"VETO" OVERRIDE HB6008
This is how you know which bills PASSED BOTH HOUSES  of the Legislature, achieving "PA" status.   244 PUBLIC ACTS (passed both houses of the Legislature).  How many has the Governor signed? 240.  VETOES?  4.  (Unofficial titles in red)


If you want the details of when things happened where - and which bills get signed when:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lbp/lobp.htm

How we went about all this analysis...details of the outcome, according to our methodology, of Planning & Development and Environment bills here.

OUR PLAY-BY-PLAY (HOUSE & SENATE)

Our observations - we did actually watch Sessions on CT-N broadcast (we used the real thing for the House and Senate Chambers gavel to gavel minus meals we ate in the middle).




   

We intend to write about what happened to the subjects of graphics above for our column post-Session.  "Temporary Health Care Structures" SB922 passed the last day!  Will "Crumbling Foundations" make it into the Implementer whenever that appears during any Special Session?

CLICK ABOVE TO GO TO C.G.A.  WEBSITE;  SESSION RULES 2017-2018
What's up today at the Capitol other than the lawmaking itself;  what makes some bills get "called" from the House "Go List" and others just waste away at the foot of the "Senate Calendar"?   As my grandmother used to say regarding amounts of the ingredients in her recipes..."It's according..." and "E-Cert" bill process proves it!  LATEST DEVELOPMENT - To review:  here is the link to what the administration proposed for Governor's budget for town and school aid: https://ctmirror.org/2017/02/08/see-how-your-town-fares-in-the-governors-proposed-budget/
METHODOLOGY
We note there is another way to follow bills - and that is actually more efficient
and does not involve spending the hours we do now - all you have to do is read the House and Senate Journals every day to see what bills are referred to which Committees.  In the past the information was available online as well.  What was not available was the video aspect.  We are also taking a look at "uncalled" amendments, too.

Additionally, O.F.A. and O.L.R. websites are very helpful!  How about how it goes about its business?


The answer is this - I don't know because there might be precedent...
BUT I have the feeling that the evening of June 6th, the House was behaving not according to rules.



I KNOW IT IS LATE BUT...

Can the House do a "consent" calendar on the fly?  In the Senate they do it by ritual and formula at the beginning of each Session day.  Is the answer here?  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/pdf/2017HR-00002-R00-HB.pdf

We could spend less time doing our job of following bills - but wouldn't have the fun of creating a graphic record!
B U D G E T    N E G O T I A T I O N S

Session Days Schedule:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/calsession.asp?edate=6/7/2017


S E S S I O N    D A Y   CLICK ABOVE ON EITHER HOUSE (L) OR SENATE (R).  LINK WILL TAKE YOU TO OUR RUNNING COMMENTARY...IF IN SESSION...



"We are at a very critical juncture..."
Majority Leader of the House not so sure he can deliver for his constituency.  Senate closes down early in fit of pique?  "Get over it."
Do you believe this - food for Impementer?   http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/house_leaders_say_they_dont_have_the_votes_for_tribal_casino_bill/
 
-----------------

The Governor's Budget Address

Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Appropriations Committees direct links to public hearings we watched...

Committees and deadlines specified by individual Committee for particular activities, month by month.
So how many bills are on the table - House;  Senate;  what next?

T O    T H E    F L O O R   . . .  

T O    F I N D    C A L E N D A R S   O F    B O T H    H O U S E S

T H E    B I L L S    P A S S E D   ( actually "passed" as in OK'd - not just as below, ping-ponged back and forth from Committee to Committee by way of the floor)
   L I N K 

AND SPEAKING OF THE PAST...http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/looney_continues_to_be_optimistic/




    
A GOOD BET THAT IT ISN'T GOOD NEWS

----------------

I S S U E S   A T    H A N D  :   S P E C I F I C A L L Y    T H E   B I E N N I A L    B U D G E T


"ABOUT TOWN" RUNNING COMMENTARY (WE WATCH ONLINE) ON SESSION DAYS
Two Committees vital in budget process - they review Governor's Budget and  make changes - this is link to play-by-play reports from Committee meetings/hearings we observed.




"MENU" FOR BUSINESS UPCOMING IN THE LEGISLATURE ("CRUMBLING FOUNDATIONS ISSUE" NOW ON SENATE CALENDAR): 
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp


THIS IS THE REAL DEAL - BILL STATUS LINK - or what bills passed which house, got a "PA (public act) no." and were signed by Governor when...
What progress various bills have made so far by Session day (really really easy if you know its number after "HB" or "SB"):   https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lbp/lobp.htm

Click below left on Capitol for our comments on House and Senate Sessions

     

COMMITTEES:  Deadlines - The B.P.R.C. (above left) sets things straight - NO ONE IS WILLING TO RELEASE THEIR PROPOSALS UNTIL BUDGET $$ REVIEW...VERY SOON?


We're getting closer:  Analysis of who did what on which bills we're interested never an easy thing to figure out...and always amazing to see budget considerations fly away depending on issue before them...do we or don't we have a $$ problem?

By the end of March for every Committee save three:  Judiciary (April 7), Appropriations (April 27) and Finance, Revenue and Bonding (April 28) should have finished their work.  Of course there is an exception - the "2ndCB" dates for "Committee Bills", last of which occured for F.R.B. on the "first day of Passover" - you remember Passover...consider this an old time version of C.G.A. - drowning in debt ("Red Sea") chasing the freed slaves (Fairfield County).


What bills will we be following?  Which issues?
Bills of interest from Planning and Development and Environment.  The BIENNIAL BUDGET as well as gambling.  And education as it relates to Governor's Budget. 
We will correlate what we can figure out as bills we were interested in may have changed ("JFs").  You can bet on that.



EDUCATION COMMITTEE


JOINT FAVORABLE TIME - DIFFERENT FOR EVERY COMMITTEE ALMOST!

  1. First third of the Long Session is winding down this month.  All bills get submitted, reviewed by Committee (s) and JF'd if "worthy..."
  2. Second third is "clown car" wherein bills get tossed around from Committee to Committee to die and others power along in autonomic auto style...Speaker of the House plays a large role here as does Majority Leader in Senate (not pictured).
  3. Third third is what happens if budget not adopted by the stroke of midnight the last day of Long Session - we get THE IMPLEMENTER (three hundred or more pages to read to find out what C.G.A. actually did) once again...remember the issue of playing fields - remember that there is a bill now on the GO LIST in the House that could be amended...(HB6998)?  In North Haven:  http://www.nhregister.com/social-affairs/20170413/crumb-rubber-athletic-fields-still-a-go-at-north-haven-middle-school
  4. Sliding scale for Special Ed question 7270.  WHOA - check this out!!!

##





In the beginning...

GENTLEMEN start your engines - THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE IS NOW IN SESSION:  A virtual whirlpool - no, not the name of the company, the natural force
All activity of Committees takes place in the Legislative Office Building    L.O.B. ornate entry floor looks like a whirlpool ("...a body of swirling water produced by the meeting of opposing currents").

          
WARNING:  Marble flooring in entry to Capitol is really, really slippery!!!
The Legislature is confronting gambling...link to C.G.A. website.  Weston resident previously from Bridgeport  who spoke at Tri-Board must favor these bills...and more coming for sure! 

In Session reports...https://www.cga.ct.gov/calsession.asp?sdate=01/04/2017&edate=06/07/2017

APRIL:  JF time...to the floor.
MARCH: Session heavy with Committee action...next phase?
Getting to JF dates (March)...we'll check to see if our favorite bills made it - and do a review of how many of what kind on our two Committees of interest...
As T.S. Eliot said, April is the cruelest month - Appropriations and Finance, Revenue and Bonding get the last dates for JF and JFS, post tax incoming info...


C O M M I T T E E S   I N V O L V E D    I N    M A K I N G    B U D G E T    W O R K 

Two Committees vital in budget process - (plus my favorite, P&D and its shadow, Environment).  These two review Governor's Budget and  make changes.
Our play-by-play reports from Committee meetings/hearings we observed here:

Planning and Development Committee Public Hearing Agendas - 2017
"Public Hearing Agendas are lists of bills or topics to be heard at an upcoming Public Hearing. They are published at least one day before the scheduled meeting."

The Committee we especially watch:  Planning and Development Committee Testimony - 2017 (all bills)
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommDocList.asp?comm_code=pd&doc_type=tmy

2017 JF deadlines:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/lco/docs/2017%20Committee%20Deadlines%20Calendar.pdf


      
   
2017 SHORTCUT TO P&D (L) AND ENV (R) COMMITTEES - Bills are voted out of Committee by now...our analysis here.



I N    T H E    B E G I N N I N G    T H E R E   W A S   D I S C U S S I O N . . .I N    W E S T O N    H I G H    S C H O O L    L I B R A R Y 

SAVED BY TOWN TV!!!  WE WATCHED TRI-BOARD PLUS LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION THE NEXT DAY AS INTREPID CHANNEL 79 HAD TAKEN HIS CAMERA OVER TO WMS LIBRARY...

Altho' we did not attend this meeting and it was not on Town or Education channels for viewing live, the Finance, Revenue and Bonding meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14th gave me a hint about what legislators must have heard from the Tri-Board folks.


VERY INTERESTING APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Q&A:  Sec'y Barnes says Teachers' Pension cost sharing is not a new idea.  They have been planning for this since Nancy Wyman was in the Legislature...

FINANCE, REVENUE & BONDING Committee had another similar such presentation - with the emphasis on "how are we going to pay for things that Approps wants?" plus some skepticism.

It would not be constructive to disagree with the Administration at this point.  We do recall Representative Wyman from those early years, but more recently as the long-time CT Comptroller.

My recollection is that the budget process on a State level has always had "A Streetcar Named Desire" quality to it - the Legislature has always depended on the kindness of strangers - read that as Fairfield County "Gold Coast" towns' capital gains, inheritance taxes and now luxury car taxes.  One article we noted the other day said Greenwich alone is responsible for 10% of Connecticut's income.  We note that the Legislature is being asked by the Governor to add real
property tax revenues to the list of things Lower Fairfield County gives.
 

sSB888:  Governor has not yet signed this bill:  "To create a rebuttable presumption that a household member of an officer, employee or other person paid by or acting as an agent of the Department of Correction who is assigned a police service dog is not the keeper of such police service dog under the dog bite statute."  Gravy train in full swing.


 


AS MY FAVORITE STATE REPRESENTATIVE USED TO SAY, "HANG ON TO YOUR POCKET BOOK,  THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION!"

             


Town Aid and Education to be Regionalized (our guess) - CCM goes for more powers of taxation.

Governor sets up his pitch - just watch the flow of regionalization bills...

                   
 
HOW EDUCATION WILL WORK OUT
"Piling on" by House Speaker on Pensions?  Or not?  Sen. Hwang alert Co-Chair. Housing Committee.  Rep. Dunsby on Environment.  Sen.  Boucher Republican view; Spending Cap Commission member, Co-Chair. of Appropriations.


 
Is the agreement for real? 
WAIT A MINUTE!!!  More layoffs (report as of 4-20-17 CT MIRROR)?
"...Malloy disclosed those targets in early February, and informal talks with the unions already had been underway for several months.  And while talking with Capitol reporters last Thursday, the governor acknowledged time was becoming a concern.

“'I’m hopeful but, you know, we’ve been at it — unofficially — since November and we don’t have an agreement in place, and we’re asking a lot' he said last week.

"And while he didn’t use the word 'layoffs' last week, he implied he would impose them if no deal is struck. 'I don’t even think I need to assure you I will act,' he added at that time."

GOVERNOR HAS A PLAN TO BORROW FROM GREENWICH TO FINANCE HIS SPENDING PLANS.
        
