"The work done by the majority caucus demonstrates our genuine desire to improve education in our state," said Rep Gentile. "This bill is being embraced by teachers, administrators, unions, the legislature and the Governor's Office."

(SB 458) creates 1,000 new pre-K School Readiness seats, focused in high need, low performing communities. It also creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade.

The bill also establishes the Commissioner's Network, which provides the intensive supports and interventions needed to turn around 25 of the most chronically low-performing schools in Connecticut. It grants the state commissioner of education the needed authority to develop or modify plans with teachers and parents at "turnaround" schools, while respecting collective bargaining rights.

The legislation requires at least 10 Family Resource Centers and at least 20 new or expanded School Based Health Centers to be located in education reform districts. It also increases funding for existing Family Resource Centers.

The bill reforms the teacher tenure system by increasing the frequency of teacher evaluations and linking tenure to evaluations. It also requires the education commissioner to administer an evaluation pilot program in 8 to 10 districts for the 2012-2013 school years.

There are also funding increases for vocational/technical and vocational/agricultural schools, charter and magnet schools, and a new kindergarten through 8th grade science initiative.

“It is imperative that we offer incentives for educated workers to remain in Connecticut,” Rep Gentile said. “Our efforts to train tomorrow’s workers are useless if they decide, in large numbers, to move out of the state upon graduation.”

This bill allows the state to expand the Live Here, Learn Here program, which helps graduating students save money toward a down payment on their first home in Connecticut. Under current law, the program is open only to students graduating from regional-technical schools and in-state students graduating from state colleges and universities after January 1, 2014.

The bill opens the program to any student graduating from a public or private college in Connecticut or a health care training school located in the state.

The Live Here, Learn Here program helps students save by putting away a portion of their state income tax payments for up to 10 years after they graduate. The law limits the amount to $ 2,500 per year per student.

To receive the down payment assistance, a student must apply to the DECD commissioner within 10 years after graduation. The payment equals the segregated amount, up to the amount needed for the down payment. Students who receive the assistance and subsequently leave Connecticut may have to repay all or part of the assistance, depending on when they leave. Those who leave within the first year after receiving assistance must repay the entire amount. Those who leave in any of the four subsequent years pay smaller amounts back as follows: 80% in the second, 60% in the third, 40% in the fourth, and 20% in the fifth.

“This bill allows our cities and towns to work together over the next couple of years to voluntarily form regions based on their own demographics, traffic patterns and needs and any applicable federal requirements,” said Rep. Gentile. “The goal is to create efficiencies through economies of scale for services.”

The bill creates an incentive for areas of the state that contain two or more contiguous planning regions and have at least 14 municipalities to consolidate to form a single regional council of governments or regional council of elected officials. The voluntary option would create economies of scale and efficiencies and a bonus pool of state funds which would offset the costs that these municipalities might incur in establishing these regions.

For example, a region might contract to clean catch basins and get better pricing because it will be done on a regional basis, as opposed to each municipality doing their own. Another example might be a region purchasing office equipment or supplies for their municipal buildings or offices, once again getting a better price because of quantity.

The bill extends by two years, from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2014, the deadline by which state must complete an initial analysis of boundaries of logical planning regions and notify municipalities in regions slated for redesignation. This extension allows cities and town ample time to work through all the details necessary to set up the regions.

The bill has the support of the Connecticut Council of Municipalities and the Council of Small Towns.

The bill now heads to the State Senate for consideration.

This monument near the Commodore Hull Bridge at the corner of Howe Avenue and Kneen Street in Shelton was stripped of a copper plaque. Patricia Villers/Register

“This bill is so personal for me since last year; monuments in both of the cities of Ansonia and Derby were vandalized. As far as I am concerned, these monuments and memorials are sacred grounds honoring our true local heroes, our veterans,” said Rep. Gentile. “In memory and honor of our veterans, we must do what we can to keep thieves and vandals from desecrating those important monuments.”

The bill defines two crimes concerning war or veterans' memorials or monuments - interference with, and possession of a memorial or monument, and sets the penalty for them.

Under the bill, a person is guilty of interference with a war or veterans' memorial or monument if they intentionally deface, mutilate, or destroy it, or remove any part of it from its official location.

A person is guilty of unlawfully possessing a war or veterans' memorial or monument if he or she possesses, purchases, or attempts to purchase a memorial or monument; or sells, offers for sale, or attempts to sell or transfers war or veterans' memorial or monument, or any part of one, knowing that it has been unlawfully removed from its official location.

The bill makes both crimes a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

“This bill makes things easier for victims in what can be a harrowing and traumatic experience. It also strengthens the tools needed to punish offenders,” said Rep. Gentile. “Enhancing the tools of the legal system, particularly in the area of protective orders, is critical to the ultimate success of these efforts. Locally, The Umbrella program located in Ansonia will benefit from the additional tools.”

Victims are often confused about the appropriate place to report electronic and telephonic violations of restraining and protective orders. The legislation will allow victims to report violations in the town where they reside, where they receive the communication or where the communication was initiated. The bill also makes it easier for victims to get restraining orders against people who pose a threat to them.

Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), who created the task force, said, “When a victim has worked up the courage to call police, to request a restraining order or to leave her home, we want to make sure that services are in place to support them. In addition, because we owe it to victims to train police in best practices so they can respond to calls speedily and appropriately, we give police officers new tools for responding to domestic violence incidents. This bill gives new support to victims, police officers, advocates and other front-line service providers.”

The legislation also permits judges to issue restraining orders for up to one year. Currently the maximum length of a restraining order is six months. Donovan said this change will reduce stress and risk to victims who will have to return to court and interface with their offenders less frequently.

The bill also requires that courts share protective orders with schools that victims attend, upon request of a victim. Current law requires that orders be shared with the police departments in the town where the victim lives and works and the town where the defendant lives, but it does not require that schools or campus police are notified of an order.

Although threatening is often a precursor to serious violence, threatening with a firearm is currently a misdemeanor in Connecticut. This bill would make threats that involve the use of a firearm a felony crime. It also strengthens the definition of stalking to ensure that stalking incidents—including digital stalking—are appropriately punished.

“This legislation is critically important to all of our cities and towns. Approximately $35 million in statewide revenue was at risk without passage of this bill,” said Rep. Gentile. “This bill clarifies existing language and makes legislative intent clear, allowing assessors to apply the rule of valuation at fair market value to all, but especially to partially completed property; meaning property, both residential and commercial; which is under construction.”

Property assessed on Oct 1st of one year, establishes the amount that will be due and payable in taxes in the following year. Taxes are generally due and payable in July. When a taxpayer makes their payment in July, they are actually paying their taxes for the previous year since taxes are always paid in arrears.

If construction is completed on Oct 2nd and a certificate of occupancy is issued, that particular property will not be assessed for one whole year and the new assessment would not be due and payable to the town until the following year after that, meaning that you could have a residential or commercial piece of property not paying their fair market value in taxes for 18 months, or more.

“This bill closes a loophole and will give our cities and towns up to an estimated $35 million in what would have been lost revenue,” said Rep. Gentile. “This bill is absolutely a form of local property tax relief.”

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted Wednesday night to legalize the production, distribution and use of marijuana as a palliative for the chronically ill, reviving Connecticut's role in a national debate. The final vote was 96-51.

Seventeen Republicans joined 79 Democrats in support, while 17 Democrats joined 34 Republicans in opposition. If passed by the Senate and signed by the governor as proponents expect, Connecticut will join the ranks of states with a softening attitude toward the dangers and beneficial uses of marijuana.

Debate circled around notions of mercy, limits of medicine and fears of abuse, but mainly questions of practicality: How can the state regulate the sale of a controlled substances whose production and sale are expressly prohibited by federal law?

"That is the big dilemma," said Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, R-Glastonbury, a physician who vouches for the efficacy of cannabis, yet opposes creating a conflict with federal law. "One is definitely torn."

The bill would establish guidelines and a bureaucracy to oversee what now is an act of civil disobedience, one that some opponents say they would readily do if needed: find and supply pot for a sick or dying loved one, if drugs offered no relief.

Such stories were told publicly during a public hearing, privately in conversations with legislators and, in a few cases, on the floor of the House.

Rep. Chris Lyddy, D-Newtown, said his father, unable to eat or take oral drugs while dying of colon cancer, was urged by medical professionals to try pot.

"He tried it once, with a bit of reluctance," Lyddy said. But the his father was uncomfortable with breaking the law and refused a second time, a reluctance that Lyddy expects would have been overcome by legalization.

Sitting in the House shortly after the debate began at 4:04 p.m. was Barry Williams, who testified at a public hearing that marijuana provided rare relief for his advancing Parkinson's disease, which forced his retirement as a lobbyist. His story was featured in The Mirror.

Advocates, knowing that a personal story can cut to the center of complicated issues, wore stickers with Williams' picture and the message, "Pass Barry's Bill."

Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, who had supported medical cannabis in other years, said previous debates were too focused on the personal, not the difficulties of constructing a law that worked.

"We feel it emotionally. We want to help them," Klarides said. "This breaks my heart every year we do this."

Eighteen states have legalized medical cannabis, including New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine. Last year, Connecticut decriminalized small amounts of pot.

But much of the debate concerned questions from opponents posed to Rep. Gerald Fox, D-Stamford, co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee and lead sponsor of the bill, about how the legal pot trade would work.

Marijuana cannot be readily inserted into the existing system of prescription drugs, whose production, efficacy and purity are overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, prescribed by doctors and dispensed by pharmacists.

"How do we know what's in the stuff?" asked House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk. "How do we know what the appropriate mixture is?"

The legislation would allow physicians to "certify" a need for the drug, an approximation of prescribing it. The written certification would be available only to persons suffering from certain chronic diseases.

The diseases listed in the bill are cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and intractable spasticity arising from spinal damage.

The Department of Consumer Protection could add diseases to the list based on the approval of a review panel.

The cannabis would be grown indoors in secure facilities and sold at dispensaries, not in drugstores. The Department of Consumer Protection would license and oversee growers and sellers. No more than 10 growers and 10 dispensaries would be licensed.

