

Hospitals don’t get their costs covered for patients who are on Medicaid, said Barwis, and at Bristol Hospital, that’s more than 60 percent of the patients.

“We lose 30 cents on the dollar,” said Barwis.

That makes its contracts with the commercial payers -- health insurance companies -- crucial.

Only a few health insurance companies operate in Connecticut. One of them, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, holds more than half of the commercial business at Bristol Hospital.

In its contract with Bristol Hospital, Anthem insists on a guarantee that they’re paying the lowest rates of any commercial payer.

Called a “most favored nation clause,” the provision means the hospital can’t participate in some plans if the rates undercut what Anthem pays.

Hospitals support legislation prohibiting the “most favored nation clause,” calling it an anti-competitive provision that puts a damper on new ideas or products.

“It blocks innovation,” said Barwis, who did not single out any insurance company. “It essentially drives up the cost of health care.”

The legislation would strengthen the integrity of Connecticut’s elections by requiring more communication between local Registrars of Voters and the Secretary of the State’s office. Under the proposed legislation, every municipality in the state would be required to report to the Secretary of the State’s office how many ballots they purchase for upcoming elections, and certify that they have taken into account factors such as tight races that may augment voter turnout. In rare cases the Secretary would be authorized to direct a municipality to order more ballots if an insufficient number was purchased. Every town would also be required to have an emergency plan to address issues such as power outages and ballot shortages on Election Day. An amendment to the Connecticut Constitution that would open the door to early voting options such as “no-excuse” absentee ballots or regional early voting centers was also highlighted.

“We want to get more people out to vote each year,” Rep. Boukus said. “These reforms will help with voter turnout as well as ensure the transparency and accuracy of elections.”

Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official, said, “For centuries, elections in Connecticut have been run entirely at the local level. While that has served our state well, it is also clear that all of us involved in the elections process need more information and oversight. The bottom line is that no registered voter who wants to cast a ballot on Election Day should ever be turned away from the polls. I also think it is time for Connecticut to make it easier for voters in our fast-paced and mobile society to vote before Election Day. If states like North Carolina and Oregon can do it, so can we in Connecticut.”

The four pieces of legislation are:

Raised Bill 942 “An Act Concerning the Integrity of Elections”

• Requires municipalities to adopt emergency contingency plans for Election Day
• Requires municipalities to report to Secretary of the State’s office the number of ballots ordered for each upcoming election, based on a review of prior turnout and other factors
• Secretary of the State’s Office would be allowed to direct municipalities to order more ballots if in sufficient number purchased for an Election.
• Municipalities that fail to report to the Secretary of the State’s Office would be required to order ballots for 100% of registered voters.
• Improved and enhanced training of moderators at the polls.
• Cities/Towns report lists of polling places and moderators to Secretary of the State before each election.
• Secretary of the State Authorized to enter polling locations on Election Day, remove a moderator with cause.

House Joint Resolution 88 - Constitutional Amendement

• Amendment to the Connecticut Constitution to remove restrictions on voting by absentee ballot.
• Amendment would grant Connecticut General Assembly the power to enact either “No-Excuse” Absentee balloting or other forms of early voting such as regional voting centers.
• If approved by two-thirds majority of the General Assembly, Amendment could be ratified by voters in November of 2012

Raised Bill 938 “An Act Concerning Technical and Minor Changes to Elections”
Raised Bill 6330 “An Act Concerning Certain Revisions to Election Related Statutes”

• Removes all references in Connecticut state laws to lever voting machines, that have not been used since 2006
• Makes needed technical changes to CT election laws to bring laws up to date with the use of optical scan technology

BRISTOL -- The new bioscience zone in Bristol may be expanded to include the industrial park and the downtown area, and another bioscience zone may be created in Plainville.

Bristol’s bioscience zone, which former state Rep. Bill Hamzy added to legislation last year creating similar zones in Farmington, Hartford and New Britain, includes Bristol Hospital and some areas along Route 6, but not the newest industrial park or the downtown area.

A bioscience zone offers qualifying companies some of the same types of tax incentives as an enterprise zone does.

State Rep. Frank Nicastro of Bristol, who was mayor when Bristol’s downtown enterprise zone was created, said the city’s current bioscience zone area is largely residential.

Legislation he’s proposing with Rep. Betty Boukus -- and with the backing of the entire local delegation -- would create a new bioscience zone in Plainville and enlarge Bristol’s bioscience zone to include two additional census tracts. “This brings it into the enterprise zone and the industrial park,” said Nicastro.

The idea is to tap into the medical research done at the University of Connecticut Medical Center and local hospitals, and to offer attractive spots for incubator businesses that spin off of that research.

“It’s a pretty specialized area,” said Jonathan Rosenthal, Bristol’s economic development director.

Bristol Downtown Development Corp. Chairman Frank Johnson said the bioscience zone “absolutely should include both” downtown and the industrial park.

Mixed use is an important concept for downtown, Johnson said, adding that bioscience firms may well be interested.

Boukus said she thinks the proposal, which includes 128 acres of three tracts in Plainville zoned for technology and industry, will move forward.

