TEAM Seeks Volunteers for Free Tax Preparation Service

DERBY-  TEAM, Inc.,  is seeking volunteers to assist low-income families and individuals in filing their taxes and claiming refunds owed to them, such as federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) that can boost their yearly income by up to 35 percent.  The TEAM VITA program is held at the VITA Clinics located at TEAM Derby, Derby Neck Library and the Milford Senior Center and operates from January 29 to April 16, 2018.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to low-income individuals and families.  No experience is necessary.  All volunteers will receive training appropriate for their position.  Volunteers receive the materials for self-study on basic income tax law for federal and state returns.  In addition, training sessions will take place in January 2018. 

To become a VITA Volunteer and to learn more about the program, a VITA  Information Session will be held on Monday, October  30, 2017, 5:00 p.m. at TEAM, 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby , CT.  Please call (203) 736-5420 ext. 202 or email spaytas@teaminc.org to reserve a seat.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.           

(This is a press release from TEAM)

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

Legislators welcome Derby school funding

     State Reps. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia,, Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, and state Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of a grant in aid for the Derby school system. 

       The $115,527 will provide for technology wiring upgrades in order to meet the requirements of Common Core education standards. (http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards).
 
     “I want to thank Governor Malloy and the members of the Bond Commission for their support to upgrade Derby schools,” Gentile said.  
      “Schools rely on technology more than ever before but sometimes educators find that their school infrastructure doesn't support these advances in technology. This funding will help Derby schools to make the appropriate upgrade which is great news.”
     “Upgrading our schools, especially when it comes to technology, is always a solid investment.” Conroy said.
     “These grants will provide greater access to technology and help students learn to use the tools they’ll need to keep current and keep learning, throughout their formal education and throughout their careers,” Crisco said.
   “The bonus feature of this funding is preparation for the new generation of assessments that will be computer reliant with interactive features; these new computers are an essential component of the Common Core standards and this new assessment method.”

    “We believe our teachers can accomplish significant results when they are supported with the proper resources,” Malloy said.
      “Investing in technological improvements in our schools will help educators prepare students to compete in the 21st Century economy.”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Seymour offers tax credit program for businesses

SEYMOUR - The Town of Seymour First Selectman’s Office announced Wednesday it will again be participating in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

 The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses who make cash contributions to these entities. 

The NAA is a wonderful program that offers local businesses and non-profit organizations an opportunity to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens the community.

It provides for tax credits of up to 60 percent of contributions made to eligible community programs including job training, education, day care, crime prevention, or programs servicing the elderly, handicapped, or disadvantaged. 

Interested organizations must apply to the Town of Seymour using form ‘NAA-001,’ which can be accessed via the First Selectman’s Office or on the Department of Revenue Services website.  

Applications are due by 5 p.m. June 4. All applications will then be presented for approval to the Seymour Board of Selectmen and subsequently for final approval by the Department of Revenue Services.

Any non-profit interested in participating in the program should contact the Office of the First Selectman at 203-888-2511 with questions.

More information about the program may be found online on the CT Department of Revenue Services website by searching for NAA or by following the link below: http://www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?a=1447&q=266058

Shelton farmer earns state recognition

HARTFORD - Connecticut’s agriculture industry grows great crops, including the next generation of farmers.  

Philip Jamison “Jamie” Jones of Jones Family Farms in Shelton was chosen as Connecticut’s Outstanding Young Farmer of 2013. 

The Outstanding Young Farmer Award is given annually by the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council, a coalition of state farming groups, as part of the festivities surrounding Connecticut Agriculture Day at the state capitol.  

Jamie Jones

Candidates are selected based on their achievements in their agricultural enterprises, involvement in the agriculture industry and their community, and their work on soil and water conservation projects. 

Jamie is a 1998 graduate of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 
Today, he oversees all of the agricultural operations on the farm, maintaining more than 400 acres of pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, as well as 50 acres of hay. 
 In 2004, he added more than five acres of vineyards when he established the Jones Winery. His wines have won numerous awards, including Best Connecticut Wine 2012 from Connecticut Magazine.  

Jones' sustainable growing practices, integrated pest management techniques, and collaboration with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station on agricultural research show his commitment to the family philosophy ‘be good to the land and the land will be good to you.”

