“This is a positive development because job creation must continue to be our top priority,” Rep. Davis said. “Manufacturing is critical to Connecticut’s economy and the caucus will be able to help our manufacturers find trained and educated workers, something they have told us is one of their needs.”

Rep. Davis explained the new group will host briefings and roundtable discussions with industry experts, disseminating information and providing resources so that members and their staff can learn about opportunities and challenges facing Connecticut’s manufacturing sectors.

“Last year by working together we successfully completed a successful special legislative session related to jobs,” Rep. Davis said. “And the formation of this caucus is another important step that sends a message to our manufacturers that we are listening and are prepared to help them grow their businesses.”

According to a recent Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers report, the total value of manufacturing to Connecticut is at $25.9 billion, or 11.4% of the state’s total employment.

Another 135 residents are in the process of being hired through the program, which came out of the bipartisan jobs bill passed in October. One of those businesses getting state funds to hire and train a new employee is Orange Research, a small manufacturing company in Milford.

“I am pleased that Orange Research will benefit from the STEP UP program,” Rep. Davis said. “This is a productive investment by the state and helping a small business hire a single worker is a step in the right direction. The program creates jobs and boosts economic revival.”

The Subsidized Training & Employment Program (STEP UP) provides two types of hiring incentives – a scaled, six-month wage subsidy and a small manufacturer training grant that provides up to $12,500 over a six-month period. Qualified participants are typically residents who may have some of the necessary job qualifications but who still require on-the-job training to meet the needs of the company.

In total, STEP UP will provide $20 million in subsidies and training grants to help Connecticut small businesses hire more employees. Of the new jobs the program has helped create so far, positions include customer service representatives, machine operators, office assistants, carpenters, mechanics, equipment installers, shipping and receiving, fabricator, dispatch manager, tool grinders, help desk technicians and process engineers with hourly wages from $10 to $28.85.

To be eligible for either program, a company must employ less than 50 people and training must be provided at the business site. The new employee must be an unemployed jobseeker, and those hired under the wage subsidy program must meet certain income requirements and reside in specific municipalities, based on population or unemployment rates.

The bill, approved by a 19-10 vote, could have a major impact on coastal property owners whose homes are damaged by coastal storms. During the meeting, the legislators said an amendment was passed that improved the bill by requiring compensation to the property owners by a municipality should a local commission deny a permit to rebuild a home which has been damaged two times by storms.

“While I support the concept of better planning for coastal development, this bill, even with the compensation amendment, placed too many of our coastal home owners in jeopardy of property and financial loss,” Rep. Davis said. “The Climate Change and Shoreline Preservation Task Force was organized recently to study these issues and I prefer to wait until their study is completed so we can find a way to better protect our shoreline homeowners.”

Rep. Rose has received numerous phone calls and emails expressing concern about the bill passed by the environment committee.

“I know of several Milford owners who had damage to their homes during storm Irene and could be negatively impacted by passage of the bill,” Rep. Rose said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to be certain residents are fully protected from storm losses.”

Both Rep. Davis and Rep. Rose are members of The Climate Change and Shoreline Preservation Task Force which has just started to work on issues affecting the shoreline, its businesses and property owners.

The legislation asserts that municipalities retain the authority to enact and implement zoning laws that regulate safety issues, such as fire and traffic concerns, at solid waste facilities in their communities. Without this legislation, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection would have sole regulatory authority over these facilities with little local control over zoning decisions. This clarification allows applicants to be informed early in the process of all the conditions they will be expected to meet in order to construct or expand a given facility.

“I have been listening to concerns about this important issue during the last five years and was determined to find a solution to alleviate this burden not only for our town, but towns across the state,” Rep. Rose said. “This is an important step forward in helping us address our local issue and in allowing towns to regain local control over infringements on quality of life. I am pleased we were able to work on this in an expedited manner.”

"Defending the right to participate in regulating any solid waste operation within the community is critical to addressing health and safety concerns," said Rep. Roy. "If this court ruling were to stand, Milford and the other 168 municipalities in our state would have no ability to protect its residents."

“This was a Milford’s delegation teamwork effort,” said Davis. “I look forward to continuing to work to protect the interests of our community.”

Milford has been dealing with a local recycling firm seeking expansion approval for their waste facility.

