“With this legislation, we begin to change the status quo,” Lyddy said.

“Our democratic process, while messy and imperfect, gives us a framework for engaging people, often with competing interests, in the process of shaping public policy. This legislation represents months of input from several stakeholders including teachers, lawmakers, parents and advocacy groups,” Lyddy said.

“I listened to the various perspectives, learned more about the depth of the issues at stake and with my colleagues lead the charge on reforming the way we get the job done here in Connecticut,” Lyddy said.

The bill now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who is expected to sign it.

Lyddy said the legislation recognizes the value of early childhood education, the legislation (SB 458) creates 1,000 new pre-K School Readiness seats, focused in high need, low-performing communities. It also creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade.

“Whether you are a taxpayer, a parent, an educator or an employer, there's no denying that if you have any interest at all in the future of our state, you have an interest in making sure all children get the most they possibly can out of their education,” Lyddy said.

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

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

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

“I truly believe teachers have the capacity to be one of the single most influential factors in achieving student success, but they need the supports, resources and training to get the job done. I trust this bill is a first step in a more comprehensive effort to weave together a more robust, meaningful, and productive education system for our children. We must have targeted interventions to address the unique set of needs our students exhibit across the state,” Lyddy said.

Funding included in the bill:

• Increases for vocational/technical and vocational/agricultural schools, charter and magnet schools, and a new kindergarten through 8th grade science initiative. Increase funding to state charters from $9,400 to $10,500 per pupil, with an increase of $500 in both FY14 and FY15.
• Requires 2 of next 4 state charter schools to have dual language theme and requires public schools to include a total of 20 minutes of physical exercise in each regular school day for students in grades K thru 5.
• No changes to the ECS formula. Allows ECS Task Force to complete its work. Requires charter school grants to be added to ECS grants and paid through towns where charter schools are located (as per budget bill).
• Requires a study of potential efficiencies for small districts (fewer than 1000 students).

The legislation also deals with teacher preparation and evaluations:

• Requires teacher prep programs to provide classroom experience in 4 semesters.

Creates a "distinguished educator designation" which requires additional education past master's degree, certain performance standards, may serve as mentor to other teachers. Permits local districts to tie salary and responsibilities to this new designation. Requires 5 years' experience to qualify.

• Requires commissioner to establish a teacher professional development program in reading instruction.
• Requires an applicant for a professional certificate to have a relevant master’s degree.
• Annual teacher evaluations.
• Requires commissioner to administer an evaluation pilot program in 8 - 10 districts for the 2012-2013 school year.
• Teachers who receive low evaluations to work with evaluators to develop improvement plan.
• UCONN will analyze, evaluate, and validate the pilot program and submit their results and recommendations to the State Board of Education.
• Adds the term “ineffectiveness” as grounds for dismissal.
• Length of time to attain tenure is 4 years and there is no automatic granting of tenure. Evaluations to inform tenure decisions and tenure decisions will be based on effective practice.
• Requires training of those being evaluated and those conducting evaluations before evaluations begin.

House Bill 5499 seeks to expand the opportunities for smaller community-based hospices to operate in Connecticut and gives smaller hospice facilities across the state the ability to provide high quality services, while allowing patients to stay close to friends and family. Currently, there are just two licensed hospices in the state. The bill now goes to the Senate.

The bill facilitates the creation of hospices that offer both in-patient and home-based hospice services. The state has two residential hospices regulated under provisions that date to the 1970s using a model equivalent to the regulation of skilled nursing homes, Lyddy said.

“Today's needs have changed and this bill encourages the move toward new regulations that will allow the addition of smaller, more home-like residential models that will serve many more areas of the state,” Lyddy said.

The bill also assures that no invasive procedures will be performed on a patient at a hospice facility and that the Department of Public Health maintains oversight of hospice facilities.

House Bill 5548, which is based on the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence’s recommendations, now also goes to the Senate.

“It is important that we stem the tide of domestic violence and protect victims who are subjected to physical and psychological abuse,” said Lyddy, a member of the task force.

“We need to give our police officers and judges the tools to protect victims and to prevent tragedy. This legislation helps us promote greater safety and deter violence,” Lyddy said. “The bill also adopts legal definitions of stalking which puts a reasonable person in fear of their personal safety or which threatens their employment.”

A key part of the legislation gives police officers new tools for responding to incidents of domestic violence, including a requirement that municipal police departments develop and implement operational guidelines for arrest policies.

The departments would set a uniform standard, but are given flexibility to tailor implementation to fit their departments. The bill also establishes a Family Violence Model Policy Governing Council to update the model policy going forward and review relevant data. In addition, the legislation permits judges to issue restraining orders for up to one year. Currently the maximum length of a restraining order is six months.

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

Lyddy said that with increasing numbers of people using texting as their primary way of communicating, the task force would like to see a 911 texting system implemented statewide. Unfortunately there a number of technical barriers to implementing 911 texting, so the legislation requires the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a 911 texting system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Connecticut’s newborn infants deserve the very best care available to help ensure that they have a healthy and productive adulthood,” said Lyddy, who brought the legislation out for a vote in the House chamber.

Previously, the Senate also unanimously approved the bill, which now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for his expected signature.

The test is a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive procedure for determining whether a potential congenital heart defect exists, Lyddy said.

“Congenital heart disease can have a devastating effect on the infants it strikes as well as on their families. Failure to detect such defects before a newborn is released from the hospital can result in developmental delays that have the potential to impact the entire life of the child and his or her family. At worse, undetected congenital heart defects can lead to sudden infant death,” Lyddy said.

Our democratic process, while messy and imperfect, gives us a framework for engaging people, often times with competing interests, in the process of shaping public policy. Each voice and perspective is important; however, it doesn't mean we always have to agree.

There is no doubt the public is interested, impassioned and engaged in the debate on reforming the way we educate our youth. Regardless of our own positions we should all be paying attention because we all have a stake in the academic achievement of our children. Whether you are a taxpayer, a parent, an educator or an employer, there's no denying that if you have any interest at all in the future of our state, you have an interest in making sure all children get the most they possibly can out of their education.

Unfortunately, in Connecticut it is a fact that too many of our children are failing to be college and career ready, and this is simply unacceptable. We need meaningful reform, a respectful debate and an honest appraisal of our system's vulnerabilities. The lowest performing school districts, typically in urban settings, need to be supported, foster innovation and be willing to make significant changes in the way they operate. We must reject, not clench onto, components of our current system, inclusive of all the social, financial and societal ills associated with such a system. Simply put, our reform efforts must address all identified factors that impede a child's learning. Period.

With that said, we first need to start from a strengths-based perspective and recognize, honor and promote the greatest assets our schools have: the teachers and administrators. I truly believe these individuals have the capacity to be one of the single most influential factors in achieving student success. We need to promote great educators (both teachers and administrators), guide those underperforming ones and remove those who repeatedly prove themselves to be ineffective through a rigorous and meaningful evaluation process. While this is a good start, our reform efforts can not stop there because we recognize the need to weave together a comprehensive web of services that we know will enhance our children's education.

We need to better scrutinize the way we spend our education dollars across all districts, keep a laser focus on student outcomes (no, test scores do not tell the whole story but I believe they are an important part of it) and ensure that identified schools, namely the "Commissioner's Network" schools, have the support, funding and talent to improve their students' performance.

Governor Malloy's bold and unwavering reform agenda has set the stage for a dramatic and somewhat theatrical debate between the public, education stakeholders and lawmakers. As is the case with all legislative proposals, significant feedback from all constituencies with varying levels of understanding of the issue continues to filter through the e-mail and voicemail boxes of legislators, often fueling a fruitful debate as to how the proposal should be changed and advanced through the process.

To be clear, the Education Committee recently voted to support a version of the Governor's bill, ensuring that several points of concern, mainly those of the teachers, were addressed. In addition, the committee also increased support services and early childhood education opportunities for those underperforming districts, a key component to ensuring that we intervene early with our most vulnerable children.

But does the bill as it is now drafted meet the threshold of true reform, or is it simply the timid and toothless response that mirrors past attempts? We should not let the bill as it is currently written, which in my opinion is mediocre at best, detract the ongoing efforts of those constituencies still hammering out the details at the negotiating table. This process will continue to unfold over the next five weeks and I am hopeful that we will develop a plan to inject intensive interventions to our lowest performing schools while also taking into account bargaining rights of teachers.

