Newsroom

September 28, 2009

FUNDING FOR WEST HAVEN TRAIN STATION GAINS APPROVAL

State Representative Paul Davis (D-Orange) is pleased to announce $103 Million funding for the construction of a West Haven train station today gained approval during the State Bond Commission meeting held at the State Capitol.

The project will get on its way next year and is expected to be completed in 2012.  “This is an important step in the right direction,” Davis said. “With funding in place, this project puts our community in a great position to start revitalizing our neighborhoods and giving a boost to our local economy.”

“West Haven is an important commuter point,” Davis stated. “Construction of the new building will definitely energize the entire state.”

“With the unstable fuel prices of late, people are increasingly turning to public transportation for some relief,” Rep. Lou Esposito (D-West Haven) said.  “I am therefore very pleased this project is moving forward with the goal of improving the public commute experience.”

"We have been working on this project for quite some time and now that the funding is a reality, we will see construction under way," Rep. Steven Dargan (D- West Haven) said. "A new West Haven train station is a plus for the town and a boost to the entire region."

August 12, 2009

REP. DARGAN REMINDS LOTTERY PLAYERS TO BE AWARE
OF SHORTENED REDEMPTION PERIOD FOR WINNING
LOTTERY TICKET HOLDERS

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) is reminding lottery players to be aware that the Connecticut Lottery Corporation recently announced a change regarding the time period that a lottery player must claim a winning lottery ticket.

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation’s Board of Directors has approved a prize redemption of 180 days, replacing the claim period of 365 days. The new time period is effective for all draw game tickets sold on or after August 2, 2009.

“It’s important that people who buy lottery tickets be aware of the time period change, particularly if they have winning tickets,” Rep. Dargan said. “I wouldn’t want any lottery ticket winner to lose out because he or she is not aware that the new claim period is now 180 days, and not 365 days.”

Rep. Dargan noted that the Connecticut Lottery anticipates that during the first full year of the change, there will be a one time annual infusion of unclaimed prize money of approximately $6.1 million, divided over two fiscal years.

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee which has oversight over legalized gambling in the state.

May 5, 2009

REP. DARGAN APPOINTED TO NATIONAL
COMMITTEE POST BY HOUSE SPEAKER DONOVAN

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) has been appointed to serve on the Council of State Government’s (CSG) Public Safety and Justice Task Force by House Speaker Christopher Donovan (D- Meriden) for the calendar years 2009 and 2010.

The Council of State Government is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky and helps state governments increase efficiency by identifying the best new and creative approaches to significant state problems.

“I want to thank Speaker Donovan for this appointment to the national task force,” Rep. Dargan said. “Public safety and homeland security continues to be an issue of critical importance to all of us. Connecticut has made great strides in these areas in recent years and it’s necessary that we communicate and share our ideas with leaders from other states.”

In appointing Rep. Dargan, Speaker Donovan said, “ Steve has been a leader of our legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee for many years and he will make a significant contribution representing our state on the national council.”

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee.

July 24, 2008

SPEAKER AMANN ANNOUNCES CREATION OF PRISON SAFETY TASK FORCE

Speaker of the House James Amann (D-Milford) today held a news conference to announce the creation of the Task Force on Prison Populations and Correctional Officer Safety – a bipartisan group charged with evaluating health and safety standards for correctional officers and prison staff in the State of Connecticut.  The creation of the task force comes in response to a heightened number of direct assaults upon correctional officers in recent months.

“Our correctional officers have an extremely difficult and dangerous job, and the state has a responsibility to ensure they have the resources and tools to properly do their job in the safest possible working conditions,” said Amann, who toured the 'super-max' Northern Correctional prison in Somers last month.  “Our prison population is growing along with violence against correctional officers.  We need to figure out what needs to be done to better protect our guards and deal with the issues that have led to this increase in prison violence.”

The task force is expected to review and evaluate a variety of statistics and new safety proposals, such as monitoring the prison population and discussing increased uniform safety measures for correctional staff through the use of protective gloves and stab-proof vests.  Amann has issued invitations for representation on the task force to a bipartisan group of legislators, correctional officers, the Department of Corrections, State Police, and the State Prosecutor’s Office.

