“The state’s commitment to education is strong,” Rep. Morin said. “The Wethersfield Town Council recently approved a strong education budget that includes important new initiatives like all-day kindergarten. This additional state funding is just what the doctor ordered.”

The landmark education reform bill (SB 458) included an additional $50 million in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding for public schools across the state – yielding an additional $294,833 for Wethersfield. ECS is the statutory formula used by the state to calculate municipal education aid.

HB 5556, An Act Concerning Changes to the Public Financing Act and Other Election Laws modifies state election laws affecting campaign finance and the Citizens' Election Program. The reforms proved necessary after a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that, in essence, paved the way for unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations.

“It’s about making sure the candidate backed by the voters wins the election, not the candidate backed by the most corporate dollars,” Rep. Morin said.

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibited the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations. The decision has lead to the proliferation of corporate donations and of so-called Super PACs – who dispense millions of dollars to influence voters without disclosing the names of their donors.

In 2005, the General Assembly created the Citizens' Election Program. A voluntary program which provides full public financing to qualified candidates for statewide offices and the General Assembly.

“We need to maintain the integrity of our public finance system. In a time where rich special interests can have too much influence in our elections we need to make sure corporate money does not flood the upcoming campaign season,” Rep. Morin said.

The bill requires any entity making an independent campaign-related expenditure or independent political ad to list the names of their top donors.

“With the Citizens' Election Program we effectively removed special interest money from Connecticut state elections,” Rep. Morin said. “The Supreme Court was pushing us back to the bad old days. This legislation’s greater disclosure empowers small donors and levels the playing field.”

The legislation now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

In a 83-59 vote, the House passed a bill Monday night allowing for citizens to register to vote and cast a ballot on Election Day.

Hugh McQuaid Photo
Rep. Russ Morin answers questions from Rep. Tony Hwang.

Rep. Russ Morin, co-chairman of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said the goal of the bill is to give more people a chance to vote.

“I think it’s a good thing. If you’re a United States citizen and you’re 18 years old, you have the right to vote and this is going to allow more people to have that opportunity,” he said.

Morin said there are currently 10 states that allow same day registration. According to an Office of Legislative Research report, before 2011, eight states had laws allowing people to register to vote on Election Day. One of them, Ohio, removed the law from statute that year.

Under Connecticut’s bill, the secretary of the state would be required to set up an online system for new voter applications that could cross reference the verifying information provided by the applicant with state and federal databases. The goal is to ensure the person applying to vote isn’t already registered somewhere else.

House Bill 5024: An Act Concerning Voting Rights would allow Election Day voter registration and create an online voter registration system.

“Connecticut’s voter turnout continues to fall every election,” Rep. Morin said. “In an effort to improve access to voting for Connecticut citizens, we must make it a priority to modernize and revitalize our elections system.”

The bill would allow eligible Connecticut residents to register to vote and cast a ballot on Election Day. It would establish Election Day registration (EDR) procedures and eliminate the use of presidential ballots since they will be redundant under the bill's EDR provisions.

The bill would also require the secretary of the state to establish and maintain an online system for voter registration. Starting in January 2014, Connecticut residents would be able to go online and use their driver’s license number to log into the website. They would enter the same information that is currently part of the paper-registration. That information would be verified and sent electronically to the registrar of voters in their town and the registrar would be able to accept or reject the registration.

Election Day Registration would begin in 2013, a municipal election, allowing election officials to have three election cycles before administering EDR in a Presidential election.

The legislation now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

Current law compels drivers to move over for emergency vehicles on the side of a highway with three or more lanes. The new legislation would include two-lane highways as well.

The bill, which passed the House on Tuesday and now awaits Senate action, comes several weeks after a Department of Transportation supervisor was struck by a truck along Route 8 in Naugatuck. Daniel Dinardi was out of his truck, removing debris from the road. He later died from his injuries.

Rep. Russ Morin, a Democrat from Wethersfield, said police, firefighters and highway workers shouldn't have to dodge speeding vehicles while doing their jobs.

Rep. Morin, one of the original authors of the state’s “move-over” law, noted the recent tragedy where a state Department of Transportation worker was killed on Route 8 while clearing debris from the road.