Elements of the bill reflect an attitude that marijuana is not seen as just another medicinal drug: It could be certified for use only by patients who are at least 18 years old and a resident of Connecticut. Inmates in correctional institutions are not eligible.

Other conditions not placed on prescription drugs: The marijuana could not be consumed in a moving vehicle, on university property, in the workplace, in the presence of a minor or in any public place.

Advocates say the bill was drawn based on the mistakes and successes of other states.

Few opponents rose to object to the concept of providing marijuana to the chronically ill. Instead, they objected to the details -- or lack of details.

"It's far too murky for me," said Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton. "I'm sorry I can't support this."

"How are the police supposed to determine what is a medical use and what is not?" asked Rep. John Shaban, R-Redding.

After nearly six hours, mainly of Republicans posing questions, Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Derby, stood, looked across toward the GOP side of the aisle and described losing her sister-in-law and mother to cancer in eight months.

"And I watched them suffer horribly," Gentile said. "I can tell you during that time I would have done anything possible to relieve their pain and suffering."

 “Expanding the board and making the healthcare advocate a voting member will help guarantee better representation for all stakeholders and especially the people who are in need of affordable, quality health care,” said Rep. Gentile, House chair of the Planning and Development Committee. “This is absolutely a huge help for small business.”

The exchange is a marketplace that will offer affordable, high quality health insurance options, providing relief to families and small businesses who are struggling to afford insurance.

The exchange was created by legislation enacted last year as a quasi-public agency, governed by a board of directors, which is empowered to help individuals and small employers obtain health insurance. The exchange will be fully operational starting in 2014.

 “The new legislation not only affords broader representation but also ensures that the exchange board is in compliance with federal regulations. The bill also clarifies the law’s conflict of interest provisions,” said Rep. Gentile.

The legislation requires the president pro tempore of the Senate to appoint a small-organization employer for a 2-year term and requires the Speaker of the House to appoint a consumer for a 2-year term. In addition, the majority leaders in the House and Senate will jointly appoint a new member representing consumers and the minority leaders in the House and Senate jointly will name a new member representing small business. This would increase the board from 11 voting members to 16 voting members.

The bill also clarifies that employees members may not serve as consultants to trade associations of insurers, insurance brokers, health care providers, or health care facilities. Current statute already prohibits exchange board members from being employed by or members of these groups.

“Firefighters depend on their instincts and top-notch training to make split-second decisions in extreme situations,” said Rep. Gentile. “The state’s deteriorating fire training schools are a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives for us every day. I am proud renovations to the Beacon Falls fire training school are moving forward.”

In 1999 the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) launched a long-term construction plan to upgrade seven of Connecticut’s regional fire schools. To date, work at the New Haven school has been completed and work has begun on the Hartford County fire school in Windsor Locks.

“The regional fire schools were designed to train our firefighters in ‘real world’ scenarios. We have terrific instructors, but the schools are from another century. We must provide future firefighters with the training and tools they need to protect our communities and themselves,” said Rep. Gentile.

Another 135 residents are in the process of being hired through the program, which came out of the bipartisan jobs bill passed in October. One of those businesses getting state funds to hire and train a new employee is Environmental Management Consultants, a small environmental business and engineering consulting company in Derby.

 “STEP UP is a great program that gives us another opportunity to help the unemployed get back to work. It's a win for the people and a win for the state, while giving small businesses a chance to grow,” said Rep. Gentile. “That is what economic revival is all about.”

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

“The incentives offered through STEP UP are helping employers make the decision to hire individuals that show tremendous potential, but need more training,” said state Department of Labor Commissioner Glenn Marshall. “The positive response to STEP UP from the business community provides further validation that Connecticut’s economy is recovering and the number of job opportunities is growing. We are grateful to Governor Malloy and the General Assembly for having the vision to approve an initiative that benefits both employers and jobseekers.”

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

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

Small businesses and unemployed jobseekers seeking additional information on the STEP UP program should visit the Connecticut Department of Labor’s website at ct.gov/dol/StepUp to download a fact sheet, contact information and inquiry forms.

Collection of the GRT, which is a percentage of the wholesale price, would be capped whenever the price reaches $3.00 per gallon or above.

The bill also contains provisions to protect consumers from profiteering and price gouging by big oil companies.

SB 457, An Act Concerning A Cap On The Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax And Penalties For Abnormal Price Increases In Certain Petroleum Products, today passed the General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support and heads to the governor’s office to be signed into law.

The legislation comes at a time when gasoline prices are climbing daily and is designed to bring consumers relief, especially before the heavy summer driving season begins.

“This legislation could not come at a better time for hard working families who are already overburdened and struggling,” said Rep. Gentile. “It will provide immediate relief at a time when it is most needed.”

“Most Connecticut families require gasoline – despite high prices – to travel to work and school, and to shop and keep important appointments, so unfortunately other aspects of family budgets are squeezed when gas prices keep climbing,” Senator Crisco said. “Our proposal will address gas prices directly, with a limit on the wholesale price to which the state tax would apply, and give the state Attorney General and state Department of Consumer Protection more authority to investigate price gouging and profiteering.”

