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.

“This extension helps the City of Bridgeport with another tool in the tool box to ensure we can make Steel Point happen.  Steel Point is an extremely important project for the city and as a delegation we want to make sure we give the administration the support they need to move forward,” Rep. Andres Ayala said.

“Steel point should be a major hub of maritime economic activity for Bridgeport,” Rep. Stallworth said. “We cannot avert our attention from the goal of making a developed waterfront part of our city’s landscape and this bill keeps the project alive.”

“I am pleased to support this critical funding for this project. Making Steel Point a reality is essential to Bridgeport's economic recovery,” Rep. Grogins said.

“It seems that everybody is waiting for the Steel Point Project to happen; all the traffic traveling on I95 through Bridgeport looks out to the empty expanse, year after the year, wondering when it'll be Bridgeport’s turn to turn around.  This bill helps keep the promise alive,” Rep. Hennessy said.

“For as long as I can remember, this parcel of prime harbor property has lain dormant. If Bridgeport is to enjoy a renaissance of economic prosperity, it cannot be without development and leveraging of the economic potential of this tract of land,” Rep. Clemons said.

“I truly believe that we will need no more extensions after this due to the progress that has been made to this point. We have resources in place such as the TIF and a commitment from the state to be an economic partner with the developer, Bridgeport Landing Development LLC, and the City of Bridgeport to make this project a reality. Permitting is moving forward and we are nearing the point where shovels meet the ground and a multi-million dollar mixed use development rises on prime waterfront property,” Rep. Santiago said.

“The developer has made major investments on the site and within the community and intends to see this project through. The Bridgeport Delegation is doing everything in its power to help facilitate a project we believe will jumpstart other proposed projects like the $500 million mixed use development on the Remington site. These projects have the potential to have huge positive impacts on the city’s tax rolls which is one of the best ways to provide relief to Bridgeport taxpayers while creating temporary and permanent jobs,” Rep. Santiago added.

The legislation extends, from June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2015, the deadline by which the Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Inc. may provide up to $40 million in financial assistance from existing programs to the Steel Point project.

As under current law, the assistance must be used for developing and improving property in Bridgeport’s Steel Point.

“It was an honor to lead the House debate on this bill. In this economy, many people, not just teenagers, are relying on the minimum wage to support themselves and their families,” Rep. Santiago said. “This small raise is the right thing to do at the right time.”

House Bill 5291 would raise Connecticut’s minimum wage by $.50 to $8.75 per hour in two steps.  The minimum wage would increase from the current rate of $8.25 to $8.50 on January 1, 2013, and then to $8.75 on January 1, 2014. The legislation also includes minor adjustments to the minimum wage for restaurant wait-staff and bartenders who receive tips.

Although the minimum wage has been raised seventeen times since 1979 it has effectively decreased by 11 percent when adjusted for the cost of living. A single parent of three making the current minimum wage will only earn $17,160 working full time – far below the federal poverty threshold of $22,190.

A recent Quinnipiac poll indicates that 70% of Connecticut residents support raising the minimum wage.

Rep. Santiago said, “106,000 workers in Connecticut earn minimum wage – almost 7 percent of our entire workforce. Connecticut residents recognize these hardworking individuals need a raise.”

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 glad we the people of Connecticut will no longer condone taking a life, no matter the circumstance,” Rep. Santiago said.

Legislators 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.

The proposal calls for Connecticut’s current minimum wage of $8.25 per hour to be raised to $9.00 per hour this year, $9.75 per hour next year and then to be indexed in the years following. He was joined at a news conference today to discuss the proposals by Democratic State Representatives Zeke Zalaski, Ezequiel Santiago and Diana Urban, labor representative Lori Pelletier, business owner Barbara Stasiak and Elaine Peters of Mothers for Justice.

“More families than ever are relying on low-wage and minimum wage jobs to make ends meet,” Speaker Donovan said. “That leaves them struggling. While most job losses in the recession hit higher wage sectors like construction, manufacturing and finance hard, much of the new job growth has been concentrated disproportionately in low-wage industries.”

