Sen. Logan, Senate Republicans Unveil Revised CT Budget Fix

 

Sen. George S. Logan (at right) stands with Senate Republicans May 16 to unveil a revised, line-by-line, 57-page state budget alternative plan.  The Senate Republican plan does not raise taxes, continues to protect towns and property taxpayers, provides funding for core social services, increases funding for education to towns and cities.  Left to right: Sen. Paul Formica, Sen. Kevin Witkos, Sen. Len Fasano, and Sen. Logan. 

 

 

Sen. George S. Logan and Senate Republican lawmakers on May 16 released a revised line-by-line

state budget proposal which:

·         Closes the deficit without tax increases.

·         Increases education funding.

·         Preserves funding for services to seniors, the disabled and Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.

·         Lowers taxes for retirees.

·         Provides for structural budget reforms, like a state government spending cap and a bonding cap.

 

“The Senate Republican plan protects taxpayers from being overburdened by new taxes or policies which would result in significant increases to property taxes,” Sen. Logan said. “We protect hospitals from being hit with more taxes. Bottom line:  We have a plan to get Connecticut back on a path to sustainability, predictability, stability and economic growth.”

 

A full summary of the updated “Confident Connecticut” budget is available at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com . 

 

Line-by-line budget details are available at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com.

 

“I urge taxpayers to contact me,” Sen. Logan said.  “I am fighting to get Connecticut out of this mess.  I am fighting against tax hikes.  I am fighting for the property taxpayers of Connecticut, and I will work with Democrats to make this thoughtful, detailed plan a reality.  Together, we can turn our state around.”

 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.

 

He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 

 

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

   

 

Eat, Drink, Be Merry & Help Animals

State Sen. George Logan Debuts TV Show

Newly-elected Connecticut State Sen. George S. Logan (left) recently taped his first edition of “The Senate Reports with Sen. George S. Logan” at the Hartford-based AccessTV.org studio with Access TV videographer J. Stan McCauley (right).  In the show’s debut, Sen. Logan discusses the reasons why he was inspired to run for public office and his efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in Connecticut.  The show can be viewed at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and www.accesstv.org/ch-22 .  Direct link: http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2017/03/watch-sen-logans-access-tv-show-debuts-on-channel-22/#.WMAZ2YKQxjo .  Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. He can be reached at 800-842-1421 and at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov.

Sen. Logan Applauds Proposal to Restore Cuts to Local Education

 

Sen. George S. Logan on Feb. 7 applauded the Connecticut Senate and House Republicans’ plan to reinstate nearly $20 million in education funding that was cut midyear to cities and towns throughout the state.

 

The Republican proposal would allow the state to restore Education Cost Sharing funding that was cut by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration in December and also close the current budget deficit of $11.9 million as estimated by the Office of Fiscal Analysis.

 

“The December cuts to towns were unfair,” Sen. Logan said.  “Local officials should be able to plan on what their state education funding should be.  This is what I hear over and over again when talking to area mayors and first selectmen.  My top priority is to protect Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.  Our Republican plan restores the cuts, and I will continue to fight to protect local education funding and property taxpayers.”

 

The plan can be viewed at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com .

 

Sen. Logan can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421.  He represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. On the web: www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

 

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

Sens. Crisco and Kane testify in favor of fire safety legislation

Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, and Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown, on Feb. 3 testified in favor of legislation which would require landlords to notify tenants whether there is an operative sprinkler system in their housing units.

The idea for the proposal originated from former Woodbridge resident Jeffrey Block, whose daughter, Eva, was a student at Marist College when she tragically died in an off-campus house fire in 2012.

 Left to right: Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown,
and former Woodbridge resident Jeffrey Block on Feb. 3 testified in favor
of legislation which would require landlords to notify tenants whether there
 is an operative sprinkler system in their housing units. 