A NEW DAY???   18 -18  SENATE SPLIT  :   News of tentative agreement - http://ctmirror.org/2016/12/22/deal-struck-on-who-will-run-evenly-split-ct-senate/
"...Under the agreed upon rule changes, all budget and budget implementer bills presented through the emergency certification process will have to be released to the public at least 12 hours before the Senate takes up any such bill..."  CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORTS.  (FYI - LEGISLATIVE RAT (c) is some wording stuck into a bill, and especially an Implementer, at the very last minute that no one realizes is there until voting on a bill or the Implementer is done.)
Sen. Boucher forwarded this...O.L.R.:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/rpt/pdf/2016-R-0296.pdf

    
A.C.I.R. recommended on page 3 for new powers (CCM) - what's up
CHECK OUT CCM REPORT HERE;  CHAPTER ONE THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF CCM;  who participated;
LWV of WESTON WEBSITE HAS INFO ON NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE COMPACT (A PROPOSED BILL):  Dec. 20, 2016 story from Channel 12...
S.E.B.A.C. agreement official press release:  http://portal.ct.gov/en/Office-of-the-Governor/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2016/12-2016/Gov-Malloy-and-State-Employee-Unions-Reach-Agreement-on-Pensions
E-CERT CHALLENGE - http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/branford/entry/kennedy_e-cert/
As Trump Cabinet shapes up, danger ahead for Medicade
How about impact on biennial budget of S&P CT Bond Rating?
Ethics?  http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/20161213/osten-bill-would-add-new-requirements-for-trips-by-utilities-cmeec



TAX STUDY BUT QUICK

 
Substitute Senate Bill No. 1054 (May 10th):  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017SB-01054-R000746-FC.htm



FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING APRIL 17
Senator Hwang stand up against increasing casino gambling opportunities:  http://www.ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=13669


    

HOME RULE: 
Article Tenth - https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/Content/constitutions/CTConstitution.htm


SESSION AWAITS THE BUDGET?
This Session the $64 question is how Connecticut, so dependent upon Federal funds for many of its social service programs will fare under the new Administration that includes major players demonized by the Governor?  It only gets "better" as Associated Press reports - we have any number of ways to find out what's up for the Session - alreadt we know what our favorite editor of online newspaper thinks.  But when it comes down to it, the Long Session is about setting a biennial budget.  OLR and OFA do a fine job too!

ELECTIONS DO HAVE CONSEQUENCES AND MATTER TO EVERYONE.
     
HO HO HO  OFFICE SPACE, LOTS OF JOBS AT STAKE AND WHAT ABOUT APPOINTMENTS?

         
GOVERNOR MALLOY NOT LEAVING FOR D.C. TO TAKE HIS PLACE IN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.   AND SPEAKING OF THE INCOMING LEGISLATURE...
Which Party will be in charge of the day-to-day conduct at the C.G.A.? The Senate?  The House?  Deficits are all in the eye of the beholder - CT Spending Cap Commission comment at 3rd Public Hearing.





I S S U E S :   S P E C I F I C A L L Y    T H E   B I E N N I A L    B U D G E T

THE FINANCE REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE
Working hard to pick your pockets - every day in every way.

THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Legislators on the spending side see things differently and expansively.- although with ominous rumors on post April 15 incoming $$...


BLAME GAME TO BEGIN SHORTLY
Some officials below who are seeking ways to keep the ship of state afloat...who will be blamed?  Former Governors?  The past Legislature?  Union agreements?  Bill O'Neill?
        
COMPTROLLER LEMBO (L)
Guess who became Lt. Governor after John Rowland resigned and Jodi Rell took over as Governor  (Ans.  Kevin Sullivan)?






  
ANNUAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PRIORITIES
We watched the end live...will catch up later on the beginning.   Meeting run by House Chair. above Senate Co-Chairs.
And it was helpful to bother to do so, because...looks to be a sub-committee of Education Committee plus FR&B as well as Approps;  Co-Chair. reminds everyone that there "may not be any more money for Greenwich" approach will be red flag.






W E ' R E   # 4 7   O N    P E N S I O N
A P P R O P T I A T I O N S   C O M M I T T E E   J A N U A R Y    2 4 , 2 0 1 7
S.E.B.A.C.    AGREEMENT - "UNUSUAL" IN THE U.S.A.

      
FROM THE MEMBERS
Started late.  Rep. Ziobron gets to the point.  "Mildly" positive S.& P. reported by PEW RESEARCH guy (l).  Ziobron tees it up.  CT interest rate calculation goes from one of the highest to one of the lowest. 

            
SEN. FRANTZ & SEN. MINER, REP. WILMS (R) GET ANSWERS FROM OPM
Cost of inaction is...what?  Unrealistic - what would bond rating agencies think?  (Dem. question)

          
WHAT I LEARNED - NEW SOUND SYSTEM AND LIGHTING (NOT TO MENTION GRAPHICS) AT LEGISLATURE AS WELL AS CT-N
The Legislature will get to vote on S.E.B.A.C. before the other "shoe" drops (Governor's Budget Feb. 8);  Yankee Institute testimony (graphic from summer picture) got feisty.

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE TO VOTE AT MEETING (AFTER PH) we do not know what happened:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/appdata/ca/2017CA-00124-R001000APP-CA.htm




        
Several new members and sharp minds this Session.  Bill screening to the fore!

Remarks from Barnes quoted here.
LONGER VIEW;  THE BIENNIAL BUDGET IS TO BE PROPOSED;

Will the Legislature vote on SEBAC "restructured contract" in Long Session?

With the "field" looking different this Session - 18-18 split in Senate (Lt. Gov. breaking ties for Dems) and smaller Majority in House, how will the Democrat Majority manage to gain the upper hand in policy relating to Governor Malloy's land use, property tax and education initiatives?  

WAIT WHAT?  notices this, perhaps, too...how about the...choke...many billion dollar deficit projected.  States cannot go "bankrupt" as towns and cities can, non can States print money as the Feds can do...so the only way CT Dems will get out of this hole is if they cross their fingers and hope President-elect Trump can, via ramping up economy and military,  MAKE CONNECTICUT WHOLE AGAIN.

And what of dependence upon Federal aid to support social programs?

COMING BIENNIAL BUDGET:  http://ctmirror.org/2016/11/15/malloy-next-budget-will-be-very-lean-without-major-tax-hikes/

GUESS WHAT GOVERNOR MALLOY GETS FOR XMAS?  COAL IN HIS STOCKING:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/reports_highlight_budget_challenges_fiscal_woes/#comments

TIMELY?  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/lawmakers_get_ready_for_busy_2017_session/

We note that the Legislature can do a simple thing - replace "effective 2018-2019" for "effective 2019-2020..."
WESTPORT BEGINS THEIR DISCUSSION OF WHAT AWAITS UNLESS LEGISLATURE CHANGES THE LAW





T H E    L E G I S L A T U R E    I S    C A L L E D    I N T O    E A C H    S E S S I O N    D A Y    H E R E    -     O U R    P L A Y - B Y - P L A Y    R E V E R S E    C H R O N O L O G I C A L    O R D E R




SESSION RECAP:  Get the inside scoop from CTNEWSJUNKIE interview here:  https://soundcloud.com/dan-newmyer/christine-stewart-best-of-dan-newmyer-6-11
CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORT - SO HERE WE ARE ON MAY 16TH:
  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/dems_look_to_marijuana_gaming_and_tolls_to_fill_budget_hole/
CT MIRROR:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/05/16/gop-asks-far-more-of-labor-to-offset-eroding-ct-tax-receipts/
SENATE REPUBLICANS LINE BY LINE PRESS CONFERENCE
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS 4 PROGRESSIVE BUDGETS - LINE-BY-LINE PRODUCT   REVIEQWED BY O.F.A. - PRESENTATION INCLUDES DETAILED "RUNS" AT THE BOTTOM.

-----------------

Earlier...


OUR ONLINE SOURCES RE:  GOVERNOR'S BUDGET:  Here we are almost three months later (April 12) and nobody is saying what is going to happen...yet.  That's the plan!  Run out the clock and stick it in the Implementer!


CTNEWSJUNKIE
CTNEWSJUNKIE - the reviews are beginning to trickle in...
THE BEST COMMENT YET:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/op-ed_malloys_dizzying_budget_storm_targets_towns/

CT MIRROR:  NOW THE NUMBER ARE TO DROWN IN...
After his Feb. 8th Budget Address:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/02/08/see-how-your-town-fares-in-the-governors-proposed-budget/
NOT education funding increase... http://ctmirror.org/2017/02/08/some-education-aid-may-not-be-spent-on-schools/
MORE teacher pensions:  http://ctmirror.org/2017/02/10/no-one-wants-a-share-of-cts-teacher-pension-bill/

Hartford Courant:
  http://www.courant.com/business/dan-haar/hc-haar-labor-savings-impossible-20170208-story.html
West Hartford Town Manager Ronald Van Winkle said he thinks the governor's budget proposal has "zero chance of succeeding," saying lawmakers would find it "very difficult" to vote for it.

    
AS I HAVE NOTED BEFORE, THE ONLY WAY THE STATE CAN REMAIN IN BUSINESS IS TO ...TAKE FROM THE RICH AND GIVE TO THE POOR - ROBIN HOOD STYLE
FEB. 8 BUDGET DELIVERY BY GOVERNOR...WHAT'S IN IT FOR WESTON???  Governor it is reported will put one-third of the cost teacher retirement on the local town (presently zero)

JOINT CONVENTION PLAY-BY-PLAY BUDGET MESSAGE - READ BACK OF THE BOOK FOR YOUR TOWN'S "CONTRIBUTION"

12:15pm begins...top wording summarizing every point made by Governor:

      • CT is a small state - my point expressed many times:
      • Opportunity to buy a house for everyone is his goal.
      • CT has not gone far enough to eliminate poverty.
      • Poor urban communities need help (CCJEF issue).  Suburban towns and rural ones out of favor (my comment). 
      • Limits to what can be done - check the details (my interpretation),. 
      • Not enough vital downtowns;  not enough public transportation. 
      • Not too late. 
      • "Fairer system now" in his proposals.  Small state is CT and everything is connected.  Rise together or fall - this Session.

BUDGET DETAILS

$18 billion is below inflation level.  $1.36 new spending reductions. 
Re-envision  state government.  Constitutional spending cap should be supported. 
State government/state employees discussions??? (our question mark). 
Balanced budget and approach:  $1.7 billion new spending assumes $700 million employees' give back.  Contract w/SEBAC to be reviewed...right. 
Town $$ aid:
            • Educational aid (81% of all State aid).  Court decision on CCJEF fair & equitable - real reform proposed on ECS - use current enrollment numbers;  change: wealth equalized net grand list and better measure of deep poverty;  40 mils is the number. noted as the highest it should be (implication is somewhere in the formula this is slipped in - maybe why Greenwich gets zapped).
            • Special Ed:  real cost...a separate formula -state more money - but not to Weston, for one!.
            • FAIR & EQUITABLE is reduce spending by  - teacher pensions.  86,000 teachers pensions group...now towns and cities have to share cost of employee' retirement - 1/3 of cost of teacher pensions.  Local towns decided the cost to pay teachers (never mind if you go to arbitration the union wins) - re-envisioning policy.  Remove red tape.  Increase local control over budgets.  Mandate relief.  Greater accountability to those communities getting more $$. 
            • No bankruptcy - municipal review board for fiscal stability.  Details in the budget. 
              • In his budget $75 billion and $84 billion local aid not allocated. 
              • GOAL:  Max 35 mils in 10 years.




Remember the CT Spending Cap Commission arguments?

     

HOW HAS SPENDING CAP ISSUE MORPHED?  OR CRUMBLED LIKE FOUNDATIONS?



THE BUDGET BALANCING ACT

Much of what transpires in the "Long Session" is consideration/adoption of the biennial budget - spending side ("Appropriations") and taxing side ("Finance, Revenue and Bonding"). 

This year any bill with a "fiscal note" from Office of Fiscal Analysis is getting special scrutiny.  For example, Appropriation Committee is busy busy busy...we note that of the bills reviewed Friday, May 12th, a consent calendar included 9 of 33 (means both Parties agreed).  Please remember that Appropriations reneged on its obligation to proposed a spending plan in the budget...while Finance, Revenue and Bonding basically said "nope."




