HARTFORD — Rep. John W. "Jack" Thompson, D-Manchester, was honored Thursday at the Capitol as he approaches the end of his 13th and final term in the House of Representatives.

Thompson was invited to be a guest speaker of the house, leading debate on a bill.

"Now we can take up the budget," Thompson joked as he stepped to the dais.

He led the debate as members spoke to honor him — and roast him a bit. And seven times Thompson had to use his gavel to end cheering, standing ovations.

House Minority Leader Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, razzed Thompson, who often tells long stories in explaining his position on a bill. Those stories give representatives a chance to use the bathroom, or take a nap, Cafero said.

"We on this side of the aisle also are appreciative of such opportunities," he said.

Cafero also praised Thompson for his work at the Capitol over 26 years. "There is a great amount of respect for you because you, my friend, you walk the walk and talk the talk," Cafero said, adding that Thompson puts the disadvantaged ahead of everyone.

House Majority Leader Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, said that because of Thompson, representatives know every nuance of Federally Qualified Health Centers — which Thompson finds a way to tout the benefits of in nearly every debate he joins.

The comment drew a standing ovation. And Sharkey continued: "Before you gavel us all down completely, you have been a guiding star for many us here in the chamber … in your undying devotion to the poor, the underprivileged, and children in our society."

Thompson thanked those of both parties for their support. "On issues that were important to me there was a great deal of bipartisan support," he said. He added that the state has come a long way in providing community services for those with mental health and cognitive development issues.

And to Cafero, Thompson responded: "You're very interesting to listen to — sometimes."

"It's been an honor for me to be here," Thompson said. "I never though this would happen."

With that, Thompson called for the representatives to vote. They passed a bill that would give the state claims commissioner more time to handle a lawsuit from a man called Sylvester Lee Tucker. And Thompson stepped down from the dais to a final standing ovation and cheers.

While Thompson made his way back to his seat, Rep. Henry J. Genga of East Hartford complimented him. "I didn't know you could do such a good job at that," Genga said.

Thompson had never run the debate on a bill, and the move to call him to the dais was a surprise, he said.

The state House of Representatives on Thursday honored two well-known legislators who are retiring at the end of the year.

Rep. Jack Thompson, a Manchester Democrat who is one of the longest-serving House Democrats, is retiring after 26 years. Rep. John Hetherington, a New Canaan Republican, is stepping down after 10 years.

House Republican leader Larry Cafero of Norwalk, Majority Leader J. Brendan Sharkey of Hamden, and veteran Democrat Terry Backer of Stratford all stood Thursday to praise Thompson.

“I appreciate the remarks made by Representative Cafero. You’re very interesting to listen to – sometimes,” Thompson joked from the speaker’s dais. “It’s been an honor to be here this long. I never thought this would happen I’ll be back to say hello at hearings. I do have some continuing interest on issues.”

Thompson served with some of the giants of the legislature, including Rep. William Dyson of New Haven and the late Richard Tulisano of Rocky Hill. He worked closely with Dyson, the longtime co-chairman of the appropriations committee, and supported Dyson during his unsuccessful run to be House Speaker.

As Hetherington was in the chair on Thursday afternoon, he was moderating the debate between Cafero and Rep. Stephen Dargan, the co-chairman of the legislature’s public safety committee for the past 22 years.

When Dargan was ready to talk about the bill, Hetherington said, “Representative Dargan, will you prepare yourself?”

“I sure will, Mr. Speaker,” Dargan responded.

When Cafero and Dargan were going back and forth, Hetherington quickly interrupted Dargan and said, “Representative, will you go through the chair?”

The crowd laughed and applauded before the exchange continued.

“We don’t have that thing often, but when we do, we know how to use it,” Cafero said of the Speaker’s gavel.

HARTFORD — State Rep. John W. Thompson, D-Manchester, on Friday won a lifetime achievement award from the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.

Thompson, 79, recently decided not to seek re-election after 26 years in the General Assembly.

He played significant roles in creating the HUSKY health insurance program for children and the Child Poverty Council, and was the first chairman of the legislature’s Select Committee on Children, Maggie Adair, executive director of the alliance, said.

“I’ve been very privileged to work with so many good people to create these important programs,” Thompson said. “There’s still much work to be done for children and I look forward to being a part of those efforts when I leave the legislature this year.”

Thompson also chaired the task force that created the Connecticut Healthy Family program, now known as Nurturing Connecticut, which provides services to at-risk families to prevent child abuse and neglect. And he helped expand another program called Healthy Start, which provides services to at-risk pregnant women.

The Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals that focuses on children from birth until age 8. The group says its members employ more than 3,000 people and care for nearly 20,000 children.

Commending his lifetime dedication and commitment to children, Maggie Adair, executive director of the alliance, said Thompson, who has served 26 years in the legislature, was the driving force behind several crucial programs created for children during his long legislative career. 

“In particular, his stewardship of the HUSKY Health program and his focus on children’s health has been instrumental in improving the lives of children in need,” Adair said.

“Jack guided the legislature’s attention to children as the first chair of the Select Committee on Children, a committee he has been a longtime member of, and as an outspoken advocate on children’s issues,” Adair said.

“I’ve been very privileged to work with so many good people to create these important programs,” Thompson said. “There’s still much work to be done for children and I look forward to being a part of those efforts when I leave the legislature this year.”

Thompson, 79, announced recently that he will retire at the end of the year after serving 13 two-year terms as a state representative.

“Jack was also instrumental in creating the Child Poverty Council through legislation he led. The council later merged with the CT Prevention Council to create the Child Poverty and Prevention Council,” Adair said.

Sen. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), who also received an award for championing the causes of children, said that Thompson was the one person who motivated others in the legislature to support new programs for children.

“As a member of the Committee on Children and the Human Services Committee, Jack has made significant contributions to our state, working tirelessly with colleagues to improve the lives of children and families,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden).

Thompson also served as chair of the task force that created the Connecticut Healthy Family program, now known as Nurturing Connecticut, which provides early intervention services to at-risk families to prevent child abuse and neglect. A companion program, Healthy Start, which provides early intervention to at-risk pregnant women, was significantly expanded as a result of action recommended by the human services sub-committee, which Thompson co-chaired with Sen. Edith Prague (D–Columbia).

The Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals, such as the Alliance for Bloomfield's Children and Hartford Area Childhood Collaborative, committed to improving the lives of children from birth through age eight. Member organizations employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children.

Paul Waters, who operates a program in Manchester for drunken drivers, said he didn’t know lawmakers had written his program off the books until clients stopped showing up in January.

“We lost all our business,” Waters said. His company, the Commonwealth Group on Center Street, was one of three programs in Connecticut that the Department of Motor Vehicles had authorized to operate an evaluation and treatment program for those convicted of drunken driving.

But the budget that state lawmakers and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed off on last year removed that requirement. Court probation officers now handle any substance-abuse treatment that drunken drivers need.

The budget also reduced from one year to 45 days the license suspension for drivers arrested for the first time on a drunken driving charge and required that those drivers install an ignition interlock device, which measures a driver’s blood-alcohol level before allowing the car to start. Previous law had required the device for a second arrest but not for the first.

Two area lawmakers want to restore the substance-abuse treatment program.

Reps. Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) and Jack Thompson (D-Manchester) support legislation that again would require the program. The measure also aims to catch some 21,000 people who some officials say never had enrolled in the program and now don’t have to in order to get their licenses back.

Michael P. Lawlor, Malloy’s undersecretary for criminal justice policy, is lukewarm to the change. Malloy supported the changes in law last year.