Provisions of the bill include:

• Ensuring oil companies recognize the cap and do not increase their prices as if the cap doesn’t exist as this would constitute a CT Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) violation.

• Amends the gas price gouging law so that intensely spiking wholesale gasoline prices are part of the definition of abnormal market disruptions. The bill adds an automatic trigger, that if wholesale prices spike by 15% within a 90 day period, the price gouging protections go into effect for at least one month.

• Legislatively declares an “abnormal market disruption” upon passage for a set period of 90 days in anticipation of further wholesale price spikes.

• Grants the DCP Commissioner the authority to impose CUTPA fines of up to $10,000 upon large gasoline wholesalers and distributors who are in violation of profiteering statutes.

• Ensures that similar profiteering protections are in place for home heating oil, which was selling for $3.389/gallon wholesale on March 19, over $4.00/gallon retail, and is not subject to the gross receipts tax.

“Overwhelmingly, the number one issue for the small business owners I’ve spoken with is healthcare costs,” said Rep. Gentile, House chairwoman of the P&D Committee. “Passing this bill will ultimately give them options to keep their businesses thriving in Connecticut.”

“The cost of providing health insurance is stifling small business growth. It is not uncommon for small employers to face annual double-digit premium increases, making it nearly impossible to budget for health care costs,” Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) said. “This bill gives small employers new bargaining power, increases transparency. By allowing small employers to purchase insurance through a large pool, we can lower costs and make rates more predictable.”

The legislation:

• Permits small employers with fewer than 50 employees, including self-employed individuals, to purchase employee health insurance through the state employee plan. This would allow them to take advantage of the state’s bargaining power to secure good health care at affordable prices.
• Requires insurers to rate and offer policies to associations. This would enable small businesses to band together with their professional associations and receive a premium quote based on the health experience of the entire group.
• Requires insurers to report on whether employers’ current insurance plans meet the minimum standards that will be in place in 2014.

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee.

SHELTON — Education reform, transportation and keeping down the cost of doing business were among topics addressed this week at a legislative forum at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce offices.

About 50 small-business owners, nonprofit representatives and concerned citizens heard Thursday what lawmakers had to say about bills that are in the works in Hartford. AT&T New England sponsored the event.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, talked about transit-oriented development that she said, “allows economic development initiatives to be centered around our transportation” hubs.

Gentile also said the Valley “has gotten it for a number of years” in the way communities do business and deliver services. She said there is “a collaboration among nonprofits” that is unique.

State Rep. Lawrence G. Miller, R-Stratford, told business owners that according to economists, the state will be in a deficit for two years. He also said their “unemployment tax may be going up,” from 0.8 to 1 percent.

State Rep. Leonard Greene Jr., R-Seymour, talked about the price of gasoline. He said he favors a bill to cap the gross receipts tax, which he said was a second state tax.

State Rep. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton, said, “We find ourselves in a deficit (situation) and the state needs to cut spending.”

He criticized a proposal to build a $600 million bus way from New Britain to Hartford “that nobody is going to use.”

State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, said the state needs “to lower the cost of doing business.”

He talked about a proposal to build a Hartford to Waterbury rail line that could in turn connect Hartford to New York City. “I believe it would help people in the Valley” seeking employment, Kelly said.

Kelly also criticized the amount of money spent on nursing facilities. He said “the state spends over $2 billion” a year on aid to nursing homes. He said as an elder law attorney, he favors the concept of aging in place. “Home care is cheaper and arguably better. We need to look at ways to help people stay out of nursing homes.”

State Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said Connecticut did not save as much in pensions as employee unions had promised, and now the state “is bonding for day-to-day expenses.”

Derby resident Mary Porter, president of No Vet Left Behind Inc., posed questions about what is being done to support veterans.

Miller said the General Assembly usually votes in favor of legislation to aid veterans.

“This legislation is very important and very personal to me. My mother was an organ and tissue donor. Upon her death, her corneas were able to be donated. At the time of my mom's death, her general health condition was far from perfect, but she was still able to donate,” said Rep. Gentile. “It is crucial we provide education and create awareness for this life-saving program. Particularly with regard to the misconception that in order to be a donor you must be in perfect health. That simply is not the case.”

“Knowing my own sister gave life to others when her’s tragically ended, gives me great pride. This legislation will not only save lives of those in need of a transplant - but give bereaved families the opportunity to save other families from similar grief,” said Kari Mull, Director of Donate Life Connecticut.

Jaime Rotatori, (mother of child heart transplant recipient, Seymour, CT) said, “Without my son's donor family, we wouldn't have the chance to see my miracle child grow up. Aaron is now an active, healthy six year old boy excelling in first grade and his favorite activity, karate!”

Donate Life Connecticut is dedicated to increasing the number of registered organ and tissue donors in Connecticut through outreach and education. Their website is: www.DonateLifeConnecticut.org

“This is a great way to meet with people and discuss issues in an informal setting,” said Rep. Gentile.  “The legislative session has just started and it is very helpful to hear what people are thinking.”

“Throughout my tenure in the state Senate many of the best ideas we have considered at the Capitol have originated with suggestions from members of the community and this event will be another opportunity for that type of exchange,” Sen. Crisco said. “Residents of the district are always invited to contact me by mail, telephone, and e-mail, but there’s no substitute for these face-to-face meetings.”

