“Despite cuts in some places, I’m proud that I secured $4.5 million for the Youth Employment Summer Jobs Program,” said Kirkley-Bey. “Investing in the summer jobs program ensures that teens have the proper training to join the work force.”

Kirkley-Bey also secured $1 million for the Boys & Girls of Connecticut and $20,000 for the West Indian Foundation, among other things.

One of the hallmarks of the fiscal year 2013 adjustments is a commitment to education, including 1,000 school readiness slots for preschoolers and several new initiatives to improve early reading success.

Despite cuts in many areas, funding for cities and towns has been saved. Other highlights of the legislation include an urban youth anti-violence program.

“Rep. Kirkley-Bey has been unwavering in her commitment to children and families, and her work has focused on solving the issues of poverty through education and economic stability,” said Maggie Adair, Executive Director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. “She is our lifetime achievement recipient because of the long-standing commitment she has made to children and family issues during her tenure in the Connecticut House of Representatives.”

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey with her Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.

"I congratulate the Alliance for having the wisdom to honor a woman who has spent a lifetime fighting for opportunities for children," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). "She has been a strong voice for the children and families of Connecticut for 20 years in the legislature, and I know her voice will continue to be heard."

Rep. Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Northend neighborhoods in the legislature, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker.

“Marie Kirkley-Bey has been a staunch advocate for all children during her years of distinguished service as State Representative,” said House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Her many accomplishments as a tireless champion for child safety issues and children in need will be felt for years to come.”

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight. Member organizations provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children. The Alliance’s goal is for all children born in Connecticut to enter kindergarten healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school success.

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey with Martha Olang, Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year and Sam Gray, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Kirkley-Bey received the Presidential Community Service Award and Service to Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Both awards were presented to her at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Rep. Richard Belden Legislative Breakfast this morning at the State Capitol.

"I congratulate the Boys & Girls Clubs for having the wisdom to honor a woman who not only understands the needs of our children today, but who has spent the last 20 years fighting for those children in the legislature," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). "Marie Kirkley-Bey certainly is an appropriate recipient of these awards, and we know that she will continue to be a strong voice for the children and families of Connecticut."

The annual Connecticut Boys & Girls Club legislative breakfast is named after former State Representative Richard Belden, who actively advocated for the advancement of young people and was admired by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle during his service in the General Assembly.

“Rep. Kirkley-Bey’s longstanding support of the Boys & Girls Clubs is well known and she is very deserving of this honor," said State Rep. Matthew Ritter (D-Hartford, Bloomfield). "Throughout her many years in public service, Marie’s tireless work on behalf of her constituents and community sets a standard we can all strive for.”

Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Northend neighborhoods in the legislature, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker. She recently secured funding to build a new Boys & Girls Club on North Main Street to be named after Ella Cromwell.

“I was so delighted to be a part of this morning’s celebration honoring Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey and all of her long-time dedicated service to her beloved City of Hartford. As a non-profit organization whose positive outreach extends to thousands of at-risk children annually (and their families), we greatly appreciate and depend upon those who support us in our mission. Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey is one of those people,” said Samuel S. Gray, Jr., President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

Boys & Girls Clubs in Connecticut have been in the forefront of youth development for over 150 years, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. The Connecticut Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. was established in 2003 to promote the social welfare of the boys and girls that are served by the 16 Connecticut Boys & Girls Clubs.

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey with Martha Olang, Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year and Sam Gray, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Kirkley-Bey received the Presidential Community Service Award and Service to Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Both awards were presented to her at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Rep. Richard Belden Legislative Breakfast this morning at the State Capitol.

"I congratulate the Boys & Girls Clubs for having the wisdom to honor a woman who not only understands the needs of our children today, but who has spent the last 20 years fighting for those children in the legislature," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). "Marie Kirkley-Bey certainly is an appropriate recipient of these awards, and we know that she will continue to be a strong voice for the children and families of Connecticut."

The annual Connecticut Boys & Girls Club legislative breakfast is named after former State Representative Richard Belden, who actively advocated for the advancement of young people and was admired by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle during his service in the General Assembly.

