


DEFINITIONS ; Where in the process are P&D 67 bills? Our special ones? HIGHLIGHTS, IMPLEMENTER; LIST OF LEGISLATOR CONTACTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEWS: OUR COMMENTARY ON IMPLEMENTER BILL HB7424; HOUSE & SENATE SESSIONS: Last day of Session, June 5th.
LAMONT ADMINISTRATION
Press comment
2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION DAYS - January 9. 2019 to June 5, 2019. COMMITTEE DEADLINES;
TO THE FLOOR: COMMUNICATION, COMPROMISE AND TRULY HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
COMMITTEES we "follow" meaning we watch them if broadcast and track items of interest post-PH.
P&D
Environment
Energy & Technology
Transportation
COMMITTEE Chairs for 2019-2021 Session. Others we follow sort of:
Education, and Higher Education.
Housing and some others, too, as things develop. Commerce; G.A.E.; for gambling - Public Safety and Security; OPIOIDS as we follow this issue and other cultural problems. General Law;
Committee on Contested Elections (the results in this case in the 120th District)
BIENNIAL BUDGET:
Appropriations;
Finance. Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee.
Five Special Elections for Senators and Representatives who have joined the new Administration - DONE




Weston's Rep. wants to tax the rich - Anne Hughes Co-Chair: https://ctmirror.org/2019/03/15/progressive-dems-offer-new-tax-hike-aimed-at-millionaires/
PARTICULARLY COGENT NEWS COMMENT
Bond Commission story: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190521_tong_says_bond_commission_power_grab_would_violate_ct_constitution/
SPECIAL SESSION: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190522_lamont_releases_toll_bill_calls_for_special_session/
SPECIAL SESSION: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-toll-bill-release-20190521-yvnjimlxczcs3pik3c5k7eqh4i-story.html
On the matter of rope-a-dope C.G.A. variety: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/thehour/article/Ken-Dixon-Lawmakers-pump-brakes-on-making-laws-13837109.php
https://ctmirror.org/2019/04/16/who-pays-the-next-ct-tax-hike-democrats-must-answer-question-soon/
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Ken-Dixon-Odds-not-good-for-Lamont-s-Big-Four-13764598.php
https://ctmirror.org/2019/01/11/lamont-plants-clues-first-budget-opening-address/
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Ken-Dixon-What-to-remember-of-Lamont-s-first-13528748.php
CTNEWSJUNKIE
CT MIRROR
CTPOST
NORWALK HOUR
HARTFORD COURANT
Other:


HOW DO RED-LIGHT CAMERAS WORK?
They track you. Latest projection of revenues; how does health care for undocumented kids fit into this budget? No comment.

Sound of C.G.A. debate
Was that "jee we need to spend more?" or "cheep is a good thing?"

SHREDDING THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHER REALITY CHECKS...
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Ken-Dixon-Circus-of-con-artists-in-Hartford-13710372.php

Connecticut tsunami?
AS WE WAITED ON NEXT LEGISLATURE...AND ADMINISTRATION...

NEWS: The clock is ticking...June 5th the last day of Long Session.

A CT School Finance Project's idea...(regionalize public education is another)
Get rid of the income tax? Didn't Bob make this suggestion on the campaign trail? Yup: https://www.ctinsider.com/business/danhaar/stamfordadvocate/article/Dan-Haar-Payroll-tax-would-replace-state-income-13832416.php



IS THIS IS WHAT HE MEANT BY NOT FORCING REGIONALIZATION SOLUTIONS?
And it gets worse: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190410_lamont_holds_firm_on_teacher_pension_costs_backs_away_from/
I GUESS IT IS WHAT THEY ALWAYS SAY - "IF YOU HAVE TO ASK 'HOW MUCH?' YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT"
According to group on right at the top, Weston is #4 for highest
average salary (@$98k) for public school teachers. Redding #3,
Wilton #2 and Greenwich number one in 6 figures (@$102k)!!!
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT COME AGAIN?
Governor Lamont appoints housing advocate to TOD position (sub-cabinet level). Not shown above.
HOW ABOUT THIS FOR FOLLOW-THROUGH?
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190423_lamont_officially_scraps_plans_for_police_gun_range_in_griswold/


THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION REMINDS ME OF "THE SERVANT." BUT CONNECTICUT LOCALE.
If memory serves, that was a the story of role reversal, weakness
and drug dependency and a bit of Alice in Wonderland, as well...
On transportation initiatives

BACK-TO-BACK TRANSPORTATION PRESS CONFERENCES: Senate Minority Leader Fasano v. OPM Sec'y McCaw
As we enter the midpoint of this Long Session, CT, the vaunted "Insurance Capital of America" is burning...from "incendiary" rhetoric?

CHANNEL 12
Quote from link above - new Commissioner of D.E.E.P. .

How dare they not call C.G.A. first!!!
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190322_corporate_decision_kills_effort_to_change_connecticuts_automotive/#more
Connecticut will be "sin tax capital" as well as a
sweet smell of "affordable" MJ. Zoning decision may be affected -
incentivize communities.
HOW COULD THE FUTURE OF CT LOOK BETTER? ANSWER: IN A DRUGGED STATE. REP. ELLIOT THE MOST INFORMED.
1st draft of legalized pot - gambling on getting high: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190314_lawmakers_offer_first_draft_of_legal_cannabis_bills/
Q&A: http://ct-n.com/CTNplayer.asp?livestream=0
FROM THE COURANT 5-24-19

In attempting to attach amendment to HJ161 (which passed by 3/4 vote in
favor of Early Voting/No Excuse Absentee question on November 2019
ballot)...
HOUSE ACTS TO DENY NEW VOTE IN STRATFORD: https://www.thehour.com/politics/article/House-Republicans-fail-in-getting-new-vote-for-13794192.php#photo-16791510
From what I had understood, it appeared no Special Election would come
prior to the end of this Long Session. What's up?

MORE OPINION:
CT POST (May 3, 2019): https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/ctpost/article/Ethics-complaint-latest-salvo-in-contested-13817553.php
OPINION (not ours): https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/a-solution-to-the-140th-district-election-quagmire/
Comprehensive report from CT MIRROR: https://ctmirror.org/2019/02/12/gop-candidate-asks-court-for-new-review-of-disputed-stratford-election/
Committee on Contested Elections ("CCE"): IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
- January 11, 2019
- January 18, 2019
- January 24, 2019
- January 25, 2019
- February 1, 2019
- More on Monday...2-2 tie: https://ctmirror.org/2019/02/04/house-committee-deadlocks-on-disputed-stratford-election/
- End game on this: https://www.ctpost.com/politics/ctpost/article/Democrats-run-out-clock-on-Stratford-contested-13945101.php


L-R - Mike D'Agostino (Chair.), Jason Perrillio, Vin Candeloria, Greg Haddad
Four members, 2 from each Party. Familiar faces from last Session or two.
The one lawyer is Chair. (l) - and he took the opportunity to make a
case for one of the three reasons to hold or not a special
election:
- In a do-over, the same people might not be the same people who voted on Election Day 2018.
- The other two reasons fall on the side of holding such special
election are from what I heard, that 75 people were disenfranchised in
an election decided by a recount to a 13 vote victory for one candidate.
Committee on Contested Elections, 1-18-19
ORGANIZING THE PROCESS FOR TESTMONY...

SUBPOENAS TO BE ISSUED
If this is a several phase process. Testimony at 10am, location -
LOB, 2A.- on Thursday; continuing 1pm Friday same location.
Committee on Contested Elections, 1-24-19; 10am - 3:30pm with brief lunch break.
COMMITTEE ON CONTESTED ELECTIONS ISSUES SUBPOENAS FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
- Chair. opens the hearing.
- Thursday and Friday scheduled for taking testimony in the case of
the 2018 election for 120th House district.
- You may recall, about 75 voters in one polling place in Stratford
were given the incorrect ballots, (i.e. like if in Weston you were given
a ballot for the 26th instead of the 28th Senate seat), as we discussed in our most recent About Town program!
- QUESTION: Does this ever this happen in Weston? Who
knows - nothing ever close enough to be recounted - but actually, we
always seem to get picked for "audit" from Sec'y of the State - no
problems ever that I am aware of.. .
- We'll watch the
play-by-play, and it should be interesting how "Democracy Is Not A
Spectator Sport" will be on display or not. Or perhaps we've already seen the argument?

WITNESSES
Questions about how election day goes. What may have been the
source of the boo-boo? "EDR" number has no trail... Break at
11:32am. Chain of custody? So you both verify this?
PLAY-BY-PLAY OF ELECTION WEEK
Republican Registrar (above#2), Democrat Registrar (above#3) reported
how it worked. Input of data for questions the next morning;
18 votes made re-canvas necessary. Friday they announced the
result.

MALCOLM STARRATT, MODERATOR AT BUNNELL
- How long were the wrong ballots used? Flow not interrupted.
- Ballot clerk sworn in. Not trained. There was an unofficial Republican checker.
- Who were checkers? Names given, maybe. .
- How do you keep track? On a separate piece of paper, as each
voter comes in, and then compares to official numbers each and every
hour.

QUESTIONS RE: HOW IT HAPPPENED - 16 year old poll worker???
"I don't see my candidates" sparked the whole thing.
Inconsistency? More detail- "intent to cast a ballot" subjective
process.
Subpoenaed (no good deed goes unpunished dept.)
Last witness is a poll worker who claimed he had no training, did not know that there were 2 districts at Bunnell...
3:30pm adjourned until tomorrow at 1pm.

COMMITTEE ON CONTESTED ELECTIONS, 1-25-19

Round two...
More Registrars' office folks...then recess to wait to hear from Dem winner's attorney.
Democrat attorney.
Young took the oath January 9th. He gets to serve, no problema. Isn't this an exercise in futility?

NEXT AND FINAL (?) STEPS...
This is going to keep going until Jan. 30. And a bit more to make
sure everyone is heard. See posted schedule of meetings - nothing
Wed., Thuirs., but yes for Friday!
Meeting adjourned (not too long)
COMMITTEE ON CONTESTED ELECTIONS
February 1, 2019
.




Decision and debate.
- Irregularity.
- 10,000 voters voted in November 2018 - a new election might deprive others.
- Should CT law be used? Federal precedents (Congress)? Local decisions?
- 57% voted for Republican in Bunnell. voting location.
- Ordering a new election? Not yet...another meeting on Monday
after 2 executive sessions fail to resolve the issues at hand.
News: :https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/thehour/article/Dan-Haar-Bring-a-new-election-in-Stratford-13613852.php
Report: https://ctmirror.org/2019/02/04/house-committee-deadlocks-on-disputed-stratford-election/
By the way, we note that another story of mistakes by local election
officials in recounted areas (Ansonia senate seat) - an argument that
all local officials make mistakes?
JANUARY 9 TO JUNE 5, 2019 (shown)

"LEGISLATIVE SESSION DAYS"
Opening Day, Governor's addresses...in chronological order. Down to the wire...any "Special Session" in 2019 will be on a new page.
Our running commentary: IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
HOUSE
SENATE
TIMES UP FOR "TIMES UP" SB3 AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2019. ALL EMPLOYERS OF ANY SIZE MUST DO TRAINING
https://www.shipmangoodwin.com/general-assembly-passes-series-of-reforms-to-connecticuts-sexual-harassment-and-discrimination-laws

THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2019-2021 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND LINKS...
Senator Haskell: 6 Committees - Environment, GAE, Higher Education (Senate Chair). Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation
Senator Hwang: 4 Committees (Ranking Member on 3) - Higher Education, Housing, Public Safety, Transportation
Representative Hughes: 3 Committees - Aging, Human Services, Insurance & Real Estate
FROM A WESTON PERSPECTIVE, WHAT THE LONG SESSION DID - AND DID NOT DO.
- NO PAPER BAG TAX IN WESTON AFTER AUGUST 1 AS WE UNDERSTAND IT...
- "Public Option" dies in Senate without a vote. Why did Majority not insist?
-
And by the way, by 2021 no more plastic bags in CT.
- The Legislature has just passed SB753 with Amendment 'A'.
- What does 'A' actually say? "Senate Amendment 'A' specifies that the state law on fracking,
natural gas, and oil waste preempts related municipal ordinances.
"
- Guess what? Weston's Anti-Fracking ordinance (c), approved here after the PH (and 56 other Towns') put out of business.
- Were those not raising their hands doing so because they knew that the Legislature would render local efforts moot?
- And how about CT SENATE not acting on HB6749 if that is the case?
- And no vote of House on 120th election dispute: https://www.ctpost.com/politics/ctpost/article/Democrats-run-out-clock-on-Stratford-contested-13945101.php
OUR REVIEW: THE BILL PASSED 86-65 & 20-16

WE FOUND THIS LINK TO BUDGET IN CTNEWSJUNKIE FIRST: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-07424-R00-HB.PDF
2019-2020 and 2020-2021 "line"cited is usually only the beginning of a sometimes long section
-
Sec. 57 - $70k stabilization each year for Weston
- Sec. 74 - water supply (no expansion/replacement without
informing state DPH). FIRST RAT "15000 to 15300" line 781(other
than inclusion of West Hartford in a grant earlier)
- Sec.75 line 968 - reduces $$ to public health departments...line1003 REDUCES PAYMENTS TO REGIONAL HEALTH DISTRICTS
- Sec.80 - PURA changed - now 5 members - under majority Party ("no more than" 2 became 3) Governor now appoints all of them.
- Sec. 82 - Teacher retirement fund tied to Lottery (begins line1136; 1166 3/4 vote to reduce benefits).
- Sec. 89 (still TRS matter) locks in return assumption of 6.9%
- Sec. 91 - pushes deadlines out for OPM to report to C.G.A.
- Sec. 92 transparency in reporting state of tax burden; line1586
details zero emissions vehicles by named state depts. D.A.S. controls
with DOT
- Sec. 94 electric vehicles line 1631; 1671 is REBATES for
hydrogen plug in hybrid or fuel cell vehicles ($3million total to be
funded by increased fees for registration)
- Sec.99 - RETIREMENT SECURITY EXCHANGE (plus a Board); line 1775
- Sec. 147 - line 3320 - open education source
- Sec. 152 - HEMP line 3668
- Sec. 179 art therapist
- Sec. 183 line 4714 - this is for Dalio $$?
- Sec. 191 - line 4944 hair salon; line 5303, 5314 (GLOVES not exempt??? - to be disposed of after use) - $250 fee (was $100)
- Sec. 204 - makes a point to say that this does not apply to individual hair care by him or herself. (YET - my joke)
- Sec. 212 T.OD.
- Sec. 214 more T.O.D. CMRA for Weston's downtown?
(Or since we don't have 70,000, not for us)? Ahah, Capitol Region
mentioned specifically. Line 6075 purpose to have state authority issue
bonds we all pay off to help cities/region/ltowns
- Sec. 222
- Cybersecurity midway line 7080
- line 7647 midway PFML
- line 9264 Sheff "within available appropriations"in the rest of this section

- And more.
- Sec. 312 line11592 funeral expenses payment for indigent increase.
- Sec. 319 digital goods tax line12023 and downloads.
- Remember this song?
- "Big" line 13439, as in expensive house tax
- Sec. 347 ct innovation business $$
- Sec. 350 e-cigs
- Sec. 352 beer
- Sec.354 fun tax of 5% on admissions, we think
- Sec. 355 plastic bags - 10cent fee that might exist in local ordinances ends for paper bags August 1, 2019
- Sec. 365 (d) - possible source for planning funds only if free community college does not use it all up.
- Sec. 366 - Regionalization "task force"
- Sec. 375 seems to explain Governor's "diet" for no more debt - he didn't mean a fast!
- Sec. 377 seems to say that all public
employees other than State of CT workers can be included in health care
of equal quality to State Plan???
- Sec. 385 payroll tax line - 15246 (to pay for stuff)
Lamont administration
COMINGS & GOINGS

4pm Budget Presser (short for press conference) - then back to Session Day Thursday May 30, 2019
Governor said.:
- Not raising taxes on anybody.
- Not robbing Rainy Day
fund.
- Education: Dalio foundation $40 and $60 (?).
- Pension fund
problem - Wooden's idea taking cliff out.
Majority Leaders Looney, Aresimowicz: "Next few days they'll get it done" and kudos for
Hospital deal done by Governor. No details until they reveal them to
Dem. Caucuses.


