“Thank you for all the support and kindness through the years,” said Rep. Hamm. “The General Assembly is a unique place where we are all family. I feel successful in what I was able to accomplish. I’ve enjoyed my committee work and advocacy, I’ll never forget it.”

Many of her colleagues spoke, including House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Representative Hamm will always be remembered for her advocacy and passion for helping children. Your courage and bravery are an inspiration. We will miss you.”

Rep. Hamm was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1999. She plans to spend more time with his family and friends and will continue advocating for childrens issues.

“Raising the minimum wage increases consumer spending on Main Street,” said Rep. Hamm. “Increasing the minimum wage can be a boon to our state’s economy, boosting economic security and opportunity for tens-of-thousands of hard-working Connecticut citizens.”

House Bill 5291 would raise Connecticut’s minimum wage by $.50 to $8.75 per hour in two steps.  The minimum wage would increase from the current rate of $8.25 to $8.50 on January 1, 2013, and then to $8.75 on January 1, 2014. The legislation also includes minor adjustments to the minimum wage for restaurant wait-staff and bartenders who receive tips.

Although the minimum wage has been raised seventeen times since 1979 it has effectively decreased by 11 percent when adjusted for the cost of living.

“A single parent of three making the current minimum wage will only earn $17,160 working full time – far below the federal poverty threshold of $22,190,” said Rep. Hamm.

A recent Quinnipiac poll indicates that 70% of Connecticut residents support raising the minimum wage.

Rep. Hamm said, “106,000 workers in Connecticut earn minimum wage – almost 7 percent of our entire workforce. Connecticut residents recognize these hardworking individuals need a raise.”

The bill now goes to the State Senate for consideration.

 “The continued commitment to Middletown by Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission helps keep these facilities doing good work,” said Rep. Hamm. “Investing in our infrastructure makes financial sense, as well as protects the well-being of staff and patients.”

Connecticut Valley Hospital will receive $1,090,495 for a pair of items. The elevator service at Woodward Hall will be upgraded, as will the electrical system at the facility’s power plant. Both projects will be code compliant and are anticipated to create 21 construction related jobs.

Riverview Hospital will receive $530,000 for a pair of items. The fire sprinkler system will receive improvements and flooring at the facility will be replaced. This project is anticipated to create five construction related jobs.

“From entrepreneurs creating cutting edge products in emerging industries to business leaders looking to expand long-standing companies, EXP is a program that demonstrates the state’s commitment to Connecticut’s small companies and their role in creating and protecting the jobs that will strengthen our economy,” said Governor Malloy.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

The businesses to receive funding are:

• Nature’s First, Inc. of Orange is a manufacturer of food products sold in health food stores and supermarkets including Whole Foods, Stop and Shop, and other major regional chains. The company will retain four and create two new jobs as ownership leverages an investment of $370,000 with a Job Creation Incentive Loan of $100,000 and a Matching Grant of $100,000. The funding will support the import of powder and juice pulp from India to its domestic manufacturing facility.

“The state is smart to invest in companies like Nature’s First, a local manufacturer of healthy and nutritious foods,” said Senator Gayle Slossberg. “This grant award sends a message that Connecticut supports small businesses and is focused on growing jobs. I want to see more success stories like this one that ends with a growing and thriving workforce.”

“The bipartisan Jobs Bill passed in October continues to have a positive impact on small businesses in our local area,” said Representative Paul Davis. “Nature’s First inc., of Orange, which has an international presence, is another example of how government can help support job growth and small business expansion in the private sector. The benefits of this program extend to the entire community through greater employment opportunities and increased economic development.”

“Helping small businesses grow strong roots here in Connecticut, and in this region in particular, fueled my decision last fall to support an expanded menu of assistance options available to employers,” said Representative Themis Klarides. “Government can’t create private sector jobs, but it can certainly help create a climate where they can bloom. These types of state investments in our business community go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.”

• Nalas Engineering, of Essex provides chemistry and chemical engineering expertise to aid in the development of safe, robust and low-cost chemical processes. The company, currently housed in the UCONN Small Business Incubator at Avery Point, will invest $100,000 and receive a $100,000 Matching Grant to move to a larger location and expand in Essex. New machinery and equipment will be purchased and ten new employees will be hired, tripling the number now employed from five to fifteen.

“I’m delighted by DECD’s favorable consideration of Nalas Engineering’s strong application for this grant, and I commend local officials in Essex who encouraged the company’s move into town. A winning formula for economic growth is collaboration between the public sector and private business,” said Senator Eileen Daily. “This grant for Nalas Engineering is a prime example of how this partnership can work and it is great news for our local economy and for Connecticut.”