“The law cannot allow these 21,000 chronic alcohol abusers who are mandated to complete this program to get a pardon,” Genga told Judiciary Committee members last month.

Genga touted the program’s success. It has a 7 percent recidivism rate, which means 93 percent of the people who go through the program don’t get stopped again for drunken driving, he said.

Thompson pointed out that offenders were required to pay for the program.

“It doesn’t cost the state anything to continue this program,” Thompson said. “It is a demonstration of their responsibility and meeting that responsibility.”

Lawlor said lawmakers are welcome to require the programs again. “If the legislature wants to add this back, that’s fine. It’s not a bad idea, necessarily,” he said.

By law, the licenses of those convicted a third time for drunken driving are revoked. Offenders may reapply for a license in six years. They then must use an automobile ignition interlock device, which detects blood-alcohol levels, for 10 years.

A bill that was approved by the state Legislature's joint Judiciary Committee on Monday reduces the waiting time for a new license from six to two years, but mandates the use of the interlock device for the rest of the driver's life.

At first glance, the change might seem to ease the penalty on three-time losers, but in fact it simply acknowledges a reality: Most repeat DUI offenders drive even without a valid license. The new provision reduces the no-license time so they may legally get to and from work, while effectively eliminating their driving while intoxicated. It's a common-sense adjustment.

The bill also includes a provision that unaccountably was taken out of the drunken-driving statutes last year. As The Courant's Jon Lender recently reported, before 2012, repeat offenders had to complete a 15-month education and counseling program at their own expense. That requirement is no longer state law, and it's difficult to say why not.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the program was 93 percent successful in keeping participants from driving again while drunk. And it cost the state nothing. Why get rid of an apparently effective, life-saving freebie?

Perhaps the requirement got caught up in the statewide move to promote government efficiency, although there are hints that a tussle over who should handle the rehabilitation of drunken drivers — the DMV or the Judicial Branch's parole and probation wing — was a factor.

Exactly how this worthwhile initiative fell into the cracks is moot. The point now, as state Reps. Jack Thompson of Manchester and Henry Genga of East Hartford recently commented, is that "the state cannot allow 21,000 chronic alcohol abusers, who were mandated to complete this program, to get a pardon."

They are right. Legislators should pass the bill, complete with its restoration of the education program.

Former mayor of Manchester and current state Rep. John W. Thompson (D-13), the assistant majority whip, announced that he will retire from the legislature at the end of the year and will not seek a 14th, two-year term this November.

"After many years in the legislature, I decided it was time to have someone else take over the reins. This also gives me more time to pursue the issues that are dear to my heart," said Thompson.

Upon hearing this announcement, Thompson's colleagues in the legislature heaped praise on his dedication and many years of service.

"I've known Jack Thompson for many years, first as a reporter for the Courant and in recent years as his press spokesman at the legislature," said Dan Uhlinger, press secretary for Democratic Caucus in the Connecticut House of Representatives. "Undoubtedly, he is a man of unquestionable character. Jack is a dedicated advocate for children and families. He also understands the challenges small business owners face and has championed their cause, as well."

Thompson was first elected to the legislature in 1986 and is currently a member of the Select Committee on Children, and the Human Services and Appropriations committees. He plans to continue advocating for children and access to healthcare for everyone. He also has an interest to remain active in local politics.

"While I'm leaving the legislature, I do want to continue to work on those issues that are important to me: community-based issues such as education and healthcare for those who do not have easy access," said Thompson.

Thompson has worked to improve access to affordable healthcare. The expansion of federally-qualified health care centers to all communities across the state has been his hallmark goal and one that he intends to pursue even after he leaves the legislature.

"Ever since the early 1990s, he has fought for children, so much that he was chosen to serve as the first chairman of the legislature's Select Committee on Children. Jack also was instrumental in the development and implementation of the HUSKY insurance for low-income children and their families. He helped establish the Poverty Council," said Uhlinger.

Although Thompson is leaving the legislature after 26 years, he intends to continue devoting himself to Manchester residents on the local level, serving in various capacities for the Democratic Town Committee and on healthcare issues.

"For 26 years, Jack Thompson's passion has been how he could best serve the people of Manchester's 13th District and on how he could make the lives of Connecticut residents better," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden).

Donovan went on to speak about what it was like working with Thompson and the type of person he is.

"He served admirably, with integrity, compassion and distinction. His commitment to healthcare for those less fortunate was unwavering," Donovan said. "As a member of the Committee on Children and Human Services Committee, he has made significant contributions to our state, working tirelessly with colleagues to improve the lives of children and families. He is a wise man of uncommon dignity, and he will be greatly missed."

Thompson coordinated the Democratic response to welfare reform in the 1995-96 and 1997 sessions. He was also responsible in these sessions for the coordination of the House Democratic position on children's issues, including the healthcare of children. He has continued on in a leadership role in welfare reform and children's health issues.

"While he will no longer serve as a legislature, his impact will still be felt because he is the type of person who never gives up working for Manchester and its residents," said Uhlinger.

Thompson added, "In my career as a legislator, we have deinstitutionalized mental health and programs for the developmentally-disabled and moved them in a successful transition to community-based services. It has been an extraordinary honor to represent the residents of Manchester over three decades, and I thank them for the trust and support they have given me."

Sometimes the state legislature inadvertently takes a step backward as it pushes forward in an effort to deal with a social problem.

That's what some Connecticut lawmakers think happened last year when the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy pushed landmark legislation through the General Assembly to overhaul the state's system of dealing with drunken drivers.

Here's the story in brief: For 16 years, if you had two or more drunken-driving offenses, then you couldn't get your license back until you completed a 15-month course of counseling and education that began with a 48-hour hotel stay with other multiple DUI offenders. Three major vendors ran those programs under contract with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

But those programs — which claimed to be 93 percent successful, with a "recidivism" rate of only 7 percent, based on DMV statistics — ended on Jan. 1, the effective date of the new drunken-driving bill.

Last year's bill shifted the fight against drunken driving toward a new technology — the "ignition interlock device," an electronic breath analyzer connected to the ignition system of a car or truck that prevents a drunken driver from starting a vehicle. And, in the process, it repealed a long-standing law that required repeat drunken-driving offenders to complete the 15-month programs before they could get their licenses back.

As a result, there remain about 21,000 people who lost their drivers' licenses because of multiple DUI offenses but never completed the required courses — and because the courses are no longer required after this past Jan. 1, those drunken drivers can just pay a $175 "restoration fee" and regain their licenses, critics say.

It's a case of throwing out something good in the process of trying to make progress in new directions, two Democratic lawmakers said last week.

"The state cannot allow 21,000 chronic alcohol abusers, who were mandated to complete this program, to get a pardon," state Reps. Henry Genga of East Hartford and Jack Thompson of Manchester said last week in written testimony to the legislature's judiciary committee.

They testified in support of a new drunken-driving bill that would fine-tune some of the provisions of last year's legislation — and, in particular, reinstate the requirement that the multiple drunken-driving offenders go through the 15-month program before they can get their licenses back.

The section of the statutes that was repealed last year "must be reinstated" to restore the requirement that the repeat drunken-driving offenders go through the course before getting their licenses back, Thompson and Genga said.

"Without the Multiple Offender Drunken Driving Program, Connecticut has no program designed to address this group of chronic alcohol abusers," they said. The best way to deal with this group is via "thorough assessment, education, peer intervention, treatment and aftercare follow-up," they said.

The program doesn't cost the state anything, because the offenders have to pay the fee of $800 to $900 themselves, Genga and Thompson said.