Rep. Gentile joined regional fire school directors and colleagues at a State Capitol news conference to support the effort to upgrade Connecticut’s regional fire schools.

“This is an historic commitment to the fire schools than will enable them to have the training facilities needed to provide firefighters with the very best training and tools necessary to protect our citizens,” Rep. Gentile said. “This is great news for our region of the state because it means construction will be able to get underway for the Valley Regional Fire School which has been shut down since 2000.”

The Connecticut State Firefighters Association through its Education Committee began work to develop a plan to upgrade Connecticut’s regional fire schools back in 1999.

“I want to thank Governor Malloy for his support for firefighting training and the Connecticut State Firefighters Association for their work to get the funding needed to support our regional fire schools.” Rep. Gentile said.

Rep. Gentile said, “The funding is an important investment in the future of the regional fire schools.”

Under Gov. Malloy’s proposal, Ansonia would receive an additional $539,715, or 3.6 percent in ECS funding, increasing Ansonia’s total education grant to $15,571,383 for 2012-13.

Derby would receive an additional $280,532 or 4.1 percent in ECS funding, increasing Derby’s total education grant to $7,146,221.

“This is welcome news for both Ansonia and Derby,” said Rep. Gentile. “I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues to achieve these improved numbers, which includes almost $200 more per pupil in Ansonia and over $175 more per pupil in Derby.”

In his State of the State address Wednesday at the State Capitol, Malloy outlined his vision for Connecticut that maintains recent efforts to stabilize the state’s finances and continues to pursue the job creation policies that have begun to spur economic growth. Malloy also announced the final part of his education reform agenda – an overhaul of the state’s tenure system so that it rewards quality teachers, not just those who have been in the profession the longest.

“In these difficult economic times, it is critical that we invest in early childhood education and school districts that are the most challenged,” said Rep. Gentile. “The governor’s plan to overhaul the teacher preparation program is critical to that success.”

Malloy’s proposal addresses many areas in need of reform, including: increasing the access to and quality of early childhood education slots; allocating new funding and implementing new approaches that will improve low performing schools; expanding slots for public schools of choice including charter schools; removing red tape and other barriers that stand in the way of local school districts; repositioning our vo-tech schools to promote job readiness and job linkages; and improving teacher preparation so professionals have the skills they need to excel when they enter the classroom.

“It is critical to support the cultural, artistic and historic preservation organizations so that they can achieve their goals and continue to add to Connecticut’s economic vitality and quality of life,” said Rep. Gentile. “I’m pleased DECD included this important group.”

The grant program was designed to support local/regional allies of DECD/COA and establish a network of committed Local Arts Agencies helping to develop a statewide culture and tourism infrastructure to more effectively serve Connecticut’s citizens.

The Valley Arts Council was formed for the purpose of creating and promoting a connecting thread between artists and those who have an interest in experiencing the arts. Their mission is to ensure that the contribution the arts can make to one's life is recognized, valued, promoted and realized in the lives of all Valley residents. The Valley Arts Council has an ongoing commitment to recognize that a community which encourages, supports, and fosters the arts, empowers its citizens to think, work and live creatively.

“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their support to upgrade the school that benefits all Valley towns,” said Rep. Gentile. “Every town in the Valley has students at Emmet making this project an ideal example of regional benefits. Encouraging projects such as this is one of the best ways we can reinvest in the community and prepare people for jobs here in Connecticut.”

 “I have long maintained the inherent value in our state’s vocational – technical high school system as an incubator for a well-trained and experienced workforce and as such, well-worth the state's investment,” Senator Crisco said. “A safe, healthy school environment is among the most critical components of effective education – in this case students would have a difficult time in their classrooms, labs, and workshops without adequate heating – the timing of this grant couldn’t be better.

 “I’m grateful to Governor Malloy and the other members of the State Bond Commission for their ongoing support of these training programs and for their specific support of O’Brien Tech in this instance, said Sen. Crisco.”

“This legislation focuses on initiatives designed to create a climate in Connecticut that is ripe for maintaining, attracting and creating jobs,” said Rep. Gentile. The bill did receive bipartisan support that shows we can work together and achieve positive results to help create and retain quality jobs in Connecticut.”

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

One of the key components of the legislation is the Small Business Express Package which will make $100 million available to small businesses through incentives, grants and loans.

Rep. Gentile said, “Small business growth is essential. It is the engine that drives our economy.”

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

Other components of the jobs bill include:

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

In addition, the legislature signed off on Jackson Laboratory’s plan to build a $1.1 billion research facility at the UConn Health Center campus in Farmington. The State of Connecticut will invest $291 million and Jackson Laboratory will raise the balance of $860 million for the project.

“Today, Connecticut’s investment in bioscience will pay dividends for years to come,” Rep. Gentile said.

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

Linda Gentile (104th District) is serving her fourth term in the Connecticut General Assembly representing Ansonia and Derby. In addition to serving as House Chair of Planning and Development Committee, she also serves on the Commerce and Public Health Committees.