“Too often we see news reports of fires in dwellings which result in the loss of life,” Crisco said. “As legislators, we must take every step we can to prevent such tragedies. Requiring that landlords notify their tenants about whether there is an operative sprinkler system in their unit is one such step.”

“In any dwelling, we can all agree that fire prevention safety and fire prevention safety methods are paramount,” Kane said. “This bill would require landlords to do something which many of us would consider to be a common sense act. Requiring this simple notification could mean the difference between life and death.”

Crisco and Kane, who are co-sponsoring the legislation, thanked Block for bringing the issue to their attention. Block currently lives in Watertown.

The bill now awaits legislative action by the General Assembly’s Housing Committee.

Bill info: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/TOB/S/2015SB-00103-R00-SB.htm

Paragon League Wrestling to hold family friendly event Nov. 7 in Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE >> Paragon is holding its second event "Paragon 2" on Friday, Nov. 7 at
7 :30 p.m. in the "Vine Auditorium" at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

The event will last about three hours and feature approximately 10 wrestling matches, post match interviews and color commentary. T-shirts, wrestling memorabilia and refreshments will be available for sale.

This is a "family friendly" event. No alcoholic beverages will be sold or served.

Ticket prices: $20 front row / $15 ringside seating. Group discount for youth and community groups $11 per ticket for ringside seats (regularly $15). For group sales, call 203-915-1977.

Hamden natives Nick D'Angelo and Mikey Chase, owners of the recently formed Paragon League Wrestling, previously worked for CTWE, a popular Connecticut independent wrestling company. After CTWE closed down about a year ago, D'Angelo and Chase revived and re-branded the company. One of the company's goals is to help change some of the negative stereotypes pro wrestling has acquired over the years, according to D'Angelo and Chase.

"We want our shows to be family fun events," D'Angelo said.

Paragon is also committed to community outreach. In addition to providing discounted tickets to local youth organizations, a portion of each event's proceeds is donated to a charity or non-profit organization that has an impact on the local community.

Crisco: DOT representatives to answer questions

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, announced today that representatives from the state Department of Transportation will once again travel to Woodbridge to answer  citizens' questions about the ongoing upgrades to the intersection of Routes 63 and 67.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Board Room of Woodbridge Town Hall, 11 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge.

“DOT was here in the spring, now they’re back to answer another round of questions,” Crisco said.
‘I’ve been in regular contact with a group of local citizens who have some ongoing questions about the redesign, and I’d like to get their concerns addressed once and for all.”


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco hails $400K HUD grant for Derby

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, announced Monday that Derby will receive $400,000 in federal HUD grants for the rehabilitation of a dozen low- and moderate-income housing units in town.

Crisco

Derby will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 12 units of low- and moderate-income housing, including roof replacement, heating systems, window replacement, lead paint and asbestos removal, electrical and code upgrades.

“So much of who we are and what we do in our daily lives begins and ends with a safe, well-maintained home,” Crisco said. 

“It doesn’t make any difference if you’re young and single, middle-aged with kids or a senior citizen living alone, having decent housing is a basic necessity, and I’m glad to welcome these federal funds -administered by Connecticut’s Housing Department-to Derby.”

The grants are part of a total $12.8 in federal funds awarded to two dozen Connecticut cities and towns for affordable and senior housing, economic development and other revitalization projects.

The funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, which provides grants to eligible municipalities for economic development, affordable housing, community facilities and other revitalization projects.  The program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Housing.

“These grants will fund projects that are integral to increasing affordable housing in our state and improving the quality of life for residents,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
 “Right now we are making the most significant commitment in affordable housing that our state has seen in decades because we know that when we invest in housing, we invest in people, communities and our economic future.”


This is a press release from Crisco'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.

Crisco asks DOT to meet with Woodbridge residents

Realignment of Routes 63, 67 spurs concerns

WOODBRIDGE - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, Thursday called on the state Department of Transportation to meet once again with Woodbridge residents who have repeatedly raised concerns over the scope and necessity of the ongoing realignment of Routes 63 and 67.

