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)

Ansonia Board of Education Member Says Facts Being Misrepresented

(The following is a letter from Ansonia Board of Education Member Vinnie Scarlata who is seeking re-election the board , as well as running as a petitioning candidate for the Board of Aldermen, 7th Ward):

It’s unfortunate that an administration desperate to stay in office is irresponsible enough to misrepresent figures to try crediting themselves unduly! Recent articles talk about $40,125 unspent by the BOE, proving that through its benevolence this administration has actually overfunded education and these unspent funds of $40,125 are proof! The person chosen to pitch this notion is running for a seat on the BOE and should have been the one person responsible enough to have at least asked the BOE the one question, “WHY”!!! Instead she became another pawn for Team Cassetti.

I posed this question to our BOE Business Manager and here is the truth of this matter! The following is copied from her email to me:
 

 

I am providing this information with regards to the BOE not expending 100% of the funds allocated during the 2016-17 school year.
 

The BOE has several factors which impacted spending during the 2016-2017 year:
 

- I will start with the resignation of the Business Manager and a permanent placement not being

appointed for several months. This means that budgeted salary and health care cost for a family

were not being incurred.
 

- The district realized significant savings in health care cost by changing to a HDHP. (High

Deductible Health Plan)
 

- The City transferred Excess Cost funds to the BOE to cover the increased cost of Special

Education services. This is significant because in the past the BOE was absorbing these rising cost

within their existing budget.
 

- The City transferred in-kind expenses for LAP insurance to the BOE, this was not budgeted for

by the BOE originally,
 

- The last winter was mild and very warm, this combination resulted in savings for fuel heating and

OT for custodians.
 

The net result of all the above resulted in the BOE not expending 100% of its allocated budgeted. Each of these accounts had a positive balance on June 30th 2017. These balances were used to off-set accounts that had negatives balances, they include tuition, transportation, purchased services, liability insurance and supplies. I did not use numbers above in an effort to keep it simple, but heat energy alone had an unexpended balance of $46,803. 
 

Once the audit is final and adjustments are made I will provide an updated year-end report to all BOE members that show expenditures by object and the final figures expended and unexpended for the 2016-17 year. Currently, I do not have the back up to support the $40,125 figure that was referenced in the VIS, I was told that the number is from the audit (I cannot confirm this number).
 

I have not received any communication from the auditor lately, so I cannot confirm that the figures are final (I have not been given a final figure for BOE). Additionally, I have not been apprised of any changes/adjustments resulting from the audit being completed that would change numbers I currently have.
 

So, Ansonia, there a lot of fluid parts to any BOE. A statement made referencing 3 lines in a budget document represents little if any relevance to the overall budget of education. One thing that is glaring, though, is where did Team Cassetti get its information from in the first place since the BOE has yet to receive its final audit figures?
 

 

Vincent Scarlata

Member Ansonia BOE

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    

State Rep. Gentile Discusses Budget

Wednesday June 8, marked the official end of the regular 2017 legislative session. But there is still work to be done.

 

The legislature will now go into special session to discuss and approve of a two-year state budget. 

 

Passing a bipartisan budget has always been my hope. Regardless of political party, the legislature needs to go into special session with a sense of urgency and pass a responsible budget that helps strengthen our state and local economies, and reflects the priorities of the people of Connecticut. I don’t believe that failure to agree upon a responsible budget is an option.

 

Good ideas are not exclusive to a political party. I am hopeful that my colleagues across the aisle will drop all political campaign rhetoric, and work in a collaborative manner to meet the challenges we all face.

 

I truly believe our future is stronger when both parties work together, so it is my hope that we can put our political differences aside and talk openly and honestly about the budget and what needs to be done. 

 

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, have set the stage for Democrats and Republicans to come together to have these conversations.

 

And we must have these conversations and work towards a solution and agree on what’s best for the districts we represent, as well as the state.

 

When I walk into special session, I will continue to fight for a budget that will protect hardworking families, hospitals, and education, not only in the 104^th District, but for the State of Connecticut, as well. I will fight for a budget that promotes job growth and encourages economic development. And, I will fight for a budget that ensures our tax dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible. 

 

This is about forging a path for a stronger Connecticut, with policies that work for all of us. I will be working with all of my colleagues to accomplish this. I hope that we will all come into special session ready to work together to put forth a responsible budget that reflects the priorities of our districts and our state.

 

Rep. Gentile, a Democrat, represents the 104th House District, which includes parts of Ansonia and Derby.

 

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

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)

   

 

Gov. Malloy to Visit Ansonia Monday, March 6

ANSONIA - Gov. Dannel Malloy will be speaking at the Ansonia Public Library Monday, March 6 at 11 a.m.

He will be joined by Mayor David S. Cassetti, state Rep. Linda Gentile, state Sen. George Logan and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto.

Monday’s engagement is in response to Mayor Cassetti’s call for a bipartisan effort to support the governor’s proposal to reallocate state spending on public education. The proposal would restore millions of dollars in need-based funding to Ansonia schools, thereby easing local taxpayers’ burden in a tight budget year.