The Energy & Technology, Public Safety, Labor and Public Employees, and Planning & Development committees will hold an informational hearing in the coming weeks to address the following issues:

• Preparation and response by the utility companies, including United Illuminating and Connecticut Light & Power
• Performance of telephone and telecommunications companies
• Communication between utilities and municipal leaders
• Effectiveness of municipal reverse 9-1-1 systems and other communication methods

“Irene was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Connecticut,” said Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr., “and many Connecticut residents, public workers, and companies stepped up to make a real difference. We also know that tens of thousands of families and businesses were left in the dark for many days – and now they’re looking for answers. It’s time to understand what happened and how Connecticut can be better positioned to deal with the next emergency.”

“Connecticut has an opportunity to learn from this storm, identify what was done effectively and what needs to be improved,” said Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven / Hamden). “My constituents want to know why it took so long to get the power back on in certain areas. Probing questions need to be asked and I’m confident the legislative hearing is the appropriate venue to get answers.” 

“I am pleased that almost all Connecticut residents now have their power restored,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). “Too many, however, suffered without power for too long. That posed more than just inconvenience for them – it jeopardized their health, safety and livelihoods. We are hearing from folks across the state that we can do better than this, and we’re looking to explore ways that we can be better prepared next time. That’s why it is appropriate at this time to convene legislative hearings.”

House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said, “In meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday, she confirmed to me that Connecticut had the highest percentage of homes without power of all states affected by Hurricane Irene.  With such a heavy burden, to me the question remains whether our local utilities are working together to bring the necessary resources to bear throughout the state, not just within their own coverage areas.”

Comments from committee chairs are included below:

House Chairwoman of the Energy and Technology Committee Rep. Vicki Nardello (D-Prospect) said, “If you got your power back within a couple days you probably were very happy with the restoration effort, but for those who had to wait close to a week or more we need to understand what happened and why. Many people who had to wait the longest also depend on electricity to run their well water pumps and that can become a health issue very quickly. We are fortunate these record outages weren’t the result of a winter storm and the time is now to figure out what can be done better.”

“This hearing will help us to determine what went well and what went wrong in the aftermath of Irene. We will examine how to avoid or address outages more quickly after future disasters, and how to provide better information to electric customers left waiting in the dark," said Senator John Fonfara (D-Hartford), Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee.

“We should consider the hearing an opportunity to examine what was done right by our state during Hurricane Irene  and what we can do better,” Rep. Stephen Dargan (D-West Haven), House Chair, Public Safety and Security Committee,  said. “Testimony from local officials and local emergency responders will be very helpful for future planning.”

“First responders were called upon to mobilize and deliver public safety services without interruption hour after hour for days at a time, and this hearing will provide a welcome opportunity to assess that response," Senator Joan V. Hartley (D-Waterbury), Senate Chair of the legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee, said. "In terms of law enforcement, fire and rescue operations, and emergency medical response Irene presented an extraordinary sequence of events and now offers the chance to prepare for the future.”

“It is important that we assess what went right and what went wrong with the restoration efforts by the utility companies so everyone is better prepared when the next storm strikes,” said Rep. Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia and Derby), House Chair of the Legislature’s Planning & Development Committee.

“Obviously the utility issue commanded most of the attention, since people were going without power for days on end," said Senator Cassano, who is Senate Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee. "But there were clearly other issues, such as caring for people with disabilities or who are on oxygen or bedridden. That was extremely taxing to municipalities, and a better way has to be found to identify and care for these people during a natural disaster.”

“All aspects of our state’s response to the storm need to be examined,” Rep. Zeke Zalaski (D-Southington), House Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, said. “Our citizens need to know more about CL&P’s less than stellar response since they have already warned us about raising our rates.”

"In every facet of the response to Irene in every corner of Connecticut manpower issues came into play," Senator Edith G. Prague (D-Columbia), Senate Chair of the legislature's Labor and Public Employees Committee, said. "Going forward we have to ensure there will be adequate response capabilities in public safety personnel and for utilities restoration and infrastructure repair, just to name a few.”

“These state subsidized projects create and retain local jobs that are critical to our distressed city and local economy. I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their support to turn the armory into a community center that will benefit all valley towns,” said Rep. Gentile. “Various groups throughout the lower Valley will be able to utilize this facility, making this project an example of regional development -- encouraging other communities to engage in regional development projects. Projects such as this are one of the best ways Connecticut can reinvest in the community.”

“The investment of these state funds to improve the former Ansonia Armory will benefit local residents in two ways; first and foremost through the peace of mind in knowing the facility, now in service as a community center, will be more user-friendly, safe, and code-compliant,” Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-17th) said. “The second benefit is a significant financial advantage because these upgrades – valued at $500,000 – won’t impact Ansonia’s municipal budget or local property tax payers.”

The Ansonia Armory will become the city’s community center and indoor recreation facility. Many area community groups from Ansonia and surrounding towns use the building for various activities and include: Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, YMCA, Griffin Hospital, Veterans groups, senior groups, and the Police and Fire departments among others.

“This bill is immensely important for Ansonia and Derby and all other small communities that rely on volunteer firefighters who have the enormous and brave task of protecting our homes, and our loved ones,” said Rep. Gentile who has been advocating at the State Capitol for the bill. “The legislation allows trained, career firefighters who are on their own personal time to volunteer their much needed services to our smaller communities who greatly need it.”