OPENING DAY IS JANUARY 9 (Wednesday), 2019.
Swearing in preceded by Amazing Grace performance. Swearing in done by former Chief Justice, friend of the family...

Joint Convention opened and conducted by LTGOV Susan Bysiewicz: Public-Private deal: Federal Workers in CT $$
Lamont address very personable....thanks Gov. Malloy (perhaps for having plagiarized Himself's previous messages)
- Giving back the best thing you can do for your state (used his JFK imitation).
- LABOR: Thanks you for your work
- make sure the retirement of present workers won't break the bank.
- Towns should regionalize services such as health care thru technology.
- CREATE NEW HABITS:
- Invest in digital
- Millennials - urban centers, first 5G State - wifi to all Town squares.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- Gridlock
- 30-30-30 between cities
- Modern infrastructure. Economy that works for everyone.
- MUST DO: STEM, coding, apprentice, workplace, paid family leave, $15 minimum wage over time.
- Get the economy moving again...GROWTH.
- Making a difference - together. Let's get CT moving again!
--------------------
DEBT DIET: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190220_lamont_plan_calls_for_53_toll_gantries/



LESS THAN 1 WEEK TO GO...SPECIAL SESSION ON TRANSPORTATION (TOLLS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) PERHAPS IN AUGUST...
COURANT reports 25% of teacher retirement costs to towns: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-gov-lamont-teachers-pension-fund-20190219-ogw7tzzn75fdzhs7ftljbhfgly-story.html
RISK-REWARD RETIREMENT COSTS: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190219_labor_says_it_wont_entertain_lamonts_request_for_concessions/
We watched it live. https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/2019-Legislative-Proposals
The Governor noticed what got a luke warm reception.and more detail to be delivered in person by OPM - on the link above...
Quick run thru of power point prior to Governor's budget address.
Office of Policy & Management Secretary explains that this pass thru
on Teacher Retirement is not draconian - which doesn't do Weston any
good, JMO.
WATCH IT HERE (12 NOON WEDNESDAY): https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/2019-Legislative-Proposals
- Lots of not big applause on revenue discussions;
- Opportunity zones, business helping graduates pay off student loans.
- Workforce housing: "Let's give them a shot" paid family medical leave.
- "Green collar jobs."
- Transportation: How to pay
for it. Tolling one more damn tax. Streamline, public-private
partnerships to implement this. Truck only tolling won't make it.
- Debt diet - can't borrow our way out of this. Speedier transportation.
- Sports betting, marijuana.
- Digital systems.
- Its going to be tough.
"Let's get to work." https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Bud-Budgets/2020-2021-Biennial-Budget/FY-2020-2021-Biennial-Budget
-------------------
Sin tax on 4 letter words?
"Lamont to propose expanded taxes on sugary drinks, plastic bags, vaping products, tobacco and liquor bottles."






SLIPPERY SLOPE IN DEFINING A SIN
Do you remember where you bought various wine bottles? And he wants to encourage gambling/sports betting?


Sen. Looney's bill SB431. The looming additional
1-mil statewide property tax to fund Payment In Lieu of Taxes
("PILOT").that sits in the Finance Revenue & Bonding Committee
Tolls, check. Car tax collected state-wide, check. "Sugary drinks", wine bottle deposit...what else
do we expect before Wednesday Biennial Budget Proposals?
$15 dollar minimum wage in 4 installments: https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/thehour/article/Lamont-will-expand-the-sales-tax-base-but-not-13613533.php
HOSPITALS? https://ctmirror.org/2019/02/04/hospital-tax-poses-huge-challenge-for-1st-lamont-budget/
CT "CREDIT CARD" CONTROL? STORY HERE: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190212_lamont_wants_to_put_connecticut_on_debt_diet/
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS TO THE RESCUE? MEANWHILE...
An open letter to the citizens of Connecticut: https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/thehour/article/Lamont-Extend-drivers-licenses-to-eight-years-13607919.php
OPENING DAY OVER - KEN DIXON COMMENTS PLUS SOME GRAPHICS BY ABOUT TOWN



Democrat 91-60, 23-13 advantage still needs Special Session. There is an idiom for this - "padding" your account.
-
GOV. LAMONT ON "FIXING THE DAMN BUDGET ONCE AND FOR ALL" OPENING DAY.
GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS LATER IN FEBRUARY...

How does this fit into the "calendar?" Or does it matter???

HOUSE

HOUSE COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP (D)
Feb. 26 Special Election for 2 House seats (elected candidates accepted
positions in the Administration); another to replace Rep. who
died.
HOUSE, June 5, 2019
We tuned in at 11:30...
HB7201 - 'A'


This appears to be "happy day" with Majority joking and being pleasant.
SB831 - Parole status norification


Just a few "no" votes.
Transportation omnibus bill to clean up statutes - bipartisan


.Lunch break 12:10pm...2:09pm return
SB972
Very interesting bill - "times up" in another context - as in privacy for birth mothers.
This vote was "pt'd" and we hope will go nowhere or have an amendment softening it later?

When you check the Senate vote, 11 voted against it including Sen. Moore, Sen. Somers, Sen. Abrams...
SB504 - car thefts by minors, 'A.' Why do they think this is happening? 145-1.
SB753 fracking waste ban 'A' - 147-1




Why? Energy including shale.
- Pre-empts local bills 57??? towns' bans.
- Is it the same as moratorium?
- Widens scope to natural gas and oil waste.
- Wilton, Norwalk and New Canaan representative speaks up, votes YES.
4:44 we're out of here...will check back later...
HB7155 - electricity rates - pt'd
9:44pm we're out of here.
House Session June 4th 2019
We'll check later to see what passed, but looks as if Public Option and others did already in concurrence with the Senate.
SB1111 a strike all - "Times Up" references merge with SB3.





If you have a procedure that doesn't take 2hr video - is that OK? Statute of limitations the same.
b'
HJR171 - State Water Plan, 'A' & 'B'
Speaker in chair. at the time (not shown) doesn't call for "ayes/nays" on 'B'



No vote (by voice) on Amendment 'B' - I guess I was right!
They, the Speaker and staff, caught it, and thus, perhaps, the need for a roll call on 'B'
...9pm and speakers presenting bills are talking at speed.
HOUSE SESSION JUNE 3rd STARTS 3 HRS LATE - we are quicker
to read Implementer because we're focusing on...Weston...FR&B must
have been long...or not - 55 minutes...then House in caucus
mode...
Emergency Certified HB7424


$21billion 2019-2020, $22billion 2020-2021
'A' Consensus revenue estimate - voice vote.




Minority:
- Concerned citizen, small business, middle-class under attack. Increases spending, taxes and borrowing.
- What is spending increase%?3.1, 3.8. Fixed cost now growing faster. How much are from salary increases.
- What is tax increase - $2 billion. Diverting funds from STF? Shortchanging Special Transportation fund.
- Digital goods: buy a book online, tax it to support bricks
and mortar. Modernizing sales tax: Netflix? Yes,
subscription. Exemption business to business? No.
Online Amazon Prime? Membership broken up? Microsoft Office?
Yes 1% to 6.9%. Yes on other apps. $27 million.
- 323-324 new tax on food and beverages. Cider? Yes.
- Parking (on city street)? Yes. On meters as
well as garages? Excludes municipal RR parking. Credit
card.
- Dry cleaning and laundry but not coin operated. If you pay by coin no tax.
- Underwater sales? "Mansion" tax. Big Brother does not sit in the House.
- Plastic bans banned in 2 yrs.
- Website betting.
- Ride services. Used car trade ins.
- I-Lottery? Feasibility? Access to community college,
debt free. Grants only to those seeking loans? I-Lottery
approval $$ earmarks. No. Promises promises. No guarantee.


Labor contract impact. Reps. Walker and Lemar responding.
- Transfers? In and out? Is this to make sure it doesn't
show? Why do we do that? Ahah - to cover checks they wrote
so they don't bounce!
- Transportation funding? Which projects can get done during the biennium. 20 yr. capital plan.
- Teachers: What year are we prolonging it to 2020 to
2049. $381 million placed in fund. (frozen). adequate - how
determined? Bond Covenant. Treasurer's Office bond
counsel? Teachers' Retirement Office. TRS...
- "Financial Inclusion?" Not sure. Social
entrepreneurship? Grants. Privileged status? $20
million of excess revenues?
- How is excess 2019 used? Legacy retirement obligations?
5:08pm we're out of here...
Back 8:22pm. WHOA - now 'B' which is what is a plastic bag at checkout: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/amd/H/pdf/2019HB-07424-R00HB-AMD.pdf
P.U.R.A.; and Dalio - CT innovations open to F.O.I.? No


Why put on more Commissioners? Lots of pork. Lots of hiring and benefits in general.
F.O.I. for Dalio PPP- Party line vote. 60-90.

Reamortization of TR Fund. Quotes CT Mirror. Why no
decreases? 2049 RT Fund will balloon. 'H' takes out lots of
things. Furlough days.

"I"
Quotes A.C.I.R. data! Unfunded mandates 10637
9pm we're out of here...
Saturday June 1, 2019 - started late
HB6637 - Invasive Species Candlewood Lake has out of state users.






Zebra mussels . Invasive species dangerous so noise amendment can
be introduced. Numbered plate. Recreation. Why rivers?
Crabs gone in New Haven.
PT'd. 12:02 back on floor. 'A'


Enforcement if boat launch is out of state. How do we prevent this?
SB1026 - struck all sections that were cause of fiscal note.


Unan. Questions answered.
SB1100 - voyeurism


Unan. 134-0
SB647 - streamlining liquor permit. "Meade" added.








Cross-selling, pro-business. Farm winery permit. CT Wine Trail. 5 "no" votes 140-5 six absent at 1:34pm
HB7183 - liquor wholesalers 'A'




VFW? Will this not encourage big box? Puerto Rican beer. 74-71
HB5139 - Cigar bars 125-20 (Democrats were no votes)
HB7294 - Bottle redemption task force. 'A' until end of the year.





Mary Mushinsky stands and delivers.
Amendment passed because GOP supported it. Chair. reluctantly voted "yes" on amendment. 94-32 Amendment - 126-18 Bill
After 3pm. Pause...
SB1028 - 'A'


SB706 - Epi- pen passes unanimously.
We're out of here at 5pm. The bill below was called...
SB3 - Sexual assault after 50 yrs? Nope, amendment 'A' was down to 20 yrs. (Existing limit was 5 yrs.)


7pm.
Session 7hrs13min it says on CT-N.
May 31, 2019 we tuned 1:14am - but watched what we missed
Sunday. And boy had we missed something in the very
beginning!
"CT SANCTUARY STATE BILL" debate, the previous day had Rep. Hughes doing
what looked to me like a "photo bomb" during Rep. Dubitsky's very on
point critique. Which was so good that the bill was PT'd until much, much later...



SB164 - P.T.S.D. began in 1993.









Worst is when accidents/deaths are to children. I have to
believe that those in the police function see not only terrific
accidents but the constant contact with evil. Unan.
Recess for quick Dem. Caucus.
SB. 1 'A' - Paid Family/Medical Leave





F.M.L.A.
- Wage replacement. 12 weeks. over 12 month. Funded employee
contributions. 2021. Insolvency wording. Quasi-Public
Agency to run the program.
- Mandate. Fraud? Unemployment to replacement
worker? Yes. How long? Up to 12 weeks. In
increments? "Serious" health condition. Who is exempt?
Can't define "family." State employees exempt.
- Should government have a larger role in your life, vote "yes." Not capitalism.
- Subsidizing? Yes. .5% payroll tax on everybody?
Benefit. Who takes medical leave? Used federal
experience. California. Paid medical leave is
different. Decrease in benefit to make it solvent.
- Could Legislature get a bite? Yes. Or raise the payroll tax rate.
- Postpartum depression. Mental health. Disparity rich v. poor.
5pm we cut out...79-69.
Thursday May 30, 2019 at 11am
SB992 "Trust Act" update - require ICE detainer with due process. LCO7531.





Amendment 'A' - technical wordsmithing? Pro-terrorist?
Planning? When is a potential suspect an innocent person?
Confidential? No. "State" judge? Trial judge referees?
Magistrates? He doesn't think so. 127-132 struck. Other
strikes - 156;. strikes "potential" in another line. Detain -
arrest and detain.
Is it common to arrest in relation to civil immigration detainer?
Why are we adding "arrest?" Implication that police are violating
people's rights - when they aren't. Strike "or immigration
status." 32-38 definition of confidential information...can it be
disclosed? Confidential cannot be shared? Check another
line...149+. Bottom line: CONNECTICUT THE SANCTUARY STATE.
If someone is arrested, local law enforcement will not be allowed to
check immigration status. YES. Why? 115-119. Why
would we want to keep it a secret? Definition of confidential
immigration status. IN RECESS for 30 minutes to research
answer...@12:30pm...back in Session but not on this bill, 1:30pm...
HB7175 - bail bonds




"Good bail ought to pass."
Bail bondsmen still oppose it? Don't know. 24 "no" including 1 "woof" - standing at ease...
Still looking for the answer...
HB7349 - 'A' identity theft. 'A' 141-0
HB5833 - advanced manufacturing education Pilot - to pick high schools






Fiscal note? Board of Regents and local school district fund
it. Only public schools? No if private interested.
Which fields? What will Regents do?
5pm

SB1115 which is now carrying same amendment as SB992 which, if you recall was pt'd has just passed with 2 amendments...



We just checked at 9:30pm...and were confused. Had
they merged 992 with 1115? Nope. Rather, in effect, they nullified each
other, maybe?
"We (C.G.A.) don't care what Federal law says" (my interpretation). 81-59.
Reminder: Bring toiletries and change of cloths Friday-Saturday Session Days.
10pm adjourned.
May 29 11am - until after 11pm
Fire Depts and volunteers; football etc Bloomfield. Fairfield Fire Chief (Dennis McCarthy).
HB5444 - Art Therapists (license - $$) 'A' 138 - 1.






Revenue? Bipartisan, Alzheimer's, dementia, Sandy Hook. Children helped. Subdivision of "mental health."
SB682 - reward for suggestions in suggestion box, 'A'




WHAT IS CRITERIA? "Gross" mismanagement. Only employee's department.
- State auditors now are OK with it. Why not replace existing
bill? Repeal and lose history. Creating new position?
- Are legislators allowed to participate? Uncomfortable -
gratuitous. OPM has this responsibility now. "Hey, let's
pass it to just pass it" - it is ridiculous.
- But passing this bill will expunge any history of previous failure. 104-39
HB5408 Stormwater, capital equipment - sweeps of catch basins, monitoring, 'A' amended 136-9


- Stormwater authority subject to legislative body.
- Municipalities "may" have one in order to pay for MS4, exempted folks? Enterprise zones???
- Separate taxing districts? Costs to municipalities?
Recoup present/future costs only? Option? Flat fee?
Federal guidelines? Challenge fees? (B.A.A.)
SB1114 - ambulance service parity of inmate

Fiscal note? Maybe? He'll vote for it anyway. One "no" (Dem).
HB7299 - as amended plus 'C'


Last bill last night that was pt'd.
Increase fines up to $500, with exceptions for first time offense. Unan. 143-0
H.R.34 - Early Children SEIU ("Care for Kids") - United Way administers it.

Program lets people work (income requirement). Janus.
Breadcrumbs left for others to explore...
- Not "state employees"
- Feds half, State half
- Special needs? Funding from other sources as well.
- Any other state doing this?
- Licensed providers can charge more? Can service up to 6 kids
(3 kids for unlicensed). Private payment can't merge with "care
for kids" - is this so? Don't know...yes, number total is finite.
- Unlicensed providers: Can people do housecleaning at the same time? No.
- Is everyone in collective bargaining unit? Don't know.
- How much is already in budget (as far as it has come)? Fully. Have the minimum wage increase been included?
- Federal funds sometimes have hicups.





