State Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield) and State Rep. Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) joined Department of Labor Commissioner Glenn Marshall and Royal Display owner Rick Wright in touting the early success of the Subsidized Training & Employment Program. Step Up provides subsidies and grants to help businesses hire more people and so far has resulted in 73 new jobs at 50 companies across Connecticut.

One of those companies is Royal Display, a metal rack manufacturing company located in downtown Middletown that secured a Step Up grant to pay for training a new employee.

“Royal Display has been a respected part of Middletown’s business community for decades and is a great fit for the state’s new Step Up program,” said Rep. Serra. “The state is committed to encouraging economic growth through small business assistance, and I am happy to see another Middletown company taking advantage of these resources.”

“Step Up is an excellent program that gets to the heart of what drives economic recovery – job creation,” Sen. Doyle said. “Investing in quality small manufacturers gives business owners like Rick Wright the support they need to thrive and to spread their success around. I hope this is the start of a successful expansion for Royal Display and I urge other small business owners to follow in Rick’s footsteps.”

“Step Up gives our small businesses the helping hand they need to create jobs and grow their companies,” said Commissioner Marshall. “This program helps put people back to work and we are grateful to Governor Malloy and the General Assembly for having the vision to approve an initiative that benefits employers, jobseekers and Connecticut’s economy.”

“The Step Up program breaks out of the mold and directly supports small business at the ground level, and at the same time helps employment and in many cases gives the job seeker a second chance,” said Wright, owner of Royal Display. “We must somehow insert a catalyst into the system to spark economic growth in Connecticut and this is a step which gives some confidence in hiring at a much earlier stage than present. Every small business should give the step-up program a hard look.”

“We strongly support the Step Up program and thank Senator Doyle and Representative Serra for their leadership on this,” said . “We look forward to working with the business community through its implementation.”

Step Up provides two types of hiring incentives – a scaled, six-month wage subsidy and a small manufacturer training grant that provides up to $12,500 over a six-month period. In total, Step Up will provide $20 million in subsidies and training grants to help Connecticut small businesses hire more employees. Of the new jobs the program has helped create so far, positions include customer service representatives, machine operators, office assistants, carpenters, mechanics, equipment installers, shipping and receiving, fabricator, dispatch manager, tool grinders, help desk technicians and process engineers with hourly wages from $10 to $28.85.

To be eligible for either program, a company must employ less than 50 people and training must be provided at the business site. The new employee must be an unemployed jobseeker, and those hired under the wage subsidy program must meet certain income requirements and reside in specific areas, based on population or unemployment rates.

Small businesses and unemployed jobseekers seeking additional information on the Step Up program should visit the Connecticut Department of Labor’s website at http://ct.gov/dol/StepUp to download a fact sheet, contact information and inquiry forms.

The bill, based on recommendations of a task force chaired by Serra on Grandparents’ Visitation Rights, gives grandparents and other third parties a defined process for seeking visitation rights via court petition. The legislation is in response to a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that denied a visitation petition, which had previously been approved by a lower court, due to the lack of specific “good faith” grievances.

“As any family knows, these are very complicated, emotional relationships, and it is important to do our best to ensure that decisions are made in a child’s best interests,” said Serra. “What we have developed is a roadmap that grandparents can use as a guide so a judge can better assess each situation.”

Specifically the legislation requires a grandparents’ visitation petition to include a showing of specific information including the existence of a parent-like relationship and activities, and that a denial of visitation rights could cause harm to the child. The bill then requires a court to hold a hearing and grant the request if clear and convincing evidence has shown such conditions exist.

The state Department of Children and Families participated on the task force and supports the bill which they said “balances the constitutional right of parents to make decisions in the best interests of their children, with the desire of grandparents to be an important part of their grandchildren’s lives.”

Greenskies Renewable, LLC of Middletown has been awarded a $100,000 Matching Grant and a Job Creation Incentive Loan in the amount of $250,000. A solar integrator that specializes in solar financing, system design, project implementation, coordination, long-term system monitoring and maintenance, Greenskies will hire four new employees over the next three years as they work with several major multinational corporations to scale up a number of successfully completed pilot installations at locations throughout the northeast.

