2009 Press Releases
November 10, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY NAMED TO STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TASK FORCE |
October 2, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SECURES FUNDING FOR NEWTOWN HIGH SCHOOL |
September 23, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY: STATE FUNDING FOR KEVIN’s COMMUNITY CENTER TO BE FINALIZED THIS WEEK |
August 4, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY TO SERVE ON TASK FORCE ON CHILDREN AND THE RECESSION |
July 22, 2009 |
LYDDY & LAWMAKERS OVERRIDE 7 OF GOVERNOR’S VETOES |
July 20, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY JOINS GOV. RELL FOR SIGNING OF BILL TO HELP SUFFERERS OF LYME DISEASE |
June 19, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY APPLAUDS RELIEF FOR DAIRY FARMS |
June 3, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY BACKS LYME DISEASE LEGISLATION |
June 2, 2009 |
SMART GROWTH PROVIDES NEW REVENUE FOR TOWNS |
May 21, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SUPPORTS SWEEPING HEALTHCARE REFORM |
May 13, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SUPPORTS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE LEGISLATION |
May 6, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SUPPORTS GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS |
April 8, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SUPPORTS
SMALL BUSINESS LEGISLATION |
March 18, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY LOOKS TO ENSURE STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON BOARDS OF EDUCATION |
March 4, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY HONORS LOCAL STUDENTS |
February 25, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY: APPROVED MITIGATION PLAN CLOSES BUDGET GAP |
February 11, 2009 |
REP. LYDDY SUPPORTS LYME DISEASE LEGISLATION |
January 7, 2009 |
LYDDY SWORN IN AS NEWTOWN’S NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE |
November 10, 2009
State Representative Chris Lyddy (D-Newtown), has been named by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on a legislative task force that will help formulate Connecticut’s response to challenges faced by victims of domestic violence.
The new domestic violence task force will hold its first meeting on Monday, November 30 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The 16-member task force represents a bipartisan membership from the state House of Representatives and state Senate.
“We need to pay attention to this critical issue, especially during these difficult times when family life is extremely stressed,” Rep. Lyddy said. “We often find out about cases of domestic violence when it is too late. Victims need to know there are resources out there to support them and we need to make a coordinated effort to ensure we are addressing domestic violence in the most effective and efficient ways possible.”
In addition to lawmakers, individuals and organizations from across the state, including the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), service providers, educators and law enforcement will be consulted as task force recommendations are developed.
Erika M. Tindill, executive director of CCADV, said, “The Coalition and its member programs look forward to working with Speaker Donovan’s Task Force to improve options for victims and survivors of domestic violence. We are eager to set goals and put action steps in place to make meaningful progress toward a culture of intolerance for family violence in Connecticut.”
Specifically the task force will be charged with reviewing budget implications related to domestic violence; identifying trends and research pertaining to social conditions, support services, healthy relationships, education, early intervention, court procedures and advocacy, and assembling a set of legislative recommendations on how best to prevent and address family violence and meet the needs of victims.
October 2, 2009
State Representatives Chris Lyddy (D-Newtown) announced that Newtown will receive approximately $15 million in state funding for the high school construction project.
“With the passage of legislation, we are able to put to rest the speculation about the status of the funding for the high school,” Rep. Lyddy stated. “This funding will move Newtown’s project forward.”
Representative Lyddy has advocated for this project since he took office in January, by attending the School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee meetings and working with legislative leaders. Rep. Lyddy wanted to ensure Newtown’s students did not become a victim of the budget crisis.
House Education Committee Chair, Andrew Fleischmann, stated, “Chris has advocated tirelessly on behalf of this project, and remains dedicated to ensuring Newtown’s students have the resources they need to learn. Newtown is lucky to have him serving at the Capitol.”
Rep. Lyddy added, “Students and teachers suffer when their environment is not conducive to learning. This expansion will allow for proper classroom space and the removal of the portable classrooms.”
The proposed project adds over 77,000 square feet which will consist of twenty classrooms, five science labs, a cafetorium, and increased space for art, auto mechanics, child development, culinary arts, a film studio and music program.
