Newsroom - 2008

December 11, 2008

REP. O’ROURKE APPOINTED DEPUTY SPEAKER
BY INCOMING SPEAKER DONOVAN

State Representative James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell/Middletown/Portland) has been promoted to serve as a Deputy Speaker, a major leadership position, for the 2009-2010 sessions of the General Assembly.

The announcement was made today at a news conference held by Incoming Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) where he disclosed his appointments for Democratic caucus leadership positions and committee chairs.

As Deputy Speaker, Rep. O’Rourke will work with the Democratic leadership to develop a legislative agenda, preside over the state House of Representatives during session days and assist with developing policy.

“I am very pleased that Jim has agreed to join our leadership team and will serve as a Deputy Speaker,” Rep. Donovan said. “He brings a great deal of experience to this leadership position. Jim has been a leading voice on environmental matters and I know he will make a major contribution as we deal with economic issues and the problems of Connecticut’s families.”

“I want to thank Chris Donovan for his confidence in asking me to serve on his leadership team,” Rep. O’Rourke. “I am looking in joining him to develop and implement an agenda that meets the needs of all our people. By working together, we can meet the needs of our fellow citizens and I dedicate myself to that end.”

Rep. O’Rourke was first elected to the General Assembly in 1990.

June 13, 2008

LEGISLATURE TAKES AIM AT RISING GASOLINE AND OIL COSTS

State Rep. James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Portland & Middletown) today hailed passage of legislation designed to provide both gasoline and heating oil relief for consumers. In addition to protecting consumers affected by heating oil companies who don’t honor their guaranteed prices, the General Assembly also stepped in to provide relief at the pump.

“I have been in favor of taking action against the rising costs of fuel and heating oil since the start of last session,” said Rep. O’Rourke said. “I am very happy that the General Assembly was finally able to address this critical issue and provide some relief for residents.”

Lawmakers took aim at rising gas prices by passing two bills that provide relief for drivers.  The first bill allows gas stations to offer discounted gas to customers who pay in cash, rather than credit. Presently only one percent of Connecticut gas stations offer such a discount due to franchise agreements major oil companies hold with local distributors. With this new legislation, the Attorney General says consumers can expect to save 10 to 12 cents per gallon based on data from stations in state that currently provide cash discounts.

The legislation also will cancel the half percent increase to the gross receipts tax on wholesale gas scheduled to take effect at the end of the month. The cancellation of the tax increase, which helps pay for infrastructure improvements such as bridge and road repair, will save consumers millions of dollars at the pump during peak driving months. The next scheduled increase in the gross receipts tax is 2013.

The bill also helps consumers in Waterbury who purchased pre-paid heating oil from “F&S Oil” but did not receive the oil they had purchased at the prices they were guaranteed because the company filed for bankruptcy. The legislation includes a remedy for customers who lost their deposits when F&S folded, mandatory disclosure of supplies by companies, bond requirements, penalties for missed deliveries and the ability for consumers and other groups to be able have courtroom recourse in the event a crisis like that of F&S should occur again.

The legislature also enacted legislation designed to head off a potential home-heating crisis for low income families. The legislature approved the immediate release of $2.5 million from the Oil Conservation Fund, which can be used for the purchase of new, energy efficient boilers. Without today’ legislation, funding would not have been available until October of this year.

The legislation now awaits approval from Governor M. Jodi Rell.

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

May 5, 2008

REPRESENTATIVE O’ROURKE LEADS PASSAGE OF BILL AIMED AT SECURING CONNECTICUT’S ENERGY FUTURE THROUGH HOUSE

This afternoon the House of Representatives approved a bill that will take steps to ensure Connecticut’s energy security in the face of rising oil prices. One of the bill’s chief proponents, State Rep. James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Portland and Middletown), called the bill, “a critical first step in moving from an oil-based economy to one based on clean, renewable energy sources.”

“Our nation and state are dangerously over-reliant on oil,” Rep. O’Rourke said. “With rising costs and dwindling supplies, we need to take important steps in Connecticut to ensure that our way of life is not directly tied to our dependence on oil.”

The legislation, HB 5724: AN ACT CONCERNING ENERGY SCARCITY AND SECURITY, provides important directives aimed at creating a new “clean energy economy” with a focus in solar energy production and employment in Connecticut.

The directive directs the Renewable Energy Investment Board, also known as the Clean Energy Fund to conduct a study to ensure that future oil shortages and price increases do not jeopardize the living standards and food security of the state, maximize economic opportunities for state workers in emerging clean energy industries, reduce carbon emissions through the reliance on renewable energy and clean energy, and the promotion of energy independence, local energy production and distributed generation. The study will examine how development of a state Department of Clean Energy would operate to dramatically increase production of solar and other clean energy sources and create high paying jobs for Connecticut citizens in emerging green industries.