“The ‘move-over’ law is an important tool for safety on our roads,” Rep. Morin said. “Police, firefighters and highway workers should not have to dodge speeding vehicles while doing their jobs. When we move over and slow down we give them a safe space to work.”

According to FBI statistics, traffic crashes claim the lives of more police personnel than any other cause of death in the line of duty, including shootings.

If the State Senate approves this legislation and it is signed by the governor, drivers would be required to move-over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of any state highway. If traffic prevents drivers from moving over safely, the law would require them to slow down to a reasonable speed below the posted speed limit.

“We must strive to increase voter turnout and participation,” said Rep. Morin. “Permitting more access to absentee ballots and early voting will make it much easier for everyone to vote. A strong democracy depends on every vote.  This is the first step in the right direction.”

The Constitutional amendment would eliminate the requirement for electors to vote for legislative and statewide offices solely on Election Day and remove restrictions on absentee voting – allowing registered voters to vote by absentee ballot, without having to provide an excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day.

According to the Office of the Secretary of the State, 35 states that have implemented early voting or no-excuse absentee ballots have experienced higher voter turnout and less pressure on election officials on Election Day.

“This legislation is reflective of our lives in the 21st century,” Rep. Morin said. “People should have options when it comes to voting.  The more flexible the process, the more votes we count on Election Night.”

The resolution sets the foundation for allowing the Legislature to change the way elections are conducted in Connecticut, particularly relating to the use of absentee ballots and early voting rules.

A resolution to amend the state Constitution must be passed by at least ¾ of the members of the House and Senate in order to go before voters as a ballot initiative in the 2012 election. Since the resolution received approval from less than ¾ of House members it will be taken up again in the 2013 Legislative Session where a simple majority will allow the amendment to appear on the 2014 general election ballot.

“Our current system of voter registration is archaic,” Rep. Morin said. “These reforms are a sensible step in the right direction.”

House Bill 5024: An Act Concerning Voting Rights, would allow Election Day voter registration and create an online voter registration system for eligible Connecticut voters with a driver’s license. Experts testified before GAE that online voter registration not only makes it easier for people to vote in elections, but would save taxpayer dollars.

Last week, GAE approved a resolution calling for an amendment to the state Constitution that would remove restrictions on absentee ballot voting. At least 27 other states allow no-excuse absentee voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The committee also approved a bill to increase penalties for voter intimidation and vote tampering.

The legislation will now be taken up by the full House of Representatives.

“Comptroller Lembo will provide great insight into the state’s fiscal situation,” Rep. Morin said. “This will be an eye-opening edition of The Morin Report.”

The Morin Report is a public affairs talk show hosted by State Representative Russ Morin. It airs on channel 14 Mondays at 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.

Kevin Lembo was elected state comptroller in 2010 following decades of experience in government, finance and health care. Before serving as State Comptroller, Lembo served two terms as Connecticut’s first Healthcare Advocate where he helped thousands of Connecticut residents navigate the complexities of the health care system; advocated for patients denied coverage or treatment; and returned more than $25 million to consumers. Lembo previously served as Assistant Comptroller.

“The right to vote should not be hindered by an outdated system of voter registration,” Rep. Morin said. “We must do everything possible to increase the number of voters at the polls.”

“When one in three eligible voters in our state does not even bother to register to vote, that tells me we have a crisis of low voter participation,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official.  “We need to modernize and streamline our voting process, and make it easier for our increasingly busy and mobile citizens to use their constitutional right to vote.  I am grateful that Governor Malloy has put forward these long overdue reforms that will finally bring elections in Connecticut into the 21st century.”

“This a great package of ideas to increase voter participation and to make our voting process more accessible to the citizens of our state. Many of these proposals are initiatives that have been priorities in our committee for years and we are thrilled that the Secretary Merrill and Governor Malloy are championing these concepts,” said state Senator Gayle Slossberg.

Immediately following their announcement and the release of the Election Performance Task Force Report, The GAE committee heard several bills containing legislation proposed by Governor Malloy including:

House Bill No. 5024 “An Act Concerning Voting Rights”

• Implements Election Day Registration in Connecticut
• Establishes an online voter registration system for eligible Connecticut voters with a drivers license.
• Eligible voters could register online from any computer.
• Voter Registration database would interface with DMV database.

