SB 23, which first passed the State Senate on May 5, incorporates the recommendations of last year’s Two Storm Panel to invest in critical infrastructure and hold utility companies accountable for their performance during emergencies. The bill is now before the Governor for his signature.

“By making smart investments in critical infrastructure now, we can build a foundation for dealing with major storms so that the massive and prolonged power outages that crippled the state last year never happen again,” said Rep. Michelle Cook (D-65th). “Our focus should be on high-priority sites around hospitals, police and fire stations, grocery stores, gas stations and nursing homes.”

State Representative Roberta Willis (D-64th) said, “We reviewed what went wrong in terms of how we prepared and how we responded. This bill creates higher standards for utility companies and better communication for state and local officials to respond to major storms.”

In summary, the bill creates:

Performance Standards for Utilities

Senate Bill 23 will require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to study and then establish minimum performance standards for emergency preparation and response for each electric and gas company in Connecticut.

Following that, all electric and gas utilities will be required submit a plan to PURA on implementation of these standards. PURA will also study and establish separate performance standards for telecommunications utilities, including telephone and cable television companies.

Penalties for Noncompliance with Performance Standards

Noncompliance could result in penalties of up to 2.5 percent of an electric or gas company’s annual distribution revenue, approximately $25 million in the case of Connecticut Light & Power. The penalties would be assessed as a credit on customer bills, and would not be recoverable by the utilities through increased rates. In the event of service outages to more than ten percent of a company’s customers for over 24 hours, that company would be required to provide customers a credit.

Microgrids

The legislation would establish a $15 million micro-grid and loan pilot program to support local distributed electricity generation at hospitals, police and fire stations, prisons, water treatment plants and other critical locations. Funds will be allocated evenly among small, medium, and large towns.

Undergrounding Wires

Senate Bill 23 would also take steps to facilitate the undergrounding of power and telecommunications lines. In addition to the performance standards described above, the bill would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify PURA of any pending road work projects over five miles in length or located a commercial area.

Backup Generators for Cell Phone Towers

The bill will require all telecommunications companies to report to PURA and the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection (DESPP) annually concerning their ability to provide backup power to any Connecticut based towers or antennas.

Clearing Roads for Emergency Vehicles

In the aftermath of last year’s storms, fallen trees, limbs, and downed wire blocked passage on many roads across the state became life-threatening when police, fire, and ambulance vehicles could not reach people in need of assistance. The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, in conjunction with the utilities, DOT, DESPP, and municipalities, develop procedures to for road-clearing for public safety personnel.

Food Spoilage Program

PURA must also study and create a mechanism through which electric distribution companies would reimburse residential customers for spoilage of food or refrigerated medicine after long power outages.

“We know that education reform has to involve all parties, not just one. This piece of legislation is the beginning of education reform. It is not where we end the conversation,” Rep. Cook said. “In this bill, we address the topic of reading readiness, making sure the students are reading at grade level by third grade. It has been proven that if a student cannot read by third grade, that student will have less than a 30 percent chance of graduating high school. This is a failure to our students and their future.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who is expected to sign it.

Rep. Willis said, “This Legislation promises to raise academic standards and ensure that all of Connecticut’s children have access to a top quality education."

Cook said the legislation recognizes the value of early childhood education. The legislation (SB 458) creates 1,000 new pre-K School Readiness seats, focused in high need, low-performing communities. It also creates a pilot program to enhance literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade.

“Investing in early childhood education pays off for a lifetime,” said Rep. Willis.

“This bill puts early childhood on the forefront and at the same time, puts invests in our family resource centers. Everyone I spoke to wanted to make sure that families were also included in the equation and the solution. We all need to take responsibility for our children. This bill is the beginning,” said Cook.

The bill establishes the Commissioner’s Network, which provides the intensive supports and interventions needed to turn around 25 of the most chronically low-performing schools in Connecticut. It grants the state commissioner of education the needed authority to develop or modify plans with teachers and parents at “turnaround” schools, while respecting collective bargaining rights.

The legislation requires at least 10 Family Resource Centers and at least 20 new or expanded School Based Health Centers to be located in education reform districts. It also increases funding for existing Family Resource Centers.

The bill reforms the teacher tenure system by increasing the frequency of teacher evaluations and linking tenure to evaluations. It also requires the education commissioner to administer an evaluation pilot program in 8 to 10 districts for the 2012-2013 school year.

“Our teachers are one of the most important people in our lives. We can all remember the one teacher that made that "amazing" impact to steer our live in one direction or another. Being a teacher is not a job that will make you a million dollars but it will bring you a millions smiles,” said Cook. “Let’s all work together and continue to put our students and their educational careers in front. They are our future!--the next Bill Gates, a future president, or teacher.”

Rep. Willis is a co-sponsor of (SB 364), which now goes to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy who is expected to sign the bill.

“I am very pleased we have approved this legislation that corrects issues in the Racial Profiling Prohibition Act,” Rep. Willis said. “Racial profiling is a form of discrimination and flies in the face of justice guaranteed under the Constitution.”

The bill modifies the 1999 law, which currently requires police departments to forward data on traffic stops to the Commission on African-American Affairs to assess for evidence of racial profiling.

The new law sets standards for reporting the information and shifts responsibility for its analysis from the Commission on African-American Affairs to the Office of Policy and Management, which has staff and resources unavailable to the commission.

The new legislation also allows OPM to withhold public safety-related state funds from communities that don't comply.

According to 2010 data, only 27 of the state’s police departments complied with the reporting aspect of the law and the data that has been reported hasn’t been assessed by the state.

HB 5031, “An Act Concerning Sexual Violence On College Campuses,” was raised by the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, co-chaired by Rep. Willis.

“The first step is the prevention of sexual assault and intimate partner violence before it occurs and that colleges provide a supportive response when it occurs,” Rep. Willis said. “Sexual violence is a crime that thrives in silence on college campuses. Approximately one in five women will experience an attempted or actual sexual assault at some point during their college careers.”

