HOUSE DEMOCRATS • CHRISTOPHER G. DONOVAN • 2008 PRESS RELEASES

2008 Press Releases

December 11, 2008

DONOVAN ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TEAM

Incoming Speaker of the House, State Representative Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today announced the committee chairs and caucus leadership positions for the 2009-2010 sessions of the General Assembly. 

“This is an extraordinary group of legislators with the experience and energy to get the job done,” Rep. Donovan said. “House Democrats’ committee chairs and leadership will be empowered to seek bold solutions to the problems facing Connecticut families, businesses and seniors. I am excited to work with this team.”

“We have assembled an experienced and creative team that is prepared and ready to deal with the needs of our people while facing what may very well be an unprecedented economic challenge,” Rep. Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield), incoming Majority Leader, said. “When they cast their votes last November, Connecticut’s citizens sent a message that when it comes to jobs and the economy, they trust Democrats. I believe we will live up to their trust.”

Rep. Donovan said, “From the top down, House Democrats want to spread a message of hope across the state so we can inspire everyone to find solutions.”

Below are the lists of House Democrats’ leadership positions appointed by incoming Speaker Donovan.

2009-2010 House Democrats Leadership

2009-2010 House Democrat Committee Chairs

October 10, 2008

KERRIGAN ET AL VERSUS THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

“The Connecticut General Assembly has a history of recognizing the rights of same-sex couples. Our civil union law, passed with bipartisan support, includes all of the rights and protections of the state’s marriage statutes.

The State Supreme Court’s decision affirms Connecticut’s commitment to equality supported by our Constitution, the General Assembly, and the public.”

October 1, 2008

MAJORITY LEADER DONOVAN TO BE HONORED BY STATE’S PHYSICIANS

The Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) will present its 2008 Legislator of the Year award to House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) at its annual meeting on October 8th in Southington.

Rep. Donovan said, “I remain committed to providing everyone in Connecticut with access to quality, affordable health care. I want to thank the Connecticut Chapter of the ACP for recognizing me with this award and shining an important spotlight on this issue.  The physicians in this state have been strong supporters of healthcare reform and improved access to care.”

Robert McLean, M.D., Governor-Elect of the Connecticut Chapter of ACP, said, “It has been several years since there has been any significant health reform legislation introduced in the General Assembly in Hartford. We felt strongly that Rep. Donovan’s Connecticut Healthcare Partnership was a tremendous effort to address the problem of the uninsured in our state. He garnered surprising support and through his leadership enabled its passage in both the House and Senate, only to see Governor Rell veto it, in a great disappointment to all of us.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership was designed to allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured lives leading to increased bargaining power and significantly lower costs.

Recent recipients of the ACP Connecticut Chapter’s Legislator of the Year award have included Congressman Chris Murphy who, as a state representative, was recognized for authoring state legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and public places and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson who was recognized in 2005 for legislation to reform the dysfunctional Medicare physician reimbursement formula.

The Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians represents over 2000 doctors and medical students in the specialty of internal medicine.

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP.

Christopher G. Donovan serves as Majority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives.  He represents the 84th Assembly District of Meriden.

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.

June 4, 2008

GUILD GUITARS TO BE MADE IN NEW HARTFORD

By ERIC GERSHON
Courant Staff Writer

It was shortly after 10 a.m. and Chris Donovan, majority leader of the state House of Representatives, sat in Terminal A at Bradley International Airport, intently fingering a Bo Diddley lick on an electric guitar.

"We'll play everything, from Little Richard to Radiohead, as long as it's rock 'n' roll," said Donovan, 54, a member of the legislature's unofficial rock band, The Bad Reps.

To his right and left, in three domed glass cases, about 20 other guitars stood upright with no one to make them sing, but for all to see.

Donovan's performance Tuesday was a solo gig, and the majority leader wasn't even the star — the guitars were. Ovations, Hamers and especially the Guilds, a legendary brand of acoustic guitar. Richie Havens played a Guild at Woodstock.

In August, the Fender Musical Instrument Corp. of Arizona will start producing Guild guitars in Connecticut at the New Hartford factory of Kaman Music Corp. Fender bought Bloomfield-based Kaman Corp.'s music division at the end of December for about $117 million.

After the deal was consummated, Fender decided to move Guild production from Tacoma, Wash., to New Hartford, bringing the brand back to New England. For decades Guilds were made in Westerly, R.I.