“Rep. Kirkley-Bey’s longstanding support of the Boys & Girls Clubs is well known and she is very deserving of this honor," said State Rep. Matthew Ritter (D-Hartford, Bloomfield). "Throughout her many years in public service, Marie’s tireless work on behalf of her constituents and community sets a standard we can all strive for.”

Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Northend neighborhoods in the legislature, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker. She recently secured funding to build a new Boys & Girls Club on North Main Street to be named after Ella Cromwell.

“I was so delighted to be a part of this morning’s celebration honoring Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey and all of her long-time dedicated service to her beloved City of Hartford. As a non-profit organization whose positive outreach extends to thousands of at-risk children annually (and their families), we greatly appreciate and depend upon those who support us in our mission. Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey is one of those people,” said Samuel S. Gray, Jr., President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

Boys & Girls Clubs in Connecticut have been in the forefront of youth development for over 150 years, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances. The Connecticut Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. was established in 2003 to promote the social welfare of the boys and girls that are served by the 16 Connecticut Boys & Girls Clubs.

“This YMCA’s new community center has programs for preschoolers, school age children, teens and parents. It makes a real difference in many lives in our community, and this funding will go a long way in helping the YMCA continue its work,” said Kirkley-Bey.

Kirkley-Bey, who worked to secure state funding for the YMCA, said this money is in addition to the $1 million in state bonding money that the YMCA already received.

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

“The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans that our armed forces permitted to fly planes. If these brave men could confront the legalized racism that was rampant in our country and serve with distinction—anything is possible. And Hartford’s children need to see and hear more often that anything truly is possible,” said Kirkley-Bey.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all African-American flying squadron formed in 1941 based in Tuskegee, Alabama. Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the military. The Tuskegee Airmen became one of the best fighter groups in World War II.

Kirkley-Bey said some of the children had dinner with Hartford’s Connie Nappier, Jr., an officer in the 477th medium bomb group, after seeing the film. Nappier was one of four Hartford residents to serve with the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Hartford lawmaker, who is serving her last term in the legislature, secured funding from the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford, the Church of Jesus Christ Later Day Saints, Hartford Communities That Care and the YMCA.

Last year, Kikrkley-Bey introduced legislation designating a bridge on Interstate 84 in Hartford over Hamilton Road, to honor the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen.

“No child should have to list a shelter as their home address," said Kirkley-Bey. “One homeless child is one child too many. We are one of the wealthiest states in the country and it’s inexcusable that we have children who have no place to call home”

Kirkley-Bey said she will be pushing for a state program that rapidly moves families out of shelters into permanent housing by offering rental assistance, utility deposits, bill payments, and other services.

“With unemployment among our young people at an all time high we must help kids and young adults find work in this tough economy. Summer jobs programs give these kids a sense of self-worth and help our working families—and they also put money back into our local economy,” said Kirkley-Bey.

The Hartford lawmaker noted that studies have shown that young people and the working poor put a much larger proportion of their earnings back into the economy than others.

Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill, Clay-Arsenal and Northend neighborhoods, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker. Last month she announced that this will be her final year at the legislature. A former welfare recipient and public housing tenant, she has been a strong voice for Connecticut’s working families and the state’s most vulnerable residents in the almost two decades she has served at the Capitol.

A former welfare recipient and public housing tenant, Kirkley-Bey was the first woman of color to be named a Deputy Majority Leader in 2003 and then Deputy Speaker of the House in 2005. She has been a strong voice for Connecticut's working families and the state's most vulnerable residents championing legislation to improve educational opportunities for all children, fully fund summer youth employment programs, improve the availability of affordable housing, feed the hungry and to reform the judicial system. VIDEO

Joining the longest serving member of Hartford’s House delegation at her announcement were Governor Dannel P. Malloy, House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, House Majority Leader J. Brendan Sharkey, former House Speaker Thomas D. Ritter, and many other lawmakers—past and present.