He and his wife Christiana represent the sixth generation of the Jones family to run the 150-year-old farm, along with his parents, Terry and Jean Jones. Here, they also raise the seventh generation, Jackson, Samuel, and Juliet. 
Jamie Jones serves as CT Farm Bureau’s First Vice President, as the President of the CT Vineyard and Winery Association and on the Board of the CT Farm Wine Development Council.  
Most recently Jones was appointed by Gov. Dannel Malloy to serve on the Governor’s Council for Agricultural Development in 2011.

The purpose of the Outstanding Young Farmers program is to bring about a greater interest in the farmer to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers’ endeavors, to develop a further appreciation for their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of the farmers’ importance and impact on America’s economy.

The state winner will be invited to compete nationally in the National Outstanding Young Farmers Program, which is sponsored nationally by John Deere. 
 The last three Connecticut winners, Russell Holmberg of Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, Matt Peckham of Elm Farm in Woodstock, and Joe Geremia of Wallingford, have been national Top 10 finalists.  

This information is taken from a press release from Jones Family Farms.

Shelton ranks high on safe city list

I received an interesting press release today from Shelton Police spokesman Lt. Robert Kozlowsky.

It said that  Shelton is the fifth safest city in Connecticut.
You can read the story here on the Register's website. 

Archaeologist to present program on Lakota Sioux Indian

At annual meeting of Shelton Historical Society

SHELTON - Connecticut State Archaeologist Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni will present “The Long Journey Home for Albert Afraid of Hawk,” at 2 p.m. Sunday at the annual meeting of the Shelton Historical Society. 

Albert Afraid of Hawk was a Lakota Sioux Indian and a performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show when he died of food poisoning in Danbury in 1900.  His unmarked grave in Wooster Cemetery was discovered last summer by a local historian who notified family descendants in South Dakota. 
 Bellantoni’s presentation will tell the story of Albert and his family (his father fought with Crazy Horse against Custer at Little Bighorn) and the process of repatriation, including the archaeology and forensic science behind the work. He has said that it is one of the most interesting projects of his career.

As State Archaeologist, Bellantoni is on the faculty in the Anthropology Department at the University of Connecticut. He is a popular and enthusiastic speaker who conveys his passion to audiences throughout the state.

The meeting is free and open to the public.  It will be held at the Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St. There will be a brief business meeting prior to the presentation. 
Refreshments will be served.  (In case of inclement weather, an announcement will be made on WICC-AM radio.)

           For information or directions, call 203-925-1803 or visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org.


          This information was taken from a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.

Society to host state archaeologist

    SHELTON - State archaeologist Nicholas Bellantoni will present “The Long Journey Home for Albert Afraid of Hawk” at the Shelton Historical Society’s annual meeting next month.
    The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St. Admission is free.
    Bellantoni will discuss the story of Albert, a Lakota Sioux Indian who died in Danbury in 1900 while performing with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and the process of repatriation.
    He will talk about the archaeology and forensic science behind his work. 
    There will be a brief business meeting before the program.
    The public is invited; hot refreshments will be served.
    In case of inclement weather, an announcement will be made on WICC-AM.
    For information visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org or call 203-925-1803.




This information was taken from a press release from Shelton Historical Society.

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of Valley stories

These are five of the stories that made headlines in the Valley this week.
They are written by Register Reporter Patricia Villers and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich and are listed in no particular order.



State approves Seymour traffic project.

Derby elementary school wins arts grant.

Griffin Hospital now 'Baby-Friendly.'

Church celebrates new chapel filled with icons from Ansonia church.

Valley food banks get much-needed funding.

Crisco welcomes housing-rehab grants

4 towns to get federal funds

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, today welcomed news of state approval for federal grants applied for by four 17th District towns.
Crisco said Naugatuck will receive a $500,000 grant while Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Woodbridge are each in line for $300,000.
In each town state funds will help underwrite housing rehabilitation projects to improve conditions for residents without impacting the municipal budget.
 “I’m delighted by news of these successful grant applications because in the modest budgets of these four small towns there isn’t always room enough to complete all the projects one might like,” Crisco said.
“The $1.4 million to be shared in our district is part of a $10.9 million grant program for housing improvements in 31 Connecticut towns.”
This federal funding originates with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, which is in turn administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
Crisco said the work to be completed ranges from energy efficiency upgrades to lead testing and remediation as necessary, and from electrical and plumbing improvements to kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
 “I’m particularly excited about the project in Naugatuck, where improvements will not only upgrade existing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) units to ensure compliance, but it will add a half-dozen ADA-compliant units after conversions from six regular units,” Crisco said.
 “This seems to be a very cost-effective and creative use of public funding to help residents who require fully accessible housing by making more housing available for them.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of this week in the Valley

Here are some of the stories that made headlines in the Valley over the past week.