Why would the Malloy administration and legislature repeal the requirement for drunken drivers to go through such a program?

Former judiciary committee co-chairman Michael Lawlor, now the head of criminal justice policy and planning in Malloy's budget office, said the move wasn't inadvertent, nor was it a step backward. He said it was just one of many elements to last year's legislation, which included an administrative shift of responsibility for drunken-drivers' alcoholism treatment from the DMV to the Judicial Branch's parole and probation officers.

The drunken-driver programs that the new legislation repealed were not the only alcoholism treatment that offenders were required to undergo, Lawlor said. Such offenders also were required by the criminal justice system to undergo treatment. The consensus last year was that for purposes of efficiency and avoiding duplication, it would be better if the DMV didn't handle the programs and probation personnel took it over, Lawlor said.

But supporters of the programs that were discontinued Jan. 1 said that the treatment ordered by probation officers might not be the same for all offenders, and might not be as effective or consistent.

Lawlor said Friday that neither he nor the Malloy administration is opposing the proposal to restore the programs that ended Jan. 1. He said that if the reinstatement brings some duplication with other treatment programs, which are already being ordered by probation personnel to individuals, there's no harm done.

"It certainly is not a bad idea to make these offenders do more stuff," Lawlor said. "If it can be done through probation, great. But if the legislature wants to reinstate these education programs … it can't hurt."

The three vendors for the 16-year-old program — the Commonwealth Group of Manchester, Bridgeport-based Connecticut Renaissance, and the Danbury–based Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism — have joined to hire a lobbyist for $12,000 to push for reinstatement of their programs, state records show.

Reinstating the programs is only part of what this year's drunken-driving bill would do.

It also would continue the shift in emphasis in last year's bill away from long suspensions of drunken-drivers' licenses toward shorter license suspensions in conjunction with lengthy requirements for drunken drivers to have their cars and trucks equipped with ignition interlock devices.

Last year's bill, for example, changed the penalty for a third drunken-driving offense from the old one — a year's license suspension, followed by two years of mandatory use of the ignition interlock device — to a 45-day suspension that's followed by three years' use of the ignition interlock device.

This year's bill pushes things further in that direction.

For example, the old system required that after a fourth offense, a drunken driver's license would be revoked for at least six years, after which he or she could apply for reinstatement but would have to use an ignition interlock device for 10 years. This year's bill would enable such a repeat offender to reapply for his or her license after two years. If approved, he or she would have to drive a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for life.

The shift away from long license suspensions toward shorter ones — with longer ignition interlock device usage — is an acknowledgment of "two harsh realities," said Democratic Rep. Tom Reynolds of Ledyard.

"License suspensions and fines do not change the behaviors of repeat DUI offenders, and three out of four offenders with suspended licenses drive anyway," Reynolds told the judiciary committee last week in testimony supporting this year's drunken-driving bill. "This is why states are adopting the mandatory use of [ignition interlock devices] for repeat offenders as the most effective strategy for changing offenders' behaviors, while allowing offenders to drive to and from work."

That approach has the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which was heavily involved with the administration in developing last year's bill and is supporting this year's bill, too.

Thompson said the legislation specifically prohibits oil wholesalers and distributers (those who pay the gross receipts tax) from passing on anything purporting to be based on the tax for the portion of any sales price over $3 a gallon.

“This legislation could not come at a better time for hard working families who are already overburdened and struggling,” Thompson said. “Gas prices have risen 15 percent since the beginning of the year and this legislation will provide immediate relief at a time when it is most needed.”

Large wholesalers in violation of profiteering statutes have much greater impact on consumers than individual retailers, so the legislation specifically grants the commissioner of the Department of Consumer authority to impose CUPTA fines of up to $10,000 upon large gasoline wholesalers and distributors who are in violation of profiteering laws.

The state’s petroleum profiteering law was also amended by today’s legislation to include an automatic trigger, based on extreme wholesale price increases, for price gouging protections to go into effect.

“This should prevent big oil companies from taking advantage and reaping any unjustified benefits,” Thompson said.

The bill, which is now headed to the governor for his signature, institutes similar profiteering protections in regards to home heating oil.

John W. Thompson, a Democrat who has represented Manchester in the General Assembly since 1986, has announced that he does not plan to seek another term in November.

State Representative John W. Thompson, D-Manchester, the assistant majority whip, has announced that he will retire from the legislature at the end of this year and not seek a 14th two-year term in the November election.

A former mayor of Manchester, Thompson was first elected to the legislature in 1986 and currently is a member of the Select Committee on Children and the Human Services and Appropriations committees.

"After many years in the legislature I decided it was time to have someone else take over the reins," Thompson said. "This also gives me more time to pursue the issues that are dear to my heart."

Thompson plans to continue advocating for children and access to health care for everyone. He also wants to remain active in local politics.

"While I'm leaving the legislature, I do want to continue to work on those issues that are important to me: community-based issues such as education and healthcare for those who do not have easy access," he said.

Thompson's colleagues in the legislature heaped praise on his dedication and many years of service.

"For 26 years, Jack Thompson's passion has been how he could best serve the people of Manchester's 13th District and on how he could make the lives of Connecticut residents better," said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden).

"He served admirably, with integrity, compassion and distinction. His commitment to health care for those less fortunate was unwavering. As a member of the Committee on Children and the Human Services Committee, he has made significant contributions to our state, working tirelessly with colleagues to improve the lives of children and families. He is a wise man of uncommon dignity, and he will be greatly missed," Donovan said.

"Jack Thompson has been a powerful advocate for the people of his district and made many accomplishments as a champion for children," House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said. "His contributions to the safety and well-being of children and families go beyond Manchester to all of Connecticut and will have a lasting impact far into the future."

"It has been an extraordinary honor to represent the residents of Manchester over three decades and I thank them for the trust and support they have given to me," Thompson said. "In my career as a legislator, we have deinstitutionalized mental health and programs for the developmentally disabled and moved them in a successful transition to community-based services."

Thompson coordinated the Democratic response to welfare reform in the 1995-96 and 1997 sessions. He was also responsible in these sessions for the coordination of the House Democratic position on children's issues, including the health care of children. He has continued on in a leadership role in welfare reform and children's health issue. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the HUSKY insurance for low income children and their families. Thompson also instrumented the establishment of the Poverty Council.

Thompson formerly served as the original chair of the Select Committee on Children. He also served as chair of the task force, which created the Connecticut Healthy Family program, now known as Nurturing Connecticut, which provides early intervention services to at-risk families to prevent child abuse and neglect. A companion program, Healthy Start, which provides early intervention to at-risk pregnant women, was significantly expanded as a result of action recommended by the human services sub-committee, which Thompson co-chaired with Sen. Edith Prague (D–Columbia).

In 1998 the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics presented to Thompson, the E. Maurice Wakeman Award in recognition of his "Commitment and dedicated service towards improving the lives of children and their families." Also in 1998, Thompson received the "Connecticut Primary Care Association's Annual Award for Commitment to Community Health." In 1999 he was the first recipient of the "First For Kids Award," an award made in honor of recently deceased Dr. Albert J. Solnit, former Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services by Connecticut Voices for Children. The award recognized Thompson's leadership in improving mental health services for Connecticut's children. In 2004 the National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut, honored Thompson as Legislator of the Year.