Crisco

“I have had regular and ongoing communications with a small group of local residents who are quite vocal and informed regarding this project, and who have raised a number of questions about it, some of which have been addressed by the DOT and some of which have not,” Crisco said.

“I would invite the DOT to come to Woodbridge once again, as they did in April, and to hear these citizens out, and to adopt any changes that they think are necessary based on the public input. I know not everyone will be satisfied with the final outcome, but the act of listening and explaining is a very fundamental component of the relationship between the public and its government, and I want there to be a very clear understanding on both sides of the potential pluses and minuses of this project.”

Crisco last met on July 9 with the DOT regarding the Route 63/67 realignment, which is already underway and which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2015.
At that time, he raised several local concerns about the project, many of which had been raised at the April DOT public meeting in Woodbridge.

Since then, additional public concerns have been raised, including idling cars, cutting trees, light pollution and possible speeding on a newly re-leveled roadway.



This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco, Conroy: Improvements planned for Rte. 8 corridor

Project to focus on Derby, Ansonia
State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, and state Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, Thursday attended an informational meeting on the project (State Project #36-179) to improve safety and access along the Route 8 corridor in Derby and Ansonia. 

The meeting, hosted by the Valley Council of Governments, invited key stakeholders, such as businesses, property owners and police, to discuss issues surrounding the project.

“This project will help alleviate the traffic congestion in the area and will be an improvement for the area businesses and the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital,”  Conroy said.
“In addition, the state and local agencies will be working with homeowners to improve the communication process as the project moves forward.” 

The work will overhaul exits 16, 17, and 18 as they provide access to and from Route 8, including traffic flow and safety improvements to local streets.

“Route 8 is an economic lifeline between the largest city in Connecticut – Bridgeport – and the fifth-largest city in the state, Waterbury,” Crisco said. 
“Any project of this magnitude that involves state and federal funds, the reconstruction of four bridges and nearly four miles of new ramp and roadway construction should receive input from state and local officials and the public. I was happy to attend today's meeting.”  

The project is expected to cost $10-12 million and be split 80/20 between federal and state funding. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2015 and with a target date of fall 2016 for completion.

 

This is a press release from the office of Connecticut House Democrats.

Crisco hails $3.2M in bonding for Naugatuck bridge repair

NAUGATUCK - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, today welcomed $3.2 million in state bonding to repair the historic, 102-year-old Whittemore Bridge on Maple Street over the Naugatuck River.

“I know Whittemore Bridge repairs have been on Naugatuck’s priority list for some time, so I’m pleased their grant application has been approved and we are finally poised to move forward with this project,” Crisco said.

“I’m happy to have voted in the past for the state funding needed to achieve these repairs and reduce the financial burden on local residents. Connecticut budgets a lot of money for infrastructure improvements and Naugatuck is the beneficiary of that.”

Concrete on the bridge’s arches is rotting, and running water has weakened the footings. Naugatuck city officials applied for state aid to repair the180-foot bridge through Connecticut’s Local Bridge Program; just this year, Crisco co-sponsored and voted for a bill that added $10 million to Local Bridge Program applications in 2015, bringing the total budget available to cities and towns to $20 million.

This is the second time state funds have been awarded for the project: in July 2011, the State Bond Commission approved $1.3 million for bridge work (Crisco supported that bonding package as well.) This latest state grant, awarded on July 9, will pay for half of the total bridge replacement cost; Naugatuck voters have already budgeted about $2.4 million for the work.

Naugatuck built the bridge in 1912 to honor John Whittemore, who died in 1910. Whittemore was the head of one of the Naugatuck Malleable Iron Companies and he used his great wealth to benefit the community, including building two schools and a library. 

Plans for the bridge were drawn by Henry Bacon, a nationally prominent architect best known today for the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In Connecticut, there are more than 3,400 bridges and culverts on municipally maintained roads, and the construction and maintenance of these is the responsibility of cities and towns. 