“This bill protects students by requiring colleges and universities to adopt and disclose policies related to sexual assault,” Rep. Willis said. “All students need to know the reporting process needs to be safe, supportive, confidential and fair. Improved disclosure policies required in the legislation gives students the tools they need to stay safe and to make informed decisions about reporting their assaults.”

Rep. Willis noted that preventing sexual assault on college campuses takes a community-wide commitment to changing the culture and conditions that allow violence to occur.

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, students decline to report sexual assaults because they fear reprisal (40%), they do not want other people to find out (47%), they don’t believe the incident is serious enough to report (65%), or they don’t know how to report it (14%).

Rep. Willis pointed out that many of the provisions in the bill are already required under a federal law known as the Clery Act. The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to publish an annual report that discloses campus crime statistics and school policies related to crime and reporting. It also requires campuses to issue “timely warnings” when they become aware of a crime or series of crimes that could impact the college community.

The bill goes next to the Senate.

Rep. Willis testified earlier this year before the Select Committee on Veteran’s Affairs public hearing in support of HB 5395, “An Act Concerning Custody Orders For Deployed Members of the Armed Forces,” which was unanimously adopted by the committee.

The bill seeks to protect the best interests of minor children of members of the armed services by minimizing the disruption caused by deployment.

Speaking on the House floor, Rep Willis said, “Our number one priority is enhancing the well-being and the psychological health of the military family. The problem we are attempting to address is ensuring that our state courts are responsive to the needs of the military family and promoting the healthy development of their children.”

“Many states have enacted legislation prohibiting a non-deployed person from using the fact of deployment as a basis for custody modification, but Connecticut is not among them,” Rep. Willis explained. “The central element of this legislation is to ensure that a court cannot enter into a final order modifying parental rights due to employment.”

Rep. Willis pointed out that the plight of a female army sergeant deployed in Iraq was brought to her attention when at the time of her deployment a temporary order was entered allowing the service woman’s child to be in the care of her father.

“Unfortunately, the father took the opportunity to use her deployment as a basis to modify custody of their five year old child,” Rep. Willis said.

“The courts can order a temporary modification, if necessary,” Rep. Willis said. “Upon their return, a parent may then apply to change the order. As America’s military commitments in Afghanistan and around the world persist, it is important that we address family issues which military parents face.

The legislation calls for as much contact as possible between children and the parent who is absent while on military duty by providing contact by phone or e-mail.

The Department of Defense’s USA Military Families Initiative has identified Rep. Willis’ initiative has one of their top priorities and announced support for the bill earlier this year.

The bill goes next to the Senate.

“With these funds, we will bring our regional fire training schools into the 21st Century,” Rep. Cook said. “I am very pleased the state will begin improvements to the deteriorating Burrville fire training school. The men and women who risk their lives for us every day deserve no less.”

"This is welcomed funding for renovations and improvements to our regional fire training schools," Rep. Willis said. "The regional fire schools must all be brought up the highest standards because they are so critical when it comes to training our future firefighters. This is a matter of public safety and saving lives."

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 Burrville fire training school was dedicated on September 3, 1961, with its first students graduating in 1962.

The funding is on the Bond Commission’s agenda for approval Friday, April 27, 2012, in Room 1E at 10:30 a.m.

The $565,000 is provided under the Department of Economic and Community’s Housing Trust Fund made available for developing or managing programs to create housing for eligible populations. The Bonney Brook project involves 10 housing units.

“This is good news for the Town of Cornwall and the Cornwall Housing Corporation which has been working for a very long time to bring elderly housing to the community,” Rep. Willis said. “I want to thank Governor Malloy for placing this funding on the Bond Commission’s agenda for approval. As someone who has been working to secure the funding, I am very pleased that our hard work means this project can now go forward.”

Rep. Willis noted that in addition to providing needed housing these projects create or retain construction jobs that are critical to the economy.

“Firefighters depend on their instincts and top-notch training to make split-second decisions in extreme situations,” Rep. Cook said. “The state’s deteriorating fire training schools are a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives for us every day.  I am proud renovations to the Burrville fire training school are moving forward.”

“The regional fire schools were designed to train our firefighters in ‘real world’ scenarios. We have terrific instructors, but the schools are from another century. We must provide future firefighters with the training and tools they need to protect our communities and themselves,” said Rep. Willis.

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 Burrville fire training school was dedicated on September 3, 1961, with its first students graduating in 1962.

The state Bond Commission is schedule to meet at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 27th, in the State Capitol complex in Hartford.

The state Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, March 30, 2012, in Room 1E, Legislative Office Building at 10:30 a.m.

The funds will enable the awarding of a construction contract based on bids received for the project which will address a Federal Title IX deficiency and will conform to the National Federation of high school standards.

“I am pleased our request for funds for the new softball field at Oliver Technical High School will be acted upon at the next meeting of the state Bond Commission. Once completed, this will be a state of the art facility for our student athletes,” Rep. Willis said. “I appreciate that Governor Malloy has placed the project on the commission’s agenda.”

The project is expected to create or retain approximately 5 construction jobs.

Rep. Willis is a co-sponsor of HB 5395, “An Act Concerning Custody Orders For Deployed Members of the Armed Forces.” The bill raised by the committee for legislative action seeks to protect the best interests of minor children of members of the armed services by minimizing the disruption caused by deployment.

Rep. Willis told the committee that mobilization and deployment of members of the armed forces is very stressful and disruptive to their families and the last thing the service member needs is the added anxiety of someone trying to take custody of their child or children from them while they are on active duty.

Rep. Willis pointed out that the plight of a female army sergeant deployed in Iraq was brought to her attention when at the time of her deployment a temporary order was entered allowing the service woman’s child to be in the care of her father.

“Unfortunately, the father took the opportunity to use her deployment as a basis to modify custody of their five year old child,” Rep. Willis said. “Many states have prohibited a non-deployed person from using the fact of deployment as a basis of custody modification. Connecticut is not among them.”