“This investment will allow Nalas Engineering to relocate to Essex and hire more workers—helping to help grow our local economy,” said Representative Phil Miller. “Governor Malloy is clearly focused on the needs of our small businesses and I want to thank him for his strong support.”

• The Rockfall Company, LLC of Meriden, a veteran-owned company established in 1998, is a team of seasoned planners, designers and construction professionals providing general contracting, construction management and mechanical contracting services, facilities design, project planning, and construction consulting. Specializing in light commercial and residential construction, the company’s finished products include office complexes, condominiums, retail space, and educational facilities as well as custom-designed residences throughout Connecticut. The company received a $250,000 Job Creation Incentive Loan, and a $20,000 Matching Grant, to expand the business, purchase a piece of equipment and hire five new employees.

“Our top priority is job creation and small business expansion. That’s what will jumpstart our recovery, and that’s what we had in mind when we passed the Jobs Bill last fall,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan. “Governor Malloy’s decision to select The Rockfall Company of Meriden is a welcome boost to our regional economy.”

“It is encouraging to see a local veteran-owned small business benefit from one of these grants,” said Representative Cathy Abercrombie. “I am pleased to see our governor including a variety of businesses in this grant program and thank him for keeping Meriden’s small businesses in mind.”

“I thank Governor Malloy for his continued support of small business. The opportunity for this company to expand and hire more employees contributes to our economic recovery,” said Representative Emil “Buddy” Altobello.

• Jupiter Communications, LLC of Stratford, a printing company, has been in continuous operation since 1962, and is principally concerned with serving financial publishing companies. With an opportunity to capture a major new customer, Jupiter is investing $180,000 and receiving a Matching Grant of $100,000 to acquire new equipment and help the company bring work currently sourced out-of-state back in-house. Jupiter will retain ten jobs and add two more.

“I am very happy that the job creation programs the legislature passed last fall will help Jupiter Communications in Stratford retain ten jobs and even bring a couple of outsourced positions back here to Connecticut. Helping small businesses to succeed and start hiring again is one of my top goals, and I hope we will be able to pass an expansion of these job programs later this year,” said Senator Ed Gomes.

“I’m always thrilled when any investment is made in a Stratford business, especially in these tough economic times,” said Representative Terry Backer. “Lack of employment remains a major hurdle for communities like Stratford. This grant will allow for the hiring of local residents.”

“This new approach, giving grants to small businesses in a short time frame, can have a big impact on a company. Jupiter Communications is a perfect example. It is what was envisioned when the Jobs Bill passed last October,” said Representative Lawrence Miller.

“I'm happy to see DECD has worked with Jupiter to allow them to expand their business and bring out-sourced work back into their own operation,” said Representative Laura Hoydick. “It's good to see positive growth that stems directly from last year's bipartisan legislation taking effect right here in Stratford.”

“I am pleased that Jupiter Communications will be growing and creating jobs in our community,” said Senator Kevin Kelly. “Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy, and the Small Business Express Program is a good example of how state government should work in cooperation with business owners to put local families back to work.”

• Greenskies Renewable, LLC of Middletown has been awarded a $100,000 Matching Grant and a Job Creation Incentive Loan in the amount of $250,000. A solar integrator that specializes in solar financing, system design, project implementation, coordination, long-term system monitoring and maintenance, Greenskies will hire four new employees over the next three years as they work with several major multinational corporations to scale up a number of successfully completed pilot installations at locations throughout the northeast.

“We are lucky to have a visionary renewable energy company like Greenskies right in our own backyard in Middletown,” said Senator Paul Doyle. “This grant will help Greenskies continue to thrive and create jobs for four new people. This is the kind of investment we need to get the state’s economy back on track and get people back to work.”

“It is really great to see another business right here in our community expanding and growing with the support of the state,” said Representative Joseph Serra. “Greenskies, particularly with its mission of encouraging the use of solar energy, is a great fit for the Small Business Express program which will help add jobs to our local economy.”

“This is the direction our state needs to continue traveling, small business support and green jobs,” said Representative Gail K. Hamm. “I’m thrilled anytime investment comes to Middletown.”

“This Small Business Express Program is doing exactly what was intended when I voted for the Jobs bill last year. Businesses like Greenskies Renewable are able to use this grant to expand operations and hire new employees, and win for the business and for the state,” said Representative Christie Carpino.

“Greenskies is creating green jobs right here in Middletown. As a member of the Energy Committee, I’ve long been a supporter of renewable energy and I’m thrilled that Governor Malloy is helping this great solar business expand in Middletown,” said Representative Matt Lesser.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program web page or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.