The bill moves to the Senate Wednesday for consideration.

The appointment is effective immediately.

In announcing Rep. Davis’s appointment, House Speaker Donovan said, “I am confident that your efforts will produce significant contributions to the legislative process.

The committee has oversight over regulations written by state agencies to ensure that the regulations written by those agencies are consistent with state law. The chairmanship of the committee is shared by both parties.

“I am honored that Speaker Donovan has appointed me Chair of the Regulations Review Committee,” Rep. Davis said. “The committee serves an important role in the legislative process to carry out the intent of authorizing legislation passed by the General Assembly.”

Rep. Davis, a committee member for seven years, replaces Timothy O’Brien, who has resigned from the legislature following his election as New Britain’s mayor.

Both measures were approved during the October 26th special session of the General Assembly.

“I am pleased the legislature passed a bipartisan jobs bill,” Rep. Davis said. “In addition, the legislature signed off on Jackson Laboratory’s plan to build a $1.1 billion research facility at the UConn Health Center campus.”

Rep. Davis pointed out that “on the local level the 117th District, which I represent, is home to Yale University’s 125 acre West Campus which is primarily a scientific research facility. The presence of the Jackson Laboratory in Connecticut and collaboration with Yale, will hopefully act to enhance the development of a new cluster of related businesses and increased job opportunities at industrial sites surrounding the campus.”

The goal of the jobs legislation is to jump-start job creation and foster long-term economic growth. Incentives for small business, cutting red tape, incentives for innovation, economic development tools and workforce development and training are all addressed in the bill.

One of the key components of the legislation is the Small Business Express Package which will make $50 million/year available to small businesses through incentives, grants and loans.

Another vital component is aligning programs at vo-tech schools, community colleges and universities with high demand job needs of employers, including the state’s manufacturing technology companies.

Other components of the jobs bill include:

• Consolidating and increasing the tax credit for new hires
• Incentivizing investments in emerging technology (Angel Investors)
• Building innovation centers in key cities and investing in innovative ventures
• A second “First Five” program
• Cutting the business entity tax
• Streamlining the business permitting process
• Remediating old industrial sites/brownfields
• Establishing an electronic business portal to make it easier for businesses to access state information and resources
• Workforce development, education and training
• Allowing the Airport Authority to designate new Development Zones
• Investments in roads and bridges
• Replenishing the Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA)
• Main Street commercial centers improvement initiative

The State of Connecticut will invest $291 million and Jackson Laboratory will raise the balance of $860 million for the project.

According to the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the project is expected to create over 660 positions at Jackson Laboratory in Farmington within 20 years. DECD estimates more than 4,600 bioscience jobs would be generated through spin-off companies, and another 2,000 would be added to local service and area retail stores. The project would yield more than 840 construction jobs as well.

Video

House Bill 6215, “An Act Concerning The Construction Of The Orange Train Station,” was signed by Governor Malloy on Wednesday, July 13th, and takes effect immediately.

State Representative Paul Davis (D-Milford/Orange/West Haven) said, “Our intent in introducing this legislation was not only to support construction of an important local project, but to develop a new funding mechanism which would reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

The legislation calls for the state Department of Transportation (DOT), in the event federal or state funding for the construction of the proposed Orange Train Station is not available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, to enter into an agreement, on behalf of the state, with a property developer and the property owner of the site of the proposed Orange Train Station, for the construction and operation of the station.

Construction of the rail station would be planned on a 50-acre parcel currently owned by Dichello Distributers, Inc. of Orange. The company has set forth a plan to finance, design and construct the project in partnership with the town and state.

“Local access to Metro-North commuter service and a train station in Orange are vital ingredients for the town’s successful economic development formula, so I’m positively delighted with Governor Malloy’s signature on this new law,” Senator Gayle S. Slossberg (D-Milford) said. “In addition, the Special Act spells out our vision for a public/private partnership in this project that I believe will serve local residents-and local businesses-extremely well.”

“I join with my colleagues in fully supporting creation of a new Metro North train station in Orange,” State Representative Themis Klarides (R-114th District) said. “The State of Connecticut and Dichello Distributors have been working towards completing this project for many years. This public-private partnership is an example to the rest of the state that the public sector can work cooperatively with the private sector to create innovative solutions, particularly in these difficult economic times. A transportation system designed to support the needs of our developing community and encourage economic growth is a top priority. This station will relieve overcrowded parking in Milford and New Haven, allowing residents from Orange and its surrounding areas to more efficiently use the Metro North mass-transit system. It will benefit travelers, tourists and commuters coming in and out of Orange.”