September 23, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) announced that the State Bond Commission will meet this Friday, September 25, to finalize $500,000 in state aid for Kevin's Community Center in Newtown.
“I have been working very closely with legislative leadership to ensure that the funding for Kevin’s Community Center was not jeopardized,” Rep. Lyddy said. “The center has provided over $2 million in free medical care in less than a decade. The sheer volume of free services that the center is providing is eye-opening and reflects the dire situations that many families find themselves in during this economic storm.”
The $500,000 in state aid was originally awarded to Kevin's Community Center in early 2008 to help renovate Newtown Hall on the Fairfield Hills’ campus. The proposed Kevin's Community Center expansion was going to share the space with several hospital-affiliated medical care providers. In February of this year, one of the medical care providers pulled out of the project putting the state aid in question.
Kevin’s Community Center is still slated to be located on the Fairfield Hills’ property, but it will not move to the building originally specified by the State Bond Commission, requiring a slight change to the bond authorization language to accommodate the new location.
“It looked like all we needed was a simple language change, but I didn’t want to take any chances. Everything seems to be on the table in this economic climate, so I wanted to make sure that no one forgot about funding for Kevin’s Community Center,” Said Rep. Lyddy. "I stand by as a resource and supporter of the organization to ensure that our community continues to have access to the center's much needed services."
August 4, 2009
State Representative Chris Lyddy (D-Newtown) was appointed to serve on the newly formed Children and the Recession Task Force that will help plan Connecticut’s response to the increasingly desperate plight of children impacted by the current economic crisis.
“We need to understand that our children will need assistance to make sure they do not suffer lasting consequences of this economic downturn,” said Rep. Lyddy. “In time, the state will certainly recover from this fiscal crisis; however, our children will be the ones to feel the long-lasting effects and together we must ensure that we address those potential impacts sooner rather than later.”
Connecticut is the first in the nation to form a legislative task force to plan for children in the recession and during the recovery. A report issued by the Foundation for Child Development and Duke University last week predicts the recession will send between 2.6 million and 3.3 million children into poverty, costing American taxpayers $1.7 trillion. It said that virtually all the progress made in children’s economic well-being since 1975 is likely to be wiped out by the current economic downturn. The estimated economic impact on Connecticut of thousands of children entering poverty is $800 million annually.
State Representatives Diana Urban (D-Stonington/North Stonington) and Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) will serve as the co-chairs the task force. It will also include bipartisan membership from the state House of Representatives, state Senate, Congressional offices, economists and representatives from business, family support groups, housing advocates, human services, academia and non-profit agencies.
“I am honored that the Legislative Public Health Committee Co-Chair Betsy Ritter has appointed me to serve as her designee,” Rep. Lyddy said. “To me, prevention is the best intervention. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with experts from the public and private sectors to help prevent the negative impacts this recession can have on our youth.”
“Chris has proven himself to be a strong and instrumental advocate for children and families this past legislative session. I am confident that he will be a valuable member of the task force as he will bring a unique perspective to the group because of his current work with youth," Rep. Ritter stated.
The task force will review budget implications related to children and the recession; identify trends and research resulting from the recession related to housing, employment, homelessness, child care, and unemployment; make recommendations to the Speaker of the House on appropriate budget and policy actions; and recommend efficiencies and offer ways to streamline services and access points for families.
The task force will report quarterly to Speaker Christopher G. Donovan and legislative leadership on key findings, and also will work to identify appropriate federal stimulus opportunities to support programs for children.
More information on the task force please visit their website at www.cga.ct.gov/coc/taskforce.htm.
July 22, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined with colleagues in the House and Senate to override seven vetoed bills.
During a veto session, the legislature was able to override legislation to provide health protections for working families, make a strong first step towards landmark health care reform with SustiNet, provide additional protection for Long Island Sound, ensure the safety of our corrections officers, and require consensus for state revenue projections.
