Newsroom - 2006

December 5, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW WELCOMES FAIRFIELD RESIDENT
TO “THE 132nd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT REPORT” TV SHOW

State Representative Thomas Drew (D-132) will feature Fairfield resident and business expert Joe McGee during his public affairs program on Channel 79 next Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 pm.

Rep. Drew and Joe McGee will talk about the economic growth in the 21st Century and its relation between economic growth in modern economy and healthcare; mass transit, quality of workforce and education; and regional planning and zoning issues.

Mr. McGee was formerly the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic Development and Staff Director for Congressman Stewart McKinney in addition to holding a number of high level positions over the years in both the private and public sector. He is currently the Vice President, Public Policy & Programs of The Business Council of Fairfield County.

Rep. Drew will start serving his second term in 2007 in the CT House of Representatives.

October 10, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW OPPOSES CL&P UTILITY BRIDGES PROPOSAL
Wants time to pursue and develop alternatives

State Rep. Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) stated his opposition to the proposed utility bridges for Ash Creek, Mill River and Sasco Creek in Fairfield in a letter addressed to the Connecticut Siting Council.

Rep. Drew said, “I believe the environmental harm will be profound and last for generations to come. The construction and existence of the footings in our waterways and wetlands that will be required for these utility bridges will cause permanent harm that may be significantly more egregious than other alternatives, such as the ‘open cut process’, a process which locates the utility lines just beneath the bed of the waterway.”

Additionally, Rep. Drew stated in the letter the bridges are being proposed without proper disclosure prior to approval from the council. “I respectfully submit that this is justification for prohibiting the utility bridge proposal. This and many other legal objections are before one or more our governmental agencies and I support those challenges as well,” he wrote.

Rep. Drew noted the current utility bridge proposal may be the most expedient for CL&P, but it will be profoundly regretted by the public at large in the future. “Besides the environmental harm, the bridges will have an adverse economic impact on our communities,” Drew said. He urged the council to give the various parties involved as much time as needed to pursue and develop more balanced and preferred alternatives.

Rep. Tom Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

October 6, 2006

REP. DREW ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR PENFIELD PAVILION IN FAIRFIELD

State Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) announced State Bond Commission approval of a Small Town Economic Assistance (STEAP) Award for reconstruction of the Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield at their meeting today.

Rep. Drew (D-132) stated, "The State Bond Commission approved $400,000 for reconstruction of the east wing of the Penfield Pavilion. I am absolutely delighted this investment is coming to Fairfield. It will benefit residents throughout the entire town for generations to come and powerfully leverages the Fairfield taxpayers' investment.”

Fairfield was one of six towns that did not qualify for STEAP grants or Urban Act Funds in the past. “When I first took office I initiated legislation, which was passed in 2005, that included Fairfield in the STEAP Program. I'm thrilled we have been able to turn this into real benefits for the entire town of Fairfield so quickly,” Rep. Drew said.

This popular landmark is used by tens of thousands of residents and non-residents for recreation, especially in the summer time. “When I first requested approval of Fairfield's application for funds to renovate the Pavilion, I emphasized to the Governor and OPM Secretary, Robert Genuario, that this investment would help Fairfield retain the economic benefits that the recreational shoreline has enjoyed for generations,” said Rep. Drew.

“I want to extend my most enthusiastic thanks to Governor Rell and Secretary Genuario for putting this request before the Bond Commission, and I want to commend First Selectman Ken Flatto and his staff for preparing such a thorough and well received application," Rep. Drew concluded.

Rep. Tom Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

September 25, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW OPPOSES HURRICANE SHUTTER
RULING AT GROTON HEARING

State Representative Tom Drew (D-132) attended an insurance public forum held by the Connecticut Insurance Department regarding the recent hurricane shutter ruling by Commissioner Cogswell that was held in Groton on September 21st. Approximately 300 shoreline homeowners were there to oppose the ruling that has now been put on hold for 90-days, which would allow Andover Insurance Company to require shoreline homeowners living within ¾ of a mile of Long Island Sound or of portions of major rivers near the Sound, to install costly hurricane shutters as a condition of homeowner policy renewal.

After several presentations from the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and AIR Worldwide, the audience interrupted the presentations and made it clear they would not stand for any more lectures. They demanded the forum be open to those who wished to speak. Commissioner Cogswell heard the message and immediately opened the forum to speakers, and she called on Attorney General Blumenthal and Representative Tom Drew in short order.