Rep. Willis explained that the central element of the legislation is to insure that a court cannot enter into a final order modifying parental rights due to deployment.

“The courts can order a temporary modification, if necessary,” Rep. Willis said. “Upon their return, a deployed parent may then apply to change the order.”

“As America’s military commitments in Afghanistan and around the world persist, it is important we address the family issues which military parents face,” Rep. Willis said.

The legislation calls for as much contact as possible between children and the parent who is absent while on military duty by providing contact by phone or e-mail.

“The Torrington Fire Department and surrounding towns benefit greatly from the fire training schools,” Rep. Cook 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.”

“This needed funding will go a long way to insuring that our volunteer and career firefighters will have the modern training facilities they need to meet the increasing training that they require to insure our safety and theirs,” said Rep. Willis.

The funding was announced at a press conference at the State Capitol complex in Hartford.

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:

• Burrville regional fire school (Torrington)
• Eastern Connecticut regional fire school (Willimantic)
• Fairfield regional fire school (Fairfield)
• 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.

Rep. Willis attended Monday’s Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering’s (CASE) briefing on guidelines and development of a strategic plan for broadband accessibility at the Northwest Connecticut’s Chamber of Commerce in Torrington. Area business leaders and persons interested about broadband access were invited to the briefing which also included the state Office of Consumer Council.

Rep. Willis, House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, praised the sponsors of Monday’s briefing and said she welcomed the call for state support of a broadband cabinet.

“We will only succeed if there is a collaborative effort between the private and public sector,” Rep. Willis said. “High speed internet is crucial to economic growth there is a need to work together to ensure we close the digital divide in our region and in our state.

Rep. Willis added that she agrees with the report that while Connecticut does have some of the highest broadband access in the nation, there are critical segments of the population that lack broadband access due to many factors including the need of internet connections and the cost of broadband technology.

Rep. Willis has sponsored legislation that would improve broadband access and she is prepared to introduce additional legislation in the 2012 session that moves the process forward.

“We do need to continue to work towards a statewide broadband strategic plan,” Rep. Willis said. “While we have made some progress, we have much more to do and I will continue to support policies that will help us reach our goal.”

The state Bond Commission was scheduled to meet last Friday to approve the grant and other agenda items, but that meeting was re-scheduled for today.

“I am pleased the state Bond Commission has officially approved this important grant for Sharon Ridge,” Rep. Willis said. “The grant will provide critical funding to develop affordable housing. I again thank everyone for listening to my request for the funding and for the members of the Bond Commission supported the grant.”

The funds for the Sharon Housing Authority will add three buildings with four apartments in each building to the current site which has 20 units. The twelve new apartments will be made up of 8 one-bedroom and 4 two bedroom units that are handicapped accessible. The project will also maximize energy efficient technologies and the aesthetically appropriate design will blend with the existing buildings.

Rep. Willis wrote to the Department of Economic and Community Development earlier this year requesting the funds and expressing her support for the proposed Sharon Ridge expansion project.

The state Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, December 9, 2011, in Room 1E, Legislative Office Building at 10:30 a.m.

The funds for the Sharon Housing Authority will add three buildings with four apartments in each building to the current site which has 20 units. The twelve new apartments will be made up of 8 one-bedroom and 4 two bedroom units that are handicapped accessible. The project will also maximize energy efficient technologies and the aesthetically appropriate design will blend with the existing buildings.

“This is great new for Sharon Ridge which serves as a statewide model for rural communities that want to develop affordable housing,” Rep. Willis said. “I want to thank everyone involved for listening to my request for this critical funding and for Governor Malloy for placing this item on the agenda of the next meeting of the state Bond Commission.”

Rep. Willis wrote to the Department of Economic and Community Development earlier this year requesting the funds and expressing her support for the proposed Sharon Ridge expansion project.

Rep. Willis noted that towns in the Northwest corner have been working to develop affordable housing.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the voters I have represented who no longer will be located within the reconfigured 64th Assembly District. It has been an honor to serve you. Change is never easy, but it is inevitable. Looking ahead, I am pleased to be able to represent all the constituents who remain in the 64th Assembly District.

If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I will welcome the opportunity to represent the towns of Kent, Norfolk, Canaan and Falls Village. Your views and ideas are important to me so that we can work together to continue to improve the quality of life in our region of the state.”

"I'm proud of my environmental record and while we faced serious economic challenges, it is important that we continue to protect Connecticut’s environment,” Rep. Willis said. “I am pleased we were able to increase funding for open space and farmland preservation, programs important for our region of the state.”

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.

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

Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee Co-Chairs Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) and Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64th District) and Ranking Member Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) wrote U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and U.S. Department of Health and Human services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on October 12 to endorse Connecticut’s ‘Race to The Top-Early Learning Challenge’ (RTT-ELC) grant application and to urge its approval.

“Connecticut’s application accelerates momentum that has been building for several years toward the development of a coordinated, comprehensive system of care for Connecticut’s young children,” the letter reads in part, adding, “We are confident that RTT-ELC activities will improve the quality and coordination of early care learning and development at the state, regional and local levels. As a result, Connecticut’s children will be better supported in their developmental needs in their critical early years, positioning them to attain academic success and gainful employment as adults.”

“I believe this is the best shot we’ve ever had at winning millions of dollars in ‘Race to the Top’ federal funds,” Sen. Bye said. “We have detailed and very relevant new legislation which dovetails perfectly with the requirements and goals of the Early Learning Challenge, and we have an administration that is focused and energetic in pursuing this funding.”

“By securing Race to the Top funding, we will be in a better position to provide our children with the necessary skills and support they need to reach a high level of academic achievement,” Rep. Willis said. “Our committee has led the fight to address the needs of students to be prepared to compete at the college level. Too many of our students are not college-ready and need remedial help. I am pleased we are supporting this critical application in a bipartisan fashion for the funding that will help us to provide the programs that will enable our students to compete at every level.”