Representative Thompson has been previously honored by human service organizations including: The Phoebe Bennet Award by the Connecticut Association of Mental Health Clinics for Children: Outstanding Contributions To Mental Health Services For Children, Connecticut Association of Human Services: Legislative Leadership award for Welfare Reform and Children's issues. Connecticut Coalition for Children: 1992 Visionary Leadership Award for the Connecticut Child Plan. Family Services Agencies of Connecticut: Legislator of the Year, 1991. Connecticut Alliance for the Mentally Ill: Leadership Award, 1992.

A former mayor of Manchester, Thompson was first elected to the legislature in 1986 and currently is a member of the Select Committee on Children and the Human Services and Appropriations committees.

“After many years in the legislature I decided it was time to have someone else take over the reins,” Thompson said. “This also gives me more time to pursue the issues that are dear to my heart.”

Thompson plans to continue advocating for children and access to health care for everyone. He also wants to remain active in local politics.

“While I’m leaving the legislature, I do want to continue to work on those issues that are important to me: community-based issues such as education and healthcare for those who do not have easy access,” he said.

Thompson’s colleagues in the legislature heaped praise on his dedication and many years of service.

“For 26 years, Jack Thompson’s passion has been how he could best serve the people of Manchester’s 13th District and on how he could make the lives of Connecticut residents better,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden).

“He served admirably, with integrity, compassion and distinction. His commitment to health care for those less fortunate was unwavering. As a member of the Committee on Children and the Human Services Committee, he has made significant contributions to our state, working tirelessly with colleagues to improve the lives of children and families. He is a wise man of uncommon dignity, and he will be greatly missed,” Donovan said.

“Jack Thompson has been a powerful advocate for the people of his district and made many accomplishments as a champion for children,” House Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) said. “His contributions to the safety and well-being of children and families go beyond Manchester to all of Connecticut and will have a lasting impact far into the future.”

“It has been an extraordinary honor to represent the residents of Manchester over three decades and I thank them for the trust and support they have given to me,” Thompson said. “In my career as a legislator, we have deinstitutionalized mental health and programs for the developmentally disabled and moved them in a successful transition to community-based services.”

Thompson coordinated the Democratic response to welfare reform in the 1995-96 and 1997 sessions. He was also responsible in these sessions for the coordination of the House Democratic position on children’s issues, including the health care of children. He has continued on in a leadership role in welfare reform and children’s health issue.  He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the HUSKY insurance for low income children and their families. Thompson also instrumented the establishment of the Poverty Council.

Thompson formerly served as the original chair of the Select Committee on Children. He also served as chair of the task force, which created the Connecticut Healthy Family program, now known as Nurturing Connecticut, which provides early intervention services to at-risk families to prevent child abuse and neglect. A companion program, Healthy Start, which provides early intervention to at-risk pregnant women, was significantly expanded as a result of action recommended by the human services sub-committee, which Thompson co-chaired with Sen. Edith Prague (D–Columbia).

In 1998 the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics presented to Thompson, the E. Maurice Wakeman Award in recognition of his “Commitment and dedicated service towards improving the lives of children and their families.” Also in 1998, Thompson received the “Connecticut Primary Care Association’s Annual Award for Commitment to Community Health.” In 1999 he was the first recipient of the “First For Kids Award,” an award made in honor of recently deceased Dr. Albert J. Solnit, former Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services by Connecticut Voices for Children. The award recognized Thompson’s leadership in improving mental health services for Connecticut’s children. In 2004 the National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut, honored Thompson as Legislator of the Year.

Representative Thompson has been previously honored by human service organizations including: The Phoebe Bennet Award by the Connecticut Association of Mental Health Clinics for Children: Outstanding Contributions To Mental Health Services For Children, Connecticut Association of Human Services: Legislative Leadership award for Welfare Reform and Children’s issues. Connecticut Coalition for Children: 1992 Visionary Leadership Award for the Connecticut Child Plan. Family Services Agencies of Connecticut: Legislator of the Year, 1991. Connecticut Alliance for the Mentally Ill: Leadership Award, 1992.

“We need to stand strong behind the Affordable Care Act,” Thompson said. “The act has already provided benefits to children with pre-existing conditions, who can no longer be denied health insurance. Also because of the act, individuals no longer can be dropped from coverage when they get sick. People from Connecticut and across the country have been helped.”

“In these difficult economic times, affordable health care for everyone has become more important than ever,” Genga said. “Because of the federal act, more residents will save money on their health care when the law is fully implemented in 2014.”

In conjunction with the Working Group of State Legislators for Health Reform, hundreds of lawmakers from across the nation joined forces to announce and demonstrate their support of the amicus brief. The legislators’ brief argues that the Constitution gives broad power to the federal government to act in cases where a national solution is necessary. The Affordable Care Act capitalizes on state innovations by setting a minimum coverage floor and giving states considerable policy flexibility.

“I am proud that our state is moving forward to implement the Affordable Care Act. It is making a difference in the lives of our constituents already: thousands have benefitted from the protections against insurance company abuses, lower out of pocket costs for seniors and tax credits for small employers,” Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) said. “Health care is a national problem that no state has been able to solve alone – it requires a federal partner and a national solution. Our implementation efforts should not be derailed by baseless constitutional challenges.”

“We cannot afford to lose the progress already made by giving in to political pressures that in the end will only hurt working families, small businesses and seniors. We will continue to push forward in implementing the Act so that our families can get the care they need,” said Rep. Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford/Montville), House chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee.

The show of support for the Affordable Care Act in Connecticut was part of a larger demonstration of support for the law across the nation this week, as over 500 state legislators representing all 50 states signed on to the Amicus Brief defending the law. The brief will be filed this Friday and was prepared in conjunction with the Working Group of State Legislators for Health Reform (a national group of state legislators working to advance health reform and implement the Affordable Care Act), Progressive States Network, and the Constitutional Accountability Center.

Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester) did not attend the press conference but signed the amicus brief.

The full text of the amicus brief will be available at: www.progressivestates.org/ACAamicus

“I am particularly proud to have co-sponsored the paint stewardship bill this year, legislation that has been signed into law,” Thompson said. “It is important that consumers have a safe and convenient way to dispose of the potentially harmful products in architectural paint.”

The annual environmental scorecard grades state lawmakers based on how they vote on significant environmental legislation. This year the scorecard grades legislators’ votes on twelve bills that came up during the 2011 legislative session.

Thompson was just one of 29 state representatives — less than 20 percent of the Connecticut House — to earn a rating of 100 percent.

“I’m honored that the League of Conservation Voters has recognized me with this prestigious award,” said Thompson. “Protecting open space, water and the air in Connecticut will always be a top priority for me.”

David Bingham, co-chair of the league, said of the legislators who received high scores, “despite the pressures of economic distress, they upheld policies that are critical to providing clean air and water and make Connecticut an inviting state to do business.”

Formed in 1998, the bipartisan league works on laws that affect Connecticut's air, water, wildlife, open space, transportation, energy choices, and health.

The Manchester state legislative delegation offered their thanks to Governor Dannel Malloy, House Speaker Chris Donovan and Senate President Don Williams for supporting the efforts to acquire the funding.

In its plans to make the Whiton Library compliant with ADA standards, library officials will install a new elevator, upgrade bathrooms, and complete other repairs. The state grant will total $425,00 and the Town of Manchester will provide matching funds for the project.

Also part of the state funding, Manchester is slated to receive $165,000 for the repaving of the parking lot at Manchester Superior Court. In addition, Manchester Community College will receive funds as part of a total $5 million dollar project. The funds will be used for upgrading technology equipment including servers, routers, wiring and wireless software.

“These projects not only add to the quality of life for Manchester, but every dollar of state funding we secure for our community helps stabilize local property taxes,” State Representative John Thompson said.