- How much of a carryover? Where's the budget?
- Are religious institutions allowed? Yes. Collectively bargained thru statutes in 48 other states.
- Waiting for the budget. Where are our priorities?
HB7215 - strike all

School climate - social emotional climate
Suicide prevention. Get away from strict discipline.
And we took off for dinner. After which we note that the bills
below were called, debated and amended, voted upon, etc.
HB5385 - plastic straws - pt
HB7206 - renewable energy unan
HB7132 - family therapists
HB7375 - technical
HB7063 - 1 no
HB7353 - with amendment 'A' unan.
HB7068 - https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07068&which_year=2019
HB7333 - unan
HB7066 - no unan
HB6935 - union power not unan.
May 28 12 noon - not exactly,,,now in the chair...

sHB7083
LEGISLATIVE SHELL GAME/BACK DOOR TACTICS - NOW FOR ALL TO SEE.
Attaching
and striking all to Latino and Puerto Rican studies bill (1 credit toward graduation - K-8)







- Why a mandate? Isn't it already?
- CLIMATE CHANGE - detail of "may" and "shall" wording.
- Starting in 5th grade. What's the curriculum?
- Who's responsibility is it to draw curriculum? Legislature now doing curriculum?
- We can't do our own job, so we take over someone else's?




- Lines 22-25 Climate Change mandate?
- What else if affecting global temps?
- Climate v. weather definitions?
- "Strike all" and wrong title. The scientific method.
Test the hypothesis, do research, challenge. Burn at the stake
those who challenge.
- Albedo effect.
Adjourned 10:46pm. JOURNAL: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/h/pdf/2019HJL00528-R00-JNL.PDF
MAY 23, 2019 at 11am...we tuned in a bit late.

H.R.33 - State Troopers contract (arbitration award).




Fiscal note on contract $50 million. "R.S.A." -
every penny counts for 1 year - then it is in the budget.
Multi-billion dollar contracts. 90-45. Minority Leader closes debate

SJR: Voice vote unan.
CAUCUS (D) 12:50pm - 1:54pm
HB7244 - Veterans' exemption. $500 exemption: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/BA/pdf/2019HB-07244-R000200-BA.pdf


No debate - looks unanimous. And it was!
HB7187 - Revocation of pension for public officials. Simply changing responsibility.



Looks similarly unanimous - question asked if it could apply to a local situation ongoing.

HB5969 - 'A' Crumbling Foundation low interest load program -
public-private partnership. $75k, 20yrs. not covered by other
sources.








Rep. Case points out that money to make homes saleable.
Detached parts of property - swimming pools made of pyrrohite same
stuff? Foreclosure a possibility - yes. Is is for all?
Wells? 131-7 13 absent
HB7298 - Recycling industry task force. Rep. Mushinski
points out price drop in one year. Rep. Cheeseman says mixing
stuff not working - raccoons agree.




Unan. 137-0.
HB6890 - sexual misconduct in school athletics. Unan.
HB5251 - Shark fins neutered.



110-28
HB7166 - emergency transportation. Unan.
HB7316 - task force of unemployed home care workers???


Not unanimous by a long stretch. 101-37.
HB6392 - work zone. Withdraw 'A' now 'B' - snip snip.





Good bet this bill will not appear in the Senate - JMO
Why had the Ranking Member not been listened to? Cost to
DOT? Maryland data? Speed infraction down. Fatalities up. 70-66 (69 required for passage)
4:45pm we're out of here...instead of just referring you to the record
itself, May 23rd House session in the last 90 minutes did this:
HB7286 - appraisers and home inspectors.
HB7173 - optometrists, opthamologists and health insurers
HB7217 - get rid of obsolete statutes
HB5779 - extend a study
HB5314 - Helium balloons
HB5213 - insurance coverage for hearing aids.
HB7291 - school security
HB6742 - "salons" where there is "nail salon" included (or exclusive)

He's been after this for a while!
HB7209
T.O.D lives! Weston not included (Sec. 5: [ NOT for Hartford], 70,000 population - only in "downtown"):
Among the definition in this "strike all" amendment. Some of the definitions:
(2) "Authority development project" means a project occurring within the
boundaries of a Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority
development district;
(3) "Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority development district"
or "development district" means the area determined by a memorandum of
agreement between the authority and the chief executive officer of the
member municipality, or the chief executive officers of the
municipalities constituting a joint member entity, as applicable, where
such development district is located, provided such area shall be
considered a downtown or does not exceed a one-half-mile radius of a
transit station;
(6) "Downtown" means a central business district or other commercial
neighborhood area of a community that serves as a center of
socioeconomic interaction in the community, characterized by a cohesive
core of commercial and mixed-use buildings, often interspersed with
civic, religious and residential buildings and public spaces, that are
typically arranged along a main street and intersecting side streets and
served by public infrastructure;
HB5304
Pink blaze hunting clothing: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/BA/pdf/2019HB-05304-R000171-BA.pdf
6:17 adjourned.
MAY 22, 2019 at 11am. Union contracts time.







O'Neill points out how CT system is not being rebooted. Knock, knock, who's there? Unionized lawyers.
- 80-59 first contract (HR28???);
- HR29: 7 lawyers who won the right to unionize and now are
part of a larger union; where are the benefits to the
taxpayer? Great debate. Do we know how salaries in neighboring
states? 82-63.
- HR30: More lawyers join a union. Eligible for overtime?
- HR31: Managers now joining union? No. A term of art as far as I can see.
- HR32:
HB6921- amendment 'B'



ALL KINDS OF FOLKS THE LABOR COMMITTEE CHAIR NEVER HEARD OF?
This is for incarcerated folks to get their records expunged. (i.e. Any question is racist) 108-37
HB7396 - 'A' 147-0
HB7082 - African-American history in the school curriculum.
'A' combines with Puerto Rican bill requires including it in the
curriculum.




WHEN IS A MANDATE NOT A MANDATE?
Underwater basket-weaving parallel? "The American system is multifaceted." Online offerings?
5pm and we're out of here.


MAY 21, 2019 at 11am. Not exactly.
House in session today.. "Prioritize Progress" - BUDGET TO BE DONE
ON TIME. We hope no one else is watching this - they don't know
what they are doing.
House gavels in after 12 pm. Standing at ease. By the way,
the Speaker had been asked what might be called today and gave no answer
HB5384 - Styrofoam Ban Bill - big changes in Amendment 'A'






DEBATE ON AMENDMENT 'A' - PASS ITEM TEMPORARILY - DEM.CAUCUS AS WELL AS REPUBLICAN ONE. RECESS 12:40...back in session @2:10pm
- What constitutes a restaurant?
- Styrofoam trays included? Containers only.
- Dunkin' Donuts large? Yes - 2021 no more allowed.
- Who else? DC, Me, NC, have styrofoam ban. Fines: $250 first violation...to $1000 per individual item.
- Raw meat, pork exception, seafood. Cost of enforcement???
- Definition of "store" and other definitions - implication that the
high fines require spelling stuff out. Three uncalled amendments
from Republicans.





HB5384 with Amendment 'A' again...withdraws amendment. Then...
LCO9198 called 'B' including definitions plus move out 6 months
more. Compromise defines restaurant and caterer and extended time. Quite a few no votes.
- Who enforces? Health District and similar entities.
- Retention of records by who? For how long?
- Soup kitchens? Hardship waiver?
HB6939 - Cultural District amendment 'A' - Unan.

Option for Legislative body of town to designate such voluntary district.
HB7240 - amendment 'A' - unan.


HB6392 - amendment 'A'



900 accidents in CT Work zones last year.
"12 miles an hour over limit for ticket." He uses "folks." Did go through Judiciary? Non-manditory.
5pm we're out of here - just checked and the Senate discussing nuisance wildlife.
4hra52min

House at 11am, May 20, 2019...Speaker sticks it to Appropriations Committee. Calling for a Special Session on tolls.
HB7001 - shall to may amendment.debate. Then the bill.




Might the good Representative repeat the question?
Risk or harm discretionary? Why? Current law. Not in
statute. Regulations to take care of this. Notice?
Harm? School employees? 111-24.
HB7125 with amendment - looks unanimous.


CT-N and having trouble - awaiting black out on big bills at the end of Session?
HB7094 plus amendment "diaper-bank" for children. Bill passes.




"$$Within available appropriations"
Practice to do it this way? Eastern CT? New London not served. Middletown, New Haven, Hartford - the whole state.
HB7278 - amendment.
EMS programs. Transport patient elsewhere than hospital.




Any opposition? For the paramedics for the most part. Most
effective evaluation process re: reduce trips to E.R. Unan.
HB5575 - Fire setting by kids. Unan. 137-0 14 absent.
3pm - we note Approps may not have been able to meet yet...
HB7163 - amendment 'A'.
Meals on Wheels one of two different programs.


10% increase in cost? In the budget. Unan.
"Dress Down Day" next week.
HB7301 - medical records access by government?


Expediting records. Traansmit drug overdoses? 87-50.
HB7385 - 'A'

Streamling. Make the state more efficient - for business. Unan.
HB7277 - Land Banks - for any municipality - Weston could use it. Could towns share? Yes. Great amendment 'A'

139-0
HB6530 - 'A' - life and death - no appropriation.




4 no votes
HB6996 - Foreclosure extension. 'A' is renaming program for Rep. Santiago.




Relates to crumbling foundations? Yes - it would help.
How many foreclosure now? 12,000. Recourse?
Foreclosure mediation. Dodd - Frank? Settlements?
Hefty fiscal note. Passed but not unan. by a long shot (as we found out Tuesday morning)!
We will be cutting out for dinner...@5pm. As it turned out, 7hrs54min. Session.
Which included these bills: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/h/pdf/2019HJL00520-R00-JNL.PDF
House Session at 10:30am, Thursday May 16.
Nominations...


HB7200 - took out "flavors"- 'A'
VAPING not to under 21. Changes small in 41 page
bill...standing sort of at ease..fees?
Enforcement/compliance? Any guarantee? 12 absent.

CONCERN BECAUSE IT WAS STRIKE ALL 41 PP. BASEBALL ANALOGY "IN RELIEF..." OF DR. PETIT.
Online ordering rules? Is it best practice? Penalties for
using false ID? Black market might result? Taxes?
Mandate anymore? Personal freedoms. Rep. Zullo.
- 18 yrs. is voting age. Go to war 18.
- Drive, 16. 17 blood donation.
- Medical decisions if you are under 18.
- Boats 16, get a job.
- Juvenile Court 18.
- Alcohol 21
- Handgun 21.
Still talking about vaping bill at 12:51pm...revised fiscal analysis. Back at @1:30pm

Hah! Comparison with retail MJ. Epidemic.
Safeguards? Not easy. Passes 124-22. 2:56pm.
Republicans got the bill at the beginning of debate, so they asked
questions.
Democrat Caucus. Back in Session by 4:20pm after...

LET'S GET STARTED - quotes Sen. Fonfara
Republican Transportation Press Conference...we're out of here...
House meets May 15, 2019 at 1pm now...you can cut the hypocrisy with a knife. Like the "CT Sanctuary State" that we are. Speaker claps into the mic louder than President Trump does!






HB7093 - unan. - how many present? 146 - 0 abs. 5.




HB5267 - power equipment 'A' - oops- he meant 'B' - Home Depot exempt - 5 "no" votes - Bossie not convinced, but as she has no vote she'll wait.
HJR77 - Extension by claims commissioner.


Question: Is it that they are understaffed? Ans. "No." Unan.
4hrs. 26 minutes
House meets Tuesday, May 14, 11am. Didn't start until 11:30 after long prayer. 4th graders do the pledge. Session Day more than seven hours long.
Moment of silence, business...resolutions.
To do some heavy lifting today, as well as we think Rep. Scanlon.
First vote: 141 - 0 (10 absent). Introduces "kid governor" -
Rep. Rosario in the chair.same cadence as Speaker Joe.


This is a talker. Andrew McDonald to be Chair. "Ayes have
it" for Andrew McDonald - sounded like more nays than yeas...
HB7156 - Offshore Wind - strike all amendment. Only 10 "no" votes. All GOP.

Only 1 GOP spoke of those above. So that tells you who is
elevating the temperature of the earth...by exhaling lots of hot air.
Question from Steinberg- this project really deep, really big. Argument
about "may" language from federal requirements" And the
wales. Not sure...

1:40 Democrat Caucus...1:47 we note the House returns to Session.
HB7064 - Unanimous.
HB7248 - Unanimous


HB7272 - retrieval of sperm or eggs.after death.147-0.
HB7340 - "veil piercing" of LLC or domestic arrangement. OMG! One "no" vote??? Nope, a mistake! 146-0.
A BIG BILL PASSES
HB6749 - 'A' - this passes (some sticks including housing
commissioner appointing members of a commission to interpret statute),
102-44.

DELAY
The crux of the amendment was to make a study out of what would have been an executive decision.
HB6161 - Helmets under 21. Any offences? Rate?

We're out of here at 5:03pm...

Passes, bipartisan mixed. 94-50plus?, 8 abs?. We flipped thru rest of Session and found the above bill.
HOUSE JOURNAL 5-14-19: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/h/pdf/2019HJL00514-R00-JNL.PDF
8 1/2 hours.
House meets May 8, 2019 at 12 noon - we tuned in at 12:18pm and
P&D bill being voted upon - not one that we have flagged for
particular notice.


HB7364 as amended
Groton with including amendment for Woodbridge
(very specific technical matters). One "no" vote changed to
"yes." Makes it unan. 141-0 - 9 absent.
HB7223 - pistol in car.(stolen) - this is a reason?.








If you take a handgun into a vehicle, lock it up. Amendment 'A' - fiscal note plus. "Exempt" list...to make the fiscal note go away.
If you take a pistol into a vehicle and leave it unattended. in
violation (must put it into trunk). Locked luggage
compartment? Ahah! This is a class matter! Glove
box? Why not in bed of truck?
Will this amendment lead to a second amendment (pun)? 98-50.




IT IS 3PM...Someone left behind must be 21. Honor
system. Steeling a fire arm? New crime? Breaking into
car Amendment 'B'
If you leave an AR-15 you are not guilty..."bunting" to next
session? This is like law school. California and
Massachusetts have similar laws. Steeling a fire arm to be a class
B felony - hopes it is considered a friendly amendment.
We're out of here at 4:23pm...10pm - HEMP pilot SB893 passes unanimously.




HB5004 - Minimum Wage strike all amendment, 84-59. Then debate.
Why are
they still talking about it? Because it was a strike all (and
replace). Double-dip debate. Second class citizens argument. Why is this increase different?
- "Training wage"
- This is going to be a long debate.
- We're out of here at 10:49pm.
- Legislate love.
More than 12 hours of debate so far. We tuned in at
10:20am Thursday...still going on. Nine amendments. Fixed
income. Minimum wage workers. People don't understand.
Point made about impact on nursing homes, home-health care
industry. Small business. Why not 6 yr. phase in. Cut
hours. Part-timers? Tone. Support for Robin. Not
enough $$. "Cultural insensitivity"
One Dem "no." 85-59.
House next in Session Tuesday 14th.
MAY 7
About Town notes that in these last busy weeks of Session it is
particularly important to correlate our personal viewing notes with the
actual actions in House Journals (the next day - to make sure we didn't
miss anything).

House meets May 7, 2019 at 11am - more like 1:40pm...
One of the big bills might be taken up today - but maybe tonight!

HB5552 - from Public Safety Comm. volunteer
police plus 'A' - cut the Governor's appointments? Governor
recommended it. Unan.

HB6887 - Task Force on employment plus amendment - 141-5.
HB7325 - amendment 'A' - State Marshals' income statements. Unan.

Recess for caucuses at 2:55pm...in a bit less than six hours three bills
were passed. We got back from a local meeting on Cavalry Road
Bridge at 8:26pm...
As reported in the House Journal Wednesday (shows "passes"): https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/h/pdf/2019HJL00507-R00-JNL.PDF
7182 passes
7308 passes
7008 passes
HB7219 - "Ghost Gun" bill passes - we watched live...until 9m and we did not see debate on 'C'

HB5844 - Housing Authority voter registration. Two
amendments 'A' and 'B' the first passed and the second did not -
Party-line.c'
What was the impetus? Any prohibition on Housing Authority
employee providing info? How many are not registered? Author of ' C'
9pm and we're out of here...but we missed the vote on the bill as well
as amendment 'C' which made a point regarding who gets special
privilege. To no avail. Adjourned, 11:35pm.
HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY April 24, 2019 at 12 noon

More legislators than shown below spoke. It was noted that Rep. Ezequiel Santiago was a "legacy" legislator (Americo Santiago his father).











In summary, great legislator and politician in a good sense, and a great salsa dancer. Class of 2008.