“We have seen a disturbing and unacceptable increase of inmate violence at our prisons in recent months and we must find ways to better protect our correctional officers who literally put their lives on the line everyday,” said House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden). “Correctional officers are facing a growing prison population and deserve to be given everything they need to deal with this reality.”

State Representative Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield), who Amann has appointed Chair of the task force, notes that assaults on correctional staff have not only escalated in number, but the level of violence has increased as well.

An inmate at Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Institution in Montville is being charged with attempted murder after stabbing an officer in the neck earlier this month with a homemade shank.  The inmate, Bobby Beale, is serving a 37-year term for murder and has twice been housed at Northern Correctional Institution – the state’s super-max – but then was released to a lower security level prison where he was able to assault on an officer.

Jarmoc said, “Violent prisoners need to be efficiently evaluated and the proper security measures need to be put in place so that we can ensure to the best of our abilities the safety of officers and staff.”

The number of people incarcerated in the state has almost quadrupled in the last two decades.  On January 1, 1985, the prison population was 5,422.  Ten years later in 1995, the population was 14,246.  Today, the prison population in the state stands at 19,506.  That number is 610 greater than it was one year ago today.

“These officers put their lives on the line every day and are only asking for a reasonable level of protection,” said State Representative Mike Lawlor (D-East Haven), co-chairman of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee.  “The goal of this task force is to ensure that they have the tools they need to protect us and protect themselves.”

“Violence against our correctional officers is unacceptable,” said State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven), co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee. “They have a very dangerous job and we have a responsibility to listen to them and to take what ever action is necessary to provide the resources they need to protect themselves as they carry out their duties.”

Amann hosted a meeting with DOC and union officials in March to discuss inmate assaults at the Northern Correctional Institution.  A DOC review committee was supposed to provide a report by mid-May to include a follow-up meeting, says Amann.  He is still waiting for the review document.

The first meeting of the task force will take place at noon on July 30 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.  The task force is charged with suggesting a course of action for the 2009 legislative session.

March 28, 2008

REPS. LAWLOR, DARGAN APPLAUD TOWN’S DECISION TO DROP NAPPE APPEAL

State Representative Mike Lawlor (D-East Haven), co-chairman of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, and State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven), co-chairman of the legislature’s Public Safety & Security Committee, today applauded the Town of East Haven’s decision to withdraw the appeal of the Superior Court’s order to re-hire former police officer Robert Nappe.

Nappe was an East Haven police officer for 19 years before leaving for a year in 2004 on a peacekeeping mission in the Middle East to train Iraqi police officers with a contractor hired by the U.S. State Department.  Upon his return from Iraq, Nappe was denied his job back by the town.

“Bob Nappe deserves his job back,” said Rep. Lawlor.  “He responded to a call from the U.S. State Department seeking mid-career police officers to help train civilian police in Iraq.  Like so many other Americans, he put his life on the line.  He will rejoin our police department with years of police experience and with extraordinary insight in what it means to be a ‘first responder’ in these dangerous times.  We are very lucky to have him back on the force.”

Rep. Dargan stated, “Officer Nappe is a dedicated law enforcement professional who is highly regarded by his fellow officers around the state.  I am glad that the protections written into Connecticut law worked to allow him to continue to serve East Haven.”

Lawlor and Dargan successfully authored a law guaranteeing that police officers who leave their jobs to participate in peacekeeping missions would be rehired upon their return.  It is one of several laws that protect people’s jobs when they go on extended leaves for various reasons such as serving in the National Guard, serving jury duty, or going on family or medical leave.

February 28, 2008

WEST HAVEN DELEGATION WELCOMES $13.5M
IN STATE FUNDS FOR NEW RAIL STATION
Planning public meeting with Department of Transportation to discuss project

West Haven - The West Haven Legislative Delegation today welcomed news that $13.5 million in bonding for the new West Haven rail station has been placed on the State Bond Commission’s next agenda and announced that a public meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to discuss the project with city residents will be scheduled for next month.

The funding will be used for additional design work and right-of-way acquisition for the rail station, which will serve the New Haven rail line. The DOT expects that that it will take approximately one year to complete the right-of-way and design phase of the project and expects to officially break ground in about 18 months.

“After many years of advocacy, research and hard work, we can finally see this project coming to fruition,” said Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford). “I’m very glad that this funding has been included on the Bond Commission agenda, and I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor, the delegation, residents, and the DOT on the rail station project. This is an exciting step forward for mass transit in our state and a real benefit to residents and commuters in the city.”