“Connecticut’s RTT-ELC application represents an important step forward in early childhood education,” Sen. Boucher said. “Providing the highest level of education possible for children in their early years is vital. I join my colleagues in our commitment to establish the best possible framework for our young children. If they can develop the skills needed to achieve in a global society early, they will flourish as students and later in life.”

In late May, Secretaries Duncan and Sebelius announced $500 million in federal “Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge” funds, a competitive grant which rewards states that create comprehensive plans to transform early learning systems with better coordination and assessment mechanisms, clearer learning standards, and meaningful workforce development and family engagement initiatives. Awards are expected to range from $50 million to $100 each.

In the first week of June, the Connecticut General Assembly passed – and Governor Dannel P. Malloy later signed – two new laws (Public Acts 11-181 and 11-54) that put Connecticut in a very strong position to compete for some of that Early Childhood Challenge funding.

Public Act 11-181 creates an 18-member Early Childhood Education Cabinet that seeks to reduce the academic achievement gap; increase participation in early childhood education programs; increase parent engagement, family literacy and parenting skills; increase oral language development; increase social competence; decrease special education placements; and support parents and guardians of young children to find employment and to remain employed and encourage such parents and guardians to attend work training programs.

Public Act 11-54 also promises to make positive, substantive changes to Connecticut’s early childhood education system. Under current state law, the staff of any preschool program receiving state funds must have a credential, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree that includes 12 credits or more in early childhood education or child development, or they must have a teaching certificate with an endorsement in early childhood education or special education.

Under Public Act 11-54, by July 1, 2015, 50 percent of such staff must have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, childhood development or a related field, or they must have a teaching certificate with an endorsement in early childhood or special education. By July 1, 2020, all such staff must have one of those advanced degrees.

Additionally, the Act allows the state education commissioner to use up to $500,000 in unexpended school readiness funds every year to help such staff members meet the qualification requirements through tuition assistance, if they have already applied for all available state and federal scholarships and grants and if they attend an in-state school.

For more on the federal Race to The Top-Early Learning Challenge, please visit:

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-earlylearningchallenge/index.html

New federal rules under national healthcare reform championed by President Obama eliminate insurance co-payments and deductibles effective August 1, 2012 for certain coverage including birth control, STD screening, and domestic violence counseling. Speaker Donovan sees the change as a victory for women’s health and said more must be done to combat higher costs of health insurance for women.

“This is a major positive change in healthcare policy that greatly improves women’s health coverage and will reduce costs in the long run because it is an important step forward in preventative care,” said Donovan. “We must aggressively continue to work in the 2012 legislative session to further reduce cost inequities of healthcare coverage between women and men.”

Connecticut first mandated health insurance coverage for birth control in 1999. This year the legislature required coverage for a full breast MRI for women with dense breast tissue. The legislature has also banned “drive by” deliveries and mastectomies and ensured direct access to OB-GYN care.

“Requiring insurers to provide birth control coverage for women free of charge is a welcomed development,” Rep. Willis said. “Reproductive health care should be available for all women. The enhanced health program also includes coverage for education and counseling which is an important provision of the plan.”

“We commend HHS on these regulations. The elimination of co-pays for these preventive services is a huge step in removing a financial obstacle that millions of American women face in getting the quality healthcare they need and deserve. We want the women of Connecticut to know that we’re here, we’ve been here, and we will continue to provide the preventive care they need,” said Judy Tabar, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

According to NARAL, 98% of all women in the U.S. have used birth control at some point in their lives.

“This new policy is a significant victory for women’s healthcare,” said NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut Executive Director Christian Miron. “Ending co-pays for basic family planning services will put birth control within women’s financial reach and will allow a woman to choose the birth control method that she and a medical professional agree works best for her.”

“The new federal rules implement an evidence-based approach to women’s health. Co-pays create barriers that put routine and preventive care, including reproductive services and screenings, out of the reach for too many women in our community. Eliminating these hurdles will enable women to meet their unique health needs and stay healthy,” said State Representative Michelle Cook (D-65th District)

Speaker Donovan also said recent insulting comments by news commentators comparing birth control and domestic violence counseling to pedicures and manicures as well as a public statement by Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa that free birth control coverage will “wipe out generations” showed that a gender-biased culture still exists regarding women and healthcare.

HB 6263, “An Act Concerning The Transition From The Ten Mill Program,” allows owners of forest lands currently enrolled in the state’s “10 mill program” to convert to the state’s forest preservation program called “the 490 program” without penalty. Under the bill, owners of forest land can have the property assessed as open space thus avoiding high tax bills.

“This is a very important bill that will go a long ways towards forest and land preservation,” Rep. Willis said. “Hundreds of acres of land will be affected positively by passage of this legislation in our region and my thanks to members of the House for their unanimous support of the bill.”

Earlier this year, Cornwall landowner Jean Bouteiller testified in favor of the bill before the Environment Committee saying passage of the bill would help protect family forestlands and the benefits they provide to everyone.

Rep. Willis said she appreciated the support the legislation received from constituents and landowners who testified in favor of the legislation.

“Increasing the tax burden on these landowners would probably force them to sell their land to developers,” Rep. Willis warned. “This legislation will protect our family forests and preserve the land for future generations.”

The deal had been in the works since last week, and details were finalized last night.

“These conversations had been ongoing and I’m pleased that we were able to tie up loose ends and formalize this proposal on behalf of our state’s students who choose to attend our community colleges, regional universities and Charter Oak,” said Ojakian. “In the end, it’s the students who win – by flattening out administration costs and overhead, we can direct more money to our students and classroom instruction. In addition, this proposal will help make these schools more functional to those who attend them.”

“In addition to Chairman Willis, Senate Higher Education Chairman Beth Bye deserves to be commended for her steadfast support of this proposal,” Ojakian said. “Senator Bye has been a leader in this area, and I appreciate her willingness and enthusiasm to be a part of such a fundamental change to the way in which we operate our higher education system.”