Rep. Drew said "I am strongly opposed to this ruling and intend to do whatever is necessary to cause the ruling to be reversed. It is legitimate and appropriate to minimize unnecessary storm damage in a balanced manner. The problem with this ruling is that the cost is excessive, overwhelming and out of balance. It is also arbitrary as the three-quarter mile range from the shoreline and rivers are not an accurate gauge for storm damage risk."

“The Federal government decades ago created policies and incentives encouraging shoreline development. The decades have now passed and the shoreline is developed. This ruling effectively now pulls the rug out from under these homeowners. It is very bad policy,” Drew stated.

Rep. Drew continued, “The shoreline is not just Connecticut's most valuable natural resource. It is also our most valuable economic resource. My understanding is many economists are predicting a recession over the next couple of years. Forcing homeowners to respond to this ruling in a less than robust economy, combined with declining real property values, creates a perfect economic storm," said Rep. Drew.

A long list of speakers expressed their frustration in terms of their ability to pay for hurricane shutters in a very short time period, and an almost certain shrinking market of insurers who will be willing to give homeowners acceptable rates without imposing the same demands as Andover.

Rep. Tom Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

September 20, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW TO HOST
“THE 132nd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT REPORT” TV SHOW

State Representative Thomas Drew (D-132) is pleased to announce the commencement of The 132nd Legislative District Report with Representative Tom Drew, a TV show featuring issues of interest to the 132nd state legislative district. The first program in a series will air September 27, 2006 and be repeated again the following week. The cable government access program will be aired on Wednesday evenings on Channel 79 at 7:30 p.m.

Jane Talamini, Chairman of Fairfield Plan and Attorney Kathryn Braun, a Fairfield Plan board member, are guests on the September 27th show. They will be discussing the utility bridges over Ash Creek, Mill River and Sasco Creek with Rep. Drew. In addition, Attorney Chuck Abercrombie, President of the Fairfield Beach Residents Association, will be talking to Rep. Drew about the beach erosion legislation, as well as the recent controversial Connecticut insurance department ruling regarding hurricane shutters.

The second show features Jill Kelly and Carol Leighton, two founders of the Citizen Transportation Lobby, on the subject of mass transit and other transportation issues. Dick Carpenter, retired Executive Director of the Southwestern Regional Planning Agency (SWERPA) and a current member of the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission, will join Rep. Drew to talk about encouraging a shift of some freight off our highways and onto rail and water transit.

Rep. Drew stated, “I encourage residents to share items of interests that may be informative for subsequent shows. I hope that this program will provide Fairfield residents with some knowledge and understanding of the issues that will be featured.”

Please call Rep. Drew at his Capitol office at (860) 240-8552 or 1-800-842-8267 (toll-free) if you have suggestions or for additional information.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

September 19, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW’S INITIATIVE
LEADS TO TASK FORCE ON FUEL ALTERNATIVES

State Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) is please to announce that a task force will be appointed by Speaker of the House James A. Amann, as a result of his initiative on fuel alternatives. He said that a recent news article announcing BP’s intention to spend $500 million over the next 10 years to finance major work on biofuels caught his attention.

The article indicated that BP representatives were reaching out to universities in the United States and Britain about possible sites for their research center. “A quick call to Speaker of the House, James A. Amann requesting a meeting to investigate whether or not it would be feasible for us to invite BP to include Connecticut universities in their search for sites and the resulting investment and job creation in our state was quickly put together,” Rep. Drew said.

Representatives of Yale University, the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University shared their expertise on the subject with Speaker Amann, Senate President Pro Tempore Don Williams, Senator LeBeau, and Representative Fontana, Chairman of the Energy and Technology Committee, and Drew.

Rep. Drew also made certain that representatives of the Governor’s Office were invited to participate, which they did, in order to bring her resources and her input to this effort. “We learned that BP had already selected a site for their center, but the meeting provided us a welcome opportunity to bring knowledgeable people together to discuss our critical need for fuel diversification options for Connecticut,” Rep. Drew stated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Speaker Amann announced his intention to appoint a task force on fuel diversification to make recommendations by January 1st for legislative action to spur diversification efforts here. The task force will be made up of industry representatives and members of our academic communities. “Once again, I want to thank Speaker Amann for his leadership in understanding the urgency of energy issues for the residents of Connecticut,” said Rep. Drew.