But recognizing the difficulty that municipalities have in meeting this responsibility, the General Assembly created the Local Bridge Program in 1984 as part of Connecticut’s Infrastructure Renewal Program. 

The program provides state grants to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges.  

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.

BHcare to host luncheon at Ansonia Armory

Event marks May is Mental Health Month
ANSONIA - As part of BHcare’s May is Mental Health Month activities, a luncheon will be held at noon Thursday at the Ansonia National Guard Armory, 5 State St.

Guest speaker will be state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge.
Crisco will talk about legislative issues affecting mental health programs and services.

There will be a light lunch followed by a question and answer period. The event is free and open to the public. 

RSVP to Phyllis Kaplan, 203-736-2601 Ext. 1232.

For more information about BHcare’s May is Mental Health Month activities and events, visit www.bhcare.org.

This post is taken from a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

Crisco pleased by Senate OK of bill saying horses not inherently dangerous

HARTFORD - The state Senate gave unanimous approval Tuesday morning to legislation clarifying in law that domesticated horses are not inherently dangerous. 

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, spoke in favor of HB 5044 during a public hearing earlier this year, and shepherded the bill through the Senate in the closing days of the legislative session.

“There was great concern among my constituents in Bethany and neighboring towns that recent court decisions would make horses nearly impossible to insure,” Crisco said.

“I’m pleased that this legislation offers a positive remedy for their concerns. I particularly want to thank Senator Meyer and the members of the Environment Committee for their leadership on this issue.”

The legislation comes in response to recent court decisions deeming all horses to be wild and inherently dangerous. The rulings had the potential to cause an extreme increase in insurance premiums, putting into question the insurability of Connecticut’s farm horses, privately owned horses for riding and therapeutic horses.

HB 5044 addresses this problem by ensuring that civil disputes involving horses are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, without the presumption that the horse is inherently vicious.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy applauded the legislation: “With final passage secured by the state legislature today, I look forward to signing this bill, which has been a top concern to many horse owners and handlers, and our state’s associated agriculture industry. The agriculture sector of Connecticut's economy has been growing significantly over the past couple of years, and we need to ensure that the laws in our state statutes encourage this growth.

"I'd specifically like to thank Environment Committee co-chair state Sen. Ed Meyer and the entire Connecticut General Assembly for their support of this bill."

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Valley delegation backs First Responder Day slated Sept. 27

HARTFORD - The state House of Representatives recently passed a bill (SB 101) that establishes a “First Responder” day in Connecticut.  

The Governor shall proclaim Sept. 27 of each year to be First Responder Day in recognition of the service, sacrifice and contribution of such personnel to the public health and safety. Suitable exercises shall be held in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor designates for the observance of the day.

“First responders are on the front line of public safety.  They risk their own lives for others. They deserve to be recognized for their commitment to public service,” said State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia.  
“It is my hope that our local officials and communities will be able to put together a fitting tribute to honor these dedicated men and women.”

State Rep. Theresa Conroy said, “First responders are our communities’ front line in the face of an emergency.  These brave men and women walk into any emergency, without a thought of their own safety, to save lives and property.  This is a selfless act that needs to be recognized and appreciated by all of our citizens.”

“We can never adequately thank our first responders for their selfless service and sacrifice,” said state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge.
“Taking a day to officially acknowledge them will hopefully raise awareness of what these responders deal with every day in the face of emergencies. This will be a day of giving recognition and thanks to those who deserve it the most.”

“First responders have such a tremendous impact on our families’ health and safety, and our gratitude for their dedication cannot be understated,” state Rep. Themis Klarides (R-Derby) said.
“Creating this annual occasion helps elevate our recognition of their sacrifices, and provides a great opportunity to express appreciation for their hard work.”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Crisco wins Senate OK of bill protecting families from sex offenders

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) led the state Senate Friday evening in passing legislation that will give municipal leaders the ability to best secure the safety and well-being of their towns’ families.
The bill passed the Senate by a unanimous, bipartisan vote.