“Our action shows our residents that we are listening to their concerns and that we are not afraid to take strong positions on the issues that impact the quality of life for families and small businesses in the state,” stated Rep. Lyddy.
“After meeting with correctional officers and touring the Garner Correctional Facility, it is clear that we must ensure that the voices of our officers are heard and that we continue to prioritize their safety. This bill is going to greatly impact the correctional employees we have right here in Newtown,” Rep. Lyddy said. “The legislation will protect the safety of prison staff without costing the state money during these difficult economic times.”
House Bill 6684, An Act Establishing a Correctional Staff Health and Safety Subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission, established a permanent committee to monitor inmate assaults on prison guards and staff who work in the state’s correctional facilities.
“I am disappointed in the Senate’s inability to pass the Healthcare Partnership bill, as it could have saved Newtown about $1.6 million. Unfortunately, one senator controlled whether or not this passed and I am disappointed that Senator did not support of the idea of bringing affordable, quality healthcare to the residents of Connecticut,” Rep. Lyddy stated.
Rep. Lyddy added, “The Partnership legislation would have supported, if not saved, a number of small businesses trying to keep up with skyrocketing healthcare costs. In speaking with a number of people in Newtown, from small business owners to town employees and managers in the non-profit sector, it is clear that people in Newtown wanted this, and quite frankly needed this.”
House Bill 6582, The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, passed the House 105 to 37, but fell one vote short of an override in the Senate. The Partnership bill would have allowed municipalities, small businesses and non-profits to join the state insurance plan.
The legislative package of veto overrides includes SustiNet, a comprehensive plan that lays out a framework for opening the state employees’ plan to even more residents while containing costs, promoting preventive care, and laying the groundwork for federal health care reform (HB 6600) and establishes a bi-state Long Island Sound Commission with New York to ensure the preservation of this natural resource (SB 1078).
July 20, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined Governor Rell for the signing of a bill allowing Connecticut doctors to dispense long-term antibiotic treatments for Lyme disease patients. The ceremony was recently held at the Brookfield Municipal Center on Thursday.
“I am pleased the Governor signed this legislation,” said Lyddy, who himself was recently diagnosed with the disease and a cosponsored the legislation. “The number of Lyme disease cases continues to grow and we need to ensure treatment options are available to patients.”
In his address to the crowd at the bill signing, Lyddy stated, “Although it is not the job of the legislature to dictate the type of treatment that should be provided to patients, it is our responsibility to ensure that people have access to adequate and affordable healthcare. This bill moves to do just that while protecting the doctor and patient autonomy.”
This new law allows doctors treating Lyme disease patients to freely diagnose and consider all treatment options, including long-term antibiotic therapy.
Maggie Shaw, a registered nurse and Chair of the Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force for the last 10 years, said, “Speaking as a Newtown resident, I am grateful for the competence and diligence brought to the table by our Representative, Chris Lyddy, in the effort to pass a bill that will help alleviate patient suffering. It was a privilege to have worked with him on this bill, which is an important step for CT residents who, when this bill becomes law, will be able to receive treatment of Lyme disease in their own communities by caring supportive physicians in a climate that allows them to treat without fear of reprisal.”
For further information about Lyme disease, please visit ILADS.org.
June 19, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) applauded the passage of legislation designed to save Connecticut’s struggling dairy industry. The legislation provides about $10 million in direct assistance to dairy farmers over the next two years under the state’s Community Investment Act to help them stay in business.
“This legislation is crucial in providing relief to the dairy industry here in Connecticut,” Rep. Lyddy said. “We must ensure that we put the time, money, and energy into saving the remaining farmland in our state. Dairy Farming isn't just a hobby; it's a billion-dollar industry that provides jobs to thousands of Connecticut residents."
Rep. Lyddy added, "We can't have farmland without farmers. Fairfield County’s last dairy farm is right here in Newtown. This legislation helps during a time when dairy farmers need it the most due to increased production costs.”
Newtown’s Ferris Acres Farm is the last dairy farm in Fairfield County. It is still run by two generations of the Ferris family, whose roots in Newtown go back to 1703. In 2003, they started making ice cream from an original recipe to help supplement their earnings from the farm.