He added, “Raising the minimum wage now is good for Connecticut workers and good for our economy. Doing so can stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending, which in turn helps to create jobs at local businesses needed to meet increased demand.”

“We must continue the push to establish a minimum wage that allows individuals an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (D-Bridgeport), vice-chair of the Labor Committee. “The minimum wage is an especially important issue for me as city residents – who disproportionately rely on service industry jobs – are the most affected by changes to the base level income.”

“Low wage earners in our state are struggling to survive in an economy that continues to be very difficult,” said Rep. Bruce “Zeke” Zalaski (D-Southington), House chair of the Labor Committee. “While we have made strides in improving the minimum wage in recent years, raising and indexing the minimum wage will help single mothers, families and all those who work at minimum wage paying jobs. Many of these wage earners work at part-time jobs and they deserve our support.”

“Currently a single mom of two working full-time—40 hours a week and 52 weeks a year—would still fall well below the federal poverty level and that is simply shameful,” said Rep. Diana Urban (D-North Stonington and Stonington), House chair of the Select Committee on Children. "This is also a great way to help boost our local economy since most minimum wage earners live paycheck-to-paycheck and will spend increased earnings—more than $71 million per year—at local businesses.”

“Increasing the minimum wage is vital to Connecticut workers and their families, and in particular woman and people of color,” said Lori Pelletier, secretary-treasurer of the CT AFL-CIO. “Increasing the minimum wage puts more money into families’ pockets and in turn those families spend it in the Connecticut economy. Low income families have been hit hard by the economic downturn of the past three years and now is the time to provide those families with an increase in their wages. By leading the way on this issue Speaker Donovan has once again shown his support for workers and their families.”

Barbara Stasiak, owner of Bridal Bells Boutique in Berlin, CT, said she pays employees at rates above minimum wage. “I challenge anyone, business owner or otherwise, who opposes a minimum wage increase to try to live on $8.25 an hour. A fair and living wage keeps employees loyal and productive. Paying a fair wage hasn’t hurt my business, it’s helped it. It’s time that lawmakers and business owners stand up for their workers. Raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do, and the right time is now.”

Speaker Donovan said that in 2010 the industries that experienced the highest job growth were retail sales persons, cashiers, and food preparation workers – all occupations with median wages below $10 per hour.

He cited a poll by the National Employment Law Project that found that 67% of Americans support gradually raising the minimum wage from the current federal rate of $7.25/hour to at least $10.00/hour.

Connecticut last raised its minimum wage from $8.00 per hour to $8.25 per hour in January 2010. The indexing proposal would automatically adjust the minimum wage annually to keep pace with the rising cost of living. States that currently index their minimum wages so that they are automatically adjusted each year are: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Vermont and Washington.

The federal minimum wage would be $10.40 per hour if it had been indexed since its inception based on cost of living.

The last time the federal government raised the minimum wage was July 2009 from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour.

Senate Bill 364, An Act Concerning Traffic Stop Information, contains several provisions to effectuate legislation passed by the late Senator Alvin Penn from Bridgeport to compile and analyze data to determine racial bias in traffic stops and penalties. The Racial Profiling Act was passed in 2003 but has not been implemented consistently across Connecticut.

“I am glad to see the bill pass this first hurdle, as a delegation we will continue to work to ensure our constituents are not being stopped just because they are African American or Latino. As we have seen with the example of East Haven, profiling does occur. We must protect our citizens and this legislation helps us to do that,” Rep. Andres Ayala said.

“Connecticut has had a decade to implement a consistent plan of data collection and it is unfortunate that we are still struggling to make that happen,” Rep. Charlie Stallworth said. “Let’s us delay no longer and pass this legislation this session to contribute to a more fair and just system.”

“Having the Office of Policy and Management handle the data collection and analysis is key to generating useful reports,” Rep. Auden Grogins said. “I will support this legislation and hope to see it signed into law.”