“It is really great to see another business right here in our community expanding and growing with the support of the state,” said Representative Joseph Serra. “Greenskies, particularly with its mission of encouraging the use of solar energy, is a great fit for the Small Business Express program which will help add jobs to our local economy.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by DECD, offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

“From entrepreneurs creating cutting edge products in emerging industries to business leaders looking to expand long-standing companies, EXP is a program that demonstrates the state’s commitment to Connecticut’s small companies and their role in creating and protecting the jobs that will strengthen our economy,” said Governor Malloy.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.

The Department of Economic & Community Development has awarded Centerplan a $100,000 matching grant for additional office space and for equipment. An additional $500,000 loan was awarded through the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund.

“Centerplan has developed into an important part of Middletown’s business community and has earned this support of the state,” State Representative Joseph Serra (D-Middletown) said. “Because these incentives will be used to help jump-start job creation and encourage long-term economic growth, they are also good investments for taxpayers.”

Centerplan Construction was established in 2008 to serve the construction needs of its sister company Centerplan Development. Since then the company has grown, and is now planning to expand its space and operations. The company plans to add five employees to its 31-member staff in 2012 and 20 to 25 in the next five years.

“Connecticut must support its small businesses,” Governor Malloy said. “They are the foundations of local economies, helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of Connecticut residents. State investments through programs like this not only help the businesses on Main Street grow, they also aid in the state’s economic recovery.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by DECD, offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.

“The Middletown Fire Department benefit greatly from the fire training schools,” Rep. Serra said. “These fire schools provide our firefighters with the necessary tools to meet their demanding and dangerous profession and the public are ultimately the main beneficiaries of this training.”

The funding was announced today at a press conference at the State Capitol complex in Hartford. Middletown Mayor Daniel T. Drew attended the announcement and spoke of the importance of the fire schools.

In 1999 the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) launched a long-term construction plan to upgrade seven of Connecticut’s regional fire schools. To date, work at the New Haven school has been completed and work has begun on the Hartford County fire school in Windsor Locks. The other five projects are:

• Eastern Connecticut regional fire school (Willimantic)
• Fairfield regional fire school
• Burrville regional fire school (Torrington)
• Naugatuck Valley regional fire school (Beacon Falls)
• Waterbury area Wolcott regional fire school (Cheshire)

According to the CSFA there are about 26,000 firefighters in Connecticut. About 4000 are professional firefighters and more than 22,000 are volunteers.

Lottery prizes of $5,000 or more from tickets redeemed after December 30, 2011 are affected. With about $400 million in state taxes currently delinquent, Serra said the law will serve as an avenue to garner uncollected past due revenue.

“We require back property taxes to be paid when registering a car, so it makes sense to collect overdue taxes when a lottery prize is paid,” said Serra. “In addition to collecting what is already owed the state, this is also about fairness and improving public confidence in our tax system.”

Winners of the recent $254 million Powerball jackpot from a ticket purchased in Connecticut were not checked for back taxes as the prize was redeemed before the new law took effect. “The new law however helps to highlight the importance of accurately identifying winners,” Serra said.

Current state statute already requires the Connecticut Lottery Corp. to check winning tickets valued at $5,000 or more against a list of individuals delinquent on child support payments. The lottery child support collection program, begun in 2004, has brought in about $1.5 million in delinquent payments.

A few weeks ago the city’s Community Health Center received funding to expand to a new location and last Thursday it was awarded $430,000 to offer more services to children who have no access to health care.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently gave away $14 million in grants nationwide. Three recipients were of the southern New England area are organizations that manage school-based heath centers, one in Massachusetts and two in Connecticut.

The Community Health Center, established in 1972 in Middletown, was just one of the three recipients to receive funding.

“We started working on the grant last year,” CEO of the private nonprofit, Mark Masselli, said. “We’re very happy to receive it.”

Masselli said the funds will go toward Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Vinal Technical High School, both of which have health facilities designed to provide medical care to the many students who are underinsured or without any insurance at all.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 11 percent of Connecticut’s population- 380,000 people- don’t have health insurance.

A number of those people reside in Middletown and the funding, Masselli said, will help the health centers expand, add equipment and improve their electronic records or take other measures to serve more school-aged children.

More specifically, he said, the money will allow the centers to be renovated and also afford them the opportunity to purchase new equipment like exam tables and dental chairs.

Since the two centers already provide health screening and preventive care programs, students who are sick or have chronic illnesses don’t have to miss a day from school, he said.

But with this close to half a million dollar grant, Masselli said, the center will enhance their programs and services in order to “be able to make sure that children that have illnesses have access to health providers.”