“This year our public schools require $3 million in additional funding due to skyrocketing special education costs and the loss of state grants,” Cassetti said. “That’s three years of education increases at once — and it cannot be supported and sustained without significant budget cuts or a tax increase.”

Cassetti has vowed to fight for fair state education funding to avoid the “worst case scenario” of budget cuts or tax increases. “Our city has been shortchanged on millions in state education dollars for years,” Cassetti said. “Our residents deserve fair treatment from Hartford, and I commend Governor Malloy’s proposal to finally address the inequity that has disadvantaged Ansonia students and taxpayers for years.”

“Ansonia has only been receiving 70 percent of its need-based funding,” Cassetti went on. “At the same time, wealthier communities have received 150 percent to over 200 percent of their funding. That’s not right, and we will fight to change it.”

The governor’s visit will be followed later in the month by a town hall meeting with Rep. Gentile and Sen. Logan. The town hall meeting will take place at Ansonia High School March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

(This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office)

Gentile Weighs in on Malloy's Budget Proposal

On Wednesday, the governor delivered his annual budget address, proposing significant changes to balance the state’s bi-annual budget.

 

It is important to note that the governor’s budget proposal is only a starting point to the process of creating a responsible, balanced budget. This proposal has some good ideas,

such as increased funding to education and special education, but I also fully acknowledge that there are some areas that need vast improvement and I will work diligently to make sure those areas are addressed. I want to emphasize that each proposed change will be carefully assessed for its potential impact on taxpayers and the delivery of services to residents.

 

I will make sure that we keep all of the things that hard working families value in mind with this budget. Things like, making Connecticut more affordable for seniors, keeping

our young people in the state after they graduate, aligning our education system with jobs and employer’s needs, and promoting job growth and encouraging economic development.

 

Since this is only the beginning, I look forward to working collaboratively with my

colleagues across the aisle to craft a budget that protects and preserves all of the

important programs, services and issues that we all value. I will continue working to

ensure that Ansonia and Derby receive the necessary funding needed to properly function

and educate and protect our children, schools, and families. As you already know, my

priority has always been, and will always be, fighting for the needs of my constituents

and protecting hard working families of Connecticut.

 

Certainly, there are many hard choices and decisions we, as legislators, will need to make

in the coming months to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. As we address

our challenges, I will continue to work to make Ansonia and Derby a better place to live,

work, and raise a family. It is extremely important to me that this budget does the right

thing to strengthen our economy and reflect the priority of the people of Connecticut.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, questions, or suggestions concerning the State

budget process.

 

(This is an op-ed piece submitted by state Rep. Linda Gentile)

 

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) 

Seymour residents to vote on budget increase

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Voters will cast ballots Thursday on a proposed $55.9 million budget for fiscal year 2015-16.
Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St.
The ballot will ask voters to approve a $23.2 million budget for the town’s side of expenses, and a $32.7 million budget for the Board of Education.

Read more here. 

Seymour residents to weigh in on proposed budget March 30

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> The Board of Finance has approved a $55.9 million budget for fiscal year 2015-16.
The board unanimously voted in favor of the total $55,945,284 budget last week, following a month-long series of budget workshops and deliberations, before settling on a bottom line to present to residents next week.
A public hearing to weigh in on the proposed budget will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road.
According to Board Chairman Bill Sawicki, the budget is $1.5 million, or 2.86 percent, more than the current budget.

Read more here. 

Derby Board of Education wants 3.2 percent budget hike

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> The Board of Education Thursday unanimously approved a $17.3 million budget for the 2015-16 school year.
The budget is about $676,000, or 3.2 percent, more than the current $16.6 million budget. It next heads to the city’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation for a review, which has been scheduled for March 31 at City Hall. The tax board gets the final say on the overall city and school budget, and is slated to vote later this spring.
The budget the school board approved Thursday is slightly less than the initial $17.4 million figure Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway had proposed.

Read more here. 

Seymour school board approves $32.7 million for 2015-16 year

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> The Board of Education recently approved a $32.7 million budget for the 2015-16 school year.
The budget represents an increase of $1 million, or 3.2 percent, over the current $31.7 million budget. The board unanimously approved the budget at a meeting Jan. 8, which now heads to the town’s Board of Finance for a review and vote. Voters will cast ballots on a town and school budget during a referendum later this spring.

Read more here. 

Lawmakers to discuss impact of cut on mental health clinics

HARTFORD - The Fiscal Year 15 state budget includes a multi-million dollar reduction to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, forcing the department to drastically reduce much of its grant funding for community-based outpatient mental health clinics. 

A Legislative Breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday regarding a $25.5M cut to DMHAS and its effect on community-based, outpatient mental health and addiction services.

The event will be held in the Old Judiciary Room, third floor, Capitol building.
  
According to a press release from BHcare, a behavioral health organization: "If the state budget remains the same, thousands of Connecticut residents will no longer have access to mental health medication and treatment in their communities."


This post is taken from a press release from BHcare.