“My concerns from the beginning have been the need to maintain the distinctiveness and uniqueness of mission of the colleges, particularly the community colleges,” Rep. Willis said. “They serve a critical and defined need in our communities, one that must be maintained even as we seek efficiencies and savings. I have been assured that these concerns will be met through this plan. The commitment to a strategic plan is important. The Advisory Commission will have an ongoing and permanent role, needed for us to be able to adjust to changing needs in Connecticut and responsive to student needs and workforce development needs in the state that our higher education system can address.

“We all agree on the need for change and improvement. Additional items still need to be worked out – more specifics on structure, for example. For me, though, this is a leap of faith worth taking. In the end, we can improve student learning, help close the achievement gap, prepare students for 21st Century jobs our state will need to move us forward, and make higher education more efficient and effective.”

The agreement’s main points include the following:

• The creation of a Board of Regents for the four CSU colleges, the community-technical colleges and Charter Oak effective July 1, 2011.
• The creation of an Advisory Commission to the Board of Regents which will be charged with, among other things, working with the Board to create and implement a strategic plan for higher education that will include the University of Connecticut.
• The Constituent Units – the community colleges, regional universities and Charter Oak – will remain separate with distinct missions. Each unit will have a lead individual designated by the Board of Regents.

“I understand that there is an effort by the U.S. Postal Service to assess where some post offices can be eliminated to reduce costs,” Rep. Willis said, “But, government has a responsibility to provide basic services that not always should be measured by dollars and cents, and the Lakeville Post office represents a basic service that affects a whole community that should not be eliminated.”

“Setting aside the historic significance of the Lakeville Post Office, the possible closing of this facility would be a major inconvenience for patrons and I question the process and reasoning for considering closing this facility,” Rep. Willis said.

Rep. Willis said she has been in contact with the office of Congressman Christopher Murphy to seek his assistance in an effort to block elimination of the Lakeville Post Office.

Rep. Willis will attend the scheduled informational meeting Thursday with the U.S. Postal Service at town hall and urged all concerned residents to attend the meeting and express their concerns.

“Closure would have a negative economic impact on area businesses that benefit from traffic generated by users of the Lakeville Post Office,” Rep. Willis said. “These same businesses also need the post office to send and receive their goods and packages.”

Rep. Willis warned. “There is the real possibility that if the post office is closed, there will be a vacant building to contend with on Main Street.”

“While the final decision rests with federal authorities, I am hopeful that by working together, we can convince postal officials to consider other options,” Rep. Willis said.

The proposed bills, HB 6629, An Act Concerning Domestic Violence and HB 6053, An Act Concerning Domestic Violence and Child Trauma would implement recommendations put forth by the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence. HB 6053 has been approved by the Human Services Committee and HB 6629 is expected to be approved by the Judiciary Committee within the next two weeks. Both bills would then be considered by the full General Assembly.

“The Speaker’s task force heard from many different groups and individuals and their input was invaluable in crafting this legislation,” said Rep. Cook. “I am very pleased to see this bill gathering such support among legislators.”

The press conference was held at the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington. Representatives from Women's Support Services the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Jeanne Fusco, Associate Director of the Susan B. Anthony Project spoke in support of the bills.

House Speaker Donovan, who created the task force, stated that despite progress in protecting victims of domestic violence, more needs to be done. Specifically, he said, “One of the priorities of the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence this year is to strengthen the response of law enforcement to domestic violence.”

“While we have passed important domestic violence laws in recent years, our work is far from complete and we must continue to be vigilant,” Rep. Willis said. “Domestic violence remains a serious crime and we must encourage the victims of domestic violence to call police and ensure that law enforcement at all levels protect the victims from those who are threatening them.”

A goal of the legislation is to develop a statewide law enforcement model policy that articulates best practices for responding to violations of restraining and protective orders. Another goal is to protect teen victims by clarifying that people of any age can request a restraining order to protect them from a partner who has subjected them to abuse.  Department of Public Health statistics that show 10 percent of Connecticut teens were involved in a physically abusive relationship this past year, and 17 percent reported being in an emotionally or verbally abusive relationship.

"Through this task force and in the laws we've passed in recent years, the legislature has made significant progress in helping to protect victims of domestic violence from further abuse,” said Senator Roraback. “This initiative will extend protections to teenage victims and give law enforcement the necessary authority to intervene and help stop domestic violence incidents when a protective order has been violated. I am pleased this new law has met with bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly."

The legislation also requires the Judicial Branch to develop additional domestic violence dockets within available appropriations, and makes several changes to the Family Violence Education Program (FVEP), a diversionary program.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states providing research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas of the most pressing state issues.

“I am pleased Speaker Donovan has appointed me to serve on the Education Committee of the National Council of State Legislatures,” Rep. Willis said. “With so many challenges facing education, both on the state level and nationally, this is an opportunity to exchange ideas and issues of mutual concern with legislative colleagues and policy experts from across the country.”

In appointing Rep. Willis, Speaker Donovan said, “As House Chair of our Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I know you will work successfully with other state leaders to improve the legislative process for the benefit of all our citizens.”

HARTFORD—State Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64th District) called for continued support and an on-going commitment to Developmental Education in Connecticut’s Community Colleges on Friday.

Representative Willis, House chairman of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, was addressing a public forum sponsored by the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) on the future and need for Developmental Education in Connecticut.

Developmental Education includes college preparatory classes in basic courses, skills and writing for students in need of remediation and refresher classes to help bring students up to college level ability.

She joined a panel of education leaders that included Higher Education Commissioner Michael Meotti, Working Poor Families National Coordinator Brandon Roberts, Future Jobs Program Director Michael Collins and Norwalk Community College President David Levinson.

Representative Willis pointed out that her committee has been working to create and implement programs that will improve Developmental Education at a time when Connecticut’s academic achievement gap is one of the widest and most serious in the country.