While the fate of this bill (and more importantly our children) continues to linger, one thing is absolutely clear: what we have now is not achieving the results our children need, and the bill as it currently stands does not do enough to address this. We must reject the notion that we can not do better because the issue is just too big or complex to tackle, and instead tackle it head on. I know we can do it!

Lyddy said the legislation specifically prohibits oil wholesalers and distributers (those who pay the gross receipts tax) from passing on anything purporting to be based on the tax for the portion of any sales price over $3 a gallon.

“Gas prices have risen 15 percent since the beginning of the year,” Lyddy said. “We have taken action today that will provide relief at the pump from these oppressive prices and all savings will go directly to Connecticut consumers — not the big oil companies.”

Large wholesalers in violation of profiteering statutes have much greater impact on consumers than individual retailers, so the legislation specifically grants the commissioner of the Department of Consumer authority to impose CUPTA fines of up to $10,000 upon large gasoline wholesalers and distributors who are in violation of profiteering laws.

The state’s petroleum profiteering law was also amended by today’s legislation to include an automatic trigger, based on extreme wholesale price increases, for price gouging protections to go into effect.

“If the big oil companies think they are going to reap the benefits—they are sorely mistaken. The state will take action — including serious fines — if there is any price gouging,” Lyddy said.

The bill, which is now headed to the governor for his signature, institutes similar profiteering protections in regards to home heating oil.

As a member of the Legislature's Education Committee, Newtown Representative Chris Lyddy has been in attendance as Governor Dannel Malloy has attempted to clarify some of the most controversial and misunderstood aspects of his proposed Education Reform bill. On March 19, Rep Lyddy spoke with The Bee about issues tied to that proposal, as well as a few other issues playing out in Hartford during the 2012 "short session."

"I'm hearing a lot about this not only from people in Newtown, but from across the state," Rep Lyddy said. "And to be honest, it's a little frustrating because a lot of those people don't know what the bill says. It's 163 pages, though, so I can understand why."

Rep Lyddy said among the most frequently misstated points of information is that the bill would eliminate teacher tenure.

"That's absolutely incorrect. The proposal allows for teacher tenure to be earned two years sooner than state law allows," he said. The Newtown lawmaker said he is having a hard time discerning where those who are misstating the bill's content are going off track, or why.

"I'm meeting almost daily with educational stakeholders from all over the state, as well as with the [state] leadership of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents the Newtown teachers," he said. "But no matter which side of the issue they are on, I need to make sure everyone has accurate information."

He said the AFT reps are generally supportive of the bill, but that is the polar opposite of what he is hearing from the front line AFT membership.

"I hear them saying 'don't eliminate tenure, or kill the bill.' All this loud stuff — a real disconnect between members and their leadership at the capital," he said.

Another point of misinformation is that the proposal is basing the entire teacher evaluation system on test score outcomes.

"That is absolutely and entirely incorrect," Rep Lyddy said. "The unions who are at the meetings with key legislators working on the bill have signed off on an evaluation system that is all encompassing of teacher evaluations in the classroom, peer and parent feedback, student outcomes, and test scores."

Rep Lyddy believes that each of those components should be weighed appropriately as contributing to a final evaluation.

"The performance evaluation advisory council sent these recommendations through to be applied to the bill. So when reviewing those guidelines, and overlapping those with the proposed teacher evaluation proposals in Newtown, I have to say that I'm quite impressed with the direction Newtown is moving on evaluating its teachers," Rep Lyddy said.

"It's not just about getting poor teachers out of the classroom, but evaluating, supporting, and promoting great teachers. That and getting those good teachers tenure as soon as possible, when they prove themselves to be effective in the classroom," he added.

Still Many Questions

The more he studies the fine points of the bill, the more questions Rep Lyddy said he is developing. But in the end, he views it as a progressive "growth model that all teachers should be glad to have."

With that in mind, and considering the Newtown district's argument about maintaining or even adding administrators while student population plummets, Rep Lyddy admitted that adding more administrators is "not the silver bullet here, but in this bill we offer master's level teachers to take on more responsibilities, and to be compensated for that."

"When we look at student-to-administrator ratios, we also have to look at the tools in place to support and to evaluate those administrators and their performance," Rep Lyddy said. "I don't know if more administrators will equal better results. I think we need more qualified and effective teachers in the classroom."

Rep Lyddy said the situation is more dire in urban and underperforming districts where the financial resources might better serve students if they are targeted at recruiting, retaining, and developing better educators in the classroom, versus administrators.

"I think I've been saying that all along," he added.

Financial-aid counselors and college staff will be available to talk from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and give one-on-one advice about financial aid and planning for college. In Danbury, the forum will be held at Western Connecticut State University, Westside Campus, 43 Lake Avenue Extension.  

Lyddy said that participating in College Goal Sunday gives students and their families a great first step on the pathway to college. It gives the students and families an opportunity to learn about preparing for college and financial aid in a comfortable setting, he added.

Lyddy said that in a single afternoon, students and their families can become familiar with college entrance requirements, learn about planning for college and obtain on-site assistance in filling out financial aid applications. In addition, there will be information about the benefits of attending college, student support services, areas of study and different degree programs. Spanish interpreters will be available.

For more information about the event, call (888) 277-2270, email info@collegegoalsundayct.org or visit website: www.collegegoalsundayct.org.

DANBURY -- For more than a decade, former emergency medical technician Joe Tomaso fought for workers' compensation benefits and medical care to treat the hepatitis C he claims he contracted while on the job.
Besides the pain and suffering he has endured while living with the disease, Tomaso said the battle for coverage has cost him his home, his marriage and nearly his life.

On Thursday, however, the state's Workers' Compensation Commission signed off on an agreement between Tomaso, Danbury Ambulance and the company's insurance provider to pay for the liver transplant and post-operative care that he desperately needs -- a bill that could total more than $1 million.

Tomaso, 48, said he hopes his experience will help other emergency workers facing a similar battle, and help to change laws in the state to make it easier for others to get the benefits they need.

"There were times when I got so sick and depressed that I felt like giving up," said Tomaso. "There was one time I even considered suicide.

"But then I thought about how much time I wanted to spend with my children and grandchildren," he said, adding that emergency workers from throughout the area stood by him during the ordeal.

"I decided I didn't want to give up," Tomaso said. "I want people to know this is a battle they can win."

Jason Dodge, an attorney representing the ambulance company, declined to comment.
Tomaso says he contracted hepatitis C during a routine call in 1998 to transport an elderly man covered with bed sores.

There are numerous ways to contract hepatitis C, the blood-borne disease that leads to an inflammation of the liver, according to the American Liver Foundation, including intravenous drug use, transfusions, tattoos or coming into contact with blood while working.

While some states have laws for emergency workers that presume the disease was contracted on the job, Connecticut isn't one of them, and Tomaso had to prove his case.

According to Don Lundy, president-elect of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, that connection can be hard to make.

Lundy said he has heard of a "smattering" of cases in which insurance companies have agreed to pay for the treatment for paramedics who contracted hepatitis C.

It's even more rare, he said, for a company to not only pay for a transplant, but the post-surgical care.

"This is big," Lundy said. "But will it make easier for the next person? Probably not. If there are five or six cases in a row like this, then that will make a difference. This is a little drop in a big pond."

Now that Tomaso is on the list for a transplant, he said he plans to urge the state Legislature to have the law changed.

"People who work in emergency services need to be protected," he said.

Danbury Fire Chief Geoff Herald said the state's laws need to be addressed, adding there are areas where the presumption laws should be expanded, including certain cancers that statistics show firefighters are more likely to get.

"In many of these cases, you have to eliminate all possible personal attributes (that could cause the illness)," Herald said. "What is left is on the job, and that makes it very difficult."

Several area lawmakers also said laws need to be changed.

"The fact is, we have to do a better job protecting our first-responders," said state Rep. Christopher Lyddy, D-Newtown.

State Rep. Dan Carter, R-Bethel, said, "It's tragic that anyone has to go through so much trouble to get coverage. This is something we have to look into."

While Tomaso got the green light for the transplant, he still has a long road ahead. It can take more than year for a suitable liver to become available, and recovery from surgery can take months.

But perhaps the biggest problem Tomaso faces is that, even after the transplant, the disease likely will recur.

"It always comes back," said Philip Scarfo, national director of programs for the New York-based American Liver Foundation.

"Once it's in your blood and your DNA, it always comes back."