Representative Drew (D-132nd) said he was pleased that his initiative provided the catalyst to begin the dialogue on biofuels and other fuel diversification options to help combat rising energy costs.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

September 14, 2006

STATE REP. TOM DREW ANNOUNCES INCREASED HEATING ASSISTANCE
FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

State Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) said the recent announcement of an additional $6 million in federal funds for home heating assistance is good news for Connecticut’s low-income families. These additional funds and the $44.3 million federal block grant that we anticipated will go a long way to help struggling families and our elderly and disabled population stay warm this winter.

In the past week, legislative committees authorized the Connecticut’s Department of Social Services to plan for higher-than-usual benefits to help eligible residents with their heating bills. A number of factors determine eligibility. Single households with income up to $14,700 may be eligible for assistance, and income levels rise as the number of people in the household goes up. Last winter, 76,000 households received benefits up to $675.

Rep. Drew said, “I am happy to report that the contingency heating assistance program for eligible households with incomes too high for regular energy assistance will be open again this year.” Under this program, an eligible household of four earning up to $53,591 could receive up to $300 in basic benefits in addition to crisis assistance.

“In Connecticut we do not want families and children to lose their heat in the middle of winter because they do not have money to heat their homes. Applications are now available for people who may qualify for the state’s home heating aid program. Area residents should call Infoline at 2-1-1 to obtain information about eligibility and benefits and local application sites. I urge everyone to get the application process going as soon as possible to ensure early consideration and approval,” Rep. Drew said.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

August 28, 2006

REP. DREW AND SEN. McKINNEY SEEK REPEAL OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONER NEW POLICY ON STORM SHUTTERS

State Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) and Sen. McKinney called on Insurance Commissioner Susan Cogswell to immediately repeal approval of new underwriting guidelines that require shoreline residents to install costly storm shutters as a condition of homeowner policy renewal.

The underwriting change, sought by Andover Companies, grants Andover the right to deny property/casualty insurance renewal to shoreline policyholders – defined as living within ¾ of a mile of Long Island Sound or of portions of major rivers near the Sound – if their customers do not have or install hurricane shutters.

Rep. Drew said, “It is essential for everyone to understand the consequences of this ruling. Those affected include not just shoreline residents, but homeowners within ¾ of a mile of Long Island Sound or portions of major rivers nearby. The ruling would require an expense of reportedly $50,000 to $100,000 or lose their insurance within 45 days. Moderate and fixed income residents may be forced to sell their homes in a “fire sale” market, use retirement savings or funds saved for children’s education.”

“It is legitimate and appropriate to sensibly minimize unnecessary exposure to hurricane and storm damage with a balanced policy. The real life consequence to, presumably, tens of thousands of Connecticut homeowners from this ruling, however, would be overwhelming and extremely out of balance. I intend to work vigorously to have this ruling rescinded,” Rep. Drew stated.

“I applaud James Amann, Speaker of the House and Richard Blumenthal our Attorney General for taking the lead in challenging this ruling. I am also urging Governor Rell to intervene on behalf of Connecticut homeowners and seek suspension of the Insurance Commissioner’s ruling,” Rep. Drew said.

“I have asked all members of the Fairfield County Legislative Caucus to join me in a letter to the Insurance Commissioner and Governor seeking this ruling be reversed,” Rep. Drew said.

"This ruling is extremely troubling, and I see no justifiable reason why we should burden potentially thousands of Connecticut homeowners with the responsibility of installing expensive storm shutters simply because they live ¾ mile from shore," said Senator McKinney. "The Department of Insurance needs to share their data and explain their reasoning behind imposing this onerous requirement, because from our perspective it appears to be excessive and unfair. I believe we need to hold a full review of the process used to arrive at this decision, and if, as we suspect, it does not hold up to scrutiny, then it should be rescinded immediately."

Rep. Drew encourages residents who are interested in reversing this ruling to contact the CT Insurance Commissioner, Governor Rell and state legislators to show their opposition.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

July 14, 2006

REP. DREW’S PERFECT SCORE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Hartford, CT – State Rep. Thomas Drew (D-Fairfield) has been recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for his support of environmental legislation in the 2005 and 2006 legislative sessions achieving a 100% positive voting record for the second consecutive year.