“We really appreciate this,” said Charles Ferris III, the current owner of Ferris Acres Farms. “This will help keep our family farm running.”
“Not only does this help preserve our agricultural heritage, but it sustains the state’s ability to produce dairy products locally,” said Rep. Lyddy. “These are the types of initiatives that we must continue to ensure that food is grown and purchased locally.”
The new legislation reallocates the distribution formula for the Community Investment Account, which is funded by a $40 fee for the recording of municipal land documents. Heritage preservation, open space and affordable housing will each get 20 percent of the money available, and the remaining 40 percent will fund the two-year farm rescue effort. There are currently 151 dairy farmers in the state, down from 210 in 2007 and 500 in 1990. According to a University of Connecticut report, the dairy industry supports about 4,200 jobs and generates over $1 billion in sales.
Representative Chris Lyddy is serving his first term representing the 106th General Assembly district in Newtown. He serves on the Human Services, Public Health, and Education Committee.
June 3, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) hailed the Senate’s unanimous passage of legislation allowing physicians to dispense long-term anti-biotic treatments for Lyme disease sufferers. Over ninety of Rep. Lyddy’s colleagues have signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation as it heads to the Governor for signature.
“More and more people are contracting Lyme disease and we need to ensure all treatment options are available,” said Lyddy, who himself was recently diagnosed with the disease. “This legislation gives physicians the ability to treat chronic Lyme disease with antibiotics.”
House Bill 6200, An Act Concerning the Use of Long-Term Antibiotics for the Treatment of Lyme Disease, will extend protections to doctors allowing them to freely diagnose and treat patients with Lyme disease. The bill will allow physicians treating Lyme disease patients to diagnose the disease clinically and consider all treatment options, including long-term antibiotic therapy.
“It's very gratifying to see that this bill has unanimously passed both the House and Senate. I think that such an overwhelming decision by the legislators reflects what we as Connecticut residents already know: Chronic Lyme disease is not uncommon; long term antibiotic therapy can be beneficial; and patients deserve access to care. It's my hope that this legislation empowers CT physicians to learn more about this illness in order to provide improved medical services to their chronic Lyme patients,” Dr. Steven Phillips of Wilton, CT.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007 over 3,000 people were infected with Lyme disease in Connecticut, 36 of those cases were in Newtown. The CDC estimates that only 10% of cases are reported each year, so the number of infected people is actually much higher.
Maggie Shaw, a registered nurse and Chair of the Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force for the last 10 years, said, “Speaking as a Newtown resident, I am grateful for the competence and diligence brought to the table by our Representative, Chris Lyddy, in the effort to pass a bill that will help alleviate patient suffering. It was a privilege to have worked with him on this bill, which is an important step for CT residents who, when this bill becomes law, will be able to receive treatment of Lyme disease in their own communities by caring supportive physicians in a climate that allows them to treat without fear of reprisal.” said.
For further information about Lyme disease, please visit ILADS.org.
June 2, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newton) joined with a majority of members of Connecticut House of Representatives to support legislation granting towns important new tools to achieve cost savings and lessen property tax burdens through voluntary regional cooperation initiatives, saving taxpayers money.
House Bill 6585, An Act Concerning Regionalism, encourages towns to deliver certain public services more efficiently on a regional basis, and fosters a cooperative approach to land use planning and economic development that moves Connecticut closer toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
“Smart growth policies and management are crucial to Connecticut’s economic future.” Rep. Lyddy stated. “This legislation encourages regional cooperation and promotes fiscally and environmentally responsible growth.”
The bill encourages regional initiatives in energy, economic development, natural resource protection, transportation and housing; and fosters innovative approaches to improve efficiencies in the delivery of certain municipal and educational services.
Towns in eligible regions would be able to access federal economic development funds for the first time and share property tax revenue from major new economic development projects, reducing municipal competition for new development and overall public infrastructure costs.