“The need for additional access to Metro-North trains between New Haven and Milford was identified long ago as a key ingredient for improved circulation and reduced congestion all along Connecticut’s shoreline,” Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) said. “With this anticipated state bonding, we’re now looking forward to some concrete steps toward construction of a new West Haven station in the near future.”

“This funding is certainly welcomed, but we must continue to work together to ensure there are no glitches in the process because our residents and commuters need a rail station that serves their needs and the needs of our region and the state,” said Representative Stephen D. Dargan (D-West Haven).

“The $13.5 million signals that we are making progress,” said Representative Paul Davis (D-Orange). “Mass transit is the future and while we have much more work that needs to be done, this investment in a new rail station sends the right message.”

“The process of creating a new rail station in West Haven on the New Haven line has really been a long time in the making,” Representative Louis P. Esposito, Jr. (D-West Haven) said. “Thanks to this funding, and the hard work of our entire West Haven delegation, we are substantially closer to seeing the plan come full circle.”

“The City of West Haven is delighted by the State Bond Commission’s consideration of an additional $13.5 million for our new train station,” said West Haven Mayor John M. Picard. “The train station project is progressing toward an opening in Summer 2011, and the city is looking forward to the vast opportunities borne from this development. I would like to thank the West Haven Legislative Delegation, Governor Rell, and the state Department of Transportation for being the catalysts for the funding and partnerships that will continue to be forged from this project.”

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 29, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

March 26, 2007

REP. DARGAN PLEASED DESIGN FUNDS FOR WEST HAVEN RAIL STATION AWAITS STATE BOND COMMISSION ACTION

State Representative Stephen Dargan is pleased that $11 million in funding earmarked for the design of the new Rail Station in West Haven on the New Haven Line is on this Friday’s (March 30th) state Bond Commission Agenda.

“This is certainly good news and I am pleased this important funding is expected to be approved when the state Bond Commission meets to take action,” Rep. Dargan said. “This project is not only critical to those who will be directly affected by a new station, but this is a significant step forward as we strive to improve mass transit statewide.

Rep. Dargan added he appreciated the Governor’s effort and her placing the request for design funds on the commission’s agenda.

“We have been working for a long time to secure this funding,” Rep. Dargan said.

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

March 22, 2007

REP. DARGAN APPOINTED TO NATIONAL COMMITTEE
BY HOUSE SPEAKER AMANN

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) has been appointed to serve on the Council of State Government’s (CSG) Public Safety and Justice Task Force by House Speaker James Amann (D-Milford) for the calendar years 2007 and 2008.

CSG, which is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky,  helps state governments increase efficiency by identifying the best new and creative approaches to significant state problems.

“I thank Speaker Amann for this appointment to the national task force,” Rep. Dargan said. “Public safety is an issue of critical importance to all of us and it’s necessary that we communicate and share our ideas with leaders from other states.”

In appointing Rep. Dargan, Speaker Amann said, “I know how important public safety issues are to you and I am sure you will make a significant contribution representing our state on the national council.”

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

January 19, 2007

WEST HAVEN LAWMAKERS PLEASED LOCAL FACILITIES
WILL RECEIVE FUNDING TO HELP SCHOOL READINESS

Legislators representing West Haven are pleased that Gov. Rell has announced funding for two West Haven facilities will be placed on the January 26th state Bond Commission agenda.

The funding is earmarked to help boost school readiness statewide and the West Haven facilities are included in funding for 23 cities and towns.

The West Haven funding is as follows:

• $71,382 for West Haven Community House to install front and back playground surfacing and equipment.

• $42,513 for the Child Development Center for wiring for technical and cabling devices.

“I am pleased the Governor has placed these West Haven facilities on the Bond Commission’s agenda, “Rep. Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) said, “We have been working to secure this funding and these capital projects are badly needed.”

Rep. Paul Davis (D-117th District) said “These facilities and the people who run them provide an important community service and it is incumbent upon us to ensure they are properly funded.”

“I am very pleased the funds will be finally available for these long overdue improvements and equipment,” Rep. Louis Esposito (D-West Haven) said, “I will continue to work to support a safe and productive learning environment.”