“This bill gives municipal leaders a valuable and necessary tool for ensuring the public’s safety in Connecticut’s cities and towns,” Crisco said. 

“As a parent and grandparent, it makes me feel safer knowing my town’s leader will have the ability to notify me if there is a threat to my family’s safety. This bill is good public policy, and a commonsense approach to securing our families in their homes and neighborhoods.”

Senate Bill 432 requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection  to notify the municipal chief executive officer when a registered sex offender is released and resides, or intends to reside, in such municipality.

DESPP must email this notice and provide the CEO with the same registry information that DESPP will post publicly on the Internet about the registrant.

This is particularly important in situations where a sexual offender is released into a neighborhood where young children reside.
The bill would give the municipal CEO discretion to inform residents of the neighborhood so that parents could take appropriate actions with respect to the safety of their children.

The bill previously passed the Judiciary and Planning and Development Committees by unanimous, bipartisan votes.

Crisco and State Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, co-sponsored the legislation in response to a recent situation in the Town of Woodbridge where a Group Home is home to two sex offenders. One of the offenders was convicted of four felony sex offense crimes, two of which involved young girls ages 5 and 7. The other offender was convicted of two felony crimes involving sexual assault of a child.

Within two blocks of the Group Home live families with 28-30 children, ranging in age from 1 to 17. School-age children get on and off the bus mornings and afternoons and walk to their homes.

The bus stop for one of the children was located directly in front of the Group Home. It was relocated at the request of the parent once he learned of the residents of the Home. However, it was several years before the parents learned this information and were able to take appropriate action.

This legislation would have made a difference by giving the municipal CEO the information necessary to inform families of the situation, and better secure the safety of these children.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

 

Crisco, colleagues seek tax deduction on long-term care insurance

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, and advocates call on Congress to offer an “above-the-line” federal tax deduction for those who invest in long-term care insurance. / Contributed photo

 

HARTFORD - Leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee announced Friday they are seeking support from fellow legislators to establish an income tax deduction for individuals who invest in long-term care insurance. 
The leaders are asking for federal support in the form of a nationwide tax deduction on long-term care insurance premiums.

State senators Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, and state Representatives Robert Megna, D-New Haven, and Rob Sampson R-Wolcott, are sending a letter  to the Connecticut Congressional Delegation asking them to work towards passage of a federal tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums.

These efforts are focused on encouraging individuals to invest in long-term care insurance, which would provide relief for the state’s growing burden of Medicaid-funded nursing home care.

“This is a commonsense approach to relieving one of the heaviest burdens on our state budget,” said  Crisco.
“Just as we in state government need to focus on long-term investments that will pay dividends for Connecticut for years to come, our constituents need to make similar investments so they can live healthy, independent lives as they age. 
"The benefits of independent living are indisputable. People are happier when they are able to age in their own communities, and stay connected to their friends, neighbors and surroundings. This would be a good step toward promoting investment in long-term care insurance, and I encourage Congress to take action.”

The single largest expenditure in the Connecticut state budget is funding for long-term Medicaid services. In 2012, the state spent $2.8 billion, or 10 percent of the annual state budget, on long-term care for seniors. As Connecticut’s senior population grows, the costs of providing this care will increase beyond the state’s capabilities, further straining the state budget.

Currently, 14 percent of the population is over 65 years old. 
By 2032, the senior population is expected to increase by nearly 69 percent, making nearly one quarter of the population over 65 years old.

“With huge growth in the senior population, it will be impossible to support people with the same amount of Medicaid services offered today,” Kelly said. “We need to encourage people to invest in long-term care insurance now, so they can independently support themselves as they age. We hope that the federal government will support our efforts with nationwide legislation.”