A provision to return a portion of the sales tax generated within participating regions beginning in 2011 is an additional incentive for towns to collaborate on multi-town programs. The state sales tax currently generates about 3.5 billion dollars annually. These new revenue sharing streams offer permanent property tax relief to participating towns.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
In addition to the regionalism initiative, the legislature passed legislation allowing towns to hold “reverse auctions” to secure goods and services, creates a blueprint to encourage intercommunication between municipalities for large regional projects and promotes results-based accountability which sets goals for programs, evaluates programs according to those goals, applies that evaluation when determining which programs will receive funding and which will be cut.
May 21, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined with a majority of Connecticut House of Representative members to pass a landmark healthcare legislation package: The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (HB 6582) and SustiNet (HB 6600) plans. The package will provide new options for municipalities and other eligible groups to significantly reduce their healthcare costs.
The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership opens the state employee health plan to municipal employees, small businesses and non-profits, on a voluntary basis and SustiNet establishes the framework for comprehensive healthcare reform.
“Newtown could see substantial savings through the Healthcare Partnership,” Rep. Lyddy stated. “It also lays the ground work for reducing the cost of healthcare for small businesses and non-profits.”
“Connecticut can be a national leader in healthcare reform, and the Healthcare Partnership bill is a big step in that direction,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden), the bill’s sponsor and champion. “With our action today, the dream of quality, affordable healthcare is closer to reality for thousands of people in Connecticut.”
The Healthcare Partnership through House Bill 6582 creates a timetable for opening up the state healthcare plan and converts the state health insurance plan from fully uninsured to a self insured, eliminating millions of dollars in overhead costs -- potentially saving the state $70 million.
SustiNet is a comprehensive plan that lays out a framework for providing high quality coverage, similar to the state’s insurance plan to more residents while containing costs, promoting preventive care and laying the groundwork for federal healthcare reform. House Bill 6600 begins this process by establishing a board of directors charged with developing specific legislative recommendations to achieve the plan’s goals. Because membership on the board will be voluntary, the bill will not result in costs to the state.
By expanding access, more residents, many Connecticut employers and their workers will be able to purchase comprehensive benefits, while cutting their health care costs.
More information on the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership and SustiNet can be found online at www.housedems.ct.gov/healthcare.
May 13, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown), announced passage of House Bill 6320, An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee Concerning Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults. The legislation establishes benchmarks and ensures the development of a state substance abuse plan for preventing, treating, and reducing alcohol and drug abuse among adults.
“Properly caring for people suffering with substance abuse is long over due,” Rep. Lyddy, co-sponsor and driving force behind the legislation, stated. “Not only do we need to ensure individuals are receiving support, but also that the system is working.”
Rep. Lyddy added, “We need to ensure that community providers contracted with the state are providing comprehensive treatment and that they are held accountable for the funds they receive and the services they provide.”
The legislation requires clearly defined treatment options, plans and mission statements which will then allow for the proper evaluation and assessment of local providers.
“Early intervention along with the length and quality of treatment is key to long term success for those who suffer from the disease of addiction. All agencies must be held accountable and work on improving the outcome from this insidious disease. I feel that this new legislation can only improve the process,” stated Dorrie Carolan, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Newtown Parent Connection.
The legislation was based on recommendations from the Program Review and Investigations Committee's Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults study. The study focused the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) ability to carry out its mission related to alcohol and drug abuse treatment for adults, and its level of coordination and effectiveness of all publicly funded services in the state.
The House unanimously passed the bill and it is now headed to the Senate for a vote.
May 6, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined with a bipartisan coalition, including Senate Republican Leader John McKinney (R- Easton, Fairfield, Newtown and Weston), the co-chairs of the Education Committee and advocacy groups to support House Bill 6496, An Act Concerning Green Cleaning Products in Schools, at a press conference on Tuesday.
Since hazardous cleaning chemicals have long been recognized as contributors to Connecticut’s growing asthma problem, the group used World Asthma Day to bring attention to the school children, cleaning workers, and teachers that are on the front lines of exposure in our schools.