“I’m pleased the funding for improvements to the West Haven facilities are on the Bond Commission’s agenda,” Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-14th District said, “Head Start and teen services as well as adult programs are provided and it’s important we ensure to meet the needs of these facilities.”

The next state Bond Commission meeting will be Friday, January 26, 2007, in Room 1E, Legislative Office Building, at 10:30 a.m.

August 24, 2006

REP. DARGAN OPPOSES COSTLY STORM SHUTTER POLICY
Joins Democratic Leader’s Call For Policy To Be Rescinded

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) today joined with Speaker of the House James Amann (D-Milford) in calling on Insurance Commissioner Susan Cogswell to rescind new underwriting guidelines requiring shoreline residents to install costly storm shutters as a condition of renewing homeowner policies.

“This is an anti-consumer decision that is unfair to our shoreline residents,” Rep. Dargan said. “If the Insurance Department does not reconsider their approval of this policy, then legislative action must be considered to reverse this assault on shoreline property owners.”

The approved new underwriting guidelines grants the Andover Companies the right to deny property/casualty insurance to shoreline residents if they do not have or install hurricane shutters.

“It appears that shoreline residents have had virtually little or no warning of this policy and that is not fair when such a costly mandate is approved without any public input,” Rep. Dargan added. “This is bad policy and a bad precedent.”

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee.

July 18, 2006

REP. DARGAN EARNS A PERFECT RATING ON ENVIRONMENTAL VOTES

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has announced State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) has the group’s 100% top rating for his votes on environmental legislation during this year’s General Assembly session.

CTLCV is a bi-partisan, statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut’s natural resources. The organization seeks to support pro-environment lawmakers, hold legislators accountable and engage the public in state policy.

“I am very pleased to have earned the top rating of CTLCV for my votes on the environment in the legislature,” Rep. Dargan said. “Protecting our Connecticut environment is important to all of us and preserving what we have is something we must continue to do.”

Among those bills approved in the legislature was legislation dealing with Land Trust Property Protections, Clean Car Emissions, Mass Transit Funding, Water Basin Planning and the Shepaug River Settlement Funding.

Representative Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee

June 5, 2006

REP. DARGAN PLEASED WITH $200,000 IN FUNDING
FOR PAINTER PARK IMPROVEMENTS

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) is pleased that $200,000 in funding earmarked for improvements to Painter Park is on the state Bond Commission’s agenda for approval. The Bond Commission meets Friday, June 9.

“I am pleased to have helped to secure funding for improvements to Painter Park,” Rep. Dargan said, “I thank Speaker Amann for his support and Governor Rell for including our $200,000 request on the Bond Commission’s agenda for approval. This will enable us to continue to maintain and improve our recreational facilities.”

The improvements at Painter Park include improvements to the lower softball field, security system and tennis courts as well as the construction of two new picnic pavilions.

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee.

April 13, 2006

PROTECTING SPORTS OFFICIALS FROM FANS

The state House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill by the overwhelming margin of 141 to 3 to help protect sports officials from being assaulted by fans. That should get the attention of the state Senate, which let similar legislation die last year. Bad behavior by sports fans, including parents at youth events, is a dangerous problem that seems to justify special attention under state law.

Under the legislation, someone who assaults a sports official -- either amateur or professional -- in the course of his or her duties would be charged with a Class D felony. With penalties as high as five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both, such a law should give pause to someone who would give rein to emotions and injure a referee because of a call or a coach who took a player out of a game. And if someone were to disregard the likelihood of punishment, he or she at least might get some extended time in prison to think about that mistake, as well as represent a warning to others.

Currently, individuals who commit such assaults might only face misdemeanor charges, though more-serious ones are also possible.

Is such a law needed? Well, it might seem overblown to believe sports officials should be classified with other protected classes, like pregnant women and the elderly.

But as state Rep. Stephen Dargan, D-West Haven, recently observed: "There's been numerous incidents throughout the country where officials have been abused and ended up in the intensive care unit."

For that matter, there was a case in Hamden last year in which a father beat a softball coach with an aluminum baseball bat because the coach had suspended the father's daughter for violating a team policy. News reports at that time also quoted a referee from Waterbury with 30 years' experience in youth football games, who said, "We've had referees chased to cars." He stated the obvious when he added: "It's a serious situation."