“Connecticut must support its small businesses,” Governor Malloy said. “They are the foundations of local economies, helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of Connecticut residents. State investments through programs like this not only help the businesses on Main Street grow, they also aid in the state’s economic recovery.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

The five small businesses announced today are:

• SolarChange LLC of Bridgeport designs, manufactures and sells solar hybrid and solar thermal appliances and building products for both residential and commercial use. DECD has awarded the company a $100,000 matching grant and a loan of $250,000 to boost its operations and hire employees. SolarChange will create 31 full-time jobs. The project, moreover, will have a multiplier effect, as SolarChange will distribute its products through four other companies in Connecticut and will generate new installation and servicing jobs.

“Job creation is a top priority in this tough economy, and the manufacturing, installation and servicing jobs this grant will provide are exactly what Bridgeport needs. Manufacturing these solar panels in Connecticut will also support growth in the renewable energy industry, which is more and more important as our climate warms,” State Senator Ed Gomes (D-Bridgeport) said.

“I am very pleased that SolarChange will soon be expanding their business and hiring new employees in Bridgeport,” State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) said. “Our focus for the last year has been on job creation and business expansion, and this shows that we are headed in the right direction.  Connecticut can be a leader in the field of renewable energy by creating more these kind of green, local jobs over the coming years.”

“This is a great example of government at work and a positive result of our focus on jobs. We are well on our way to providing good jobs in Bridgeport. I want to thank Governor Malloy and the administration and look forward to working with other Bridgeport small businesses,” State Representative Andres Ayala (D-Bridgeport) said.

“As we look forward to new and greener technologies to provide alternatives to fossil fuels, it is great there are those working on the residential side of the energy use equation. This is money well spent in the creation of 31 full-time jobs – we will get many returns on this investment,” State Representative Don Clemons (D-Bridgeport) said.

“This is a great step forward and opportunity for Bridgeport to engage in the burgeoning new field of renewable energy. Bridgeport is leading the way for a green, sustainable future,” State Representative Jack Hennessy (D-Bridgeport) said.

“Like all of our major cities, Bridgeport has been hard-hit with loss of jobs in this ailing economy,” State Representative Charlie Stallworth (D-Bridgeport) said. “Anything we can do to increase gainful employment is a worthwhile effort and this grant/loan combination for SolarChange, LLC will create jobs. I look forward to many more such support packages for our small business enterprises as we continue on the road to economic recovery.”

• Cheshire Fitness Zone is a complete physical, occupational, and speech therapy center designed specifically to meet the needs of children and adolescents of all ages and abilities. The fitness zone has a full array of exercise equipment biomechanically designed to fit children. The company was awarded a matching grant of $100,000 and a loan of $250,000, which will go toward the purchase of property so it can build a larger facility. Fourteen jobs will be created and nine retained as part of the $1,500,000 project.

“This is terrific news for Cheshire Fitness Zone,” State Representative Alfred Adinolfi (R-Cheshire) said. “The bipartisan jobs bill puts small businesses first by providing much needed assistance for companies wishing to expand and hire more employees.  This announcement is a perfect example of how the policies we create in Hartford can keep and grow jobs right here in Central Connecticut. I hope many more jobs grow out of this grant as this small business continues to thrive.”

“The ability to assist children with special health care needs and create jobs in the process is a win for the children, the town of Cheshire and Connecticut,” State Representative Vickie Nardello (D-Prospect) said.

• Marlborough Plastics Inc. has specialized in plastic injection molding and engineered thermoplastics in aerospace, computer, defense, electronic, engineering, health care, OEMs and sporting goods application for more than 40 years. Marlborough Plastics, which recently built a new 11,250-square-foot facility in Marlborough, will receive a $100,000 matching grant to purchase new machinery and equipment.  The project will retain 6 jobs.

“Marlborough Plastics is investing in Connecticut because Governor Malloy and the legislature are working for Connecticut, as evidenced by our jobs bill and our investments in high-tech manufacturing and bioresearch,” State Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester) said. “This matching grant – made possible by our jobs bill – preserves the kind of quality jobs that make Connecticut a great state to live and work in, and which make Connecticut one of the most productive states in the nation.”

State Representative Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said, “Marlborough Plastics Inc. has had an increase in business and with this grant to purchase new machinery they will need more employees with a manufacturing background. It’s what this grant was meant to do.”

• Centerplan Construction Company of Middletown was established in 2008 to serve the construction needs of its sister company Centerplan Development. Since then the company has grown, and is now planning to expand its space and operations. DECD has awarded Centerplan a $100,000 matching grant for the build-out and fit-out of additional office space and for equipment. An additional $500,000 loan was awarded through the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. The company plans to add five employees to its 31-member staff in 2012 and 20 to 25 in the next five years.