- And then after a moment of silence, the Session began...with suspension
of the rules for transmittal of Rep. Santiago resolution to the Senate.
- Democrat Caucus announced 2:45pm. We went back to House @4pm...
HB5559 - looks unanimous (autism spectrum). Passed.
HB7178 - another autism bill passes.
HB7253 - Passes
Housing - sprinklers - 7229
7271, 6540, 6184, 5517 (101-47), 5972, 6564 (taskforce), 6522, 6666, 5642, 7288, 7087, 6630, 7285..some opposition, then...
"EARLY VOTING" WITH AMENDMENT 'A' TO BE ON BALLOT IN NOVEMBER:
HJ161 PASSES 125-24 "YES" lines 15-19 of the revised resolution
providing...
The general assembly may further provide by law for
voting in person prior to the day of election in the choice of any
officer to be elected or upon any question to be voted on at an election
by qualified
voters of the state.
RESOLVED: That the foregoing proposed amendment to the
Constitution be continued to the next session of the General Assembly
elected at the general election to be held on November 3, 2020, and
published with the laws passed at the present session, or be presented
to the electors at the general election to be held on November 3, 2020,
whichever the case may be, according to article sixth of the amendments
to the Constitution. The designation of said proposed amendment to be
used on the ballots at such election shall be "Shall the Constitution of
the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for
early voting?""
WITH AMENDMENT GETTING RID OF "EARLY VOTING" BUT NOT "NO FAULT ABSENTEE VOTING." As explained: https://ctmirror.org/2019/04/24/connecticut-house-endorses-early-voting-125-24/
(Senate to vote on another day - perhaps tomorrow? Both
Parties in caucus more than an hour into 4-25-19 Senate session
day).
Which bills passed? See above.
HOUSE SESSION APRIL 23, 2019


Special Election swearing in new West Hartford rep. (Taking place of Derrick Slap - now a Senator)
HOUSE ON TUESDAY April 23, 2019 at 10:30am
We note that there will be a Majority 10am press conference saying what bills will be taken up today in the House.


HR24 SEIU Contract
Report from CTNEWSJUNKIE - passes with 20 vote margin. Which meant
that some Democrats voted "no" as they hold something like a 90-60 with
one district in Bridgeport now unfilled due to untimely death of
Bridgeport delegation chief.
How did they vote? 77-67 in favor, with all Republicans voting
"no" and 7 Democrats as well. INFORMATION SOURCE: Journal of
the House - found on the CGA page: .https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/h/pdf/2019HJL00423-R00-JNL.PDF
Local legislators: Hughes (Weston) "yes," Steinberg (Westport), "no" Lavielle (Wilton) "no."
What bills passed in the next two hours? How many was that again? Only 2 plus discussion on union contract.
Hon. Alice Meyer used to tell me that the way to measure a successful
Session was to check which bills replaced "shall" with "should" and
"must" with "may."
So this was very interesting to see - the bill passed 142-1 with the amendment:
LABOR AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. H.B. No. 7043 (File No. 412) AN ACT
CONCERNING BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE.
The bill was explained by Representative Porter of the 94th.
The bill was discussed by Representative O'Dea of the 125th who offered House Amendment
Schedule "A" (LCO 7131) and moved its adoption.
The amendment was discussed by Representative Porter of the 94th.
On a voice vote the amendment was adopted.


The next bill had the same time consuming, cleaning the Statutes effect
HB7141 passes, 1 "no" vote.
TRANSPORTATION. Substitute for H.B. No. 7141 (RAISED) (File No. 462) AN ACT
REGULATING ELECTRIC FOOT SCOOTERS.
The bill was explained by Representative Lemar of the 96th who offered House Amendment
Schedule "A" (LCO 7251) and moved its adoption.
The amendment was discussed by Representative Devlin of the 134th.
On a voice vote the amendment was adopted.
The Speaker ruled the amendment was technical.
The following is House Amendment Schedule "A" (LCO 7251):
In line 155, strike "sixty-five" and insert in lieu thereof "seventy-five"
In line 863, after "Institute" insert ", the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission,
the American Society for Testing and Materials", bracket "Foundation" and, after the closing
bracket, insert "Foundation's Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling"
In line 875, after "Institute" insert ", the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission,
the American Society for Testing and Materials"
In line 1046, after "the" insert "American National Standards Institute, the", after
"Commission" insert "," and bracket "or"
In line 1047, after "Materials" insert "or the Snell Memorial Foundation's Standard for
Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling, as amended from time to time"
After the last section, add the following and renumber sections and internal references
accordingly:
"Sec. 501. Subdivision (102) of section 12-412 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2019):
(102) Sales of and the storage, use or other consumption of bicycle helmets. For the purposes
of this subdivision, "bicycle" means any vehicle propelled by the person riding the same by foot or
hand power and "helmet" means protective headgear which conforms to the minimum
specifications established by the American National Standards Institute, the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Society for Testing and Materials or the
Snell Memorial Foundation's Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling, as amended
from time to time."
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Sec. 501 October 1, 2019 12-412(102)
The bill was discussed by Representatives Devlin of the 134th, Davis of the 57th, Johnson of
the 49th, Yaccarino of the 87th, Cheeseman of the 37th and MacLachlan of the 35th.
The Speaker ordered the vote be taken by roll call at 12:32 p.m.
The following is the result of the vote:
Total Number Voting ............................................................................................. 144
Necessary for Passage ........................................................................................... 73
JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE [Tuesday,
- 844 -
Those voting Yea .............................................................................................. 143
Those voting Nay.............................................................................................. 1
Those absent and not voting ............................................................................. 6
We had gone off line for two hours. Journal of the House posted
Wednesday provided the fill-in for direct observation.
FYI - House GO
LIST & Senate Agenda give a look ahead on Session Days.
Or we could watch the 2 hours we missed on rerun at CT-N.
12:50pm

HB7387
Thinking outside of the box. State-owned facility. Pennfield
Light House that would be a "Columbarium" - DEEP DPH - who
else? 118-26.


SB1039
UNANIMOUS!!! Bill required keeping names of children out of reference for public info. 144-0.
HB5817
Official checkers. Poll checker. Unofficial checker - from
Party. "A tone sufficiently loud..." Privacy. Need? 91-55.

Time out to recognize interns...
HB7282 - Public Health Committee - newborn screening for spinal
muscular atrophy screening. We'd bet another unanimous
vote...146-0.
HB7261 - psychotropic drugs. 148-0.

HB7225 - Amendment. Strike all but 2 sections and replace. Anti-slumlord. Unan,? 148-0

HB5683 - swimming instruction dry. Unan.? Yup. HB6997 - Amendment 'A' domestic violence - Unan.


HB6643 - Regional Animal Shelters - enlarges size of towns and they
don't have to be abutting. Why the population in the bill?
Unan.
3:40 adjourned approx...7pm still going strong...EARLY VOTING at 9:22pm -
looks as if the House will pass it by 3/4 - 125 of 149.
HOUSE STARTS ON TIME...

Majority Leader expects minimum wage and paid family leave soon but not today in "Instant" report..
HOUSE SESSION BEGINS AT 10am, 4-17-19
Nominations by voice votes to Board of Regents.and Agriculture Commissioner.
10:37am. 139 present..
E-CERT: HB7402 - Last session Hurricane Maria corrections - no new money.
VOTING ON UNION CONTRACT MANDATED WHEN 18-18 IN SENATE 2017

H.R. 23: Labor contract. 90-60 is straight Party line (one more Democrat to be sworn in) - vote more like 84-66'ish.
- 6 tax attorneys into union.
- Question on "accrued" days.
- Rep. Hughes in favor. Rep. Steinberg, Rep. Lavielle opposed.
- Tax payers 2% public employees and 98% other...broken record "Here we are again" and then it happened...


WHO SPEAKS FOR DOGS AND CATS (3rd from right)?
Reference to Nursing Home strike. Prioritize this Session, please.
Chena and Charlie agree. Should lawyers accrue sick days?
Sounds like a bad joke to me.

BETTER TO ACCRUE THAN USE? 84-62 passes.
Sick time issue. But the big point was made early that in
Committee they never got information in writing. Got to make
choices.

HB7112 - 1 to 2% PLUS power to Board of Ed....or not? Bill passes. 132-12. Only after Majority Leader clarifies.

HB5521 - pre-existing conditions upgrade to ACA standard.- looks unanimous.
HB7313 - unaccompanied youth. To be in compliance with Federal Law. Unanimous.
HB7249 - EMS support for training to recognize health needs of
military veterans (PTSD???). We'd imagine no one will vote against
this one.
HJR57 - Seaview Village East End of Bridgeport - energy saving
district (renewable energy). Why not designated all of Weston as
one, too? 144-0.
HB7178 - online searches, residential sales (commercial done the other year). 141- 2

HB7105 - $500 fine for trucks on Merritt. 98-45.
HB7257 - food insecurity on college campus big yes some no - 129-15

HB7043 - breast feeding.at work including a separate space and a refrigerator to store breast milk. 2 no votes?

HOUSE SESSION March 27th at 12 noon - we tuned in late (12:45pm) and
they are still doing judges...and on to contract for CT Attorneys...

SHOULD BE BETTER REPRESENTATION FOR TAXPAYERS. GIVING MONEY AWAY AS IF NOBODY HAD TO WORK FOR IT.
Some make the point about who is representing the tax payers in negotiations. And
another. Union membership question - do you have to pay the dues
if not a member?

HOUSE APPROVES LAWYERS CONTRACT
BUT NOT WITH UNANIMITY. NOT THE SAME POLITICALLY AS JUDGES...ON TO SENATE.

HOUSE SESSION March 13, 2019 schedule for 11:30am
We watched this relatively brief Session Day on the 14th.
- Bipartisan support of the American Legion.
- And more Legion.
- And recognition of Canine Veterans DAY.
- Give a dog a bone...
This seems to be only an appointments confirmation Session...
HOUSE SESSION Feb. 20, 2019 began at 10:30am and continued after 1:15pm until 3:04pm
After Governor's budget address, "HR" house resolutions debated and voted upon - i.e. union contracts.
Unionized prosecutors contract will now be with all the goodies in SEBAC
- Question on costs of union stewards.
- Since the defenders were unionized in SEBAC, this is now happening.
- Case loads. CT paying more.
- 85-57 amendment prosecuttors
- Court Clerks 85-57
Commissioner of Labor vote: 115-21.
DOT unanimous lots of GOP OK from around CT.
Adjourned 3:04pm. FWIW, Senate adjourned earlier.
HOUSE SESSION JAN. 30th at noon, promptly. House Leaderhip below.

Speaker notes 3000 bills to listen to no matter how silly; Minority Leader calls out some bills on school districts.
ON THE "AGENDA" OR "CLERK'S DESK"
Nominations, bills, calendar...




Appointments, Re-Appointments and Nominations.
Addiction services. Airport Authority. Judges...Referees.
Rep. Vail announces intention to vote no on all judges out of deference
to the issue of staff shortages.

Over before 2pm after Rep. Perone's report about massive heart attack.
He rose to speak to warn everyone who feels the symptoms to get to the emergency room prono.
EMERGENCY SESSION CALLED JAN. 22, 2019- 1pm


Will the House be in on time for this Emergency Session? YES IT DID.and
is now, 3 minutes later, "standing at ease." Many empty
seats. Back in business at 12:10pm.
HB5765 An Act Establishing...Loan Program administered 3 loans/90 days T$5kx3/tax/deferment/











Credit-worthiness not mentioned. 90 days? Back pay
lag. High rate on unpaid taxes (18%). No fiscal note on amendment -
perhaps because it doesn't have one - its purpose in the first place.
- Also there isn't anything to prevent the qualified Federal employees from applying to more than one bank.
- Voluntary for banks to participate.
- Will State be on the hook? Yes, 10%.
- Non-essentials can get unemployment, essentials can't get unemployment.
- Ackert - has this ever been done before? What relation to not paying taxes generally?
- Lavielle, Rojas - what's the limit? State is picking up the
cost of default/debt service...financial risk higher? Repay
unemployment benefits before or after loans? Bill doesn't say.
- Cummings: Asks about interest if loan goes into "default?"
- Wilson - when did this start? Don't know. How many CT
employees are residents? Does Federal law allow no-interest
loans? What if a bank did not have a policy in place...? Not
enough info.
- Fishbein: Taxpayers on the hook for 9 mo. Amendment "A" by
roll call. To take away guarantee...Dems asked not to vote for
it.
- France: Supports amendment. 54-88 does not pass.
MAIN MOTION
127-15 (7 absent); Minority Leader praises Gov. urges passage,
House done. Sends bill to Senate.
OPENING DAY
2 D not seated -

Here we go again...above, House swearing in not including two who took jobs in the Administration.
Lots
of new Senators including ours. LTGOV intro. Most striking
but really not a surprise - three not present for the same reason as
above:
- two or three were "promotions" from the House, and
- we counted three or four "upsets" plus
- two or three new Senators replacing more middle of the road Democrats.
PLEASE note that the Governor seemed to us to be laying down the law on
everyone being positive and inclusionary (both Parties) - see notes.

SENATE

SENATE 23-13.- 3 D not seated - Feb. 26 Special Election - for Senators elected who chose to join the Administration).
SENATE, June 5, 2019.
HB7159 - Opioids




Short term study re: Involuntary "detention"; Public Health usual suspects.
Consent calendar #1 approved and forwarded to House. Caucus for both Parties for @60min...

POINT OF ORDER
Unions vote on TRS change? Ongoing document? By 2pm, debate has begun...we were hopeful...


Senate Tuesday June 4, 2019
Actuarial payments. Unions voted on it last time. Did
they this time? Sen. Osten of Approps. lays it out, Sen. Formica
responds and passes it on to Ranking Member of FR&B



EVERY BUDGET WAS OUT OF BALANCE THE DAY IT WAS PASSED...
- Small business screwed.
- And by the way it is too expensive.
- Not enough opportunities.
- How have we set the table for job creators - business friendly.
- Digital downloads apps, movies.
- Tax on used cars.
- $100 million dollar increase from union contracts.
Amendment 'A' fails

'B' - 22-14. we'd guess...we'll check back in a few hours...Sen. Kissel had remarked

9:15pm we tuned in to Sen. Fasano probably closing argument

Sen. Fasano says "He's willing to discuss it" (r) - but how does Dan Livingston come to talk about Teachers Union???
Union deal, hospital deal and other things have to come back. Sen.
Looney says a lot more than the equivalent of "good bill ought to pass"

Consent for all of these:
HB7306 Tourism
HB7396 Sexual violance definition in spousal intercourse.
HB7113

HB7277 - LAND BANKS




HB7257 - food security of college students - Board of Regents to do
the study "Is there a food pantry on campus?" Roll call requested.
9:41pm we're out of here...
Senate standing at ease awaiting the House results of HB7424.
Friday Senate May 31, 2019, 12 noon.
SB1082 'A'
Waterbury
100,000 = p.s.a.p.





"The beginning of evaluation of answering of 9-1-1" to the Consent Calendar.
We tuned in around 11pm just to check!
Thursday Senate May 30, 2019 12 noon...we are still waiting at 4:30pm...
Still going on 10:20pm...
Senate May 29, 2019, 12 noon
More than 6hrs. But it hadn't started before 4:38pm...until 11:55pm
SB505 Failed, 16-20
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB505
SB752 passes 33-3 plus 'A' (no vaping or smoking at state beaches/parks)
PLUS group fishing license expanded to 100 per event ('B') which also
includes new section(i) to permit online license sales with funds going
to the state. we assume.
Senate May 28, 2019, 12 noon - hours late, adjourned as the clock struck midnight.




SENATE GETS ROLLING LATE IN THE AFTERNOON...
Adjourned by midnight. Regional Animal Control HB6643 now passed in both houses: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/s/pdf/2019SJL00528-R00-JNL.PDF
Senate May 23, 2019, 12 noon (Thurs)
Caucus 1pm. After 4pm we checked in at the Senate and there
was debate ensuing on a safety storage of guns...and another gun
bill. Here is what went down: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/s/pdf/2019SJL00523-R00-JNL.PDF
Senate May 22, 2019, 12 noon (Wed.). 2:42 to 10pm.
S.B. 1 plus amendment. PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE - SEE CTNEWSKUNKIE BELOW:
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190522_senate_sends_paid_fmla_to_house/






PAYROLL TAX
Solvency. Unemployment. Payroll deduction required.
Another bureaucracy. Why not done by private system? Trust
the government...right.
21-15
5pm and we're out of here.
Senate May 21, 2019, 12 noon (Tues.) - Senate time - after 3pm.