House Joint No. 2 “Resolution Proposing a Constitutional Amendment”

• If approved by ¾ support in General Assembly, Constitutional question would go to voters this fall to remove restrictions on absentee ballot voting.
• If voters ratify the amendment, General Assembly would be empowered to enact non-precinct place voting options such as: early voting, regional voting, mail-in voting, or no excuse absentee ballots

House Bill No. 5022 “An Act Increasing Penalties for Voter Intimidation and Interference

• Increases maximum criminal sentences for people convicted of attempting to influence or suppress the votes of others by threat of force or bribery.
• Establishes new set of penalty guidelines for various vote tampering crimes.

The legislation also addresses some of the Election Performance Task Force recommendations, including (the complete report is available online at www.sots.ct.gov):

• Amending the Connecticut Constitution to remove strict absentee ballot limitations
• Creating a Connecticut Democracy Index
• Developing a certification process for Registrars of Voters.
• For the purpose of maintaining the security and integrity of the election process, the implementation of a secure online voter registration process, greater emphasis on ballot security, and the use of other statewide databases to further verify the voter registration database.
• Integrate technology into our election system by implementing a statewide, web-based electronic reporting system for election results.
• Move forward with pilot programs such as those that occurred this November in Torrington, Simsbury where electronic poll books were used on Election Day.
• Increase voter participation in Connecticut by enacting Election Day voter registration
• Further study early voting and regional voting, whereby, voter registration follows the person within Connecticut
• Improve access to voting for people with disabilities
• Make electronic transmission of ballots to overseas and military voters the norm in Connecticut
• Make Election Day a holiday.

Under Malloy's proposal, Wethersfield would receive an additional $294,833, an increase of 3.68%, under the state's Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula, increasing Wethersfield's total education grant to $8,313,255 for 2012-13.

In his State of the State address Wednesday at the State Capitol, Malloy outlined his education reform agenda, including:

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

Yesterday the SEEC nominated former Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano to lead the agency’s day-to-day operations; the position is scheduled to be filled at a meeting next Wednesday. Among other things the SEEC administers grants through Connecticut’s public campaign financing program and more generally, oversees and enforces fair elections statewide. It must also rule on elections-related disputes.

“There is no place for partisan politics at Elections Enforcement,” Rep. Morin said. “In essence, the commissioners are naming an executive director whose feet are still tired from walking the campaign trail. This is a job that rises above party politics – even the slightest hint of partisanship would contaminate Election Enforcement’s ability to carry out its mission.”

“I strongly believe the SEEC must first and foremost be an independent watchdog of Connecticut’s elections policies, procedures, and processes, without even a hint of partisanship, and a chief elected official, of any party and any municipality, who served in office and ran for re-election as recently as this nominee, compromises that desire for irrefutable nonpartisanship,” Senator Slossberg said. “Individual SEEC commissioners must be removed from partisan politics for three full years before they are eligible to serve; I think the same standard should be applied to the agency’s staff positions as well.”

Senator Slossberg and Rep. Morin said ethics standards of any type prohibit not just outright conflicts of interest but also the appearance of a conflict, and this nominee, given his recent position and campaign, remains unsuitable given that standard. The co-chairs emphasized how their objection has nothing to do with Giuliano as an individual – that they would object to anyone of either party so recently removed from office and partisan political activity.

The co-chairs cited their comparable and consistent position during the Regular Session of the General Assembly last year, when they insisted upon the untainted appearance of all state watchdog agencies during negotiations to consolidate them.

Wethersfield received $500,000 for improvements to the 111 acre Mill Woods Park. Improvements are part of the 2002 Master Plan for Mill Woods Park and include a new parking area for the little league field, park road reconstruction and beach drainage improvements.

“Mill Woods is the crown jewel of our town parks,” State Representative Russ Morin (D-Wethersfield) said. “It is a recreation destination in town and this grant will help ensure it shines for years to come.”

“Wild weather has wreaked havoc on Mill Woods over the past few years,” State Representative Tony Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Newington) said. “I am happy the state could pitch in to make sure the park’s infrastructure gets some much needed TLC.”

“Local leaders have done a tremendous job advocating for their communities and ensuring that these important projects are getting the attention and support they need,” Gov. Malloy said. “State government has stepped up as a partner in the effort to improve the quality of life for residents.”

The State Bond Commission allocated $20 million for 2012 STEAP grants in September 2011.