“We have a growing number of adult students entering college who are not adequately prepared for college-level work and require support through remedial course work,” she said. “We must invest in innovative programs that prepare these students to have the skills needed by Connecticut employers in a knowledge-based economy.

“There is little doubt in my mind that we will not have a successful return to economic recovery in our state if we short change developmental education,” Rep. Willis warned. “That’s why the role of our community colleges is so important because of their great work in developmental education.”

Rep. Willis, House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, was addressing a public forum sponsored by the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) on the future and need for Developmental Education in Connecticut.

Developmental Education includes college preparatory classes in basic courses, skills and writing for students in need of remediation and refresher classes to help bring students up to college level ability.

Rep. Willis joined a panel of education leaders that included Higher Education Commissioner Michael Meotti, Working Poor Families National Coordinator Brandon Roberts, Future Jobs Program Director Michael Collins and Norwalk Community College President Dr. David Levinson.

Rep. Willis pointed out that her committee has been working to create and implement programs that will improve Developmental Education at a time when Connecticut’s academic achievement is one of widest and most serious in the country.

“We have a growing number of adult students entering college who are not adequately prepared for college level work and require support through remedial course work,” Rep. Willis said. “We must invest in innovative programs that prepare these students to have the skills needed by Connecticut employers in a knowledge based economy.”

“There is little doubt in my mind that we will not have a successful return to economic recovery in our state if we short change Developmental Education,” Rep. Willis warned. “That’s why the role of our community colleges is so important because of their great work in Developmental Education.”

“I will continue to support Developmental Education, knowing how important it is for Connecticut’s economic recovery, but also understanding the budget restraints that we are all working under means we need to be more innovative as we move ahead,” Rep. Willis said.

His call to direct the Board of Regents and CEO to develop a strategic plan with public and stakeholder participation is what I proposed in legislation last year.

We have record enrollments in our system, but what we need are record numbers of graduates who are prepared to fill the job requirements that employers need to ensure a better economy for our state.

We have an opportunity to eliminate duplicative administrative services and costs and focus on spending operating budgets on teachers and students.

Our committee welcomes the opportunity to work with the Governor on this new plan and applaud him for what I hope is a bright new day for Higher Education in Connecticut.”

Rep. Willis has been House Chair of the committee since January 2005.

The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee has oversight over all matters relating to public and independent colleges and universities, the Department of Higher Education, the Board of Governors of Higher Education, post-secondary education and job training institutions, apprenticeship and adult job training programs and the Office of Workforce Competitiveness.

“I am pleased that Speaker Donovan has re-appointed me to co-chair a committee that is so vital to our students and to Connecticut’s economic future,” Rep. Willis said. “I have had the honor to head this committee and to serve with hard working colleagues committed to improving both the quality of higher education in our state and to continue to work to make it as affordable as we can for students at all age levels.”

“Our committee also plays an important role in job creation and workforce development” Rep. Willis explained. “This will continue to be critical to Connecticut’s economic development and recovery.”

“Roberta is an experienced and proven leader of the Higher Education Committee,” Speaker Donovan said. “Because of her efforts, Connecticut’s students will have an opportunity to get an education that will serve all of us in the future.”

Rep. Willis will also serve on the Environment Committee and will chair the Appropriations Sub-Committee on Higher Education.

“The Anthem situation illustrates why we need an overhaul in the rate approval process,” Rep. Willis said.

The bill SB 194, “An Act Concerning Rate Approvals For Certain Health Insurance Policies,” was raised and approved by the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, but failed to advance.

The bill would have:

• Increased the amount of time required before a new rate can go into effect.
• Required the Insurance Department to post filings on its website and provide a 30-day public comment period.
• Required a public hearing to be held on a proposed rate filing if it would increase rates by more than 10% and the healthcare advocate or attorney general requests the hearing within a specified time period.
• Would allow the healthcare advocate and attorney general to be parties to such a hearing and establishes disclosure and record retention requirements for rate filings.

“While the rate increases approved by the state Insurance Department affect new customers for now, insurers are proposing new rates for 2011,” Rep. Willis warned “The bill I co-sponsored would have helped consumers who cannot afford these increases. I will work with my colleagues in the legislature to re-file this bill after the legislature convenes in January.”

Ironically, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Director of information, Jay Angoff, Monday, sent a letter to the state’s Insurance Commissioner, Thomas Sullivan, asking the department to re-consider the rate hikes saying the Affordable Care Act cannot be used to justify the huge rate hike.

The grant is part of a $10.4 million Connecticut Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced by Governor Rell.

Rep. Willis was joined by Senator Andrew Roraback (R-30th District) in supporting the Goshen Land Trust’s application for the grant earlier this year.

“I am very pleased that the Goshen Land Trust will be the recipient of this $270,000 grant and I appreciate that supporting their effort has been accepted,” Rep.Willis said. “It is very important that we preserve and secure this property. Goshen’s and the region’s agricultural heritage is at stake and saving our open space goes a long way towards protecting our quality of life.”

The conservation easement purchase is located in the upper Naugatuck River watershed and complements the Class II watershed land held by the Torrington Water Company to the north and south. Of the, 72 acres, 42 acres are forest and bisected by Nickel Mine Creek. A hiking trail is planned for the forested portion of the farm.

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), is a federally authorized, state created “compact” that provides several cost-saving education programs for the six New England states. Thr primary program is the Regional Student Program Tuition Break, providing $1 billion in savings to New England since 1958.

Rep. Willis is House Chair of the General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the New England Board of Higher Education and Chair of the Connecticut Delegation.

“I want to welcome the New England Board of Higher Education to Hartford for their fall meeting,” Rep. Willis said. “The board has a history of commitment to academic excellence and provides more affordable access to higher education for our students. We know that during this period of economic stress, the pursuit of higher education is as critical to our future as it as ever been.”