“Centerplan Construction Company is a real success story here in Middletown. This grant and loan will allow Centerplan to build on that success and hire more employees,” State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) said. “I am thrilled to see more local businesses benefiting from the jobs legislation we passed in October and creating good jobs for Connecticut residents.”

State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell, Middletown, Portland) said, “I am happy the bipartisan jobs bill I voted for and that passed in October is doing what it is intended to do, which is help small businesses like Centerplan Construction Company.”

“Small business expansion and jobs creation in Middletown are most welcome,” State Representative Gail K. Hamm (D-East Hampton, Middletown) said. “Making Connecticut a business-friendly state involves both attracting new business and assisting those who have already invested here.”

“I want to thank Governor Malloy for supporting a great small business in Middletown,” State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield & Middletown) said. “Small businesses are the engines of economic growth, and I wish Bob Landino and Centerplan much success.”

“Centerplan has developed into an important part of Middletown’s business community and has earned this support of the state,” State Representative Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) said. “Because these incentives will be used to help jump-start job creation and encourage long-term economic growth, they are also good investments for taxpayers.”

• Fields of Fire is currently building an outdoor paintball facility on 50 acres in Mystic. Additional activities such as rock climbing and zip lines will be added as the company grows. A $100,000 Small Business Express Grant will be used to buy equipment and materials to create paintball battlefields. As part of the project three full-time employees will be hired, as well as 20 or more seasonal positions.

“A small business that focuses on recreation is the perfect fit for promoting the Mystic area as a great place to live as well as a great place to vacation,” State Representative Diana Urban (D-Stonington, North Stonington) said. “Recognizing that small business is so important to our local economic web is the cornerstone of the Small Business Express Program and I am very happy that this grant will help grow the local Mystic economy by assisting Fields of Fire.”

“This grant announcement and the facility to come represent another step forward as Connecticut gets back to the important work of stimulating small business growth within a successful economic development strategy,” State Representative Elissa Wright (D-Groton) said.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.

“A project of this magnitude means there were quite a few people helping make it happen,” said Rep. Hamm. “I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their commitment to this project that I have supported and fought for through the years.”

The renovations at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School are to accommodate the inclusion of boys 16 and 17 years of age within the juvenile court with respect to criminal matters. Rep. Hamm was instrumental in working for the separation of younger age juveniles from older juveniles.

The project expands the school campus space to 14,000 square feet and will create or retain 119 construction related jobs.

“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. Hamm. “I’m pleased DECD included these well deserving Middletown groups.”

The Middletown groups receiving funds are:

• ARTFARM, Inc. - $865
• Green Street Arts Center/Wesleyan - $9,405
• Greater Middletown Chorale - $1,090
• Oddfellows Playhouse - $4,151
• Wesleyan University Center for the Arts - $10,474

The grant programs were established to stimulate the development of private sector funding and help stabilize arts institutions by establishing programs aimed at providing access through the creation of artistic works and/or targeted outreach to audiences and participants.

ARTFARM is a not-for-profit professional theater company established in 2001 cultivating high quality theater with a commitment to simple living, environmental sustainability and social justice.

The Greater Middletown Chorale is an auditioned symphonic chorus committed to excellence in singing while preparing and performing choral masterworks and other outstanding choral music for all generations of listeners.

Oddfellows Playhouse is the largest and most active year-round youth theater in Connecticut. They are an independent, not-for-profit organization with an arts/social service mission striving to promote the growth of young people by helping them build skills and self-confidence through the performing arts.

Green Street Arts Center offers an eclectic mix of events, exhibitions, classes, and workshops to a diverse population, serving local individuals and families, as well as people from more than 25 surrounding towns.

“I’ve carefully thought about re-election for many months,” said Rep. Hamm. “I’m very proud of the 14 years of service I’ve given to my district and especially enjoyed representing the families of the 34th House District.”

Beginning in January 2013, the new 34th district will be comprised of East Hampton, East Haddam and a small western section of Colchester.

Some of the important issues highlighting Rep. Hamm’s career include:

• Decriminalizing offender status for 16 and 17 year olds
  

• Advocating for constituents concerning the Department of Children and Families and Connecticut Juvenile Training School

• Preservation and restoration of the Comstock Bridge
  

• Updating safety regulations at the Kleen Energy Power Plant

• Providing funds for the Chatham Historical Society

• Repealing the sales tax on caskets

• Securing funding for Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton

• Establishing the Governor William A. O’Neill highway

“Gail Hamm has served the people of her 34th District with distinction for 14 years,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). “She has made important contributions to Connecticut, working tirelessly with colleagues to set policy and direction on issues involving children and the law.  Her integrity and professionalism are universally admired, and she will be missed in Hartford.”