“STEAP funds are one of the best examples of how state government, in partnership with local government, can make meaningful improvements that directly impact residents,” said Governor Malloy. “Just like families across the state, Connecticut town leaders have had to do more with less. As we work to rebuild roads, repair bridges and strengthen business corridors in towns across the state, we are pleased to offer additional support to these communities. We are making Connecticut stronger and more competitive.”

Newtown was awarded $400,000 for infrastructure and streetscape improvements for the Fairfield Hills campus. One of the duplexes on the campus will be renovated and serve as the future home of Kevin’s Community Center, a medical clinic open to un- and under-insured residents.

“Governor Malloy's commitment to Newtown and our economic growth is very real," said state Rep. Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown). "Encouraging job creation is at the top of everyone's list and this grant demonstrates a positive impact on our town. The Fairfield Hills property is becoming the region’s economic, civic and cultural hub providing a scenic destination and improved quality of life for all families."

The project will support non-profit organizations and commercial businesses and is expected to support 30 jobs.

Other towns receiving STEAP grants are Barkhamsted, Burlington, Colebrook, Sharon and Winchester.

“As our governor stated, we owe it to our children to make Connecticut a national leader for narrowing the achievement gap between white and minority students,” Lyddy said. “We need to restore Connecticut as a leader for academic excellence.”

Calling 2012 the year of education reform, Malloy issued a clarion call for excellent teachers and principals, fair funding for students and districts most in need, expanding high-quality school options and improving the lowest-performing schools and districts.

As a member of the legislature’s Education Committee and the state Department of Education’s Advisory Council on Special Education, Lyddy said reform in Connecticut is long overdue and he is eager to begin work on the administration’s proposals.

“The mandate for change in the way we educate children is stronger than ever,” Lyddy said. “We must create a new education system that prepares all students for success in the adult world.”

In a letter to the legislature, Malloy said that on Jan. 5 he would convene a set of multi-stakeholder workshops to delve more deeply into some of the most pressing education reform issues for Connecticut. And in February when the General Assembly begins its 2012 session Malloy said his administration would work to enact a package of reforms based on those principals.

The association honored Lyddy Thursday, Dec. 15, at its annual meeting at the Marriott Hotel in Hartford. Several advocates and members of the human services field were present to celebrate this year’s honorees and participate in the program that included business presentations and sessions with state commissioners.

“Our government is only as strong as our relationship is with our private, community providers. This is why I have continually engaged the private sector in my policy initiatives and why I continue to recognize the value of their input and ingenuity,” Lyddy said. “Having worked side by side this association and its many member organizations, it is clear that our private providers are critical to delivering services in an effective and cost efficient manner.”

The association represents organizations that provide services and support to people with disabilities and significant challenges, including children and adults with substance use disorders, mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities. Community providers annually deliver health and human services to 500,000 Connecticut residents.

“The Connecticut Community Providers Association is extremely pleased to have honored Rep. Lyddy at our annual meeting,” said Terry Edelstein, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Community Providers Association. “Rep. Lyddy was instrumental in the passage of legislation that established the Commission on Nonprofit Health and Human Services. This is an essential piece of legislation that will guide the legislature and executive branch in their ongoing support for community providers.”

“We need to continue modernizing our state's safety net while also looking to the private sector to help develop agreeable solutions to our state's most complex problems,” Lyddy said.

“I am particularly proud to have co-sponsored the Paint Stewardship bill this year,” said Godfrey. “It is important that consumers have a safe and convenient way to dispose of the potentially harmful products in architectural paint. The Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority was instrumental in gathering support for this new law.”

“I’m honored that the League of Conservation Voters has recognized  me with this prestigious award,” said Lyddy. “Protecting open space, water and the air in Connecticut will always continue to be a real priority for me.”

Godfrey and Lyddy are just two of only 29 state representatives—less than 20 percent of the Connecticut House—to earn a rating of 100 percent.

Godfrey said, “Ensuring that environmental policy and energy policy are considered together, I supported the new Department of Energy and Environmental Policy or DEEP.”

The annual environmental scorecard grades state lawmakers based on how they vote on significant environmental legislation. This year the scorecard grades legislators' votes on twelve bills that came up during the 2011 legislative session.

CTLCV Co-Chair David Bingham said of the legislators who received high scores, “despite the pressures of economic distress, they upheld policies that are critical to providing clean air and water and make Connecticut an inviting state to do business.”

Formed in 1998, the bipartisan CTLCV works on laws that affect Connecticut's air, water, wildlife, open space, transportation, energy choices, and health.

Universal preschool and all-day kindergarten, reforming education funding and restructuring school districts to provide options for students are among sweeping changes the state's superintendents are proposing.

The Education Transformation Project, announced Wednesday in Hartford by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, would alter methods of educating to ensure that all students learn, and that poor students gain the skills needed to pull themselves out of poverty.

"This requires the state to look at education through different eyes -- student outcomes, rather than politics," said Bethel Superintendent Gary Chesley, one of 16 educators who helped develop the proposal. "This proposal runs the full gamut of issues that we worked on over the course of two years. If we address them with courage as a state, we will have a far better educational system."

The 150 recommendations for school reform include teacher and administration accountability, assessment, academic standards, use of technology, teacher preparation, and student learning styles and needs.

"The proposals will affect everyone's job, not just teachers' and superintendents', but town officials'. A lot of people are going to be challenged to do things differently under this," Chesley said. "Connecticut is going to have to make up its mind about how it prepares students to have them competitive in a global world. We can't continue to do things like we have been doing them the last 200 years."

The educators, including Chesley, Region 15 Superintendent Frank Sippy, assistant superintendents, university professors and other leaders, met for two years and listened to national experts discuss central issues for reform.

"We're seeing the development at the national level of a perfect storm for educational transformation," said the principal association's executive director, Joseph Cirasuolo. "We looked at a vision of a transformed system and what are the specific steps to move that way."

The core group created a document and sought reactions from all the state's superintendents, before adopting the proposals, Cirasuolo said. He said the package will be transformational, instead of continuing the conversation of the last 20 to 30 years.

State Rep. Christopher Lyddy, D-Newtown, called the project a progressive document and said he hoped all stakeholders, including parents and teachers, would come to the table.

"I appreciate the superintendents stepping up and playing an active role in improving the accountability of the school system and putting student achievement first," Lyddy said. "This really shines a light on the issues."

Danbury teachers' union president Cindy Mirochine said she wasn't yet familiar with details of the proposal, but she said she knows that education reform will be on the forefront of the legislative session this year.

"I look forward to being part of the discussion, providing input and being part of the collaborative process," she said.

The Connecticut Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union, has expressed support for some aspects of the proposal, but concern about some teacher issues.

Danbury Superintendent Sal Pascarella called the document the architectural plan that must be followed by a more challenging engineering plan needed to have reform.

Education has worked on the premise that time in school is the constant and learning is the variable, Pascarella said. This proposal makes the constant learning and the variable the time someone needs to acquire the information.

"The learning and the expectations have to be standardized," Pascarella said. "The constant has to be the learning."

“In other New England States, there is a system in place where they can evaluate power companies and even fine them based on outages,” said Rep. Hovey. “In Connecticut, we have no such mechanism to hold CL&P accountable. We also need to require CL&P and UI to trim trees back within five feet without property owner’s permission in anticipation of a harsh winter, so there can be no excuse for this disaster reoccurring.”

“CL&P’s ill-prepared response jeopardized the health, welfare, and safety of Newtown’s residents,” said Rep. Lyddy. “The response was an epic fail and it is clear that CL&P abdicated their responsibility to restore power in a timely manner. This not only put undue pressure on our residents, but also stressed town and state resources.”

The legislators praised local officials for their tireless work to get Newtown back to normal, while pressing for relaxed rules on tree trimming to allow CL&P to work more quickly.

“Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra has done an extraordinary job during this difficult situation,” Rep. Hovey said. “She has worked tirelessly to make sure the town continues to run as efficiently as possible and to make sure cleanup continues as well as can be expected. I also want to commend the fine people at the Department of Public Works for their continued work on behalf of the residents of Newtown.”

“Throughout the recovery efforts, I had the privilege to work with our First Selectman Pat Llodra. Together, we worked hard to ensure that Newtown was well represented and that we put the necessary pressure on CL&P to restore power to our residents,” Rep. Lyddy said. “In collaboration with many others including the Emergency Management Team, Pat coordinated a tremendous response and for that we should all be grateful.”