“Being a member of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, I am pleased to see that my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee agreed there is inequity in the state with racial profiling and revisited Alvin Penn’s legislation that has been on the books so long,” Rep. Don Clemons said. “The new provisions will facilitate implementation and will bring our police departments into compliance by bringing in the Office of Policy and Management and the Criminal Justice Information System Governing Board to oversee and make sure police departments are doing their jobs.”

“I remember, more than one time, where in my opinion I have been a victim of racial profiling which left me feeling very vulnerable to racism. No one should be made to feel this way, nor should anyone be allowed to behave in this manner towards others based on racial bias. I applaud the Judiciary Committee for passing this legislation. I also hope it makes it through the remaining legislative process and is eventually signed into law by the Governor,” Rep. Ezequiel Santiago said.

“Profiling can exist in towns as well as the cities,” Rep. Jack Hennessy said. “This legislation protects everyone against bias in traffic stops and penalties.”

A recent published analysis of more than 100,000 traffic stops by dozens of local police departments in 2011 found that black and Hispanic drivers are significantly more likely to receive a ticket or a court date than white drivers stopped for the same offense.

In order to address issues cited by law enforcement authorities across the state as a hindrance to data collection and submission, provisions of the bill include:

• Having the Office of Policy and Management collect, compile and analyze data
• Creating a standard form across all police departments to make data collection easier and more consistent
• Training for police officers in the use and completion of the standard form
• Submitting an annual profiling report to the Governor, General Assembly and other pertinent parties

“I am pleased to have been appointed by Speaker Donovan to this important committee and look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” Rep. Santiago said. “The integrity of government cannot be maintained without an electoral system that voters are confident in and this committee encompasses both.”

The Government Administration and Elections Committee has an extensive charge that includes all matters relating to the Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Public Works and all matters relating to state government structures, procedures, organization and reorganization. The Committee also oversees all matters relating to elections and election laws.

“The site of this second rail station will spur further economic development. Currently, the City of Bridgeport has numerous projects in this area which would be well served by the second station,” Rep. Ayala said. “This could be the spark which ignites further investment opportunities and better jobs and housing for our residents. As chairman of the Bonding Subcommittee on Transportation I am pleased to see this project move forward.”

“This project will address one of the barriers to economic activity which is lack of access to public transportation,” Rep. Clemons said. “This project encompasses blight, pollution and transportation with increased avenues for economic activity. This is money well-spent and I am eager to see the work begin.”

"The state’s investment in the revitalization of this significant brownfield property is essential to our future economic success. Giving additional access to our Bridgeport commuters to New York and other major Connecticut cities is key to making Bridgeport a destination city. It is also a key factor in drawing more businesses to our area and making Bridgeport more attractive as a residential community,” Rep. Grogins said. “With the prior attention having been given to Fairfield’s new train station, I am excited and hopeful that the prospect of a new train station in Bridgeport will shift the focus for future economic development in our city."

“It’s good to see that Bridgeport is getting its fair share of state dollars,” Rep. Hennessy said. “Brownfield remediation is long overdue.  This project will spur economic development in a blighted area of this city.”

“Cleaning contaminated brownfield sites and putting them back into productive use will be a key factor in our efforts to increase the cities taxable grand list. This is an effective way to provide tax relief for our property and business owners,” Rep. Santiago said. “Adding to our public transportation infrastructure will help lower our carbon footprint, while the additional commuter traffic will provide opportunity for increased business at existing venues as well as a greater need for new businesses to be established.”

“This contaminated brownfield has been dormant for many years and it is great to see it finally getting some attention,” Rep. Stallworth said. “When you combine the remediation with a new train station, Bridgeport and residents are poised to reap many benefits from this project.”

The funds will support on site remediation efforts on the 7-acre parcel on Barnum Avenue and will help with the area’s revitalization initiatives. Bridgeport was the successful recipient of a Sustainable Communities Grant Award to explore the feasibility of a second station at this site. The planned station will serve to expand transportation options for commuters that have difficulties accessing the current downtown station.

We take great exception to the legislative Republican Congressional redistricting plan that moves the City of Bridgeport from the 4th to the 3rd Congressional District. The attempt – disguised as strengthening minority influence by increasing the number of minority residents in the 3rd District is nothing more than a political maneuver designed to create a Republican stronghold in the 4th.

