El Representante estatal Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) originalmente presento la medida en el 2011. Sin embargo, fue este año que logró que el comité judicial de la legislatura la incluyera en la agenda que exitosamente se aprobó. Candelaria, quien habló a favor de la propuesta en el hemiciclo durante el debate explicó, “Nuestra comunidad ha sido victima de notarios públicos que han utilizado su sello para proveer consejo legal no correcto cobrando altas sumas de dinero por servicio no autorizado. En nuestros países, un notario público por lo general ejerce la profesión de abogado y algunos notarios públicos del estado tomaron ventaja de esto. Esta ley, cuidará a nuestra población latina de futuros abusos.”

El Rep. Andrés Ayala (D-Bridgeport) quien apoyo la ley que protegerá a las comunidades mas vulnerables a esta practica comentó, “Es lamentable que individuos sin escrúpulos ni ética profesional hayan victimizado a personas en nuestra comunidad. Un notario publico que no es abogado, no tiene la preparación académica o necesaria para representar a clientes en asuntos legales.”

El Rep. Hector Robles (D-Hartford) señaló, “Estoy muy complacido de haber respaldado esta propuesta. Recibí llamadas de personas que fueron victimas y hoy estamos mas cerca de resolver este asunto.”

“El abuso en contra de aquellos que no conocen la ley y que no se saben defender no se puede permitir. Esta ley envía un mensaje claro de que tomamos esto muy en serio,” manifestó la Rep. Minnie González (D-Hartford).

El Rep. Kelvin Roldan (D-Hartford) citó, “Estoy muy satisfecho de apoyar una ley que protege a la comunidad y a la vez protege a los abogados, notarios y abogados notarios legítimos.”

El Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport) dijo, “Ya era tiempo de detener el abuso en contra de una comunidad sensible y que confía en anuncios confusos que los convierten en victimas.”

“Estoy de acuerdo con mis colegas en definir claramente y sin lugar a duda los que son abogados-notarios legítimos y los que son solamente notarios públicos,” expresó el Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-New Britain).

El Rep. David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury) dijo, “Esta ley proveerá a los oficiales una herramienta útil para proteger a nuestra gente hispana.”

La ley, HB 5147 requiere que si un notario público no es abogado, tendrá que explícitamente incluirlo en cualquier anuncio que utilice para promover sus servicios. Esto evitara, que personas falsamente crean que el notario público es también abogado. Violadores de la ley serán sujetos a multas de $250.00 y/o dos meses de encarcelamiento.

The legislation lists various diseases for which marijuana could be prescribed to ease related pain and symptoms including cancer, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Licensed pharmacists approved by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) would fill the prescriptions.

“This legislation is not about enabling drug use, but rather, about giving people suffering from debilitating diseases an option to find relief,” Rep. Robles said. “Usage will be directly overseen by physicians who will determine if this is a viable option for their patients. Supporting this legislation was the right thing to do for the many individuals who shared their personal stories with us about their struggle with pain and their hope with palliative use of marijuana.”

Robles noted that no insurance company would be required to provide coverage for prescribed marijuana. In addition, medical cannabis could only be grown and dispensed within Connecticut borders and could not be imported or exported. Use of the herb by patients would be prohibited in public, the workplace or in the presence of a minor. DCP along with an 8-doctor board would oversee implementation of the new medical marijuana law.

The legislation received bipartisan support and now moves to the state Senate for consideration. If passed there and eventually signed into law by Governor Malloy, it would take effect October 1.

A total of 16 states have enacted laws legalizing medical marijuana with California being the first in 1996 via statewide referendum. Rhode Island’s legislature overwhelmingly approved the use of medical marijuana in 2006.

Hector Robles, Rep. Clemons, Alfred Mayo (in red), Rep. Hewett,
American Islamic Relations in CT Mongi Dhaouadi, and Sen. Gomes

The investigation centers on the State Fire Training School policies and practices in hiring minorities. It was completed by the office of Reuben F. Bradford, commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

“This report clearly shows that several things went wrong in documenting and evaluating Mr. Mayo’s performance. It puts in evidence a problem of oversight between the academy and others who were involved in this case,” Robles said.

The report, which was delivered to the New London mayor, summarizes findings and recommendations including decisions to graduate and certify fire recruits to be made solely by academy staff. It also notes that communications between the academy and the city of New London may have been inappropriate and contained adverse conclusions regarding Mr. Mayo that were not solidly based on evidence.