Hovey and Lyddy urged town residents to exercise additional care over the next few days, even as power continues to be restored and areas are cleared of debris. Just because an area has power and is free of tree limbs does not mean it is ready for general public use, they said.

One thing Hovey and Lyddy said could expedite the power restoration process would be to override usual decorum on tree trimming and maintenance. CL&P crews have claimed that a great deal of tree maintenance has gone unfinished because of complaints from property owners.

“Situations like Tropical Storm Irene and winter storm Alfred highlight the need for better maintenance practices to make certain power lines across our state are not unduly damaged with future storms,” Rep. Hovey said. “Connecticut is a beautifully rural state but the needs of the entire population must take precedence over the appearance of trees along our roadways. Power is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

“First and foremost, Connecticut residents deserve an apology from CL&P for their inexcusable response to this situation,” said Rep. Lyddy. “Second, Northeast Utilities’ proposed merger with a Massachusetts company should immediately be taken off the table. Third, we need to ensure utility companies develop corporate policies that ensure the safety, health, and welfare of people while also implementing disincentives  for companies that literally leave people in the dark for weeks at a time.”

Rep. Lyddy continued by stressing the importance of emergency preparedness and urged residents to sign-up their home phones, e-mail, and cell phones with the Emergency Code Red system by visiting www.newtown-ct.gov.

“We all learned a lesson or two in the last few months,” said Rep. Lyddy. “We all need to prepare for natural disasters and ensure that we communicate our safety plans with our friends and families. One of the greatest factors in getting through these difficult times is most certainly how prepared we are to respond.”

“We need to continue to focus on developing a state that is ripe for attracting, creating and maintaining jobs,” Lyddy said during a special session of General Assembly. “The work we did today will put Connecticut to work and undoubtedly bring our state into a new era of science, technology and job creation.”

Lyddy said Connecticut’s legislature, unlike any other in the country, was able to create a bipartisan agenda to support small businesses, grow jobs and spur innovation.

“Working together in a bipartisan manner for the good of Connecticut is what we should always strive to accomplish,” Lyddy said, referring to the comprehensive jobs bill. “We need to use what we accomplished today as a model for moving forward.”

Lyddy also lauded the legislature for approving Jackson Laboratory’s plan to build a $1.1 billion research facility at the University of Connecticut 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.

Lyddy said he voted for the Jackson proposal after meeting with UConn President Susan Herbst and Health Center officials to discuss the expected economic impact of the new research facility.

“I’m convinced that Connecticut’s investment in bioscience will pay dividends for generations,” Lyddy said. “In approving this project today, we sent the world a message that Connecticut is not only open for business, but also that we are going to establish our state as a world leader in the field of bioscience.”

According to the state Department of Economic and Community Development, the project is expected to create over 660 positions at Jackson Laboratory in Farmington within 20 years. The department 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 goal of the comprehensive jobs bill is to jump-start job creation and foster long-term economic growth through small-business incentives, less government red tape, incentives for innovation, economic development tools and workforce development and training.

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

“Small business continues to be the engine that drives our economy,” Lyddy said. “Investing in the future of Connecticut’s small businesses is essential to our continued economic growth.”

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
• Creating investment incentives for angel investors in emerging technology
• 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
• Main Street commercial centers improvement initiative

“This is a historical moment for Danbury for two reasons: There has never been such an infusion of state support into Main Street Danbury and such an investment in the health and well-being of Danbury area residents. It’s a great win-win,” Taborsak said.

“In an era where my constituents are telling me that access to affordable quality health care is a concern, this new and expanded health center goes a very long way to meeting their needs.” Rep. Godfrey stated. “We have worked long and hard as a team in securing the state’s support. I applaud Governor Malloy for his backing and am delighted to see this coming to fruition. I look forward to the ground breaking and ribbon cutting.”

The funds, expected to get approval when the State Bond Commission meets Friday, will make a significant economic development impact on downtown by creating over 150 permanent and temporary jobs that will help improve the local economy, provide accessible health care and enhance Danbury’s revitalization efforts.

"There are many residents in Danbury and the surrounding towns who rely on the medical, behavioral and other health services that the Community Health Center of Greater Danbury provides,” Governor Malloy said. “This grant for its expansion will help the Center improve the delivery of care to its patients, whether it be primary, dental or behavioral health services, and continue its core mission of improving the health and well being of the community it serves.”

"The people of greater Danbury deserve to have access to a first-rate community health care facility," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). "This grant gives them that. Combined with new jobs and help to revitalize downtown, this is a significant project for the Danbury community. I want to thank Reps. Taborsak, Godfrey and Lyddy, as well as the Connecticut Institute For Communities and former Congressman Maloney for their hard work to help secure the funding, and for understanding the beneficial impact this facility can have on the community."

"This is great news for greater Danbury residents," said Rep. Chris Lyddy (D-Newtown). "The new facility will enable many residents to receive the health care already enjoyed by others. Construction of the facility also will provide a boost to the local economy.  It has been an honor to work with Rep. Taborsak, Jim Maloney and the Governor's Office on this initiative and trust that as a result of our collaborative efforts more people will have access to health care.”

The $4 million grant is expected to create at least 60 constructions jobs and approximately 100 permanent jobs including health care providers as well as support and administrative positions.

“I would like to especially thank Governor Malloy and Speaker Donovan for their strong support of this important project,” Taborsak said. “They have both been critical in making this happen and have shown a real commitment to the health and well being of Danbury area residents.”

“This is wonderful news for the CIFC Community Health Center of Greater Danbury and for the entire Danbury community. Governor Dannel Malloy, Speaker of the House Chris Donovan and Representative Joe Taborsak have done magnificent work in making this project possible,” Hon. James H. Maloney, Esq., President/Chief Executive Officer Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC) said. “They have shown their deep commitment both to downtown Danbury and to the people in our community most in need of health care services. This project will be a solid boost to the Danbury economy and a very important on-going benefit to our region’s residents for generations to come.”

“What great news! This new state-of-the-art community medical facility will more than double the patient-services capacity of our Health Center, and it will also allow us to fully integrate medical care, dental care, and behavioral health care into a single facility that will secure for Danbury area families the best possible health services,” Dr. Thomas F. Draper, MD, MPH Medical Director CIFC Community Health Center of Greater Danbury stated. “Our CIFC Health Center was recently honored to be designated as a “Patient Centered Medical Home” by the National Committee For Quality Assurance, one of only two Community Health Centers in all of Connecticut (out of 14) with such accreditation. This new building will enable us to continue our high quality health care in an equally high-quality facility.”

The health center is sponsored by the Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC), a Danbury-based community development organization that also sponsors a number of other social services programs in Danbury, including Head Start of Northern Fairfield County.

Donovan noted that Lyddy, as a member of the legislature’s Education Committee, has been a strong supporter of children with special needs.

“Families will be well served by Chris Lyddy’s demonstrated passion for and understanding of children’s needs for special education services,” said Donovan (D-Meriden).

“Rep. Lyddy has served his community and families statewide through his membership on the legislative Education Committee, and he will bring that experience and commitment to his new role as a member of the state’s Special Education Advisory Council,” Donovan said.

“I am both honored and energized by this appointment,” Lyddy said. “I want to thank Speaker Donovan for this opportunity to help our children and look to partnering with him and the legislative leaders to ensure that children in all of Connecticut are well taken care of.”

The appointment comes after Lyddy recently joined Representative DebraLee Hovey in asking state officials to look into complaints from numerous constituents about their experiences with the Newtown special education system.

“While Newtown has seen its fair share of concerns, we must also look at the larger system of care and determine where we must alter our practices and policies to ensure children across the state get what they need,” Lyddy said.

Lyddy, who represents the 106th House District in Newtown, said he believes the advisory council is vital to protecting the interests of children with special needs.

After he meets with his colleagues on the council and identifies their concerns, Lyddy said his first priority will be to ensure that children get what they deserve. “I also want to provide the kind of support parents need to understand and navigate the special education system,” he said.

“In many conversations I’ve had with fellow representatives from across the state over the past three years, it has become clear that special education is an expensive but much needed way of delivering services. So it would be my goal to find a way to provide a more efficient delivery system,” Lyddy said.

Rep. Lyddy is also vice chairman of the legislature’s Public Health Committee and a member of the Human Services Committee.