When the gavel fell on the stroke of midnight on June 9, 2011, the biennial long session of the Connecticut General Assembly concluded its business.

Based primarily upon the agenda set forth by Governor Malloy, the General Assembly passed several major bills as well as numerous other pieces of legislation which impact our daily lives in Connecticut. There will always be differences of opinion about how successful the session was, but if the number of bills passed is any measure, this was one of the most prolific sessions in recent history. Compliments must be extended to both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders for doing what seems never to happen in Washington; working together. Governor Malloy must also be complimented for providing strong and focused leadership. There are many who disagreed with his position in numerous areas, including myself, but few can argue that he was successful in reaching his goals.

Over the next few weeks, I will be working to put together a report for my constituents, which highlights important bills in the areas of business, banking, insurance, education, human services, labor, veterans, seniors, public health and public safety.

On the local level, Orange which often gets very little had two small victories just before the close of session. House Bill 6215, “An Act Concerning Construction of the Orange Train Station”, which was introduced by me, Representative Klarides, and Senator Slossberg, will help move the project forward by authorizing the Department of Transportation to negotiate a public – private partnership to fund the station and support services.

Senate Bill 1162, “An Act Concerning the Filing Deadline for Certain Property Tax Exemption”, which all our local legislators worked to permit Orange the option of delaying required property revaluation for another year. Town leaders will now be able to look at this to determine if a delay is in the best interests of local residents.

While the economy continues to be everyone’s major concern, I believe we made some positive steps in addressing jobs and business. Several bills were passed which promote new research and development, encourage investment, and reward business expansion. These tools may help to contribute to improving Connecticut economic recovery.

I still believe we could have done a better job with the budget, which I opposed, but I am hopeful that the positives will outweigh the negatives.

Please feel free to contact my with your concerns and suggestions at 203-799-PAUL(2582) or paul.davis@cga.ct.gov.

The budget passed by the House and signed by the Governor for his approval offers many positives for the communities which I represent.

Milford, Orange, and West Haven will all see slight increases in municipal aid as well as full funding of the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants as the State replaces federal funds which were not available this year. In addition, the budget also funds many programs which impact children, seniors, persons with disabilities, job training, and a multitude of other state services. For these reasons casting a no vote was a very difficult choice, but one which I did to fulfill my commitment to represent my constituents to the best of my ability.

During the preceding weeks I have received countless emails, letters, and phone calls taking issue with specific areas of the proposed budget. Many of these concerns were addressed and changes were made working together with committee chairs, caucus members, staff, and outstanding leadership provided by Governor Malloy, Speaker Donovan, and Majority Leader Sharkey. Doors were always open and leadership was always willing to listen. I thank them all for their professionalism and hard work.

In the end, however, these improvements and changes still fell short of expectations. My constituents asked that we formulate a budget that holds the line on spending and taxes. They asked for consolidation of departments and greater efficiencies to cut costs. In spite of both numerous cuts and many consolidations, there was also new spending and many tax increases.

Also, there remains the question of whether or not the Governor can achieve his goal of two billion dollars in state employee concessions during the biennium. The bottom line is that I could not support a budget that has too few cuts, considerable new spending, and significant tax increases.

With almost five weeks left before the end of the current legislative session, there are still many outstanding issues to be addressed and opportunities to make changes and adjustments. I am hopeful that, by continuing to work together we can improve upon the budget that was just passed.

Sincerely,

State Representative Paul Davis (D-Orange/Milford/West Haven)

While there have been many important issues addressed, the challenges of Connecticut's finances are still the main focus of every legislator. Governor Malloy has been traveling around the state to bring his budget ideas to the people and listen to their concerns. Everyone who has attended one of these sessions has expressed appreciation for his efforts even when they do not agree with his proposals. Governor Malloy's budget proposal is a combination of department consolidations, cuts, and tax increases. He has made an honest attempt to balance the budget without gimmicks while still funding important programs. He has asked everyone for sacrifices including cuts of two billion dollars by state workers. It remains to be seen whether such level of cuts can be achieved.

