RECESSION PUTS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AT GREATER RISK SPEAKER DONOVAN ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today announced formation of a legislative task force that will help formulate Connecticut’s response to challenges faced by victims of domestic violence that have been exacerbated by the recession.
The task force will hold its first meeting on Monday, November 30 at 1:00 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“Evidence from domestic violence shelters across the state suggests that the need for support services has grown dramatically as the recession has deepened,” Speaker Donovan said. “Incidents are up, and we’re seeing families who are experiencing unexpected job losses and financial pressures.
“Alarmingly what we’re seeing is that financial struggles are compounding the challenges faced by victims and their families. We owe this increasingly desperate population answers and solutions to the complex problems they are encountering.
“I’m also frustrated that despite heroic efforts by so many, the early progress we made in combating domestic violence has slowed. I am hoping this task force can ignite a new response.”
Speaker Donovan said that recent actions by Governor M. Jodi Rell have “cut funding for family violence victim advocates in the courts at a time when the need for them is growing exponentially. These advocates serve as liaisons for victims navigating the judicial system. They provide support during what can be a very frustrating and scary process so that victims succeed in securing restraining orders and other measures necessary to ensure their safety.”
Speaker Donovan said the task force will be chaired by State Representative Mae Flexer (D-Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling), and will include bipartisan membership from the state House of Representatives and state Senate. Rep. Flexer has been chair of a legislative working group on domestic violence, and that group will form the core of the new task force. Additional members are being added from both the House and Senate.
Both Speaker Donovan and Rep. Flexer said individuals and organizations from across the state, including the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), advocates, service providers, educators and law enforcement will be consulted and “a critical part of the conversation” as task force recommendations are developed.
Rep. Flexer said, “We simply can’t let the horrific conditions domestic violence victims find themselves in continue without a more vigorous examination of what we as compassionate and concerned elected officials can do. I hope this task force will energize that examination and produce real and practical results to improve their lives.”
Erika M. Tindill, executive director of CCADV, said, “The Coalition and its member programs look forward to working with Speaker Donovan’s Task Force to improve options for victims and survivors of domestic violence. We are eager to set goals and put action steps in place to make meaningful progress toward a culture of intolerance for family violence in Connecticut.”
"We are fortunate to have many legislators who are interested in supporting the work we do. This new task force will give them an opportunity to work closely with our membership to initiate legislation to assist victims of domestic violence," said Cathy Zeiner, executive director of the Women’s Center of Southeastern CT in New London.
Speaker Donovan said the task force will be charged with reviewing budget implications related to domestic violence; identifying trends and research pertaining to social conditions, support services, healthy relationships, education, early intervention, court procedures and advocacy, and assembling a set of legislative recommendations on how best to prevent and address family violence and meet the needs of victims.
September 18, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN OPPOSES CLOSURE OF HIGH MEADOWS
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) offered testimony today against the application for a Certificate of Need to close the High Meadows residential treatment facility in Hamden. The testimony was offered at a public hearing of the Office of Health Care Access.
Rep. David McCluskey (D-West Hartford) read Speaker Donovan’s testimony into the record. Speaker Donovan was away from the Capitol on personal business.
Speaker Donovan wrote, “The High Meadows facility provides unique and much needed residential services for boys with complex emotional, behavioral, and medical issues. No other facility in the State of Connecticut is designed or equipped to handle these young patients who need a wide variety of treatment. The facility accepts only those patients who have literally nowhere else to go. Their needs are so great that they exceed the capacity of what private residential facilities can provide. Its closure means scattering these clients in facilities far beyond our state borders, and imposing increased hardships on families who are already dealing with tremendous difficulties.
“After meeting with High Meadows parents and providers, the leadership and rank and file members of the Connecticut General Assembly determined that this facility’s mission is critical, and that its continued existence is in the public interest. As such, in a budget that was overwhelmingly passed last month and went into effect last week, adequate funding was included to maintain the critical services offered there.
“Whether the Governor has the authority to close a facility that has been properly funded in our budget is open to debate. What is not debatable is the important and needed role it plays as part of the safety net for the families we all serve. Closing High Meadows not only would harm those families that rely on its services, but it is bad public policy and I urge you reject the proposal before you.”
September 9, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN URGES STATE-FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP,
PUBLIC OPTION TO FIX BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Says Connecticut Well-Positioned for Federal Reforms at Community Health Center of Meriden Forum
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said today a “strong state-federal partnership is critical to fixing our broken health care system” and he encouraged the establishment of a public option to increase competition in the health care industry.
Speaker Donovan made his remarks while moderating a roundtable discussion on Federal Health Reform today at the Community Health Center of Meriden, sponsored by Healthcare for America Now (HCAN).
“In spite of numerous gubernatorial vetoes of important health care legislation, Connecticut is well-positioned for federal reforms,” Speaker Donovan said. “Through legislative overrides of the SustiNet veto, vetoes of insurance coverage guarantees and consumer protections, and the veto of healthcare legislation for the children of janitors working in state buildings, we have established a foundation for reform in Connecticut.”
Speaker Donovan said the state budget that became law today maintains funding for vital health services, including routine dental care for adults, vision and non-emergency transportation coverage, school-based and community health centers, services for seniors and for people living with disabilities.
He added, “Reform is coming from the national level. If we’re prepared, we will be able to begin to end discrimination and disparities based on gender, race, age, and pre-existing conditions, we can end outrageous out-of-pocket costs, and remove the burden of high health care costs from small businesses.”
Community Health Center Vice President and Clinical Director Margaret Flinter said, “Connecticut is ready for change. People with great insurance know they are vulnerable; people without any insurance know they are in danger. We can do better.
"We will solve this problem on the coverage side by expanding coverage, eliminating barriers such as pre-existing conditions, and harmonizing payments between public and private insurance. We will solve the care problem through attracting more physicians and nurses into primary care, improving health information technology, and coordinating care much better for patients with chronic illness. But all of us are going to have to do a much better job of prevention-for ourselves and our patients-to really succeed."
Participants included Dr. Sandra Carbonari, president-elect of the CT Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Juan Figueroa, president, Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut; Margaret Flinter, vice president and clinical director, Community Health Center; Brenda Kelley, state director of Connecticut AARP; Linda St. Peter, president, CT Association of Realtors and board member, Small Business for Health Care Reform; and Bonita Grubbs, executive director, Christian Community Action.
August 25, 2009
PRESCHOOLERS FEELING EFFECT OF BUDGET IMPASSE – AND IT COULD GET WORSE Parents, teachers, and children from Head Start programs in Danbury, New Britain, Norwich,
Waterbury, Hartford, and Bristol suffer from on-going budget stalemate
Hartford: Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) joined Joan Karlsen – CT Head Start Association Executive Director; Juleen Flanagan – Co-chair CT Early Childhood Alliance; and parents, teachers, and children from Head Start programs across the state at a news conference at the Capitol to detail how the on-going budget impasse has – and will continue to – affected thousands of preschoolers.
Early childhood advocates say that with each passing day of the state budget impasse, early care and education programs that serve children throughout Connecticut are being forced to remove children from their rolls or risk financial collapse.
“Right now is when childhood education programs are finalizing their budget and staffing for the next year”, said Senator Williams. “Instead of preparing the new school year, families face uncertainty and teachers are being laid off. All this can be avoided with a smart and fair budget that cuts spending, preserves critical services, and asks our wealthiest residents to pay just a little more.”
"The Governor's continuing refusal to ask the wealthiest residents of Connecticut to pay just $20 a week is inflicting pain on thousands in our state," said House Speaker Donovan. "Preschoolers, and their parents and teachers, should not be made to suffer from cruel and unnecessary budget cuts when those who can afford to contribute more are given a free pass."
On Aug 25th, Speaker of the House Chris Donovan and Senate President Don Williams held a press conference along with Head Start advocates, parents, teachers, and children from Head Start programs across the state describing the impact the budget impasse is having on Head Start programs and Family Resources Centers.
August 21, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS GOVERNOR RELL HAS “FAILED TO LEAD” ON HEALTHCARE Says She Spares Few With Vetoes and Budget Cuts
Saying Democrats are carrying the fight on health care and citing five vetoes and more than a dozen budget cuts that deny health care opportunities to Connecticut families, House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said today that Governor M. Jodi Rell has “failed to lead on one of the critical issues of our time.”
At a press conference at the Legislative Office Building, Speaker Donovan said, “Governor Rell has taken a page from the Republican national playbook and said ‘no’ to real health care reform even as our broken health care system continues its chokehold both on the economy and family budgets.”
Governor Rell this year vetoed two major pieces of health care legislation – SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership. The General Assembly overrode the SustiNet veto. As well, she vetoed bills that would extend insurance coverage to families of custodians working in state buildings; expand insurance coverage for preventive screenings and prosthetic and assistive devices; and enhance consumer protections on health insurance policies.
In addition, Governor Rell has proposed eliminating routine dental care for adults, cutting funding for school-based health clinics, reducing funding for people with mental illnesses, closing Cedarcrest Hospital, eliminating annual social security increases to offset supplemental assistance costs, increasing premiums for families with children on HUSKY B, and decreasing funding for nursing homes.
“I don’t think Governor Rell understands that there are real people who are being affected by the decisions she makes. What we’re trying to do is to put a human face on policy decisions that impact their lives and the quality of their lives,” Speaker Donovan said.
“Is there a population that she has spared?” he asked. “Children suffer, so do seniors. She abandons pregnant women and individuals with substance abuse difficulties, emotional disabilities and mental illness.”
“What’s particularly troublesome,” he added, “is that these devastating cuts are avoidable. But the Governor steadfastly refuses to ask the wealthiest residents in our state to contribute $20 a week to save vulnerable citizens of Connecticut from these cruel actions.”
Speaker Donovan’s comments come just days after he joined his colleagues on the White House Working Group of State Legislators for Health Reform in issuing a statement reiterating support for the public option.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) announced today that $1.2 million in federal tax credits for a major renovation of the Chamberlain Heights housing project have been favorably recommended for approval by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) by its Mortgage Committee.
The Mortgage Committee recommendation will be considered by the CHFA board when it meets August 27 to approve tax credits for a variety of affordable housing initiatives in the state.
Sale of the $1.2 million in tax credits is expected to generate $8.7 million in proceeds to help fund the $26.7 million reconstruction of Chamberlain Heights. These proceeds are the foundation of the financing package needed for the revitalization effort. Additional financing is expected from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, a CHFA mortgage loan, and the Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP), part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“This project is ready to go and long overdue,” said Speaker Donovan, who represents Meriden’s 84th District where the Chamberlain Heights housing is located. “This is welcome news for the hard-working families of Chamberlain Heights, and will greatly improve their quality of life.
“This investment makes great sense. Through a public-private partnership, we will re-make the face of public housing in our community. The revitalization also spurs new economic activity, including the creation of over 300 jobs.”
Speaker Donovan added, “People are threatened with displacement. We are in the midst of the largest single family housing collapse in decades – affordable rental housing is more important than ever. The action today of the CHFA Mortgage Committee helps ensure the dependability of truly affordable, quality housing for Meriden residents who are struggling to make ends meet. We’ve waited three years to get this project moving, and I know the people of Meriden are grateful that construction on the new Chamberlain Heights is now only months away.”
The CHFA Mortgage Committee considered 26 applications for tax credits. The Meriden proposal scored highly, so that it was among the nine recommended for funding at the Committee’s Tuesday meeting.
Chamberlain Heights has 36 multi-unit public housing buildings for low income residents. The renovation project will develop 61 two-bedroom units, 53 three-bedroom units and 10 four bedroom units, along with a day care facility and community meeting space. Nineteen of the units will be handicapped accessible. Plans call for a unified neighborhood exterior appearance.
According to CHFA, the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is a financing tool for developers to provide affordable rental housing for people of limited income. Without tax credits affordable housing developments would not be financially viable for developers - the rental income generated by an affordable housing complex would be insufficient to cover the costs of developing and maintaining the property. Developers typically sell tax credits to private investors who benefit from a reduced tax liability. The proceeds from the sales generate equity for the development, reducing the need for debt financing, and enabling the owner to charge affordable rents.