One goal of redistricting is to strengthen minority influence in as many districts as possible. Currently, four of our five Congressional districts have significant minority influence. The Republican proposal runs counter to that philosophy, reducing minority influence in two districts.

Also, under their scheme, Republicans maintain that Bridgeport would join New Haven as a “community of interest.” In fact, for decades we have shared interests – economic, social, political – with the cities and towns of Fairfield County and the 4th Congressional District. Those ties are strong, and should remain so.

Finally, the 4th has been represented by Democrats and Republicans over the years. Until recently, it was dominated for decades by Republican representation. Republican efforts to configure this district as their own are transparent and unworthy of the process.

Bridgeport's own Robert DeForest represented Connecticut's 4th District in Southwest Connecticut over a hundred years ago. Bipartisan teams of redistricters have kept Bridgeport in the Fairfield County-based 4th District since the modern process began in 1965. We strongly urge the redistricting panel or judges, whoever may ultimately decide, to recognize Bridgeport’s central and historic role in Fairfield County and keep it in the 4th Congressional District. The issues facing Bridgeport and all of Fairfield County are too important to be lost in an unnecessary political shuffle.

“I am very excited to support this Jobs bill which focuses on helping small businesses and reduces their tax burden. As a small business owner for the past 22 years, I can honestly say that this bill will help sustain and expand existing businesses, stimulate job growth and attract new business entrepreneurs to Connecticut,” Rep. Grogins said. “I also look forward to welcoming Jackson Labs to Connecticut. Their success will be our success. This state of the art facility for research and testing in genomic medicine will create thousands of job opportunities in the area of bio-science for Connecticut residents, and put our state on the world map in this rapidly growing field.”

“I am pleased to support this bill because many of my constituents have emphatically stressed to me the importance of jobs,” Rep. Ayala said. “The State of Connecticut is not just standing by any longer - we are providing leadership to create jobs to get through this rough economy and to prepare CT for a brighter future.”

"Although I am very pleased with the legislation to help create jobs and bring Jackson Labs to Ct, I believe we need to stimulate economic development in our urban centers, especially Bridgeport. I am glad we are moving forward to begin the process of cleaning up our Brownfield properties. We need to get these old industrial sites back and contributing to the future of CT,” Rep. Hennessy said.

“These bills were made into law in order to both make the necessary investments in infrastructure which allows CT to be the home of one of the most technologically advanced research facilities in the world and to incentivize training and job creation in the private sector,” Rep. Santiago said. “These are steps which are necessary to take advantage of the budding bioscience industry and to assure the private sector that CT is indeed open for business and that the Legislature is willing to work towards a friendlier business climate. I plan to work to ensure that the people and businesses in Bridgeport take full advantage the resources made available through this legislation.”

"I'm glad to see us take a strong act concerning an issue that is important to all of us -- jobs. Though this is not a perfect step, it is a giant step in a direction that is good for the citizens of Connecticut,” Rep. Stallworth said. “These two bills will have a great impact on employment in particular and the economy in general, as well as a great step in the area of medical research."

“These two pieces of legislation follow what the governor was committed to for economic development to attract business in the state, put people back to work, and jump start the economy,” Rep. Clemons said.

“Also, Jackson Labs will make the state competitive with others in the biomedical field.  Hopefully, the research will lead to personalized treatment and more effective combating and curing of today’s and tomorrow’s diseases.”

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/year available to small businesses through incentives, grants and loans.

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
• 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 $1.1 billion 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.

“As an employee of the Bridgeport Small and Minority Business Resource Office, I speak to small business owners on a daily basis and health care is a major factor in many facets of their business. For those who can afford to offer health care, the current and rising costs are becoming unsustainable. Those companies that can't afford to offer health insurance coverage are losing quality workers to companies that can afford to provide the coverage,” Rep. Santiago said.

“As health care costs have grown, small businesses have had to drop and cut coverage or sacrifice job growth,” Speaker Donovan said. “Some can’t attract and retain talented employees because quality health insurance is unaffordable. We need to determine how to make health insurance for small businesses affordable, but also easily comparable, available, accessible, and meaningful.”

