Rep. Klarides-Ditria Renews Call to Pass School Safety Bill

HARTFORD – State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria submitted testimony last week in support of legislation that seeks to enhance classroom safety and school climate.

Under the bill, H.B. 7110, boards of education would be required to revise their safe school climate plans to include provisions relating to disruptive or injurious incidents that occur in classrooms, to develop and implement a state-wide school climate survey, and to require the Department of Education to provide assistance to school districts relating to school climate.

Rep. Klarides-Ditria said, “It is crucial that we highly prioritize the safety of students and teachers. Giving teachers the ability to remove dangerous students for a short time with the requirement that they follow designated protocols will protect the rights and safety of the child in question, the teacher, and fellow students.

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last session but was vetoed by Governor Dan Malloy. For more information about the people or to track legislation visit, cga.ct.gov.

(This is a press release from CT House Republicans)

Klarides-Ditria Posts Weekly Update

Klarides-Ditria Attends Education Meeting "Teachers or students not feeling safe in a classroom is something that we need to fix... Read More 2019 Major Issues Report Click to read the Office of Legislative Research 2019 Major Issues Report. Read More

Snowstorms & Extreme Cold Safety  FEMA safety tips during Winter Storms and Extreme Cold. Read More Major policies opposed by businesses loom in Democrat-controlled legislature That includes support for a $15 minimum wage (or higher, if possible) and creating a paid family medical leave program for private employees... Read More

FOLLOW STATE REP. NICOLE KLARIDES-DITRIA Questions? Contact 860-240-8700

Valley Lawmakers Sworn-in for New Term

 

HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides, Nicole Klarides-Ditria and Senator George Logan took their oath of office on Wednesday, January 9^th, commencing the 2019 legislative session.

“The start of the new legislative session offers us all a chance for a clean slate and renewed opportunities to do the hard work and produce the best outcomes for the people of the state of Connecticut. I am optimistic that we can accomplish great things and complete our work on time,’’ House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said.

“It’s an honor representing the 105th district in the General Assembly,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “I am hopeful that the new administration will work collaboratively with Republicans and Democrats this session. We all know the many issues impacting our state and we should all be putting our heads together to find the best possible solutions that will move our state in a better direction.”

 

“I’m excited to begin my second term as state senator.  It is an honor to serve the taxpayers of the 17th Senate District.  Please contact me George.Logan@cga.ct.gov with any questions or comments.  Sign up for my State Capitol email alerts at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and friend me on Facebook.  I am fighting for you, the taxpayers.  I am trying to make Connecticut more affordable, and I want to hear from you.” 

The lawmakers will be entering a “long session”, which will run from January 9th to June 5th. During the long session, the lawmakers are able to propose legislation and will be tasked with framing a two-year state budget.

 

(This is a press release from House Republicans)

Local Lawmaker Wants to Stop Tolls

 

Dear Neighbors,   Thank you for writing and calling to express your opposition to tolls.   Your voices and advocacy have led to House Democrats reconsidering their position on tolls. The Speaker of the House announced today that he might not bring a tolls bill forward for a vote.   It appears we have won today, but we are not in the clear yet. We still have a week to go until the end of session and we need to continue to keep the pressure on.   I am circulating a petition to stop tolls, and I ask that you please take a moment to sign it! Please join me in sending a message to the majority party that we don't want tolls.   Sign my petition now!

House Passes Sports Helmets Safety Bill Introduced by Klarides Sisters

 

HARTFORD - Yesterday, the House unanimously passed legislation, introduced by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, which will provide consumers with better information regarding the safety of sports helmets.

 

The Klarides sisters brought this legislation forward after, Jason Klein of Force3 Pro Gear, a local Derby business, expressed his frustration that his company and others were unable to share their helmet safety test results with the public.

 

According to Klein, sports safety helmets are tested by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. The NOCSAE helmet standard uses a pass/fail threshold to determine whether or not a helmet meets the standard performance criteria. The NOCSAE pass/fail threshold is 1200 Severity Index units or SI. A helmet must test below 1200 SI in all 16 designated and random impact locations, including impacts at a helmet in ambient, high and low temperatures.

 

Klein said in testimony, "There’s been no place for an athlete or parent seeking helmet safety information to turn and no way for them to compare results with other helmets currently on the market."

 

Rep. Klarides and Klarides-Ditria said in a joint statement, "Helmet manufacturers should be able to tell the public that their protective equipment is tested and safe. We want to thank Jason for bringing this forward. This legislation will keep athletes of all ages safe."