Rep. Drew stated, “Strengthening our clean air and clean water environments are directly related to preserving the quality of life for children and families and in our state. We are also becoming increasingly aware that protecting our environment is directly related to attracting the best jobs to Connecticut and economic development. Visualizing the next century, we must become aware that we are either participating in a race to the top, or a race to the bottom. Advancing our environment is a choice for real progress, economic development and jobs of the 21st Century.”

CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard assessed lawmakers’ votes on environmental legislation and their roles in championing or opposing specific issues. Some significant environmental wins this year included land trust property protection, clean cars emission ratings, mass transit funding, water basin planning and limit on sulfur content of home heating oil.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

June 12, 2006

REP. DREW’S BEACH EROSION TECHNOLOGY SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Hartford, CT – State Rep. Thomas Drew (D-Fairfield) today announced that his beach erosion technology bill was signed by Governor M. Jodi Rell on Friday. The bill initiated by Rep. Drew and fully supported by Speaker of the House James Amann, originated in the Environment Committee and was passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate.

The measure reserves $450,000 in pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield for planning and designing beach erosion reversal technology. Beach erosion has become a concern that has become evident throughout the shoreline. The proposal is to specifically use a unique underwater stabilization system that has been used successfully in other locations throughout the world and United States.

“I am delighted to see this initiative signed by the governor and the overwhelming support it received from the General Assembly. The beaches on the shoreline are a big part of our family lives and it gives me great satisfaction to be instrumental in taking the initiative to save them from washing away,” Rep. Drew stated.

“Finding solutions to reverse beach erosion before it’s too late will preserve our shoreline and property values, as well as provide enormous economic benefits for the entire state with tourism and job creation,” Rep. Drew said.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

June 6, 2006

REP. DREW ENCOURAGES VETERANS TO APPLY
FOR THE WARTIME SERVICE MEDAL

State Rep. Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) is urging CT Wartime Veterans and their families to apply for the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal and to enroll in the Connecticut Service member and Veteran Registry. The General Assembly established the award in 2005 to recognize and honor Connecticut residents that served on active duty during a time of war and were honorably discharged.

Rep. Drew said, “Honoring those that so courageously and passionately served our nation is one of the ways we can show our enormous respect and appreciation for their commitment and dedication.”

All eligible veterans may request awarding of the Wartime Service Medal by submitting an application form from the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs, along with a DD Form 214 or other documentation to prove eligibility.

The names and mailing addresses of all applicants will also be added to the Connecticut Service member and Veteran Registry. The registry, which is not subject to public disclosure, will be used to notify veterans about benefits and other important information.

“I encourage all veterans or a family member to take a few minutes and request the application form from the department’s website at www.ct.gov/ctva, or by calling 866-928-8387, or from any of the department’s district and satellite offices. You may also contact my office at 800-842-8267 for additional information.” Rep. Drew said.

Rep. Tom Drew is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

May 3, 2006

HOUSE AND SENATE PASS STATE BUDGET
WITH BROAD BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT
Plan includes additional money for Fairfield

Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield) said the state budget approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate contains increased state dollars for Fairfield, no new taxes and makes long term investments that will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the long term.

Rep. Drew stated, “I am pleased the budget agreed to by the governor and the legislature was completed timely and focused on job creation and economic growth. The bill supports phasing out personal property tax on business equipment and machinery to attract manufacturing jobs, elimination of the corporate tax surcharge in 2008, and major long term investment in state wide mass transportation.”

“Ultimately, we want to raise the living standard and opportunity for every community in the state. The budget truly accomplishes this, which speaks to the broad bi-partisan support for this legislation.” Drew concluded.

Residents will see a reduction in their state income tax liability with an increase in the property tax credit from $400 to $500. The credit can be applied against property taxes paid on cars or homes.

Fairfield will see an increase of $292,269 in state aid (including ECS, PILOT, TAR and other statutory grants) and $233,200 for special education, over and above what the governor proposed in her February budget address. Other major investments were made in the HUSKY children’s healthcare program.

The current state budget surplus of about $660 million was used mainly to pay down long term debt, increase the balance in the Rainy Day Fund and fully fund the teachers’ retirement fund through 2007 and to return funds to towns and cities like Fairfield.