They are written by Register reporters Phyllis Swebilius and Patricia Villers, and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, and are listed in no particular order.

OSHA probing propane gas explosion in Shelton. 

Oxford driver charged in fatal accident.

Archbishop blesses addition to mausoleum at Mount St. Peter's Cemetery in Derby.

Valley nonprofit holding diaper drive in Seymour. 

Connecticut STEP UP program focus of event at Ansonia Armory.

Malloy commends Shelton students

 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Monday welcomed Shelton’s SIS Robotic Revolution Team and their advisors to his office at the State Capitol in Hartford, where the team demonstrated its award-winning “Smart Sticker” invention. The invention indicates to consumers whether food may have become spoiled due to improper storage.  The team, consisting of sixth through eighth graders from Shelton Intermediate and Perry Hill Schools, toured the State Capitol and visited with state officials. / Contributed photo

Crisco, Gentile hail grant for Ansonia operations center

$50,000 to go toward emergency communications generator

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, today welcomed news from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy of the imminent release of state funding to help Ansonia acquire a new emergency communications generator. A state grant for $50,000 will help the city underwrite improvements at its Emergency Operations Center at the John G. Prendergast School.

The lawmakers said the item is included on the agenda for next Friday morning’s meeting of the State Bond Commission and expected to receive final approval and allocation at that time.

“The serendipitous timing of this news – on the anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene’s devastation exactly one year ago – is a fitting reminder of how communications difficulties grossly compounded the response to that storm among first responders, other government agencies, and utility companies alike,”  Crisco said.
 “The old generator in Ansonia had far exceeded its life expectancy and replacement parts are no longer available – I’m grateful to Governor Malloy and the state Office of Policy and Management for their favorable consideration of this application to refortify Ansonia’s emergency preparedness in this manner.”

“Making sure that our towns and cities have the tools they need to assist residents during an emergency is absolutely essential,” said Malloy.  “With this funding in place, Ansonia will be in a better position to weather whatever Mother Nature throws our way next.”

“I'm delighted Governor Malloy is continuing his commitment to small cities and emergency preparedness,” Gentile said. “The lessons learned following last year’s October nor'easter and Tropical Storm Irene include having municipalities able to power their emergency infrastructure to better assist residents.  It is encouraging the state is taking action in Ansonia.”

The lawmakers acknowledged the leadership of Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe and the comprehensive application prepared by city Grant Writer Eileen Krugel.

“Ansonia is in urgent need of a generator… for our emergency communications systems (that) serve the primary communications equipment for police, fire, EMS, and Department of Emergency Management Homeland Security Region 2,” Krugel wrote.
“This generator… is limited to the emergency communications equipment, the phone system, boiler and fire safety equipment. The city school bus company also relies on this equipment – this is important in the event of a disaster with evacuations.”

Crisco and Gentile said the urgent need for a new generator to power the communications equipment became undeniable during a recent, statewide emergency preparedness drill held in Ansonia.
The grant itself will be administered by the state Department of Economic and Community Development.


The above was taken from a release from Crisco's office.

Gentile welcomes road funding

      State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, welcomes the expected allocation of funds to the towns of Ansonia and Derby for road improvements. 

      The State Bond Commission will meet Friday and is expected to approve the first half of the 2012-2013 town aid road grant in the amount of $15 million. 

Ansonia and Derby’s portion of that is $146,824.  

A second similar grant will follow at the end of the year.  Also known as TAR, Town Aid for Roads grants are generally released in January and July each year.

      “These funds help stabilize local property taxes and put people to work on projects that need to be done,”  Gentile said. “Town Aid Road grants are especially important, allowing communities like Ansonia and Derby to maintain our roads.”