 

The bill now heads to the Senate.

 

(This is a press release from Spencer Rubin/CT House Republicans)

Local Lawmakers Honor Firefighters at State Capitol



HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, left, State Reps. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, right, and Linda Gentile, center, joined local Fire Chiefs at the State Capitol on Wednesday for Fire Service Day. In back row, pictured left to right, Orange Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas; former Derby Fire Chief Chuck Stankye III; former Orange Fire Chief Kenneth Mitchell; former Beacon Falls Fire Chief Jim Trzaski

(This is a press release from Spencer Rubin/House Republicans)

 

Klarides Sisters Renew Call to Provide Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and her sister State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria are continuing to fight to pass legislation that helps disabled veterans.

 

House Bill 5231 will allow municipalities, with their legislative body's approval, to freeze property taxes on homes owned by certain disabled veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse.  To be eligible, the veteran must have a service-connected disability and either the veteran or spouse must have lived in Connecticut for at least one year.

 

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said, "In these difficult economic times, we are aware that municipalities are struggling financially. That is why this bill was written to provide towns and cities an option to offer this opportunity rather than mandate it."

 

Rep. Klarides continued, "Veterans who are injured as a result of their service live on fixed incomes and freezing their property taxes will help make living in our state more affordable."

 

Rep. Klarides-Ditria added, "Letting our local governments decide to freeze taxes for disabled veterans is something they should be allowed to do. Disabled veterans deserve this tax relief, and I will continue to fight to get this legislation passed."

 

The Veterans' Affairs Committee passed this legislation unanimously. Before the bill can become law it must pass both the House and Senate.

 

(This is a press release from Spencer Rubin, State of CT House Republicans)

State Rep. Klarides-Ditria Lauds Budget Passage

Dear Neighbors,   After 117 days, the Connecticut General Assembly has passed another bipartisan budget, this time by a wide 126-23 margin in the House of Representatives and a 33-3 margin in the State Senate. I supported this broad, bipartisan agreement, and the large majority of votes from both parties indicates the likelihood of a veto override if the Governor once again vetoes the budget.   We were able to close a massive $3.5 billion deficit with only about 1% of total revenue resulting from tax and fee policy changes. Although the SEBAC union agreement approved by the majority party in July deeply constrained our abilities to reduce spending, we were able to reduce non-contractual spending in many areas of the budget while protecting services for those most vulnerable in our community, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, working families, and seniors. The budget also reduces overall bond authorizations, helping to control debt service spending for years to come.   Importantly, the budget features a variety of long-lasting spending constraints:   • Finally after 25+ years, it implements an effective constitutional cap on state spending; • An annual bonding cap of $1.9 billion in borrowing, a half billion less than what Governor Malloy approved to put on the state's credit card last year; • A revenue cap that prevents the state from spending all the money it expects to take in annually; • A volatility cap that will automatically send any excess revenue to the Budget Reserve Fund and help fund pension and debt service liabilities.   The budget also provides for tax relief by phasing in tax reductions for Social Security income, pension and annuity income, and gift and estate taxes for many residents across our state.   Additionally, this budget does not include the large tax increases that were previously proposed by Governor Malloy and the majority party, including proposed hikes to the income tax, sales tax, and hotel tax or new taxes on cell phone bills, homeowners insurance polices, restaurants, or investment properties. It also does not eliminate the car tax as once proposed.     As with any budget, however, it is not perfect. There are minimal revenue increases, reductions to energy efficiency programs, and greater contributions by teachers towards their pensions, which will go to their pensions - Not the General Fund. I do, however, feel that the good achieved by this budget far outweighs the tough decisions made to help balance it.   For more information on the bipartisan budget, visit cthousegop.com/budget.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach me at (860) 240-8700 or Nicole-Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov.   Sincerely, State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Gentile Applauds Budget Approval

REP. GENTILE LAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN BUDGET

 

This afternoon, State Representative Linda Gentile (D-104) praised the partisan state budget ending Connecticut's fiscal crisis and restoring potential cuts for Ansonia and Derby.

 

The budget passed the House of Representatives today in a 126 to 23 vote.

 

“This truly bipartisan budget is a win for both Ansonia and Derby, who were locked in limbo during the budget crisis,” Rep. Gentile said. “In addition to rejecting damaging cuts, this budget does not shift undue financial burdens onto local property taxpayers, invests in job creation efforts along with innovation and manufacturing, protects our community hospitals, and pushes Connecticut in the right direction.”