Long-term care is not always direct medical care, but rather is a range of services and supports that help individuals care for themselves on a daily basis. This can include help bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, shopping for groceries, caring for pets, housework, managing money, taking medication etc.

“The costs of providing long-term care are rising and spending is unsustainable,” said Sampson. “People need more incentives to encourage a personal investment in long-term care insurance. People deserve peace of mind when it comes to health care in their later years, and long-term care insurance can provide that. It’s time to make this insurance more affordable and more accessible while saving taxpayer money and helping people stay in their homes longer.”

The Insurance Committee leaders encourage the Connecticut Congressional Delegation to work towards passage of a federal “above-the-line” tax deduction for private long-term care insurance premiums. Currently, individuals can claim a deduction on their federal income taxes for the costs of long term care, but only if they itemize their deduction. The Insurance Committee is seeking support for a deduction that would come off the gross income, before the adjusted gross income is determined.

The majority of people do not itemize deductions when filing their taxes, with recent data from Urban Institute showing that only 30 percent of individuals did so in 2010. 
By requesting an “above-the-line” deduction, the Insurance Committee leaders hope to make it easier for all eligible individuals to receive the deductions they qualify for.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco, Doyle co-host bone marrow drive at Capitol

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, and state Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, joined advocates at the state Capitol Tuesday to help kick off a Marrow Donor Registry Drive sponsored by Be The Match^®.

“There is a lot of misinformation tossed around regarding marrow donation, and today is an opportunity to get the facts out there,” Crisco said. “The importance of marrow donation cannot be understated. Every four minutes a baby, child, or adult is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia. For the many that do not have a matching marrow donor in their family, the Be The Match Registry^® is a lifesaving resource.”

“Seventy percent of patients receive bone marrow from a complete stranger,” said Doyle. “With advancements in technology the process has become less time consuming and painless. Today is about connecting those in need with potential donors. There are a lot of misconceptions about donating bone marrow and events like this are able to provide clarity.”

Be The Match^® connects patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant. Those wishing to help the cause can be someone’s cure as a member of the Be The Match Registry^®, or be a financial contributor or volunteer. Be The Match^® provides patients and their families with one-on-one support, education, and guidance before, during and after transplant.

Be The Match is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program and for 25 years has managed the largest marrow registry in the world.

The senators were joined at the event by Jon DeCasanova, a student at Eastern Connecticut State University who shared his story of finding a donor match and receiving a bone marrow transplant.

Marrow donation can be done in one of two ways. The first option, a peripheral blood stem cell donation, consists of cells gathered using a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. 
The second option, marrow donation, is a surgical, usually outpatient, procedure using anesthesia.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Crisco hosts hearing on captive insurance

Earlier today state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, Senate Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, hosted an informational hearing on captive insurance.

Members of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee were joined by representatives from newly formed captive insurance companies, certified public accounts in the insurance field and a senior from UCONN School of Business.

“Captive insurance is important to the Connecticut economy because it represents jobs here in the state,” Crisco said. “Connecticut is known as the insurance capital of the world and it is important that we keep up with this evolving market. Our goal is to attract more domestic and offshore companies to the state to keep us competitive with not only other states but the world.”

“Within the captive insurance market there are so many untapped opportunities and potential,” said Rocco Martin, a UCONN senior who recently became sponsored by a risk management firm for his outstanding work. “Companies need to do more than just be reactive to current trends. It should also be more than just proactive, what is needed is to be innovative and creative with strategic planning. Connecticut is the insurance capital of the world and has the potential to transform the landscape of insurance.”

Senate Bill 188 “An Act Concerning Captive Insurance Companies” is currently being considering by the General Assembly. 
The bill would modernize Connecticut's laws regarding captive insurance companies allowing the state to become more competitive in an evolving market. A captive insurer is an insurance company or entity formed to insure or reinsure the risks of its owners. 
The law allows a captive to be licensed and domiciled in Connecticut to transact life insurance, annuity, health insurance and commercial risk insurance business.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.