August 11, 2009
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS CALL FOR CONTINUED FUNDING
FOR STATE’S CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL INSTITUTIONS Say Culture and Tourism Provide Jobs, Education, Tax Relief
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Storrs/Mansfield) today called for preserving Connecticut’s heritage through continued funding for culture and tourism programs.
Citing Governor Rell’s proposed cuts to Culture and Tourism programs, including tourism grants that would be cut by 50 percent, the three leaders gathered at Hartford’s Harriet Beecher Stowe House to press for continued funding “for the state’s historic and cultural institutions that preserve our heritage and provide jobs, educational programs and tax relief for Connecticut.”
Speaker Donovan said, “Eliminating funding for cultural centers like the Stowe House is shortsighted, given the amount of job creation, tax revenue and tourism spending that is generated through programs like it across the state.
“In addition, how do you calculate the loss in educational opportunities for our children that would result from significant cuts to these programs? Programs like these certainly make our children better, but they also enhance entire communities through civic engagement and the involvement of children and adults.”
The Democratic leaders said the state’s culture and tourism programs generate billions of dollars in household income and travel and tourism revenues for the state. Culture and tourism, they said, is a $10 billion industry supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating $1.4 billion in state taxes and revenues annually.
“By refusing to ask the state’s wealthiest residents to make a small contribution in income taxes, Governor Rell is jeopardizing an industry that serves Connecticut in so many important ways,” Speaker Donovan said. “This is just another example of the kind of cruel cuts Democrats are fighting against and why we don’t yet have a state budget we can agree upon.”
August 4, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN CALLS ON UTC LEADERS TO MEET WITH GOVERNOR, LEGISLATORS TO DISCUSS PLANS TO CLOSE PRATT & WHITNEY OPERATIONS IN CONNECTICUT Speaker Also Encourages Governor to Obtain and Utilize Stimulus Funds to Create High Tech Job Growth
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) joined machinists from Pratt & Whitney and members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today to encourage the company to reconsider its proposal to close its Cheshire plant and airfoil repair center in East Hartford.
“The negative economic impact of this decision will be enormous on the families of the Pratt & Whitney workers as well as on the communities in which the plants operate,” Speaker Donovan said. “These are productive and profitable operations. For Connecticut’s economic security, and our national security, we must retain the 1,000 jobs that Pratt is considering eliminating. The ripple effect of these cuts will cause many more job losses in Connecticut.”
Speaker Donovan asked the leadership at UTC to sit with Governor Rell and legislative leaders to determine the reason for the proposed shutdown and examine alternatives to shutting down the Cheshire and East Hartford operations.
“Central Connecticut communities are already reeling from the worst economic downturn in 70 years,” he said. “Those communities just can’t take the hit these plant closures would give them.”
Speaker Donovan joined US Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy, as well as workers from the East Hartford repair center, at IAM Local 1746 Union Hall in East Hartford to discuss the fate the two Pratt & Whitney operations in Connecticut.
Speaker Donovan also called on Governor Rell to utilize federal stimulus dollars to spur growth in high technology jobs in the state.
“Governor Rell can show real leadership by convening a blue ribbon group that can develop strategies to keep and develop high skill jobs in Connecticut, and in the long term to look at how to grow 21st Century jobs in emerging fields like solar and fuel cells,” he said.
Noting that a recent report put Connecticut 48th out of 50 states in creating stimulus related jobs, Speaker Donovan said, “Let’s put the stimulus money to good use right now. We have an opportunity for Governor Rell to take the lead for Connecticut in obtaining and using available stimulus money to create high tech jobs in Connecticut.”
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan joined US Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy,
as well as workers from the East Hartford repair center, to discuss the fate the two Pratt & Whitney operations in Connecticut.
July 30, 2009
DEMOCRATIC BUDGET DRAWS CONTRAST WITH GOVERNOR ON CUTS TO STATE’S MOST VULNERABLE, TAXES ON CONNECTICUT’S WEALTHIEST Speaker Donovan Says Budget Gap Closing and Encourages Talks to Resume Immediately
Democrats in the General Assembly and Governor M. Jodi Rell today made public contrasting budget proposals designed to erase the state’s $8.55 billion deficit for the next two years.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said, “The budgets shared with the public today highlight fundamental differences in values between Democrats and the Republican Governor. Those differences are now very clear.
“Democrats and the Governor agree on 95 percent of the budget. The remaining 5 percent exists because the Governor continues to push for fee and fare increases for buses and trains, cuts to libraries, courthouse closings, cuts to services for blind children and children with severe psychiatric needs, closing technical high schools, cuts to nursing services for the elderly, cuts to job training programs and more. Democrats are trying to protect Connecticut from the Governor’s cuts by asking for a small, 2 percent income tax increase on those who can most afford it, joint filers over $500,000 a year.
“Our differences are less than they were several months ago, and this gives me encouragement that an agreement can be made soon. Democrats have moved significantly by making additional cuts of $260 million and reducing tax increases by $700 million. I hope the Governor will return to the negotiating table with us immediately.”
DEMOCRATS LEAD WHERE GOVERNOR FAILED Protect Connecticut Families With Seven Veto Overrides in Historic Session; Republicans Split With Governor on Several Bills
“By overriding seven of Governor Rell’s vetoes today, legislative Democrats told Connecticut families they are willing to lead on issues of critical importance to them and that on key issues like health care the Governor is out of step with residents of the state as well as with national opinion,” House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said today following the General Assembly’s historic override of vetoes issued by Governor M. Jodi Rell.
The veto overrides provide health protections for working families, landmark health care reform, protection for Long Island Sound, and consensus requirements for state revenue projections. On two bills – one on health and safety protections for corrections facility staff, the other concerning programs and activities of the Department of Transportation – a significant number of House Republicans broke with their colleagues and the Governor to support veto overrides.
“Through her vetoes, Governor Rell turned her back on Connecticut families looking for help, especially with concerns about health care and safety,” said Speaker Donovan.
“These bills are good public policy,” he said. “Our representatives heard from people across this state that these initiatives were important to their quality of life. Democrats in the General Assembly aren’t afraid to take strong leadership positions on these critical issues and will continue to fight for the people of Connecticut, especially those from low and middle income families for whom these bills will provide hope and support.”
Speaker Donovan expressed disappointment with the Senate’s failure to override the Governor’s veto of the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill, but vowed to continue to fight for health care reform. “I am confident that the Partnership bill is right for the people of Connecticut. Municipalities, small businesses and non-profits spoke loud and clear of their desire to participate in the state health plan, and I will press on to respond to their pleas.
“I am extremely disappointed in Senator Hartley’s failure to cast a vote on this important piece of legislation. This would have benefitted people in her district, and the municipalities she serves. I am also disappointed that Republicans as a group have come down against health care. Health care is not a partisan issue, and I hope Republicans will come to understand that as we see reforms coming from Washington in the months ahead.”
House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) said, “Today really is about leadership. When the people of Connecticut asked for leadership on health care, on assistance for janitors, on protections for one of our most valuable resources, Long Island Sound, the Governor said ‘No,’ ‘No,” and ‘No’ again. In sharp contrast, Democrats today answered with a clear voice, ‘Yes,’ ‘Yes,’ and ‘Yes.’”
Rep. Merrill added, “We are proud to stand up for working families, for small businesses struggling with skyrocketing health care costs, for the safety of corrections workers, and for environmentally smart policy for Long Island Sound. The Governor, for reasons I could not comprehend, chose to abandon these concerns and the people who expressed them to us.”
July 15, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN: GOVERNOR’S VETOED HEALTH CARE BILL ANALYSIS DECEPTIVE AND A DISSERVICE TO WORKING FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today said Governor Rell is trying to justify her vetoes of health care reform legislation for Connecticut with scare tactics and faulty information.
“In the past several days, President Obama and Democrats in Congress announced substantial movement on national health care reforms, and today a new report says that rising health care costs and premiums are eliminating coverage for 310 Connecticut residents a week,” Speaker Donovan said. “At the same time, we have Governor Rell using made up numbers that underscore a position that is not supportive of needed health care reform.”
Speaker Donovan said, “The Governor is wrong to suggest that the SustiNet bill will cost the state $1 billion annually in the near term. I am surprised that she would use such a scare tactic. I do know that doing nothing will cost us far more in the long term.”
He said the only entity that the SustiNet bill would create over the biennium is a nine-member board of healthcare providers and experts, willing to volunteer their time to make specific recommendations on how to best implement the comprehensive reform Connecticut needs. No fiscal impact would result from the creation of this board, according to the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.
“The board’s proposals will include recommendations on the use of new federal dollars we expect will be created under the federal legislation currently being debated, which could eventually help to fund an agency to administer the SustiNet plan,” he said.
Speaker Donovan added, “After months of denying the savings attached to the pooling bill, the Governor finally admitted in her second budget proposal that there will be at least $62 million in immediate savings attached to self-insuring.
“The Governor’s analysis cherry picks claims data when projecting healthcare costs for the next two years. It also did not account for an annual savings of up to $20 million from no longer paying insurance companies to run the state plan. These are dollars that the state should be spending on cost-saving preventive care, not insurance company profits.”
Speaker Donovan concluded, “The Governor is trying to justify her rejection of health care reforms that will help Connecticut families now, and that will position the state for implementation of reforms that are on the fast track in Washington,” Speaker Donovan said. “If she does not want to be a leader on health care, then she should step aside and allow the voices of the families and small business owners of Connecticut who are crying out for health care options to be heard.”
July 8, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN, HEALTHCARE LEADERS CRITICAL
OF GOVERNOR’S HEALTHCARE VETOES
Disappointed by Lack of Leadership
Say Governor Lacks Sense of Urgency
on Fixing Broken Healthcare System
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, legislative and business leaders and advocates today issued strong reactions to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s veto of two landmark pieces of healthcare reform legislation – the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet.
“This is a missed opportunity to give a booster shot to our ailing economy by relieving struggling families and businesses who are cutting back due to rising healthcare costs,” Speaker Donovan said. “These bills would bring comforting relief to those who are suffering from those high costs.
“One person has caused a setback for health reform in Connecticut, but there are thousands who will continue to fight for the right prescription for our healthcare ills. Despite the Governor’s veto, we will have healthcare reform. As we push for reform here in Connecticut, the momentum continues to build for it on the federal level.”
Speaker Donovan said he was “disappointed by the Governor’s lack of leadership” when he learned of Governor Rell’s vetoes today, calling the two bills “healthcare reform legislation that would drive down high healthcare costs and provide Connecticut residents with a new, public choice for affordable health coverage. With the Partnership and SustiNet plan in place, Connecticut would be well positioned to take advantage of federal healthcare initiatives that are likely to come from Washington in the coming months.
“Her veto of the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill shows that she lacks a sense of urgency when it comes to fixing our broken healthcare system,” Speaker Donovan, a tireless champion of the Partnership bill, continued. “Thousands of small businesses and families need relief sooner, which the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill would have provided.”
Speaker Donovan said the fiscal note on the Healthcare Partnership bill asserts the plan would achieve tens of millions of dollars of cost savings for the state. Under the bill, the comptroller can establish a reserve and take other fiscally prudent steps to safeguard against risk.
“We are all well aware that our healthcare system is broken,” he said. “It has formed a chokehold on our economy and stressed personal and business finances across the state—contributing to the historic budget crisis we now face.
“By vetoing the Healthcare Partnership again this year, Governor Rell has ignored the opportunity to provide Connecticut families and businesses relief from the burdens of high healthcare costs by denying them access to the health plan that she, legislators and state employees already enjoy.
“Just this week Anthem announced plans to raise rates by as much as 32 percent on some Connecticut health insurance policies. Healthcare in this state is not going to fix itself—and this example simply bolsters the need for a public plan to improve competition among private insurance carriers and offer consumers a new choice. I am extremely disappointed in the Governor’s veto of both of these landmark pieces of legislation.”