 

Under the governor’s executive order, both Ansonia and Derby were set to lose a significant amount of funding in municipal aide for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Specifically, Derby was set to lose $1.6 million and Ansonia was set to lose approximately $664,000. Under the bipartisan budget, all of this funding is restored.

 

“I have heard from town officials and residents that the potential cuts under the governor’s proposal would have been damaging to our communities and I am proud to have worked with members across the aisle to successfully restore them,” Rep. Gentile said.

 

Additionally, the budget:

 

• Restores funding for scholarships for low and middle-income students, like the Roberta Willis Scholarship
• Enacts a state spending and bonding cap
• Maintains the property tax credit of $200 for seniors and families with dependents
• Continues investments in job creation programs such as the Small Business Express, Manufacturing Assistance, Innovation Places and Brownfield Remediation

 

The budget will now head to the governor’s desk for approval.

 

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Ansonia Aldermen Urge Budget Passage

(The following is a letter from Ansonia aldermen)

We write to urge the Governor to sign the bi-partisan budget, which was passed with bi-partisan support in the Senate and House on September 15-16 2017. 

Under this bi-partisan budget, in FY2018 the City of Ansonia will receive the same funding in education funding as it did in 2017, which was already anticipated by the City.  However, in FY 2019, Ansonia would receive an additional $2,258,339.00 over 2017 funding.  Ansonia is one of the 30 alliance/priority districts, and yet has been massively underfunded for more than a decade through the current ECS formula, which was found unconstitutional in 2016. 

Under the bi-partisan budget in FY2018, Ansonia will receive approximately an additional $7,488.00 in municipal aid funding over 2017.  However, in FY2019 Ansonia will receive an additional $2,143,171.00 over FY2017.  This increased funding to Ansonia is necessary for our community to continue to ensure and support the health, safety, education and well-being of our community, and our children. 

We wholeheartedly support the steps taken in this bi-partisan budget to restore equity and balance to a broken education funding system.  No budget is perfect but we are encouraged that this bi-partisan budget is a starting point for the renewal of the financial health of the State of Connecticut and a path to sustainable and consistent funding to municipalities such as Ansonia. 

This is a bi-partisan budget is good for our community, good for our schools, and good for Ansonia.  We are asking all the residents of Ansonia to join with us in supporting this budget, and urging our Governor and our elected officials in Hartford to support this budget.  Together we can continue to recharge Ansonia and keep our city moving in the right direction. 

Respectfully,

Lori Vaccaro, 2^nd Ward Alderman,  Martin Dempsey, 4^th Ward Alderman, Joseph A. Jaumann, 5^th Ward Alderman, Patrick Henri, 6^th Ward Alderman, Joshua Shuart, 6^th Ward Alderman, Frank Delibero, 7^th Ward Alderman, David Blackwell, 7^th Ward Alderman    

Gentile Applauds Approval of $1.2 Billion State Employee Concession Plan

State Representative Linda Gentile (Derby, Ansonia) applauds the House approval of a $1.2 billion state employee concession plan that will enact several significant structural changes and save $24 billion over the life of the agreement.

 

This is an historic agreement that prioritizes structural, verifiable reductions to long-term pension and benefit costs, while also achieving significant savings in the coming biennium. This groundbreaking agreement substantially reduces the unfunded liability for both the state employee retirement system and our retiree health benefits trust fund.

 

Under this labor deal, the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition has agreed to zero wage increases for three years, higher health co-pays and premiums, and three unpaid furlough days in 2017-18.

 

“This labor agreement is the first step toward solving our budget deficit as it adopts a spending plan that generates new revenue, restructures our pension system into the future, while respecting the promises made in the past, and takes advantage of our demographic reality.” Rep. Gentile said. “This deal will put Connecticut on the path to financial sustainability, produce immediate savings in healthcare and enact several significant structural changes by gradually shifting costs onto employees and retirees into the future.”

 

Other structural changes include overtime capped at 60 percent, health insurance redesign, pension reforms, increased co-pays, premium cost sharing and COLA reforms.

 

Additionally, the plan will require all employees to pay 2 percent more into their pension over biennium and establish a new tier IV of employees going forward that will have a defined benefit and contribution plan.