Copyright © 2006, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.

June 29, 2004

REP. DARGAN HAS A PERFECT SCORE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP
Record Number of Pro-Environment Bills Approved in Legislature

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) has scored 100% with the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for his votes on environmental legislation during this year’s General Assembly session.

CTLCV provides an annual environmental scoreboard on environmental legislation. The organization operates as a bipartisan arm of the state’s environmental community.

"I am pleased to be recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters," Rep. Dargan said, "We need to care about our environment and more importantly we need to support legislation that protects our environment. I would also like to thank CTLCV’s members who work hard to support pro-environment legislators."

CTLCV in its 2004 Environmental Scorecard Report noted that this year’s General Assembly session passed a record number of pro-environment bills.

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

May 18, 2004

STATE BUDGET APPROVED WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING
FOR WEST HAVEN SCHOOLS

State Representative Louis Esposito (D-West Haven) and State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) led a successful effort to boost state education funding for West Haven in the recently approved state budget.

The $200,000 in funding, which was included in a budget implementation bill (SB 5584), will be allocated together with the education grants already included under the budget’s Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant.

The additional $200, 000 will increase West Haven’s share of education funding, which originally stood at $35,315,574. The lawmakers pressed hard to continue the critical funding and ensure West Haven received a fair share from the state for its schools.

The General Assembly approved the budget implementer last week during a Special Session.

"This is a major breakthrough for West Haven," Rep. Esposito said. "When Rep. Dargan and I saw that we lost funding for our education budget, we worked together to correct the state’s education funding mechanism. We pointed out West Haven was not receiving its fair share and worked to restore the sorely need funding. Every dollar sent to the city of West Haven helps to keep our taxes stable. That is why our education dollars must be kept in tact."

"I am very pleased that we were able to secure this additional funding for West Haven," Rep. Dargan said. "The $200,000 represents tax relief for residents in addition to providing an additional grant for our schools."

West Haven Mayor H. Richard Borer said: "Rep. Esposito and Rep. Dargan’s good work continues. This $200,000 is an additional amount above and beyond the current appropriations, and it is funding we got because of Rep. Esposito and Rep. Dargan’s efforts. When push comes to shove, and you’re trying to finish a fiscal year budget, this funding is truly appreciated. It aids our City’s education system by helping us to continue providing the same services."

Representative Louis Esposito, an Assistant Majority Whip, is serving his sixth term in the Connecticut General Assembly. He is a member of General Law, Labor and Public Employees, and Public Safety Committees.

Representative Stephen Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety Committee, which has oversight over fire and state police departments and legislation affecting public safety.

October 2, 2003

REP. DARGAN SPONSORED NURSING HOME SPRINKLER AND PYROTECHNIC BILLS ARE NOW LAW
Lawmaker Says Public Safety Measures Will Save Lives

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) is pleased that two major bills he sponsored affecting public safety were passed in the General Assembly this year and as of October 1st are in force.

The first bill requires the installation of fire sprinkler systems in nursing homes and new home construction.

The measure requires all nursing homes and nursing home facilities to have automatic fire sprinklers approved by the state fire marshal on every floor. The act calls for the owners and operators of these facilities to submit their installation plans to the state or local fire marshal by July 1, 2004. The bill also requires new home contractors to discuss with consumers the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in new homes. They must inform buyers about the availability of this information before entering into a contract.

The second major bill is an act concerning pyrotechnic and other fire hazards.

The new law requires fire marshals or police officers to order people to vacate a building immediately when they determine a risk from overcrowding from indoor pyrotechnic use. The measure further requires the owner/manager of such facilities to make a public announcement concerning the location of emergency exits. Fines from $200 to $10,000 can be issued depending on the violation. The bill also requires physicians and health care institutions to immediately notify local fire authorities whenever they treat any injury resulting from the use of fireworks.

"Many new state laws went into affect on October 1st, but there are no new laws now on the books more important to public safety and to protecting lives than these two bills that we passed this year," Rep. Dargan said, "Once fully implemented these laws will save lives. It has been a tragic year where we witnessed the loss of lives at nursing homes and entertainment venues. Our committee members have acted and the full legislature has approved our work that now is new law."

Rep. Dargan is House Chair of the Public Safety Committee which has oversight over fire and state police departments and legislation affecting public safety.