“This library infrastructure and accessibility improvement in my district creates jobs and improves the economy in Manchester's north end,” said Rep. Geoff Luxenberg. “The support our current leadership team continues to show in Manchester is encouraging.”

“These improvements to the Whiton Library are particularly important because they are long overdue. I understand there has been a lot of focus lately on the main library and its expansion plans, but the Whiton branch has always been a valuable asset to the community and it serves and these handicapped-accessible improvements are necessary,” said state Sen. Steve Cassano.

Also part of the state funding, Manchester is slated to receive $165,000 for the repaving of the parking lot at Manchester Superior Court.

“I'm also pleased with the state investment in the courthouse. There was a time not too long ago when there was debate about closing the courthouse, but this investment indicates to me that Connecticut is committed to maintaining this facility,” Cassano said.

The Whiton Memorial Library Branch will receive $425,000 to make the facility ADA compliant. The library is planning on a new elevator, new bathrooms and other repairs to bring it up to code and compliance standards. The town of Manchester will match this state grant.

 “This library infrastructure and accessibility improvement in my district creates jobs and improves the economy in Manchester's north end,” said Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester). “The support our current leadership team continues to show in Manchester is encouraging.”

“These improvements to the Whiton Library are particularly important because they are long overdue. I understand there has been a lot of focus lately on the main library and its expansion plans, but the Whiton branch has always been a valuable asset to the community and it serves and these handicapped-accessible improvements are necessary,” said state Sen. Steve Cassano (D-Manchester). “I'm also pleased with the state investment in the courthouse. There was a time not too long ago when there was debate about closing the courthouse, but this investment indicates to me that Connecticut is committed to maintaining this facility.”

"These projects not only add to the quality of life for Manchester, but every dollar of state funding we secure for our community helps stabilize local property taxes," Thompson said.

In addition, Manchester is expected to receive $165,000 for parking lot repaving at Manchester Superior Court.

MANCHESTER — The state will likely fund about half of the $6.2 million cost of planned apartments for moderate-income seniors on Hartford Road, officials said Friday.

The proposed $3,096,502 grant is on the State Bond Commission's agenda for Sept. 23, according to Dan Uhlinger, House Democrats' press secretary.

The Orford Village Housing Development Corp. has proposed 44 rental units for tenants age 62 and over. The nonprofit organization has received most of the required local permits and the plan is now under final administrative review, according to Mark Pellegrini, the town's director of neighborhood services and economic development.

The housing complex, to be called Krause Gardens, is to be built at 619 Hartford Road on the site of the former Krause nursery, Orford board member Carl Zinsser said. Pending approval of state funding, the Housing Authority of Manchester is to sell a 2-acre parcel to Orford for $263,000, Zinsser said.

State Rep. Jack Thompson, D-Manchester, said he pushed for state money for the Hartford Road project because of the pressing need for low- and moderate-income senior housing in town. People in their 60s and 70s are having a tough time maintaining homes on retirement income that "is not going as far as it should," Thompson said.

Zinsser said the Orford board also is waiting for a loan from Rockville Bank for the other half of the project funds. If all the funding comes through, groundbreaking would begin as soon as possible, Zinsser said.

“These sidewalks are in serious need of replacement, many original to 1950’s era housing,” said Rep. Luxenberg. “When we went door to door during my first campaign to represent the north-end of Manchester in the State House - people told me they wanted two things - jobs and better sidewalks - and now thanks to this delegation and Governor Malloy - we have delivered both. The feedback has been nothing but positive.”

Construction of the final phase is anticipated to begin toward the end of summer and completion is expected to take three months and wrap up before the end of the construction season. The project funding will provide six to eight construction positions.

“I would l like to thank Governor Malloy for his support of this project and Rep. Luxemberg for taking the lead on securing these funds for the Green Manor neighborhood,” said Rep. Rojas. “The replacement of sidewalks is usually something we take for granted but it’s been my experience that proper maintenance of sidewalks leads to a higher quality of life for residents, reduced costs over the long run and a reduction in tripping accidents which can lead to costly litigation for the town”

The sidewalks will be standard concrete and are anticipated to last another 60 years. They will be a foot wider (5.5 feet) than the old sidewalks with intersections ADA compliant with ramps. Local drainage issues will be addressed as well.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to complete phase 3 of the sidewalk replacements thanks to the funding from the state,” said Mark Carlino, Director of Public Works in Manchester. “We completed phase one last year and will complete phase two within a month.”

The bill now heads to Governor Malloy who has promised to sign the bill into law.

“This is a day of historic achievement,” Thompson said. “With the governor’s signature, Connecticut will become the first state in the nation to enact such legislation, sending a clear message across the country that our state is open for healthy business.”

The bill provides paid sick leave to service workers such as those in the food and health care industries. The bill excludes manufacturers and certain non-profit organizations. The bill does not require covered employers to provide paid sick leave to day or temporary workers or non-hourly employees such as salaried employees.

“This is simply good public policy and will create good morale in the workplace and a healthier and safer environment for employees and customers,” Thompson said. “Manchester has a history of building a stronger community and serving people who need help. This bill goes a long way toward that goal.”

Under the bill, service employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked. The number of permitted sick days is capped at five per year.

The earliest service workers can begin accruing sick leave is Jan. 1, 2012. The workers must have worked for the employer for at least 680 hours and worked an average of at least 10 hours a week for the employer in the most recently completed calendar quarter.

HARTFORD — Manchester is now slated to receive $3 million in state funding for a reconstruction of Broad Street near the abandoned part of the Parkade strip mall, after the money was approved for release Friday by the State Bond Commission.

The money will go toward the town’s “streetscape” project, which has been in the works for six years. Plans call for reconstructing Broad Street between Center Street and East Middle Turnpike to make the street and lanes uniform widths, fix drainage problems, and add sidewalks on both sides. Garden medians, brick-paved crosswalks, and trees to camouflage overhead power lines also are part of the plan.

Members of Manchester’s legislative delegation celebrated the news this month when they learned the funding was likely to be released.

“This $3 million is a wonderful investment in our community, the redevelopment of Broad Street, and its old Parkade plaza.” Democratic Rep. John W. Thompson said.

The Bond Commission, which gives the final approval for state borrowing and releases the funds for lawmaker-approved projects, also released nearly $90 million of state money to build the controversial New Britain-to-Hartford busway, as well as funding technology upgrades at community colleges in Manchester and Enfield.

In Manchester, the Broad Street project is expected to cost $5 million. The town’s Board of Directors has earmarked $2 million to match the state funds, but the town’s borrowing hasn’t been authorized yet. The money could come from the $8 million in bonding that voters approved in 2009 for a larger Broad Street and Parkade redevelopment plan.

Plans for Broad Street include tearing down vacant buildings in and near the Parkade and turning the property over to a developer for a mix of small retail, residential, and entertainment uses. Walking trails along nearby Bigelow Brook and into Center Springs Park also are envisioned.

“These are the types of strategic capital investments that will help keep Manchester Community College and the entire community college system at the forefront of affordable and accessible higher education,” Rep. Rojas said after the commission voted. “MCC has experienced dramatic growth over the last decade. In order to meet the needs of our students and workforce, investments in technology enhancements will allow us to further improve the quality of education,” Rojas added.

“I taught at MCC for 28 years and I can tell you from firsthand experience the difference that modern equipment makes to both the teaching and the learning experience,” said Sen. Cassano “Just the exposure to this kind of new technology provides will help prepare students for the modern workforce that they are about to enter themselves.” 