5pm discussing nuisance wild life. SB586...
Read CT MIRROR on some of this Senate Session Day here: https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/21/bill-would-stop-restaurants-use-of-styrofoam-containers/
3hrs30minutes.

Thursday Senate Session...May 16, 2019 at 11am...is this an example of "Times Up" actionable kind of sexist activity???
- 3pm and nada yet...
- Watching the replay we now know why Senator Looney was fighting off a laugh.
- The 7 hr Session for Minimum Wage debate was not anything the Banking Committee Chair. expected to be on camera for, we assume.
HB5004 Minimum wage debate in Senate...Party line voting which means...

AUTOMAT
10:49pm Minimum wage debate heating up. Quassy Water Park example.
Senate meets May 15, 2019 at 12 noon
We tuned in at 3:18pm
Nursing Home strike mention? Party line vote on amendment 'c'.
SB375





Transparency? 'D' amendment.
Party line vote on 'C' - now vote on full bill plus 'A'...
SB927 - Green Bank Environmental Infrastructure Fund

No expansion of employees. Amendment 'A' - fringe??? Judge the company by what they are doing not just the salary.
5:30pm we're out of here...Senate Session lasted 4hrs. 3 minutes
Senate meets May 14 at 12 noon...not yet in Session at 1:43pm.
4:36pm Session begins. 2:16am finished. Senate Journal:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/s/pdf/2019SJL00514-R00-JNL.PDF
SB792 - PT'd for now.
...10:10pm SB992 - "Trust" act - actually "CT Sanctuary State" bill...after amendments A thru J were debated and rejected, amendment 'K' was approved unanimously.

Sen. Logan tells it like it is.
And the Minority Party - after 10 amendments proposed, debated and
ultimately defeated with one Democrat breaking ranks, there
appears to have been a compromise 'K'.
11 plus hour Session
Senate meets May 10, 2019 at 12 noon. (Began 12:16pm, then went into recess, according to Senate Journal.). When we checked in after 1pm, they were "in recess." "Will convene immediately" announcement 1:47pm.


Announcement of Democrat Caucus at 1:16pm. What gets talked about here?
From the smorgasbord of eligible bills off the "Senate Calendar" which will get called?
- Who is doing the calculation of how many bills can reasonably be
debated in one Session Day? Ans. Experienced Senators
only.
- How many of the 23 Majority Party's Chairs. are new names to the
Senate? Ans.: 9. Others - at least 2 (experienced legislators moving up from the House) in addition.
- We can think of at least three from Fairfield County new to "The Circle."
SB252 - Food Security




Public and private food? Across the board policy. FWIW, I
think I just figured out one reason to "stand at ease" so much in the
Senate...wrong bills called.
SB923

Consent.

SB556 - municipal employee in Norwalk injured before retirement. Consent
SB702 - Transfer of law enforcement records.

SB1082 - P.S.A.P. Carrots aren't free. https://cga.ct.gov/2019/FN/pdf/2019SB-01082-R000736-FN.pdf

One of the bills About Town has flagged! "Consolidation of Public Safety Answering Points."
- The argument is "California had one P.S.A.P. and CT has more than 100" thus being more efficient/cheaper.
- How to convince CT Town to give up public safety in emergency 911 situations - in order to save money for the State.
- Fiscal note attached because there is an amount of money provided
but not specified to Towns who comply voluntarily...with no limit to how
long the State is on the hook.
No action taken that we could find...
SB863 - one no.
SB923 - one no: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00923&which_year=2019
SB682 - tips by public employees - why pay [people for doling
what they are supposed to do as good people anyway? (Sen. Sampson below,
right).

SB20: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-20






SPECIES. Get the permit to transfer item. 32-4.
- Asian Elephants not covered (left above). Generally, Asian elephant ears are smaller and have wrinkled edges.
- Taxidermy bill. Also collectables.
- "Big Six" hunting anti-bias.
- Collections? Elephant rentaals?
- What will happen? 180 days to obtain permit for existing collections or you are in violation..
CAUCUS for Dems. and GOP...
SB907 with strike all. Crumbling Foundations...passed 35-1. Seems to place onus on real estate brokers.
SB 693 - locks on doors of public housing units. Unanimous.
Senate meets May 9, 2019 at 12 noon - "will convene shortly" as the clock strikes...after 3pm.
Bills referred to elsewhere...first, them "Go" list.

SB1080 - 2-Gen initiative - question regarding "payment" to members. 29-5
SB843 - images distributed to individual or more than one...we're out of here...3:46pm


SB504 - Youth non-prosecution for car theft passes. Lock your cars, suburbanites!

SB229 - Styrofoam trays in schools only?
2 plus hours into what is a 3 plus hour session...including...???
Senate meets May 8, 2019 at 12 noon. Hemp pilot: https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/08/house-gives-final-approval-to-pilot-hemp-program/
He stood by what he said at SPEAK UP 2019!
Sen.Hwang votes "yes" on "Early Voting" i.e. no excuse absentee
voting - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/BA/pdf/2019HJ-00161-R010818-BA.pdf
The Senate Journal May 8, 2019: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/jnl/s/pdf/2019SJL00508-R00-JNL.PDF
This is how you find out what happened and how people voted each
day. The word for word version transcribed is available as well.
SENATE ON THURSDAY 4-25-19, 12:30pm - caucuses, for about an hour or so.




SEBAC agreement discussed.
Ten more (5 done) agreements. Shortfalls not accounted for in next department budget. Roll call vote. 20-14.

HB7402 - displaced citizens; technical changes to correct mistakes E-CERT. Roll call. One "no."
SB585 - air quality in Cricket Valley - is this the same thing? Report: https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Connecticut-residents-want-monitoring-of-new-New-13262212.php
SB1104 Gender neutral in State Constitution - 31-1.

SB1105 - non-disclosure names of family domestic violence.
SB1058 - tattoo bill with amendments

SB683 - late payments to 3rd party.
3:42pm GOP caucus. 4:16pm. Cyber security bill; roll call on
consent calendar #1...Will the Senate take up Early Voting
Constitutional change today?
SB233 - honey and maple syrup. On consent.





SB893 - Hemp production. Strike all 7541 'A' - Industrial hemp.
Consent calendar #2.

WAS HIS THE VOTE THAT MATTERED ON EARLY VOTING?
Senator Slap arrives in time to be called on to appologize for having been absent.
5pm. Over.
SENATE on Wednesday 4-24-19, 12 noon. Not exactly - 3:13pm "will convene immediately" 3:23pm.


A whole different animal than the House in the way it operates. GO


SB827 - dementia training strike all and new 'A' - waters down this bill. Identifying it most important.

SB1001 - smoke detectors
SB832 - elderly protection from perpetrators.
SB839 - technical amendment.
SB935 not discussed



What is this all about??? 18-11.
SB977 - Explanation of benefits withheld??? High deductible cost-sharing??? Abortion issue .- parental notification is reverse of this - parents out of the loop.
4:22pm we're out of here...7pm Sen. Fasano says "after last bill it is nice to have a "cumbaya" moment."
SENATE SESSION April 17th, 11:30am - begins more like 1pm.
Standing around a lot.
3:24pm



SB594 Leasing cats and dogs. Pets as property? Everyone in favor almost.

Weston's 2 Senators above.
SB750 - prevention of mental illness at higher ed facilities.
SB26 - exempting private institutions.
SB533 - Diaper changing bill with 2 amendments. 34-2
So we are out of here..4:23pm.
In CT MIRROR next day we find out that Senate ratified lawyers' contract 19-17 - Senator Haskell against - (Senators Hartley and Bergstein as well).
SENATE SESSION March 27, 2019 at 12 noon. We tuned in late (@12:45pm) and they had not yet come into session...
Senate went into Session later than House and finished later...

2pm - nomination of Economic Development Commissioner approved.
28-8 YES on DECD, big yes vote for Insurance Commissioner.
VOTING NO (Sampson) and Sens. Leone, Cassano, Moore, Looney "yes" plus
Sen. Fasano "yes" 3 Democrats vote "no" 5 Republicans, COURANT report.

House already approved this.

SENATE TAKES UP BARGAINING UNIT. 19-17 (Haskell "no")
Sen. Formica quotes from former OPM Sec'y. Also cites "Arbitrator says 9 times
the state did not back up its argument". Reject it says Fasano.
Consent calendar #1: YES
Adjourn 3pm.
Senate Session Wednesday March 13, 2019 at 11:30am...did they entertain comment from K-9 visitors, too?

SENATE SESSION Jan. 30, 12 noon


Sen. Haskell speaks up for Commuter Council appointee

Same drill as House, but they put stuff on "consent calendars" and vote once.
Way before 2pm - done..
EMERGENCY SESSION JAN. 22, 2019 AT 1pm

We note that both the House and Senate are scheduled to open Emergency
Sessions at the same time - usually the Senate takes its time...waiting
for the House to send ot the bill approved.




2:30pm. First 20 minutes sympathy on death of Stanley
Bysiewicz. We note bew /senator who had previously been in House
(r).
Several more Senators spoke, too...







32-1 in favor. Sent to Governor. Signing above.
OPENING DAY
INTRODUCTION OF ALL NEW SENATORS
Senator Haskell was one of a lot of new faces in the Upper Chamber, Chair
Higher Ed and member of G.A.E., seated next to Senator Duff, Majority
Leader of Senate.

COMMITTEES ABOUT TOWN FOLLOWS LIKE A HAWK

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Go to "Joint Favorable" for the link to the bill summary and description, P.H. testimony.
Bills JF'd - 67 total. Senate (25), House (42). Which ones are we watching? CLICK TO ENLARGE:
7192

FINAL DAY: Updated to match with data provided: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/pddata/cbr/pd.asp
- HB5125 has passed both Chambers.
- SB1070 has passed both Chambers
- SB1082 has passed both Chambers
- HB7277 Land Bank
- HB7192 passed as well.
-------
Bills put of Committee: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=pd



Co-Chairs Cassano, McCarthy-Vahey, Ranking Member Zawatowski

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 11am Public Hearing (30 minute delay)
AGENDA: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/pddata/pha/pdf/2019PHA00320-R001100PD-PHA.pdf

SB1082 Consolidation of call centers
911 - PSAP: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01082&which_year=2019
Regionalizing call centers - so why so many? C.O.S.T. Exec.
Director supports this and other technical regionalization
improvements..
---------------------
SB882 - M.E.R.S. Surprise! Towns and cities had cover the differential to cover lower estimated investment return %.
Bill on retirement: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00882&which_year=2019
Curt Lang, Hamden First Selectman (not pictured): Do a new second tier -
retirement, vesting period, all retirement years average., new tiers for new
employees.
CCM suppports 882: Questions including those about unions. WestCog join with Metro
COG? Regions? Cafeteria works can't afford MERS increase/tiers - pro-labor (not shown).
-----------------------

SB1081
Set-aside should be reinstated for minority/disability business for
public projects. Small towns don't bother to ask for state money.
THE BIG ONE
Council of Small Towns leads off...
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07192&which_year=2019
(The Governor's Bill)
HB7192
C.O.S.T. - Combining with ACIR - next, OPM Under Secretary Jonathan Harris and excellent questions from legislator, right.
Eliminated by Governor of changing districts
ACIR cost-benefit analysis
COG funding must have adequate funding
Shared school services 874 - OPM & Governor will facilitate not mandate.
Regional assessment division - assessors' services affected?
Reval zones
PSAP

More questions
This is the part that eliminates presently elected officials. And
she thought "we the people" had the power...says minister, second from
left below.
Re: Tax Collectors
Rep. Metsgers says make mandatory into conditional.
Meridan minister tells it like it is. COG issue - you need more
people there.
Greenwich tax collector makes the argument about elected officials more
responsible to voters. Home rule undermined. Regional revenue
sharing. (COMMENT: Where have we heard that before? From A.C.I.R. years ago.)
ACIR members testify...COGS and ACIR for research...continuity? Turnover in CEO in Towns.
- Not one size fits all.
- Very small towns losing out.
- Financial software offers less opportunity for bad actors.
- Time frame? 5-10 to get PSAP, schools-town IT faster.
- WOW - Sen. Cassano says he switches his opinio nafter listening to Tax Assessors!!!

Concern.
This is the new language of the bill referred to is not being heard at P&D today: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/News/20190320-Proposed-revisions-to-SB-874.pdf?la=en

Wilton citizen has a plan: How do we deal with equality?
- SMALL DISTRICTS
- LARGER OVER MAX SIZE - BREAK'M UP
- 1021-1121 - VOLUNTARY
- EXPAND TECH SCHOOLS
- OPEN CHOICE
And more (@5:30pm)...but not much more.
P&D PH, Friday, March 15, 2019, 12 noon - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/PDdata/pha/pdf/2019pha00315-R001200PD-pha.pdf
HB7319

Former Speaker loves the idea of proponent (next) - Co-Chair mixed; others no so pleased.
"Sharing" within CT Town's (Cassano, r.) is easier to do than trying to get
folks together from different towns. FWIW: In NYS "Town" is
not the same as CT "Town"

OFFICIAL C.O.S.T. COMMENT -no- ZERO BASED BUDGET. PLACE TO START
Controlling costs - cut mandates. Grow out of control (7319).-
first step in regionalization. Bonding authority a problem.
Which system is better? So not ready for prime time (JMO).
HB6566:
Conflict of interest/town employees being on council.

BRIDGEPORT BILL
Combined legislative and finance, Charter

Above, we caught the end (we were watching FR&B live). Saw replay on Saturday from the beginning...
In the meantime, we checked out testimony online.
-
The Mayor of Norwalk opposes it,
- First Selectman of Bethel supports it...
CTNEWSJUNKIEreporting on P&D: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190315_municipal_leaders_divided_over_giving_schools_taxing_authority/
P&D UNDER THE RADAR MOST OF SESSION SO FAR...PH Friday, March 15 should be pretty hot....
With no visibility on CT-N previously, it has taken a lucky accident to discover these bills:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB7319&which_year=2019
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-07150-R00-HB.PDF
P&D FIRST PUBLIC HEARING 2-13-19
MULTI-FAMILY ZONES BILL GETS A HEARING...TESTIMONY https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommDocTmyBill.asp?comm_code=pd&bill=HB-05273&doc_year=2019


Doing our homework over the weekend...
WHAT'S UP AT P&D: From the minutiae of their first Public Hearing...above, focus on local need.
Planning & Development has sent this to LCO for drafting and a Public Hearing
An
example of a bill, we would bet, that springs from a specific incident
in the district of the legislators introducing it?
Here's one that sounds interesting for seniors, perhaps: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06761&which_year=2019
Had a Public Hearing last Wednesday: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/pddata/pha/pdf/2019PHA00213-R001115PD-PHA.pdf
Cluster Development (protecting wetlands): https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06756&which_year=2019
As well as as-of-right multifamily housing zone: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06761&which_year=2019
American Planning Association testimony: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/PDdata/Tmy/2019HB-05273-R000213-Piscitelli,%20Michael,%20President-CT%20Chapter%20of%20the%20American%20Planning%20Assoc.-AAC%20As%20Of%20Right%20Mulifamily%20Housing%20Zones-TMY.PDF
P&D Committee Meeting agenda, 1-30-19
A whole lot of change - we note Arts Districts; and multi-family district nearby train station; obstacles to merging fire districts.
At 10:30am, P&D met to do bills and at 10:40am they were done: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/pddata/ca/pdf/2019CA-00130-R001030PD-CA.pdf
Item#3 - refers bills to other committees
Item#4 - for public hearing
Item#5 - Concepts
Item#6 - Drafting
Next meeting next Wednesday.
P&D 1-16-19 Committee meeting - Ranking Member notes P&D works out conflicts between State and local governments.
Bills/Concepts raised at Planning and Development including "Shared Services" - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/pddata/ca/pdf/2019CA-00116-R001115PD-CA.pdf

BILLS WE'RE INTERESTED IN
Don't they have this already - or maybe not? https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5542&which_year=2019
Link between transit and density - to be part of a Committee Bill eventually, we think: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5273&which_year=2019
ZBA member be alternate on P&Z: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB522&which_year=2019
Exemption of office supplies from property tax: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00363-R00-SB.PDF
PUBLIC NOTICE ONLINE
Posting public notices on Town website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5230&which_year=2019
PUBLIC NOTICES IN ONLINE PAPERS: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB515&which_year=2019
AND ANOTHER: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB553&which_year=2019
---------

TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION FOR C.G.A. OR IS IT FOR THE BOND COMMISSION?
Tarry a little, there is something else.
This BOND doth give thee here no jot of blood;
The words expressly are "a pound of flesh."
The Merchant Of
Venice Act 4, scene 1, 304–307
Up in flames before the latest effort to revive got started - but no
mind, Maybe fire insurance pay out can be set aside for any "match"
required from a future grant?
ARRESTS MADE: https://www.courant.com/breaking-news/hc-br-american-shakespeare-theatre-fire-teens-arrest-20190408-bxcefwzyjngxbhunlbhbggfocy-story.html#nws=true
More here on fire: https://www.nhregister.com/local/article/Latest-updates-on-Shakespeare-theater-fire-13532385.php
As of January 18th, bonding requested: https://www.westport-news.com/politics/article/Lawmakers-request-bond-money-to-rebuild-destroyed-13544849.php

ENVIRONMENT
Will they be tackling Trash to Energy Plant M.O.U. for the future?
PASSED

BREAKING NEW: SB1003, HB5384: Environment Committee sends statewide plastic bag ban to the floor!!!
SB1003
On bipartisan basis

HB5384
Same, but less so. Did not pass.
PUBLIC HEARING ON, WELL, PLASTIC...
March 11, 2019...we'll watch it later...