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey announcing her retirement from the legislature as Gov. Malloy listens

“I have truly enjoyed—and been honored—representing Hartford at the Capitol since I was first sworn into office in January of 1993, but I will not seek re-election next year. After finally getting the opportunity to serve under a Democratic governor—I decided I could finally retire,” said Kirkley-Bey. “Although I may be leaving the legislature—I am not leaving behind my values or commitment to social justice. I’m committed to representing Hartford’s Fifth Assembly District through the remainder of my term—just as passionately as I always have. There is still much work to be done.”

“It is a privilege to have served with Representative Kirkley-Bey,” said Governor Malloy. “She has been a true advocate for her district and has given passionate voice to the issues facing the City of Hartford. Her years of commitment to public service and to her constituents is to be commended.”

“Marie Kirkley-Bey has been a tireless voice for the city of Hartford and her pursuit of equality for all of Connecticut, especially her tireless advocacy for children and seniors, has left a lasting impact on our state. Having served with her in the Connecticut State Legislature and having worked with her as a member of Congress I can tell you she will be sorely missed,” said U.S. Congressman John B. Larson. “I want to wish Marie and her entire family the best of luck in the future and extend my deepest gratitude for her years of service.”

Kirkley-Bey was first elected to represent Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Clay-Arsenal neighborhood’s in 1992. In the almost two decades she has served at the Capitol, she has been a strong voice for Connecticut’s working families and the state’s most vulnerable residents championing legislation to improve educational opportunities for all children, fully fund summer youth employment programs, improve the availability of affordable housing, feed the hungry and to reform the judicial system.

This year, Kirkley-Bey worked on creating a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—a refundable tax credit for working people—something that she had pushed for many years.

“For two decades, Rep. Kirkley-Bey has been a powerful advocate for the people of her Hartford district and the state,” said House Speaker Donovan (D-Meriden). “Marie fought for those who needed a voice at the Capitol to protect educational opportunities, job training, food security, and health care. She held positions of leadership in the General Assembly and nationally and was an unwavering voice of support for issues of concern to the legislature’s Black and Latino Caucus and the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures on which she served. We will miss her at the Capitol. More importantly, the people of her 5th District will miss her advocacy on their behalf.”

“Marie Kirkley-Bey has been a staunch advocate for her constituents and the entire city of Hartford during her years of distinguished service as State Representative,” said House Majority Leader Sharkey (D-Hamden). “Her many accomplishments as a tireless champion for minority businesses and protecting the safety net that families and children in need rely on will be felt for years to come.”

A former welfare recipient and public housing tenant, Kirkley-Bey found an entry-level job at Aetna Life & Casualty and worked her way up to a management position during her 20 plus years there. She often speaks about her experiences on public assistance saying, “I was all too often judged by the source of my income and not the quality of my character. During that time of my life I was a negative statistic. Today I am called ‘the Honorable.’ My value system has never changed—just the source of my income.”

“Representative Kirkley-Bey has been a true champion for Hartford,” said Mayor Segarra. “The City of Hartford is truly indebted to her for her tireless efforts and passionate commitment to Hartford families. From housing to employment, her legacy is evident throughout Connecticut’s Capital City, and she will be sorely missed.”

In 2003 Kirkley-Bey was appointed Deputy Majority Leader by then House Majority Leader James A. Amann. In 2005 when Amann became Speaker of the House he named Kirkley-Bey Deputy Speaker of the House. Both appointments were “firsts” for a woman of color at the Connecticut General Assembly.

“Anyone who knows Marie learns quickly that she brings her heart and emotion to every issue,” said Amann, who served as Speaker of the House from 2005 through 2008. “Her deep commitment to her constituents is an example of what makes our government work. Marie is living proof that it is truly possible to give back to society more than we take.”

Kirkley-Bey is truly a political survivor—and fighter. She has fended off numerous attempts by political machine-backed candidates to oust her from office through primary challenges.

“Marie and I have been friends and allies for over 30 years. She bleeds for the City of Hartford and she will be sorely missed. However, she can leave with her head held high for all her tremendous accomplishments over her 20 year service at the legislature and on the Hartford City Council before then,” said Thomas D. Ritter, who served as Speaker as Speaker of the House from 1993 to 1998.