SIGNED INTO LAW 6-27-17 - LET THE SUITS BEGIN;  GAMBLING BILL FOR EAST WINDSOR HERE
MAY 12:  FISCAL NOTES THE ORDER OF THE DAY:

BACK TO APPROPRIATIONS...and Friday there was a "consent" calendar proposed to be voted upon (bills that both Parties have agreed to - at this point -  revisions or "s" language in process) plus OLR research reports link..

WATCH OUT W.V.F.D.  HB7047
What Committees do after JF & JFS deadlines...killing bills by amendment...view into how this happens.  Or letting them go to the floor...which is dicey this year, but it hasn't stopped bills from reappearing.in Implementer.  Just an observation:  The way bills are being passed around this Session is making Appropriations a lot busier!!!  "Fiscal notes" on a bill mean extra reviews to somehow make the bill  a)not cost anything and thus  b)create UNFUNDED mandates. 



We watched both meetings - May 12 first, then the "gambling" oner, May 8, second.
A P P R O P R I A T I O N S    C O M M I T T E E    O K ' S    C A S I N O    B I L L   B A C K    T O    T H E    F L O O R  


MAY 8 AGENDA:  "Energy eggs into one basket" - NOT??? -  bill.



MILLSTONE BILL INFO:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00106&which_year=2017
WATER SUPPLY TESTING IN SCHOOLS - SO IS THIS AN UNFUNDED MANDATE?  YOU BETCHA

CASINO BILL
sSB957 - so far two amendments...#1 voted down - altho' the Chair., who was also the proponent (above right for proposer of amendment) of the bill made sure to delay a vote until all her members were present to vote!!!   Unlike voting on the bill as amended, where the meeting is held open until a time certain so that all legislators get to vote, voting on the amendment itself is by those present at the time.
  1.  AMENDMENT 'A' - "Tourism and cultural activities in SE CT" claimed for casino developments - some cite gambling addiction in voting "no." 
  2. AMENDMENT 'B' - Very funny thing happened:  Representative (not shown) with a gambling outlet (OTB?) other than a casino proposed an amendment to SB957 which was withdrawn after "caaucus" = he reported that the Speaker of the House asked him to withdraw it and shook hands on a promise to have further discussions. 
"Consent" calendar approved.  More than two hour meeting ends...





SPENDING SIDE (Approps)




WAITING FOR LEADERSHIP FROM GOVERNOR?
Speaking for Democrats as Appropriations Committee comes a cropper Tuesday.

TUESDAY April 25th:  All we saw every time we turned on the channel with Appropriations was the "caucus" picture.
Report on lack of agreement on biennial budget:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/04/25/ct-budget-panel-expected-to-adopt-41-billion-two-year-spending-plan/




 

A VERY FAMOUS DEFINITION OF SOMETHING ELSE BUT COULD APPLY TO CT SPENDING CAPhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_know_it_when_I_see_it

-------------------------

ALL TESTIMONY SUBMITTED FOR APRIL 3rd:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommDocTmy.asp?comm_code=app&date=04/03/2017
 

APRIL 3, 2017 P.H.
THIS SHOULD BE (BUT MAY NOT...ZZZZZZZ) A RIP-SNORTING P.H. -  CTNEWSJUNKIE advance report:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/public_gets_to_weigh_in_on_spending_cap_proposals_monday/





Rep. Lavielle:
HB5465
Set revenue projections before they do budget - inflated revenue projections.
5701
5401 - lines 9-14 would require retirement $$ under the cap






First Selectman of Oxford - my interpretation - they are #1 in impact.





CTNEWSJUNKIE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/lawmaker_tells_his_colleagues_to_pay_attention_to_federal_audit_of_child_we/
Remarking upon Senator Fasano's testimony and the large issue of treatment of children

HB6517
Fasano - Child Welfare Committee proposal

BACK LOG:  IN FAVOR OF HB5828 to limit Governor's recision authority
Human rights and opportunities wants funds testifies to get position refilled - they are testifying against the Governor's policy of freezing employment and want to hire attorneys.




  

C.B.I.A. on Mandates:  Review mandates.
Municipal mandates - Criminal Justice reforms?  Nursing home reform?  Temporary health care structure bill - HB6511
Spending Cap Bill

In favor by business owner.  Big industries don't was to come here.  S.&P./Moody's. 




Towns - Litchfield Leo Paul above, seems to best express C.O.S.T., CCM, positions;  Harwinton, Goshen also speak.

Property tax has to take the hit for all the sharing of the state is planning.  Teacher retirement - is this a local option - teacher collective bargaining/union DRG, binding arbitration.  Towns never responsible for teacher retirement.

All employees in defined contribution plan in Litchfield.  Lots of sympathy for small towns...around 4pm and we can't continue live - but we watched the rest the next afternoon, see below for the last hour!



         

More comment from former Spending Cap Commission members.
Lots of questions plus other testimony  (Jennifer Alexander of Conn. C.A.N., for one) not shown. 



   

Combine Boards of Education?  "RESC's" back office, regional transportation contracts...economies of scale.
Good discussion with C.A.P.S.S. director.  Next to last is planner from River COG.  And last to testify an "ordinary citizen" from Wilton who has studied or at least followed current events (not shown here).

At a bit past 5pm it is over.



STATE BUDGET DIRECTOR'S BRIEFING TO APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FRIDAY FEB. 10, 2017.  NEXT, APPROPS CONTINUES

 

Sec'y Barnes cross-examined
Tells them OPM has been planning for "sharing" teacher retirement for months.  He also says he got the idea from Lt. Gov.'s  legislation 1991. 

     

Co-Chair. rounding questions out with follow ups:

CLOSURES of facilities.  Living wage issue - contracting out.  Standards for minimum wage issue?

Adjourned 4:32pm




Appropriations Committee Feb. 21, 2017 meeting - public hearing after - that went on into the evening - after 10pm (almost a six-hour public hearing).



Rep. Walker, Co-Chair. of Approps.
Appropriations Committee - State Agencies

                

SHARED SACRIFICE
Superintendent emphasizes State plan...ECS changes:  impact of poverty, ability to pay and updated data.

"BACKED INTO THE NUMBER" is Sec'y Barnes explanation.

$$ does not get more education.

Blasted as an attack on small towns.  Northwest corner gets whacked.

Windham has concerns - favors regionalization.  M.O.R.E. M.O.R.E. regional schools to fill empty spots in suburban schools.

Bi-lingual education?  Ans.  this is for you.

SPECIAL ED:  Are there checks and balances so that special ed is spent on special ed.Zero to 54% grants.

Pensions pushed on to towns...shell game on formula.  Rep. Carol Hall

HOW TO PICK UP SPECIAL ED:  Rep. McCarty

Groton.  Please check details (i.e. military families).

Burden proof - statute trumps regulation - Ziobron.  Kokruda suggests mandate relief if no $$.

More to come but we won't be watching.



TAXING SIDE (F,R & B)



Play by play - nothing doing yet!  By the way - is this something for a different sub-page???

First speaker, from Boston College, makes points - retired employees are the problem.  For full report go to http://www.aboutweston.com/2017specialsession.html




Committee reviewing bills from the floor.  This is perhaps an exercise???  Sounds to me as if the "fiscal notes" have been removed via poor grammar.





CT TAX PANEL IMPACT:  Maybe some of its work will sneak into the IMPLEMENTER?

We note that SB1054 in May morphed into Department of Revenue Services study for the next Session re:  "The Commissioner of Revenue Services shall study the revenue policies of the state to identify legislative changes that may be made to improve the business climate and economic opportunities in the state. The commissioner may consult with any individuals, businesses and state agencies the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of the study. Not later than January 1, 2018, the commissioner shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, on the commissioner's findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding."

Substitute SB1054 was approved by neither House nor Senate BUT it did have a public hearing (in its previous persona).  We would bet that it may appear in the IMPLEMENTER https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/FC/2017SB-01054-R000746-FC.htm


------

29 bills.


Finance Revenue and Bonding Thursday, April 27th at 10am, 2E L.O.B.  Taken into Parties' Caucus time (r)...after 1pm now...
IMMEDIATELY INTO CAUCUS.  The definition of "shortly" relates to next point.  Chair. of FR&B Rep. Rojas  may be pleased that SB1054 including "Millionaire's Tax" managed to get a Public Hearing at the last...tied to Capital Region project and some others with connections to this vote going through???  And don't forget the fact that in a Special Session anything goes...just about.

---------------


---------------

Naked politics?  Here's the COURANT article today:  http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-general-assembly-budget-20170427-story.html
Transparency of C.G.A. v. filtered news, consider this:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/bipartisanship_prevails_over_where_ct-ns_cameras_should_be_pointed/

2:30pm resumes...Finance, Revenue and Bonding


revisedSB787

Revenue package.

Lots of intelligent discussion.  JF'd


SB788 - crumbing foundations includes transportation for branch lines. JF'd.

HB7250 - tiers for determining bankruptcy-like condition

HB7218 - transportation $100 million to $10 million worth of bonding - Rojas.  Lemar explains it is a bill to substitute for matching funds in the absence of county government.- so COGs were supposed to do this???

HB7312 - late payers...sales tax

REPUBLICAN PRESS CONFERENCE ON ALTERNATE BUDGET

HB7317
- make tolls less impacted by tolls.  Can't have border tolls (as I understand it) so what are they talking about???  Second from left Rep. Lavielle explains why we can only have congestion pricing tolls. 

4:33pm - we had to go...still many bills to discuss...


Watching on Saturday...comments from Rep. Perone, Wood and Sen. Martin...on boats.


HB1048 - Class argument


HB1056 - consent
HB1058
- Another study
HB7321 - new types of bonds.
HB6551 - retail marijuana
HB7318 - consent
SB965 - consent
HB6746 - consent


HB5237 - object to the title of study (Earned Income Tax Credit) - will vote no.  "Uplift" wording racist - wealth gap should be studied.  Co-Chair. supports it.

HB6557 - tabled or held back.

SB734 - to replace revenues to needy;  support to move it out;  "no supplant"clause needed - we would be the first to do it.  Charitable contributions would go to CT to get deductible against Federal tax.  "Novel idea."  No votes by Democrats.


Thanks to staff (above).  Thanks all around.
CONSENT CALENDAR (all "JF & JFS");  open until 7pm - recessed.

##




WE WATCHED THE F, R & B PUBLIC HEARING APRIL 25th MIDWAY UNTIL CLOSE TO ITS END
Comment made that Appropriations couldn't come to agreements on various levels of expenditures for the next biennium...and this was the CT MIRROR'S take:   https://ctmirror.org/2017/04/25/ct-tax-debate-rages-on-after-major-tax-hikes-are-off-the-table/



FR&B PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND FLOOR (ROOM 2E):  Eleven (11) Bills on the PH Agenda Tuesday April 25th, 11:30am



Tolling questions...SB1052





SB1051 - Treasurer's Office testimony in favor...but.  The treasurer's office against specific requirements that are included in the bill.  Revise bill.





SB 1056
- support connections among research institutes - need commercial connections.
SB1055 - Stranded credits - Pescatello - driverless cars, microbiome.  Density is destiny in this area.  Boeringer Ingelhiem Corp.






SB1054 - Includes the "Millionaire's Tax" among other suggested golden geese.
Steinberg against 1054, no on this bill, 1055, 1056 yes.  Hospital bill tax NO.  CCM and property tax, keep it alive.  
Section 10 is where to find this. 
Revenue growth has been dropping because of hedge funds (retired state worker testimony).


ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT DEPT:  "In the Aesop’s fable, a farmer and his wife are overjoyed to learn one of their geese can lay golden eggs. But they are impatient for more gold and cut open the goose hoping to find a treasure trove. Instead, they killed the source of their income."  This is the sub-text of SB1054.  And HB7322 reminds me more of "Das Kapital"





HB7322 -
"An Act Concerning State and Local Revenue"...that would be this one of the eleven, HB7322...  Small Towns need road aid:  .https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07322-R00-HB.htm



Testimony opposing it.  Questions re:  Is it reasonable to assume no taxing non-profits.