“Rep. Gail Hamm has been a powerful advocate for the people of her district and made many accomplishments as a champion for children,” House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said. “Her contributions to the safety and well-being of our children will have a lasting impact far into the future, as will her passion for the law.”

“It has been an honor to have served along side Rep. Hamm, and her wisdom and friendship will be sorely missed. During her tenure in the House, Gail consistently displayed an unwavering integrity and love for her community that set a standard we can all strive for,” State Representative Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) said.

Rep. Hamm plans to continue advocating for children and adolescents and remain active in local politics.

Colchester and East Hampton residents, take heart: The two-year Comstock Bridge reconstruction project is nearing its completion.

The historic bridge - portions of which are estimated to date back to the 1700s - is currently partially open to pedestrians, with the structure expected to be completely opened in about the next month.

The $1.1 million project began at the end of the winter in 2009 and is "basically a one-of-a-kind project" for the Department of Transportation (DOT), said spokesman Kevin Nursick. Nursick said reconstructing a wooden bridge is not the type of project the DOT is typically involved in but the agency was happy to do so as the bridge had so much "historical significance."

The 90-foot covered wooden Howe truss bridge spans the Salmon River, with half in Colchester and the other half in East Hampton. It was first shut down in 2005 when it was inspected and thought to be unstable. At that time, the bridge was repaired with the addition of two steel high beams, which bore the weight of the bridge, making it safe for foot traffic again. From then until 2009 the bridge remained open while the state looked into funding for a broader reconstruction of it.

In 2009 funding finally came through, with the help of state Rep. Gail K. Hamm (D-East Hampton and Middletown). Of the $1.1 million cost of the project, 80 percent came from the National Historic Covered Bridge program and the other 20 percent from the state, Nursick said.

Joe Gresko, a spokesman for Hamm, said she made sure the state went forward with assigning the DOT to be the caretakers of the bridge. She also went through the process of applying for the federal funds that paid for most of the project, he said

Work began on the project in March 2009. Once it started, workers had to completely disassemble the bridge, piece by piece. This was done by pulling it apart, 10 feet at a time, and storing the pieces of the wooden structure in the bigger of the two parking lots at the site. Once that was done, workers replaced the "old deteriorating material with new components as needed," said Nursick. Half of the restored bridge is now composed of new materials, with the other half of original pieces. The reconstruction incorporated "some modifications to better strengthen the structure," but half of the original bridge was retained "maintaining the historic context of the structure," Nursick said. A carpenter was also brought in to work on the bridge to make sure the job was done right.

This project was also unique to the DOT because it was "all basically done by hand," which made it take longer, Nursick said. The project would likely have been completed earlier, but the severity of last winter's snowstorms delayed some of the work, he said.

Nonetheless, state and local officials are relieved the project is coming to a close and the bridge can be used again.

"I'm thrilled that it is going to be reopened," said Colchester First Selectman Gregg Schuster. Schuster said the bridge is an iconic landmark in the area, one he used to visit as a kid to go fishing with his family.

This is not the first time the historic bridge was shut down. In the 1930s it was closed for renovations, and then again in the 1970s.

The bridge is now partially open to pedestrians and in the next month or so will be completely opened, Nursick said. The landscaping portion of the project will be completed in the spring, he added. The landscaping will improve the aesthetics of the property, including the planting of flowers and grass at either end of the span, and will not limit pedestrian use of the bridge.

It was important to town and state officials to keep as much of the original bridge as possible because it has significant historic value.

"It has a real historic context," Nursick said.

Nursick said the bridge was built in 1873 for $3,958, a cost that was shared by East Hampton and Colchester. The towns shared the bridge for 61 years, before it became state property in 1934. Nursick said there are portions of the bridge that possibly even date back to the 1700s.

"Maintaining the character of the bridge and allowing families across the state and New England to enjoy safe travel over this historic landmark was the drivine force behind this effort," Hamm said. "Atrip across the bridge constitutes a journey through the history of this region, when our citizens traveled on horseback and stagecoach."

Another unique aspect of the Comstock Bridge is that it is one of only three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut and the only one that still supports its own weight.

The bridge is "one of those charms that Connecticut has," Nursick said. "It really is a local gem that not a lot of outsiders know about."

Gresko said Hamm "is ecstatic" that the bridge is almost complete and looking forward to taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which he said would likely take place in the spring.