The money will be used to buy technology and telecommunications equipment and to make related technology infrastructure improvements. Items to be purchased include equipment for telecommunication closets, network wiring, switches, routers, servers, wireless hardware and software and related telecommunications hardware and software.

“This bonding will enable MCC to continue to be a leading educational institution in the state,” Rep. Thompson said. “We are so fortunate that our children and the adults in our town as well have this college right in our community.”

“Manchester Community College is an invaluable resource and I applaud Governor Malloy for approving these much needed upgrades,” said Rep. Luxenberg. “It’s critical to be on par with available technological advancements if we are to remain economically competitive in the global market.”

“Our community colleges service not only traditional college aged students but working professionals and adults who want a career change or who are looking to advance themselves in the difficult economic environment that we are still working through,” Rojas said. “Access to technology will provide our students the leg up they need to compete.”

MANCHESTER — Redevelopment of Broad Street between Center Street and West Middle Turnpike will move forward, probably this summer, with the help of state money.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday that next week's state Bond Commission agenda will include $3 million for the reconstruction and streetscape project. The town intends to kick in $2 million from an $8 million bond issue that voters approved for redevelopment of the Broad Street commercial district in 2009.

Reconstruction will include work on the roadway, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, town General Manager Scott Shanley said. The $5 million job will go out to bid within the next several weeks and the town's goal is to start work this summer, Shanley said.

The board of directors recently approved purchasing the parkade property for $1.85 million, and plans are moving forward to demolish the crumbling buildings that once housed a supermarket, department store and other shops. Demolition is estimated to cost about $2 million.

"Not only will this funding for redevelopment and construction create new jobs now, but as we make this area more attractive to businesses, we can help grow more jobs down the line, as well," Malloy said in a prepared statement. "This is a great example of a state and local partnership which will help create jobs and spur private investment, too."

The project will reconstruct the area between Middle Turnpike and Center Street by creating uniform traffic land widths, establishing curb cuts for all properties to better manage traffic, providing uniform sidewalks on both sides of the street, and eliminating storm water drainage problems, according to a press release from Malloy's office.

The street reconstruction is one part of the overall Broad Street redevelopment plan, which has a goal of eliminating blight and repositioning the district as a mix of residential, civic and retail uses.

"This $3 million is a wonderful investment in our community, the redevelopment of Broad Street and its old Parkade Plaza," said state Rep. John Thompson, D-Manchester. "Because of the foresight of Governor Malloy and our state leaders, this area of Manchester where many people, including me, used to shop, will flourish again."

"I'd like to thank the Governor for his support of the Broad Street Redevelopment initiative," said state Rep. Jason Rojas, a Democrat who represents part of Manchester. "Town taxpayers and the board of directors have committed resources and energy to the project and this appropriation will make the project a true state and local partnership which will help the town reach the goals that we have for improving this major commercial corridor."

"I want to thank former state Rep. Ryan Barry, the entire Manchester delegation and especially Governor Malloy for their leadership," said state Representative Geoff Luxenberg, D-Manchester. "This funding is exactly what Broad Street, the Parkade and Manchester need to enter into a new phase of economic development and prosperity. Tim Devanney, Chairman of the redevelopment gency, and the agency members have done an outstanding job as well. A brighter, better Manchester is now within our reach thanks to Governor Malloy."

The state Bond Commission is scheduled to vote on the item at its April 29 meeting at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

This section of Broad Street between Center Street and West Middle Turnpike is to be reconstructed, with new roadway, sidewalks, lighting, drainage improvements and plantings.
(Jesse Leavenworth\The Hartford Courant / April 20, 2011)

“This $3 million is a wonderful investment in our community, the redevelopment of Broad Street and its old Parkade plaza,” said Thompson, who recalled shopping at the old plaza for decades until its demise in the early 1990s.

“Because of the generosity of Governor Malloy and our state leaders, this area of Manchester where many people, including me and my family, used to shop for many years, will flourish again,” Thompson said.

“Not only will this funding for redevelopment and construction create new jobs now, but as we make this area more attractive to businesses, we can help grow more jobs down the line, as well,” Malloy said. “This is a great example of a state and local partnership, which will help create jobs and spur private investment, too.”

The project will reconstruct the area between Middle Turnpike and Center Street by creating uniform traffic land widths, establishing curb cuts for all properties to better manage traffic, providing uniform sidewalks on both sides of the street, and eliminating storm water drainage problems. The street reconstruction is one part of the overall Broad Street Redevelopment Plan, which has a goal of eliminating blight and repositioning this district as a vibrant neighborhood.

Thomson represents the 13th Assembly District where the Parkade is located.

The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut estimates that 10.5% of Connecticut's population – about 365,000 people – do not have any health insurance, even though 80% of those people are employed. The reasons for lacking health insurance are myriad, including death of a spouse, divorce, unemployment and teenagers aging out of their parent's health insurance plan.

"Good health is a given for most Connecticut residents, but for those without health insurance or without adequate health insurance, one illness can make or break a family or a career. Manchester health day will provide free care and screenings to needy residents, and that could make all the difference. We encourage qualified residents to make time for this event," delegation members said.

The April 16 event offers dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; behavior health screenings; medical screenings; and sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings. It is open ONLY to uninsured and underinsured Manchester residents; proper identification is required.

Pre-registration is also required; NO WALK-INS are allowed. To register, please call 860-528-1359, Extension 114.

Transportation will be provided by the Town of Manchester; call 860-647-3211 to arrange a ride.

The event is sponsored by East Hartford Community Healthcare Inc.; the Town of Manchester; the state Department of Public Health; and the Eastern Connecticut Health Network.

At its meeting last week, the commission voted to approve spending $85,610 for HVAC improvements to the shelter’s building.

“This project needed funding for necessary improvements to the women’s shelter in Manchester and I’m very happy to see that the State Bond Commission saw fit to act accordingly,” Rep. Thompson said.  

The non-profit shelter offers girls from 13 to 21 years old a safe, home-like community setting within the Manchester girls group home, offering individual and family therapy, and connections with many community services.

 “This span of highway is an important commuting link for not only Manchester, but between 90,000 to 120,000 vehicles daily. I’m pleased the state is committed to maintaining our critical transportation routes,” said Rep. Luxenberg. “Governor Malloy ought to be applauded for his leadership in approving this cost effective upgrade.”

This stretch of 3.24 miles in both directions was first completed some 60 years ago. The four lanes, including an HOV lane will remain cement which will save money compared with an asphalt replacement project and reduce tire noise. When complete the project will improve the existing riding surface and extend the service life of the pavement by removing a thin top layer of cement and providing a smooth surface.  Safety improvements, mostly railing upgrades and possible replacement of expansion joints will be evaluated during the project. Resurfacing traffic delays are expected to be limited to the overnight hours.

 “This is significant not only for Manchester but for Connecticut, because it's a change in what we have seen before,” Sen. Cassano said. “This section of highway, which is cement, is going to be replaced with cement. Cement requires less maintenance than bituminous pavement, and it lasts longer, so it's a very wise investment.”

 “It’s been a rough winter and the roads are taking a beating,” said Rep. Thompson. “I hope this will help us keep our roads up to standards. Plus, it will mean jobs and it’s good for business.”

“It is important to continue to make strategic investments in our aging transportation infrastructure because continually deferring maintenance will lead to higher costs in the future,” Rep. Rojas said.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 123’s four new Eagle Scouts are from left to right: Jake Nearin, Alex Pattacini, Nate Baranowski and Will Kidder. Credit David Moran

It’s not easy being an Eagle Scout.