“It is questionable how a Class of 48, received 137 minor deficiency cards of which Mr. Mayo received only 2, but they all went on to graduate, except for Mr. Mayo,” Robles noted. “Discrimination in any way, shape or form is intolerable. I stand in support of Mr. Mayo and others who are calling on the city of New London to do what is right in this case.”

State Representative Hector Robles, 6th Assembly District – Hartford, “These findings speak loud and clear that there is a segment of the population that is being left behind in all measures of socio-economic prosperity,” Rep. Robles said. “If we are to infuse new life into the economy and bring our cities back, we must address the issues highlighted in this report. We cannot continue with the notion that we can make social progress while overlooking the well-being of large swaths of the population.”

The study revealed that:

• Regarding their overall quality of life, 28.3% said that when compared with two years ago, it was either “the same, but poor” or “worse.” That is double the percentage offering those responses in 2007 (14%).
• In this year’s survey, 13.8% said their salary declined over the past year, more than triple the number having that experience in 2007 (3.5%).
• Those who said they were “unemployed” or “looking for work” totaled 12% - more than double the percentage (4.8%) in 2007.
• The number of people holding 3 jobs quadrupled to 2.9%, from 0.7% in 2007 and 0.5% in 2002.
• Only half of all respondents (49.9%) indicated they are better off financially today than they were 2 years ago – down significantly from 79.4% who gave that response in 2000 and 68.1% in 2002.
• Among those who own their own business or would like to do so, less than half (42.4%) indicated they would know where to go for advice or financial help to begin or expand a business.

El Representante Estatal Héctor Robles - Distrito 6, Hartford – dijo, “Estos hallazgos hacen resonar fuerte y claramente que existe un segmento de la población que se está quedando atrás en cuanto a todos los indicadores de prosperidad socioeconómicos.

Si vamos a infundir nueva vida a la economía y recuperar nuestras ciudades, tenemos que hacerle frente a los problemas destacados en este estudio. No podemos continuar con la idea de que podemos lograr progreso social mientras pasamos por alto el bienestar de un gran segmento de la población.”

El estudio revela que:

• En cuanto a la calidad de vida en general, el 28,3% dijo que al compararla a hace dos años atrás, era o bien “igual, pero pobre” o “peor”. Dos veces el porcentaje que en el 2007 (el 14%).
• En la encuesta de este año, el 13,8% dijo que su sueldo había bajado en el último año, mas de tres veces el número de personas que en el 2007 (3,5%).
• El total de personas que dijeron que estaban “sin empleo” o “buscando trabajo” era el 12% - más de dos veces el porcentaje que en el 2007 (4,8%).
• El número de personas con 3 empleos aumentó por cuatro veces al 2,9%; de un 0,7% en el 2007 y un 0,5% en el 2002.
• Sólo la mitad de los encuestados (el 49,9%) indicó estar en mejores condiciones económicas hoy que hace 2 años – un bajón significante del 79,4% de los encuestados en el 2000 y el 68,1% en el 2002.
• Entre las personas encuestadas propietarios de sus propios negocios, o con
• intenciones de abrir su propio negocio, menos de la mitad (el 42,4%) indicaron que sabrían donde acudir para buscar asesoramiento o apoyos financieros para poder abrir o crecer su negocio.

Approved by an 86-62 vote, the legislation replaces the death penalty with a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for capital offenses committed on or after the effective date of the act.

“I am pleased to finally see our state getting rid of an old law that did not bring anyone relief over the loss of a loved one and did not stop individuals from carrying out their crimes,” Rep. Robles said. “As a previous supporter of the death penalty, I realized after hearing personal stories from many victims’ families that the death penalty didn’t bring any justice. It is a new day in our state and this is certainly the right thing to do.”

Rep. Robles also said the possibility always exists, as recent cases show, that innocent people may be executed.

Robles cited other reasons for supporting the abolishment of capital punishment:

• The death penalty is not a deterrent to committing murder. States such as Florida, Virginia and Texas where they have strong capital punishment laws would have a much lower crime rate if the death penalty were a deterrent.

• After all appeals have been exhausted, the death penalty ultimately ends up costing the Connecticut taxpayers more money than incarcerating the guilty with absolutely no chance of parole.