Rep. Willis explained that the Regional Student Program Tuition Break provides Connecticut residents with access to specialized undergraduate and graduate degree programs at public campuses in all the other New England states at a substantial tuition discount.

“Another plus for Connecticut is the Tuition Break program brings additional tuition revenue to our public institutions paid by students that come from the other five New England states,” Rep. Willis explained.

According to NEBHE figures, the tuition savings to 1,375 Connecticut residents in fiscal year 2010 was $8,807,210 and tuition revenue received by Connecticut institutions during the same period was $11, 427,602.

In addition, NEBHE works across the six New England states to:

• Promote policies, programs and best practices to assist the states in implementing important higher education policies.
• Provide leadership to strengthen the relationship between higher education and the economic well-being of New England.

The fall board sessions will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Hartford on Thursday, September 23rd from 12 noon to 8:30 p.m. and concludes on Friday, September 24th with events scheduled from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“This is certainly good news and another sign of progress for the courthouse in downtown Torrington,” Rep. Willis said. “I have fought for and supported the effort to locate the courthouse in Torrington. The completion of this facility will not only serve the entire region, but will bolster Torrington’s economic development.”

According to the DPW, the deadline to submit qualifications is 3 p.m. is Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

Rep. Willis was notified about the advertising by Douglas J. Moore, Chief of Staff, Director of Management Services, Department of Public Works.

Rep. Willis is House Chair of the Higher Education and Advancement Committee and played an important role in the compromise legislation that came after years of trying to find a solution by establishing the UConn Health Network with hospitals in central Connecticut.

"It is critically important that the UConn School of Medicine needs to produce the next great generation of physicians," Rep. Willis said. "They require facilities that can accommodate excellent teaching-research and clinical-all of which require 21st Century facilities. This is especially true if we want to continue to attract the best and the brightest to our only public medical school. This bill is a major step in that quest."

The $362 million project includes renovating the 35-year-old hospital, building a new patient tower and increasing classroom and laboratory space for the medical and dental schools. About $30 million of the project would go toward the UConn Health Network.

Rep. Willis added the  UConn plan could eventually create 5,000 jobs as well as enhance the reputation of the university's medical and dental schools.

The UConn Health Network would help support a regional primary care institute that is being developed at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford and a regional simulation center at Hartford Hospital, which would allow health professionals to practice techniques using advanced technologies.

The network would also work with the Hospital of Central Connecticut, which is moving ahead with plans for its cancer program. UConn officials are working on plans for a regional cancer program and a center aimed at studying and eliminating health disparities.

Another part of the plan, a bioscience enterprise zone aimed at attracting businesses to the area, will begin July 1. It includes Hartford and parts of Farmington, Bristol and New Britain.

The UConn proposal, signed into law Friday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, is contingent upon $100 million in federal funding. The deadline for receipt of the funding is June 30, 2015. Officials have said that if the funding isn't approved, they will look to other sources, including philanthropy.

"I thank the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for this honor and for their work in behalf of Connecticut's children," Rep. Willis said. "We must continue to ensure that our children have all the tools they need to be ready for their school years. Early childhood development is critical to prepare our children for future learning and security."

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a consortium of organizations and individuals committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight, and their families.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance presented their awards at a ceremony Wednesday in the Old Judiciary Room at the State Capitol.

Representative Willis represents Cornwall, Goshen, Salisbury, Sharon and a portion of Torrington. She is House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.  She also serves on the Appropriations and Environment Committees.

Reps. Roberta Willis, Bob Godfrey, Michelle Cook and Christopher Lyddy.

Town Aid Road (TAR) funds are typically released in January but were held back by the Governor.

"These Town Aid Road funds are critically important for our local towns to help pay for road repair and paving projects," Rep. Willis said. "When we initially approved our state budget it was vetoed by the Governor and the towns and local officials were left waiting for the money. I am pleased that the funding has finally been placed on the State Bond Commission's agenda."

The $30 million in state TAR grants is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission Tuesday, March 16, and the funds are expected to be delivered to towns within 30 days.

The TAR funds for area towns are as follows:

• Cornwall-$112,031.13
• Goshen-$137,301.63
• Salisbury-$145,943.47
• Sharon-$175,418.52
• Torrington-$235,840.76

Rep. Willis earlier this year urged the Governor to release the TAR funds that were included in the state budget for local cities and towns.

State Sen. Roberta Willis (D-Salisbury) has submitted a bill, "An Act Concerning Developing the Creative Economy," that recognizes the profound effect that the arts have on the financial well-being of Connecticut, a state that has become more and more problematic for manufacturing industries.

Indeed, a report issued by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism in 2006 demonstrated that the economic impact of the arts, film, history and tourism generated more than $14 billion in economic activity and 170,000 jobs annually. This provides $9 billion in personal income for Connecticut residents and $1.7 billion in state and local revenue.

Despite this, state funding to the arts has been gouged during the current economic crisis, which threatens agencies whose job it is to promote the state to visitors.

Ms. Willis' bill calls for an examination of the impact of the "creative economy" and proposes to identify and support creative clusters, perhaps ensuring them their just portion of state funding.

It is an idea whose time should come, not just because the arts enrich our lives, but for cold, practical reasons.

Visitors would not drive hundreds of miles to look at a factory, but they will surely be drawn by the beauty of the state and its rich cultural heritage.

SALISBURY - State Rep. Roberta Willis (D-Salisbury) is lobbying for recognition of the creative economy as a force to be analyzed and nurtured. Last week, she filed legislation HB-5028, "An Act Concerning Developing the Creative Economy." A press release said the initiative being sought would "analyze the impact of the creative economy in Connecticut to boost arts and culture that adds to the state's economy, tourism and job growth."

Connecticut currently recognizes seven sectors that drive the economy and offer growth opportunities, and are given priority when it comes to the allocation of state funds. They are bioscience, aerospace, software and information technology, metal manufacturing, maritime, agriculture, and insurance and finance. Ms. Willis proposed legislation that would add the creative sector to the roster.