Speaker Donovan has assembled the Working Group on Small Business Health Care, comprised of small businesses and legislators, to examine obstacles and opportunities for small business owners seeking to purchase health insurance coverage for their employees and their own families. The group will be led by State Rep. Robert Megna, chair of the Insurance Committee.

The Speaker has charged the working group with reviewing small group insurance regulations, the market’s current offerings, the barriers that small business owners face when attempting to secure quality affordable health coverage, the impact of health insurance access on job growth in this sector, and alternative health insurance models. The group will assemble a set of legislative recommendations on how best to address the health insurance needs of the small business workforce.

“We need to level the playing field and make this most important quality of life issue of accessible and affordable health care the standard for all employers and employees. Which makes this working group’s task so important, because the current system is not working and if the small business employers are going to be able to offer these benefits, we have to work toward suggesting, introducing and passing legislation, that will help them along the way,” Rep. Santiago added.

“The Bridgeport port has always been an important tool for economic development for the City and will be the economic driver to spur further development. Housatonic Community College has always been an important partner with the City and, in these tough economic times, where our constituents are going back to school to further enhance their skills, it is important the school be able to continue expanding and enhancing their facility to meet student needs,” Rep. Ayala said.

“I would like for Bridgeport to regain its prominence as a major hub of maritime economic activity that its deep-water port afforded in its active years. Steel point harbor development has been a priority for some time as a jobs engine and to reduce congestion on our major thoroughfares,” Rep. Clemons said. “Housatonic community college is an excellent learning environment and integral part of the community that is steadily growing in enrollment from when I attended. I will continue to support investment in this school which is a key component of a viable community.”

“This important funding is critical to further Bridgeport’s economic development plan. These improvements will make Housatonic Community College a state of the art educational institution in our city. Investing in our deep water ports is valuable for Bridgeport’s future in making our city a key destination for tourism in Connecticut,” Rep. Grogins said.

“The funding for Housatonic will be to begin refurbishing the original tech building due to the anticipated continued increase in student enrollment. This school is important to the city as a gateway for Urban residents to access affordable higher education,” Rep. Hennessy said. “I am also pleased funding was allocated for a port study. This is long overdue as a port development goes hand-in-hand with the overall strategic plan to address and preserve the watershed and create good jobs.”

“There is a reason why enrollment at Housatonic Community College has increased dramatically in recent years. Affordable tuition, convenient location by the cities’ transportation hub and a great faculty are just some of them. Many people I know in the district I represent and abroad have used the education they have received at Housatonic to improve their quality of life. Working to help with the expansion and renovation will be necessary to accommodate the needs of the growing student body,” Rep. Santiago said. “It is important for us to keep the deep water port designation if the Bridgeport Harbor port is to remain a viable source of commerce and trade in our region. There are jobs that currently rely on the ports operation and we must take advantage of opportunities to create new jobs through economic development strategies that are vital to Bridgeport residents. Growing our local tax base through economic development is a way to decrease the current tax burden on our residential home owners.”

The State Bond Commission approved $1,000,000 to study economic development strategies in several port cities including Bridgeport. Bridgeport officials have long worked on marina development due to its strategic waterfront location.

Another item on the agenda for Friday is funding in the amount of $4,669,770 for the implementation of phase III of the master plan for renovations and additions and renovations of the 183,000 square foot Lafayette Hall at Housatonic Community College. The project includes new and renovated science labs, an expanded the library, new computer labs and general purpose classrooms.

“This bill also allows Bridgeport's special taxing district to issue bonds to finance property improvements backed by the revenue the improvements generate,” Rep. Santiago said. “This can only enhance the work Bridgeport can do for ongoing and new remediation projects.”

The 2012/13 biennial budget approved by Democrats in the legislature and signed by Governor Dannel Malloy includes $25 million each year for brownfield remediation.