 

In regards to savings, this agreement:

• Saves taxpayers approximately $710 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and $850 million in Fiscal Year 2019,

• Savings grows to $24 billion over the next 20 years,
• Turns a $20.7 billion unfunded liability into a $1.5 billion surplus over 30 year

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Klarides to Testify on State Spending Cap

Spending Cap Public Hearing- April 3rd   In 1992, Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to add a spending cap to the State Constitution. Yet, the spending cap that is currently in place has loopholes which allow lawmakers to legally exceed the cap if they agree and take special steps.   The original intent of the spending cap was to keep spending in line with inflation and actual increases in personal income. Since 1992, Connecticut’s population only grew by 9%, inflation rose 67%, and state spending has increased by 201%. Yes, you read that correctly, state spending has increased by 201% since Connecticut voters asked their lawmakers to enforce a state spending cap.   The legislature can no longer let our state spending go unchecked. I am asking you to join me in supporting legislation that will enforce the state spending cap. On Monday, April 3rd, at 12:00 p.m. the Appropriations Committee will be holding a public hearing on a number of proposals that aim to strengthen the spending cap, including House Bill 6511.   Here are instructions on how to submit testimony:   1) Send testimony to apptestimony@cga.ct.gov (the email may be as brief as you like) 2) Copy me on the email Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov (include your name and town) 3) Put “Support Spending Cap- Pass H.B. 6511” in the subject line.   You can also testify in person. Click here for a guide for testifying at hearings.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or (860) 240-8700.     Sincerely,       State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Gentile Thanks Supporters

Dear Editor:

I would like to thank all of the good people of the 104^th District for their support and confidence in my ability to represent them in Hartford for another term.  In a year where hard-working people were clearly looking for the best person to represent them, I am grateful for their overwhelming certainty in my competence to do so.

Although I was not able to reach as many voters as I would have liked due to a stress fracture in my left foot, I was able to speak to many.  They opened their homes and their hearts to me sharing their personal stories of challenges and struggles.  They pledged their support to me because they trusted me and they trusted my commitment.  In spite of their financial struggles, or maybe because of them, they opened their pocketbooks, contributing to my campaign enabling me to get my positive message out to all voters.  In fact, I raised my necessary campaign donations this election cycle faster and quicker than ever!

I will continue to represent Ansonia and Derby to the best of my ability.  I will work with all of my colleagues as I have always done, on both sides of the aisle.  I will continue to look for opportunities to create efficiencies in local government, while still being able to offer needed services.  I will continue to identify grant funding opportunities to bring home taxpayers’ hard-earned money, allowing local mayors the chance to control local taxes.  I will work with our technical schools and our community colleges to expand and promote good paying advanced manufacturing careers for all those looking to work hard to provide for their families and their futures.  I will look to maintain and support successful programs for businesses, both small and large, that will ensure retention and expansion here in Connecticut.  And, I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to identify programs and opportunities for seniors, veterans and working families, as well as working to realize equal pay for equal work.

I am motivated by this victory mandate to work even harder to improve the quality of life for all of the citizens of Ansonia and Derby.  As I have said previously, you are my family, friends and neighbors and I will always make myself available to you.  I am always willing to listen and learn and you have taught me well.  I will be grateful to you forever. 

Thank you.  

(This is a letter to the editor from Linda Gentile)

Conroy earns perfect voting record

HARTFORD - State Rep.Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, earned a perfect record on votes taken in the state House of Representatives during the 2014 General Assembly session.

According to the Clerk of the House, the 2014 individual records reflect 309 votes were cast by Conroy.

“I am always focused on affirming the trust placed on me to represent my constituents in the legislature to the best of my ability,” Conroy said.

“Being present and accounted for when it comes to House votes is essential in the overall process of effective representation.”

 

This is a press release from Conroy's office.

Crisco earns perfect score on environment

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, has received a perfect “100” score from The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters on its 2014 Environmental Scorecard, which rates Connecticut’s state legislators by the votes they have cast on key environmental bills.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the quality of Connecticut’s environment is one of the overwhelming reasons for our quality of life here in the state," Crisco said.
"We in the legislature take protecting our environment very seriously, because it is something that is enjoyed by all and which affects each and every one of us. I believe that commitment shows in the health of our water, our air, and our open spaces,” Crisco said. 

“I want to thank the CTLCV for its ongoing attention to the needs and protection of Connecticut’s natural surroundings.”