Speaker Donovan said the Board of Directors proposed by the SustiNet legislation would represent people from across the state as recommended by members of the General Assembly. “Instead, the Governor wants to assemble a group by herself. She has not shown herself to be sympathetic to consumers in healthcare. I worry about the composition of a board that is assembled by the Governor alone.”
State Representative Steve Fontana (D-North Haven), House chair of the legislative Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said, "Given her pledge last year to work with us on healthcare reform, I'm truly saddened that the Governor would deny thousands of middle-class families access to the same healthcare plan that she herself enjoys. Despite her opposition, I look forward to continuing to work with Speaker Donovan and the rest of my colleagues to make quality, affordable healthcare a reality for all of Connecticut's residents."
State Representative Elizabeth B. Ritter (D-Waterford and Montville), House chair of the legislative Public Health Committee, said of the SustiNet veto, “It is deeply disappointing that the Governor chose to veto this landmark legislation that would expand Connecticut residents’ access to quality affordable healthcare. While we are waiting for decisions at the federal level, it is frustrating to ignore a chance to put Connecticut in the best possible position to benefit from federal healthcare reform as soon as possible.”
Regarding the Governor’s veto of the Healthcare Partnership bill, Rep. Ritter said, “In so doing, municipalities lose the opportunity to realize significant savings for their taxpayers and the state has lost an opportunity to save significant money on healthcare benefits.”
“I am dismayed by the Governor’s decision to veto the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill,” said Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman. “Connecticut’s cities, towns and local taxpayers are in need of relief now more than ever. Giving towns like mine the opportunity to join the state employee health plan would provide us with new options for achieving savings without being forced to impact town services or the benefits our employees rely on.”
“I think it has become clear that we cannot fix the economy without fixing healthcare, which is why I am so surprised that Governor Rell chose to veto these important pieces of legislation,” said Amy Gladysz, owner of Orbitech Satellite Services in Plainville. “Being self-employed you have enough worries, without having to stress out about being able to afford medical care. I’m dissatisfied with my private insurance—I pay thousands of dollars a year for my policy and my prescription coverage ran out months ago. My family should have access to the same benefits that the state employees receive.”
“I am very disappointed with the Governor’s decision to veto these bills, which would have provided relief to my agency and many of our clients,” said Cathy Zeiner, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut. "Agencies like mine struggle with skyrocketing premiums every year. In addition to allowing us to offer our employees the quality, affordable coverage they deserve, these bills would give victims of abuse new options. Access to healthcare is one of the most commonly cited barriers to leaving an abusive relationship.”
July 2, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS GOVERNOR’S VETOES A SETBACK FOR CHILDREN, WORKING FAMILIES, PROTECTIONS FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan said that he was “extremely disappointed” with Governor M. Jodi Rell’s vetoes of seven bills today, including legislation that provides wellness initiatives and health protections for working families, children and Connecticut residents with serious medical conditions.
“All Connecticut families are looking to state government for help, especially in terms of their healthcare needs,” Speaker Donovan said. “I am saddened that Governor Rell has turned her back on these individuals and their families. These decisions are a setback for children and working families who are desperate for assistance. Ask a person whose insurance won’t cover the replacement of a prosthetic limb if coverage would improve their quality of life, and the answer is clear. I just don’t understand the Governor’s decision to abandon them, especially in a time of economic distress.”
Among the seven bills vetoed by Governor Rell today are measures that would have provided: affordable healthcare for janitors working in state buildings; expanded health insurance coverage for people requiring certain surgeries and prosthetic devices, for wellness programs, and for children needing hearing aids; and nutrition labeling in fast food restaurants designed to help educate consumers about good eating habits.
She also vetoed legislation that would create a commission to review and consider environmental, ecological and energy issues involving Long Island Sound. Speaker Donovan said, “Regional cooperation is critical keeping the Sound vital. New York is looking for us to join them in doing so, and with the Governor’s action we’re turning our backs on cooperation.”
“These bills are good public policy,” Speaker Donovan said. “Our representatives heard from people across this state that these initiatives were important to their quality of life. Democrats in the General Assembly will continue to fight for the people of Connecticut, especially those from low and middle income families for whom these bills would have provided hope and support.”
July 1, 2009
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS CONTINUE TO FIGHT
FOR CONNECTICUT FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES
Democratic leaders today said they will continue to "fight for a fair budget that protects families and businesses already hit hard by the recession, and positions Connecticut for economic growth."
The Democratic leaders issued the statement in response to Governor M. Jodi Re!l's message accompanying her veto of the Democratic budget passed by the General Assembly last week. Budget negotiations with Democratic and Republican legislative leadership and Governor Re!l continued today at the Governor's Residence in Hartford.
Speaker Donovan and Senator Williams said, "It is unfortunate that the governor has decided to re-release her negative veto message at the same time that she's sitting at the negotiating table with us. It goes against the spirit of bipartisanship that we have all worked hard to cultivate these last several days."
The Democratic budget passed last week cuts billions of dollars in spending at virtually every level of government. It also included cost saving ideas proposed by legislative Republicans and Gov, Rell's own administration - ideas that the governor has since criticized in her veto message.
Gov. Rell's veto message also indicates she opposes asking the state's wealthiest residents to be part of the solution. The Democratic budget ensures that 95 percent of Connecticut taxpayers would see no increase in their personal income taxes. The increase in the budget only applies to joint fliers earning more than $500,000 annually.
Speaker Donovan and Senator Williams said, "We are asking citizens across our state to share the responsibility for necessary spending reductions and new revenues. We will continue to reach across the aisle and work toward an agreement, never losing sight of what we're fighting for. We will not allow Gov. Rell to simply balance the budget on the backs of low and middle income families."
July 1, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN REINSTATES REP. O’ROURKE TO LEADERSHIP POST
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) announced today that he has reinstated State Representative James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) as deputy speaker in the House Democratic Caucus, effective immediately.
On June 17, the Office of the State’s Attorney announced that no criminal misdemeanor charges would be brought against Rep. O’Rourke regarding events in Cromwell earlier this year. In May, Rep. O’Rourke was suspended from his leadership position when prosecutors began reviewing an arrest warrant application for possible charges against him.
“The matter has been fully investigated,” Speaker Donovan said. “Rep. O’Rourke has been a valuable member of the House Democratic leadership team and a strong advocate for the people of the 32nd District. I am pleased the matter has been resolved, and am confident that Jim can again devote his full attention to the additional responsibilities of deputy speaker.”
June 23, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN, SECRETARY OF THE STATE, SENATE PRESIDENT WILLIAMS URGE GOVERNOR TO SIGN LANDMARK HEALTHCARE REFORM “Bring affordable healthcare to every Connecticut family,” Speaker Says
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today said Connecticut cannot “afford to wait” on enacting accessible, affordable, quality healthcare reform, and urged Governor M. Jodi Rell to sign historic legislation delivered to her today.
Speaker Donovan joined Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), other legislators and healthcare advocates this afternoon to personally deliver the landmark Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet bills to the Governor’s office at the State Capitol.
“America is on the fast track to national healthcare reform,” Speaker Donovan said. “Connecticut must be as well.”
In a message to Governor Rell, he said, “We implore you not to allow Connecticut to fall behind in a healthcare reform movement that is right and decent and whose time is now. Sign the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet bills and bring affordable healthcare to every Connecticut family.”
“Let’s make Connecticut Obama-ready,” Speaker Donovan said in a refrain he’s used frequently in reference to the Obama Administration’s goal of enacting national healthcare reform this year.
"At this time of economic uncertainty and spiraling health care costs, the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet Plans both offer small businesses, non-profits, and others the opportunity to access affordable and quality health care,” said Secretary of the State Bysiewicz. “I commend the General Assembly for passing these landmark bills, and making Connecticut a national leader on health care. I urge the Governor to support these comprehensive initiatives, and lend a hand to the thousands of struggling entrepreneurs and others across the state without health care."
The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership legislation will allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join a self-insured state employee health plan. It would create a large pool of insured lives with increased bargaining power and lower costs, and through self-insurance would save the state an estimated $70 million upon implementation. It is estimated the state would realize ongoing savings of $10-$20 million annually from self-insuring the state plan.
The SustiNet Plan provides a framework for health care reform based on the recommendations of a voluntary board of directors and advisory committees. The board will produce recommendations on how to make the SustiNet plan available to state employees, municipal, non-profit and small employers, other employers, individuals and eventually the beneficiaries of Connecticut’s public health benefit plans (HUSKY Plan Parts A and B). The plan emphasizes evidence-based medicine, prevention, the medical home model of care, and controlling costs through system reforms such as electronic medical records.
A year ago, a Healthcare Partnership bill passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by the Governor. At the time, she indicated her willingness to reconsider the legislation this year.
In his remarks, Speaker Donovan cited a recent New York Times poll where 85% of respondents supported government-backed healthcare as a competitive option.
“Some of our boldest, most visionary initiatives have been undertaken during times of economic challenge and crisis,” Speaker Donovan said.
“Let us not use the current recession as an excuse to neglect our responsibilities to the families of Connecticut. We, and they, can’t afford to wait any longer.”
June 17, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN PUSHES HEALTHCARE REFORM
IN WASHINGTON, DC TODAY Will Meet with HHS Secretary Sebelius, Sen. Harkin
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) is in Washington, DC, today for a series of events designed to encourage national leaders to quickly adopt healthcare reform, including the choice of a public health insurance plan, strong affordability protections, and shared employer responsibility for health care costs.
Speaker Donovan will join state legislators from across the country organized by the Progressive States Network in bringing their message for healthcare reform to Capitol Hill and the White House.
Speaker Donovan championed the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill recently passed by the Connecticut General Assembly, as well as the SustiNet bill passed by the legislature this spring.
While in Washington, Speaker Donovan will participate with other state legislators in a press conference hosted by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, a press conference with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and a healthcare policy meeting with Secretary Sebilius and Nancy Ann Deparle, director of the White House Office of Health Reform.
His schedule is as follows:
1:15 p.m.
Progressive States Press Conference Hosted by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin
Russell Senate Office Building Room 385
3:00 p.m.
Press Conference with Secretary Sebelius in front of the White House
3:10 p.m.
Meeting with HHS Secretary Sebelius and Director of the White House Office
of Health Reform Nancy Ann Deparle
4:15 pm
White House Working Group Briefing
June 16, 2009
RECESSION THREATENS CONNECTICUT’S PROGRESS ON CHILD WELL-BEING Speaker Donovan Announces Task Force on Connecticut Children and the Recession
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today announced the formation of a legislative task force – the Children and the Recession Task Force – that will help plan Connecticut’s response to the increasingly desperate plight of children impacted by the economic recession.
Connecticut is the first in the nation to form a legislative task force to plan for children in the recession and during the recovery. A report issued by the Foundation for Child Development and Duke University last week predicts the recession will send between 2.6 million and 3.3 million children into poverty, costing American taxpayers $1.7 trillion. The estimated economic impact on Connecticut of thousands of children entering poverty is $800 million annually.
Speaker Donovan said the task force will be co-chaired by State Representatives Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) and Diana Urban (D-Stonington/North Stonington), and will include bipartisan membership from the state House of Representatives, state Senate, Congressional offices, economists and representatives from business, family support groups, housing advocates, human services, academia and non-profit agencies.
“There is no greater risk to Connecticut’s future than the adverse effects of this recession on our children,” Speaker Donovan said. “The evidence suggests that children will feel the impact of the economic crisis far into the future. They are our future, and we must do everything we can to protect them from the ravages of the recession. From economic security to hunger, healthcare, family and parental support, child care, education and safety, our children are at risk and it is our responsibility to care for their needs.”
Rep. Jarmoc said, “As a state, we will recover from this recession. But what is critical for us to understand is that children will not. By creating this task force, we are not waiting for the negative results to hit in four or five year but we are taking the initiative to address the problems now.”
Rep. Urban said, “We can let 35,000 children in Connecticut fall into poverty or we can move forward and work on protecting them now. I am proud that Speaker Donovan is making Connecticut a leader in this effort.”