“This bill will stimulate job growth and will allow Bridgeport to continue the aggressive work in cleaning contaminated sites, creating jobs, and increasing both state and local revenue,” Rep. Santiago added.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Some of the benefits include a solution to the pension plan, funds for the Ralphola Community Center and manufacturing grants.

“Bridgeport would be faced with pension obligation payments that could exceed $20 million without this legislation,” Rep. Ayala said. “That translates into cuts to municipal services as well as possible increases in local taxes.”

The proposed legislation provides a different framework within which the City must fund the pension plan so the pension plan can continue to pay the retirement benefits. The pension plan currently covers 866 retirees and 33 remaining active employees.

The legislation changes the funding ratio requirements under existing law and instead institutes an actuarially accepted methodology for payments into the pension plan. The city will be required to contribute a minimum of $7 million to the plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 and to make future contributions at actuarially required levels under actuarially accepted methodology for subsequent fiscal years.

The current administration has made significant contributions over the last few years - $6.2 million in 2009, $4.7 million in 2010 and $7 million in 2011. However, a weak economy over the past 10 years has negatively affected the pension fund and the city's revenues have substantially declined.

The Ralphola Taylor Community Center YMCA has received a $300,000 state grant. The Community Center YMCA serves the entire community with educational and recreation programs for youth and adults, including computer classes high school equivalency classes (GED) and a violence prevention program. It is a family resource center with a full service medical facility in conjunction with the Bridgeport Community Health Center.

“I am very happy that I was able to work with the House leadership to receive this funding,” Rep. Clemons said. “This will go a long way in providing much needed services in the district.

In addition, Bridgeport will receive $839,881 dollars that would have been lost due to changes in the Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment reimbursement to municipalities (MME) in the governor’s budget. Bridgeport and other cities with heavy industry and large manufacturing bases would have been disproportionately affected. A fund was created that combines retail sales, hotel stays, home sales, cabaret and car rental taxes.

“Changes to the MME reimbursement would have had the potential to greatly affect Bridgeport and other cities whose budgets rely on these state funds. Our municipal budget might have been affected by upwards of $800,000 in lost revenue,” Rep. Santiago said. “I am pleased my colleagues were able to unite against this proposed change to come up with alternate options.”

“This bill makes FMLA uniform for paraprofessionals across the state and has little or no fiscal impact on local school boards,” Rep. Santiago said. “Local school districts have the option of determining how long to hire a replacement for and how much to pay that replacement. Since FMLA is unpaid leave, the fiscal impact is minimal and in some cases, a school district can actually save money.”

Beginning January 1, 2012, this bill lowers, from 1,250 to 950, the number of work hours school paraprofessionals with instructional responsibilities need to qualify for family and medical leave benefits.

The bill requires boards of education to grant them the same benefits that municipal employees working 1,250 hours a year receive under the federal FMLA if the paraprofessionals have worked at least 12 months and 950 hours during the past 12 months. It also allows them to use the leave to serve as an organ or bone marrow donor.

“During the public hearing on this bill, I heard testimony from people who had lost their jobs, because they chose to spend time caring for terminally ill family members,” Rep. Santiago added. “Losing your livelihood should not be a result of such action for anyone during those most difficult times which is why I was honored to bring this bill out on the House floor.”

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“I have been involved with HNH for many years and know first-hand about the indispensable services offered to the community,” Rep. Clemons said. “This is a prudent investment at time when we are doing all we can to make sure state dollars are allocated wisely.”

“Many lives have been enriched through the support HNH gives the community,” Rep. Santiago said. “With a proven track record of many years, we will get many times a return on this investment.”

The funds will allow Hall Neighborhood House to finance infrastructure improvements to its facilities at 52 George Pipkin's Way and 500 State Street in Bridgeport.

Hall Neighborhood House was organized in 1886 to help young migrant families adjust to life in Bridgeport and now offers programs in day-care, preschool and social services as well as youth and senior citizen programs, affordable housing, job training, performing arts and recreation.