The bill also initiates a study designed to make plans to maximize the use of solar power and create a self-sustaining solar industry in Connecticut.

“Over the past year we’ve seen oil prices more than double and have begun to see harmful effects on our economy as gasoline, electric, heating and food prices have all risen sharply. It is very important for us not only to become less dependent on oil, but for us to be able to develop and become a national leader in renewable energy,” said Rep. O’Rourke. “There are tremendous economic opportunities available to those states that become early leaders in the Clean Energy Economy”, he said.

The bill was approved by the House of Representatives by a 150-1 margin and now awaits action in the Senate. Earlier this year Representatives O’Rourke, Backer, Urban, Mushinsky, Wright, Megna and Spallone introduced a package of legislation designed to create a Department of Clean Energy, fund green industries job training, create an oil scarcity state planning process, and develop a solar industry initiative (HB 5787, HB 5560, HB 5686, HB 5788).

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

April 24, 2008

REPRESENTATIVE O’ROURKE PASSES BILL EXPANDING CROMWELL’S REPRESENTATION ON MATTABASSETT BOARD

This afternoon the House of Representatives approved a bill to increase the representation of the town of Cromwell from two to five members on the Mattabassett District Commission. The bill’s author, State Rep. James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Middletown & Portland) praised the vote for giving Cromwell, “a stronger voice in the affairs of the district.”

“In the past the [Mattabassett District Commission] Board of Directors have refused our reasonable requests for environmental odor and pollution controls to protect our community,” Rep. O’Rourke said. “In addition, the District has been caught violating environmental laws and failed mercury emissions tests. This bill more than doubles Cromwell’s representation on the Board and will make it much harder for the District to ignore the wishes of the people of Cromwell.”

Prior to today’s vote the 12-member commission was made up of only two members from Cromwell, which serves as the host of the group. New Britain currently has 7 members on the Board and Berlin has three. Under the new legislation Cromwell will have five  members while the overall group membership is expanded to 15.

“Passage of this bill into law will be beneficial to the town of Cromwell and the other district towns. The Sewer Plant will run better and stay out of trouble by giving greater attention to environmental and health concerns brought to it by representatives of the host town,” Rep. O’Rourke said.

The bill, HB 5886: AN ACT CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MATTABASSETT DISTRICT COMMISSION, was approved unanimously by a vote of 140-0.

The bill now awaits action in the Senate.

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

March 28, 2008

REPRESENTATIVE O’ROURKE ANNOUNCES BOND MONEY
FOR STOPLIGHT IN BUSY PORTLAND INTERSECTION

This afternoon Rep. Jim O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Portland & Middletown) announced that the State Bond Commission approved $1.3 million to improve safety at the intersection of Route 66, Middle Haddam Road and Payne Boulevard in Portland.

“With today’s bond commission vote the money allocated will finally straighten out the intersection of Route 66, Middle Haddam Road and Payne Boulevard,” Rep. O’Rourke said. “In addition to providing safety to the surrounding neighborhood, these improvements will also slow traffic around Route 66.”

One of the ways in which the intersection will be made safer will be with the installation of a stoplight – something that Rep. O’Rourke has been trying to obtain for 15 years through the Department of Transportation (DOT).

“I am very thankful for the governor’s support in this matter and I look forward to a speedy completion by the DOT,” said Rep. O’Rourke.

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

March 28, 2008

REPRESENTATIVE O’ROURKE ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF $250,000 STATE GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CROMWELL PARKS

State Rep. James O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Middletown and Portland) announced today that $250,000 in state bond funds were successfully approved by the State Bond Commission. The money, which Rep. O’Rourke included in legislation three years ago, will go directly to the improvement of Watrous Park, Pierson Park and the Cromwell Middle and High School fields.

“This grant will bring to fruition my efforts to improve Cromwell’s recreational facilities by making them safer for our children and to provide Cromwell residents with the sporting and recreational facilities they deserve,” said Rep. O’Rourke. “These funds are specifically targeted to improve Cromwell Little League facilities, and Jensen’s Fund Playground as well as other important renovations.”

The Bond Authorization was passed into law about three years ago and adds to a steady flow of state grants Rep. O’Rourke has obtained to benefit children and other citizens who enjoy Cromwell’s parks. Today’s approved programs include the rebuilding of a concession stand and bathroom facilities at Cromwell’s Little League fields as well as $25,000 to the Jensen’s fund playground to make both areas more handicapped accessible.