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

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

“I am especially proud that this legislation emphasizes our commitment to small businesses,” Rep. Morin said. “Investing in the future of Connecticut’s small businesses is essential to our continued economic growth.”

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

Other components of the jobs bill include:

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

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

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

Rep. Morin was joined at the ceremony in the Governor’s Office by Wethersfield residents Gina and John Gallivan.

“Gina Gallivan shared her story of survival at the public hearing for this legislation,” Rep. Morin said. “Her experience put a human face on this issue for many legislators.”

Mrs. Gallivan testified in February before the legislature’s Insurance Committee. She shared her story of being diagnosed with leukemia and how a bone marrow transplant saved her life.

“When your only hope of survival is placed in the chance that a bone marrow donor match will be found, you understand immediately the value of having as many people as possible join the bone marrow registry,” Gallivan said.

The new law ensures bone marrow compatibility testing will be covered and prohibits insurers from imposing a copayment, deductible, or other out-of-pocket expense for testing that exceeds 20 percent of the cost for testing per year.

Rep. Russ Morin and Wethersfield Residents Gina and John Gallivan celebrated the signing of a new law that requires coverage for bone marrow testing.

“Wethersfield’s budget is already set, it would not be fair to hit town hall with a cut in funding at this point,” said Morin. “We drew a line in the sand to protect local funding.”

The governor recommended the cuts as part of a revised budget that became necessary in the wake of the state employee unions’ rejection of a $1.6 billion labor concession package. Rep. Morin said negotiated labor savings is still the preferred outcome and remained hopeful the unions would ultimately ratify the agreement.

Wethersfield stood to lose at least $111,000 from a combination of road funds and PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) reimbursements for hosting state property. A total of $54.4 million in town aid was restored statewide.

“The legislature made growing jobs its top priority. The fact that this legislation received unanimous bipartisan support shows that we can work together and achieve concrete results that will help create and retain quality jobs in our state,” said Rep. Morin.

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

Job growth initiatives reflected in HB 6525 include:

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

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

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

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

An Act Concerning the Integrity of Elections (SB 942) will require local elections officials to report to the Secretary of the State's office how many ballots they purchase for elections, and certify that they have taken into account factors that may increase voter turnout.

"This legislation is about accountability and the integrity of our elections," Rep. Morin said.

In rare cases the Secretary of the State would be authorized to direct a municipality to order more ballots. Every town would also be required to have an emergency plan to address issues such as power outages and ballot shortages on Election Day.

The legislation also provides for more enhanced training of moderators, who are in charge of running polling precincts.

The legislation awaits the governor's consideration.

Both the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee told state parties to move their primaries to later dates or lose delegates to their national conventions.

“All parties came to the table and we came away with a solid agreement,” Rep. Morin said.

The April 24th primary may result in a regional unified primary date with Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island.

The bill awaits action by the State Senate.

“I am proud to have advocated for this important funding,” Rep. Guerrera said. “It will be a terrific opportunity for young people to see how the Civil War touched people in Wethersfield – both soldiers and their families.”

The exhibit, Love Letters and Uniforms: Wethersfield During the Civil War, explores the local impact of the war.

“Wethersfield has always honored its role in history,” Rep. Morin said. “I am so pleased our investment at the state level in culture and tourism has paid dividends for Wethersfield.”

In a letter to Reps. Morin and Guerrera, Rachel Quish, administrator and collections manager for the Wethersfield Historical Society, said, “On behalf of the Wethersfield Historical Society, I would like to thank you for your support of cultural programs in Connecticut and for recognizing the important role the Connecticut Humanities Council plays in providing heritage-based programming for Connecticut residents and tourists.”

CHC is a public foundation incorporated in 1973 as a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The State of Connecticut is a major financial sponsor of the council.

Chartered by the state in 1932, the Wethersfield Historical Society owns two historic houses: the Hurlbut-Dunham and Captain James Francis Houses; and manages four properties owned by the Town: the Wethersfield Museum and Visitor Center at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, the historic Cove Warehouse, the Old Academy and the Deming-Standish House.

Since 1998, the Connecticut General Assembly has honored students from the University of Connecticut, Connecticut State University's four campuses, the state's community-technical colleges, and the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges.