CCM supports this.  First Selectman of Scotland in favor. 

Fairfield First Selectman testifies and is questioned by representative who, as I heard it, read the bill and wonders if he is aware of the section that is in favor of redistributing the sales tax.*

Assessment issue (this bill calls for 100% assessment as  transparency).  Ernst & Young study misinterpreted - marginal taxes on new investment.  "Defies common sense."  CT Institute for the 21st century member notes.

-----------

FYI - We had to step away...5:08pm...it was over by the time we returned at 5:30pm.



* = Weston can't lose too much from this.



CHANNEL 8:  http://wtnh.com/2017/04/17/mgm-we-really-really-want-access-to-that-new-york-market/

April 17, 2017 Public Hearing 11am - bills to be heard
We note two favorite subjects - bills on gambling and tolls - on the agenda!  Should be quite a PH!!!  This should feed into the consideration of the biennial budget's limitations.  For example:  Tolls would take a year and a half in install (est.) - not much benefit to the budget cycle being discussed this Session???

And who can forget the history of gambling - casino issue? 
And there are other bills, too, on some different topics related to raising revenue for CT.:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/03/15/committee-approves-yet-doesnt-endorse-casino-expansion-bills/

R.I.P.
Or the late, lamented SWRPA all-hands on deck meeting for understanding modern "tolling" and "congestion pricing" techniques?



FINANCE REVENUE & BONDING PUBLIC HEARING APRIL17, 2017


HB7319 - OFF-RESERVATION CASINO RFP BILL
East Windsor economic development explained by First Selectman of East Windsor



SB1049 - AD LITEM aspect of the bill - court appointed guardian "family" or Ad Litem, litigation possibilities, liabilities. 


SB1049 - Rep. Gonzales testifies in favor, we think.  Questions about how GAL are appointed.

HB7319 - Against the bill.  No delay.  We think this means they want to go full speed ahead with East Windsor?  Pequot $$

------------------------------

Left for lunch during Al Litem discussion at12:48

------------------------------

         
WE ARE NOT MAKING THIS UP - expert for state and East Windsor-slot machine casino is..."Clyde Barrow."

Delay, delay delay.  $263 million goes back to CT Indian casino and they would be at an advantage considering taxes.  Southwestern CT casino is a losing idea...approaching saturation?  Mitigating???


SB1049
- psychological association

 

HB7319 - Competitive situation would be good for everyone.  Approval process - waiver of sovereign immunity.  Att'y General said the arrangement was an abrogation of agreement.

What caused the return of Fairfield County revival?  Morphed into SW corner of CT - entire state would be open season.  Lavielle, Dunsby ask questions.  Nick Perna pro 7319.  Coalition speaks - mentions that WestCOG opposes. 


SB1050 - Wine clubs legal?

 
TOLLS -  HB7317

Congestion pricing only, if you need to build stuff to earn the income.  5 or 6 years out.  Public-private partnerships.

 
         

HB7319;   SB957 requires Interior review.  Att'y General Jepson.  Mentions Trump knowledge of IGRA regs.  Rep. Dunsby asks about "trigger."   Sen. Boucher wants to be sure.  OTB guy wants to have legal sports gambling.  Dog racing declines when casinos come to the area - 4pm testimony.

    

SB1049 - Parents selecting evaluated - bitterness would be against picking the best GAL.  Brutal to children caught in the middle.  Any ideas how to improved the bill?


IN FAVOR
Actually, came after the next persons - but want to make insurance available to families - makes the forensic psychologists the bad guy/in bed with lawyers.

  
East Windsor casino in favor
-
Oppose this bill.  11,000 employees in two casinos.  "Fabric of the community" and real people-third casino.  Construction guy - in favor of East Windsor casino.  Vacant movie theatre in East Windsor to become casino.

SB1050 - Discussion about internet impact on wine sales.  Wonderful discussion about

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES HOT ITEM
Clyde is very upset that his namesake is in favor of gambling of any kind.  Face to face transaction is vital.  Wine clubs?  Rare wine collector speaks.

HB7319 - Prevent loss of revenue and jobs - Cathy Cook

ELECTRONIC TOLLS - HB7317
Trucking Industry opposes toll bill...we went to dinner...will watch replay from 5pm on and also the opening 15 minutes...diesel fuel taxed in a way that give more $$ to CT.


HB1050
Voluntary disclosure - sales tax violation - retail business falling apart because of online competition.



SB1049
GAL testimony in favor - no comments from FRB


HB7319 - SB957
- off reservation Showcase Cinema. - in favor.


  
SB1049
Testimony in favor - filed for divorce;  GAL $85,000 charge;  what did he get?  another $85,000 bill;  $100 an hour etc - $1.6 million.  Advice to file bill with Kids Committee and/or Judiciary Committee next time.


HB7319
- shares non-gambling position experiences from Massachusetts communities that suffer.

And Public Hearing was over soon after!


##



FINANCE REVENUE AND BONDING Public Hearing on April 11, 2017

6hrs 24 min - we watched it and here is a CTNEWSJUNKIE version:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/some_lawmakers_struggle_with_increasing_taxes_on_hedge_fund_industry/

FR&B PH:  First hour included Kevin Sullivan - link to bills being heard:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/findata/pha/2017PHA00411-R001200FIN-PHA.htm

Both Parties can find arguments to argue either way
HB 7314
- Sweetened beverages,  health benefits, lower insurance.  Pro.  More pro.  Interesting discussion of sugar and diet.

HB7313 - AFSCME guy, Teamsters AND REP. ROJAS;  Slippery slope argument.  Hedge Fund Managers and union voices testify thru their associations.  Q&A veers off course because of over simplification of the issues

--------------

About an hour more to watch?  All bills commented upon, some only one speaker...
This is going to go on for a while, we thought... but after all, we departed for dinner and then when we returned it was...over! 






Finance Revenue and Bonding, Feb. 24, 2017 - public hearing - comments from the administration, legislators, departments and the general public.

Danbury Line H.B.6553 - testimony in favor by Westport representative.  Plus car wash tax bill:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkxaunLybuM    
ONE REPORTED ON HERE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/committee_hears_from_car_wash_owners_about_repealing_sales_tax/
Mass testimony on 14 bills...Feb. 24.  This is always entertaining.  Unless, of course, you are the last person to testify.  We were in that position many many years ago...






Democrats stay away?

STATE BUDGET DIRECTOR'S BRIEFING TO FINANCE REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE TUESDAY, FEB. 14, 2017. 

"Happy to take questions..."
Hasn't his nose grown since Approps?

HAVE AND HAVE NOTS:

The FR&B Committee asks different types of questions from Approps. 



Senator Boucher nails it!
 

GREAT QUESTIONS
Rep. Lavielle: 

Rep. Candeloria:  Shifting of tax increases.  Mil rate issue.  Answers:  equalizing crisis???
Rep. Cheeseman asked what's happening with Spending Cap...


Best question from Rep. Dunsby

Rep. Dunsby asks when "1/3" became the number and Barnes says it just got picked (no dpubt to make the budget fit) BUT will be ongoing for ten years...GULP.

Teacher's retirement valuation number used is the low number...question why and the answer is it might very well improve.

Hospital tax increases???


WHOA

Accountability on town general fund surplus - did the administration plan to hit up those towns with big surpluses...Barnes claims local government can tighten their belt buckles...

$700.000 dollars or layoffs Albis asks.  Starting assumption - voluntarily from unions Barnes responds.

AHAH!  THIS IS THE WAY TO TAKE OVER TOWNS!
Senator Boucher makes a statement on accountability.

REP. DAVIS:  asks about aviations fuel tax.
Why does Stamford make out and Norwalk not.  (Rep. Lavielle)
Dunsby:  Does the Special Ed grant go to Ed or Town?  Special ed on ability to pay in new proposal- Barnes.

Adjourned without much comment from "D" members...@4pm.





D U M B I N G    D O W N ? ? ?   H OW    W I L L    C O U R T S    S E E    T H I S ?
https://ctmirror.org/2017/05/10/legislature-poised-to-loosen-high-school-graduation-requirements/





TEACHERS PENSION PASS-ALONG
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/education_municipal_officials_lobby_hard_against_teacher_pension_shift/

We assume this gets updated...
BILLS VOTED OUT OF COMMITTEE



E D U C A T I O N    C O M M I T T E E    F I N A L    M E E T I N G

JF REPORTS:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/eddata/ca/2017CA-00324-R001030ED-CA.htm
March 24, 2017.




Rep. Morris files papers to run for Mayor of Norwalk, according to the HOUR April 26, 2017.

BIPARTISAN ACTION ON EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Lots of changes.  Some of these are "JFS" {"s" for substitute) it seemed to me mostly from the Governor's Budget Proposed Bills - but I tuned in around 4PM to watch the last hour of a meeting that had been goin on since 10:30AM.  This final meeting for Education Committee to vote out bills ran until 4:40PM. 



E D U C A T I O N   C O M M I T T E E - JF reports.



Went into almost immediate Caucus until @12:30PM...and 7270 might make to the next stop...there will be a cost to this bill...estimate here.

Education Committee JF meeting...Mar. 22 AGENDA...next meeting Friday Mar. 24 at 10AM;  in caucus when we tuned in at 11AM (just opened at 10:30AMish).  We are watching it live (even if all the interesting stuff is going on in Caucus out of earshot or sight).  How long will the actual meeting take, do you think?  There are three meetings of JF.  Consent calendar suggested by Sen. Boucher (those with no comment - also, I think I missed one):

907
7202
912
7270 lco5703 COST STUDY - vote - we include link to a Minority Member Caucus
7275 - MBR - consent (only lower budget if enrollment declines)
7271 - lco5719 technical changes
955 - vote -
7251
953 lco5724 - critical change dyslexia put in.
1026 - high school graduation - rigor. ST(E)M science technology math.  "World Language" issue.  Will arts be discouraged?  25 credits of required curriculum???
951 - lco5725 - water supply.  DPH added to participation.
7204 - electronic records - to approps.  Federal strict requirements already.  "Belts and suspenders."  Mandate?  "F.I.R.P.A."  Unsecured e-mail? - vote
954 - universal preschool; amendment proposed to include private providers.
7155 - Early Childhood Education:  Assistant teachers getting too many requirements w/o salary increases.

@2PM  in recess until 4PM (allowing members to register votes).  FINAL JF and JFs meetings...Fri 24th, Monday noon if necessary.






CT MIRROR 3-21-17 REPORT ON WHAT WE REPORT ON BELOW
The bills on agenda today 10a.m. to 8:11p.m...Norwalk parents last to speak on E.C.S. formula.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING first, then P.H., 3-20-17;  P.H. begins with Commissioner Wenzell and staff.

LIONS CLUB VOLUNTEERS DO EYE TESTING WHERE SCHOOL BUDGET CANNOT PROVIDE FOR IT - TIGER TAKES TEST ("Meow, meow?")
If we understood correctly, the improvement to one aspect of unified service to all districts might have unintended or perhaps intended consequences in this case.

It is 4:41pm and this has been going on for hours and hours.

 
Commission for Women, etc. asks for whole examination of mandates - not just pick and choose. C.E.A. supports the "Pilot" community schools.

Now it is 5:25pm...more on not needing superintendent line... 6pm we're out of here...next mornng we watched more.


TRANSPORTATION COSTS TO PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

Obviously, this P.H. went on and on. And on.  Bus routes should go across town lines - did I hear that correctly?  Testimony from Catholic Schools.  Sen. Boucher notes that this was not new - public transportation to religious schools done back in 1980's.  More union support for S.B.1014.  Sixteen years trying to support agencies to find coordination.

   

NORWALK
"We don't have a gold credit card" - more free lunch in Norwalk - E.C.S. formula reform echoes Mayor of Stamford.  Not just grand list to support education.