PILOT PASSES - BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
SAME TIME AS EDUCATION 3-1-19...
Report from Environment P.H. on hemp: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190304_committee_urged_to_allow_farmers_to_cultivate_hemp_in_connecticut/

PUBLIC HEARING 2-15-19 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA




Food waste bill - https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00234&which_year=2019
Fishing fleet saving fuel and time via permit for dual landing.


WADSWORTH ATHENEUM CURATOR TESTIFIES (L)
Ivory bill - https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00020&which_year=2019
Take out teeth of this bill instead? C.G.A. might ban the
expression "tinkling the ivories"next? You have no idea how
different this Session appears.

Fluke: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00226&which_year=2019





Turf fields 5249 - https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05249&which_year=2019

Tree clearing on Merritt Parkway - DOT "standards?"



Shark fin bill 5251

5394 Ivory - testimony by antiques dealer who looks familiar from Antiques Road Show!

State-wide Fracking Ban P.H. ongoing...Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. PASSED.

Many of these already voted on "to draft"
Which is the next step in the process. No Public Hearing yet
listed. According to what this Committee has done in the past,
everything seems to get drafted!
JAN. 18, 2019
Committee Bills includes concepts raised: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/envdata/ca/pdf/2019CA-00118-R001100ENV-CA.pdf
- Calf Pasture as preserved natural place: Why a Committee bill? https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00007&which_year=2019
- Elephant horns, rhino etc: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00020&which_year=2019
- Animal shelters: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00021&which_year=2019
- Flyers in driveway stormwater: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05092&which_year=2019
- Shark fins: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05251&which_year=2019
- Conveyance: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05254&which_year=2019
- Vegetation: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05308&which_year=2019
- Balloons: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05314&which_year=2019
- "Styrofoam": https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05384&which_year=2019
- Rhino horns: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05394&which_year=2019
PREVIOUSLY...
New Grant program: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5253&which_year=2019
No petshop animal sales: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5246&which_year=2019
No plastics: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBilShark fins:lType=Bill&bill_num=HB5245&which_year=2019
Expand fracking waste ban: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5244&which_year=2019
Prohibit use of artificial turf: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5249&which_year=2019
Free fishing licences seniors: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5187&which_year=2019
Free fishing licences (vets): https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5094&which_year=2019
HB5019 (bag tax): 5 cent tax of paper and plastic bags: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5019&which_year=2019
SB8 (hemp): https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB8&which_year=2019

CLIMATE CHANGE, PLASTIC BAG BAN, LONG ISLAND SOUND, EXPANDING FRACKING WASTE BAN
What our new Senator will push for in Environment this Session.- can't
wait to hear what his plans are for the budget. (R) New Stamford Representative backs anti-pet shop sale of animals.

ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
Will they be tackling Trash to Energy Plant M.O.U. for the future?


WIND POWER?
Is that like political hot air power? Here we go again...feel good?

TRANSPORTATION

TRUCKS ONLY 2018 (L) AND TOLLS YUP 2019 PLUS OUR COMMENT; PROJECT VOTE: 2 days before the end of the Session.
Graphic from early in 2018 campaign and brand new one.
https://nypost.com/2019/03/31/verrazzano-narrows-bridge-is-now-most-expensive-toll-in-us/
SB423
TOLLS - Transportation Committee votes

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY VERY WELL COME A TIME WHEN THOSE VOTING "YES" WILL SAY "I DIDN'T KNOW" WHEN $$ DREAMS VANISH...
-
House Minority Leader: “I don’t trust these people to take out my
garbage, let alone how much they get from tolls and what they’re going
to do with it,”
- Votes "yes" in Committee but no promises on the floor (we think
because of "discount" promised in one bill at least for low income
users);
- Should we have to pay for previous use (drivers who stiffed Mass Pike, for example)?
- Senate Co-Chair. Leone: “It’s not about what people like.
It’s about what’s necessary...we’re at a critical point where we need a
revenue stream to deal with our infrastructure.”
THREE TOLL BILLS TO THE FLOOR
- GOP wonders about how many gantries. Does this remind you of
an old movie? The number of communists in the State Department ?-
"57".("Manchurian Candidate")
- City legislator wonders if he can support any of them on the floor but votes "yes"
- "Informational Hearing" then go to Feds with no PH.
- Reciprocity? Should we have to pay for previous use?
Tolls going forward? Retroactive? Reciprocity?
Permits?
- Party line. Except some Democrats who vote "pass" - why?
Others of the total 34 bills...vote deadline set for 6pm.
- Public-Private Partnership study HB5945;
- Contractors instead of DMV workers - straight Party Line vote.
Just a note from About Town:
- Has anyone really tried to get a word about whether CT will have to pay back the feds if we re-install "tolls?"
- And furthermore, as we understand things, "congestion pricing" is
the only type of tolls CT can use without having to reimburse the feds.
- Perhaps this was asked during the more than 3 hr. Committee meeting, because GOP legislators were still making the point about too many blanks and question-marks, no details...
A user fee, with discounts
The annual cost of a round-trip daily commute from Hartford to New Haven
at rush hour would be about $823.46, based on pricing information
provided by the state DOT.
Drivers with Connecticut-issued E-ZPass transponders would pay an
average of 4.4 cents per mile during off-peak travel periods, which DOT
officials said is a 30 percent discount off the 6.3-cent-per-mile price
for out-of-state vehicles. The rates would go up 25 percent during rush
hour as part of a congestion mitigation plan proposed by the DOT.
“Any part of this is still subject to change, with guidance that we get
from the governor and legislature,” said Joe Giulietti, Lamont’s
transportation commissioner and a former president of Metro-North
Railroad.
Public Hearing March 6, 2019: First hours for Committee questions of DOT & OPM
House Chair. Lemar; OPM Sec'y clarifies much. "Local traffic uses I-95 as a local
road"...how will this work with discounted "fare" on highways? Same plan?

History of toll roads simplified
Ans. No. The "congestion pricing" matter is separate from the toll discussion. He'll get back to them.
PUBLIC HEARING continues...with the public!

Unified: CCM & Mayor of Waterbury and 1st Selectman of Ridgefield (& COST)
We cut out now...Committee had expected pitchforks - but not yet!
PUBLIC HEARING FEB. 13, 2019: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/tradata/pha/pdf/2019PHA00213-R001030TRA-PHA.pdf

SB419 - zone pricing.
"Didn't know this existed" - does it?
Testimony seemed to be from the smaller operators (as opposed to
gas-station-as-loss-leader at shopping centers).

SB713 - rest stops.and truckers and tourist center or the lack of same.
Comprehensive analysis: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190204_op-ed_looney_bill_a_nonstarter/

EDUCATION





Some of the 7 "no" voters above on amendment drafted by, we guess, teachers' union lawyers, to talk silly ideas to death.
HOUSE VOTES "YES" ON MANDATED PLAYTIME & NINE MEMBER TASK FORCE TO STUDY "PLAY" HB7250 with schedule 'A'
BILLS WE NOTICED: Report from CTNEWSJUNKIE lists more!
Co-Chair.

Bills out of Committee: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=ed

ARE THESE PENCILED IN? OR ARE THEY IN INK? Change of Reference to Appropriations means...pencil.
What will Appropriations do with these bills? Same article as link below but directly to CT MIRROR.
7150 - Governor's Bill JFS'd change of reference to Appropriations
874 - mandated regionalization change of reference to Appropriations
This is a report found in The DAY
over the weekend describing actions of the Education Committee at its Friday March 29th meeting to
send bills out...presumably after all the votes were counted some hours after the Committee meeting.
MARCH 1st Public Hearing, 1pm to close to 11pm (it didn't start on time
becaause of crowds: Nine (9) hours and 47 minutes long.
Reports from COURANT and the DAY.
Read our picture story below. Press conference first.

Public
Hearing 9hrs 47min: We kept switching back and forth from Channel 59 to
online. We did not watch past 10:30pm.
- Three overflow rooms.
- We began watching on TV Ch. 59...then online. And back to Channel 59 Then the last hour we watched online
- Chair. McCrory announces that the first hour is
for the Commissioner and questions from the Committee, 2nd hour is
for children only, 3rd hour is the usual alternating between
legislators and public.




FIRST HOUR - Governor only wants voluntary consolidation - CONNCAN in driver's seat.
“We no longer live in a time in Connecticut where it is practical
or feasible for the state to have 200 independently operated school
districts."



Poverty proxy question. Apples to apples comparison of poverty. Sort of light "invert" color function.

2-3pm - school children only.
3-4pm - mix officials, public. Then general public and finally at @5pm, Superintendents spoke.
And it continued until after 10:30pm...the woman who moved to CT (North Haven, I think), compared CT to other states as
backward, parochial and inferior to states with County based
systems.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE 2-13-19
Concepts: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/eddata/ca/pdf/2019CA-00213-R001400ED-CA.pdf
First PH next week (the 20th???)
Regional school districts
Not so fast: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00572-R00-SB.PDF
Size of school districts (40,000): https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00454-R00-SB.PDF:
Senator Looney fixed the language above to this: Regional schools...https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00738-R00-SB.PDF
Size of school districts (2000): https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00457-R00-SB.PDF
Special Ed
Special Ed: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/s/pdf/2019SB-00637-R00-SB.PDF
Lowering the excess cost threshold for out-of-district special education: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-05069-R00-HB.PDF
CLIMATE CHANGE: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5011&which_year=2019
Report from Education Committee: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190128_education_committee_lets_at_least_talk_about_regionalization/
Higher Education - eliminate the Board of Regents: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05207&which_year=2019

PINK=decrease, GREEN=increase - percentage.
“We’ll see. Generally, I think that we ought to focus our money on
the towns that are the most in need given the incredible achievement gap
in this state,” he said. “I would keep the overall grant the same, not
town-by-town, but the overall grant.”
One issue that Lamont will not face is legal uncertainty about
whether the state is spending enough on education. The Connecticut
Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that the state is providing students in
Connecticut’s most impoverished school districts with the minimally
adequate education the state constitution mandates...from CT MIRROR
1-7-19.

AT C.O.S.T. RE: TEACHER RETIREMENT
ON THE SAME SUBJECT: https://ctmirror.org/2019/01/16/lawmakers-renew-teacher-pension-cost-sharing-debate/
-----------
HIGHER EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT

HIGHER EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT
One
concept introduced: Use Section 8 $$ for students who are living in
their cars in parking garages (estimated as 10% of Community college
students).
CCSU "STUDENT FIRST"

REORGANIZATION

CCSU panel
Q&A on what the college system can do without consolidation.
STUDENT FIRST (back office second. Is the present system
working? Where does it work? Rural areas can't consolidate .

New England Commission on Higher Education
- Ambitious merger.
- Easier when complementary not similar.
- Easier in private institutions.
- Planning not realistic.
- Report not rejected.
- Accreditation important. How does this relate to public institutions?
- Employer credit, Pell Grants.
- Independence.
We're out of here...

HOUSING
P&Z TAKE NOTE - here it is for this Session: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/TOB/h/pdf/2019HB-05421-R00-HB.PDF
AT THE HOUSING COMMITTEE...What is meant by the term "SUBJECT MATTER PUBLIC HEARING"
- "A lot of bills saying the same thing are grouped together." Among these:
- Housing options for school choice students
- Voting applications at all communal spaces including housing projects
- Bill for workforce housing to appear that also talks about
fixed rents? Which is the old "urban renewal" problem. - may be
sent to P&D???
Watch this interest Committee meeting - well run and not too long!

COMMERCE
Above, Weston's version of the subject - Weston Shopping Center.
Support local business: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5005&which_year=2019
Sudent loan reimbursement: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5007&which_year=2019

Senate Co-Chair.
Members of the Committee include the one remaining Democrat who voted for the Republican Budget last Session.

GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION & ELECTIONS
LOTS OF BIPARTISAN ACTION


G.A.E. Public Hearing April 29, 2019 on Conveyances of State Land
We note that this was not done prior to the statewide vote the other
year ("Haddem Land Swap" was the reason this happened,
IMHO)...Co-Chairs. above.
Newington Conservation Easement for preservation, fee simple remains with CT.
G.A.E. Public Hearing March 25, 2019
HJ 33-34

REFORMING THE PROCESS
Rep. Dubitsky proposes two ideas on full-time - part-time. New
Representative is amazed and upset - too many bills introduced, PH and
people ignored?
An earlier event: Here comes Early Voting again...https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HJ5&which_year=2019
https://www.theday.com/local-news/20190218/when-it-comes-to-marijuana-detecting-impaired-driving-is-hazy-issue
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
ANOTHER ONE
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB17&which_year=2019
NEWS REPORTS: https://ctmirror.org/2019/03/21/trump-administration-reconsiders-oks-casino-in-east-windsor/
The DAY (direct): https://www.theday.com/local-news/20190218/when-it-comes-to-marijuana-detecting-impaired-driving-is-hazy-issue

First the Lottery q&a regarding relationship to online
gaming. Sports betting, casino in Bridgeport - constituents favor
RFP; SB11 - move East Windsor casino forward.
- Bird in the hand worth more than MGM.
- Springfield, Massachusetts is comparable to Bridgeport just maybe a different make up
- Saturation of the market? Discussion of forms of government;
- Set up to fail policy.
- And, not shown, testimony against any increase in gambling.
Our observation of submitted testimony (indirect) of trifecta of groups -
Police Chiefs, ACLU-CT and AAA Support Study Bill by Rep.
Lavielle. Example:
Marijuana for recreation/driving: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/psdata/tmy/2019HB-05152-R000214-McGuire,%20David,%20Executive%20Director-ACLU-CT-TMY.PDF

House Chair.; Sens. Hwang and Osten, Rep. Hall (from East Windsor).

INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING TO UPDATE COMMITTEE ON WHERE IT ALLL STANDS
And we watched the beginning of the grilling of the Lottery folks re: Auditors' report.
https://www.courant.com/politics/government-watch/hc-pol-lender-lottery-officials-questioned-20190125-y7j7ajj6t5ahjotoioq3n3wpl4-story.html
GENERAL LAW JFS deadline.

LEGALIZED POT OUT OF FIRST COMMITTEE...
Final vote held open until late in the day - when positive 10-8 vote reported in press; General Law Committee debate here.

HB 7371 - Retail Sale of MJ
Some oppose legalization; other say a substitute for action on
city problems. Decriminalize MJ. Another bill that no one
really likes (too many compromises). TO THE FLOOR.
HUMAN SERVICES


Sunday Feb, 24, 2019 Public Hearing LIVE...
Weston's new legislators both on this Committee...

The definition of 24/7.
Testimony on inclusion of SMS as a recognized disease.