The task force, Speaker Donovan said, will review budget implications related to children and the recession; identify trends and research resulting from the recession related to housing, employment, homelessness, child care, and unemployment; make recommendations to the Speaker on appropriate budget and policy action; and recommend efficiencies and offer ways to streamline services and access points for families.
He said the task force will report quarterly to him and legislative leadership on key findings, and also will work to identify appropriate federal stimulus opportunities to support programs for children.
The Duke University report said that virtually all the progress made in children’s economic well-being since 1975 is likely to be wiped out by the current economic downturn. Researchers said the impact is especially severe for low-income children of color. Children who fall into poverty now will feel the impact well past recovery of the economy.
Researchers Michael Linden of First Focus of Washington, DC, and Kenneth Land, the John Franklin Crowell Professor of Sociology at Duke University, presented their findings at the news conference today.
The report released last week in Washington, DC, warns that family income will decline, households run by women will see incomes fall, and single-parent households headed by men will see the steepest drop of all.
Other predictions include: The housing crisis will disrupt social relationships for children; homelessness will increase; children’s health will suffer; obesity and violent crime will rise; Black and Latino children will be affected most by these changes as their communities are most sensitive to fluctuations in the economy.
Speaker of the House Donovan appointed Reps. Urban & Jarmoc to Co-Chair the Task Force on Children
Virtually all the progress made in children’s economic well-being since 1975 is likely to be wiped out by the current economic downturn, according to researchers. The impact is especially severe for low-income children of color. Children who fall into poverty now will feel the impact well past recovery of the economy. Connecticut is the first in the nation to form a legislative task force to plan for children in the recession and during the recovery.
June 15, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN, STATE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ASK PRESIDENT OBAMA, CONGRESS TO EXPEDITE
FEDERAL HEALTHCARE REFORMS Leaders Deliver Letter with More Than 100 Democratic Signatures to Congressman Murphy (CT-5) Urging ‘Bold and Comprehensive Health Care Reform This Year’
State Democratic leaders today delivered to Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) a letter “urgently” calling on President Barack Obama and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation to “take up and pass comprehensive health care reform in 2009.”
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) was joined at a news conference by state House and Senate leaders and Democratic constitutional officers to deliver the letter which says, in part, “States cannot achieve affordable health care for all without the investment, leadership and partnership of the federal government. Successful reform requires robust federal-state collaboration.”
Speaker Donovan will join the Progressive States organization and other state legislators from across the country in delivering a similar letter to the Congress in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. He also will meet with top White House officials about Connecticut’s healthcare reform initiatives on Wednesday.
The letter continues, “Failure to pass national comprehensive health reform now will further jeopardize state and local budgets, undermining public services like education, public safety, and transportation infrastructure. We call on President Obama and the Congress to enact bold and comprehensive health care reform this year – based on these principles and a strong federal-state collaboration – and pledge our support as state legislators and allies in pursuit of high quality, affordable health care for all.”
The Connecticut General Assembly recently passed two pieces of landmark healthcare reform legislation, SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, as President Obama and the Congress consider reform legislation at the federal level. The letter to the President and Congressional leaders is signed by leadership from the state House and Senate, more than 100 members of the General Assembly, the State Attorney General, Secretary of the State, State Treasurer and State Comptroller.
Congressman Murphy said, “Health care reform needs to happen at all levels of government, so I’m pleased that under Speaker Donovan’s leadership, we have made great strides in Connecticut to prepare for a new era in healthcare policy that will lower costs and provide more choices to people. In the coming weeks, I am going to work with President Obama and my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to craft a bill that will fix our broken healthcare system.
“Right now, everyone is at the table, talking about how to provide an array of options for quality care at an affordable price, and I look forward to taking Connecticut’s success stories to Washington for that conversation.”
“We’ve got a chance to make sure Connecticut is Obama-ready,” Speaker Donovan said. “President Obama and the Congress are pushing to enact sweeping, national healthcare reform legislation as early as this summer. The time for healthcare reform in this country, and in Connecticut, is long overdue. With reform now a national priority, we can position Connecticut for a leadership role in giving our families healthcare they deserve. The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet bills will provide those families with real healthcare options, can provide economic relief to the state, our towns, small businesses and non-profits at a time of need, and will ready Connecticut for federal reforms when they are passed.”
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said, “Real reform is within reach – if we have the determination and daring to grasp it. Our state has taken a huge, historic step through SustiNet and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, making us truly ready for federal reform. Every year, my office assists hundreds of desperate consumers denied insurance coverage necessary for vital care.
“Tragically, greed now typically trumps medical need, fairness and common sense. A new public insurance program – committed to patient wellbeing, not the bottom line – is vital to improving healthcare access and quality, as well as lowering rates. Competition is key. Profit-making healthcare providers, who claim to be the most efficient, should relish rather than recoil from such competition.”
"Connecticut is proud to be a leader on comprehensive health care reform, with two landmark bills--the Connecticut Health Care Partnership and the SustiNet Plan--passed by its General Assembly; these pieces of legislation can serve as blueprints for similar federal legislation," said Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.
DEMOCRATS KEEP WORKING FOR BUDGET AGREEMENT Real Cuts, Smart Investments Needed To Protect Connecticut
Hartford – One day after the end of the 2009 regular legislative session, Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven), and House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) joined legislators and small business owners at a news conference in New Britain to discuss the status of budget negotiations and how small businesses could be affected.
“We have worked hard for months to identify savings,” said Senator Williams, “and every dollar we save is a dollar we can use to offset proposed revenue increases. While we have searched for real cuts, we are also mindful that we cannot make reckless cuts that threaten our fragile economy or undermine public health. The regular session may be over but we will continue to work toward a budget agreement – relying on real cuts and smart investments to pull Connecticut through this economic crisis.”
“Job creation is critical to our economic recovery and to Connecticut’s future,” said Speaker Donovan. “This company is a perfect example of what can be accomplished with smart investments. The return in terms of jobs and productivity has far exceeded the investment. We’ve found substantive and real cuts, but if we follow the Governor’s lead on shortsighted cuts to programs like incubator grants, we’ll put recovery efforts at a standstill.”
Democratic leaders have endorsed more than $2.4 billion in cuts for the next biennial budget, including hundreds of millions of dollars of news cuts and cost saving measures recently agreed to in budget negotiations. At the same time, Democrats oppose reckless cuts that threaten to undermine the state’s economy and cost Connecticut high quality jobs.
Gov. Rell seeks to balance the budget by cutting tens of millions of dollars in aid and support to small businesses. One of her proposals includes the elimination of the Small Business Incubator Program (SBIP), which would have funding of $1.9 million over the next two years.
The SBIP provides grant money to help defray the financial burden of maintaining and growing a start-up technology based business. Eligible businesses can receive a grant of up to $50,000. According to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), 49 start-up companies have sought these funds in the past year. In addition, this program has been responsible for the creation of 6 new incubators and dozens of new jobs. One of the businesses helped by the SBIP is PV Squared, a solar electric design and installation company in New Britain.
“The grant funds are being used to pay the tuition for courses and other fees associated with classroom and workplace training,” said William Stillinger, of PV Squared. “It is already showing a positive effect. We have hired three individuals in Connecticut; these are new full-time jobs with benefits. Our sales revenue projection for 2009 is quadrupled the 2008 level, despite a down economy throughout the state and the nation. The training our people have received (and we hope with more to come!) has put us in far more resilient professional position than would be the case if the grant had not been available.”
BACKGROUND:
Initiatives that help job creation that would be either eliminated or reduced if Gov. Rell’s proposed budget was adopted include: Jobs Funnel Project, Spanish American Merchant Association, Southeastern Connecticut Incubator, Developmental Research and Economic Assistance Grants, Jobs First Program, and Jobs First Employment Services.
The SBIP already has a track record of success: 23 Companies with 88 employees have received SBIP grants; collective sales were more than $4,000,000 last quarter ($16m annualized). Marketing assistance provided by the SBIP program recently helped one incubator business catch the attention of Northrup Grumman who has awarded them a $7.4 million dollar contract.
Incubators are locations where businesses are physically housed and given resources that all of them can access. This gives new businesses access to equipment, technology and testing facilities that they would not otherwise have access to. The University of Connecticut has incubators in Storrs, at the Health Center, and in Avery Point. Incubators also exist in East Hartford and New Britain. Incubators focus on high tech companies which offer high paying jobs and significant growth potential. Nationally – 94% of start-up companies in incubators are still in business after 5 years, whereas only 44% of start-up companies not in incubators are still in business after 5 years.
PV Squared is a design and installation company, an electrical contractor specializing in renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaics, small wind turbines, and micro-hydroelectric energy, for residential, commercial, and municipal customers. The vast majority of business is installing solar electric systems. It was founded in 2002, and currently employs 15 people.
June 2, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS DRUG COVERAGE CUTS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOVERNOR’S FAILURE TO PROTECT VULNERABLE CITIZENS Governor Cuts Essential Drug Coverage for Low-Income Elderly and Disabled People
Effective yesterday, June 1, the Governor has ordered the Department of Social Services to cut prescription drug coverage for Connecticut’s very low income elderly and disabled people across the state, cuts House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) called “shameful and unacceptable.”
The Governor unilaterally cut state-paid wraparound coverage for prescriptions not on the Medicare Part D formulary. This cut applies to 64,000 “dually-eligible” people who qualify for Medicare because they are elderly or disabled and also Medicaid because they have very low incomes. It also applies to about 40,000 people enrolled in Medicare in conjunction with ConnPACE, the state’s pharmaceutical assistance program. People who receive benefits under the Connecticut AIDS Drug Assistance Program (CADAP) are also impacted.
Speaker Donovan said, “In these tough times, the services she cuts first are those that keep our most vulnerable citizens from reaching the brink. In this case she is cutting drug coverage for people who can ill afford to fill the gap. The people she has chosen are not only elderly and disabled, but they are living below the poverty line.”
Many of those affected have very complex diagnoses requiring specialized drugs that need frequent adjustments to treat conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, AIDS, HIV, and multiple sclerosis. The cut applies to newly prescribed drugs.
According to the Department of Social Services, the change will be in effect at least through the end of the current fiscal year or until a new budget is passed. In her budget, Governor Rell proposed completely eliminating non-formulary coverage for dually eligible and ConnPACE clients.
Speaker Donovan said the Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget funds this program, but calls on the Department of Social Services to aggressively pursue appeals when insurance companies providing Medicare Part D deny coverage and the state must pick up the bill. DSS is already required to pursue appeals for Medicare Part D nonformulary denials under legislation passed in 2006.
In recent days, the Governor has also levied cuts on child care services provided to low income families under the state’s Care 4 Kids program. The program, which provides subsidies for childcare while parents are at work has narrowed its eligibility requirements so many families applying for assistance will now be put a on wait lists.
May 27, 2009
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES BILL
EXPANDING COVERAGE OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Speaker Donovan, Rep. Abercrombie Say Legislation Will Give Families
Access to ‘Life Changing’ Treatments
Hartford – The Connecticut House of Representatives today joined the state Senate in passing legislation that expands health insurance coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The bill now moves on to the desk of Governor M. Jodi Rell for consideration.
The bill (SB 301) broadens what a group health insurance policy must cover regarding autism spectrum disorders. It requires a policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral therapy for a child age 14 or younger and certain prescription drugs and psychiatric and psychological services.
“This bill will provide many Connecticut families who have children with autism spectrum disorders with access to life-changing treatments,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), who along with Senator Martin Looney (D-11th District) sponsored the legislation.
“While there is no cure for autism, early detection and treatment can greatly improve symptoms, development and outcomes,” Speaker Donovan added. “Despite its prevalence, many families do not have access to the therapies or even the diagnoses they need to obtain treatment. Even families with good health insurance are being discriminated against because they have a child with a disability. Connecticut families are mortgaging their houses and bankrupting themselves to pay for effective autism treatments or tragically foregoing these therapies.
“Over time, covering these early treatments will pay for themselves.”