NEWTOWN - The on-again, off-again relocation of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard from Newtown to Avon is off again, possibly for good.

State Rep. Christopher Lyddy, D-Newtown, said the governor's office notified him late Friday that the proposed move of the ceremonial mounted cavalry unit won't take place because state employee unions approved a $1.6 billion concessions package they originally rejected in June.

Had the unions again rejected the givebacks, transfer operations would have started Tuesday, with 10 horses from the downsized Second Company sharing quarters with the similarly reduced First Company Governor's Horse Guard.

Lyddy credited a bipartisan campaign by both state and local officials, including state Rep. DebraLee Hovey, R-Monroe, and Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield, whose district includes part of Newtown, and a "high-energy grass roots effort" with ensuring the all-volunteer unit remains at the former Fairfield Hills State Hospital, where it has been based since 1988.

"I'm very pleased that this is the end result of many, many months of intervention by our state legislators and hard work by Horse Guard supporters," Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra" said.

But more work remains to ensure the decision isn't reversed in the future, officials said.

That includes establishment of a public-private partnership to sustain operations at the Newtown facility. About $35,000 must be raised to support the Horse Guard in the first year, and $50,000 is needed the second year, supporters have said.

"I think we're ready to take on those challenges," Llodra said.

“Other emergency volunteers such as firefighters, medical technicians, paramedics, ambulance drivers and civil preparedness staff already enjoy this benefit under state law and it’s only fitting that we allow volunteer dive team members to participate in the tax-relief programs that might be available,” said Rep. Lyddy said.

“The new law (PA 11-243) enacted recently shows our appreciation to these volunteers who provide valuable, sometimes life-saving services to us at no cost,” Lyddy said.

“We join dive teams because we love diving and we love our communities, not because we expect compensation. But we definitely appreciate this legislation. It means our elected officials recognize our service, and that’s gratifying,” said Paul Nonnenmacher, dive team member, Newtown Underwater Search & Rescue.

Such tax relief programs may provide either an abatement of up to $1,000 in property taxes due for any fiscal year or an exemption applicable to the assessed value of real or personal property.

Under the law, any municipal ordinance may authorize interlocal agreements for the purpose of providing property tax relief to such volunteers who live in one municipality but volunteer their services in another municipality.

“It was an incredible honor to be invited by the president of our country and to discuss the issues important to Connecticut, like getting our economy back on track for the long term,” Lyddy said.

Lyddy was one of a small number of members of the Young Elected Officials Network who were invited to the White House to discuss important issues facing states and localities.

The Young Elected Officials Network provides support and training for over 600 state, county and city elected officials from all 50 states.

“These young leaders are on the front lines of progressive change, fighting for the values of fairness, equality and opportunity in their home communities,” said Andrew Gillum, executive director of the Young Elected Officials Network.

“Rep. Lyddy was chosen because of his outspoken support of early childhood and demonstrated understanding of the positive impact early childhood initiatives can have on families and communities,” said Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance Executive Director Maggie Adair.

“It’s important that we provide Connecticut’s children with the education, health, safety and economic security they need,” said Rep. Christopher Lyddy, who represents the 106th District of Newtown. Lyddy has been a strong supporter of early childhood legislation as a member of the Education, Human Services and Public Health committees. “I’m honored to help make those goals a reality.”

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 employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children. The Alliance's goal is that all children born in Connecticut will enter kindergarten healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school success.

The legislation (HB 5431), which now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for his approval, adds reporting requirements to cases in which the abuse or neglect involves a school employee and ensures that the various entities involved in the investigations of these reports communicate with each other.

“In reviewing the disturbing findings of the Child Advocate and Attorney General, I introduced this bill and made it one of my legislative priorities this session,” Lyddy said. “We have no greater charge than to ensure our children have a safe place to learn and grow.”

Connecticut Child Advocate Jeanne Milstein said the legislation is critically important. “It will provide stronger safeguards for school children by requiring DCF background checks in addition to other sweeping reforms,” Milstein said. “At the present time a teacher might have abused a child which is substantiated by DCF and no one would know. This legislation will help repair some major holes in the safety net.”

The legislation also requires the state Department of Children and Families, in consultation with the State Department of Education, to craft a model mandated reporter policy for school boards to use for training school personnel.

The bill makes several changes in the use of, and reporting to, the child abuse registry that DCF must maintain. It requires school boards to require applicants for any position in the public schools to submit to a check of the registry, with applicants for positions requiring state certification being subject to the requirement starting on July 1, 2011, and applicants for other positions having to submit to checks starting July 1, 2012. It also requires DCF to develop a plan to implement this requirement and submit it to the legislative committees of cognizance; requires teachers, when first applying or renewing their state teaching certification, to submit to registry checks; and allows certain information in the registry to be disclosed.

“This bill protects children, educates staff and holds adults who abuse and neglect children accountable for their actions,” Lyddy said.

“Domestic violence crosses all social and economic boundaries,” Lyddy said. “Studies show that one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. This bill (HB 6629) will go a long way toward stopping this terrible crime.”

Lyddy said the legislation is the result of many hours of dedicated work by the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, which made recommendations. Lyddy has been a member of the task force since 2009 when Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) chose him to serve.

“I am proud of the fact that the House, acting in a bi-partisan manner, unanimously approved this legislation,” Lyddy said.

The task force held a series of meetings and public hearings over the past year to hear from domestic violence advocacy groups, survivors, law enforcement professionals including prosecutors and judges, about ways the state could augment domestic violence reforms enacted last year.

The legislation makes a number of significant changes to current law. Most importantly, it requires law enforcement officers to arrest a person who commits a family violence crime against someone he or she is dating. The bill improves the state’s response to domestic violence in a number of ways, including strengthening access to restraining and protective orders, improving information sharing between state agencies, facilitating victims’ access to services, providing law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our communities and requiring the judicial branch to look at long-term solutions.

“We have seen despicable cases of domestic violence over the past couple of years and we must keep working to improve Connecticut’s response to this terrible crime.

The legislation expands the ability of victims who have experienced a pattern of threatening or stalking to request a restraining order, and clarifies that people of any age, including teens, can request a restraining order to protect them from a partner who has subjected them to abuse.

The bill also fixes a contradiction in state law that currently exempts people in dating relationships from arrest when a domestic violence crime is committed, so that police have clear authority to make such arrests.

“We have seen a lot of progress since the Tracey Thurman law in 1986, but tragically domestic violence continues to plague families in each one of our communities,” Donovan said. “One of our priorities is to strengthen the response of law enforcement to domestic violence and develop a statewide law enforcement model policy that articulates best practices, for example, for responding to violations of restraining and protective orders.”

The task force heard concerns about a lack of timely response from law enforcement to restraining order violations. To improve response time, courts will be authorized to issue a standing post-trial criminal protective order for certain offenses against children, which will promote more timely and lawful arrests of those in violation.

This legislation will improve access to domestic violence services by requiring police officers to provide victims with information about their regional domestic violence program so they can obtain trauma-informed counseling and other emergency services.

It also creates a task force charged with developing a statewide law enforcement model policy that articulates best practices for police when responding to incidents of domestic violence, including a thorough examination of the state's “dual arrest” policy.

The bill will allow families of victims of domestic violence to receive restitution like that provided to families of other crime victims. It also requires offenders to surrender their firearms to police or sell them to a federally-licensed firearms dealer if the offender is barred from possessing them due to a restraining or protective order.

The bill also requires judicial branch staff to disclose to the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) information indicating if a defendant poses a threat to a child. It also permits judicial branch family relations counselors to disclose information about a defendant to pretrial programs to ensure they provide appropriate services and to adult probation officers to ensure appropriate sentencing.

The state House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill Thursday that would make it harder for telecommunications companies to build a cell tower in a neighborhood if the presence of the tower were to ruin the aesthetic or scenic quality of the area.

The bill, which would affect any proposed new towers, including the one that had appeared headed for Dodingtown, now heads to the Senate for a vote.

The bill, which had Reps. Chris Lyddy (D-106) and DebraLee Hovey (R-112) among its many co-sponsors, would increase the notification period given to municipalities regarding any proposed towers to 90 days from 60 days prior to the company applying to the Connecticut Siting Council for approval.

It also require the council to consider whether a proposed tower would substantially affect the scene quality of the neighborhood surrounding it, rather than the current provisions that only cites the scenic quality of the site itself. However, in both cases, the council still can consider public safety concerns in making its decision.