“I am very pleased to see the money approved for the Jensen’s Fund Playground so that now all children will be able to play side-by-side with each other, regardless of handicaps,” said Rep. O’Rourke.

Representative O’Rourke said his initiative to improve Cromwell’s parks began several years ago, when he was approached by parent volunteer leaders of the Cromwell High School Football Team, Cromwell Little League and others who devote their time and energy to providing healthy athletic programs for Cromwell youth. He also credited the Lynn family of Cromwell for all the hard work they did in advocacy of the Jensen’s Fund Playground.

“In addition to thanking Speaker of the House Jim Amann and Governor Rell for their support of this important bond authorization, I have to say thank you to the Lynn family for all of their efforts as well,” Rep O’Rourke said.

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

March 28, 2008

REPRESENTATIVES O’ROURKE ANNOUNCES $326,170 IN STEAP GRANTS FOR NEW ROAD WORK IN PORTLAND

State Rep. Jim O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Middletown & Portland) announced that the town of Portland will receive $326,170 in Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) funding for a new road to connect the town to the river quarry.

“This money will provide access for Portland residents to the beauty of the town’s riverside property,” Rep. O’Rourke said. “This is a major step in realizing the vision of the Riverside Quarry Park.”

The construction project was undertaken by the Portland Brownstone Quorum and the Town of Portland.

“A lot of the credit for obtaining this funding goes to First Selectman Susan Bransfield, the Board of Selectmen and the Portland Brownstone Quorum,” Rep. O’Rourke said.

The STEAP program was created as a means to offer funding for town’s that are not eligible under Urban Action bonds. Funding allocated through STEAP is intended for economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects. All funding is approved through the State Bond Commission.

Two years ago Rep. O’Rourke was instrumental in allowing the Town of Portland access to STEAP funding. This grant is the second awarded through the STEAP program, with the first coming last year in the form of downtown improvements.

State Representative James O’Rourke is serving his ninth term representing the 32nd assembly district of Cromwell, Middletown and Portland. He is a member of the Environment, Government Administration & Elections and Higher Education & Employee Advance Committees.

March 7, 2008

REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCE NEW CLEAN ENERGY BILLS, LEGISLATION TO CREATE NEW ‘DEPARTMENT OF CLEAN ENERGY’

This afternoon State Reps. Jim O’Rourke (D-Cromwell, Portland, Middletown), Diana Urban (D-Stonington), Terry Backer (D-Stratford) and Mary Mushinsky (D-Wallingford) called for a major initiative to create a new ‘Clean Energy Economy’ in Connecticut. With the rising prices of gas and oil scarcity, the bills aim to convert Connecticut’s current fossil fuel-based energy economy to one completely reliant on clean energy.

“There are grave consequences to maintaining our oil-based economy and huge economic opportunities for those who invest in clean energy,” said Rep. O’Rourke.

The bills, HB 5686, 5788 and 5787, aim to ensure the environmental and economic future of Connecticut, the cornerstone of which would be to create a brand new “Department of Clean Energy.” The agency will be created with a $2 billion bonding item attached to bill no. 5787.

Additionally, the group stressed that the legislation was not just crucial to fighting global warming, but key to helping all sectors of the economy grow. By converting to clean, or “Green,” energy nearly all areas of the economy would experience job growth, while allowing the state to become a national leader in clean energy technology and implementation.

“We must have Government invest in programs to revitalize the economy and restore people's faith that our economy can grow and prosper,” Rep. Urban said. “Our bill recognizes that the fossil fuel economy is rapidly becoming far too expensive to maintain. Our working families cannot afford the energy prices that push electricity and gas costs ever higher and are now showing up at the supermarket in increasingly higher food prices.”

“Oil has begun its climb and will never return to the days we knew. Our society faces the largest challenge in all our history, transitioning from an economy and lifestyle totally dependent on oil to one of new energy sources, consumption patterns and infrastructure. We must begin to capitalize now.”
Rep. Terry Backer said.

“With heating oil at $3.89 per gallon, our New England region is at a competitive disadvantage unless we take aggressive action to change our energy mix. This bill gets us started," Rep. Mushinsky said.

State Rep. Elissa Wright (D-Groton) was among a handful of other lawmakers at the news conference that voiced support for the legislation.

“The substantial economic benefit from strong governmental partnerships with business and industry to stimulate renewable energy for our mutual benefit as we continue to address the challenges associated with global warming is tremendous,” Rep. Wright said.