Rep. Catherine F. Abercrombie (D-Meriden), a champion of the legislation, said, “It has been an honor and a privilege working with the autism community these past few years. This bill increases benefits these families are due. Many of them spend between $20,000 and $40,000 annually out of pocket for treatments. I am proud that Connecticut is moving forward when it comes to autism issues.”
May 20, 2009
LANDMARK HEALTHCARE REFORM BILLS
PASS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Speaker Donovan Says Passage Brings Dream of Quality,
Affordable Healthcare Closer to Reality for Connecticut Families
The Connecticut House of Representatives today passed landmark healthcare reform legislation – the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet bills – that will offer greater access to healthcare and allow municipalities and other eligible groups to potentially see a reduction in healthcare costs.
The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership legislation will allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join a self-insured state employee health plan. It would create a large pool of insured lives with increased bargaining power and lower costs, and through self-insurance would save the state an estimated $70 million upon implementation. It is estimated the state would realize ongoing savings of $10-$20 million annually from self-insuring the state plan.
The SustiNet Plan provides a framework for health care reform based on the recommendations of a voluntary board of directors and advisory committees. The board will produce recommendations on how to make the SustiNet plan available to state employees, municipal, non-profit and small employers, other employers, individuals and eventually the beneficiaries of Connecticut’s public health benefit plans (HUSKY Plan Parts A and B). The plan emphasizes evidence-based medicine, prevention, the medical home model of care, and controlling costs through system reforms such as electronic medical records.
“Connecticut can be a national leader in healthcare reform, and these initiatives are big steps in that direction,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), the Healthcare Partnership bill’s sponsor and champion. “With our action today, the dream of quality, affordable healthcare is closer to reality for thousands of people in Connecticut.”
The bills now move on to the Senate for consideration. A year ago, a Healthcare Partnership bill passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor M. Jodi Rell. At the time, the Governor indicated her willingness to reconsider the legislation this year, and since January Speaker Donovan has been meeting with Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele on healthcare reform.
“We’ve got a chance to make sure Connecticut is Obama-ready,” Speaker Donovan added, noting President Barack Obama’s push to enact sweeping, national healthcare reform legislation as early as this summer. “The time for healthcare reform in this country, and in Connecticut, is long overdue. With reform now a national priority, we can position Connecticut for a leadership role in giving our families healthcare they deserve. These bills will provide those families with real healthcare options, can provide economic relief to the state, our towns, small businesses and non-profits at a time of need, and will ready Connecticut for federal reforms when they are passed.”
“We need to continue the push for increased access to quality affordable healthcare for the residents of Connecticut,” Rep. Elizabeth Ritter, House Chair of the Public Health Committee, said. “The Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet are key parts of solving this healthcare puzzle.”
May 19, 2009
MERIDEN YMCA APPROVED AS WIND TURBINE TEST SITE Speaker Donovan Hails Project As Important Alternative Energy Research Advancement
The City of Meriden has been named one of two test sites for wind turbine research by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said today that Meriden and Coventry had been chosen from among 60 applications for the test project. Meriden’s project will be located at the Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Outdoor Center.
“We’re delighted that the Clean Energy Fund has selected the Meriden YMCA for this project,” Speaker Donovan said. “For too long this country has been dependent on foreign oil as an energy source, and it is imperative that we invest vigorously in the search for alternative energy sources. Meriden is proud to be chosen as a place where important research will be conducted that can improve our energy future.”
Thirty-five communities from across the state competed in an RFP process conducted by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) for the privilege of hosting test wind turbines. The test turbines will collect data for analysis that will inform alternative energy research and development initiatives.
John Benigni, executive director of the Meriden YMCA, said, “This project will be a great asset to the Meriden Y and to the Meriden community. It illustrates where and how we need to be thinking about our energy future. I am grateful to Speaker Donovan for his support, and to so many in Meriden who helped put our proposal together.”
Eddie Siebert, director of community relations for the Meriden YMCA, said, “We are all in shock, really. This is an exciting project for Meriden and for our YMCA. From the beginning, there has been great excitement about becoming involved with such cutting technology here in Meriden. The wind keeps blowing up there at the base of Besek Mountain at the YMCA Mountain Mist Outdoor Center. Let’s harness it and show our community and our children how wind can create energy.”
Siebert said the Meriden proposal offered the chance to share alternative energy as a viable source of power with nearly 10,000 visitors a year; the production of an educational DVD on the project; and a location that gives researchers an active wind laboratory for study.
According to the CCEF, “The Meriden site offers significant public exposure because it hosts upwards of five thousand 5th graders each year and because it offers an opportunity to communicate the benefits of wind energy in an age appropriate means to an even broader audience.
“The Small Wind Turbine Demonstration Program will operate and monitor four different wind turbine technologies at different locations around the state. It will allow the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) to evaluate the types of turbines, wind conditions, and installation options in order to design an optimal CCEF rebate program for residential applications.”
It is expected that the wind turbine test site in Meriden could be installed and operational by fall 2009.
May 12, 2009
HOUSE SPEAKER, SENATE PRESIDENT TO TAKE ACTION
ON COST CUTTING MEASURES SEBAC agreement, mitigation plan, legislative staff givebacks
Hartford: As part of cost saving measures for both the current fiscal year and the upcoming biennial budget, House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) are proposing the following measures:
The Senate and the House will vote on ratifying the recently negotiated SEBAC agreement this week, with action in the House perhaps as early as tomorrow. Concessions total approximately $700 million over the next two-plus years, including approximately $80 million in the current fiscal year.
The Senate and the House are working on details of a fifth deficit mitigation plan to address the current fiscal year deficit. Legislative action is expected early next week.
Legislative leaders are directing legislative employees to participate in a program of givebacks including a wage freeze for FY10, benefits concessions, and furlough days that will save approximately $5 million.
Senator Williams said, “The current fiscal crisis requires sacrifice at every level of government. These cost cutting measures will cost state employees and their families thousands of dollars but they are necessary as we continue to search for savings. In addition, we’re working on details of a 5th budget mitigation plan which will address the current fiscal year deficit. The bottom line is that even with this action, we have much more to do to solve the budget crisis. It is important that we work together to address the deficits in the current fiscal year and the biennial budget.”
Speaker Donovan said, “Our economic challenges demand that we move forward with difficult decisions. I’ve said all along that everyone will have to share in the responsibility for closing our deficits. State employees have made that commitment; we expect no less from our legislative employees. We will be dealing with the current year shortfall with new mitigation measures that I hope the Governor will work with us to accomplish. We have a great deal to do. This moves us forward in important ways.”
May 8, 2009
HOUSE SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS LABOR AGREEMENT PROTECTS PUBLIC SERVICES AND HELPS ADDRESS STATE BUDGET CRISIS
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today praised the state’s public service workers for voting overwhelmingly to support an agreement with the state that “makes a valuable contribution to reducing the state’s budget deficit while protecting services the public sorely needs and expects in these troubled times.”
Speaker Donovan said, “If you look to the past when our state has faced daunting economic challenges, our state employees have always recognized their obligation to make significant sacrifices and contributions. They’ve done so again today, in a voice that is loud and clear. We can be comforted with the knowledge that public services so many in our state rely upon will continue to be provided uninterrupted. Once again, our state employees have done the right thing.”
April 29, 2009
CT HOUSE APPROVES RETAIL COMPETITION BILL
TO REDUCE AND STABILIZE ELECTRIC RATES Legislation targets rates for residential, small business, and large industrial customers
The Connecticut House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Speaker Donovan and Energy Committee co-chair Rep. Nardello (HB 6636) that will change the rules of the retail competitive market for electricity, providing needed rate relief and stability for residential, small business and industrial customers.
The amendment was approved on a 103-39 vote and will next go to the Senate.
This legislation will lower costs to residential and small business customers with utility standard service by ending the state’s reliance on the retail energy market, instead using a stable customer base and elimination of risk to procure less costly power contracts. The current practice of “retail choice” for low-usage customers causes the plant owners and brokers who supply power to offer higher prices to deal with a constantly changing customer base.
Large industrial customers will be offered the choice of another utility option that allows utilities to contract directly with power plants for multiyear periods, cutting out the expense of the “middleman.” Competitive suppliers will need to beat those new lower prices.
Customers that have chosen to contract with a retail supplier can continue to do so under this legislation. Ninety two percent of customers will continue to receive their electric service from the public utilities.
At a press conference earlier in the day, Donovan said, “This is a win for small customers who will now get lower electric rates and a win for large customers who will now have additional options open to them. In this current economic climate, the cost of electricity could make a difference in whether a business is able to survive.”
“The passage of this legislation will bring real energy competition to customers in our state. As we have learned in the past, just because you call it competition doesn’t mean it’s actually competition,” said Nardello. “The outcome of creating a stable customer base, allowing planning, and eliminating risk will be a reduction in rates.”
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said, “We must combine ratepayers’ purchasing power in a single powerful pool. This measure offers a giant step toward rate relief, stability and sanity in our electric system. It unites residential consumers and businesses in a common purpose and low cost pool.”
He continued, “The end has come for our current retail competition farce – a costly, baffling bust. Consumers deserve low cost options, instead of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States.”
“We anticipate that a combination of factors and actions that the General Assembly has taken, including preserving our investments in energy efficiency, will result in lower utility rates by 2010 or 2011,” remarked House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D- Mansfield). “This bill gives the utility companies another tool to use in our efforts to reduce energy costs for consumers.”
Consumer Counsel Mary Healey, the state’s advocate for utility ratepayers, said, “I strongly support this effort to stabilize and reduce electricity bills. I have long believed that we need to provide more stable pricing options for manufacturers and other large commercial and industrial users. This bill will allow the utilities to craft more attractive, stable, and lower-priced offerings for these customers, which should in turn help the economy.”
She continued, “I also support the provision of utility standard service to all or substantially all of the residential and small business customers to reduce their power bills and to provide a stable load for planning and procurement. Retail choice has not delivered on its promises for low-usage customers and this bill would bring about a positive change.”
Jeffrey Gaudiosi, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut (MAC), an organization that represents the state’s manufacturing community, also spoke in support of the legislation.
“MAC has worked hard to obtain the best market pricing for Connecticut’s manufacturers,” he said. “While we have been successful, we understand that small business and residential customers have not seen the same benefit. This bill would allow manufacturers to continue with their favorable contracts while helping ease the cost for low-demand users.”
State officials and advocates who joined Donovan and Nardello at the press conference this morning in support of the legislation included Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Consumer Counsel Mary J. Healey and representatives from the Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers (United Technologies Corp, Sikorsky, Pratt and Whitney, Price Choppers, Hamilton Sunstrand, Olin Brass, Praxair, and Ahlstom), the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, AARP, Connecticut Citizens Action Group, Connecticut Legal Services, and SEIU Local 32 BJ.
April 28, 2009
HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO TAKE UP BILLS ON WATER CONTAMINATION, EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE
AT APRIL 29 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Only days after the discovery of micro-organisms in Hartford-area drinking water, the House of Representatives Wednesday will consider a bill (SB 1021) that will require the public health commissioner to notify the chief elected official of municipalities when test results show a public drinking water supply contains contaminants that exceed EPA standards.
“Given the breach in the water-filtration plant in Bloomfield last week, this is a particularly timely and important piece of public safety legislation,” House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said. “The boil-your-drinking-water order was more than inconvenient. We take clean drinking water for granted. This was a reminder of potential dangers in our drinking water supply, and this bill further protects all of us from unanticipated developments.”
The bill is one of several public health- related initiatives expected to be considered by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
A second bill likely to be considered is HB 5893, which protects Connecticut residents treated by out-of-state, volunteer health care practitioners during a declared emergency. This bill determines that these voluntary, out-of –state health care practitioners meet licensing, registration and other criteria set by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security when providing services in Connecticut.
April 23, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN: SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL PROTECTS CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS RIGHTS;
HELPS END DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE IN CT LAWS Applauds Governor for Signing Landmark Legislation
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today called the same sex marriage legislation passed by the General Assembly on Wednesday notable for the civil rights protections it offers Connecticut couples and families and for the protections it offers for religious freedom.