Under the bill, a proposed tower also could not be built within 250 feet of a school unless the chief elected official of a municipality finds it acceptable or the council finds the town will not have a substantial adverse effect on the neighborhood's aesthetics or scenic quality. The bill also discourages the construction of a tower near commercial day care centers.

The proposed Act Concerning the Siting Council (HB 6250) extends what’s called the pre-application process from 60 days to 90 days, giving towns more time to participate before siting decisions are made. The bill also requires that towns be given more precise information and maps, in addition to an explanation of why a cell tower is needed in the area.

Cell towers in Connecticut are approved by the Connecticut Siting Council, an independent board of nine members. The Council holds proceedings and hearings to evaluate, modify and approve or reject tower applications.

Rep. Lyddy said most of the more easily acceptable tower sites, such as industrial locations, have been taken and that new cell towers are impacting neighborhoods, scenic treasures and other municipal assets, causing distress among many people living in the affected areas.

“More and more towers are being erected to keep up with the exploding demand for smart phones and tablet type devices that have fast become the communications tools of choice for consumers and businesses,” Lyddy said.

“The goal is to balance those competing demands in a reasonable and responsible way and I am grateful to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their input and enthusiastic support,” Lyddy said.

“This legislation will not only greatly improve our ability to influence the siting of cell towers but will also encourage the use of the least obtrusive technology. It’s an important step forward for the protection of our neighborhoods and communities,” Lyddy said.

The legislation also allows the Siting Council to seek legal action should a party in the proceedings intentionally omit or misrepresent a material fact during the proceedings. This legal action can include injunctive relief and a fine of up to $10,000 plus attorneys fees.

The bill also encourages the Siting Council to make every effort to avoid approving towers for sites in neighborhoods or scenic areas that are prized by the affected communities and to stay at least 250 feet away from schools and commercial child daycare centers.

A teen goes to a party and a friend offers him a pill to take. He swallows it with an alcoholic beverage, and soon decides it would be fun to jump off the roof into the pool.

An elderly woman with a large collection of prescriptions feels ill and calls 9-1-1. When she arrives at the hospital, she’s in congestive heart failure because her medication expired and she wasn’t getting the full dose.

These are just two examples of things that can go wrong with prescription medications that Patrick Broderick, M.D., has seen in his 17 years at Danbury Hospital, where he is chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Problems like these are why the federal Drug Enforcement Administration is holding a second annual Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day at local police departments this Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous – no questions asked. All medications will be accepted, but not needles.

“We’re going to have our parking lot wide open for people to come in to drop off their prescription medications,” said Chief Michael Kehoe of the Newtown Police Department. “If you leave them in your medicine cabinet, they can fall in the hands of the wrong person.”

Collections are taking place locally at police departments in Newtown, Bethel, Monroe, Brookfield, Redding, Danbury, Middlebury, Woodbridge and Ansonia, and at the resident state trooper’s offices in Southbury and Woodbury. There are 4,700 locations nationwide and 500, up from 400, in New England. Other collection sites can be located by ZIP code.

Monroe is holding its event at the Senior Center on Cutlers Farm Road.

The DEA will pick up the collected drugs and, said DEA Spokesman Anthony Pettigrew, “They’re incinerated. From what I’m told, they’re incinerated in a certain way.” At least two companies, Wheelabrator and Covanta, he said, have volunteered to do this.

“The primary concern in New England is that we have a major issue with prescription drug abuse,” says Pettigrew, who is based in Boston. “Any time you can get the temptation away from kids, that would be the primary goal. A secondary benefit is that you don’t have people flushing them and contaminating the water supply.”

Out of about 1500 patients who go to the Danbury Hospital Emergency Department each week, Broderick estimates that eight or 10 “have in some capacity taken medications that were not prescribed to them, and they had an adverse reaction.”

“They come in because of an automobile accident or because a friend could not wake them up,” he said. “They take (prescription drugs) recreationally, often mixed with alcohol. They come in very ill, and you find the metabolites in their urine, and they don’t even know what they took.”

“Say they want to grandma’s medicine cabinet, and she has some Valium the doctor prescribed for anxiety, and then they bring them to a party where young people take them with alcohol,” Broderick says. “It’s very important that teenagers don’t experiment with these medications, which puts a big responsibility on family members in managing their active and their expired medications.”

Overdosing can lead not just to trauma, which is the top cause of death among 18 to 30-year-olds – and controlled substances play a role in half of these accidents – it can also lead to unintended sexual activity. A young person under the influence can either have impaired judgment in consenting to sexual acts, or they can be molested.

“Often the person doesn’t even remember what happened,” Broderick said. He has seen cases where parents bring their child in to be treated, and they say, “I fell asleep at a friend’s party and when I woke up my pants were down.”

Locally, substance abuse prevention groups are applauding the “Take-Back” Day.

“We as parents forget that we need to clear out our medicine cabinets,” said Newtown Parent Connection co-founder Dorrie Carolan. “The teens who experiment with prescription drugs, they check out to see what’s in the medicine cabinets. We need to be more attentive, and make sure that if we have any narcotics – percocet, vicodin – they’re locked up, and not leave them visible for someone to take.”

Inappropriate use of prescription drugs seems to be on the rise.

“Over the last 25 years, I think it’s become more common for people to access prescription medications from family members,” Broderick said.

Is it an epidemic? “We’re really concerned,” says Police Chief Kehoe. “I think it’s getting to that point where we have to consider that.”

Recently three Newtown Middle School students were arrested after one of the teens gave some of his prescribed oxycodone pills, a pain medication, to another, who then gave it to the third teen. The charges included failure to retain the original container of a prescription medication and distribution of a controlled substance.

For young experimenters, both Kehoe and Carolan said, prescription drugs can be a gateway to illegal drug use.

“We’ve heard of situations where a kid goes to have their wisdom teeth pulled, and the doctor gives them meds, and the other kids are saying, if you have any pills left, I’ll take them. Or they’re going into their parents’ medicine cabinets and taking them,” said Carolan. “When they’ve gone through all their friends’ parents’ prescriptions, the prescription drugs on the street are very expensive. That’s when they go to heroin, which you can buy for four or five dollars a bag.”

More experimentation means a greater chance of addiction, she says: “Every time they experiment, they run the risk of enjoying it, liking it and continuing, and once you get into that pattern, you tend to try other things.”

State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown) said that in Hartford, he is working on “barriers to treatment with regard to addiction” such as private insurance companies that will not pay for adequate treatment.

Lyddy, who is trained as a social worker, recently discussed this problem in an interview on Fox News.

The problem is huge: Lyddy noted that the state has spent more than $1 billion on substance abuse treatment in the past five years through state programs and employees. This doesn’t include people using private insurance.

And for those with private insurance, he said, “It’s so expensive for families to get a loved one into treatment, that they may be re-mortgaging their home.”

“My mantra as a social worker and as a legistator is that prevention is the best intervention,” Lyddy said. “The Police Department take-back program is paramount, so that we can literally remove those products from our kids’ reach.”

As compelling as these scenarios are, they are only half the story about the consequences of having too many prescription medications, expired or active, around the house.

In terms of medication issues, says Broderick, “The most common problem is that elderly people not managing their medications well. A lot of times people accumulate a lot of prescriptions in their medicine cabinets, which leads to confusion.”

People with chronic illnesses may also underdose themselves unknowingly with an expired medication, or knowingly by reducing their doseage to save money. Those patients, he says, need to dispose of expired and unneeded medications. They also need to be sure all of their doctors know all of the medications they have been prescribed so that medications do not interact in a harmful way.

Collecting and incinerating prescription drugs also brings the added benefit of keeping them out of waterways. Allison MacKay, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Connecticut, has for several years been researching the Pomperaug River in Southbury, downstream from the Heritage Village wastewater treatment plant, because residents there consume so many medications, to determine the concentration of prescription drug material in the water.

She says she is still working on analyzing her data, and has not published it yet. But as an expert on wastewater treatment, one thing she notes is that the effects of flushing many different medications down a toilet not entirely clear.

There have been well-documented studies of the negative effects of artificial hormones, such as those found in birth-control pills, on wildlife, but MacKay cannot yet point to similar findings about other medications.

“What I am interested in is, what happens once the compounds are released into the environment,” she said. “There’s a lot of information missing on the toxicological response for organisms. That field is growing.”

As for the drug take-back day, she is supportive because it will prevent youths from taking prescription medications recreationally. The environmental benefit, she notes, is secondary.