##



E D U C A T I O N    C O M M I T T E E   E L E V E N    H O U R S    A N D    2 8    M I N U T E S    (we tuned in after lunch) :  http://www.ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=13798
FROM THE LEGISLATURE:  Co-Chair. Boucher

 
...C.E.A. testifies.  Waxenberg.

        
Commissioner Wenzell:  Certification bill - is against
Testimony on:
7035 - Governor's budget - ECS question "Husky 'A'" provided no documentation, while free/reduced lunch has a record.  Free lunch is more indicative of poverty than "reduced" lunch..
910 - in school suspension
7159
???

Questions:  Special Ed - by town wealth - 0-54 percent;  curriculum issues;  science, paraprofessionals.  Mandate relief.





DO A STUDY
"What does it cost to educate a kid?" and that was answered by Sec'y of OPM in a different venue.

  
EDUCATION:  BRINGING A FACE TO THIS.
Question:  when do you you approve your budget?  Inability to act. 




Military education via online education.



CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORT:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/plaintiffs_ask_lawmakers_for_study_of_education_funding_formula/



ECS FORMULA EDUCATION COST S
HARING
Equal access regardless of zip code.  Want a study of what it should cost to educate a child.
EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY COST STUDY:  Successful school district methods - foundation figure.  Professional judgement model - locally based.  "Rational" funding formula.  Current proposal non-starter (my words). Arkansas and MASS.


      
Chair Fleishmann:  Metrics can work in CT.  Yale student disagrees.   Later, another student asks if they might be able to submit testimony or just data in response to questions. ("Yes").



We are going to quit soon...3:50pm



TESTIMONY FROM NEWTOWN COUNCIL MEMBER:
  2013 formula should be exercised.
Contracts not negotiated by towns so that why should towns have to pay?

4PM we are out of hear...almost..

Evangelical.  Want comprehensive rewrite...Hispanic's interests perhaps not served by Governor's Budget.

We quit!!!  Still going on...




BEFORE THE BUDGET SPEECH  AND A MONTH LATER...

             
Ideas in proposed governor's budget came from others...it was pointed out that the Governor will be off to the races.
http://ctmirror.org/2017/01/31/malloy-proposes-easing-mandates-on-cities-and-towns/


Personally, I think towns should ignore the Governor.
Partisan CT budget feud extends to town budgets as well
CT MIRROR
By: Keith M. Phaneuf | March 7, 2017

...Several of Connecticut’s small towns “would like the option of extending the timelines for adopting local budgets to ensure that the budget reflects accurate municipal aid numbers,” COST Executive Director Betsy Gara said. “This will ensure that towns don’t have to issue supplemental tax bills or set mil rates that are higher than necessary.”

But Gara added that “other towns … are concerned that their boards have already invested a lot of time and effort in holding meetings and hearings on the proposed budget and that efforts to delay the adoption of the budget will create a lot of confusion on the local level. … Rather than interfering with local ordinances and town charters that govern the local budget process, many towns argue that the state should focus on adopting its own budget...”







Very striking and in fact chilling to see this - DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AGAINST THIS CONSPIRACY whenever there is an election at any level

WARNING:  OPPOSITION (I ASKED FOR WHOM HE WAS DOING THE VIDEO AND THE GUY IN WILTON IGNORED ME) VIDEOTAPING AT BOTH MEETINGS FOR USE IN ATTACK ADS NEXT ELECTION?  WHY WOULDN'T HE HONESTLY ANSWER ME?

Will the Legislature be in Special Session?  Nope, not yet. " Why?" you may ask...well, now that the SEBAC has approved their deal, the future is not in college education (r)., remarks at upstate Legislative Wrap (CT-N)
Very interesting if you look beyond our borders - in Weston people were concerned about their taxes and in North Haven/Wallingford the people cared about Weston's taxes too - and see them as the solution to our crisis thru higher taxes on the "rich."


What questions get asked of Legislators?
*   In WestonIn WiltonHow about up state in Wallingford?
"Long Session" over without producing a biennial budget (FY '18 and 'FY19):  Will there be a Special Session before the end of this fiscal year June 30, 2017?  NOPE.


Picture story by About Town
STILL NO BUDGET...LEGISLATIVE WR
AP UP JULY 11, 2017 AT WESTON LIBRARY

Senators Boucher and Hwang and Representative Dunsby did a fine job - standing room only!!!  A question regarding whether having towns pay for teacher retirement was legal was answered by Rep. Dunsby, who said whether or not it was legal didn't matter because the Legislature would never vote in favor was followed up by, we think, a comment to the effect that the Governor would only sign his own version of a budget - or maybe that's what I was thinking!


   
Lots of free-wheeling q&a on many many subjects from Tesla to affordabe housing to among others the need for civil discource


WESTON'S LEGISLATORS REPORT WITH SEN. BOUCHER GIVING SOME BACKGROUND OF WHERE WE'VE BEEN
Lots of questions from a full house (photos taken at the very beginning) - many more showed up later to make it S.R.O.  The FORUM was present.




Senator Boucher in Wilton (Reps. Lavielle and O'Day)
More present than at the Cannon Grange (above) earlier in June...more railroad questions here (healthcare more of interest in Weston in July).





July 18th Wallingford Wrap:  Senator Fasano and Rep. Fishbein invite Rep. Mary Mushinsky and Rep. Liz Linehan to come to the table, too.

Questions from the audience:

SEBAC and union deals - more generous than local - very informative about teachers' pension issue too.
TRUMP and health care
And everything else asked showed how Wallingford differs from Weston.  That means from both ends of the arguments mentioned above as well as bringing up many social issues that don't get talked about in Weston.
@2 hours.

----------------

* = 
Teachers union retirement proposal, disabled aid cuts in Wallingford and WiltonFinancial/tax ones and loaded questions in Weston; 





    
IMMEDIATE SCHEDULED SESSION DAYS BELOW...FOR A LINK TO A PREVIOUS SPECIAL SESSION...one of several in 2016.  More than at any other time, with large issues at stake, be on the lookout for Legislative "rat"...

 Please find next (and all previous) Session dates: 
https://www.cga.ct.gov/calsession.asp?edate=6/7/2017
 


ABOUT WESTON DIVIDED OUR PLAY-BY-PLAY COVERAGE BETWEEN HOUSE AND SENATE


ALL HOUSE AND SENATE SESSION DAYS (LINK) SCHEDULED

SOME 2017 C.G.A. LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD BY THOSE BELOW


The various bills on the "GO LIST" and "CALENDAR" will be called at that time in no particular order (our interpretation of how things work in the C.G.A.).  Infinity of bills on the "GO LIST" - as in "going someplace?" which could mean going around in circles, too...




HOUSE GOING TO FINISH TODAY...did they approve anything?  Where do they stand related to Senate on major issues?

We tuned in at 12:14pm...


SB586 - Affordable Care Act reassurance.  After one-sided bloviating... "PT'd"



RESPONSE TO THE FOOLING AROUND WITH "CONSENT" NON-CALENDAR LAST NIGHT?


SB445 'A' - far-reaching.  Disclosure and legal standing to sue the manufacturer;  electronic medical records, "facility fees" at outpatient services.  Generics are not just one type!!!  127-22 abs. 2



PARTY CAUCUS TIME...




SB959 - another "working group" - two no votes...the suggestion that creating another task will not increase work load is silly - something has to give.



RECESS AND THEN DEM CAUCUS - 4:24pm...we never got back to the House.

Please read this article for more news:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/06/08/with-the-parties-dug-in-what-will-happen-with-budget-talks-now/

Or this one:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/legislature_limps_to_the_finish/

And then there is this one:  http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Third-tribal-casino-approved-court-action-11201908.php








STARTED EARLY!!!  HO HO  WE WATCHED BRIEFING PRE-SESSION.
Millstone threatened by Majority Leader - wants to see their books - and it takes until 2020 to close, other agreements...another company would buy it if a "for sale" sign went up.



First wine, then beer and now "spirits" to be able to have "tastings" and sell bulk on site.
We missed the bill number - from General Law Committee.



SB1003 - technical.  One "no" vote.  13-4 absent.  No major bills to be introduced for a while, we guess!




SB948 - contracts?  Competitive, streamlining to seek outside grants.  Labor contracts?  One "no" vote and it is an advantage to Dems. - 6 absent.

Announcements and introductions.




HJR100  - Republican 'A' - Transportation "lockbox" to be on 2018 ballot.  Action by Legislature could have changed it.   The only way to tell the truth.    'A' - explanation of differences?  A real one.  79-71 ruling of chair sustained...appeal.
Very interesting debate - since the change in the bill was made - not just the amendment proposed - no doubt to comply with the ruling about spending cap, a change was made...so Chair. ruled incorrectly.  JMO. 


PROFESSOR IRWIN CORY BEING CONSULTED...
OK - the argument is that the text changed from the original already, so this is a different situation than the point about Speaker Abate's ruling from 1991 when the Speanding Cap passed.  Attorney General will be asked to state in writing (give an opinion)???  If yoiu look at the law one way, you see this, then look at it another way and you see this...http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/house_approves_transportation_lockbox/




HB6058 - tolls.  Finding a revenue source.  No tolls.  Undermined potential growth.  User fee, not border toll.  FWIW - hard to believe that this "study" for electronic tolling is going to work.  I-95 ROW too narrow. 

PT'd. 

Standing at ease. 3:20pm.





HB6304 'A'; - Public-private partnership (UI and BPT)  THERMAL LOOP - grid resilient power production.  Recycling waste heat.  Why Bridgeport?
New technology.  Investment in largest city.   What is the difference?  Which is one reason why "testimony" can be twisted when  the final version emerges.  Where is the $$ coming from?  When did Appropriations approve this?  Fiscal note for amendment must have been a "switcheroo."  May cost money...Appropriations never considered it.  MOTION:  Refer it to Appropriations.




HB7320 - legalizing marijuana.  CTNEWSJUNKIE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/house_tables_recreational_marijuana_after_debate/



Back at 8:33pm...

HB7305 - condominium.  "Common interest ownership" clarified...all members ultimately voted 150-0 1 abs.


WHOA - consent calendar in House?  Can't do that because it isn't in their rules, JMO.




SB884 'A' - technical bill from bar associations...




7273 'A' - 'B (nursing assistants)' - An Act Concerning Local Education Authorities...PT...came back at 9:55pm thanking Rep. Fishbein for catching boo-boo.  Consent.






SB826 - Consumer protection.  Aircraft carrier bill - to "consent"
HB7278 - certain parcels of state land - consent

sSB353- 'A' - journeyman-apprentice.  To consent calendar.
SB968 - Health data working group.  Consent.
SB26 - Swatting.  Consent.
SB930 - 'A' consent
SB911 - gifted-talented, consent.
SB1020 - foreign lawsuit defamation - consent
SB983 - FOI - consent.
SB914 -
yada yada yada

We're out of here at 9:55pm.  My concern is that they had to change their rules - otherwise why hadn't they been doing this all along?











HOUSE SESSION MONDAY JUNE 5th at 10:30am.
Inside baseball.  End of Session bills.  Special Session not until next week.  Mini-slots/OTB.  MGM blow up the compact.  Litigation no matter what.  Zoning will control slots/casinos.

----------------------




HB7244 - Denied visitation - grandparents" - challenges to grandparents - dispute resolution.  Time frame given.  Unanimously passed by Judiciary Committee.  Great bill avoids GIL.  4 Dems. not yet there at 11:30am, all GOP.






HB7019 - 'A' - "Strike all" mortgage brokers etc.  credit union statute, sales finance definition, money transmission, minimum tangible net work, etc., security refund and lots and lots of other things.  No fiscal note.
'B' carried by Rep. Dunsby for the Minority Leader - considered a friendly amendment - but I think it will not be so once they realize what it said - cuts out mileage $$ to task forces.  "PT'd"





SB1030 - PRI "disappeared" from the statutes.  Nobody did that for RPAs JMO
Rep. Mushinsky will vote "no" out of respect for the work PRI had done over 30 years.  91-60.