He also said an important component of the legislation is that it helps to end discriminatory language in a number of Connecticut laws.
Speaker Donovan thanked Governor M. Jodi Rell for signing the bill into law today, following legislative action yesterday that codified the Connecticut Supreme Court decision to guarantee equal protection under the Constitution of the State of Connecticut for same sex couples.
“This bill, signed into law today, protects the separation of church and state, protects the civil liberties of same sex couples, protects the rights of religious organizations, and respects the religious beliefs of all Connecticut citizens,” Speaker Donovan said.
“I think the General Assembly, and now the Governor, passed strong, sensible and important legislation in a difficult atmosphere where emotions and tensions have run high. I am proud of the elevated level of discourse we heard last evening, and believe we have proven once again that Connecticut is a leader on the critical issues of the day.”
April 20, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS PUBLIC OPTION OF HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP IS ANSWER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Calls Chamber of Commerce Proposal High Cost, Low Benefit, and Mandatory
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan today said a Chamber of Commerce healthcare proposal is “a higher cost, lower benefit, mandatory program that is in sharp contrast to the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill” he is championing for municipalities, small businesses and non-profits.
He responded to statements by representatives of the State’s Chambers of Commerce and their benefits arm regarding HB 6582, the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill, which would open the state employee health plan to small businesses, non-profits and municipalities.
“Connecticut’s economy is driven by small businesses, and yet they are struggling under the weight of the ever-increasing cost of providing healthcare to their workers. They simply cannot access quality benefits in an affordable way on the private insurance market,” Speaker Donovan said.
Citing a 2007 Health Insurance Policy Council report, Speaker Donovan said that over 50% of Connecticut’s uninsured workers and their dependents are in firms with less than 50 employees.
“Most small businesses want to provide their employees with high quality healthcare. The Healthcare Partnership bill provides businesses with a new choice—the same choice that state employees, legislators and even the Governor enjoy,” he said. “This will allow businesses to stretch their dollars further, attract talented people, and grow their organizations.”
While representatives of the Chambers of Commerce stated that joining the state plan would limit their choices, without producing a savings, the state’s coverage currently includes a total of 12 plans provided by three separate insurance companies. Annual premiums for comprehensive employee coverage under the state’s plan start at under $4,700 per year.
Linda St. Peter, president of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, said that her members have struggled with health insurance issues ranging from cost to pre-existing conditions for years. “It is imperative that a solution be found now. Opening the state plan to small businesses will help people like my members access affordable coverage, control our costs and reinvest those savings to help our businesses grow.”
Dan Russo, an attorney from Middletown who pays over $36,000 a year in premiums to cover himself and his wife said he would see a savings if small businesses were allowed join the state plan. “Under the healthcare partnership bill, my annually premiums could be cut by at least half and possibly by two thirds of what I’m currently paying for my wife and myself for comparable benefits,” he said.
Russo has previously explored purchasing coverage through his local chamber of commerce, but found its offerings to be unaffordable.
“It used to be that you could join a group like the chamber of commerce and get coverage that’s more affordable. That’s no longer the case. It’s still a means of obtaining coverage, but for a small business you’re obtaining it for your small group, not benefiting from a larger group, as you would under the partnership bill,” he said. “I think that any small business would be better off under the state plan than on their own.”
Kevin Galvin is the owner of Connecticut Commercial Maintenance and chair of the advisory committee of the 19,000 member Small Business for healthcare Reform organization. “The need for healthcare legislation framed around the Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet proposals to pass this session is critical for the state’s economy and the individual economies of all the small businesses in the state,” he said. Galvin’s organization, whose board includes representatives from some of the state’s chambers of commerce, provides small businesses with an independent voice on healthcare reform.
One of the options Connecticut’s Chambers propose is the creation of an affordable insurance pool, where participants pay their way. This idea is very similar to that contained in HB 6582, which would pool together small businesses, non-profits and municipalities with the over 200,000 lives currently on the State plan. Each employer would pay its share, and benefit from the bargaining power and reduced administrative costs secured by the larger group.
“I am pleased to hear that the Chambers of Commerce are coming forward with thoughtful suggestions for long-term reform. Included in this menu of options are some excellent goals, which I look forward to discussing in further detail,” Speaker Donovan said. “However, some of these options would require substantial funds at a time when the state is facing a historic deficit.”
The legislature’s Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates that the Healthcare Partnership bill would produce an up-front savings of $70 million upon implementation and the state would see ongoing savings from self-insuring the state plan.
April 17, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN MOVES TO EXPEDITE
PURSUIT
OF HIGH SPEED RAIL FUNDS Will Convene Working Group to Plan Application for Funds;
Calls on Governor to Allocate Money for Planning and Design
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), a vigorous champion of improved commuter rail service along the I-91 corridor between New Haven and Springfield, today said Connecticut “has a rare opportunity to make this long-anticipated project a reality” thanks to the announcement yesterday of a $13 billion stimulus package by President Barack Obama.
He called on Governor M. Jodi Rell to schedule the next Bond Commission meeting for next month and allocate $30 million for planning and design work, and said he will convene a high-level working group to plan “the best and most thorough application” for a share of the stimulus funds. He said the working group would also investigate how the environmental review of the project, now scheduled for completion early in 2010, could be expedited.
Public Act 06-136 authorized the Governor to bond out up to $1 billion for various transportation projects, including the Springfield-New Haven line. As of now, there is more than $800 million unallocated.
“Senator Dodd, along with members of the state Congressional delegation, has done a tremendous job in Washington fighting for this project for Connecticut,” Speaker Donovan said. “Now we at the state level must do our part to secure these funds for a project that will give Connecticut a tremendous economic boost.”
“It is absurd that one of the major transportation corridors in the Northeast is without high speed commuter rail,” he added. “We simply have to make the most of the opportunity now before us.”
Speaker Donovan said he will ask the Governor to direct commissioners of the Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection to join the working group. He said Amtrak officials will be asked to participate, as will other stakeholders.
He said the working group also would coordinate with officials in Massachusetts to make application for the federal dollars. Connecticut and Massachusetts will compete with nine other regions across the country for a share of the $8 billion designated for high speed rail initiatives.
April 8, 2009
LEGISLATORS CALL FOR EXPANDED
AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE Celebrate Autism Awareness Day at State Capitol
Legislative Democrats today urged passage of legislation that would expand insurance coverage for individuals and families living with autism and autism spectrum disorders.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Representative Catherine Abercrombie (D-Meriden) made their comments at a Capitol press conference following a breakfast celebrating Autism Awareness Day.
They were joined by Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele, Lois Rosenwald of the Connecticut Autism Spectrum Research Center, Shannon Knall of Autism Speaks, and Sara Reed of The Connecticut Autism Society.
“The legislation we are supporting will improve the lives of so many people living with autism in our state,” said Speaker Donovan. “People with autism are living more full and independent lives, but too many Connecticut families struggle with payments for these services. We need to make sure their insurance covers them – for diagnoses, therapies, and treatments that are necessary to their success.”
Speaker Donovan added that the Democratic budget announced last week includes the preservation of funds to support families living with autism.
Bills currently before the legislature would broaden what a group health insurance policy would cover regarding autism spectrum disorders. One would require policies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including certain prescription drugs. The other would require policies to include coverage for behavioral therapy for a child age 12 or younger and certain prescription drugs and psychiatric and psychological services.
“It has been an honor and a privilege working with the autism community and families to promote the need for greater services in Connecticut,” said Rep. Abercrombie. “We have already been so successful by creating a new division in the Department of Developmental Services, creating and then expanding a pilot program to provide services to adults with autism, setting procedures to ensure our teachers are being properly trained on how to teach children with autism, and securing health insurance coverage for much needed treatments. However, our work is not done and we need to continue advancing the cause this year.”
Rosenwald, of The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center, said, “Our Autism spectrum disorders adults have thrived with the services the new state pilot program provides. A recently released outcome study showed substantial improvements in the quality of their lives. We thank the legislature for having the foresight to create and continue funding this program.”
Last year, Connecticut’s legislature passed an autism insurance mandate for partial coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, to the extent those treatments are covered for other illnesses. That law went into effect in January.
In the last two years, at least seven states have enacted powerful insurance mandates, ensuring comprehensive insurance for autism, including for Applied Behavior Analysis.
April 6, 2009
HOUSE SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS SEBAC ‘FRAMEWORK’
WILL HAVE POWERFUL IMPACT ON BUDGET CRISIS AND OFFER PROTECTION OF PUBLIC SERVICES Commends Negotiators for Recognizing Urgency in Talks
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) welcomed the announcement by state employee union leaders and Governor M. Jodi Rell today of a framework for an agreement as “hopeful news that will have an immediate and powerful impact on Connecticut’s ability to manage the current budget crisis and that will offer the public protection for the services they expect.”
Speaker Donovan said, “I have always maintained that state employees are willing to make a meaningful contribution to the state’s financial challenges, as they have done consistently in the past. The proposed labor cost savings are a clear signal that our state employees are willing to share in the responsibility of helping Connecticut navigate through these troubled times, as all of us must.”
“This is a significant step forward in making sure the important work these front line employees do in terms of providing public services will be protected,” Speaker Donovan added. “I know I speak for House Democrats in the General Assembly, as well as for many people across the state, in thanking the union leadership for their diligence and sacrifice in coming to agreement on this framework,” Speaker Donovan added.
“I also commend Governor Rell and her negotiating team for recognizing the urgency of completing these negotiations.”
Speaker Donovan cautioned that the deal is not yet completed, and called on both sides to continue with the hard but necessary steps to reach final agreement within the next week.
April 3, 2009
REALITY CHECK:
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SAY BUDGET
PROVIDES LEADERSHIP FOR CONNECTICUT
Legislative Democratic leaders today argued that the comprehensive budget passed by Finance and Appropriations Committees yesterday provides real leadership by truthfully addressing Connecticut’s budget problems. It is, they argued, a fair, honest and responsible response to the worst budget crisis Connecticut has seen in decades.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, Senate President Donald Williams, House Majority Leader Denise Merrill and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney called on Governor M. Jodi Rell to acknowledge the actual budget deficit of $8.7 billion over the next two years, and to do what is constitutionally required of her and submit a balanced budget for consideration or join Democrats in discussions about their budget.
The Governor presented a budget on February 4 that is $2.7 billion short of the projected deficit estimated by the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis. She has refused to revise her proposal despite repeated requests by legislative leaders. By failing to do so, and by insisting that taxes not be part of the budget solution, the Governor is misleading the people of Connecticut about the tough choices that need to be made to balance the budget.
Yesterday, Speaker Donovan and Senator Williams wrote to Governor Rell requesting an immediate start to budget negotiations.
Issues raised by the Democratic leaders during a press conference on Friday included:
Leadership
Democrats have presented the first budget for the people of Connecticut that addresses the true magnitude of the deficit. We solve the deficit.
It is balanced, fair, responsible.
Governor Rell has failed to meet her obligations to the people of the State of Connecticut by presenting a budget that is $2.7 billion short of independent projections and more than $1 billion short of even her own budget analyst’s projections.
In doing so, she has avoided the tough choices.
Tough Choices
Democrats cut a billion dollars from the budget, more than the Governor.
Democratic reductions are strategic and fair, as opposed to the Governor’s that overwhelmingly target seniors, the disabled, and working families.
Democrats make real reductions that trim the fat of state government, reduce bureaucracy, eliminate waste and increase transparency in government.
Reduce managerial positions at agencies by 400
Eliminate 468 vacant positions in government
Cut 66 managerial positions in DCF
Eliminate 146 positions in the Judicial Branch
The Democratic budget relies on the strongest in our state for revenue increases. The Governor won’t ask those who can to pay more.
Democrats do not want to raise taxes, we have to. The alternative, to close a real budget deficit, is to lay people off, cut education, reduce healthcare for vulnerable citizens.
The Governor has made choices to close a $6 billion deficit. She refuses to make the tough choices to address an additional $2.7 billion shortfall.