• Capital punishment is morally wrong. When we execute a person even for a heinous crime, we become, in some ways, as morally corrupt as the people we execute.

El plan, que fue aprobado por la legislatura estatal antes de que llegara la suspensión constitucional del 5 de mayo, incluye $170 millones en recorte de gastos menudos a lo largo de agencias estatales y la reducción de $300 millones de un plan prestario previo. También hay cientos de millones de dólares en ahorros a corto plazo y un interés mas bajo en la emisión de $956 millones de préstamos estatales para la recuperación económica (Economic Recovery Bonds - ERBs).

"El presupuesto estatal es uno de los asuntos mas importantes que adoptamos durante la sesión legislativa. Estoy complacido de que logramos alcanzar un acuerdo antes de terminar nuestra sesión regular y de que estamos moviendo nuestro estado adelante," dijo el Representante Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven). "Todos nosotros, los legisladores hispanos trabajamos unidos para lograr mantener fondos importantes dentro de este acuerdo."

Estos prestamos (ERBs) tienen un interés bajo de 3%  con términos de 8 años y serán pagados usando una pequeña porción (un tercio) de dos cargos actuales en las facturas de electricidad. Como parte del presupuesto, el consumidor vera una reducción de 60% en uno de los cargos en sus facturas. El resultado neto para la mayoría de los consumidores será de un ahorro promedio de $5 mensuales. A medida que la economía continua recuperándose y las entradas crecen, los prestamos (ERBs) podrán pagarse mas pronto.

"Mientras enfrentamos esta crisis económica, es confortante ver que pudimos alcanzar este acuerdo tan importante del presupuesto con la Gobernadora," dijo el Representante Héctor Robles (D-Hartford) "A pesar de que tal vez no estemos de acuerdo con cada línea del documento, tenemos que admitir que representa un gran esfuerzo tanto de los demócratas como de la Gobernadora Rell."

Adicionalmente, los envejecientes que participan de servicios personales en el hogar verán una reducción do 300 dólares mensuales en su copago. Esto les economizará millones de dólares a los contribuyentes a largo plazo y facilitará esta alternativa de cuidado en el hogar en lugar de entrar a un centro de envejecientes que es mucho más costoso.

"Estoy muy contento de que logramos conseguir un presupuesto sin la necesidad de una sesión especial. Este presupuesto no sólo le ahorra dinero al estado, pero también le demuestra a los residentes que presentamos un presupuesto que meritó la confianza y apoyo de la gobernadora," dijo Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport). "Proteger a los mas vulnerables ha sido siempre mi prioridad, porque muchas de estas personas que reciben estos beneficios, apoyaron mi esfuerzo para ser su representante estatal y me siento bien de no haberles fallado."

El grupo de ocho legisladores hispanos esta compuesto por: Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven); Andrés Ayala (D-Bridgeport), Minnie González (Hartford), Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford), Ezequiel Santiago (Bridgeport), David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury), Kelvin Roldan (D-Hartford), Héctor Robles (D-Hartford).

State Representative Hector Robles (D-Hartford) along with fellow legislative Democrats announced a bipartisan agreement with Governor M. Jodi Rell that balances the state budget through fiscal year 2011 with no tax increases, no cuts in municipal aid and a decrease for most residents' electric bills by an average of $60 a year.

The plan, which was approved by the General Assembly prior to the constitutional adjournment date of May 5, includes $170 million in spending cuts across a host of state agencies and a reduction of $300 million from a previous borrowing plan. There is also hundreds of millions of dollars in savings from a shorter term and lower interest rate on the issuance of $956 million in Economic Recovery Bonds (ERBs).

"As we face this tough economic crisis, it is comforting to see that we were able to reach an important budget agreement with the governor," Robles said. "While we may not all agree with every single item on this package, we have to agree that this deal represents a great effort by Democrats and Governor Rell to move the state forward."

The ERBs have an eight year term at a low interest rate of 3% and will be paid off using a small portion (one third) of two current charges on electric bills. As part of the budget, customers will see one of the charges reduced by over 60%. The net result for most electric customers will be a savings of about $5 per month. As the economy continues to recover and revenues grow, the ERBs can be paid off earlier.