“If we run drug take-back programs, we’re not going to reduce drug concentrations at wastewater treatment plants to zero,” MacKay says. “It will reduce the amount, but I can’t really put a number percentagewise.”

“We don’t have a good feeling for how many drugs are in the wastewater treatment plant because somebody took them versus someone flushed pills down the drain,” she added. “The process basically is the same.”

They were joined by keynote speaker Marc J. Fishman MD., who is board certified in addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is a member of the Psychiatry faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Medical Director of Maryland Treatment Centers. He is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

“We saw a need to educate the public about the devastating effects of substance abuse in young men and women and their families,” Abercrombie said. “Often times, parents don’t even realize there is a problem until they see behavioral changes happening to their child. Our goal is to try to reach out to them and provide valuable information and resources that will, at least, point them in the right direction in dealing with this issue.”

Pending legislation (HB 5998) sponsored by Abercrombie and Lyddy would establish a taskforce to study issues concerning children in rehabilitation. The taskforce would examine barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment services for children and youth and coverage gaps in the provision of such services, including insurance coverage and reimbursement for rehabilitation.

"Too often, our children and families fall victim to the throws of addiction. As both a legislator and a social worker, I believe prevention is the best intervention. If we want to celebrate and promote recovery among our youth, we must focus our efforts on ensuring there are adequate resources, support, and treatment for those individuals and families who are experiencing the difficulties of substance abuse,” Lyddy said. “As we find ourselves in an increasingly difficult economic climate, we must be more pointed, deliberate and effective at how we use our resources; ensuring that best practices prevail and that earl intervention and access to treatment remain a top priority."

Rep. Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford/Montville), House Chair of the Public Health Committee also participated in the forum and expressed her concerns, “Substance abuse in adolescents is a growing reality in our state and an issue that touches all of us. We need to take this opportunity to review the policies we have in place to support them where needed and provide additional resources if necessary in order to help families and communities dealing with this problem.”

Fishman said, “Unfortunately, we are experiencing an exploding epidemic of prescription opioid addiction in youth, and Connecticut has one of the most severe problems in the country. Opioids, including heroin and prescription medications such as Percocet and Oxycontin, are very addictive. Treatment is effective, but it often takes several episodes of treatment, and repeated relapse is common in many patients on the path to success.” He added, “Opioid addiction has a number of unique elements compared to other addictions, and requires specialized treatment. In particular, several relapse prevention medications are now available, which can assist some patients in achieving stable recovery. Specialized counseling, family support and family involvement in treatment are also very important. It is vital that Connecticut addresses this growing problem by building on existing resources and strategically expanding treatment capacity.”

He was joined by keynote speaker Marc J. Fishman MD., who is board certified in addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is a member of the faculty of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is medical director of Maryland Treatment Centers. He is based in Baltimore, Md.

“Too often, our children and families fall victim to addiction. As both a legislator and a social worker, I believe prevention is the best intervention. If we want to celebrate and promote recovery among our youth, we must focus our efforts on ensuring there are adequate resources, support and treatment for those individuals and families who are experiencing the difficulties of substance abuse,” Rep. Lyddy said. “As we find ourselves in an increasingly difficult economic climate, we must be more pointed, deliberate and effective at how we use our resources; ensuring that best practices prevail and that early intervention and access to treatment remain a top priority.”

Pending legislation (HB 5998) sponsored by Lyddy would establish a task force to study issues concerning children in rehabilitation. The task force would examine barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment services for children and youth and coverage gaps in the provision of such services, including insurance coverage and reimbursement for rehabilitation. 

“Unfortunately, we are experiencing an exploding epidemic of prescription opioid addiction in youth, and Connecticut has one of the most severe problems in the country,” Fishman said. “Opioids, including heroin and prescription medications such as Percocet and Oxycontin, are very addictive. Treatment is effective, but it often takes several episodes of treatment, and repeated relapse is common in many patients on the path to success.”

“National Healthy Schools Day is an opportunity to educate one another about the importance of ensuring the safety of our children and school staff,” Rep. Lyddy told a press conference at the Legislative Office Building.

“We have the great responsibility to protect our citizens where they live, work and learn,” Lyddy said. “Every child and school employee has a right to a safe and healthy learning environment.”

The forum focused on sharing information and resource guides about Connecticut’s school environmental health laws that deal with green cleaning, bus emissions, pesticides, indoor air quality and high performance design and construction. 

“Well established evidence shows that improving school environment quality has a positive impact on attendance, health, productivity, academic performance and teacher retention,” said Joellen Lawson of Newtown, cofounder of ConnFESS (CT Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools).

“School environmental health issues really need to become a part of policy conversations about closing the achievement gap, reducing health costs and increasing energy efficiency while maintaining superior air quality,” Lawson said.

“We must continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the well being of our children and staff is a priority,” Lyddy said. “I am happy to partner with the CT Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools, the CT State Medical Society, the CT Nurses Association, the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy CT and the CT Sierra Club on this initiative.”

Rep. Christopher Lyddy addresses a press conference
Monday as part of a celebration of National Healthy Schools Day.

They will be joined by Keynote Speaker, Marc J. Fishman MD., who is board certified in addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is a faculty member of Johns Hopkins University of Medicine.

Pending legislation (HB 5998), sponsored by Abercrombie and Lyddy, would establish a task force to study issues concerning children in rehabilitation.

The forum will begin at 10:00 am at the Legislative Office Building in Room 2-C.

WHAT: Adolescent Substance Abuse Forum

WHEN: Tuesday, April 12 @ 10:00 am

WHERE: Room 2-C, Legislative Office Building

The press conference will begin at 11 a.m. in Room 1B of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford with the educational forum to follow.

The forum will focus on sharing information and resource guides about Connecticut's school environmental health laws that deal with green cleaning, bus emissions, pesticides, indoor air quality and high performance design and construction.  Emphasis will be placed on minimum standards schools districts should be in compliance with as well as no or low cost best practices that can easily improve the environmental quality of schools.

Newtown High School students testified last week before a legislative committee hearing on bullying legislation. Front row, from left are Adam Oelberg, Katie Peters, Lydia Post and Mary Hamula.
Back row, from left are Larry Saladin, teacher, Sen. John McKinney, Rep. DebraLee Hovey
and Rep. Christopher Lyddy.

Last week, the four students testified at a public hearing held by the legislature’s Education Committee on the proposed Act Concerning The Strengthening of School Bullying Laws (HB 1138).

The students, Adam Oelberg, Lydia Post, Mary Hamula and Katie Peters, and their teacher, Larry Saladin, were part of a student government group that has worked with Lyddy. As part of the project, Lyddy discussed the legislative process with them, shared information about the problem of bullying and advised them about testifying at the legislative hearing.

“It is our great responsibility to ensure that our children have a safe place to live and learn,” said Lyddy, an Education Committee member. “The emotional distress and suffering that bullies inflict on their peers can no longer be tolerated.”

The legislation adds cyber bullying to the various types of harassment specifically banned at Connecticut schools and school-related activities. The updated law would also require districts to designate someone at each school to monitor bullying complaints, add school buses and bus stops to protected spots, and require administrators to contact police about any bullying that might constitute criminal conduct.

“The Newtown High School students helped illustrate for the legislature just how serious the issue of bullying, particularly cyber-bullying, has become in our schools,” said Sen. John McKinney (R-28th District). “The students did an excellent job presenting their argument to the committee. I am pleased the Education Committee has raised the bullying bill and I’m hopeful the House and Senate will take action.”

Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Newtown, Monroe) also spoke in favor of the bill.

“Bullying is so deadly to a child's soul we must as a community create a culture that does not tolerate it and go so far as to assure each child feels empowered to be all they can be,” Hovey said.

“I am proud of the courageous students from Newtown who have decided to tackle this issue,” Lyddy said. “Their leadership sets the tone not only for their peers, but more importantly for our community at large. We should look to their example and embrace their spirit of creating a community that is free of bullying.”

Cyber bullying has become more of a controversial issue as more cases are reported nationwide of harassment through cell phone text messages, e-mail, Facebook and other social media site postings.

A 2009 state report found that one of every four Connecticut high school students said they had been bullied or harassed on school property in the past year. Among freshmen, the number was one in three.

“While this legislation is a giant step in the right direction, we must not lose sight of each of our roles, whether it be in or outside of the school setting, in modeling a healthy dialogue and appropriate behavior,” Lyddy said.