HB7019 - 'A' deposites.  'B' 
Eliminates mileage reimbursement.  All task forces.  Spending cap commission example given.  "Saving tax payers money at every turn" should be their job.  "PT" after Ziobron's statement.





HB5135 - electronic proof of insurance. Statement in response to possible hacking of DMV shows how either sincere Dems are or how really stupid they are.  FYI -  You are allowed to get paper copy.   The billed is approved. with a couple of dozen "no" votes.




SB938 - medical orders.  Travel reimbursement.  Coordination of medical advisoy.  Unan.  1 absent.

Rep Albis:  Transmit all items (OK'd bills) to Senate.




HB7049 - minor revisions - typos.  Unan.



Not allowed a voice - an illustration to Republicans by Speaker of how it feels to be discriminated against
CT MIRROR story gives the whole story:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/06/05/looking-at-police-use-of-force-from-across-a-racial-divide/


HB6663 - and the amendment.  Mandates on police forces.  Body cam etc.  Good job.   "Cowboys" give a bad name to police.  "Tape" released from body cam data "doesn't show" everything.   Threats to reps who will vote no.  Last year's bill was not taken advantage of by many places, incidentally, partly because of requirement to store all body cam data.

Now that's a surprise - no debate - the Majority "PT's" the bill abruptly.  We suspect there is a fiscal note too.  There sure is a mandate!


HB6663
"AN ACT CONCERNING POLICE MISCONDUCT. "

Strike everything after the enacting clause and substitute the following in lieu thereof:

Check out this:

Sec. 7
[
(d)] (a) For the purposes of this section, "law enforcement agency" means the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or any municipal police department.

(b) (1) Not later than January 1, 2018, the Police Officer Standards and Training Council shall create a standardized police complaint form.

(2) The standardized police complaint form shall (A) allow for anonymous complaints, (B) state that there are no time limits on the acceptance of complaints, (C) not require notarization of the complaint or any affirmation of possible penalties, (D) provide an explanation of protections that may be afforded to a complainant who fears retaliation associated with the filing of such complaint, (E) provide known complainants a complaint tracking number associated with such complaint, (F) detail the process for informing a known complainant of the disposition of such complaint, and (G) be made available in English and Spanish.

(3) The standardized police complaint form shall include check boxes for the complainant to categorize his or her grievances. The categories shall include, but not be limited to, (A) conduct unbecoming an officer, (B) discourteous attitude, (C) harassment, (D) racial profiling, as described in section 54-1m, (E) use of excessive force during search and seizure, (F) use of excessive force during arrest, (G) use of excessive force after arrest, and (H) use of excessive force without arrest.

(4) The law enforcement agency shall notify the complainant, if known, in writing not later than five business days after receiving such completed form of the following: (A) That his or her complaint has been received by the agency and that an investigation into such complaint is pending, (B) the complaint tracking number assigned to such complaint, (C) that the complainant will be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation into such complaint, and (D) that the complainant may contact the investigator assigned to such complaint, who shall be identified by name, at any time for further information while the investigation is pending.

(5) If a law enforcement agency has a pattern or practice of not complying with the provisions of this section, the Office of Policy and Management shall recommend and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may withhold discretionary state funds from such municipal police department or the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

(6) Not later than July 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, each law enforcement agency shall prepare an annual report for the preceding calendar year that details the complaints filed with such law enforcement agency and includes (A) the number of complaints that were filed, (B) a description of the types of complaints filed, and (C) a description of the disposition of such complaints categorized by type of complaint and shall submit the report to the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division within the Office of Policy and Management.

(c) On and after January 1, 2018, each law enforcement agency shall use the standardized police complaint form described in subsection (b) of this section.


@4pm.

Caucus time.  Back at at @5:40pm  we missed the first bill after caucus.


House unanimously passed this bill - the one the Senate wouldn't go for earlier in the Session:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/house_sends_municipal_relief_bill_to_senate/

HB6333  - food.  Will pass.  Oops, PT'd!

Amendment.

@6pm...10pm more Public Health...


HB5590 - another task force.  This one is work force development.
10:16pm we're out of here...they were still going on when we cut out...

By the way, Session lasted 10 hours and 53 minutes - does this include "standing at ease" and "caucus" time?  Ans. - NO, because it started 12 hours from the time we started until when we went to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz




Do the members of the General Assembly get paid overtime???


No more bipartisan negotiations is my prediction.  And don't be surprised to see income tax rate increases as well as pass through of teacher retirement costs to towns.  And then there is C.C.J.E.F. appeal coming...another Special Session come fall...

HOUSE TO MEET JUNE 3rd SATURDAY AT 11:30am...threats to northeast corner crumbling foundations issue Republicans that any assistance will be in the Implementer (or the Budget)...so what is going on???  Didn't begin for a couple of hours...



HB7044 - 'A' Pretrial Justice Reform;  bail bonds for rich but a free pass for the poor.  Probation questioned - look back period... lots of questions in an attempt to make sure it had really beeb watered down.  And good points.  88-62.







HB7222 - 'A' - Public Health changes.  Report on well water when home sold water must be tested...for what items???  Responsibility of the seller to be reported to DPH.  How long is the report for???  "PT'd"
Sec. 17 - like the Weston Water Study standards:

[(h)] (i) Any owner of a residential construction, including, but not limited to, a homeowner, on which a private residential well is located or any general contractor of a new residential construction on which a private residential well is located may collect samples of well water for submission to a laboratory or firm for the purposes of testing water quality pursuant to this section, provided (1) such laboratory or firm has provided instructions to said owner or general contractor on how to collect such samples, and (2) such owner or general contractor is identified to the subsequent owner on a form to be prescribed by the Department of Public Health. No regulation may prohibit or impede such collection or analysis.

[(i)] (j) The local director of health may require private residential wells and wells for semipublic use to be tested for pesticides, herbicides or organic chemicals when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that any such contaminants might be present in the groundwater. For purposes of this subsection, "reasonable grounds" means (1) the presence of nitrate-nitrogen in the groundwater at a concentration greater than ten milligrams per liter, or (2) that the private residential well or well for semipublic use is located on land, or in proximity to land, associated with the past or present production, storage, use or disposal of organic chemicals as identified in any public record.




HB6352 - "Strike all" and original difference?  Chena thinks there are silly people in the legislature - UBER FOR DOGS!!!   4:26pm and we're out of were...check this out...6:15pm





SB246
- state-wide waiting list for intellectually disabled housing - we guess unan.  3 abs.



HB5741 - 'B' - A Act Concerning Sober Living Homes...the refrain from proponent that the Internet did it, on this and the previous bill, is an oversimplification.  JMO.  Wood - does this violate fair housing?  No.  Almost unan.



Settles the question of whether "if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, did it make a sound?" A resounding NOPE.
HB5655 - Trees - private tree owner liable.  Within 90 days of notification from Tree Warden (?), in advance of the tree falling on its own.  107-39.




HB6352 - 'A' - explanation added.  119-27.



HB6997 - The Well-Being of Children.  3 "no" votes.



HB7036 - fuel cell.  130-14.


0
HB7271 'A' - Technical high school separate system.  Scandal proving that the State Board of Education did not catch financial irregularities.  Relatively close vote (94-50).


HB7253 - 'A' - almost unan.





HB6155 'A' - licensing of non-profits.  Non-partisan effort.  145-0




SB900 'A' - unan.

And then the House adjourned...after 9pm.








 

Speaker (l) announces or denounces Republicans (Minority Leader of the House, r.).  
“'Joe sometimes needs to remember he is the speaker of the entire House, not the Democrat Party, so it is his obligation to get people’s bills called,' Klarides said. 'We represent half of the people in the state.'"  (CT MIRROR)

BEWARE THE QUICK ROLL CALL AT 10am Friday, June 2nd.  Hah!  Greenwich representative leads pledge.




SB1014 - school background check - invoicing?  School bus  services too?  Can be certain to be repaid?  Unan.  It is 10:39am - how many House members not there yet?  18 abs. 





HB6603 - study of public housing.- 3 projects only.  But not "within available appropriations."




SB018 - "Gold Star Families" tax abatement allowed - up to $20,000 of assessment.  Why not make it a state tax exemption?  One "no" vote.




HB7255 - Spec Ed insurance model.  Amendment 'A' makes it ensures all relief possible and takes on accelerating costs. $ 250-$500,000 range.  Now $1000 only plus donations from non-profits...would the taxpayers be funding this?  Ask
if they are willing?  Totally unfunded project?

Special Ed "cooperative."  Connecticut School Finance Project suggested it...and did it already.


Control and oversight?
501(c)3 and pro-bono contributions - Legislative Management handles contract, perhaps.  Bill passes with some "no" votes




HB6603 - amendment for within existing appropriations.  Approved!




SB772 - emergency generators in New Haven highrise senior housing.  Why only New Haven?  Passes 9 yes votes.


We're taking a break (2:44pm)..."Green" task force, more comment from Rep. Belsito about why it isn't needed...







We'd bet this will pass hands down.




HB7312 - sales tax requirements.  Bed and breakfast taxes.  Lots of quesrtions not answered - but I guess it doesn't matter.




SB949 - 'A' - good bill ought to pass.  144-3




HB6989 - 'A' - Reverse mortgages from who - in person or by phone.  Senior citizen protection.  Do it by phone - do not have to go to a face to face.





HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR 10:30am...on time, we think...we tuned in 10:45ish.

So there is a talker bill first...I guess Majority doesn't have the numbers yet...Norwalk CDAP proposed this in...1971
    
SB126 - Amendment 'A' - COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER and assessments.  Information gathering goes too far or not far enough?  Risks of social determinants of "risk." Fiscal note caused it to strike all "roles and responsibilities within available resources" but maybe not?  Who is going to take the lead for certification program?  "Roles and responsibilities" advisory committee under DPH - electronic registry, etc.  "Innovation" responsible?  "Director" of program...how does he or she relate?  (Is this a new job created???)

PASS temporarily.



SB867 - good bill should pass?  Examples  of emergency?  Unan.



HB7141 - shot gun approach.  Or not?  Good bill oughta pass.  Looks to be unan.  Nope, 3 no votes




SB809 - 'A' - insurance technical no debate.  3 "no" votes, 2 abs.

1:25pm recess...



CAUCUSES and then a brief interview with Minority Leader of the House @5pm.  Apparently the Majority decided to call it a day with so much left to do...10am start time, Friday Session.

       






Did they do the deficit bill as the Senate sent it along? Yes, 75-74.





We tuned in May 31st a bit late, 12:17pm

HB7052 opioid debate continues...duplication of monitoring programs?  Medical community stepped up to advise working group - lowered the number of days for prescription for opioid.  Unan.




SB975 amendment 'A' - passes (question about town and/or commercial drones).  CTNEWSJUNKIE report:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2017&bill_num=sb+975



  
SB945 - South Central Water Authority to expand its non-core businesses.  Only for Class One is only as South Central Water Comp.  Quasy-public agency charter has to be changed.  Will this "open the flood gates" elsewhere - wood others follow?  This could be adapted elsewhere?  Why not make it generic?  Ans.  Each regional water authority has its own special act???



CT-N instant report


Response to Hartford Courant columnist commentary about Aetna jobs...Ken Dixon article:  http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Malloy-offered-incentives-to-Aetna-11185855.php



HOUSE IN CAUCUSES..








SB1059 - Other states have higher fees question.  Board of Firearms ammunition certificates.  CT credibility at stake.  Ammunition account - what does it do?

75-74

And we are out of here...please read the CTNEWSJUNKIE article here:   http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/deficit_mitigation_plan_squeaks_through_house/





HOUSE IN SESSION 11AM Tuesday May 30th...on time!  Rep. Steinberg gives prayer...

Judges first...Ass't Speaker Godfrey in the chair.

Rep. Ziobron points out that these judges, never mind qualifications, add to the expense of government forever, 10 "no" votes (one a Dem.);  absent 9.
Next judge is of counsel and a patent att'y with not much connection to legal affairs in CT.  Already 18 no votes, 2 Dems.;  126-18.
Next Judge, Norwich.  From public defender background...7 absent.
Judge North Branford.  New nominee.  IT to get to star in the House Session.  Is this more of the Russian threat?  Slowing down Connecticut appointing more judges for Superior Court?  5 abs.