The proposed legislation was met with a warm reception from the local arts community, according to Ms. Willis, who represents the 64th District. A hearing on her bill last week was attended by representatives from Yale University, Western Connecticut State University in Danbury and the Wadsworth Atheneum art museum in Hartford, along with members of the Connecticut Arts Alliance, who spoke in favor of the legislation.

With the risk looming of Pratt & Whitney laying off more workers at its East Hartford plant and more jobs being lost in the state, Ms. Willis came to the conclusion that sustainable economic growth is more needed than ever.

"We're talking about green jobs being a new part of the economy, expanding health care, nursing, expanding opportunities for engineers, and I'm thinking that we have this incredible potential and not recognizing or utilizing it in full," she said. "The intent would be to boost growth, and figure out how to foster and tap into the opportunity that we already have in this state."

Ms. Willis, who is being challenged this December by Salisbury Republican Kathy Lauretano, came upon the concept of the creative economy several years ago in her travels around neighboring Berkshire County. She is a longtime patron of the arts, being on the Northwest Arts Council and Artwell Gallery, a nonprofit community organization in downtown Torrington.

"Just over the line from us is Berkshire County. They have really made a concerted effort over the last many years to nurture this kind of growth, to the point that they've even put out a Berkshire Creative Economy Report," Ms. Willis said. "From Great Barrington to North Adams, these places really had been reinvented and revitalized from dying mill towns into vibrant communities."

With concern locally about the rising costs of single-family homes in the Northwest Corner, and affordable housing projects underway in Salisbury and Cornwall, Ms. Willis said that some of her creative economy goals dovetail with efforts to bring in young families and professionals.

"If you're going to do a renaissance of a town or city, like what happened in North Adams, you need to have low rentals in your downtown so that young people, be they artists or would-be artists, can get a lovely space to work and live," she said. "You create a dynamic of what's already in existence."

Seeds of a strong arts community are already planted in Torrington, with the Warner Theatre, and the University of Connecticut's campus off Route 4, and Northwestern Community College in nearby Winsted is also thriving.

Still, Ms. Willis wished to stress that the creative economy was not simply based around arts. The Massachusetts Creative Economy Council, which was created in 2008 for the same purpose as Ms. Willis' legislation in Connecticut, defines it as including "the many interlocking industry sectors that center on providing creative services, such as advertising, architecture, arts, film, computer games, multimedia, and design."

Ms. Willis similarly emphasized that the creative economy doesn't simply mean diversifying towns into arts centers. While anyone who has driven in downtown Great Barrington and downtown Torrington would likely choose the former as a more attractive town with a more visible arts community, there is more to the creative economy than what lies on the surface.

"You don't necessarily have to think about it in geographic terms," she said. "It can certainly be looked at that way, but it can also be just the state recognizing the creative workforce and potential as having a tremendous economic impact statewide.

"We need to recognize the economic force that it now plays, but more importantly we are missing an opportunity to foster our strengths," Rep. Willis, House Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, said. "We are rich in the arts and educational resources, two critical cornerstones of a creative economy that can be built upon."

Her bill, in addition to examining the impact of a creative economy, proposes to identify and support "creative clusters." 

Connecticut currently identifies seven clusters that drive the state's economy and offer growth opportunities in the feature. They include bioscience, aerospace, software and information technology, metal manufacturing, maritime, agriculture and insurance and finance.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development gives priority to these clusters in allocating state development funds and Rep. Willis is proposing to add cultural industries and the cultural workforce to the state's cluster strategy.

"Whether it's the Warner Theater in Torrington, the Palace in Waterbury, or a museum in New Haven, we must understand these cultural venues have a positive affect on Connecticut's economy and jobs," Rep. Willis said. "I am looking forward to getting input from the arts community on this legislation as we consider the allocation of state funds."

HB 5028 will be heard by the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee on Thursday, February 25th in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building at 10:30 a.m.

The bill (HB 5175), "An Act Imposing A Tax On Bonuses Received By Employees Of Businesses That Received Funds Under The Troubled Asset Relief Program" has been filed and goes next to the legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee."

Under the bill, the tax imposed on an individual employed by a business that received TARP funds, would be at a rate of 90% on such a bonus that is over $250,000 for a couple filing jointly or $100,000 for an individual.

For example, if an employee received a $5 million bonus as a result of TARP money, the first $100,000 for individuals and the first $250,000 for joint filers would be exempt.

The employee's regular salary would not be affected by this bonus tax, only TARP bonus money. There are several other legislators who have also signed onto the bill.

"The purpose of this bill is to try to require those who created our economic meltdown to contribute to the recovery," Rep. Willis said. "Hard working taxpayers saved Wall Street and it's time for taxpayers to get their money back."

"This is not about revenge or getting even. It's about fairness and economic justice," Rep. Willis said. "Everywhere I go, talking with constituents, they have expressed their outrage over the Wall Street bailout and reports of lavish bonuses being paid out."

"This legislation sends the message that we hear the outcry from our constituents and hopefully the bill will pass the legislature and will be signed into law by the governor," Rep. Willis said.

"The governor's decision to hold this funding is having a negative affect on local budgets and is particularly devastating on small towns in our region of the state," Rep. Willis said. "This grant money needs to be made available immediately."

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

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

• Cornwall-$111,103
• Goshen-$135,182
• Salisbury-$144,092
• Sharon-$171,780
• Torrington-$239,105

Rep. Willis noted the Governor's office has said the funds might be on the next state bond agenda.

"Hopefully, this commitment to local towns will be met and the Governor will include the funds on next month's state bond agenda or sooner," Rep. Willis said. 

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

The state bond commission met today in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford and approved $275,000 for technical support in the selection of a design build team for the courthouse.

"The approval by the state Bond Commission of $275,000 in funding for selection of a design team to build the courthouse is an important step forward," Rep. Willis said. "For those of us who have worked on this project for many years, I applaud the vote of the bond commission members."