“This legislation moves Connecticut schools towards a cost-effective and safer solution for cleaning schools,” stated Rep. Lyddy. “As an asthma sufferer, this issue is especially important to me. The state needs to do more to ensure that students and teachers are not exposed to harsh cleaning products in our schools.”
Lyddy added, “Every child and school employee has a right to an environmentally safe and healthy learning environment.”
The types of cleaning products covered in this legislation include: general purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, floor finishes, floor strippers, hand cleansers and soaps, but does not impact any disinfectant, disinfecting cleaner, sanitizer or other antimicrobial products.
With no cost to the state and a potential savings for towns, the bill recently passed the House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate for a vote.
April 8, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) supported the passage of House Bill 5930, An Act Requiring Small Business Impact Analysis for Proposed Regulations, on Tuesday. The legislation ensures potential state regulations are reviewed for their impacts on small businesses. It also directs agencies to consider other less burdensome ways to achieve a regulation's goal, when adverse impacts are identified.
Rep. Lyddy also participated in a roundtable discussion at the Danbury Public Library on Monday with Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and area small business owners to discuss business-friendly health care policies that will help local companies thrive.
“These initiatives are a way to support our local economy,” Rep. Lyddy said. “Small businesses can’t thrive if they are crippled by costly adverse regulations and constantly increasing health care costs.”
Rep. Lyddy added, “Small businesses and non-profits depend on their ability to attract talented employees, and a business can’t succeed if they aren’t able to offer affordable, quality health care. At the very least, this provides a voluntary option for employers.”
The proposed health care legislation would open access to the state employee health insurance plan to small businesses, non-profits and municipal employees. It is estimated that small businesses could save thousands of dollars annually in employee health care costs by joining the plan. There are currently more than 200,000 people in the state insurance pool.
“This state health plan would be ideal for me and other independent contractors, since we currently pay expensive individual insurance premium often with inferior coverage. This partnership be a boost for small businesses and allow us to offer more affordable and attractive healthcare plans to our employees,” Chris Fairchild, a local Newtown realtor stated.
Beth Agen, Executive Director of Newtown Youth & Family Services, said her agency is fortunate to receive insurance coverage under the Town of Newtown’s policy, but as the town looks for ways to cut back, the agency could be facing increased costs to insure its staff.
“Like other human service agencies during this difficult economic time, there is increased demand for our programs, without increases in funding,” Agen said. “A healthcare program like this would help our agency to continue serve its clients.”
March 18, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined Connecticut Young Democrats, Board of Education Members and high school students from around the state to support House Bill 6665, An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Students on Local and Regional Boards of Education.
This legislation guarantees that each town has at least one student representative on its local board of education. The student representative would be a non-voting member – able to participate in all public deliberations, but not included in executive sessions, which often include sensitive personnel matters.
“Allowing students to be part of the discussion will add a valuable youth perspective to the boards,” stated Rep. Lyddy. “Students will learn the importance and power of civic participation, hopefully leading to lifelong involvement in the political process.”
“It is important that we all continue to look for news ways for young people to become more involved in their communities,” added Rep. Lyddy, as a member of the Education Committee, where the legislation is currently under consideration.
March 4, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) honored students at the Reed Intermediate School for participating in the St. Valentine’s Day Project last Friday. The students recorded CDs and wrote over 2,500 letters to members of the armed forces serving overseas. Rep. Lyddy was joined by State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-Newtown and Monroe) in presenting citations and certificates to the participants.
“The momentum this project has gained and the students who gave so much of their own time and energy to show support for our troops overseas is incredible,” Rep. Lyddy stated. “Watching the video that showed the letters and CDs being received, really demonstrated how a small gesture can mean so much to our servicemen and women.”
Several student organizations, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops also participated in the project. The project was started in 2005 by a second grade teacher in Sandy Hook Elementary School and has expanded to include the whole elementary school and two grades at the Reed Intermediate School.
“I hope this will serve as inspiration to our community to do more to support our troops and that next year we can more than double the number of letters written,” Rep. Lyddy stated.