The Comstock Bridge, which spans the Salmon River from East Hampton to Colchester, is expected to completely reopen next month after a two-year renovation project. The bridge was built in 1873 and is one of only three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut.

Members of the Chatham Historical Society in East Hampton thanked Governor Dannel Malloy for honoring
Rep. Hamm's request for $50K for CHS improvements during the December 2011 State Bond Commission meeting.

“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for honoring my request for this project,” said Rep. Hamm. “The Chatham Historical Society is a non-profit icon in town and will continue to enhance the lives of residents and children thanks to this funding.  Having worked five years on this issue, today is quite fulfilling.”

The Chatham Historical Society will use the funding for new siding and roof, ADA restroom compliance, replacement windows, tree work, security upgrades, lighting and repairing the historic Comstock covered bridge on display.

Established in 1963, the CHS operates a complex including an 1840 one-room school house and museum, housing artifacts and memorabilia telling the histories of East Hampton, Middle Haddam and Cobalt.

“The legislature made jobs its top priority. This legislation received bipartisan support showing we can work together and achieve concrete results to create and retain quality jobs in our state,” said Rep. Hamm. “This legislation creates a climate in Connecticut encouraging the maintenance and attraction of jobs.”

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

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

“Small business continues to be the engine that drives our economy,” said Rep. Hamm. “Investing in the future of Connecticut’s small businesses especially in the field of bioscience is critical.”

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.

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.

“The state’s continued commitment to Middletown is encouraging,” said Rep. Hamm. “Education improvements are the best ways Connecticut can invest in our future.”

Middlesex Community College will receive $188,543 to finance telecommunication closets, network wiring, switches, routers, servers, wireless hardware and software and related telecommunications hardware and software.

The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m. Friday, October 28th in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

 “I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their continued confidence in Middletown with the approval of this project,” said Rep. Hamm. “Healthcare is critical for Connecticut as we work on keeping our attractiveness in a competitive world. Maintaining our infrastructure is key.”

Riverview Hospital will receive a replacement of the roof on Building 8 on the facility’s campus. This project is anticipated to create eight construction jobs.

“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their confidence in Middletown with the approval of these well-deserved projects,” said Rep. Hamm. “Healthcare and education improvements are the best ways Connecticut can reinvest in our future.”

Middlesex Community College will receive $156,038 to finance the design of renovations and alterations to the cafeteria and additions to the bookstore, dining and student area in Founders Hall on campus.

Connecticut Valley Hospital, Riverview Hospital and the Connecticut Juvenile Training School will receive $400,400 for interior and exterior repairs to their potable water tank. This project is anticipated to create 8 construction jobs.

A separate item for Riverview Hospital has $865,000 coming for roadway improvements, JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) modifications and emergency and minor capital projects. This project is anticipated to create 12 construction positions.

Rep. Orange, who lost close friend Ron Crabb in the explosion, said, “If I could, I would name this bill ‘Dillon’s Law’ after Dillon Thomas Crabb, the seven-year-old son of my friends Ron Crabb and Jodi Thomas. Dillon is so proud of his mother’s hard work and dedication to craft this legislation. We owe it to Dillon and the other family members and friends touched by the Kleen Energy tragedy to make sure avoidable workplace accidents are a thing of the past.”

Six people were killed and more than 30 were injured in the Kleen Energy explosion.

“It is imperative we not let this tragedy pass without making these necessary safety changes at Connecticut power plants,” said Rep. Gail K. Hamm, co-sponsor of the bill. “Preventing accidents similar to the incident at Kleen Energy is the best way to honor the memory of those who tragically lost their lives.”

The bill (House Bill 5802) incorporates recommendations of the Thomas Commission, including banning the use of flammable gases to conduct "gas blows” at power plants. Gas blows, which use highly pressurized natural gas to clean pipes of debris, were found to have caused the Kleen Energy explosion. The legislation sets a fine of up to $100,000 and up to two years in prison for violations.

As part of the license requirements of all future power plants, the legislation requires new electricity plants to pay for special inspectors to assist local fire marshals in reviewing building plans and conducting inspections of the sites. The bill also requires the Connecticut Siting Council to consult with the Departments of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and other agencies before approving any plans.

The legislation now awaits action by the State Senate.

 “Maintaining cutting edge technology in our schools is a critical priority” said Rep. Hamm. “I thank Governor Malloy for approving this upgrade.”

Critical needs such as computer services ranging from email to the operation of all core student, course management, financial aid and financial systems will be addressed.

Infrastructure improvements will include:

• Network cabling
• Wireless networks
• Information security
• Routers and servers

“As enrollment grows, so does the need for facility and technology growth,” said Rep. Hamm. “Investing in our student’s education now will keep Connecticut competitive in the future.”