Borrowing
Borrowing is a necessary tool that we must use to pull our state out of the deficit. It has been a part of past recession solutions in Connecticut.
Though she criticizes Democrats for including borrowing in our plan, she proposed significant borrowing through securitization proposals in her own plan.
Income Tax Increases
Our proposal moves our state forward with the support of those who are the strongest and most able to contribute.
The average household income in Connecticut is $65,000 a year.
The burden of new taxes falls mostly on Connecticut’s wealthiest wage earners, those than earn more than $250,000 a year.
Governor Rell refuses to consider asking those who can to pay more, insisting instead on cutting support and services for those who need them the most.
Responsible Action
Democrats restore funds for Connecticut – healthcare, energy, education. These will stimulate our economy, ensure continued competitiveness, protect our most vulnerable, clean our environment, protect jobs, advance healthcare for everyone, and position Connecticut for growth.
Governor Rell’s cuts hurt educational opportunities for our youth, make healthcare less accessible and affordable for many, will cost jobs, and will slow our recovery.
Many of the Governor’s cuts put millions of dollars in federal stimulus funding for Connecticut in jeopardy.
The Democratic budget saves the state $80 million from self-insuring its healthcare plan and moving to a statewide pool for municipalities, small businesses and non-profits, and $20 million annually thereafter.
The Democratic budget promotes smart government by encouraging healthcare pooling, regionalism, and government reorganization.
March 24, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN FORMALLY KICKS OFF DEMOCRATS’ STATEWIDE CONVERSATION ON BUDGET IN MERIDEN TONIGHT, MARCH 24 Legislators Want to Hear Concerns, Priorities
of Connecticut Families as Budget Decisions Near
Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan(D-Meriden) formally kicks off a statewide conversation on the state budget by Democratic legislators tonight with an event in his hometown of Meriden.
Over the next several weeks, Democratic lawmakers will hold similar conversations on the budget at some 20 locations across the state. The purpose of the forums, according to Speaker Donovan, “is to hear the voices of our communities on their priorities as we begin to make the extraordinarily difficult budget choices for the next two years.”
“With Connecticut facing a biennial budget deficit of $8.8 billion, our task is monumental and the choices we make will shape the course of our state for years to come,” Speaker Donovan said. “Because we have never faced a budget challenge of this magnitude, we are going to have to bring a comprehensive approach to balancing the budget, looking at painful cuts as well as government restructuring and efficiencies, revenue opportunities, savings, possible borrowing, and continuing investments in our citizens and our future. We believe it is only right that the citizens of our state have an opportunity to tell us how they think we should approach these decisions.”
Speaker Donovan added, “The Governor has put her budget before the people of Connecticut. It is both unbalanced and unfair. If she were realistic about the size of the actual deficit, she would have to admit that balancing the budget with cuts alone is impossible. We want families in Connecticut to understand that, and we want to know what their priorities are as we make hard but realistic decisions.”
At the forums, legislators will discuss the current status of budget negotiations and what the budget impact might be on families and municipalities across the state. At many of the events, legislators from the local districts will be joined by Democratic leaders including Speaker Donovan, Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield), and Appropriations Chairs John Geragosian (D-New Britain) and Sen. Toni Harp (D-New Haven). Following legislative presentations, audience members will have an opportunity to make comments and ask questions about the budget process and their own priorities.
Already, Democratic budget forums have been held in Norwalk, Danbury, Waterbury and Bridgeport. Future events are scheduled for New Britain, Bristol, New Haven, Manchester, Guilford, Branford, Danielson, Durham, Groton, and New London with others still in the planning stage.
Tonight’s event in Meriden begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street.
In addition to the budget forums, Democratic legislators are participating in a series of healthcare discussions sponsored by the Secretary of the State. Healthcare forums are taking place in West Hartford, Norwalk, Fairfield, North Haven, Ansonia, Montville and Danbury.
March 20, 2009
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS MEET WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA
AT WHITE HOUSE THIS AFTERNOON Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr.
and Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield)
join legislative leaders from across the U.S. to discuss stimulus dollars
Hartford – Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan,Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), and House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) are among a group of legislative leaders from across the United States that met with President Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today in Washington, D.C. to discuss how states can maximize federal stimulus funding.
Senator Williams, Speaker Donovan, and Majority Leader Merrill spoke with President Obama about three issues that affect Connecticut: investment in alternative energy and ‘green’ jobs; support of health care and electronic medical records; and funding for transportation projects.
“It is imperative that as federal dollars are distributed to help grow jobs and improve transportation infrastructure, Connecticut is at the front of the line,” said Senator Williams. “There is no substitute for speaking face-to-face with the President of the United States when it comes to advocating for Connecticut families.”
"This is a tremendous opportunity to bring the concerns of Meriden and the entire state of Connecticut directly to the President and cabinet secretaries," said Representative Donovan. "We're able to talk in a very personal way about our shared need to create jobs, improve our commuter rail services, and stimulate growth in important industries in Connecticut."
"In terms of the stimulus, what we are hearing is that jobs are the highest priority, as are improvements to our rail systems," said Representative Merrill. "We are delighted to have the chance to exchange ideas directly with President Obama and members of his administration about the critical economic recovery dollars scheduled to come to Connecticut, and to clarify the direction we should be taking to access those funds."
Senator Williams and legislative leaders heard directly from the Obama Administration about how federal dollars will be distributed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Approximately $8 billion is available nationwide for state capital transportation grants and high speed rail corridors. This funding can be used for capital projects to improve intercity passenger rail and for projects to develop high speed rail corridors In addition, there is $1.5 billion in discretionary transportation funding and $1.3 billion for Amtrak.
Connecticut’s Democratic legislative leaders want the $8 billion that has been set aside for rail to include more than just high speed rail. Federal funding should be used to expand capacity on Metro North, expand service on Shoreline East and help with the establishment of service on the New Haven Springfield Line. In addition, legislative leaders advocate that the $1.3 billion set aside for Amtrak include rail work on the New Haven Springfield line as part of the improvements to the Northeast Corridor.
March 13, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN: GOVERNOR RELL IS WRONG
ABOUT OFF-BUDGET ACCOUNTS Disappointed with Governor’s Unwillingness to Work with Legislature
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D- Meriden) said he is disappointed with the Governor’s unwillingness to cooperate and work with the legislature to solve the fiscal crisis.
Speaker Donovan said Governor M. Jodi Rell’s contention that “far less” than $220 million is available in off budget accounts is “flat out wrong.”
“The Governor was unaware of these hidden accounts from the start,” Speaker Donovan said. “We did the hard work to find these savings, and the status of many of them is still being concealed by the administration. The officials assigned by the Governor to ‘help’ the Appropriations Committee review the off-budget accounts have not worked with the Appropriations Committee chairs. Instead they have come to their own conclusions about these funds. We are pleased to see that they have found tens of millions of dollars in savings, and we are confident we will be able to find significantly more.”
Speaker Donovan added, “Statements of this kind are counterproductive to the kind of bipartisan solutions we need to help the people of Connecticut through this economic crisis. We hope the governor will take her lead from the House Republicans who worked with us to achieve a unanimous, bipartisan budget mitigation bill just two weeks ago.
“We have no intention of wiping out stem cell research funding or the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Trust account. It is interesting that the Governor makes a significant cut in the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Trust account in her biennial budget, and that she proposed cutting that account in her December mitigation proposal.
“In terms of cuts, Democrats initiated a $20 million cut in excess Connecticut Development funds that the Governor rejected in the February deficit mitigation legislation, and she turned down another $10 million of her own party’s recommended cuts in deputy commissioners and wardens.”
March 12, 2009
SPEAKER DONOVAN, HOUSE DEMOCRATS
URGE INVESTMENT IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Green Jobs, Consumer Savings, Energy Efficiencies at Stake
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today encouraged continued investment in energy efficiency and clean energy as a way of maintaining and creating green jobs, spurring Connecticut’s progress in energy efficient industries, and providing for electric system savings for consumers.
Speaker Donovan made his remarks at an afternoon press conference in the Legislative Office Building, where he was joined by Representatives Vickie Nardello (D-Bethany, Cheshire, Prospect) and Terry Backer (D-Stratford), Consumer Counsel Mary Healey, and contactors from The Northeast Energy Efficiency Coalition-Connecticut Chapter.
“These funds are important to maintaining important energy and environmental programs, creating green jobs, and saving costs for consumers,” Speaker Donovan said. He added that eliminating funding could jeopardize federal stimulus money that the federal government has targeted for existing energy efficient programs.
“Democrats, joined by House Republicans, wisely restored energy efficient program funding that Governor Rell wanted to eliminate in the last deficit mitigation bill,” Speaker Donovan added. “We need to put those funds to work for us right now,” he said. Currently, the $6 million restored to the current year budget are not being spent due to uncertainty about their availability through the balance of the year. An additional $9 million targeted for the Energy Efficiency Fund and Clean Energy Fund have yet to be released by the Office of Policy and Management.
Speaker Donovan said some 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs are affected by the Energy Efficiency Fund.
“In this economic climate, we need to be doing everything we can to stimulate activity,” Speaker Donovan said,. “Let’s get these funds working for us in industries where Connecticut is a leader and where future growth opportunities exist.”
The legislators noted that the Energy Efficiency Funds and Clean Energy Funds are funded by electric customers and used to help consumers reduce energy bills and meet critical energy needs.
These programs, they said, save consumers $4 in electric system benefits for every $1 invested and are important to holding down electricity costs to homes, businesses and municipalities.
March 10, 2009
HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP LEGISLATION
PASSES INSURANCE COMMITTEE SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS BILL WILL HELP TOWNS, SMALL BUSINESSES, NON-PROFITS; LAMENTS LACK OF REPUBLICAN SUPPORT
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) applauded the Insurance and Real Estate Committee’s passage of legislation establishing the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 6582).
The legislation would allow municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health plan, creating a large pool of insured lives with increased bargaining power and lower costs.
“The healthcare partnership proposal would save state dollars and provide the economic relief our towns, small businesses and non-profit providers have been asking for.” Speaker Donovan said. “Despite being the economic foundation of Connecticut’s economy, small businesses in particular are struggling to provide affordable healthcare to their employees. This bill will help them stretch their dollars further and succeed in the face of financial challenges.”
The bill passed the committee on a party line vote of 14-5.
“At a time when community providers are struggling to provide essential services, the Healthcare Partnership proposal could help address growing costs and improve our ability to provide core services to Connecticut’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Alyssa Goduti, vice president for Public Policy at the Connecticut Community Providers Association.
Speaker Donovan added, “I am disappointed to see the Republicans again this year working to deny the taxpayers of this state access to the high quality health insurance that they enjoy as legislators.”
Doubly disappointing, Speaker Donovan said, is the fact that the Republicans voted against the advice of their own expert. Governor M. Jodi Rell invited David Osborne, expert in budgeting and improving government performance, to speak with legislators several weeks ago. Osborne advocated for the creation of a statewide healthcare purchasing pool as a mechanism for containing costs and stimulating competition for better benefits at lower prices.
Speaker Donovan thanked Senator Joseph Crisco and Representative Steve Fontana, Insurance and Real Estate Committee co-chairs, for their leadership on the legislation.
Speaker Donovan championed a similar bill a year ago, where it passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Rell. At the time, the Governor indicated her willingness to have further discussions on the legislation. Since mid-January, the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele have been meeting regularly to discuss health care initiatives, including the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership.
March 9, 2009
HOUSE DEMOCRATS SAY GOVERNOR'S BUDGET BASED
ONLY ON CUTS WILL DEVASTATE CONNECTICUT Reject options as unfair to poor and middle class;
Call for new direction and immediate,
bipartisan approach to solutions
House Democrats today released a list of cuts totaling $2.8 billion from the co-chairs of the Appropriations Committee that would be necessary to close the state budget gap without raising taxes or extensive borrowing.