The major issues tracked by CTLCV in 2014 were: open space protection, state parks stewardship, tree trimming, water planning, Long Island Sound protection, genetically modified grass seed, children’s exposure to pesticides, toxins in the environment (in addition to pesticides), chemicals of high concern for children.

Also, fracking waste, methane gas leaks from natural gas delivery systems, outdoor wood-burning furnaces, the public’s right to comment on subdivision applications, repeal of environmental regulations, and exemption from penalties for first-time violators of environmental regulations.

The full report can be found at: http://www.ctlcv.org/.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is a non-profit organization encompassing a lobbying arm, an educational wing, and a political action program.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Breast cancer screening advocate lauds Crisco

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, was lauded by a breast cancer screening advocate Friday at the ceremonial signing of a bill that will limit insurance co-payments for breast ultrasound screenings to $20.

The ceremonial signing included Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and took place at the Hartford Hospital Wellness Center at Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

“We started this effort to provide women with better and more affordable mammogram services nearly 10 years ago, and since then Connecticut has become the leader in the nation in breast health, and thousands of lives have been saved,” said Crisco, who as Senate Chairman of the Insurance Committee has been the point man for changes to insurance coverage of breast mammograms over the past decade in Connecticut.

“We have been on this great odyssey of making lives better for people because that is our mission in the state legislature.” 

Nancy Cappello, the founder and executive director of Are You Dense, is dedicated to informing the public about dense breast tissue and its significance for the early detection of breast cancer. She praised Sen. Crisco today for his ongoing work on behalf of Connecticut women, beginning with her personal story back in 2006.

“Since then Joe has been working with AreYouDense.org to help improve the outcomes for every woman in Connecticut. He is known for this across the country and around the globe,” Cappello said.

Senate Bill 10, “AN ACT CONCERNING COPAYMENTS FOR BREAST ULTRASOUND SCREENINGS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES,” was passed on a unanimous and bipartisan vote of the state legislature in early May, then signed into law on June 6 by Governor Dannel P. Malloy as Public Act 14-97.

The new law prohibits certain health insurance policies from imposing a co-payment of more than $20 for a breast ultrasound screening for which the policies are required to provide coverage.

By law, insurance policies in Connecticut must cover a comprehensive breast ultrasound screening if a mammogram shows heterogeneous or ‘dense’ breast tissue, or if a woman is at an increased risk for breast cancer because of family history, her own breast cancer history, positive genetic testing, or other indications as determined by her physician.



This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Gentile welcomes Pre-K slots in Ansonia

HARTFORD - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy recently announced the allocation of 1,020 additional School Readiness opportunities for low-income children in 46 towns and cities throughout Connecticut. 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

“I am very pleased that Ansonia will be receiving three of these Pre-K slots,” said state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia,.

 “A quality early childhood education experience is key to a young child’s educational success. I know we will see the benefit of these additional slots in our community in the years to come.”

Ansonia received three new slots in the Priority School District category (a full list is available below).

The additional 1,020 opportunities will become available at the beginning of the upcoming school year.

“Investing in high-quality education is the single most important investment we can make in our state and our economy. That has driven my efforts from day one as Mayor of Stamford and Governor of Connecticut,” Malloy said. 

“With this expansion, we are taking immediate steps to provide 1,020 additional children in low-income families with a strong start and foundation for lifelong success.”

The School Readiness Program is a state-funded program that provides high-quality preschool to low-income 3- and 4-year olds in Priority and Competitive School Districts in Connecticut. 

Priority School districts include the eight towns in the state with the largest population, the top 11 towns with the highest number of children under the temporary family assistance program, and the top 11 towns with the highest ratio of children under the temporary family assistance program. 

A Competitive School District is a town that has a priority school (a school in which 40 percent or more of the lunches served go to students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch) or any town ranked in the bottom 50 towns in the state in town wealth.

  FY 2015 School Readiness Summary Expansion

Public Act 14-41 also established the Connecticut Smart Start Program which will expand preschool opportunities for children of low-income families in public schools. Connecticut Smart Start will provide grants in FY15 for the renovation of existing public school classrooms to accommodate public preschool programs. 

Up to $100 million for renovations will be available over a 10-year period, with a maximum of $10 million per year. Funding for public preschool classrooms will begin in FY16 with $100 million in operating funding available over a 10-year period (maximum $10 million per year) from the Tobacco Settlement Fund.

This post is taken from a press release from Gentile's office.