     Gentile said district towns can anticipate receiving the following grants:

• Ansonia – $80,088.
• Derby - $66,736.

     The state grant funds allocated are used for safety issues, design work and repaving.

     The State Bond Commission meets at 10:30 a.m. Friday in room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

This information is taken from a release from Gentile's office.

Library offers wide range of programs

From a magic show to job search help, it's here

     DERBY - The CT Works Career Coach will return to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15. During both the morning session, 10-noon and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will offer Job Search Assistance.
    Learn  where to look for jobs, how to get the job you want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet.  The workshop is free and open to the public.
       Registration is requested; walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come ,first served basis.
    The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated by Career Resources.

It’s magic!

    The library invites adults 18 and over to an Evening of Magic at 6:30 p.m. June 18. Local magician Bryan Lizotte will amaze and astound his audience with a combination of both close-up and stand-up magic tricks.
     This is a great opportunity to rediscover the child in you.  This program is part of the series, Monday Evening Escapes and Escapades, being offered every Monday throughout the summer.  Registration is requested.
     All 2012 Library summer programming is being made possible through the
 generous sponsorship of the Jane C. and David B. Cohen Fund through the Valley
 Community Foundation , in memory of David B. Cohen.
      
Basic computing class
 
     The library continues to offer free monthly walk-in basic computer classes.  They are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
    This introductory 90-minute class, taught by library staff, covers computer hardware, Windows, basic word processing and Internet searching.
     No reservations are accepted and there is a seven seat limit per class.  June class dates are 10 a.m. June 19 and 6:30 p.m. June 20.

 Free career workshops

     The library continues to host free career development workshops presented by the Connecticut Department of Labor.
     From 10 a.m.- noon June 20, the topic will be “10 Things Every Job Seeker Should Know.” The presentation will include discussion of job search myths, facts, and keys to success.
     For information on any of the above, stop by the library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Derby police have 'strong suspect' in homicide case

By Bridget Albert
Register Staff
balbert@nhregister.com

DERBY – The shooting death of 22-year-old Javon Zimmerman early Saturday morning was a “targeted act of violence,” said police Lt. Justin Stanko Monday.

Stanko said the department has a “strong suspect” in the homicide, but police are surprised that very few people have come forward with information.

Although the department has worked around the clock since the 2 a.m. shooting in the parking lot of RJ’s Cafe at 148 Elizabeth St. Stanko said few people have provided police with information.

“People know what happened. They saw it. They have an obligation to come forward,” Stanko said. "This was 100 percent not random. There was a clear motive,” Stanko said.

Stanko said it appears the motive involved a dispute with a family member. He declined to elaborate.

The Derby Police Department is leading the investigation along with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad and the Ansonia Police Department.

A makeshift memorial was set up over the weekend at the shooting location. There are numerous candles and tea lights, balloons that read ‘I Love You” along with framed family photos. A woman passing the memorial said “This is so sad for his family and the other person’s family,”

The New Haven Register will update this story later. Check back for more updates.

The Derby Police Department has set up a confidential tip line that goes directly to a police investigator working on the case. Callers can remain anonymous if they prefer to. The number is 203-619-1906.

Gentile votes to protect veteran's memorials

Law would increase penalties for desecration

     State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, voted in the House of Representatives in favor of a bill she co-sponsored to increase the penalties for the intentional desecration of war or veterans' memorials. 

    The bill unanimously passed the House and Senate and is heading to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

    “This bill is so personal for me since last year; monuments in both of the cities of Ansonia and Derby were vandalized.  As far as I am concerned, these monuments and memorials are sacred grounds honoring our true local heroes, our veterans,” Gentile said. “In memory and honor of our veterans, we must do what we can to keep thieves and vandals from desecrating those important monuments.”

     The bill defines two crimes concerning war or veterans' memorials or monuments - interference with, and possession of a memorial or monument, and sets the penalty for them.

     Under the bill, a person is guilty of interference with a war or veterans' memorial or monument if they intentionally deface, mutilate, or destroy it, or remove any part of it from its official location.

     A person is guilty of unlawfully possessing a war or veterans' memorial or monument if he or she possesses, purchases, or attempts to purchase a memorial or monument; or sells, offers for sale, or attempts to sell or transfers war or veterans' memorial or monument, or any part of one, knowing that it has been unlawfully removed from its official location.