Besides her work at the legislature, Kirkley-Bey is an active presence in the community. For the past 11 years, she has personally paid for the Neighborhood Night Out held at Tuscan Homes. The annual summer celebration brings police officers and residents together in a casual setting to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships with food, entertainment, games for children, and team sports.

Last month for the 10th year in a row, Kirkley-Bey raised money to help pay for turkeys and other Thanksgiving groceries for hundreds of Hartford families and seniors. Over 600 turkeys along with other groceries were given out this year.

Kirkley-Bey, of Cape Verdean descent, was born in New Britain and has lived in Hartford for 43 years. In the 1980’s, Kirkley-Bey was a founding member of Asylum Hill Organizing Project (AHOP)—a group organized to bring the diverse members of the Asylum Hill community together to work on education, crime, housing, and economic development issues. She served as President of AHOP for two years.

Members of AHOP joined with other Hartford residents to form an independent party, People for Change (PFC), to run reform candidates for the Hartford Court of Common Council. In 1987, Kirkley-Bey was elected to the Council as a PFC candidate. She served four years on the Council, where she chaired the Council’s Housing Committee.

Besides serving as the Executive Director for the Johnson Stewart Community Center in the Northeast section of Hartford, Kirkley-Bey is the very proud mother of three children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

“It just isn’t Thanksgiving without a turkey,” said Kirkley-Bey. “Local families are struggling more than ever with many worrying how they are going to put food on the table. I’m proud that I have been able to help make sure that these families will have a hot and healthy holiday meal.”

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (center) giving out Thanksgiving groceries to Hartford residents.

Kirkley-Bey began raising funds in 2001 to distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving grocery items to Hartford families in need. Over 600 turkeys along with Thanksgiving staples including stuffing and vegetables were given out this year.

Kirkley-Bey added, “I’m grateful for the generosity of the individuals and groups that donated this year to help folks from going hungry this Thanksgiving.”

State Representatives Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford), Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (D-Hartford), Matthew Ritter (D-Hartford, Bloomfield) and Senator Eric Coleman (D-Bloomfield) said a $1 million grant was recently approved by the state Bond Commission for the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCo) for a North Hartford Community Revolving Loan Program.

“The struggling economy has caused many banks to be more reluctant to provide credit and that just makes things tougher for small and minority-owned businesses trying to survive,” said McCrory. “This fund will help fill the void that is currently hurting any potential for job creation in the North End of Hartford.”

“I’m very proud that this much needed funding is going to help local businesses create jobs right here in Hartford,” said Kirkley-Bey. “This money will be made available to businesses owned by African Americans and other people of color that traditional lenders all too often ignore.”

A major focus will be placed on providing loans to create construction opportunities for minority contractors. About 110 jobs are estimated to be created or retained as a result of the program.

“This loan program is a critical part of the equation for encouraging economic growth in Hartford’s North End,” said Ritter. “The economic potential here is enormous, but it has been difficult for businesses to obtain traditional financing.”

“Small businesses are the engines of job creation in our economy, generating up to 65 percent of all new jobs nationwide over the past 15 years,” said Coleman. “A persistent problem throughout this recession has been a lack of available credit for small businesses to expand and take on new projects and new employees. I am very pleased that new funds have been approved for loans to small businesses in Hartford’s North End.”

HEDCo, Inc is a non-profit community development financial institution providing loans and technical assistance for small businesses looking to expand or locate in Hartford.

“We are really excited to gain these new funds to help create opportunities for small businesses to grow and create jobs for the community," said Sam Hamilton, HEDCo Executive Director. “I very much appreciate the delegation’s effort to bring this important grant to fruition.”

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all African-American flying squadron formed in 1941 based in Tuskegee, Alabama. Before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the military. The Tuskegee Airmen became one of the best fighter groups in World War II.

As a result of Deputy Speaker Kirkley-Bey’s initiative, a bridge on Interstate 84 in Hartford over Hamilton Road, has been designated to honor the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen. A sign has been installed on the bridge marking the specific bridge that has been selected to honor the men.