Don Clemons represents the 124th district in Bridgeport. In addition to serving as Deputy Majority Whip at Large, he serves on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Public Safety and Security committees

Ezequiel Santiago represents the 130th district in Bridgeport. In addition to serving as Vice Chair of Labor, he serves on the Commerce and Transportation Committees in this upcoming legislative session.

“I look forward to working to representing hard-working families this legislative session,” Rep. Santiago said.  “I would like to thank Speaker Donovan for having the confidence to place me in a leadership position as I start my second term in office.”

“In a short time Ezequiel has shown he has the ability to play a prominent role in the legislature,” Rep. Donovan said.  “I have no reservations our caucus and constituencies will benefit from his work.”

The announcement was made at a news conference held by Rep. Donovan to name committee chairs and Democratic caucus leadership positions for the 2011 session of the General Assembly.

Rep. Santiago represents the 130th district in Bridgeport.  In addition to serving as Vice Chair of Labor, he will serve on the Commerce and Transportation Committees in this upcoming legislative session.

HARTFORD — Bridgeport’s legislative delegation on Thursday asked Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to negotiate a settlement on a pending statewide lawsuit over education funding that would require more money for improving Connecticut schools.

Without a deal, the case could drag on until 2014 or longer.

At stake is the future of thousands of public-school kids like Stephanie Illingworth, 13 and Angel Pizarro, 15, who are coping with old, graffiti-spoiled books and drastic cuts to in-class services in one of the state’s poorest cities.

During a morning news conference, city lawmakers led by Rep. Christopher L. Caruso, Rep. Andres Ayala Jr., Rep. Auden Grogins and Sen. Anthony Musto, all Democrats, said more money for schools is the key, but it’s up to Malloy to decide on how to increase funding. Pizarro, a sophomore at Harding High School, who is a plaintiff in the case, said there are many obstacles to learning.

“Our students have books that are old, worn out and aren’t in good condition,” he said, noting many are scrawled inside with profanity from earlier generations of pupils who gave up. “Teachers go out of their way and use their own money to go to Staples and buy paper for students to do homework with or so they can print out tests for us to do,” Pizarro said.

Another plaintiff, Illingworth, an eighth-grader at John Winthrop School, said there are teachers who are very good in her school and others who could be better. “We used to have math and literacy teachers and with budget cuts, they are all gone,” she said.

A spokesperson for Malloy said the incoming governor would weigh the request.

“Gov.-elect Malloy’s most immediate goal in education is to hold cities harmless of Gov. Rell’s cuts to the (school funding) formula,” said spokesperson Colleen Flanagan.

“He thanks the Bridgeport delegation for their interest in providing the best possible public school education to children in their city, and will consider their request.” Caruso, revealing details of a meeting he had this week with Malloy, said that a wide variety of solutions, including changes to the property tax, income and sales taxes should be considered when the General Assembly convenes – and Malloy takes office – Jan. 5.

Without a settlement, the 2005 case filed by the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, representing students in towns and cities throughout the state, against Gov. M. Jodi Rell could stretch out for several more years before it heads back to the state Supreme Court, which ruled in March that all state children have a right to and effective and meaningful education.

“ We believe the governor-elect needs to begin those discussions to avoid that legal battle, most importantly to help those students of our state,” Caruso said.

Ayala, a public school teacher, said the achievement gap between urban centers and schools is affluent towns is among the nation’s highest.

“Bridgeport is a key, key component of that achievement gap,” Ayala said.

“We’ve seen the inequality in education that our children are receiving. I see it every single day, in the classroom.”

He said city schools lack good teachers and administrators in the classroom, as well as computers and other resources.

“We want to work hand in hand with our new governor to talk about what those inequalities are, inequities are,” Ayala said, recalling that during his successful gubernatorial campaign, Malloy spoke of the challenges facing state schools.

“We’re basically here to tell the state of Connecticut that our delegation is going to make this a priority going forward, to make sure that we address this achievement gap issue and this funding inequality issue,” Ayala said.

Grogins, a former school board member and a current member of the legislative Education Committee, said the issue will be the most important for the city’s delegation. “Cities like Bridgeport are disproportionately affected by the poor performing schools, by school dropouts and by one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation,” she said. “Closing our achievement gap directly equates with strengthening the future of our children and their success and that goes hand-in-hand with improving our economy.”