According to the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), the budget deficit for the biennial is more than $8.7 billion, at least $2.7 billion more than the budget gap that Gov. Rell’s proposed budget addresses. The cuts, which are not being endorsed by majority Democrats, would close the gap between the budget deficit estimates relied upon by the Governor and those certified by OFA.
In a letter to Appropriations Committee chairs Sen. Toni Harp (D-New Haven) and Rep. John Geragosian (D-New Britain), House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and Senate President Donald E. Williams (D-Brooklyn) said, “Your work gives families, lawmakers and advocates a more accurate picture of what the Governor’s budget would have looked like had she balanced the budget in keeping with her Constitutional requirement to do so. This gives us a more realistic understanding for pursuing solutions that will not cripple the state or inflict even more devastating pain on Connecticut families.
“After review, we agree that this is the wrong way to move forward. Cuts of this magnitude, hurting primarily the poor and the middle class, conflict with fundamental values of fairness. It is clear that addressing an actual budget deficit of $8.8 billion will require a more comprehensive framework than Governor Rell’s approach, with everything on the table as we have consistently said. This includes not only spending cuts, but bringing maximum efficiency to all state programs and agencies, and reducing unfairness and loopholes in our revenue structure – as Governor Rell started to do in her budget through the elimination of certain tax expenditures.”
The Democratic leaders called for immediate, bipartisan discussion with the Republican leadership and the Governor.
“The work you have done is not merely an “exercise” as some have suggested. If we were to follow the governor’s approach, cuts of this magnitude would absolutely be necessary to balance the budget. Legislators and the people of Connecticut need to know this basic truth. We continue to believe, however, that we must work together to find a fairer way to meet the demands of this economic crisis. We will ask to meet immediately with the Republican leadership and the Governor to begin bipartisan discussions now on how to best achieve a balanced budget. These unprecedented times will require sacrifice – but that burden must be shared in the fairest possible way for Connecticut families and businesses.”
In their letter to Democratic leaders, Sen. Harp and Rep. Geragosian wrote, “It is important to note that these proposed cuts are not cuts that we endorse; rather they are cuts that should give you a more accurate picture of what the Governor’s budget would have looked like, had she balanced the budget in keeping with her Constitutional requirement to do so. In other words, these are the magnitude of cuts that would be necessary to close the gap between the deficit estimates relied upon by the Governor and those certified by the Office of Fiscal Analysis.
“These cuts are in additionto the cuts already found in the Governor’s biennial budget, and do not supplant those that she has already proposed. Although we disagree with many of those cuts, the items in our three proposed scenarios do not supplant cuts the Governor has already proposed to K-12 and higher education, all legislative commissions, watchdog agencies, and healthcare for low-income children, families, seniors, and others.
“In every scenario, unreasonable – and in some cases unconscionable – cuts must be made to services that support our cities and towns, hospitals and colleges, children and seniors. Cuts of this magnitude surely will slow our recovery, and may undermine Connecticut's economic future.”
SPEAKER DONOVAN SAYS TIME IS RIGHT
FOR HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP Questions Assertions of OPM Secretary Genuario: They Don’t Make Sense
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) told a legislative committee that passage of the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership this year is “an important step toward our goals of saving state dollars, providing relief to municipalities and the small businesses and non-profits we rely on, and expanding access to high quality affordable healthcare options.”
Donovan made his remarks at a public hearing of the Insurance and Real Estate, Human Services and Public Health Committees of the General Assembly at the Legislative Office Building today.
Speaker Donovan championed a similar bill a year ago, where it passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor M. Jodi Rell. At the time, the Governor indicated her willingness to have further discussions on the legislation. Since mid-January, the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele have been meeting regularly to discuss health care initiatives, including the Connecticut Health Care Partnership.
Responding to criticisms of the bill expressed today by Office of Policy and Management Secretary Robert L. Genuario, Speaker Donovan said, “The Secretary’s assumptions just don’t make sense. The Governor’s own choice to give us advice on restructuring government, David Osborne, makes a strong case for the benefits of healthcare purchasing pools. The non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis and the State Comptroller’s Office both have expressed the opinion that a self-insured healthcare pooling plan could save the state tens of millions of dollars in the next few years.”
Beyond those savings, Speaker Donovan said, are savings that could be realized by municipalities that are hurting from the economic downturn. “Given the changes our state has experienced in the past year, the time is even more right for municipalities to be given the chance to participate in this kind of plan,” he said.
As far as Secretary Genuario’s contention that Connecticut’s small businesses are largely able to meet the needs of their employees’ health care needs, Speaker Donovan said, “That’s not what I’m hearing from small business owners. In fact, what I’m hearing is quite the opposite – that an inability to provide affordable, quality health care is the single biggest obstacle to attracting talented people, keeping people employed and growing their businesses.”
February 27, 2009
SENATE PRESIDENT WILLIAMS, SPEAKER DONOVAN APPLAUD HEALTHFIRST CT’s WORK TO INCREASE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) – on the heels of President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress where he labeled health care as one of the nation’s top priorities – applauded the members of the HealthFirst Connecticut Authority (HealthFirst) for their hard work in producing a menu of options to improve Connecticut residents’ access to quality health care.
HealthFirst was charged by the General Assembly in 2007 to study and make recommendations of ways to guarantee access to health care for Connecticut residents. HealthFirst approved their final report this week (www.healthfirstct.org).
“Connecticut residents must have access to quality, affordable health care,” Speaker Donovan said. “During this financial crisis, the state is desperately seeking ways to save money while protecting key services. Health care pooling can save millions of dollars and provide better health care coverage. From pooling to maximizing federal funds, the HealthFirst Authority covered all the bases and gave the legislature a lot the chew on as we work on health care policy this year.”
"What we used to debate has now been accepted as fact: there is a health care crisis in Connecticut, with more than 300,000 people uninsured. That is an unacceptable situation for the wealthiest state in the wealthiest country in the word," Sen. Williams said. "The health care experts and stakeholders who make up HealthFirst have provided us with a well-researched and cutting-edge list of options for the legislature to consider this session. As we continue to address Connecticut's worsening financial situation, we will simultaneously work to find cost-effective and workable solutions to the health care needs of Connecticut residents."
Both thanked HealthFirst for its efforts to encourage a public dialogue on the many options to improving access to health care, noting that all affected parties – insurers, hospitals, providers, businesses – were at the table and that the document reflects compromises from every group.
Some of the options explored by HealthFirst’s report include:
Maximizing federal reimbursements
Pooling
Electronic health records
Improved chronic disease management
The HealthFirst Connecticut Authority – made up of representatives from hospitals, healthcare professionals, small and large business, consumers, insurance companies, advocates and government – was created statutorily through Public Act 07-185.
February 19, 2009
MAJORITY DEMOCRATS TO IDENTIFY
$2.8 BILLION IN BUDGET CUTS Senate President & Speaker of the House want to see what options are available
to balance the budget without raising taxes
HARTFORD – The four Democratic leaders of the General Assembly are requesting that the Democratic co-chairmen of the Appropriations Committee – Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) and Rep. John C. Geragosian (D-New New Britain) – identify $2.8 billion in potential cuts for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 biennial budget.
The cuts should be identified in 18 days, by March 9, they said.
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) today wrote Sen. Harp and Rep. Geragosian, citing the enormous dollar difference between Gov. Rell’s FY 2010-2011 budget deficit projections and the estimates as reported by the nonpartisan State Office of Fiscal Analysis.
The letter reads:
“As you are well aware, the state Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) is projecting deficits of $3.97 billion for Fiscal Year 2010 and $4.71 billion for Fiscal Year 2011. Governor Rell’s administration is estimating that these projections are substantially lower: $2.9 billion for FY 2010 and $3.1 billion for FY 2011. The difference is approximately $2.6 billion.
“In addition, OFA estimates that the federal stimulus bill that was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama has less money designated for Connecticut than Governor Rell included in her proposed biennial budget. The difference is nearly $100 million in each year of the biennium.
“Therefore, the projected deficit is $2.8 billion greater than the governor’s budget recognizes.
“Governor Rell has said there will be no new taxes to balance the budget. In order for us to fully understand what scenarios would be necessary to close this gap within the governor’s parameters, we are asking that you identify a total of $2.8 billion in cuts as options for the next biennial budget: $2 billion in new cuts for FY 2010 (the cuts must roll forward for FY 2011), and an additional $800 million in cuts for FY 2011.
“We respectfully request that you report to us no later than Monday, March 9th.”
Sen. Williams today also called on Gov. Rell to submit to the legislature a proposed budget “addendum” that would detail her plan to close a projected $8.6 billion deficit for the 2010-2011 biennium.
Such an addendum would require Gov. Rell to identify at least another $2.6 billion in programmatic, personnel and other state budget cuts, and/or require her to identify other sources of revenue.
“It is abundantly clear that the governor did not meet her fiscal responsibility to submit a workable biennial budget to the state legislature. Now, as majority Democrats begin the task of doing what the governor should have done, we seek her input,” Sen. Williams said.
January 13, 2009
HOUSE SPEAKER DONOVAN WELCOMES LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
TO IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS ON HEALTHCARE
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) today expressed enthusiasm for the appointment of Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele to a working group that will look at health care initiatives, including the Connecticut Health Care Partnership, that can better serve citizens in Connecticut and save taxpayer dollars.
The appointment was made by Governor M. Jodi Rell following conversations between her and Speaker Donovan last week.
“This is a positive sign that the governor is serious about working with the Democratic leadership to provide quality healthcare and cost relief to so many across the state who stand to benefit from this kind of legislation,” Speaker Donovan said. “I look forward to working with the lieutenant governor and others to bring creative solutions to one of our most vexing and costly problems.”
Last year, the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership was approved by both the House and Senate, only to be vetoed by Governor Rell. The governor indicated at that time that she was willing to have further discussions on the legislation, and Speaker Donovan hailed the governor’s appointment of the lieutenant governor to the working group as a signal that she is making good on that commitment.
The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership was designed to provide quality health care at significant savings for small businesses, municipalities and non-profits by allowing them to share in the state health care plan. The Partnership would allow small businesses, municipalities and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan, creating a large pool of insured individuals leading to increased buying power and lower costs.
“Whether it’s the Partnership legislation we in the House and our colleagues in the Senate supported last year, or a variation that emerges in our discussions, I look forward to finding agreement on an issue that will improve the lives of thousands of Connecticut citizens and that can address budget challenges that all of us are grappling with,” Speaker Donovan said.
January 6, 2009
LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SAY 2009 SESSION REQUIRES NEW APPROACH Leaders call for expedited budget process & tough line on any new spending proposals
Hartford – One day before the start of the 2009 Legislative Session, Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and incoming Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) say the current budget crisis requires legislators to adopt a new approach. The legislative leaders are calling for a number of changes that could help the legislature and Gov. Rell reach agreement on the next biennial budget on time.
Request that the so-called ‘money’ committees finish budget early: Typically the Appropriations Committee and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee vote on their budget in the middle of April. Senate President Williams and incoming Speaker Donovan believe that it is critical that the process is accelerated by at least two weeks so legislative leaders and Gov. Rell will have additional time to reach an agreement before the end of the legislative session.
“Tackling this budget deficit will require an incredible amount of hard work and the sooner we begin the negotiations the better,” said Senator Williams. “Accelerating the process at the beginning gives us a better shot of getting a budget agreement and avoiding costly delays.”
"The committees are ready to hit the ground running and produce a tight, solid budget," Rep. Donovan said. "I know members of the Appropriations and Finance committees understand the severity of the state's fiscal situation as well as the priorities and values of the people of Connecticut."
Tough line on new spending: Democratic legislative leaders are requesting that their caucus members hold the line on new proposals that have a significant fiscal note.
“The first step in solving the budget deficit is obvious – hold the line on new spending that will create an even bigger hole,” said Senator Williams. “There will be many important initiatives that simply won’t get any traction this year.”
Rep. Donovan said, "Legislation that costs money will have to pass a strict cost-benefit analysis. So many people depend on the state for services as vital as education and healthcare. We need to protect crucial services while pulling tightly on our belt."