“The formation of the Tuskegee Airmen was one of the great moments in our history and it is important that we honor these brave men who overcame segregation and prejudice to serve their country,” Deputy Speaker Kirkley-Bey said. “This is one way to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for all of us, including Connecticut men who were Tuskegee Airmen themselves. They made history and should never be forgotten.”

On March 29, 2007, approximately 300 Tuskegee Airmen or their widows received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol and in 2006 a commemorative postage stamp was created to honor the Tuskegee Airmen.

Connecticut veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen included Connie Nappier, Jr. of Hartford who was an officer in the 477th medium bomb group and Lemuel Rodney Curtis, who later became Hartford’s first African American police officer.

Kirkley-Bey has been a long-time proponent for an EITC—a refundable tax credit for working people—in Connecticut for many years.

“Earned Income Tax Credits are a proven way to help working families,” said Kirkley-Bey “The poor and middle class have paid a larger share of their income than Fairfield County millionaires for far too long. This will give our struggling families a much needed boost in these tough times.”

Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Northend neighborhoods in the legislature, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker.

Gov. Malloy, Sen. Looney, Speaker Donovan, and Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey at a ceremonial signing of a new law that creates a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families.

“I’m so honored to be recognized by these groups,” said Kirkley-Bey. “Mrs. Ella Cromwell was an inspiration to me and so many others—I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the struggles and sacrifices she made.”

Kirkley-Bey, serving her 10th  term representing Hartford’s Asylum Hill and Northend neighborhoods  in the legislature, is the first and only woman of color to serve as Deputy Speaker. She recently secured funding to build a new Boys and Girls Club on North Main Street to be named after Ella Cromwell.

Formed in 1992, the Greater Hartford African American Alliance is a community-based organization that promotes advocacy for African Americans with regard to housing, education, and public safety.

"Selecting Representative Kirkley-Bey Legislator of the Year was an easy decision for the Board of the Connecticut Community Development Association," CCDA President Thomas J. Ivers said. "Her advocacy for empowerment rights to low-income Connecticut residents and insistence on housing quality standards in publically assisted housing has set new benchmarks for future affordable housing developments."

Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey receiving the Connecticut Community Development Association (CCDA) 2011 Legislator of the Year Award for recent work on legislation promoting affordable housing and public housing tenant rights. (From left CCDA President Thomas J. Ivers, Kirkley-Bey, & Hartford Housing and Property Management Division Director Yasha Escalera)

“Everyone deserves access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables,” said Kirkley-Bey. “The six seasonal markets around the city are a great way for Hartford’s families and seniors to get healthy, farm-fresh groceries.”

On Thursday May 5, the Billings Forge Farmers’ Market at 539 Broad Street will open for season at 11:00 a.m. Three additional markets will open in the North End, West End and Downtown in June, and in July two more markets will open on Park Street and Capitol Avenue.

Kirkley-Bey noted that all six of Hartford’s farmer’s markets accept both the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program which provide benefits to qualified women, infants and children (WIC) and seniors to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers’ markets. Three of the markets (Billings Forge, Capitol Avenue and North End) will also accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as well.

First elected in 1992 and now the senior member of Hartford’s House delegation, Kirkley-Bey has long been a strong voice at the capitol to increase support of nutrition programs to help end hunger in Connecticut.

The bill (HB 5482) reconstitutes a basically dormant Connecticut Capitol Center Commission by replacing a number of state appointments with City of Hartford members. Hartford’s mayor, or his designee, would chair the revamped panel and the majority leader of the city council would have a seat as would two representatives of Hartford 2000, Inc.

“The Capitol Center Commission has a wonderful mission, but really never got off the ground,” said Ritter, a member of the Planning & Development Committee. “With a stronger Hartford representation on board, future planning and preservation efforts for the Capitol area of our city will be reinvigorated.”

The Capitol Center District area is defined as essentially the vicinity around Bushnell Park and the State Capitol complex. The Commission would be charged with submitting a master development plan to the Legislature for consideration by July 1, 2012.

“Hartford has a rich and vibrant heritage,” said Kirkley-Bey. “This bill will help allow Hartford to properly protect and preserve our city’s gems like the Old State House.”

Hartford 2000 is a coalition of Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committees and the City of Hartford with a mission of advocating for neighborhood issues.