Literally.

The Boy Scouts of America estimate that only about two percent of its members ever obtain the rank, which is part of the reason it was so startling Friday that BSA Troop 123 honored four new inductees into the ranks of Eagle Scout as part of a ceremony at Concordia Lutheran Church on Piktin Street.

Troop 123’s four new Eagle Scouts are: Nate Baranowski, Alex Pattacini, Will Kidder and Jake Nearine.

“To have four in one night from one troop really says a lot about Troop 123,” said Mayor Louis Spadaccini as he presented the new Eagle Scouts with official proclamations from the town of Manchester honoring their achievements.

Joining Spadaccini in his praise for the new scouts were State Representatives John Thompson and Geoff Luxenberg. The legislators also presented the new honorees with proclamations from the Connecticut General Assembly.

“I’ve never seen a group like this at an Eagle Scouts award dinner before,” said Thompson of Friday evening’s capacity crowd, which had to reach well over a hundred people.

U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also sent letters praising the scouts for their achievement.

According to the Boy Scouts of America, to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout a scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges and display “the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life.”

Baranowski, a 17-year old senior at Manchester High School, helped to repair the dam at Buckland Pond, as well as build a bridge and spread woodchips over a portion of the hiking trail that rings the pond as part of his Eagle Project.

Baranowski, who stared as a Cub Scout when he was 6 years old, said it was always a dream of his to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Even as a Cub Scout, you hear about the Eagle and what it can do for you in life, “ said Baranowski. “So I’ve always wanted to get that.”

Pattacini, 18, a senior at Manchester High School, said that becoming an Eagle Scout had also been a longtime goal as well, since his father Chris Pattacini also earned the honor. Pattacini’s Eagle Project involved the installation of signposts and way finding signs along Case Mountain.

“It was a goal since my dad signed me up,” said Alex Pattacini. “He wanted me to do it since he did it, and since his dad was never able to do it.”

Chris Pattacini serves as the current chairman of the Board of Education.

Kidder, a 17-year old senior at Great Path Academy, said it required a lot of hard work and determination to earn the rank of Eagle Scout – he said he began in the scouts when he was seven years old – but that Friday night’s ceremony, and the lifelong honor of being an Eagle Scout, made it all worth it. He said the most difficult badge he had to earn was the one for wilderness survival.

“Just because it involved a lot of hiking, building a shelter out of branches and logs,” Kidder said. “Anything you could find in the forest.”

For his final project, Kidder helped to install water bars along a portion of the Case Mountain hiking trail.

While Nearine, an 18-year old senior at Manchester High School, said that he was “very happy” to become an Eagle Scout, satisfying a goal of his when he first joined the scouts at the age of six. His Eagle Project involved the installation of new boardwalks, handrails and drainage pipes along the Laurel Marsh trail.

“It’s a great feeling to have finally achieved this,” Nearine said.

Nearine has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, while Friday’s three other Eagle Scouts will undoubtedly also benefit from the honor of being an Eagle Scout throughout the rest of their lives.

Troop 123 has had 63 Eagle Scouts, including all four of Friday’s honorees.

Not so fast and not until lawmakers get some answers.

That's what state and local officals are saying about a pending merger between NewAlliance Bank and First Niagara Financial Group that could result in the elimination of 230 positions in Connecticut, including 95 in Manchester.

The two banks announced the merger in a Dec. 20 press release that included details about the proposed job eliminations. Although Manchester would bear the brunt of the layoffs, New Haven would also receive a hefty blow to its workforce from the merger, with 65 positions targeted for elimination in that city, which is NewAlliance's headquarters.

Sixty of the employees targeted for layoffs – only applicable to "back-office" employees of the bank - have already agreed to severance packages or early retirement, while the banks were committed to finding "alternatives" for the remaining 170 employees, according to the release. Those alternatives could result in many of the same employees being hired back as "front-office" personnel to work the bank's service counters or in sales at a later date, according to the release. No mention was made of how those employees' salaries or benefits might be affected by the shift.

On Dec. 22, Manchester's state legislative delegation wrote a letter to Howard Pitkin, commissioner of the state's Department of Banking, to say that they were "very concerned" that the merger could negatively affect the local community. They asked Pitkin to schedule a hearing in Manchester to include public comment on the planned merger.

"We understand that jobs will be lost as a result of the merger and that the attendant reorganization will have a serious economic impact on our community and the state," the legislators wrote. "We believe it is critical that the public be afforded the opportunity to hear how this merger will affect them and comment on what is proposed in the merger before the merger is considered for approval by your department."

The letter is signed by State Reps. John Thompson and Jason Rojas, State Rep.-elect Geoff Luxenberg and State Sen.-elect Steve Cassano, all Democrats.

The Manchester delegation's request comes on the heels of a similar request made on Dec. 7 by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano and New Haven-area legislators.

"We want answers that we can take to the bank – money-backed assurances that adequate community lending and jobs will be protected," Blumenthal said in an early December press conference in New Haven, according to a release provided by his office. "My office is demanding details from NewAlliance and First Niagara about jobs and local lending – particularly impacting ordinary, middle class families and small businesses. I'm concerned about loan officers located only in Buffalo or New York solely responsible for decisions about loans to New Haven businesses and families."

Blumenthal and DeStefano asked for a similar public hearing in New Haven to the one requested in Manchester. Blumenthal's term as attorney general will expire this week when the Democrat is sworn in as Connecticut's newest U.S. Senator on Monday. George Jepsen will be sworn in as the state's next attorney general Wednesday.

Manchester Mayor Louis Spadaccini said he was "very concerned and disappointed" by the announced layoffs, as well.

"I would like to see First Niagara maintain a strong presence in downtown Manchester," Spadaccini said by e-mail Friday. "NewAlliance Bank owns several buildings in the downtown and I want to see this area remain vibrant. It is important that downtown Manchester remain a center of commerce with a strong employment base."

Spadaccini said he has arranged a meeting between town officials and representatives from NewAlliance and First Niagara the week of Jan. 11 that he is hoping will "yield positive results for the community and the bank."

NewAlliance Bank, the third largest Connecticut-based bank, has 88 branches in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The Savings Bank of Manchester and Tolland Bank were absorbed into NewAlliance Bank in 2004 following a takeover orchestrated by New Haven Savings Bank. As part of the new merger, First Niagara said it plans to invest more than $1 billion in NewAlliance's market over a five-year period to focus heavily on small business lending, community development lending and lending to low-to moderate income levels for residential loan purposes.

Paul McCaven, a senior vice-president at NewAlliance, declined to comment further about the merger Friday, citing the Dec. 20 press release when asked for more details.

"We did issue a press release that explained it," he said.

Workforce reductions would not begin until after the merger is finalized, which the banks have estimated would be in April of 2011, pending approval from the state's banking agency.

State Representatives John Thompson and Jason Rojas joined with State Representative-Elect Geoff Luxenberg and State Senator-Elect Steve Cassano to request a public hearing on the matter.

“We understand that jobs will be lost as a result of the merger and that the attendant reorganization will have a serious economic impact on our community and the state,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter.

They continued, “We believe it is critical that the public be afforded an opportunity to hear how this merger will affect them and comment on what is proposed in the merger before the merger is considered for approval by your department.”

Their full letter to the Commissioner of the state Department of Banking is attached.

NEW BRITAIN — Community Health Center Inc. has honored a Manchester lawmaker for his help in obtaining millions of dollars in state and federal money that helped pay for an expansion of the center's facility in New Britain.