She said it makes sense for the towns closest to the hospitals and medical center. It won’t be hard to push for, she said, because it could benefit so many people.

“We’re very interested in this because they’re high technology jobs,” said Boukus.

The other members of Bristol’s delegation, Sen. Jason Welch and Reps. Whit Betts and Chris Wright, also have signed on in support. “It was all of us working together,” said Boukus, who said they responded when the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce asked them to expand the zone.

The measure, which lists Democratic state Rep. Betty Boukus as one of three sponsors, is before the legislature's government administration and elections committee.

Thirty states offer no-excuses absentee ballot voting so that registered voters can cast a ballot before Election Day.

Connecticut law now allows absentee voting only by those who are ill, physically disabled, serving in the military or working at the polls, as well as those who will be out of town on Election Day. People who religion forbids secular activity on Election Day also are allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

To become law, the proposal needs the backing of the General Assembly and, ultimately, the voters.

Boukus' 22nd District includes Plainville and portions of Bristol and New Britain.

Currently, registered voters seeking an absentee ballot must provide a valid excuse as to why they cannot vote at their polling location on Election Day. Reasons such as illness, military deployment and travel are considered acceptable under existing law.

“Absentee ballots should be available to any registered voter-- no excuses necessary,” Rep. Boukus said. “We want to encourage people to exercise this most important right.”

After meeting with the registrars of voters in her district, Rep Boukus determined that opening the absentee ballot process would encourage more people to vote. Currently, 30 states offer "no-excuse" absentee voting.

According to a League of Women Voters study, “no excuse” absentee ballots would:

• Allow voters to cast their vote when they are able to.
• Allow voters to balance work, family and other interests including their civic duty to vote.
• Decrease barriers, such as time, distance and schedules, to voting.
• Give voters time to understand complicated issues and make informed choices.
• Eliminate problems with ballots being cast in the wrong precinct and reduce provisional ballots.
• Reduce lines on election days and eventually could reduce costs by reducing the number of precincts and precinct workers.

The resolution would begin the process of amending the state Constitution, section seven of article sixth, to eliminate the limited circumstances for which the General Assembly may provide for voting by absentee ballot. The proposal is expected to be raised by the Government Administration and Elections Committee for public hearing and consideration.

Anyone wishing to discuss this issue with Rep. Boukus should call her at 800-842-8267.

Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus is serving her eighth term in the General Assembly. She represents the 22nd District, which includes Plainville and portions of Bristol and New Britain.

HARTFORD - Despite the inevitability of partisan bickering and budget battles to come, Inauguration Day at the Capitol provided a jolt of hope for a state mired in economic misery.

“It’s exciting to see a new governor sworn in,” said Donald DeFronzo, a former state senator from New Britain who’s slated to head the administrative services department.

Everywhere that Gov. Dan Malloy showed his face, from the state Senate chamber in the morning to the ball at the convention center at night, the Democrat from Stamford received thunderous applause and well wishes from politicians on both sides of the aisle.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm here,” said state Rep. Betty Boukus, D-Plainville, because of “a blend of old and new” officials and the swearing-in of Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.

Malloy said he couldn’t sleep Tuesday night because of the jitters he felt thinking of the big day ahead. He tried counting sheep, he said, but even that didn’t work.

If he was tired, it didn’t show.

Malloy took the oath as Connecticut’s 88th governor at the William O’Neill Armory, named for the last Democrat to serve in the state’s highest office more than two decades ago.

He said the state has reached “a crossroads of crisis and opportunity” and that if its leaders show strength and compassion, they can fix the state’s finances and economy.

“We will need to solve our problems together by pursuing with great urgency not Republican ideas or Democratic ideas, but good ideas that know no political master or agenda,” Malloy said in his address.

For Wendy Kucharski of Berlin, the reality of Malloy’s triumph left her overwhelmed.

“This is a wonderful day,” the retired nurse said. “I wanted to see it for myself a flesh and blood Democrat taking the oath of office as governor. It’s been a long time.”

The Capitol overflowed with the family and friends of politicians starting a new term in the General Assembly.

But not everyone was new.

State Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington, said that he was back in office for a second term after holding the seat at age 27. He’s now 54.

“That was half a lifetime ago,” he said. “I hope I’m twice as insightful now.”

Steve Casey, a former state senator from Bristol, said that he joined the legislature 32 years ago, but still finds opening day exciting.

“Everybody’s starting a new page,” Casey said.

It helps, he said, “to have a new governor who has a lot of hope and vitality and who is willing to take on the massive challenges we have.”

DeFronzo said it was odd to leave the Senate this week for a post with Malloy.

Eight years ago, he said, he had 100 people from New Britain surrounding him as he took the oath of office as a senator, but when he resigned Tuesday, there was nobody there.

“When you leave, you’re kind of alone,” he said, adding that he felt bittersweet about the move.

But, DeFronzo said, he is happy to be at Malloy’s side as the governor confronts the challenges facing Connecticut.

“I know what he’s capable of. He has the leadership skills and ideas to drive change,” DeFronzo said.

For Malloy, it was all smiles.

“This is a great day,” the new governor said, knowing full well that many of those that follow will be a whole lot harder.