NEXT UP...A REALLY LONG STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION
Judgeship for Barry Armata of Suffield?  Over Rep. Gonzalez's dead body.  Plus others on the Dem. side...I'll bet Tong withdraws it..."community of lawyers" and attack on legal profession.  No "cabal."  Questioning integrity  78-71 - 2abs.





sSB954 - what is access?  Early Childhood Commissioner will interpret it.  Public and private preschool Plan.   May not be able to be implemented.  Three and four-year-olds.  
"A couple of weeks ago we fixed a schedule for increasing the salary of preschool workers" (who will be expected to have more education than now) putting the train on the tracks for a big unfunded mandate.

103-46.



CAUCUS...(@4pm) - BUT WAIT A MINUTE, WE ARE CORRECT, THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON

More judges and magistrates and assorted other jobs in the judicial branch...6:37pm we're out of here...look for more action later...8:19pm we tuned in again.





sSB1026 - High School School graduation
No new mandates?   Lots of questions and all around approval (148-0) 3 abs.





sSB912 'A' - Staff qualifications for Early Childhood.  15 "no" votes




HB7276 - 'A' - Mandate Relief.  Allow rather than mandate school calendar, crisis intervention - sequestering students, hiring shorten look-back to 20, 126-23 (2 abs.)



HB7308 - body cams for police task force...and we're switching to the Senate now...






HOUSE SESSION at 10:30am Thursday May 25th...already going forward at 10:40 when we tuned in...

sSB916 - comment from Democrat "you almost caught us sleeping" so I guess it was a quick prayer and pledge and no announcements today!!!  Snap and then few minutes later, 14-4 absences noted by About Town...133-0 (18 absent).  Today is a day for free food after Session.



HB6347 (substitute) - WOOF!!!


At 11:29am

sSB906 plus 'A' - mortgage lending.  From a Senate "Consent Calendar" we suspect.  130-11 (10 abs.).  So those who are in the Majority have some leeway to show up late (i.e. lunchtime) so as not to miss a payday.  




SB899 - What amendment???  No, amendment called.  PURA streamlining. 144-0 (7 abs)



SB755 - subcommittee in medical review of programs eliminated - why are they discussing this?  I guess because the Majority wanted to talk about it???  Four Dems still not there, 1 GOP.  148-0 (3 abs.)



sSB953 - EDUCATION COMMITTEE seeks to reduce mandates, we think. "Good bill, should pass."  150-0 (1 abs.)



C A M P A I G N    F I N A N C E    R E F O R M ?


HB5589 amendment 'A' presented by representative who says he can't speak clearly, (from an injury because he is reported to play hockey???) "because of previous illness."  This is going to be a long debate.  Ho ho ho. 

Withdrawn 'A'  " Strike all."  'A' replaced by 'B' after we think some arms twisted... 

O.F.A. fiscal note saying no cost missing on 'A' - "There may be overtime costs."  What was in Sec. 20?  79-70 (2 abs.) on amendment 'B'...'C' Rep. Devlin summarizes.  Striking section 4 and 18.  Roll call voice vote.  'D' Perillo now 'E'...legislative "PACs" redistributing funds.  An example: Raised money from everybody.  Mostly lobbyists and banking industry.    "Launders" $$ now bars legislators from being the heads of PACs.

HB5589 plus 'B' - "Baffling" - making it easier on details but not big issues.  What does this bill actually do?  Back to the  fiscal note.  Does he know how much is in the C.E.P. program?  No.  Does he know how many S.E.E.C. complaints?  Approx. 150.

Amendment 'I" - nope.


Disclosure
This bill doesn't do squat.  Rep. Ritter, noting need for "B'' says the Majority did appreciate being notified by Rep. Ziobron of the problem with "A" - all they want to is disclosure/transparency.  "Foreign-entities"  part ensures litigation?  And then there is the limit on expenses that will bring a legal challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court to "Citizen's United"...79-70.



Emergency Certified Bill 7323 - Five (5) people watching now...
$19.5 million.  Why these?  More explanation?  Staff deficiencies and overtime.  Birth to Three providers.  Office of Chief Medical Examiner.  Where are the funds coming from?  Lab fees more autopsies, workers comp.  Overtime increases.  Cutting back other services?  Comptrollers Office cuts and related healthcare etc. lowering provided $15 million.  Unan.




 
HB7124 strike all replace - OFA couldn't determine the cost.   Debate cut short by eloquent statement by Minority Leader.

About7pm???.  But not before Majority Leader first says House will be meeting at 8am Friday and Saturday - hey - Matt - don't try to do "stand up" 'cause that wasn't a joke.  Tuesday will be next Session day.






HOUSE BACK AT IT AT 1PM Wednesday...still introducing/announcing...Rep. Bruce Morris at the podium.



HB7311 - 'A' with support from Minority.  Unan.  2 Dems not there yet, 1 GOP.




HB7251  - "turnaround" plans for Alliance Districts - defines MAY for the "lanes" for leadership; data teams and will work for succession planning.

I would explain that this was improving a new concept at the 5 year point - "Alliance Districts."  However, this is just the same thing as codifying "guidance."  Twelve "no" votes across Party lines.



HB5963 as amended.  Bipartisan support.  How does this work?  Apparently, altho' I don't know much, the big pitch is that rates haven't changes since before most of the Legislature was born.  Unan.




sSB944 - 'A' - removes underlying 5 yrs.  Senate was much more definitive about what this did.  Expansion of a non-conforming use allowed?  Question seemed to me differentiating land nonconformity with use nonconformity. Lemar seems to say it is making uniform what was different in separate towns.  Then it was mentioned that the ZBA would have the last word...Two Dems vote "no."



Vice-Chair and Ranking Member active in support of Chair.
HJR121 passes and more HJRs judges not getting unanimous support...but both Parties seem to be chugging along and suddenely CT-N has a problem!  After dinner I returned to find that it had not been corrected.  So no more for today!








HOUSE SCHEDULED TO MEET MAY 23rd at 11:30am...which it did almost on time!  Prayer, pledge, calendar, personal privilege, then action.

SB804 - technical revision to make it possible to have more in-home services for the poor.  Unan.  144-0 (7 absent).  So how long did it take to unanimously approve a technical amendment?  Let's say debate began @11:50am...we'll check tomorrow morning on that.  Our estimate would be debate # of minutes plus 10 minutes for machine vote...for the record, 2 Republicans not present, 5 Democrats.  How many people watch the Session online?  At 12:07pm there were...seventeen.





SB41 - and amendment.  Adds more associations.  Phlebotomists.  Questions from doctor on liability and lawyer married to a phebotomist thinks this bill is not well written.  108-40




HB7118 - had been set aside, LCO House 'B' 7565.  Mail order products - pharmacies' questions;  patient receipt.  Almost unan. (5 no votes)
>>>>>>>>>>>
At @1:30pm House stands in recess while both Parties caucus...due back at 2:45pm...5 minute warning.
<<<<<<<<<<<
WOW!!! 28 people watching Session at 2:57pm!!!  Only 12 minutes late so far...



HB6668 - Pregnant Women in the Workplace.  Mandates on small businesses.  HIRE EVERYONE AS A CONSULTANT - my idea;  equal protection.  What a crock.  But it will pass...22 watching on YouTube.  I suspect those watching are journalists???
120-30.

H.J.R. - tabled for calendar.



            
From the Secretary of the State Denise Merrill (r)
sH.J.R. 95.  Absentee ballot.  Sec 7 article 6.  You don't have to be out of town anymore - also early voting two weeks.  Early voting will not be able to toss their first ballot and change their mind IMHO.  "A' - 76-72.

Amendment 'B' photo ID.  Declared an unfriendly amendment.   (Rep. Perillo)  72-76.

If it doesn't get 3/4, it has to be done by the next Legislature.78-70;  114 needed for 2017 ballot..



SB766 - animal cruelty and child abuse.  Changes reporting date.  Unan.



HB7192  'A'- Long-term care, 149-0


HB5682 - truck or trailer weight fee - unan.



HB7198 - 'A' - restitution for victim services.  Technical changes but increase for minors "important." - no cost to CT.  Unan.
.
These guys have been at it since 11:30am...



HB7202 - 'A' - technical in 149-0




HB7190 - not a study bill - to help providers.  A funny made by Representative poking fun at one of her own members.  It is now 8:51pm.  149-0




sHB7195 - to go after child support.  This was either the last or next to last bill of the day - comment made because it was really a good bill.  Unan.  9pm adjourn.






HOUSE CONVENES at 10:30am.  Pledge done.  One announcement.  Standing at ease at 10:34am.


HBs7245 - Technical corrections;  adds one more detail.  So how many members will be voting at 10:40am?  Our guess:  138...137-0


         
Crap crap crap
HB5434 - National Popular Vote.  Democrats should be ashamed.  The comments of Rep. Dubitsky so powerful his impact had to be stopped, IMHO.  Good points.  And at @1:30pm Speaker shuts off debate and sets it aside.



HB7184 - task force to really fix something...we skipped over to the Senate for anti-hunting debate...


HB7020 - another unan.



HB7205 - early childhood education.  Gets lots and lots of support



HB7146 as amended.  Assets returned if found innocent.  Doesn't this happen already?  Unan.

HB7100 - 'A' and 'B' unan.



"8-30G - Developers just taking advantage" says the Chair. of the Housing Committee.


HB7418 - 'A' - incentive housing zones.  Reach required number to get to 10%.  Five years to provide "carrot."
Mobile home 175 units included (sounds like Westport got to him).  Moratorium for 4 yrs.  After Rep. Walker asks her question - isn't this not a boo boo (what she meant)?  Standing at ease after withdrawing the proposal, we think.


And it continued...









HB7047 as amended.  Is there an incident list?  When municipal mutual aide is called, some are not up to standard.  Standards changed 10 yrs. ago.   Would apparatus be taken off line?  How did fiscal note get removed?  Pumps and hoses only in reality - not full rig replacement.  Right.  Fiscal note.  No idea if all are up to standard.  1911 Federal Standard in bill...National Fire professional standard.   Aerial devices seem to be focus.  "Extra stress" meaning?  Extreme cold, weight stress, most are already complying.  State of CT does not require these standards on its own equipment.  CCM in 2014 participated in study - cities control decisions - larger cities now forcing mandate on small towns.  O'Neill not sure if this might not be an "unintended consequence" perhaps???  Fishbein nails it.  Why wouldn't we be holding CT to these standards??? 


HYPOCRITICAL OF STATE:  Public Safety Committee never saw this.  Only to P&D and Approps.  How many have failed?  No idea what the impact will be.  Don't you think the fact that there is no problem, is it just to take it on faith???  139-5 (7 absent)


HB7090 - looks unan.



    
SB839 - same bill as Senate passed.  Is there now no lpnger a person with autism for someone else (relative or guardian)?  Who asked for this?  Bill passes.  This amkes eight billd passed by both houses so far???

Then we went to lunch...




HB7118 - Health - pharmacist interchangeable.  Brand name drugs.  Oops!  Questions from Minority member of major revisions ('A') brings some 2nd thoughts for Majority...withdrawn.




Personal Injury lawyer bill - no ambulances here (as in the bill above heard earlier) but is it related?


HB7194 - Lawsuits by employees.  Is it pro-business or anti-business bill?   Some "no" votes but it passed.



 
HB5529 plus 'A' - absentee ballots.  Fiscal note within existing resources.  Mandate no longer?  No need?  Didn't exactly say it wasn't - language still says "shall" but adds "within existing resources of the municipality."  One vote "no."



SB846 - Security officer extension of license.  Unan.



 

SB910 - State Dept. in-school suspensions.  Unan.



SB946 - insurance - any questions?  Any cost?  Passes.