Appropriations
MAY 28, 2019

PUBLIC HEARING ON UNION CONTRACTS THAT HAVE FISCAL NOTES:
Early Childhood worker contracts. Home based providers (i.e.
Grandparents). 50-50 split Feds-CT. Union dues.
Paperwork. Explanation that this is for poorest.

CAUCUS time...

Last bill...fiscal note.
I think we found out that the Appropriations Committee has clout...from now on, House didn't gavel in before it was finished.

HAH.
House gavels in and the have to recess until some point during the day.
Appropriations: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/APPdata/ca/pdf/2019ca-00507-R001000APP-ca.pdf








"TIP WORK" IS RACIST...not exactly a "service industry" attitude, JMO
Relates to Minimum Wage: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/BA/pdf/2019HB-05004-R000267-BA.pdf
HB5004
- minimum wage (delaying House?). Restaurant industry
killer. Summer camps. Rush to the bottom line by Rep.
Walker. Amendment offered.to allow minimum wage carve out for
summer - 20-29. Impact to higher ed? OFA - yes.
"Compression risk" 20-30.
Hemp bill sounded unanimous but vote kept open for a bit...
51 members: 31 D, 20 R.
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE, 5-2-19 at 12 Noon:.https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/APPdata/ca/pdf/2019ca-00502-R001200APP-ca.pdf






Approprations in caucus for the last two hours.
So we watched part of the argument at CT Supreme Court item on
appeal. Lower court found against Wesleyan University in
fraternity wanting to maintain all male policy.
Will Approps beat FR&B for longest caucus? Yesterday that
Committee took more than 4 hours. It was reported that there
were 2 Dems voting NO and 2 Republicans who were not present.
What bills are up today, we believe the last day for JF (without having
to go through a complicated process to get a bill out of committee after
JF date deadline has passed).
Reading carefully the agenda
- no wonder the caucus time is extended - the hot things are here, and
while the budget they approved along Party lines Monday favored them,
this may be where they are running numbers again??? We note MJ
Which one is this? See below substitute language adopted by mistake (?) on Monday. HB7150


Reconvenes at 3:11pm. 19 bills.

TAKE IT TO THE FLOOR - OUT OF ORDER
Republicans want to see language requiring approvals to Public Option
bills by the full legislature included. (Not just the Insurance
Committee).


SB872:
SB873: (Teacher Retirement - 30yrs)
HB7403:
SB1119: (Salary? Title change yet?).
HB7407:
HB7150:
HB7109:
SB1018: "Alliance District" - Abercrombie, Johnson to vote no, Dathan, Abrams, Perone flags and every city legislator*
HB7110: More Dems. talking about stripped-down language. Special Ed bill.*
SB1022: Not require some stuff...if lapsed, teacher doesn't have to jump thru hoops if they have graduate work in topic???
HB6931: Domestic workers.
SB931 - Lots of questions, when answered gain "yes." Six more to go...
HB7092:
HB7102: What's the need for this? Ans. Yes, we have these rights already but some people don't understand that they do.
HB7267: Public Option. Erisa exemption? Good
questions about existing program. Not going to Legislature?
Mixing it up but why - if no subsidies and no funds, what is it
doing? Why not just say it?
SB134 - second public option (first is the same - "study" the same for both).
HB5152 - MJ study re: impaired driving
SB356 - 2 similar bills (one D and one R - Democrats vote "no" on
R bill in committee to "flag" the bill for floor debate - Rep. Haddad)
ROLL CALL VOTES ON EACH BILL - "left open" until 6:30pm - periodically, the close out was made later and later.
2hrs48minutes - add more than 3 hrs of caucus time to that. (See notes above*)

APPROPRIATIONS MEETING 4-30-19, 10:30am.
EARLY HOT NEWS: HOLY PROOFREADING
Reports from newspapers show that Appropriations majority has rejected "sharing" TRS$$ due: STOP THE PRESSES!!!
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190430_democrats_disagree_somewhat_with_gov._lamonts_spending_package/
https://ctmirror.org/2019/04/30/legislators-budget-hews-to-lamonts-bottom-line-but-big-issues-remain-unsettled/
We note that it would be very interesting to attend the Democrat Caucus
to see if "horse trading" that may go on!!! Considering that
according to various reports linked to, the Governor's ideas were not
followed.


HB7148 - Correction from press conference on TRS. Sub-Committees report first.

TOOK GOVERNOR's RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT...
- STORMWATER, REST STOPS.
- Kept Governor's Recommendations, meals on wheels up. Youth Services bureau moved. Hospitals still a work in process.
- E.C.S. grant a work in progress; Higher Ed increase in fringe benefits.




REPUBLICAN COMMENTS - THEY ONLY GOT THE BUDGET THIS MORNING
Fiscal notes in "lapses" items.
PAGE 41 - Debt Services - PAGE 42 "debt diet" gone.
PAGE 95 - moving worker's comp no. because office will be moved - not a regional move.
PAGE 172 - $300k to a non-profit? OFA guy answers.
PAGE 215 - shifting cost to Towns? Wrong in this document, but Governor 25% plus to change?
Why didn't FR&B go first?
PAGE 161 - TRANSPORTATION - any changes? Transportation is FR&B (ans.)
PAGE 100 - ??? PAGE 44- Comptroller's budget.
PAGE 60 - increase of minimum wage impact.
PAGE 215 - Accepted in full - lengthening TRS time - reammorization. Municipal contribution will happen?
PAGE one of fiscal note. C.O.L.A. - still in negotiations.
Public Option Study - $1 million. How would this affect impact on other businesses? SB134 - public option? HB7148?
PAGE 111 - signage, air quality - are these diversions from Passports?
PAGE 44 - Public Option? What is CT public option? We can't say because of the typo.
PAGE 170 - Hospitals - by voting would not CT be lying and screwing them? ATM for CT?
TRS - ECS funds correct
PAGE 169 - re-admissiones?
PAGE 166 - supplemental payments same as Malloy's? This is for FR&B.


SUBCOMMITTEES
Working together isn't the way this budget was done. Republicans
were in the dark and it didn't help that the GOP didn't get to proof
read it.
Welcome to Connecticut - highway rest stop bathrooms will be open!
Bravo to Approps!!! There is no way in well that CT
was ever going to change direction without have tourists have to use
portajohns.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET...ongoing.


I learned that CT has $4 million stop loss per claim.

LT. GOVERNOR Chairs. the meeting.
Sub-Committee of Appropriations to review Department budget requests - Early Childhood on Thursday, April 4, 2019

Closest Representative who speaks up for the Minority Party
APPROPRIATIONS: Ranking Member, Hon. Gail Lavielle (143rd District/Wilton, Norwalk, Westport); and link to her comments on regionalization of education. And legalization of recreational marijuana.
APPPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING 11 am to 2pm Feb. 21, 2019
THEN SUB-COMMITTEES WILL MEET HOLD P.H. AND RENDER REPORTS


ECONOMIC GROWTH IS THE GOAL (and by the way, they had to fix some arithmetic over night)
-
How to rein in spending?
- Reopen SEBAC,
- Share teacher retirement with towns.
- "Moving deck chairs" in response to Rep. Walker's question on we think charter school funding.
- New funding method: If education $78k average teacher salary
CT...this is the big one since we only guess that Weston's teachers
average a higher rate of pay..
Q U E S T I O N S

OPM SEC'Y MCCALL (l), REP. LAVIELLE, SENATOR SOMERS, SENATOR MINER
1. ECS: How the 25% was arrived at? (Not to mention how they came up with "over funded" districts.)
2. Exact scope of what "sharing" theory will work? School
consolidation. Gather facts first. Set key milestones for
districts. Is there is an opportunity to consolidate, say yes or
no and why.
3. Hospital question.
4. And the last question: How much under the
Spending Cap for various parts of the budget is this CT BUDGET?
2pm adjourn.
Finance, Revenue & Bonding




FINANCE REVENUE & BONDING, June 3, 2019, 9:30am
AGENDA: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FINdata/ca/pdf/2019ca-00603-R000930FIN-ca.pdf
The agenda include "revenue estimates." Which is how to pay for stuff in the Implementer:

FINANCE REVENUE & BONDING 5-15-19


FR&B
Let the good times roll. Bonding for administrative expenses? HB7968 - administrative expenses bonded. 5% allowed now. Irresponsible? Hey no problem. Please keep this one alive..
Onward to the floor!



Rodney Dangerfield invoked: https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/03/tgif-ned-lamont-had-a-tough-week/
51 members - 31 D, 20 R
Two Democrats on FR&B went with the GOP...
CTNEWSJUNKIE sets the table first: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190501_finance_package_offers_a_mixed_bag_of_tax_hikes/
CT MIRROR followed: https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/01/democrats-push-back-on-lamont-renew-bid-to-tax-cts-wealthiest-households/
We love this headline!
CT MIRROR: https://ctmirror.org/2019/05/01/lawmakers-make-bipartisan-push-to-wrest-control-of-cts-credit-card-from-governor/



WHAT'S UP AT FR&B? A drum roll...
So they are in Caucus for more than two and a half hours so far...at stake, voting out bills that are more or less deadly to Weston.
Here's one change proposed ("study" capital gains): https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/findata/sl/2019HB-07415-R00LCO07584-0430FIN-SL.PDF
And how about this one on Bond Commission: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01134&which_year=2019
Since we are talking about all Republicans voting "no" do the math.
However this is a long game. If the Governor feels as Treasurer
Shawn Wooden: "This new approach presents Constitutional issues
that could delay the State’s issuance of bonds
– or put such issuance at risk altogether"
in his testimony - OPM Sec'y used the word "affront" in her strong
testimony...good luck to the Democrat controlled legislature to get a
2/3 vote to overturn a veto...although it might be close!
--------------
After more than 4hrs in caucus, there is a package to debate/vote upon. Victory for the Progressive Caucus!
SB877
- Capital Gains. Questions. Digital downloads. Eating
out...OFA guy provides detail where there is any...still early for
that!




Automated collection on retail sales: State gets the "float." No details had been provided to Minority. Shorting Transportation Fund? Yes.
Teacher Retirement not in this revenue package. "But it is only May 1"...
We will report from FR&B minutes when available. Meanwhile, please see the links above to e-newspapers.
FINANCE REVENUE & BONDING
April 30, 2019

Good point!
JF time. Tree-trimming is a bonded item? What is the limit for government overreach?
Meeting tomorrow...knock down drag out? Based upon what went on in Approps, yes.
FR&B P.H. 4-29-19
SB1137 and SB1138 were the most popular ones for speakers - more than a dozen speakers prompting twice as many questioners.

Hartford resident asks: Is it different to do the wrong thing for the right reasons or the reverse?
Public Hearing all day (see below) and what I got out of it - from one the the last to speak (above, left):
FINANCE REVENUE & BONDING P.H. April 29th AGENDA: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FINdata/pha/pdf/2019pha00429-R001130FIN-pha.pdf
This Public hearing covers several major topics that have distinct impact on Weston's welfare.
SB1138public Giving

Presents human faces of driving high.and lack of test. See Bruce Morris
SB1139

Car tax - rental cars leased in CT, five-year phase in.

SB1137 and SB1138 under fire. Or was that the sweet swell of pot.

- Home-ownership for all. Staff of Women Children & Elderly Commission.
- Former Rep. Bruce Morris;
- Hospitals;
- SB1138 - SB1139 the whole room stepping up. Senator
Fonfara has been changing things around to be more like a
"deposit" into an entity that supports the cities.
- Potency cap on weed edibles.Colorado guy. Car insurance
doubles. Downtown Denver convension down. Can't find
employees due to highness of applicants.
- Democrats pounce on Colorado guy (who is taking money from Christian organization).
- Hartford Foundation for Public Giving - opposed.
- And another.
- Anti-mj. Potencies of plants % potency.
- Family impact from mother.
- Yale-New Haven Health system;
- YMCA - opposes.
- Hartford resident points out irony of funding cities with mj.
SB1130 - UCONN supports (Dean of Engineering for President) but has some problems.
- UCONN is running a deficit (related to under funding - my point).
- Must retain control thru Board of Governors.
- Vice Presidents?
- Independence?

SB1131 - "captive insurance"

Glad Rep. Davis asked what this was all about.
SB1133???

"Voices" support a leg up.
SB1135 - Tax Collectors - want uniform tax.

Delinquent tax. Fairfield and Greenwich getting a going-over.
SB11--sales tax, regional tax - CCM testimony
We cut out at 5:20pm...@6hrs in - total length 6hrs37minutes
Finance Revenue & Bonding - AGENDA: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FINdata/pha/pdf/2019pha00426-R001100FIN-pha.pdf
Friday April 26, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING on GOP BILL
SB1121 - GOP Prioritize Progress.


PRIORITIZE PROGRESS - FOCUS
$2.4 billion immediately into construction. $65 billion at the end of 30 years...questions.









3 hour Q&A
Many references to bipartisan budget from two years ago...snide comments
from one who later apologized. Not necessarily a partisan issue
for everyone, especially new legislators.


BINGO! Am I hearing compromise? Unifying the legislature (against the Governor)?
Senator Fasano in response to pointed question dropped the remark
that his plan could "bridge" the time needed to get tolls
approved/built.






HB7415 2% surcharge on capital gains...the "rich need to do more"
- no haves and have nots. Preserve the safety net by taking from
the top 1% and 2%




SB1121 Opposed - Mayor Passero supports tolls - questioned why not
support both? People all over the state are against tolls.
State Treasurer's Office.

Stamford resident waits all day (4:20pm PH over)
BINGO! Bipartisan appreciation for her
comments. Bravo to stamina, good sense (actually, her idea
expressed by Senator Fasano in the beginning) and awesome grace from
legislators.

April 10, 2019 Public Hearing AGENDA (11 bills): https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/findata/pha/pdf/2019PHA00410-R001100FIN-PHA.pdf
We've gotten through the first 3 hrs or so of this 5 hour Public Hearing...



FISCAL STABILITY & ECONOMIC GROWTH: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07410&which_year=2019
Co-Chairs. and first hour...Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth -
questions on Governor's Bill that grew out of F.S.E.G. COMMISSION.




LOTS OF NO NO NO ON THIS ONE: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190411_municipalities_nonprofits_square_off_over_tax_bill/
TAXES - hospitals. Restaurants related to tourism. New
London - PILOT. Others refer to underground economy.
Questions. HB7408 Section 6 the big bill.



And more affected parties - entertainment, airports and tourism...not in that order. Later laundromat owner...



Non-profit veterans, hospitals, services to needy and others. Massage therapists out in force, too (not shown).
See CTNEWSJUNKIE report above - we'll watch the rest soon: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/findata/pha/pdf/2019PHA00410-R001100FIN-PHA.pdf



LAND TRUSTS AFFECTED TOO
Committee members asks how many Land Trusts - answer = 137 land trusts
in CT. Nature Conservancy testifies against it later.


Rep. Lavielle - HB7377 - Apprenticeships Tax Credits - Women's Business owner. Accounts object/warn of penalties due if this bill passes as is.



HB7410
AFL-CIO v. Greenwich; question from Sen. Logan asking why favoring tolls and yet not opposing inheritance tax...good question.
HB7408 the big bill - 40pp long. Actually it is a laundry list (yes, laundromat owner appeals for mercy for his customers [r]).





UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF SECTION 6 above.
Architects, historic restoration etc. impacted. I found this
heartbrraking. Always alert Representative asks important
questions.

YMCA weighs in too against Section 6 (as did United Way).


AT&T: Question and suggested rewrite - similar complaint as
massage therapists who provide services for good and get punished by
this provision.
Last speaker testifies on section 4 of 7408 - Enterprise Zones...and then it is over.
Connecticut is the "Land of Steady Habits" and now we know which habits. Thanks, F,R & B
Please note that only two people knew what "F,R&B" stands for. Socializing funds for the neediest.

Finance Revenue & Bonding Public Hearing at 10:30am March 15, 2019 - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FINdata/pha/pdf/2019pha00315-R001030FIN-pha.pdf
We note that JF deadlines approach for most Committee - but FR&B comes last!!!

SB877 - NORWICH (Reliance Health and WATERBURY): Governor's Budget cut it.
1)Sobriety. 2)More sobriety - depression. 3)And another,
reading statement - mental health, substance abuse.
4)Homeless 5) mental health, 6)asks for Pequot fund to contribute.
7)mental health $$ - hears voices.8) & 9) & 10) 1 guy, 2
women. 11)mental health - take it from the wealthy 12)living in
community - less expensive than psychiatric hospital. 13)disabilities.