State Rep. Joseph Serra, D-33, said the grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a “great thing and is raising the healthcare level for all citizens.”

“A healthy population is healthy for everyone,” Serra said. “And obviously the center is doing the job it’s supposed to do or else it wouldn’t have gotten this grant.”

He said the agency which provides primary care and social services is on the “cutting edge” in the Middlesex County area and makes certain that people of various economic statuses receive medical care.

“There’s a population out there,” Serra said, “a need for the Community Health Center.”

In the future, Masselli said, “the Community Health Center hopes to offer comprehensive primary care in every school—a full range of medical, dental and behavioral health.”

The other organizations to receive grant money were Windham Community Memorial Hospital and Hatch Hospital Corp. in Willimantic and Hilltown Community Health Centers of Worthington in Massachusetts.

Serra, House Chairman of the Legislature’s Committee on Aging, was honored at AARP’s annual Volunteer & Partner Recognition Luncheon held November 14 in Southington. AARP boasts nearly 600,000 members in Connecticut.

“Representative Serra’s vocal advocacy on behalf of home and community based services helped keep the state-funded Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders affordable, which will enable thousands of frail seniors to stay independent and continue to receive care services in their homes,” said AARP’s Connecticut Director Brenda Kelley.

“In many ways, a society is judged on how they treat their elders,” Serra said. “Connecticut’s Home Care Program not only helps more seniors stay at home where they prefer to be, but saves taxpayers money by helping to limit the need for more expensive nursing home care.”

Serra also backed legislation that requires the establishment of grievance committees at each nursing home facility. In addition, Serra is leading a taskforce looking into expanding visitation rights of grandparents.

“Local cultural landmarks and institutions essentially serve as a community’s welcome mat,” said Serra. “Support for our cultural destinations such as Oddfellows Playhouse is a solid investment which helps attract visitors and in turn helps the local economy.”

“Investing in Middletown’s arts and cultural resources brings people downtown and is great for our local economy,” said Lesser. “And investing in tourism—as Larry McHugh knows—is essential for our economy. For every dollar the state gives out through the Commission on Culture & Tourism, we see $9.30 in returns to the state and local economy.”

Connecticut’s culture and tourism industry accounts for over $14 billion in economic activity each year and directly employs 170,000 people. The state budget backed by the legislature restores funding for tourism marketing, competitive arts and culture grants, and regional tourism. It includes $15 million for statewide tourism marketing and $1.5 million for arts and culture grants. There is also $1.66 million for regional tourism districts, including the Central Connecticut Regional Tourism District which promotes the diverse attractions and institutions in central Connecticut towns including Durham, Middlefield and Middletown.

"Connecticut has remarkable assets that can give us a competitive edge in drawing people to our state," Donovan said. "Culture and tourism can help revitalize our economy in significant ways. That's why identifying ways to bring tourists, businesses or students to Connecticut is a smart investment, and one that will help move our state forward."

Leaders from local cultural organizations including Matt Pugliese, Managing Director of Oddfellows Playhouse, agreed.

“The Commission on Culture and Tourism provides critical operating support for Oddfellows Playhouse and our performing arts program for over 1,500 children each year,” said Pugliese. “We are very appreciative of the leadership and support from Representatives Serra, Lesser and Speaker Donovan during these difficult years at recognizing the impact of arts, culture and tourism on our state economy. The CCT funding allows Oddfellows to employ over 50 local artists—state residents—and strengthen our local economy, while building creative opportunities for our children."

State Reps. Joe Serra and Matt Lesser at the Middletown Senior Center speaking wiht residents about lowering electric rates.

“Most seniors live on a fixed income and rising energy costs continue to take a greater toll on their household budgets,” said Serra, who serves as House Chairman of the legislature’s Committee on Aging. “Our Middletown Senior Center is a great place to get together and let people know what is being worked on to help lower their energy costs, such as a special discount electricity rate for lower income households.”

Lesser, a member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, raised awareness of electricity scams targeting seniors and discussed the need to lower electric rates in the state. He noted that Connecticut has the highest electric rates in the continental United States, and that the disparity between Connecticut and nearby states continues to grow.

“Connecticut’s residents—especially our seniors—are desperate for lower electric rates,” said Lesser. “They need to know about ways they can lower their bills today, but need to be careful because there are some disreputable people out there trying to take advantage of people.”

“Electricity reform should be at the top of our list of reforms,” Lesser added.