Throughout the summer, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism is showcasing guitars made by Kaman and Fender near the US Airways ticket counter. Meanwhile, Kaman is retrofitting about 25,000 square feet of its 74,000-square-foot factory to accommodate Guild production, said Frank Untermyer, who oversees the New Hartford operation.

"When you think of 'made in Connecticut,' I think a lot of people think of jet engines," Untermyer said Tuesday before Donovan played a little Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and The Beatles.

"We make a musical instrument, and we have troubadours representing Connecticut all over the world," he said.

State officials are negotiating financial assistance with Fender now, according to Ron Angelo, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development. The state has not yet committed to any amount, he said.

As a member of The Bad Reps, Donovan, of Meriden, normally plays with fellow Democratic Reps. Peter Tercyak of New Britain and Chris Perone of Norwalk, and Andy Woodcock, a drum-beating legislative aide.

"I'm not great," said Donovan, who began playing guitar at age 40, "but it's fun."

Contact Eric Gershon at egershon@courant.com.

STATE REP. Chris Donovan plays a Hamer Talladega electric guitar.
(MICHAEL MCANDREWS / June 3, 2008)

Copyright © 2008, The Hartford Courant

May 7, 2008

HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP ON THE WAY TO GOVERNOR’S DESK
Governor should promptly sign legislation that could provide aid to cities and towns

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) called on Governor M. Jodi Rell to sign the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 5536) bill.  The legislation is the only plan to provide additional municipal aid in FY 2009.

“This is really our only chance in this year of belt-tightening to provide some financial relief to cities and towns,” Rep. Donovan said. “We believe that in many cases, participation in the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership will yield millions of dollars in savings.  The governor should sign this bill.”

The legislation would allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured lives leading to increased bargaining power and lower costs.

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership would provide significant savings municipalities of all sizes with the potential to yield millions for larger communities and hundreds-of-thousands for small towns.

The bill was approved last night by the State Senate.

Rep. Donovan, “I want to thank the Senate, especially Senator Edith Prague and Senator Mary Ann Handley for their hard work on this legislation. I would again urge the governor to sign this important bill that will provide municipalities, small business and non-profits with quality healthcare that costs less.”

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP.

April 28, 2008

GOP BUDGET PRESENTATION

“During a time of economic crisis, when more and more families need state services, the Republicans want to cut services, cut personnel and give tax breaks to the rich. 

DOT, DSS, DEP and the state’s colleges haven’t recovered from the Rowland early-retirement package in 2003.  If we have learned anything from the I-84 debacle in Waterbury is that we need professionals onsite to make sure projects are done and done right.   

Already this budget season we have been hamstrung by the governor’s massive miscalculation of the New Haven train depot, so we have that hole to fill.  We are also committed to adequately funding our criminal justice reforms and protecting the public – there is no room for the cuts proposed by the Republicans.”

April 23, 2008

LANDMARK HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION APPROVED BY HOUSE

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today hailed House passage of legislation that would achieve taxpayer savings through the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 5536).

The legislation would allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured lives leading to increased bargaining power and lower costs.

“The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership helps businesses, municipalities, non-profits, and on top of that it will save taxpayer dollars,” Rep. Donovan said. “We have all heard the pleas for help when it comes to the rising costs of healthcare.  It turns out we had an answer right in front of us; the state employee plan, the same plan that I have as well as everyone in the House and Senate. By opening the state employee plan, we will be able to provide quality healthcare that costs less.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership would provide significant savings* to municipalities of all sizes as noted by the examples below:

*savings based on what towns currently pay for healthcare versus what the state pays for comparable benefits

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP.

The bill now heads to the State Senate for consideration.

March 28, 2008

CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP
APPROVED BY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today hailed the Appropriations Committee’s passage of legislation that would achieve taxpayer savings through the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 5536).

The legislation would allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured lives leading to increased bargaining power and lower costs.

“I am very pleased that the members of the Appropriations Committee stood behind this money-saving proposal,” Rep. Donovan said. “We are offering quality healthcare and saving money at the same time. Small businesses tell me, ‘sign me up now.’  Towns see the potential savings and are impressed with the proposal.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership would provide significant savings* to municipalities of all sizes as noted by the examples below:

*savings based on what towns currently pay for healthcare versus what the state pays for comparable benefits

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP.

March 20, 2008

BOND FUNDING HEADING TO MERIDEN
Noah’s Ark of Hope playground and Undercliff water tower targeted for funding

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Senator Thomas P. Gaffey (D-Meriden) along with Deputy Speaker Emil “Buddy” Altobello (D-Meriden), and Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden), announced the State Bond Commission is expected to approve funding for three projects in Meriden at its March 28th meeting. The $412,000 in bond allocations will fund the removal of the “Undercliff Property” water tower, construction of a playscape in Hubbard Park and HVAC improvements to H.C. Wilcox Technical High School.