In addition, as an alternative to entering a much more expensive nursing home setting, seniors will see up to a $300 per month cost reduction for certain home care services that saves taxpayers millions of dollars over the long term. AARP has endorsed the home care program. 

Current law requires that any crime victim or the representative of a deceased victim may make or submit a statement to the court before the court sentences or accepts a plea agreement to a lesser charge. However, in cases involving a defendant charged with assaulting a police officer, this bill requires the court to ask, on the record, whether the officer was personally notified.

Under the bill, before the court imposes a sentence and before accepting a plea, the appropriate official must personally notify the police officer of the date, time, and place of the original sentencing hearing or any judicial proceeding concerning the acceptance of a plea.

"I am delighted to see the General Assembly recognizing the need to provide police officers with this consideration when we become victims of crimes," Robles stated.

Under the bill (HB 5491), local and regional boards of education identified as low achieving due to not meeting adequate yearly progress in mathematics and reading must establish a school governance council with the power to reconstitute schools in three years.

Other provisions include creating a new Parent Trust Fund and allowing the Commissioner of Education to use the resources of the fund to make grants to programs aimed at improving the health, safety and education of children.

"We have heard from parents and education advocates concerning the need to come up with creative ideas in addressing the achievement gap among minority students in our cities and towns," Robles said. "I am pleased to see we are taking a step in the right direction with this measure."

In addition, the bill creates an online credit recovery program for schools with a drop out rate of 8% or greater, requires boards of education to conduct two parent conferences per year and establishes a task force to study issues related to the achievement gap. Finally, boards of education would have to offer an advanced placement (AP) course program, and for State Department of Education to develop guidelines for training teachers for teaching AP courses.

"There is much more that needs to be done to eliminate the barriers and misconceptions around our Black and Latino students and their ability to excel. Without a doubt, they have an enormous potential. We just have to provide them with the necessary elements to help them make it happen," said Rep. Robles.

The recent hearings held by the Judiciary Committee show that there is a great deal of work to be done to meet those goals. The process employed by the Judicial Selection Commission as well as its composition needs to dramatically change to better reflect and serve the people of Connecticut.

There are currently 187 judges of the Supreme, Appellate and Superior Court.¹ The table below displays their racial and ethnic breakdown.

Of these judges, 130 or 69.5% were male and 57 or 30.5% were female.

Members of the Caucus have expressed concern that the ethnic and racial composition of the bench is not reflective of our diverse state population. Our commitment is to seek remedy for, and support measures, which work to rectify this situation.

¹ This figure does not include senior judges or state referees.

Current law requires that any crime victim or the representative of a deceased victim may make or submit a statement to the court before the court sentences or accepts a plea agreement to a lesser charge. However, in cases involving a defendant charged with assaulting a police officer, this bill requires the court to ask, on the record, whether the officer was personally notified.

Under the bill, before the court imposes a sentence and before accepting a plea, the appropriate official must personally notify the police officer of the date, time, and place of the original sentencing hearing or any judicial proceeding concerning the acceptance of a plea.

"I am pleased to see this legislation moving forward," Robles, a Hartford Police Officer stated. "We have heard of cases where police officers have not been informed about a sentencing or a plea deal on defendants that have caused a lot of pain and suffering. This bill will allow police officers to make a personal statement based on their experience to be considered at the time of sentence."

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The 2010 regular legislative session adjourns on May 5.

"We can be doing more with less," Speaker Donovan said. "This group of dedicated members of the Hartford delegation and MORE will help us find these new ways to help our cities and towns. I am confident we can bring about real property tax reform by regionalizing certain activities that can both save money and improve the economic competitiveness of our state."

"We've talked for a long time about restructuring government at all levels across the state," said Rep. Merrill. "Now we're going to take action. I'm excited about the chance to bring some relief to our cities and towns and to bring about the kind of structural change that can deliver benefits for years to come."

The MORE Commission will be comprised of 45 Democratic members of the House of Representatives and representatives of municipalities, regional organizations, education, business, unions and non-profits.

The Commission will look at a wide spectrum of issues and opportunities facing municipalities: multi-town collaboratives, Board of Education functions, regionally-based organizations, collective bargaining, mandates, revenue sources, health care, and state grants. In each of these areas, commission subcommittees will investigate costs, benefits, resources, legal obstacles and opportunities, potential savings, consolidation, and results-based accountability (RBA) methods for tracking performance.