Lesser was referring to legislation (SB 1 and HB 6592) supported by a wide range of groups including Connecticut’s Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), the state's advocate for utility customers, and AARP, which will lower electric rates and ensure that competitive suppliers adhere to a code of conduct in their sales practices.

The bill will reorganize the state's utility regulating agency, the Department of Utility Control (DPUC) and streamlines the way Connecticut buys its electricity for customers of CL&P and UI to help lower rates. It would enhance current consumer protections to require electric suppliers to provide customers with a written contract outlining their services, including any hidden fees or variable charges. It also would provide consumers with a three-day review period within which they can cancel a contract without penalty. A low-income discount electric rate would be established as well.

The legislation would also provide incentives to help consumers and businesses replace old, inefficient furnaces, pay for energy efficiency retrofits or purchase renewable generation systems that would reduce energy costs and stimulate job-growth in local clean energy businesses.

"It is so important that we give our seniors the chance to live independently and remain in the homes and communities where they've lived their lives," said Donovan. "One of the obstacles to that independence is the high cost of energy in Connecticut. We are looking at legislation that will reduce those costs, and I appreciate the work of Reps. Serra and Lesser to help seniors understand we are trying to help them."

Current consumer protections and ways seniors can protect themselves from scammers were also discussed. The lawmakers reminded the audience that if someone tries to pressure them into making into a deal at the door or over the phone, ask for the information in writing. They also stressed not to give or let strangers look at their electric bill and not be afraid to simply say no.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — In decades of working with senior citizens, Marie Allen has never met any who told her they wanted to grow old in a nursing home or other institutional setting.

But their wish, to age at home with the right medical and social support programs, can depend heavily on whether Connecticut changes how it allocates its Medicaid payments for many of those long-term care services.

A legislative committee, seniors' groups and their advocates are hoping Connecticut starts serious work this year toward shifting more Medicaid dollars to community-based programs and away from traditional nursing facilities.

The home-based programs usually cost less than nursing homes, which officials say could help Connecticut slow its Medicaid spending. Seniors' advocates say it also gives aging and disabled residents what they want: independence for as long as possible.

"In all of the counseling I've done in 20 years, that is the number one question: 'How do I remain home?'" said Allen, executive director of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and Independent Living.

The Connecticut General Assembly's Aging Committee is considering a bill to set up a study group to help promote what's known as "aging in place." Allen was among several people who testified last week on the bill, which would require the full General Assembly's approval to go into effect.

If created, the study group would examine everything from rebalancing the Medicaid spending priorities to quality of life issues like better transportation options for non-drivers, more oversight of home care workers and ensuring elderly and disabled people living at home have access to healthy, fresh foods.

The goal: to suggest ways to change policies, improve programs and reallocate spending to make "aging in place" become the norm for those who are able to remain in their homes and do not want to live in nursing facilities.

"This is, I think, the new wave of the future in how we treat our elderly," said Connecticut state Rep. Joseph Serra, a Democrat from Middletown who is co-chairman of the legislature's aging committee. "There's potential for tremendous savings for the state of Connecticut in how services are provided, and the bottom line is that seniors want to stay in their home or apartment as long as possible.

"How we treat our seniors is a testimony to who we are as a people," Serra said.

Officials say that while there will always be a need for nursing homes and other kinds of congregate living for people who need more supervision and intensive care, many people who could stay home with proper help are ending up in nursing homes simply because that's what Medicaid pays for.

Connecticut spends 35 percent of its Medicaid money on community-based programs, close to the national average for the states. The rest goes for nursing home care and similar institutional-style living.

About a dozen states spend more than 50 percent of their Medicaid money on programs to help people age at home. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico spend the largest percentage — about three of every four dollars — on community-based programs to promote aging in place.

A survey released this week by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP shows four of every five people polled supported the idea of shifting more money to community-based services and away from traditional nursing home care.

The respondents, who were all 50 and older, also overwhelmingly said growing old in their own homes was extremely or very important to them.

The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut said about 188,000 state residents needed long-term care as of 2008, the most recent figures immediately available. That was expected to reach at least 240,000 by 2030 as baby boomers age.

Many of the people surveyed for UConn's report said that as they age at home, they expect to need help in everything from personal care to transportation, lawn maintenance, snow removal and handyman services.

Yet most also said they expect to have very little or no money to pay for it — and they wrongly assume Medicare, private insurance and Medicaid cover far more for at-home help than they actually do.