Diane Kaplan deVries, the coalition’s project director, said that the Bridgeport lawmakers are the first among the statewide group of plaintiffs to ask for Malloy to reach a settlement. “Indeed the time is ripe to end the unfathomable action of the state in fighting school children’s rights to equal educational opportunity and the resources necessary to ensure same,” she said. “It has already been nine months since the Connecticut Court ruled that school children have a constitutional right to a quality education and that it’s the state’s obligation to pay for it.” Despite law requiring higher support for public schools, Bridgeport receives only 38 percent of its education funding from the state. About 95 percent of the city’s 20,000 students are from low-income families; and 40 percent live in homes where English is not the primary language.

This year’s Supreme Court ruling remanded the case back to Hartford Superior Court where plaintiffs now have to prove that the state is inadequately funding schools and failing its constitutional mandate.

“We have crystal-clear indicators of an uncon­stitutional school-finance system,” she said.

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).

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).

"I am pleased that we found a compromise that finalized this budget adjustment in a timely manner," Ayala said. "While we had tough decisions to make, I am delighted to see important programs preserved that will be beneficial to the entire state."

"I am glad that we were able to get a budget done without the need for special session. Not only does this save the state money, but it also shows our constituents that we put a budget forward that the Governor feels is worthy of her support," Santiago said. "Protecting the most vulnerable has always been a high priority of mine, because so many of the same people who benefit from these critical services supported my effort to be their representative and I feel good that I did not let them down. We have passed legislation this year that will be key for job growth, eliminating the achievement gap and lowering utility costs. This budget is another piece of legislation that I am proud to have supported."

"In these difficult economic times when the state is facing an unprecedented budget deficit, I am proud to support such a fiscally responsible budget that does not raise taxes on my constituents, lowers electric rates and does not cut municipal aide," Grogins said.

"We know we have a good bill when both sides are not entirely happy with the budget. This budget, however, does not cut aide to municipalities, does not raise taxes, and does not borrow as much as we had anticipated," Clemons said. "We were able to finalize a budget in time and were able to keep important funding in place without new taxes."

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 will save taxpayers millions of dollars over the long term. AARP has endorsed the home care program.

"This bill will give tenants a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their quality of life," Rep. Santiago said. "I have had many constituents call my office with problems and concerns about their living conditions and what they might be able to do to change things. I am pleased we have responded to those calls with legislation that will give them new tools to exercise their rights."

The bill allows recognized tenant organizations to conduct elections by tenants residing within units owned or managed by the housing authority to choose tenant commissioners to serve on the housing authority. 

In the case where no such organization exists, the bill allows an election if 10 percent of the tenants petition the authority.  Finally, the bill allows the authority to select an appointee in the absence of a tenant organization or petition taking into account tenant suggestions.

"The lobbying and passage of this bill proves the commitment of the members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to address the major disparity which exists between students who attend urban and rural school districts," Rep. Santiago said. "We are working hard to put resources in place and to increase parent involvement which is critical to the academic success of the students in our communities."

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.

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.

"It is a positive step in a process we must undertake to eliminate the achievement gap that exists. I look forward to continuing the effort with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus as well as all other stakeholders in our state," Rep. Santiago added.

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.

"Holding this funding is detrimental to our city," Rep. Ayala said. "We need to move forward with important local projects waiting in the pipeline for action."

"This is just another example of misplaced priorities," Rep. Hennessy said. "Our cities bear the brunt of heavy vehicle usage by those that commute back and forth from their jobs.  Our roads cannot afford any delays in maintenance."

"Our city counts on state funds such as TAR to keep the local economic engine running," Rep. Santiago said. "Many working individuals are adversely affected when decisions such as this are made in Hartford."

Due to the current budget deficit, the governor has held back $30 million in Town Aid Road (TAR) Grants.  

In the previous fiscal year, the towns received the following TAR grants:

• Bridgeport - $674,174

Towns usually receive TAR funding in January and July each year.