Gentile said that she supports the legislation because small towns like Ansonia and Derby rely on volunteers to serve in their fire departments. “If we did not have these volunteers and were forced to have a paid fire department it would be a huge cost to our already overburdened taxpayers. When larger municipalities ban their paid employees from volunteering for other communities while on their own time, it undermines the ability of smaller towns to sustain their volunteer departments,” she said.

“Much work was put into getting this passed, and I am glad that I was able to be a part of this bipartisan effort to achieve this success,” said Rep. Gentile. “I would also like to give a special ‘thank you’ to all of my local firefighters who helped advocate for passage of the bill, particularly Derby Fire Chief Charles Sampson, who took time to give his personal testimony before the Public Safety Committee.”

The legislation next needs approval from the State Senate and then requires the signature of the governor before becoming law.

“We are clearly moving to cleaner energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and have successfully balanced our energy needs in a way that recognizes the impact on rate payers,” said Representative Gentile, House chair of the legislature’s Planning & Development Committee. “We are taking responsibility for Connecticut’s energy future with this legislation and have included goals for lowering rates in all aspects of our planning process.”

 In its major components, the legislation:

• Creates the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Creates the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority to leverage private capital for clean energy projects
• Improves electricity contracting and procurement procedures to lower rates
• Orders a study of electric market rules and their effect on higher rates
• Supports zero-emission and low-emission technologies
• Establishes a one-stop-shop to proactively reach out to businesses and consult with them on available programs and reducing their energy costs

“This marks a major step toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable energy future for Connecticut’s families and businesses. It will help to create jobs and businesses in clean energy and energy efficiency industries, putting Connecticut at the forefront of innovation and development,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan.

The broad aim of Senate Bill 1243 is to lower Connecticut’s energy costs and electric rates (amongst the highest in the nation), while moving the state toward clean and efficient energy. The bill seeks to help create the industries, jobs and businesses necessary to facilitate this kind of transformation in Connecticut, and then export those products, technologies and services elsewhere in the world.

Read a fact sheet on Senate Bill 1243.

The bill allows a deceased veteran's spouse, child, or parent to request a copy of a veteran’s death certificate at ‘no cost’. The current $20 fee would be waived for one certified copy of a veteran's death certificate either from the municipality where the death occurred or from the Department of Public Health's State Office of Vital Records.

“I am very pleased to see this bill pass. Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country. This bill will help the families of those veterans obtain the records of their deceased loved ones,” said Rep. Gentile. “This is just one more thing that we can do to assist our veterans’ families.”

The bill overwhelmingly passed the House on a bipartisan basis 144-1 and was previously approved by the Senate. It awaits the governor’s signature.

“We have to take full advantage of our state’s many assets. And we must refocus our attention on technology and small manufacturing businesses where many of the new jobs will be created to make Connecticut competitive once again. We need to attract more high-tech jobs to the state for the long-term and this bill has the potential to do just that,” said Rep. Gentile, Chair of the legislature’s Planning & Development Committee. “This bill represents the kind of strategic vision and systematic approach to economic development that we have to take.”

“This is one of the most important pieces of legislation this year. The fact that it received unanimous bipartisan support shows that we can work together and achieve concrete results that will help create and retain manufacturing and technology-based jobs for the long-term,” House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-88th) said. “Incentives and a strong network between investors, academics and the state can transform Connecticut into a center of innovation that can be a magnet for entrepreneurs, talented people and great ideas to take root.”

The goal of the legislation is to jump-start job creation in the state. It lays a foundation for long-term economic growth, provides incentives for entrepreneurship and innovation, and makes investments in manufacturing and education are all contained in the bill.

The legislation is an outgrowth of the Majority Leaders’ Job Growth Roundtable initiative that was led by House Majority Leader Sharkey and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-11th District). In addition to lawmakers, the roundtable was made up of academics, economists, labor and business leaders, and venture capitalists.

Specifically, the Job Growth Roundtable’s recommendations reflected in HB 6525 include:

• Investing in business growth – Positions Connecticut to be an innovation leader by driving technology-based economic development and manufacturing reinvestment.

• Student loan reimbursement for green tech degrees - Students can qualify for up to $2,500 or 5 percent of annual tuition for 4 years.

• A manufacturing reinvestment fund - Expands and protects manufacturing base through new tax-preferred account where machinery, equipment or facilities can be purchased. Up to $50,000 can be used by 50 manufacturers with 50 or less employees for up to 5 years to reinvest and grow their businesses. Account disbursements are taxed at only 3.5 percent.

• An innovation network created in government – DECD will organize technology leaders and entrepreneurs, to increase the state’s innovation competitiveness using incentives and financial support to strengthen the bond between universities and industry. In partnership with federal research funds, the bill increases corporate-sponsored research and establishes an innovation accelerator linking universities and corporations to start-up technology companies. It strengthens technology transfers and entrepreneurship activities at UConn and links angel networks and incubators.