April 28, 2006

DREW LAUDS ADVANCE OF MAJOR MASS TRANSIT BILL

Rep. Tom Drew (D-132) of Fairfield is delighted to announce a major mass transit and transportation bill is successfully working its way through the Connecticut legislature with apparent strong bi-partisan support. Leaders at every level of the state government identified attracting the best jobs and strengthening the Connecticut economy as our number one priority in Hartford. Investing in mass transit and transportation infrastructure is absolutely essential to that job growth.

This bill, HB 5844, primarily focuses on mass transportation, particularly rail, and includes restoring rail lines and service from New Haven through Hartford to Springfield, MA, bus shuttle service to Bradley Airport, parking and rail station improvements on the New Haven, Shoreline East and branch lines, new rail stations in West Haven and Orange, new rail infrastructure along Danbury, Waterbury, and New Canaan lines, and planning and design for widening I-95 from Branford to Rhode Island and I-84 between Waterbury and Danbury.

In addition, it makes improvements to Long Island Sound ports to facilitate its use for passenger and freight movement. Feeder barges, high-speed ferries and completion of rail links at our ports will shift traffic off of our highways. The bill commits $1 billion of state funds that will be leveraged with $1.3 billion of federal funds. This investment builds on the $1.3 billion committed last year to replace the 342 Metro North rail car fleet. This year’s investment is made without new taxes and is paid for, in addition to the federal funds, with the rising revenues resulting from the existing gross receipts tax on petroleum products.

The bill was initiated in the Transportation Committee, on which Rep. Drew sits, and passed the House in a 143-4 vote on April 26th, and today the Senate is expected to approve the measure. The Governor has announced she will sign this bill.

Rep. Drew noted “My number one goal this session was to begin investing in the mass transit system we will use during the next 100 years, so I am very thankful for this investment. I believe the public understands if we do not invest, we will likely go into decline.”

Drew further noted “Connecticut needs to position itself to successfully compete for the best jobs with the most advanced communities and nations in the world. Connecticut must be certain it will be participating in the race to the top not in the race to the bottom. With the transportation legislation of the past two years Connecticut is making a statement that our goal is to make Connecticut one of the most desirable communities in the world in which to live and work.”

April 6, 2006

BEACH EROSION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Hartford, CT -- State Rep. Thomas Drew (D-Fairfield) announced today the unanimous passage of a beach erosion technology initiative that reverses beach erosion, a serious concern for residents in the Connecticut shoreline.

The proposal, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, designing and having approvals for the Under Water Stabilizing System, a plan that offers a permanent solution to beach erosion. This technology that works with natural wave energy and current motion has proven to be effective – sand starts to build immediately – and has no adverse effects.

Rep. Drew stated, “I am delighted the General Assembly is embracing this beach erosion proposal so enthusiastically. I have discovered many of my legislative colleagues throughout the entire Connecticut shoreline are experiencing beach erosion in their communities as well.”

“They all seem to understand reversing beach erosion will not only clean our water, preserve our shoreline and property values, reverse ecological damage, revive fishing industries, but will also have enormous economic benefits for the entire state for many generations. The Shoreline is estimated to contribute $5.5 Billion annually to the state’s economy,” Rep. Drew said.

“I thank Speaker Amann and my colleagues for their unanimous bipartisan support to date of this proposal.” Drew concluded.

HB 5803 was unanimously approved by both the Environment (27-0) and the Appropriations committees (49-0) from where it was sent to the full House for consideration.

Rep. Thomas Drew is serving his first-term in the CT General Assembly, House of Representatives. He is a member of the Transportation Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

March 28, 2006

FAIRFIELD LEGISLATORS- STATE FUNDS
SET TO BE APPROVED FOR OPERATION HOPE

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore John McKinney (R-28), State Rep. Thomas J. Drew (D-132), State Rep. Jack Stone (R-134), and State Rep. Cathy Tymniak (R-133) announced today that the State Bond Commission is slated to approve a grant in the amount of $250,000 for Operation Hope of Fairfield CT, the non-profit agency dedicated to helping the homeless achieve stability and self-reliance. The grant, which goes before the bond commission for final approval on Friday, March 21st, will enable Operation Hope to renovate a newly leased 6900 sq. ft. building on Old Post Road in Fairfield, where they plan to expand their services and create a new food pantry. Operation Hope, which is in its 20th year of serving the must vulnerable of Greater Bridgeport’s population, currently operates three homeless shelters (one each for men, women and families) and provides transition services for those who move on from their care.