An allocation of $300,000, through the Department of Public Works (DPW), will fund the removal of the water tower on the Undercliff Property.  Rep. Donovan requested the funding in a February letter to DPW Commissioner Reanne Curtis.

“The water tower hasn’t been used for years and has been left to rot. It detracts from the trap rock ridges that help to define our city,” Rep. Donovan said. “The City Council wisely protected the mountain ridges from development.  The removal of this eyesore will ensure future generations can enjoy the natural landscape that is unique to Meriden.”

Rep. Altobello added, “The aging water tower has been an eyesore for many years and everyone from the west side to the east will be happy to see it gone from the skyline. I am pleased to have been able to work with my colleagues to bring this money home.”

In addition to demolishing the water tower, the project will also include soil sampling and remediation if contamination is detected.

The Bond Commission agenda also calls for a $100,000 grant to underwrite Noah’s Ark of Hope, a new playscape in Meriden’s Hubbard Park. The concept of Noah’s Arc began soon after the tragic death of Meriden resident Noah Bourdon, a toddler. His parents established a non-profit organization, determined to build a new playscape in their son’s memory and have worked closely with the Hubbard Park Playground Committee to build the barrier-free playground. To date, about $200,000 has been donated by individuals and community service groups. 

“This $100,000 bond allocation completes the funding for what will be a suitable and memorable tribute to Noah Bourdon, and a source of great joy for the next generation of Meriden children,” Sen. Gaffey said. “It was gratifying to work through the legislative process and win the initial bond authorization for this project; I’m grateful to Senate President Pro Tempore Don Williams for his support to help make this happen and the state Bond Commission for its expected approval.”

Rep. Abercrombie said, “Noah’s Ark of Hope provides children, especially those with disabilities, with the opportunity to play outdoors and have fun.  I look forward to seeing all of Meriden’s children enjoying this playground.”

The Bond Commission is also expected to release $12,000 for HVAC improvements to H.C. Wilcox Technical High School.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

March 13, 2008

DONOVAN HAILS LABOR COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF LANDMARK HEALTHCARE BILL

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today hailed the Labor Committee’s passage of legislation that would achieve taxpayer savings through the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 5536).

The legislation would allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured lives leading to increased bargaining power and lower costs.

Rep. Donovan has toured the state to illustrate the potential savings on a town-by-town basis.

“My goal while touring the state has been to prove that municipal employees, management and taxpayers all benefit because we provide good benefits and save money at the same time,” Rep. Donovan said. “I have visited cities and towns across the state and every one achieves significant savings through the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership.”

The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership would provide significant savings* to municipalities of all sizes as noted by the examples below:

*savings based on what towns currently pay for healthcare versus what the state pays for comparable benefits

More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership can be found at www.housedems.ct.gov/CHP.

February 21, 2008

MERIDEN DELEGATION ANNOUNCES STATE DOLLARS FOR RUSHFORD CENTER

House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Sen. Tom Gaffey, Deputy Speaker Emil “Buddy” Altobello, and Rep. Cathy Abercrombie announced the State Bond Commission is expected to approve funding for the Rushford Center at its February 29th meeting. The $727,778 grant will fund a new roof for the Meriden client services facility, the site of the former veterans’ hospital.

“Rushford provides important services for Meriden and the entire region, so it was important to expedite this request,” Rep. Donovan said. “The funding was part of the legislative bond package that the Meriden Delegation fought for in the fall - this is quick turnaround.  We are also rehabilitating a landmark city property that serves the community.”

Sen. Gaffey said, “The city owns the building in which the Rushford Center handles the delicate and serious matters involving substance abuse and mental illness, so I’m pleased this state funding has come through to maintain that property and replace its roof at no additional cost to Meriden taxpayers.”

“This funding will secure the building and will help to protect a valuable city asset for use not only by Rushford, but for other potential tenants in the future,” Rep. Altobello said.

Rep. Abercrombie said, “I’d like to thank Governor Rell for her commitment to the many young people in Meriden who rely on the services that Rushford provides.  The city supplied the space and I am happy that the state was also able to support Rushford.”

Rushford is a private, non-profit behavioral healthcare provider, providing inpatient and outpatient treatment services to children, adolescents, adults and families coping with substance abuse and mental health issues.

The State Bond Commission meets Friday, February 29th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.