“Tax day—April 15th—is just around the corner. Folks should be aware that they do not need to pay exorbitant rates to have their taxes prepared plus extra charges for so-called instant refunds,” said Kirkley-Bey. “This program is open to everyone who made $58,000 or less and you can even get a refund in as little as 10 days.”

Since beginning in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/efile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal and state tax returns at no cost.

Taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov , and click on the “Free File” icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the “help me find a company” tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.

The State of Connecticut is among 38 states which allow taxpayers the ability to also file their state returns from the IRS site. Just click on the link marked “Federal/State e-file options” in the lower right hand side of the www.IRS.gov/efile page.

“The combination of the frigid temperatures and tough economy has made it more important than ever that we fight to protect these programs for our seniors,” said Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (D-Hartford) “No one, least of all seniors, should have to choose between food and heat.”

The lawmakers were joined by representatives of Operation Fuel and local community fuel banks, who explained what type of assistance is available and where to call for help. Operation Fuel is a private non-profit organization that helps families in need pay for home energy costs.

“Winter presents special challenges for everyone, but for many seniors on fixed incomes being able to afford their energy bills can be overwhelming,” said State Representative Douglas McCrory. “Programs such as Operation Fuel exist solely to help people stay warm and keep the lights on, yet not every one knows about it or how to get assistance.”

“Energy assistance is a critical part of our public safety net, and our responsibility includes making sure people know what help is available,” said State Representative Matt Ritter. “The Northend Senior Center is a great place to bring people together to hear about the various assistance programs that are out there.”

Operation Fuel provides grants up to $350 to households with incomes up to 60% of the state’s median income. This translates into a maximum yearly income of $31,712 for a single person and $60,988 for a family of four.

“Programs that assist people in need are useless if they are not utilized by those they were meant to help,” said Representative Kelvin Roldán (D-Hartford). “It is important not only to support our constituents, but to make sure they know what is available to them. I thank my Hartford colleagues and Speaker Chris Donovan for his steadfast commitment to our communities.”

“As energy costs continue to rise, our vulnerable citizens, many of whom are seniors struggle to pay their electricity and heating bills,” said Speaker Donovan. “There are a number of programs available to help, but people need to hear about them and that is why we are here today.”

There are three local community fuel banks in Hartford serving Operation Fuel clients: Three Angels Adventist on Woodland Street, the Community Renewal Team on Wethersfield Avenue and the Salvation Army on Washington Street. For more information call 860-243-2345.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to lead the Women Legislators’ Lobby again,” said Kirkley-Bey. “With members in all 50 states, WiLL is a powerful voice in fighting the special interests that have too much influence in American politics.”

WiLL is a national non-partisan network of women state legislators who work together to influence federal policy and budget priorities. This is Kirkley-Bey’s tenth year to lead WiLL in Connecticut.

WiLL President Senator Nan Grogan Orrock (GA) announced the State Director appointment in Washington, DC, saying, “Since her election to the Connecticut General Assembly, Deputy Speaker Kirkley-Bey has provided exemplary leadership on a number of issues important to her constituents and to Connecticut. Her legislative record demonstrates a commitment to issues affecting children and senior citizens and the disadvantaged, as well as state budget and infrastructure needs.”

“The year ahead promises to be challenging as well as a time of enormous opportunity for the state of Connecticut,” Speaker Donovan said. “I am convinced Representative Kirkley-Bey’s talent, experience and commitment will get the job done for Connecticut’s working families and seniors.”

“I have been honored to serve as Deputy Speaker for the past four years and I am looking forward to working closely with Speaker Donovan again this year,” Rep. Kirkley-Bey said.

When the Speaker of the House is absent from the chamber, the Deputy Speaker presides over the House of Representatives, recognizes all members wishing to speak to the chamber, puts all questions to vote and directs legislation to the proper committees.

Rep. Kirkley-Bey will also serve on the Appropriations, Public Safety, and Legislative Management committees. The entire membership of the General Assembly will be sworn into office on January 5th at the State Capitol in Hartford during the opening day ceremony of the 2011 session.