I continue to study his proposals and have identified, with the help of my constituents, several areas of concern. His proposed elimination of the current property tax credit, I believe, places an undo tax burden on homeowners who make up about 95 percent of the 117th District and I will work to find alternatives. There are several other new taxes which need to be carefully studied for their negative impact on municipal budgets and economic growth. On the positive side, the Governor has proposed level funding for education and many other municipal programs. While I support these efforts, they must be considered within the context of the state's ability to pay without excessive tax increases. In general, I have taken the position that greater cuts are and fewer tax increases are required.

In other business, all of the committees have held public hearings and votes on bills which will impact our daily lives. As a member of the Education Committee, I have supported efforts to maintain education funding and increase accountability through updated requirements for administrative and teacher evaluations. I have opposed suggested changes in control of our regional vocational technical school programs and had the pleasure of speaking recently with hundreds of parents, teachers, administrators, and local business supporters at Platt Tech about the issue. I am happy to report, that the only change proposed is the creation of a task force to study improving our tech school programs.

 The Environment Committee, of which I serve as vice chair, has acted favorably on several bills addressing environmental, business, chemical safety, and animal rights issues. We have also approved a proposal by Governor Malloy to consolidate several agencies under the umbrella of a new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Of local interest are several bills to assist with projects in Milford, West Haven, and Orange, including a new rail station.

I realize there numerous concerns which you may have as the final month of the current legislative session approaches. My first and foremost goal is to represent your voice as strongly as possible. I greatly appreciate to your efforts in contacting me about issues of concern as it helps me make informed decisions.

Please keep those comments and suggestions coming. Your may contact me by email at paul.davis@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 203-799-PAUL(7285). Thank you.

The purpose of my testimony this morning is to provide support for HB 6215 An Act Concerning the Construction of the Orange Train Station.

Several years ago the General Assembly and the Governor identified a need and authorized the construction of two new Metro North commuter stations between New Haven and Milford, one in West Haven and the other in Orange. This is the longest stretch on the New Haven line without a station. Currently both New Haven and Milford have significant parking issues which these stations would help alleviate. Much of the preconstruction planning has been completed for both stations and with financing from the state in place, construction on the West Haven Station and Transportation Center began this past fall with completion scheduled in 2012.

The Orange Station has not yet been funded, but the DOT and the property owner Dichello Distributors have met on several occasions as far back as 2006 to discuss the formation of a partnership to fund the station with private funds. Unfortunately, these negotiations have been met with some resistance on various levels and have not yet resulted in progress.

Plans for the station in Orange would include platforms and a parking garage which could accommodate 1000 cars with the possibility of an addition to bring the total up to 2000 if necessary. The station would be located on Marsh Hill Road in Orange on land that is owned by Dichello. This location is a few hundred yards from an I95 exit and entrance, the new United Illuminating Corporate Headquarters and new UI Operations Center and adjacent to Yale University's new West Campus. Yale has been supportive of this project from the start and has indicated a willingness to build pedestrian walkways from the station to their campus which may eventually employ over five thousand people.

At a time when modern accessible transportation is the keystone for job growth and economic development, getting this station built in an expedited manner without having to increase our bond indebtedness would be a major success for our state. I strongly encourage support of this bill as I believe it is the most common sense plan for moving this project forward with the lowest cost to the taxpayer.

The Environment Committee has oversight over all matters relating to the Department of Environmental Protection, including conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks, forests, water resources, flood and erosion control and the Department of Agriculture.

“I want to thank Speaker Donovan for this honor to serve as Vice Chair of the Environment Committee,” Rep. Davis said. “The committee has a special responsibility to protect our environment, not only for today, but for the generations that follow us. Whether it’s clean water or clean air, what we do affects the quality of life of everyone who lives and works in our state.”

Speaker Donovan said, “Paul is an experienced and hard working legislator. I am pleased to appoint Representative Davis as Vice Chair of the Environment Committee where I know he will continue to serve his constituents and residents statewide.”

Rep. Davis will also serve on the Education and Regulations Review Committees.

Rep. Davis was re-elected to his fourth term in the General Assembly from the 117th District representing the towns of Milford, Orange and West Haven.