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, “I want to thank Governor Rell and the State Bond Commission for supporting organizations like Operation Hope - the altruistic, community based groups that are there on the front lines in the state’s effort to ensure that all citizens have access to basic human needs,” said Senator McKinney. “Operation Hope stands as one of the state’s most admired non-profit organizations, providing vital assistance to our region’s homeless and vulnerable populations, and they are more than deserving of this assistance from the state to expand their services. Sadly, over the course of Operation Hope’s 20 years, the need for their services has only grown, but thanks to the vision and commitment of the employees, volunteers and board members, the organization continues to meet the challenge.”

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, "The services provided at Operation Hope are essential for people who are trying to maintain their independence and self sufficiency, and I couldn't be more delighted for Operation Hope and our community for getting this investment. This is an excellent example of the terrific results of bi-partisan collaboration. We now have vital services performed by a non-governmental body with the support of the community,” said Rep. Thomas J. Drew, D-132.

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, State Rep. Cathy C. Tymniak, R-133, said, “I’m happy to see that the governor and the state are recognizing the tireless work that Operation Hope does in serving the homeless and the hungry in our community. This grant is very much appreciated.”

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, State Rep. Jack Stone, R-134, said, “Thanks to Governor Jodi Rell for securing this assistance for Operation Hope. It is one of the most worthwhile social service organizations in the state. It does an outstanding job, and the need for its services continues to grow.”

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, March 31st, where it is expected to approve the grant to Operation Hope. The grant is administered through the Department of Social Services.

March 17, 2006

REP. TOM DREW AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
DISCUSS BEACH EROSION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Hartford, CT -- State Rep. Thomas Drew (D-Fairfield) and Environment Committee co-chair Richard Roy (D-Milford) today discussed the benefits of a new technology that reverses beach erosion, a serious concern for residents throughout the Connecticut shoreline with statewide economic impact.

The proposal, being heard before the Environment Committee at a public hearing, seeks pre-construction funds for pilot programs in Milford and Fairfield by engineering, designing and having approvals for the Under Water Stabilizing System, a plan that offers a permanent solution to beach erosion. This technology that works with natural wave energy and current motion has proven to be effective – sand starts to build immediately – and has no adverse effects.

“I grew up in Stratford, and for years lived at the beach in Fairfield. The beaches on the shoreline are a big part of our family lives, making these communities some of the most delightful places to live in the state. This new technology will revive and protect our coastline, which is Connecticut’s most valuable, natural and economic assets, vital to tourism, job creation and property values.” Rep. Drew stated.

"Our beaches have been slowly washing away, jeopardizing our beautiful and valuable shoreline, as well as causing ecological damage," said Speaker of the House James Amann (D-Milford). "We should invest now to save our beaches before the problem becomes irreversible and we lose this valuable state asset."

"Protecting and preserving our beaches is a challenge we must overcome," Rep. Richard Roy (D-Milford), said, "This is as critical to our quality of life and recreation as preserving our land is."

“It is clear that we need to aggressively protect Long Island Sound from beach erosion, and in doing so it makes a great deal of sense to investigate the possibility of new technologies offering a solution to this ongoing problem,” said Senator McKinney. “I commend the Speaker and the Environment Committee for supporting this effort, and I am excited to learn through this PILOT program about the possible effectiveness of these new technologies.”

Reversing beach erosion would restore ecological balance, clean water, reverse hypoxia and cause the flora and fauna regenerate.

February 3, 2006

REP. DREW ANNOUNCES OFFICE HOURS

State Rep. Tom Drew (D-132nd District) is inviting constituents to stop by and offer their views on issues prior to the start of the 2006 legislative session. “My top priority as a legislator is to stay in touch with my constituents and actively seek their input,” said Drew. “I encourage everyone to come and share concerns and ideas with me.”

Anyone who is unable to attend should feel free to call him at 800-842-8267 or send an e-mail to Thomas.Drew@cga.ct.gov.

For additional information contact: Eileen B. Wachsman at 1-800-842-8267