The center honored state Rep. John Thompson, D-Manchester, at a recent ceremony for his help with the project. Center officials say Thompson helped secure $1.2 million in federal stimulus funds and another $2.5 million in state money for the project.

Overall, the expansion and renovation of the center in New Britain cost $6.3 million. The project entailed renovating part of the facility and then putting on a 20,000-square-foot addition.

The project began in early 2009 and created 95 temporary jobs. In addition, eight new health care positions were created, as well as the ability to offer obstetrics care in the addition.

Thompson said federal funding has also allowed for the expansion of other federally qualified health centers, including one in East Hartford that operates a clinic in Manchester.

By being part of a group that worked to expand funding for federally qualified health centers throughout the state and nation, Rep. Thompson helped to secure $1.2 million in federal stimulus money and $2.5 million in state bonding to complete the $6.3 million project at the Community Health Center of New Britain, said Yvette Highsmith-Francis, director of CHC's Hartford County sites.

"The enhancements to the facility, including new state-of-the-art technology, will allow us to continue delivering the highest levels of primary health care to the rapidly growing number of uninsured and underinsured Connecticut residents," Highsmith-Francis said.

Construction at the Community Health Center of New Britain began in early 2009 and created 95 temporary jobs. The project included a 20,000-square-foot, two-story addition, and 15,000 square feet of existing facility was renovated. In addition, eight new health care positions were created, as well as the ability to offer obstetrics care in the new space.

Thompson said that the federal funding that he and others have fought for has allowed for the expansion of other federally qualified health centers, including one in East Hartford that operates a clinic in Manchester.

“We need more funding for these types of community clinics. They are what I consider to be the ‘other public option’ that was talked about during the great debate on national health care reform before it was approved by Congress,” Thompson said. “Funding for these clinics represent a major step toward opening primary and dental health care to all Americans.”

NEW BRITAIN - U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District, was honored by Community Health Center Inc. Friday with its Champion of Health Care Award.

The congressman and three state representatives toured the center in New Britain, before receiving awards from health center officials for their role in earmarking federal and state funds for the expansion and renovation of the facility on Washington Street.

Murphy received a statuette of a silver star with an engraved sentiment, “Your support shines bright.”

Democratic State Reps. John Geragosian and Peter Tercyak of New Britain and John Thompson of Manchester received wall plaques.

Margaret Flinter, CHC’s vice president, clinical director and a family nurse practitioner by profession, thanked Murphy for his efforts on health care legislation. She said the stimulus bill made 95 new jobs possible at the center. The congressman, in turn, noted that the bill resulted in two new health centers in the state - in Danbury and in Torrington.

Murphy said for the first time in a long time “the federal government gets that this is where some of the most important health care happens in the community. You’re transforming lives. If people wonder where stimulus dollars went, they should come to this corner of New Britain.”

The state legislators were gracious in acceptance of their awards.

Geragosian said, “We took a crisis and [with the stimulus bill] turned it into an opportunity.”

Thompson said faced with the budget crisis “we [in the state legislature] wanted to protect what was important such as the health centers.”

Tercyak, a nurse, said he deals “with a lot of clinics” and complimented Flinter on the health center’s “responsiveness and professionalism.”

As the health care reform bill rolls out during the next three years, Murphy said health care providers will be talking about “new, potentially life-changing benefits.”

He informed health center officials that all new health insurance plans must now cover children’s preventative services; next year, Medicare will fully cover all preventative services.

“Community health centers are an important place to celebrate change,” Murphy said.

"Shelters for the homeless are more crowded than ever these days because of the recession and need our help," Thompson said. "If people can make just a small donation of a new or gently used bath towel, it would go a long way in helping the homeless."

Rep. Thompson visited the South Park Inn at 75 Main St. in Hartford recently and said the shelter ran out of clean towels for people wanting to shower.  

"We take for granted some of the most basic things like a shower," he said. "Unfortunately, shelters throughout the Hartford area don't always have the funding or supplies to help people meet this basic need. The shelters are operating at maximum capacity and need help."

Collection boxes for towels have been placed at various locations in the Legislative Office Building at 300 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. Towels also may be taken to the Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC) shelter at 466 Main St. in Manchester and the South Park Inn in Hartford. Donations will be distributed to shelters in the Hartford area.

For more information on helping shelters go to the web site: www.southparkinn.org

HARTFORD - Several lawmakers said Wednesday that Gov. M. Jodi Rell's preservation of town funding in the 2010-11 budget was a welcome change from two months ago, when she proposed major cuts.

Cutting town aid "wasn't a very good policy proposal from the get-go," Rep. Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said.

Rojas and Rep. Henry J. Genga, also a Democrat from East Hartford, said cuts to the amount of money the state gives towns - particularly when some town's tax rolls are decreasing - would add too much to the burden of local property taxpayers.

"I never supported reductions in town aid," Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, said. "I think the governor understood our concern. We would simply be pushing the towns toward local tax increases."

Two months ago, faced with a budget shortfall of roughly $300 million, Rell, a Republican, suggested cities and towns help bear the burden and forfeit $84 million in promised state aid.

But then a panel of town leaders Rell had appointed to identify areas that could absorb the hit balked at the task, and the Democrat-led General Assembly refused during a special session in December to approve the cut.

For the coming fiscal year that starts July 1 - despite a projected $450 million budget shortfall - Rell didn't cut town grants. The governor's revised $18.91 billion plan would cut $27.7 million from the preliminary budget but retain $2.78 billion for cities and towns, up nearly $14 million from this fiscal year.

In addition, Rell proposed a new $10 million municipal capital investment fund and unveiled a package of proposed changes to state law designed to ease mandates and reduce costs at the local level.

"Nobody likes to cut municipal aid," the governor's budget director, Robert L. Genuario, said.

He added that besides sensitivity to municipal officials' arguments against cutting aid, other factors, such as the increase in federal aid the governor anticipates, contributed to the decision.

"She got the message" in December, Rep. John W. Thompson, D-Manchester, said. "Nobody was for it."

Rep. Edward C. Graziani, D-Ellington, said cuts to town aid simply would have shifted the tax burden onto local taxpayers, and that the state must encourage revenue sharing and regionalization of services.

"There was mutual bipartisan concern that the towns had set budgets that were tight already and could not take further cuts midyear," Rep. Pamela Z. Sawyer, R-Bolton, said.

But cities and towns should be forewarned about how bad the financial picture looks for next year and beyond, Sawyer said.

The failed proposal to cut town aid two months ago also told legislators that they have to look everywhere for savings, Sawyer said. She said the issue of cuts to town aid will return, if not this year, then in the 2011-12 budget cycle.

While Rell put off cuts to town aid, "the next governor will not have that luxury," Sawyer said.

Democrat Dannel P. Malloy, a former mayor of Stamford and one of several Democrats exploring a 2010 gubernatorial bid, contended Rell didn't do enough to preserve aid to municipalities.

Malloy said that while Rell talked about mandate relief, she also cut funds for towns to transport students to nonpublic schools. Rell cut $400,000 from the $4 million for nonpublic school transportation, to $3.6 million. It was one of two small reductions in town aid funds that she made; the other was a $4.4 million cut from a grant for machinery.

Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary A. Glassman, another Democrat who may run for governor, also argued town aid shouldn't be reduced at this time.

But Glassman added that the governor's flip-flop on town aid over the past three months shows Rell's top concern remains preserving her popularity.

"The people of this state are not looking for more politics," Glassman said. "They are looking for bold and decisive action."

"We can be doing more with less," Speaker Donovan said. "Rep. Thompson 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.