May 22, 2002

REPS. ESPOSITO, DARGAN ASK BAYER TO HALT PLAN FOR WEST HAVEN LAYOFFS

State Representatives Louis Esposito (D-West Haven) and Steve Dargan (D-West Haven) today expressed disappointment after Bayer Corporation announced plans to consolidate one of its drug production units from West Haven to a plant in Pennsylvania.  The move will mean the loss of 450 jobs in Bayer’s West Haven facility.  Bayer announced the layoffs, part of a plan to cut 1,300 positions worldwide, earlier today.

Rep. Esposito said the state should meet with Bayer employees and management to discuss other options. "Bayer has been a good corporate citizen in West Haven, it’s too bad that they didn’t approach us sooner," Rep. Esposito said. "Perhaps we could have helped to avoid these job cuts.  There are alternatives.  Bayer could look at a salary freeze, or a 10-percent cut at the high end of the pay scale.  If they insist on moving forward with layoffs, the state, the city and Bayer need to sit down and help with the re-employment effort."

Rep. Dargan said, "I hate to see people losing their jobs during these tough economic times.  The help wanted pages are pretty thin right now.  I hope Bayer does everything in its power to find new jobs for these employees."

Rep. Esposito was told by Bayer officials that more than 100 employees will be impacted by layoffs immediately.  The remainder of the positions will be phased out over the next 18-months.

January 22, 2001

REPS. STILLMAN, DARGAN PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO PREVENT TEENAGE GAMBLING

State Representatives Andrea Stillman (D-New London, Waterford) and Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) proposed legislation dealing with teenage gambling prevention. This is an attempt to prevent teenage gambling by including information on gambling problems in the health curriculum for school children; and to remove the statutory provision allowing minors to receive lottery tickets as gifts which encourages them to participate in games of chance.

"It is my desire to educate our children that gambling can become addictive like a drug," said Stillman. "Many adults are suffering from this problem and we want to do all we can to reach out to our children to help prevent similar problems in their adult lives."

"I will actively pursue this legislation in becoming law," said Dargan, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. "It is important that we look out for the well-being of our young people and prevent gambling problems before they begin, so if revising the school curriculum will help, then that is what we must do."

Connecticut indicates that many young people have gambled in some form, such as sports betting, lottery tickets or poker games with friends. Legislators are hopeful the state Board of Education will add gambling prevention to the list of topics suggested as part of the health curriculum.

April 18, 2000

REP. DARGAN’S BILL TO INCREASE FINES
FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE VIOLATIONS PASSED BY THE HOUSE

A bill introduced by State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) that would increase the fines on motorists who fail to yield to emergency vehicles was passed by the House.

Rep. Dargan, House Chair of the Public Safety Committee, brought the bill out on the House floor and said the increase in fines will affect motorists who fail to yield to ambulances, firetrucks, police and other emergency vehicles.

The measure increases the fine from $50 to $200.

"This is an important safety issue," Rep. Dargan said. "We have to protect ambulance and all emergency vehicles from drivers who do not yield. The lives of individuals being taken to hospitals and emergency vehicle personnel are at stake."

The House also approved an amendment that increases the fines of motorists caught and convicted of speeding through accident scenes.

"We have had a serious incident in West Haven," Rep. Dargan said. "So there is little doubt that we have to send a message to motorists that if they fail to yield to emergency vehicles they will pay for that violation."

The bill goes next to the Senate.

November 15, 1999

REP. DARGAN NAMED LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
BY COALITION OF POLICE AND CORRECTIONS OFFICERS

State Representative Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven) has been selected to receive the Legislator of the Year Award by members of the Connecticut Coalition of Police and Corrections Officers.

Rep. Dargan will receive the award on Friday, November 19, 1999, at the Fifth Annual Courage of Connecticut Law Enforcement Awards Dinner at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell.

The Coalition of Police and Corrections Officers is honoring Rep. Dargan for his "dedication and support of the law enforcement community."

Rep. Dargan, who is serving his fifth term in the General Assembly, is House Chair of the Public Safety Committee which has legislative oversight over police, corrections and public safety personnel.

"I am pleased to be honored by the Coalition of Police and Corrections Officers," Rep. Dargan said. "These officers risk their lives each and every day. They deserve our support and respect as they continue to serve the public."