“This is one of the single most important bills to pass in our efforts to redevelop contaminated sites and combines with a commitment from Governor Malloy and Democrats in the General Assembly for millions in remediation funding,” Rep. Gentile, Commerce Committee member and Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, said.

The 2012/13 biennial budget approved by Democrats in the legislature and signed by Governor Dannel Malloy includes $25 million each year for brownfield remediation.

“These projects breathe new life into cities and towns in the form of jobs and real estate development,” said Gentile. “At the same time, we are not destroying (our) greenfields, which preserve the rural character and quality of life that we value so much here in Connecticut.”

Every brownfield that is cleaned-up or redeveloped reduces pressure on greenfield development thereby limiting sprawl and its negative environmental impact. Brownfield projects are most often found in transit hubs or along established transit routes close to population centers. Returning these transit friendly sites to productive use can by itself contribute to the goals of transit oriented development.

Rep. Gentile stated the bill, approved with both Democrat and Republican votes, is indicative of the bipartisan approach Democrats have taken toward economic development and brownfield remediation.

“Contaminated land is not productive or usable. These brownfield sites are a significant drain on our public resources, do not add to our revenue base, are eyesores in our communities and pose a serious threat to public health and the environment,” said Gentile. “Redevelopment is key to building our local property tax revenues, supports smart growth initiatives and key transportation investments.”

Rep. Gentile noted the legislation is part of a bigger environmental picture. Democrats in the legislature have a history of protecting land through both open space acquisitions and brownfield remediation.

“This bill demonstrates that we can pursue environmental protection and economic development together,” Commissioner of Environmental Protection Daniel C. Esty said. “I salute the legislative leaders for putting a package together that accomplishes these goals.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Ansonia High School Human Relations Club and Reps. Gentile and Green at the State Capitol

"These young people have acted as ambassadors of our city and have done Ansonia proud by demonstrating that they are not afraid of commitment and hard work to make our world a better place. Embracing diversity, reducing racism, and eliminating prejudice and fear is so important to providing our children and families a healthy community," Rep. Gentile stated. "The club and award winners have my utmost admiration. I applaud their accomplishments and I thank their advisors for their support."

Among the students honored at the Capitol was Danielle Todd, President of the Ansonia High School Human Relations Cub, winner of the 2011 Princeton Prize in Race Relations for Connecticut. Princeton University sponsors an annual awards program for high school students who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations.

Rep. Green, (L), Rep. Gentile (c) and Danielle Todd, Princeton Race Relations Award Winner.

“I join residents of Ansonia and all those affiliated with Ansonia High School and its Human Relations Club with congratulations for Danielle Todd, Connecticut’s winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations this year,” Senator Crisco said. “As president of the Human Relations Club and de facto coordinator of its interracial, intergenerational, and anti-bullying initiatives, Danielle Todd embodies the concept of harmonious co-existence and I commend her willingness and ability to do so.”

Daniele is the 2nd grand prize winner of the Princeton Prize award from the Ansonia High School Human Relations Club in the last three years. In 2009, Ewa Januszkiewicz, won the award and was also recognized at the Capitol.

Rep Gentile said, “To have one award winner is significant; to have two winners in three years is enormously significant. There is no doubt that these students, as well as all the members of this club are making a positive impact.”

"I'm very proud to be able to recognize such fine young students for their exemplary efforts to promote diversity and end discrimination in our community," Rep. Greene said. "These students have chosen to take up the mantle of responsibility by leading the way on incredibly important issues. I only hope that we can follow their lead to affect real change and make our great society that much better."

The Ansonia High School Human Relations Club (HRC) is a student-run-organization with more than 65 members, where student leaders plan, organize, and run all aspects of the club. The major activities of the HRC are designed to reduce prejudice and discrimination and to increase cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic awareness.  The HRC provides students the opportunity to strive for their “highest level of humanity” through club activities and development of leadership skills and abilities.

The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to waive the current $22.50 fee for state identification cards for any applicant who is a blind veteran.

“I am so pleased to see this bill pass, particularly at this time right before Memorial Day.  It is just a little thing, but it is the right thing to do to help our veterans who have given so much to defend and protect our country,” said Rep. Gentile. “Disabled veterans especially deserve all the assistance we can provide to them. They earned it.”

The bill unanimously passed the House 144-0 and is now headed to the State Senate for consideration.

HB 6412, An Act Concerning The Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) would make groups of municipalities eligible for STEAP grants as long as each member is eligible. STEAP provides economic assistance to municipalities that do not qualify for the Urban Action grant program, which is geared mainly for cities and economically distressed towns.

Gentile, House Chair of the Legislature’s Planning and Development Committee which sponsored the bill, said, “This bill will provide much needed economic assistance to the small towns that need it the most. As more towns cooperate on regional projects and initiatives, they will be able to share the STEAP grant funds up to $500,000 per fiscal year, per town. This will provide them the opportunity to tackle larger projects they could not have otherwise done independently.”

These small town municipal grants are economic incentives for smart growth that are also job producing investments and a new source of town revenue that can relieve pressure on local property taxes.

Gentile added, “This is an all-around win for cities, towns the state and local taxpayers.”

The bill approved by the House, now heads to the State Senate for their consideration.