State News

Governor Opens State Memorial To Veterans

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, and the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial Board of Directors today joined Congressman John Larson, Connecticut Military Department Adjutant General Thaddeus Martin, Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary for Policy and Planning Linda Schwartz to officially commemorate the opening of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial. Located inside of Minuteman Park at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Broad Street in Hartford – directly in front of the William A. O’Neill State Armory – the memorial pays tribute to the more than 1.3 million men and women from Connecticut who served honorably in the U.S. military in defense of our freedom.  It…

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Governor Announces Imitative On Shoreline Resources

Governor Dannel P. Malloy  announced a series of historic preservation initiatives that will strengthen the state’s commitment to prepare and respond to disasters and protect historic sites along Connecticut’s shoreline.   Projects include items such as surveys of historic neighborhoods, the development of a mobile app for owners of historic homes, among other steps designed to support the four coastal counties of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London.   “This funding will help us respond quickly and strategically should we face another devastating event,” Governor Malloy said.  “Connecticut is committed to safeguarding the state’s unique cultural heritage even as it addresses the coastal resiliency challenges of the 21st century.  These are important, preparatory steps forward, and we’re pleased these…

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Himes Questions Troop Deployment to Syria

  #WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4), member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on President Obama’s announcement of the deployment of American troops to Syria:   “President Obama’s decision to put approximately 50 American troops on the ground in Syria is troubling. We continue, without obvious success or strategy, to fight on both sides of a messy, Middle Eastern civil war. In any event, the commitment of American soldiers into combat requires an Authorization for the Use of Military Force from Congress, which has not been passed.   “Escalating the violence in the region will worsen the refugee crisis and complicate a picture that already involves Syrian troops loyal to Assad, rebel fighters,…

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Governor Calls For Bipartisan Meetings On Budget

  #HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is calling for bipartisan meetings on the state budget, with the aim of addressing the short-term budget shortfall while also improving Connecticut’s long-term budget outlook and economic competitiveness.  With Wall Street on a significant, unpredicted downturn, further tough decisions need to be made.  As such, the Governor is inviting leaders of both parties into bipartisan talks that – if successful – could lead to a special session on the budget later this year.   The Governor announced that next week he will lay out his principles for addressing our budgetary needs in the short-term and beyond.  That means setting priorities and making smart, pragmatic decisions about spending cuts…

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State Officials Headed to Taiwan

On Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, State Senator Tony Hwang, State Senator Tim Larson, and State Representative William Tong will travel to Taiwan on a weeklong business and trade mission funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of China (Taiwan).   They will discuss economic development partnerships, healthcare, education, and transportation with officials from the Republic of China (Taiwan), including meetings at the Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Council of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Administration, the Mainland Affairs Council, the Department of Gender Equality at the Executive Yuan, and the European Economic and Trade Office.   This report was made possible by:  

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Connecticut Gets New Computers For Unemployment Department

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation today announced that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has been awarded over $2.6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) - $2.1 million of which will be used to replace its outdated unemployment insurance computer system, while the remainder will be used to continue a successful fraud prevention partnership program.   “Upgrading our information technology systems to function more efficiently and effectively no doubt boost our efforts to reduce costs, recover improper payments, and ensure payments for those who are in need of these services,” Governor Malloy said.  “Our state has one of the best track records in the nation when it…

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CT Labor Dept. Recovers Over $6.1 Million in Owed Wages

      #HARTFORD, CT –(Press Release)   Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the state Department of Labor’s Division of Wage and Workplace Standards recovered more than $6.1 million in unpaid wages for Connecticut workers during the fiscal year that ended June 30. “The working women and men who are the backbone of our state should get paid for the jobs they do and receive the wages they rightfully earn,” Governor Malloy said.  “The $6.1 million collected by the Labor Department’s investigation reflects the importance we place on protecting our state’s workforce, as well as law-abiding employers.” “As our economy continues to grow, Connecticut’s expanding workforce must be able to trust that their talent and expertise are a priority…

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Governor Signs Bill To Help Student Loan Debt

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined groups of advocates and state officials at a bill signing ceremony to commemorate two new pieces of legislation that aim to tackle rising student loan debt and college affordability. The first – Public Act 15-200 – was introduced by Governor Malloy, allowing students to refinance their loans at substantially lower rates and delivering lower monthly payments. The second – Public Act 15-162 – gives the Connecticut Department of Banking more regulatory oversight over student loans to help ensure fairness in the process.   “We have one of the most educated workforces in America – and we need to keep it that way. As we deliver record high graduation rates in our…

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Lights and Sirens

If you hear sirens at noon time today it is to honor Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren H. Goforth, 47, was ambushed and killed Friday night after exiting the convenience store of a Houston Chevron gas station.  This is a nationwide tribute according to Bridgeport Police Chief Gaudette.  I will be at Bridgeport Police Headquarters to record the tribute.

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BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS FROM THE WESTPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT

  (Westport, CT) - With the Westport Public Schools beginning on August 27th 2015, the Westport Police Department has stepped up it enforcement efforts targeting traffic violators in school zones with a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign, focusing on traffic safety in and around the school zones. Westport Officers will be targeting drivers who are using cell phones and speeding in school zones, as well as disregarding School Bus Signals in Westport. “During this time of year the Westport Police Department focuses on protecting children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around school zones and bus stops where they congregate” said Captain Sam Arciola. “The long summer break has allowed drivers to forget that they will soon be sharing the roads with School Buses…

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