The NCSL Law and Criminal Justice Committee is one of 12 standing committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The standing committees are responsible for developing policies that stress three themes: opposition to unfunded federal mandates, prevention of unnecessary preemption of state laws and protection of state revenue sources. The NCSL then uses these polices as guides to advocate at the national level.

“Few issues are as important to me as law and criminal justice” said Rep. Hamm. “I look forward to exchanging ideas, bringing them back to Connecticut and also focusing on juvenile justice issues.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves legislators and staffs of all states, commonwealths and territories of the United States. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of states in the American federal system.

“Rep. Hamm’s state legislative experience will allow her to represent Connecticut well as she undertakes this new challenge,” said Speaker Donovan. “I am confident Gail’s work on this committee will strengthen the work of the NCSL while protecting Connecticut's interest in the legal and criminal justice areas at the national level.”

Middletown State Reprentatives Joseph Serra, Gail Hamm, and Matt Lesser welcomed Mercy High School's Mock Trial Team to the State Capitol earlier this week.

The Mercy High School Mock Trial Team captured the state championship title at the Connecticut Supreme Court in a trial against Westhill High School of Stamford. A total of 65 high school teams participated in the statewide competition sponsored by Civics First.

Mercy played the role of the prosecution in an attempted murder case. The students presented their winning case in front of a panel of Connecticut Supreme Court Senior Justice Christine S. Vertefeuille, Justice Richard N. Palmer and Justice Dennis G. Eveleigh. The Justices praised the work of the Mercy students, and awarded junior Tara Palnitkar the “Best Speaker Award” for serving as the best lawyer on the Mercy team.

Mercy's Mock Trial Team now moves on to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Competition, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona in May. Mercy's team will be the first Connecticut High School Mock Trial Team to ever compete at the national level. The Mercy Team is coached by Mercy faculty member Attorney Terri Corigliano, Attorney Peter McShane and Attorney Amity Arscott.

“Maintaining state-of-the-art safety technology in our hospitals is a critical priority” said Rep. Hamm.    “I thank Governor Malloy for approving this upgrade.”

“It makes good sense to be prepared for fire emergencies in hospitals, where so many people are already in need of care and assistance. A large building with many patients can prove difficult to evacuate, and reliable fire alarms are an absolute necessity,” said Senator Doyle. “This new alarm system will give peace of mind to the patients and staff of Connecticut Valley Hospital, and allow them to focus on what matters most: healing and tending to patients.”

The new fire alarm system is an intelligent addressable model with voice notification manufactured by Edwards System Technology.

"The state is missing out on federal funding and our children are going hungry," Speaker Donovan said. "That's just unacceptable in this day and age."

The officials met for a press conference Monday at the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown where they were joined by parents and advocates for children and families. Also attending were state Rep. Joseph C. Serra (D-Middletown), House chair of the Select Committee on Aging, and state Sen. Paul R. Doyle (D-Wethersfield) Senate chair of the Human Services Committee.

End Hunger Connecticut (EHC), a non-profit organization, said that Connecticut is last in the nation for schools participating in school breakfast programs. Using data obtained from the Food Research and Action Center, EHC estimates that Connecticut would receive more than $8.4 million if it met only the national average for participating on school breakfast and summer feeding alone.

"Almost 14 million American children - that's every 1 in 5 - live below the federal poverty level and that number is expected to rise," DeLauro said. "About 35,000 children in Connecticut have fallen into poverty during this economic downturn. They join the one out of five kids under 12 in our state that are hungry or at risk of hunger - that's 102,000 kids."

According to Foodshare, local food pantries in Hartford and Tolland Counties have reported a 20 percent increase in the number of families coming in looking for help in the past year.

In 2009, Connecticut Food Bank distributed 18.7 million pounds of food. That's an increase of 16.6  percent over 2008, representing the largest amount of food handled by Connecticut Food Bank in its 28-year history.

Donovan said there are many municipalities in the state that are not taking advantage of available federal funding. "We need to get to those communities and let them know that money is available," he said. "We've made some strides in Connecticut to provide food for kids but there's more that needs to be done."  

Donovan recalled a friend who told him about adopting two children from Russia and the stories they told of once living in terrible orphanages. He said the children were stunned when they went into grocery stores after moving to the United States. "All that food that they had never seen before. And to think that here in Connecticut and in the United States there are kids who would love to walk into a grocery store and pick the food off the shelves," Donovan said. "Well, we're doing something about it."

Majority Leader Merrill said the fact that there is so much federal money available to the state is "something that we cannot ignore."