 At its meeting last week, the commission voted to approve spending $30,000 for designing an asbestos containment system for powerhouse/tunnels in the Fairfield Hills section of Newtown.

“This project needed funding and I’m very happy to see that the State Bond Commission saw fit to act accordingly,” Rep. Lyddy said.

 The state Department of Public Works is planning to install a containment system to mitigate potential discharge of asbestos-containing debris via subsurface utility tunnel drainage at the Fairfield Hills Power House Facility. The bond money will be used to design the infiltration system including the preparation of plans and specifications as well as provide for the estimated construction costs.

Rep. Chris Lyddy presents State of Connecticut proclamation to Rotary Club president Carrie Swan.

Rep. Lyddy could have come to the meeting to speak about anything we wanted. To his credit, he discussed probably the most difficult topic in politics: Our budget deficit. He did a great job addressing the issues, discussing the difficult road to fixing the issues, and how delicate and trying the job can be. For years we have all heard politicians say what is easy in an attempt to make the audience feel good. Rep. Lyddy did the opposite. He made it very clear that he was going to discuss the budget because it's serious and needs to be addressed now.

Rep. Lyddy ended the presentation by taking questions from the Rotarians. This was where he showed his professionalism and personal character. The club's membership is made up of people of all professions, and some in particular have been negatively affected by state government's budget deficit. Rep. Lyddy answered each question to the best of his ability and never attempted to answer a question out of his expertise, all the while taking notes on all of the items discussed to take back to Hartford.

Content Copyright © 2007-2011 Rotary Club of Newtown, Connecticut USA.

Rep. Lyddy was sworn in by Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz on opening day of the 2011 Legislative Session at the State Capitol.

In addition, Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) announced that Rep. Lyddy will continue serving on three committees in the Connecticut General Assembly.

Rep. Lyddy has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Public Health Committee, and will continue as a member of the Education and the Human Services Committees.

"Over the past two years, Chris has been an effective advocate and has produced an impressive track record on education, health and human services issues, which are always top priorities in the legislature,” said Speaker Donovan. “Because of his knowledge and commitment, Rep. Lyddy will continue to be a valuable and essential member on these committees, so much so in fact, that he will now serve as Vice Chairman of the Human Services Committee."

Rep. Lyddy concluded, “While the state’s budget deficit will make this session a challenging one, I’m eager to continue serving the people of Newtown and the State of Connecticut in the Legislature, and excited about the work we will accomplish in the upcoming session.  I encourage my constituents to contact me at 800-842-8267 with any ideas and concerns.”

Rep. Lyddy is in his 2nd term representing the 106th General Assembly District of Newtown.

The task force was formed to examine relevant state and federal laws on IEPs and propose legislation on such topics as; school personnel training, auditing procedures, and noncompliance by school districts.

The IEP is a written plan that describes in detail the child’s special education and related services the district will provide to meet the student’s individualized needs. The IEP is a legal document developed by the Planning and Placement Team which includes the parents or guardian and is reviewed at least annually.

In the 2009-2010 school year, a total of 60,719 children in Connecticut (ages 3 to 21) received special education services.  This number is 12% of the total state public school enrollment of 506,882.

“Students ought to have the education support they need to be successful in school, be it speech and language or occupational and physical therapy,” said Lyddy. “Providing services to children with special education needs must be done more efficiently and effectively. “Education, not the process should be the priority. Taxpayer dollars can be better used with better results for special education students if we can improve the IEP itself.”

"I'm delighted this investment in preserving and improving Sandy Hook is moving forward,” said Rep. Lyddy. “The $100,000 will fund construction improvements to Washington Street, Glen Road and Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. I am happy that I, and my colleagues in the legislature, were successful in passing legislation that allowed this project to be placed in the STEAP grant program."

“We have continued to throw good money away by being reactionary to DCF’s chronic inability to do their job -- as opposed to being proactive and putting preventative measures in place,” said Lyddy.

“DCF has one of the most important roles in our state. Although the Department's operations fall under the orders of the executive branch, the legislature's Human Services Committee continues to call upon the agency to testify on a number of matters.  Those most at risk that rely on DCF, and the people of this state deserve more accountability from their state agencies,” said Lyddy.

Beginning October 1, veterans in nursing homes will be able to use the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) prescription drug program as their pharmacy. The new law (PA 10-39) requires nursing facilities to dispense and administer prescription drugs obtained under the VA program to patients who request them. This initiative will save money for both veterans and taxpayers. It is important to note that drugs obtained from other sources can be used when a patient needs them before they can be obtained from the VA program.  “We need to do whatever we can to help veterans keep their prescription drug costs down,” said Lyddy. “They were there for us, and we should continue to look for ways to help them.”

Another new law (PA 10-105) effective October 1 allows veterans to use their military service experience and training toward academic credit for certain technical certificates and licenses. It also prohibits agencies from requiring veteran applicants to repeat any substantively similar training or schooling required for licensure or certification.

Also starting October 1, a new law (PA 10-16) extends the expiration date of a driver's license held by an armed forces member who was out of state because of his or her active-duty service. The extension is for 30 days after the service member returns to Connecticut or is honorably discharged.

To properly honor those veterans who served during the Vietnam era, a new law (PA 10-40) proclaims March 30 annually as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans' Day as commemoration of our Vietnam veterans' return home. A ceremony will be held in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the governor designates.

“We must all support of our soldiers and veterans if we are to continue to enjoy the freedoms we have,” said Lyddy. “And, we must never forget that it is the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces that are the ultimate public servants.”

"Rep. Lyddy really went to bat for public education reform during the last legislative session, and we are excited to see where he goes from here as an advocate for all of Connecticut's students," said Alex Johnston, ConnCan CEO. "We have been very impressed with his work as a freshman in the House."

"This was a successful year where several education reforms become law. I'm very proud to be recognized as just one among many who share the success of our hard work," said Lyddy. "From lowering the achievement gap and strengthening high school graduation requirements, to special education reforms and certification of ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapists in schools, this has been a good year. I thank everyone who helped to turn these ideas into law."

ConnCAN was founded in January 2005 by education entrepreneurs from across Connecticut who shared a common, fundamental belief that closing the achievement gap requires not only innovative educational models, but also issue-based advocacy that secures systemic change. ConnCAN has offices in New Haven and Hartford and is hailed as one of the nation's leading state-level education reform organizations.

Senator McKinney said, "Protecting wetlands and aquifers from pollution due to the expansion of solid waste management facilities is important not only for the people of Newtown but the state as a whole. I'm grateful that state and local officials, First Selectwoman Pat Llodra, and members of the community were able to work together to successfully protect Hawleyville from the increased truck traffic, noise and pollution that could have resulted from this proposal."

"Today the voices of Newtown residents prevailed as the House and the Senate voted to override the Governor's veto of a bill targeted to ensure our local aquifers are protected and that the transfer station in Hawleyville adheres to the strictest environmental standards," said Rep. Lyddy. "We must continue to partner with business to ensure they are responsive to the values of our residents, the state of our environment, and the preservation of our community's resources."

Early this spring, Representative Lyddy joined Senator McKinney in introducing legislation, since vetoed and now overturned Monday June 21, that protects Hawleyville by preventing the expansion of solid waste facilities within 1,000 feet of a primary or secondary aquifer until, and unless, there exists a need for such additional capacity, as determined by the state's Solid Waste Management Plan.

Representative Lyddy voiced his displeasure with the veto, saying, "Although I am disappointed in the Governor's decision, I hope this legislation and the Governor's veto will shine a light on the fact that we, as a state, must continue to address the environmental and public health concerns of our citizens. We must also partner with the business community to ensure that their practices are reflective of the environmental and public health standards that we as a state have set and continue to expand."

"This veto shouldn't be taken as a free pass by any company looking to expand their solid waste facilities. The fact that this legislation could impact up to 19 different sites is startling and raises serious questions about our state's permitting processes and our environmental standing," said Lyddy. "I trust the Governor will act in the best interest of the Newtown community as she continues to examine this issue."

Early this spring, Representative Lyddy joined Senator McKinney in introducing legislation, since vetoed, that would have protected Hawleyville by preventing the expansion of solid waste facilities within 1,000 feet of a primary or secondary aquifer until, and unless, there exists a need for such additional capacity, as determined by the state's Solid Waste Management Plan.