February 25, 2009
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, including State Representative Chris Lyddy (D-Newtown), voted on Wednesday in favor of a $1.23 billion deficit mitigation package that nearly eliminates the projected deficit for the current fiscal year through a series of cuts and other adjustments without any tax or fee increases.
The deficit package maintained critical investments in our economy like the renewable energy fund, preserved special education funding to towns and defended seniors from cuts proposed by the Governor that would discontinue payment for certain prescription drugs under Medicare Part D.
The Governor’s deficit mitigation package only cut $1.09 billion for the current fiscal year. The legislature was able to find more cuts and savings than the Governor, particularly in the area of off-budget (“non-appropriated”) accounts in the amount of $200 million.
“Funds that promote renewable energy are an important part in our state’s economy and future” said Lyddy. “We need to find a balanced approach to our budget that does not adversely impact our ability to create new jobs in the emerging green energy industry.”
“I am pleased the legislature was able to find additional savings to preserve funding to special education and continue to help protect seniors, the disabled and working-class families,” said Lyddy. “The legislature encourages the Governor to continue to use her rescission authority as we work together to balance this year’s budget.”
The deficit mitigation package includes $373.3 million from the federal stimulus package, $281.7 million from the state’s rainy day fund, and combines proposals from both Democrats and Republicans.
“We all came to the table to consider all ideas, and decide which ones work best for our state in a bipartisan manner,” Rep. Lyddy said. “I hope we will continue to work together as we continue to address budget deficiencies for the upcoming fiscal years.”
February 11, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) joined with a bipartisan coalition of legislators, including Republican Minority Leader Senator John McKinney (R-Easton, Fairfield, Newtown and Weston) to allow physicians to dispense long-term anti-biotic treatments for Lyme disease sufferers.
“Lyme disease affects far too many people, including many residents of Newtown,” said Lyddy. “This bill changes public health policy by ensuring that doctors are free to make decisions that are in the best interest of their patients.”
House Bill 5625, An Act Concerning the Use of Long-Term Antibiotics for the Treatment of Lyme Disease, will extend protections to doctors allowing them to freely diagnose and treat patients with Lyme disease. The bill will allow physicians treating Lyme disease patients to diagnose the disease clinically and consider all treatment options, including long-term antibiotic therapy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007 over 3,000 people were infected with Lyme disease in Connecticut, 36 of those cases were in Newtown alone. The CDC estimates that only 10% of cases are reported each year, so the number of infected people is actually much higher.
“At a time when the legislature faces tough financial deficits and cuts in spending statewide, legislators can still support legislation that does not cost the state tax payers but does make a significant impact in treating disease. The Lyme bill will do just that.” Rep. Lyddy said.
“This bill will protect physicians who help and treat patients with chronic Lyme disease. Members of the Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force appreciate Representative Lyddy's advocacy, concern, and the time he has taken to understand the complexity of the situation,” said Maggie Shaw, a registered nurse and Chair of the Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force for the last 10 years.
A public hearing before the Public Health Committee was held last Friday. More than one hundred people submitted written testimony in support of the Bill sharing their personal stories and struggles in fighting the disease. The State Medical Society and the Lyme Disease Association of America also sent representatives to testify on behalf of the Bill.
Rep. Christopher Lyddy with Maggie Shaw at the Legislative Office Building.
January 7, 2009
State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) was sworn as the new State Representative serving the 106th General Assembly district in Newtown by Connecticut’s Secretary of the State this morning.
Newly elected Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) appointed Lyddy to serve on the Education, Human Services, and Public Health Committees.
“It is an honor to serve the people of the 106th district and I look forward to the session ahead,” Lyddy said, “We will need to work together to find balanced solutions to the unprecedented challenges we face.”
Chris Lyddy is a lifelong resident of Newtown and a graduate of the Newtown High School. He earned a bachelors degree from Salve Regina University, and a masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice.
Constituents wishing to contact Lyddy can call his office at the State Capitol toll free at 1-800-842-8267 or through e-mail at Christopher.Lyddy@cga.ct.gov. |