     The bill makes both crimes a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or both. 

This information was released by Gentile's office.  

Career Coach to help job-seekers

    DERBY -  The CT Works Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18.
  During both the morning session, 10 a.m -noon, and afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering Job Search Assistance.
    Learn where to look for jobs, how to get the job you want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet.     
    The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.
    The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated by Career Resources. 
    For information, visit the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

The above information was provided by library director Cathy Williams.  

Gentile supports domestic violence legislation

The Umbrella program to benefit, lawmaker says

 State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia announced today that a bill (HB 5548) based on the House Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence’s recommendations passed the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously. 

  A key part of the bill gives police officers new tools for responding to incidents of domestic violence, including a requirement that municipal police departments develop and implement operational guidelines for arrest policies.  

    The departments would set a uniform standard, but are given flexibility to tailor implementation to fit their departments.  

  The bill also establishes a Family Violence Model Policy Governing Council to update the model policy going forward and review relevant data.

        “This bill makes things easier for victims in what can be a harrowing and traumatic experience. It also strengthens the tools needed to punish offenders,” Gentile said. “Enhancing the tools of the legal system, particularly in the area of protective orders, is critical to the ultimate success of these efforts.  Locally, The Umbrella program located in Ansonia will benefit from the additional tools.”

     Victims are often confused about the appropriate place to report electronic and telephonic violations of restraining and protective orders. The legislation will allow victims to report violations in the town where they reside, where they receive the communication or where the communication was initiated. The bill also makes it easier for victims to get restraining orders against people who pose a threat to them.

     Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, who created the task force, said, “When a victim has worked up the courage to call police, to request a restraining order or to leave her home, we want to make sure that services are in place to support them. In addition, because we owe it to victims to train police in best practices so they can respond to calls speedily and appropriately, we give police officers new tools for responding to domestic violence incidents. This bill gives new support to victims, police officers, advocates and other front-line service providers.”

     The legislation also permits judges to issue restraining orders for up to one year. Currently the maximum length of a restraining order is six months. Donovan said this change will reduce stress and risk to victims who will have to return to court and interface with their offenders less frequently.

     The bill also requires that courts share protective orders with schools that victims attend, upon request of a victim. Current law requires that orders be shared with the police departments in the town where the victim lives and works and the town where the defendant lives, but it does not require that schools or campus police are notified of an order.

     Although threatening is often a precursor to serious violence, threatening with a firearm is currently a misdemeanor in Connecticut. This bill would make threats that involve the use of a firearm a felony crime. It also strengthens the definition of stalking to ensure that stalking incidents—including digital stalking—are appropriately punished.

The above release was provided by Gentile's office. 

Gentile lauds law expanding insurance board

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, praised the House of Representatives’ approval Wednesday of legislation (HB 5013) that expands the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange board by four members and also makes Healthcare Advocate Victoria Veltri a voting member.

     “Expanding the board and making the healthcare advocate a voting member will help guarantee better representation for all stakeholders and especially the people who are in need of affordable, quality health care,” said Gentile House chair of the Planning and Development Committee.  “This is absolutely a huge help for small business.”

     The exchange is a marketplace that will offer affordable, high-quality health insurance options, providing relief to families and small businesses who are struggling to afford insurance.

     The exchange was created by legislation enacted last year as a quasi-public agency, governed by a board of directors, which is empowered to help individuals and small employers obtain health insurance. The exchange will be fully operational starting in 2014.

     “The new legislation not only affords broader representation but also ensures that the exchange board is in compliance with federal regulations. The bill also clarifies the law’s conflict of interest provisions,” Gentile said.

     The legislation requires the president pro tempore of the Senate to appoint a small-organization employer for a two-year term and requires the Speaker of the House to appoint a consumer for a 2-year term. In addition, the majority leaders in the House and Senate will jointly appoint a new member representing consumers and the minority leaders in the House and Senate jointly will name a new member representing small business. This would increase the board from 11 voting members to 16 voting members.

     The bill also clarifies that employees members may not serve as consultants to trade associations of insurers, insurance brokers, health care providers, or health care facilities. Current statute already prohibits exchange board members from being employed by or members of these groups.

The above information was released by Gentile's office.