"I look forward to working with the people here," Merrill said. "At the state capital, we are trying to make these resources available to people.  We will work with Rosa DeLauro and our congressional delegation to bring these resources to Connecticut. We need it now more than ever."

More than 14.6 percent of households in Connecticut reported not having enough money to buy food that they needed during the prior twelve months in 2009, according to the Food Research and Action Center. In 2009, about 20 percent of households with children struggled to put food on the table.

Each of the five congressional districts in Connecticut had more than one in ten residents reporting food hardship in 2008-2009. And as unemployment rates increase, the need for food assistance also increases - with some families who were contributors to food pantries now needing assistance at these very places.

"Nothing we do in government is as important as helping children get the food and resources they need to grow and thrive, and I will be working hard in Washington to ensure that we are doing all we can to fully support food and family assistance programs," DeLauro said.

"We must do everything we can to help our children," Majority Leader Merrill said. "That's why we're here today."

Underscoring the problem of widespread hunger around the state, other legislators held simultaneous press conferences Monday in Enfield and Stonington.  

Towns Participating the Summer Food Program, 2009

"The timing is nothing short of astonishing," said Sarah Eagan, who has closely followed the case as the director of the Child Abuse Project in Hartford.

U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney is being asked to reconcile two wildly divergent views of DCF articulated in a 24-hour period.

Is it the mismanaged agency denounced Monday by an advocacy group, Children's Rights? Or the paragon of self-improvement effusively praised Tuesday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell?

"Working together, we have utterly transformed the way the state cares for children and families in crisis," Rell said. "These are no cosmetic fixes - they are changes that run through the very bedrock of the agency."

In a motion filed by the state's private counsel, Carmody & Torrance of Waterbury, the Rell administration says that DCF has dramatically improved since coming under court supervision.

The motion came one day after Children's Rights notified the state that DCF is so badly managed that it is in contempt of previous court orders. One possible solution raised by the group was wholesale removal of the agency's management now, rather than wait for Rell to leave office in January.

A DCF spokesman, Gary Kleeblatt, said lawyers for the state have been working on the 74-page court motion "for weeks, if not months."

Children's Rights said the agency's decision to file the motion is evidence of its incompetence.

"I guess the administration is saying if you fail long enough it should be excused," said Ira Lustbader, the associate director of Children's Rights.
The state says it has tripled funding for DCF and accomplished a two-thirds reduction in social-worker caseloads and a 31 percent decrease in children in state care.

"We have amply demonstrated Connecticut's lasting commitment to improved training, care and services. It is now time to end the costly oversight process and return management of DCF to the state," Rell said.

Susan I. Hamilton, the commissioner, was hired as a social worker in the 1990s to lower caseloads in response to the class-action court case, known by its representative lead plaintiff, "Juan F."

"After two decades, it is time to recognize the monumental and sustained improvements in our child welfare system," Hamilton said.

Lustbader and others said the agency has made progress, just not nearly enough. The court monitor recently found the agency failing more than half the time to meet the basic needs of children under its care.

The agency can rightly claim credit for some of the improvements cited in its court papers, but it is ignoring its failure to meet important benchmarks that DCF itself helped establish with the court monitor, Lustbader said.

"It's that existing plan and its most important measures they are in gross non-compliance with," he said. "This leadership needs to put their energy into meeting that obligation without trying to run away from it."

DCF said it has tripled its number of foster homes from 990 in 1989 to 3,347 in 2009.

Children's Rights said the agency had agreed to recruit 850 new foster and adoptive families by June 2010, but it has found only 145 over the past two years. The number of children placed in institutions actually has increased, according to the court monitor.

DCF still keeps more than 230 children age 12 and younger in temporary facilities, group homes and institutions.

"For little kids, they are not appropriate," Eagan said.

Included in the deficit mitigation plan approved Tuesday in the House was $7 million in cuts to DCF's budget, but it was not immediately clear if any of the cuts would affect the ability to find new foster homes and reduce the number of young children in institutions.

Earlier, legislators expressed displeasure at the motion to end oversight, saying it comes at a time when lawmakers are struggling to get more data about how children fare under the care of the state.

"I'm a little bit stunned," said Rep. Diana S. Urban, D-North Stonington, co-chairwoman of the Select Committee on Children.

"I'm expecting that the judge is going to view it as just silliness," said Rep. Gail K. Hamm, D-East Hampton, a lawyer who works on child-protection issues.

Rep. Toni E. Walker, D-New Haven, said she DCF's motion disappointed her as an expression of surrender: "The impression I have is DCF is saying this is as good as we can do."