(Left to Right) Rep. Russ Morin, Elizabeth Benfield, Dr. Richard Benfield (Elizabeth's father)

“We must strive to increase voter turnout and participation,” said Rep. Morin. “Permitting early voting will make it much easier for everyone to vote.  A strong democracy depends on voters getting to the polls.”

By a vote of 13-2, the GAE Committee approved legislation (HJR 88) which would amend the Connecticut Constitution. If adopted, the Constitutional amendment would remove restrictions for Absentee Ballot voting in Connecticut and give authority for the state legislature to decide what form of early voting to enact in Connecticut, which could possibly include so-called “No-Excuse” Absentee Ballots.

Morin noted that Connecticut voters will have to ratify the amendment for it to become law. The amendment will appear on the ballot in the 2012 General Election if both the House and Senate pass the amendment by three-quarters majority this year. Otherwise, the amendment could be put before voters in the 2014 General Election if a simple majority of the House and Senate pass it this year and again in 2013.

“Congressman Larson came through for the brave members of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department,” Rep. Morin said. “We need to make sure our firefighters have access to the latest training and safety equipment.”

The funding was made available through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that provides funds for training and equipment.

The Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department was formally chartered by the Connecticut State Legislature in 1803. WVFD is the oldest volunteer fire company in New England.

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

“IRS Free File provides access to tax preparation software so you can easily prepare and e-file your federal and state taxes at no cost,” said Rep. Morin. “I encourage my constituents to consider visiting IRS.gov.”

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

Rep. Morin urged residents to make sure their computers and networks are secure before preparing their taxes online. “Please make sure your wireless network is secure, your antivirus software is up-to-date and establish a unique password,” Rep. Morin said.

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

The legislation would strengthen the integrity of Connecticut’s elections by requiring more communication between local Registrars of Voters and the Secretary of the State’s office.  Under the proposed legislation, every municipality in the state would be required to report to the Secretary of the State’s office how many ballots they purchase for upcoming elections, and certify that they have taken into account factors such as tight races that may augment voter turnout.  In rare cases the Secretary would be authorized to direct a municipality to order more ballots if an insufficient number was purchased.  Every town would also be required to have an emergency plan to address issues such as power outages and ballot shortages on Election Day.  An amendment to the Connecticut Constitution that would open the door to early voting options such as “no-excuse” absentee ballots or regional early voting centers was also highlighted.

“We want to ensure the cornerstone of our democracy, elections, are transparent, convenient and accurate,” Rep. Morin said.

Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official, said, “For centuries, elections in Connecticut have been run entirely at the local level.  While that has served our state well, it is also clear that all of us involved in the elections process need more information and oversight.  The bottom line is that no registered voter who wants to cast a ballot on Election Day should ever be turned away from the polls.  I also think it is time for Connecticut to make it easier for voters in our fast-paced and mobile society to vote before Election Day.  If states like North Carolina and Oregon can do it, so can we in Connecticut.”

The four pieces of legislation are:

Raised Bill 942 “An Act Concerning the Integrity of Elections”

• Requires municipalities to adopt emergency contingency plans for Election Day
• Requires municipalities to report to Secretary of the State’s office the number of ballots ordered for each upcoming election, based on a review of prior turnout and other factors
• Secretary of the State’s Office would be allowed to direct municipalities to order more ballots if in sufficient number purchased for an Election.
• Municipalities that fail to report to the Secretary of the State’s Office would be required to order ballots for 100% of registered voters.
• Improved and enhanced training of moderators at the polls.
• Cities/Towns report lists of polling places and moderators to Secretary of the State before each election.
• Secretary of the State Authorized to enter polling locations on Election Day, remove a moderator with cause.

House Joint Resolution 88 – Constitutional Amendement

• Amendment to the Connecticut Constitution to remove restrictions on voting by absentee ballot.
• Amendment would grant Connecticut General Assembly the power to enact either “No-Excuse” Absentee balloting or other forms of early voting such as regional voting centers.
• If approved by two-thirds majority of the General Assembly, Amendment could be ratified by voters in November of 2012

Raised Bill 938 “An Act Concerning Technical and Minor Changes to Elections”
Raised Bill 6330 “An Act Concerning Certain Revisions to Election Related Statutes”

• Removes all references in Connecticut state laws to lever voting machines, that have not been used since 2006

• Makes needed technical changes to CT election laws to bring laws up to date with the use of optical scan technology