OPM Sec'y McCaw testifies (again) on Governor's Bill




RACE TO THE BOTTOM?
Taxing junk food - but beer tax reduction not the same? Sugar tax
certain. Jurisdictions or state-wide? Boat tax? Sales
tax broadening...
- Sugar sweetened beverages?
- Tax the rich.
- Obesity. Junk food?
- Consumer tax not excise tax (Imposes tax on company)?
- Reduce soda consumption.
- Price gauging in rich towns?
- Production cost.
- Why tax poor more?
- Massage therapist (not pictured). Senior retirees tax on social security.
CTPOST: https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Bridgeport-state-Representative-dies-13691026.php
SB431
"Tax the wealthy more" seems to be the consensus... massage therapy to be taxed.






Rep. Santiago heart attack...



After break...testimony against SB431 and a few other billd from Sen. Somers; SB431 testimony from COST members opposed.
Weston is, you should pardon the strong language, screwed. In case you hadn't figured that out.



Sen. Looney modified SB431. Rep. Wood dismayed. New Democrat rep - unintended consequences?
We note that our concept from long ago re: disparities had been 2
mils across the board - why stop at 2 mils in the 21st century?
Making the case for repealing "car tax" (must be a polished-up version of his one-page concept):
- $500,000 assessed value would be the bottom line for the 1 mil tax group, 2mils for $1 million...to pay for PILOT
- "PILOT" funds to be dispensed in three tiers.
- Alliance Districts get something more
- Small business tax advantage
- ECS formula followed..
On another subject...
PROBATE COURT ADMINISTRATOR POKES HOLES IN PROPOSALS, CRITIQUES THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET
We found a link to this in CT POST story on SB431: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/OPM/IGPP-Data-Grants-Mgmt/GL-2017-FY-2019-Mill-Rates-UPDATE.pdf?la=en

FR&B, 2-27-19: http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/ctnplayer.asp?odID=16063


MANAGING EXPECTATIONS LIKE MANAGING TRAFFIC?
Congestion mitigation - "lox" box, tolling only on major routes. Reference made to
"carrot" in "Fairfield County." Income tax, capital gains restructuring...and
there was more (15 min). Diet soda not taxed. Got a "wait 'til DOT..."

WATCH OUT WESTCOG
Being of a suspicious nature, it would seem that the Finance Revenue
& Bonding Committee will be quite prepared to employ all of Governor
Lamont's ideas and "improve" them some as well.
FR&B, 2-20-19: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2019/FINdata/ca/pdf/2019ca-00220-R000930FIN-ca.pdf

PUBLIC HEARING FEB. 13, 2019:

HB6464 - taxing vaping.(L) and several hours later...operator of vaping place (doesn't do the bad cigarette pack in one vape).

MALL TAX: Sen. Looney's bill - one of them! So would Weston
get a piece of sales at Danbury mall? Probably not.

SB 475 - L - R - regional sharing of sales tax; Favorable; Not so fast;.
Later, retail industry says hell no (not pictured). Rep. Klarides in
behalf of seniors...NO.

SB124 - donation to state entity that would allow the giver to get a
benefit on taxes. No way. Don't want this to undermine other sources of
donations.

HB6270 (internet sales) HB6273; Rhode Island. Speaker of the House testifies as does Norwalk-based software guy..
____________________
IF THE SHOE FITS DEPT.
This is a comforting prospect, believe it or not. It appears to
cobble together various underfunded programs and injects a source of
revenue.
"If it moves tax it" arrow in FR&B quiver...how to find money the state doesn't have.
https://www.ctpost.com/politics/article/Democrats-create-statewide-tax-rate-for-vehicles-13558312.php
PRESS:
https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-connecticut-sales-tax-exemptions-20190131-nwyzmeu6mzghdcuu2l3xoeigxq-story.html#nt=oft-Double%20Chain~Flex%20Feature~homepage-main-chain~centerpiece~~2~no-art~curated~curatedpage
https://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/car_taxes_ECS_formula_proposals/


DOES IT STRIKE YOU AS AWFULLY NON-PARTISAN THAT FORMER DEMOCRAT REP. NEEDED REPUBLICAN IN ORDER TO RESERVE THE ROOM?
GATEWAY TO WHAT?
Oxycontin story first viewed in Norwalk HOUR.
And then New Haven REGISTER: https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Numbers-of-CT-opioid-deaths-show-it-s-an-13836173.php

OPINION
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20100107_op-ed_demand_that_lawmakers_take_action_on_plastic_bags/

BACKGROUND FROM A PREVIOUS SESSION
New HOUSE Chair. of Housing Committee McGee: http://www.ct.gov/doh/lib/doh/analysis_of_impediments_2015.pdf
CHANGING KEYS
And we quote Sunday's COURANT:
Len Fasano, the Republican leader in the state Senate,
recently met with the governor-elect for 90 minutes and came away
impressed.
"He’s not afraid to say ‘I know what I know and I know what I don’t
know.'’' Fasano said. "He’s very honest about that and that is
extraordinarily refreshing.''
But...“That’s the difficulty he’s going to run into. There are a lot of
people who were elected and believe there’s a mandate for
progressive/socialist policies when it was really more of a rejection of
Trump...in the building that he’s operating in, there are many factors
that could divert him from his mission."
Re: Comment from CCAG leader, referring to 2006 campaign.
Which makes me think the Legislative Majority and the incoming
administration may be playing the same tune, just on different
instruments and with a different arrangement now.

POT (l), HEMP (r) - Move to make both street legal by the end of this Session.
A much underrated way to help Connecticut residents ease the pain of fiscal burdens? Hemp weaker.


MILLIONAIRES' TAX COMING?
Are we going to see Fiscal Stability's recommendations in another light in the Long Session? "Trickle Up" economics?



REPORT
As some say, new administration "Malloy 2.0." Meanwhile,
"structural change" meaning robin hood approach and while he's at it,
tolls cetaininly in the hopper.

By the way, is this one of the issues the new Governor will be facing?
One of our favorite topics.
And after three months, it is partially fixed, according to COURANT report 1-29-19.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING L.I.S.-STYLE?
https://www.courthousenews.com/california-intent-on-public-access-for-beach-in-ritzy-enclave/


PLAY THAT NUMBER IN 2019?

A.C.A. THREAT
https://www.theday.com/nationworld-news/20181214/federal-judge-in-texas-rules-obama-health-care-law-unconstitutional
Speaking of the A.C.A., outgoing Lt. Gov most knowledgeable about this:

TAPPED TO BE HEAD OF CT DEMS
We note Nancy Wyman has been strong leader in health care.

December 14, 2018 COURANT article opens new front in "crumbling foundations" matter.

SHRINKING NEWS SOURCES
And the Hartford COURANT picked up CT MIRROR report as the lead story December 15. 2018 on CRUMB RUBBER BAN(D)

HOW ABOUT DARIEN?
"...Barnes said the state, sooner or later, has to deal more directly with the fact that more affluent communities such as Greenwich, Weston, and Westport need less state funding than poorer communities such as Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport."
WATCH OUT WESTON: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/ben_barnes_unplugged/

NOW THIS WAS AN EYE-OPENER
Well now, why are we surprised by this? Nice interview.




END OF YEAR JOINT COMMITTEE - APPROPS & FRB - Nov. 27, 2018: http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/ctnplayer.asp?odID=15784
We're rolling in money. Or are we? "Fiscal
Accountability Meeting" - debt service? BONDING CAP. Bond
Covenants - school construction, infrastructure. Major tax
expenditures - foregoing revenue to support something else. Motor
carrier fuel.
Sales and use tax. Major take-away? Structural FY20.. Barnes next...



We came in for part two in Sec'y Barnes'
presentation. Good questions from Minority members. No
questions by Majority.
Hospitals: What's the story about what happens after the two-year fix is up? Drop in high-earner segment of
population. "Repatriation" - on-shore reporting never again?. Lots of thanks
to State staff. Especially by legislators who will not be returning.
TOLLS? Others?
CONSOLIDATION OF GOVERNMENTS
We may be ahead of ourselves here...https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/pub/chap_099.htm#sec_7-195
POLICY v. POLITICS: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20181126_lamont_transition_gets_busy_on_policy/


IF THE SHOE FITS...BETTER THAN A CEMENT OVERCOAT???
Half way into the program Gov. Lamont speaks: http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/ctnplayer.asp?odID=16500

Probable candidate or not - for new Commissioner of Education; "ACTING" above left. New Commissioner Miguel Cardona (r.)
-
Graphic of ACTING Commissioner from July 2017 S.B.E meeting, where he was a presenter...
Read full (long) story about finding a new Education Commissioner here: https://ctmirror.org/2019/06/28/state-board-of-education-closes-in-on-nominee-for-commissioner/

First Cabinet meeting.

N E W A D M I N I S T R A T I O N :
ETHICS: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-lamont-wife-ethics-request-20190322-dgj3jthwvrhgbnpqzafd52mx74-story.html
New Commissioner of Housing chosen: https://ctmirror.org/2019/02/21/seila-mosquera-to-be-named-state-housing-commissioner/
New Commissioner of DHS chosen: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20190222_lamont_brings_former_dhp_staffer_back_to_head_department/

How are cow chips like computer chips? Ans. Cow chips are never obsolete.
Agriculture Commissioner named: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-news-hurlburt-ag-commissioner-20190325-l4naiuxlvneoxcka7jizn7vxda-story.html
Held at Upward Hartford - a 300 sq ft innovation hub, Stilts Bldg.
ECONOMIC TEAM (DECD Commissioner and CERC Co-Chairs.) PRESS CONFERENCE FEB. 1, 2019

Gov. Lamont encouraging Public-Private Partnerships
No one pictured above taking a salary. WATCH IT HERE: http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/ctnplayer.asp?odID=15978




ADMINISTRATION PRESSER, FRI. JAN. 25, 2019. ANSWERS BELOW - QUESTIONS/ANSWERS
- New Commissioner for D.A.S. - in the cloud solutions - reporters question how this relates to budget (L)
- SNAP funding & other impacts of shutdown to come - next week it hits...let you know next week
- Car tax is going to fly - did he knolw about Looney's bill?
- State Police gun range NO GO AS PROPOSED - what about previous idea to use State Park?
- Also bill pushing regional school systems with 2000 or fewer
students. Governor asked, and answers that he is on board "over
time."
Governor-Elect Lamont carry-overs
PRESS CONFERENCE JANUARY 7, 2019
NEW DCF COMMISSIONER

Long time top regional administrator, Vannessa Dorantes, DCF

DO WE SEE A CONFLICT AHEAD? FISCAL RESTRAINT UP IN SMOKE?
https://ctmirror.org/2018/11/19/rainy-day-fund-beckons-lamont-insists-fiscal-reforms/
Another CT MIRROR 1-7-19: Education Commissioner coming next???
“We’ll see. Generally, I think that we ought to focus our money on the
towns that are the most in need given the incredible achievement gap in
this state,” he said. “I would keep the overall grant the same, not
town-by-town, but the overall grant.”
One issue that Lamont will not face is legal uncertainty about
whether the state is spending enough on education. The Connecticut
Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that the state is providing students in
Connecticut’s most impoverished school districts with the minimally
adequate education the state constitution mandates.


TOXIC C.G.A.?
Colleen Flanagan to private sector; re-boot for communications...CT MIRROR...story from CTNEWSJUNKIE.
KEEPING UP WITH THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION. So far (Dec. 28th) COURANT reports...With more from other sources..

Newly proposed
O.P.M. Sec'y had served 8yrs in CT O.P.M. (17 yrs all in) - Admired and
learned from Marc Ryan and also Ben Barnes.
Press corps try to eat all three for lunch - one question is about how tier 3 city financial officer can teach anybody about how to manage stuff.

SCOTT JACKSON TO CONTINUE!!!
Hartford COURANT & New London DAY (A.P.): https://www.theday.com/statenortheast-news/20181203/lamont-warned-about-unemployment-trust-funds-insolvency
CT MIRROR REPORT NOV. 30: https://ctmirror.org/2018/11/30/can-efficiency-save-state-government-1-billion-per-year/
CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORT NOV. 27: https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20181126_lamont_transition_gets_busy_on_policy/

Some members of transition team above: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-lamont-transition-20181115-story.html

MORE FROM THE C.G.A. JOINING TEAM
Inside baseball: https://www.theday.com/local-news/20190107/martinez-expected-to-run-for-sotos-state-rep-seat
We missed pix of press aide Colleen Flanagan...Rep. Soto to join administration as legislative director.
https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20181219_lamont_picks_a_new_london_lawmaker_to_serve_his_administration/
OUTGOING GOVERNOR REPORT: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-poll-connecticut-tolls-how-much-20181116-story.html

GOVERNOR - ELECT FAVORS TOLLS FOR TRUCKS.
What's
in store for other modes of travel? For some other related ideas such as:
- Never mind that idea - tolls for everybody every 6.6 miles: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-poll-connecticut-tolls-how-much-20181116-story.html
- Regional Schools,
- Taxing power to COGs after bill passes for "weighted"
voting?
- STATE-WIDE PROPERTY TAX ON CARS.
- The last CT Governor from Greenwich brought us the State income tax...
- FWIW,
this election proved to me that people are "relocating" for property
tax purposes - we'll see what happened in local elections next year.
FWIW: https://ctmirror.org/2018/05/30/among-connecticut-cities-towns-wealthiest-big-spenders/


HAPPY THANKSGIVING CT!!! OUTGOING A.G. JEPSEN SAYS "DRAFTING ERRORS" NO PROBLEM BECAUSE...
"It isn't reasonable to believe the Legislature knew what it was doing"...https://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/20181121_jepsen_budget_bill_errors_dont_change_legislative_intent/
Identity Politics.
Cuban-Americans who are Republicans don't count?
https://ctmirror.org/2018/11/20/better-organized-latinos-try-shape-lamont-administration/
SHOULD BE INTERESTING
Governor-Elect says two things of note: Chicken salad excellent in
L.O.B. lunchroom and he will staying at his Gubernatorial residence
during the week.
COURANT article re: Promises promises: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-lamont-campaign-promises-20181116-story.html
CT SENATE AND HOUSE DISTRICTS MAP
The CT Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor who breaks ties. NOT THIS SESSION, WE WOULD EXPECT

WE ARE ABLE TO SPELL "BYSIEWICZ" BY NOW...
LINK TO CT SENATE & HOUSE RACES:
In particular, the Senate has changed from a tie to veto-proof majority
(but no one is even going to have to override a veto). We observe
that the turnover is enormous on both sides.
Some pix for CT 2019 SENATE FACES: Depending on the final recount numbers,
which were...23-13 (could have ended up 24-12, too). 91-59 in
the House.
26 of 36: Some familiar faces were either not re-elected, had
not run for re-election, WON running to move upstairs; or John
Lindsay-like message ("He is fresh...and everyone else is tired")...and
others never spoke up enough for a graphic!
Some of our favorite Legislators are in the House - whose Speaker won a
re-election after a recount. Some recounts still going on
Wednesday morning November 14th). The last disputed race is in the 120th HOUSE district..




























THE PARADE HAS BEGUN...THIS IS NO SMALL MATTER
Ben Barnes goes from O.P.M. Sec'y to C.F.O. of C.S.C.U. -
announcement from the President, Mark Ojakian. Who himself moved
from the administration three years ago.
CT COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY (LIVE)
ENTERPRISE & TECHNOLOGY (D.A.S.) - CT COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY (Chair. left)
Executive Director opens meeting. Connecticut Education
Network discusses safety in network. Standards. For students
no problem - how about the B.O.E. level? Interesting discussion
of survey. And furthermore, these programs are designed for
consultants to make entry into funding source. Consultants are on
this panel. So this is a meeting where the experts are scratching
their heads trying to translate the value of their work.

State Librarian: Libraries and the digital divide.
RESOLUTION: Acknowledge that there are only available
digitally. There are people who are not able to do so. The
poor and senior community. Libraries are the answer. They
have staff. Located optimally. It is their mission. 1)
libraries should and 2) state should make libraries the key to solving
the problem. Public input - maker spaces, life-long learning.