HB6334 - private shelters.  Charlie does not buy it.  Altho' someone mentioned cats, he knows that cannot be enforced (try enforcing anything on cats.)
This does not apply to Weston issue because it was not a cause of "a shelter."  How about animal rescues?  Could be!  One "no" vote.




HB7069 - animal sales.  Only one commercial sales facility.  Friendly amendment 'A' - Unan.  WOOF!!!





HBs7316 - we think with 'A' which might be "s" - this calls for audit annually.  Rep. Mushinski reminds everyone that when they gort rid of PRI Committee, staff sent to OPM.  Unan.



sHB7309 - Strike all.  Lots of changes to match Federal law.


And we are outa here.  4:47pm.  The Session was 7hrs21min (until @6pm).  As Sessions come one upon another, we will be review "bills that passed" one and two houses each week at the end of the week.






HOUSE CALLED INTO SESSION AT 10:30AM Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th...we tuned in @10:45am.

HIGH DRAMA!
First vote with around 10 Democrats  missing:  On H.J.R. appointment - vote will will be held open until enough Dems get there to outvote Republicans...who have three members missing.  Let us do the math:  79-72 advantage;  Present:  69 D, now 70 R.  They waited until they got 72 D present...another appointment and then...


"Recess subject to recall of Chair."
At first the Speaker tried to do it by himself...as a way of forcing the Minority to serve the Majority - however, at least it is obvious what is going on!  His own caucus had to act to do the proper thing for him.



NOW AFTERNOON...STILL "IN RECESS"
So how many Democrats does it take to pass a measure that holds hostage towns and cities???  And here is the "GO LIST" link - see what order things are "called" if and when the Session continues...now it is after 1pm.  Do you think employees of Boards of Education who skipped the morning and until school is dismissed will show up?
 
BEFORE 2PM ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESUMPTION OF SESSION...


HB7212 - Plus 'A' - Loan forgiveness programs for municipal and non-profit employees, plus amendment.  Federal loan $$ forgiveness.  95-49 (7 absent).


HB7060 - social services/housing info privacy correcting mistake when reorganization took place - exposing personal privacy of public housing residents.



HB7032 - with an amendment, too.  To be able to use money in college savings acount for other needs if child is injured.  146-0.



Don't you feel safer already?  CT HOUSE right there to slap the cuffs on ransomware!!!
HB7304 - CLASS 3 FELONY "extortion

3:20ish, adjourns.







MAY 11TH HOUSE SESSION SCHEDULED TO START AT 10:30am - and it did.

7164 and 'A' - Unanimous.  135-0.  Six absent. Inside baseball bill - someone must have wanted to nail down who and when a candidate had to be a resident...or be registered (as opposed to being unaffiliated) in the Party they were being appointed by???  This happens in Weston, perhaps, or did, in the past?



CITATION TO RETIRING FIRST SELECTMAN OF MONROE


sSB844 - Public Health - technical revision.  What are the pre-natal testing HIV & Syphilis changes?  Will changing the window - we miss one of the tests?  What will the deleted section change anything - Sec 3 (c) - details details but you know what...legislators not always on top of things.  Partner refusal to give results in this bill - spread of disease.  "Needle" to "syringe" change?  Time frame change should be able to limit transmission to unborn child.
141-0 Passes in concurrence with Senate.



HB7208 - energy savings to towns and lenders - Green Bank.  135-5.





UBER AND LIFT BILL FROM INSURANCE COMMITTEE - INSURANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ASHAMED, JMO. 

sHB7216 came out of Insurance Committee not Transportation.
24 page amendment 'A' - strike all.  Roll call.  So what is the new version?  Does it reverse what the original bill said? Not.  Fast readers change votes.  Amendment passes 108-35. 


"Transportation Network Company (TNC)" - unregulated until now - Sec. 2.  How does it relate to taxi companies?  Crross state lines?  $50,000 fee to become a registered business???  Ans.  That's what Uber would agree to. 
A crock.  Bill is a hold up.  Potentially non-refundable fee is so high it precludes more companies.  I repeat - a crock.  "Picture" questions...are we protecting consumers?  Ans.  It will be up to the consumer to decide if they are in doubt.  Taxicab drivers are required to be ligit.  "Decal" required - but the drivers are using their own cars...how will the process work?  At one point does the driver accept the rider?  So if driver rejects ride because of location, no penalty.  Drivers do not have to keep records?  No.  Data is stored by TNC database.  Audit:  Doesn't require identity available.  Complaint?

No Public Hearing.  Privacy:  TNC shall not disclose w/o consent. f 200-206.  How do they get written consent?  Driver not covered by insurance.  Poorly drafted.  Where does it show that insurance is on?  Taxi industry rules and rates.  But TNC expect this regulation protection on taxis.   Restriction on cash payments.  Taxi industry being treated differently.

No licensing process for drivers.  Self-policing not a good thing. 

Was this an industry bill?  Ans.  Both TNC and taxi industries agree.  There will be cost to the state of establishing and implementing this act.  No police check.


The bill passes with some no votes (including 5 Democrats).  103-39.  Must go to Senate next.




BPR Caucus announcement (r) and thanks to intern (l).



3:09pm standing at ease...


sHB6012 - contact lenses ordered on line.





sSB976 - lco6616 'A'  random audits proposed by Probate Court (cost not to come from estates).  Unan.  And back in charge is Speaker Aresimowisz...




sHB7106 'A' lco6941 Republican amendment.   Unan.  Republicans outnumber Democrats at 4:16pm.  140-0.  Standing at ease, 4:22pm...remember this - cocktail party, we think.



Journal notes
House in Session:  Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday next week.

4:32pm. adjourned.






MAY 10, 2017 at 10:30am - we will be "tuning in" after 12 noon...when they were in recess...you'd be surprised what you can find when you actually read things!


TESLA BILL TO BE RUN...MAYBE.  IS THIS WHAT WE MISSED?  HOUSE RECONVENING 1:42pm ish.  YES! 

WE FOUND IT IN THE JOURNAL - which is the way we used to track the Legislature before C.G.A. got such a fancy website...HB6353 plus amendment 'A' - crabs in L.I. Sound bill.

HB7238 - or is it the incorrect number as posted in the Chamber...mutual aid agreements with tribes.  Or did they call the wrong bill?  Good catch!!!  Unan.  145-0.



HB7102 plus amendment - 'A' - Unan.


To be remanded to state claims commissioner.

sHJR67 - claim against the State drowning.  145-0.

sHJR73 - fell to death on State park trail.  We note there are a few "no" votes on this one (poorly marked trails contributed to fall).  This is the kind of thing that causes parks to be closed down.  MDC has an issue like this a few years ago.  138-7.

sHJR74 - went to jail didn't get medical care.  145-0.

All other claims rejected bill.  Unan.




sHB6356 as amended - tree removal.  Disgarding signs from trees.  Deep questions regarding local control being improved here.  144-1.




sHB7155 - pre-school teachers paid too little???  Early Childhood salaries increase.  Full year full day pre-school.

Back to the House at 4:23pm where they are voting on HB7196 - looks unan.  Swirching back to Senate on "Conversion Therapy"...








HOUSE SESSION TUESDAY (9th) AND WEDNESDAY (10th):  Prayer by a member.

HOUSE SESSION TUESDAY MAY 8, 2017

12:45pm...Fracking leads the way.  Two amendments debated.



HB6329 - Fracking debate and natural gas - Piscopo makes very good points, Dubitsky and Staneski, too.  Drilling makes "soup" - can we be the leader in recycling materials? Do we ban fracking on federal highways?
  • Research and innovation stifled.  Dubitsky lco6687 amendment. 'A' approved.  Over-reach.
  • 'B' lco6796 - existing statute extending deadline to write regulations - (l below);
  • Underlying bill (r) approved.



HB6219 - Study or another taskforce to get businesses to employ formerly incarcerated.  Passes.







HB5077 plus amendment;  allows pharmacies to accept unused drugs for disposal (only police can do it now in CT).  One Red marking changes to green.

3:19pm..

.

HB7207 - student data privacy.  Modifications by a taskforce.  Almost unanimous.


HB5442 - set age for marriage at 16yrs.  Unanimous.



HB7003 - bail bonds agents.  Unan.



HB7296 - amendment 'A' - unfunded liability- the Bridgeport bill.  Close but passes no vote from Norwalk.



HB6266 - mixed martial arts insurance.




HB6975 - "rolling coal" - Judiciary  rewrote Environment bill.
  • This is an example of a bill that should not pass. 
  • Legislating against backfires? 
  • "Malicious intent to backfire???" 
  • Construction vehicles not intended to he harassed.
  • This bill is a piece of non-sense and pointed out that it did not say what the "proponent" claimed - guess what?  He was right and the bill was temporarily passed (withdrawn).

We went to dinner @5:20pm...we will check to see if we missed anything at the end of the week.

6pm Adjourned






CT Senate Chamber:  "Standing at ease" or "in recess" - checking which way to vote, or in caucus.  Beware the E-Cert.  "PT" or pass temporarily doesn't mean "pass" - as in approve -  we assume!!!



What to expect
for the rest of the Session...in the blink of an eye...and now talk of giving up and spending the rest of June in Special Session on the ...budget. 

CT Senate Republicans punished with extra Session days?
E-Eye exams a good idea?   "Does that eye chart say 'E' in the top line?" asks Senator Flexer, who sometimes wears her glasses, sometimes contacts?.  In the CT Senate, the Political Parties don't see eye-to-eye with Education Committee.  So if the Lions Club was an online entity and had an "AP" for what they do manually, that would be OK?










YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT DEMOCRATS KNOW THEY KNOW BEST.
Republicans were permitted to "debate" their budget bill the way Democrats were allowed to go on and on about several bills.

Standing at ease...at 4:46pm.  My bet is that the Senate Dems will pull parliamentary procedure on the Republicans.

So where are we now, June 7th, on the "big issues?"  No budget for the next two years to be debated...T.B.D.  in Special Session maybe next week.
"...The bill passed 149-0 by the House after three-minutes of debate would allow municipalities to adjust their budgets to reflect changes in state aid. The impact will vary based on adjustments municipalities choose to make to their mill rates, and their expenditures.  Most, if not all, municipal budgets will be set before the state finalizes its budget and with the radical proposals to change municipal aid formulas, municipalities have been struggling with what numbers they should use.  Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, said if a municipality has adopted a budget to increase its mill rate this coming year to account for the shift in teacher pension payments then they can go back and decrease that mill rate if they end up adopting a budget that doesn’t include that provision..."




In the Chair. - and we wonder how many other Dems stayed around to listen?



GOOD PLACE TO START - SHORE UP THE BALANCE SHEET
At 8:11pm we tuned in...and found that indeed the Republicans are explaining their biennial budget.  What are we doing wrong?  Tax paying population leaving.  "How Money Moves" - tax structure needs to ne changed.  Spending Cap Commission recommendations.  27 yrs ago spending cap voted in at the polls.  Long term structural changes (i.e. requires legislature to approve union contracts).  Cap on bond allocations.  Encourages urban development;  regionalization but not creating new bureaucracy and new level of government.  Results first grant program.  Restores funding to the needy - elderly, other groups.

And they are continuing...9:14pm and we're out of here.

BUT:  A report on what happened from one of our favorite sources:  http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Third-tribal-casino-approved-court-action-11201908.php






SCHEDULED FOR 12 NOON - now 3:33pm and nothing doing...4pm it starts...still going on

SENATE SESSION TODAY:  Will Senate act on this?  https://ctmirror.org/2017/06/03/amid-budget-crisis-house-passes-plan-to-let-towns-adjust-tax-bills/


HB5743 - hate crimes.  JCC experience.  Gender considered a hate crime now.




HB7052 - opioids...affects everyone.  Just a comment:  if this is a public health issue and not a criminal one, why do a roll call?




HB6266 - mixed marshal arts.  Health care forever...I'm off to dinner.

CT MIRROR report:    https://ctmirror.org/2017/06/06/deal-is-struck-house-to-authorize-tribes-east-windsor-casino/

Back at 8:30pm - Senate standing at ease.

-----------------------
SENATE TALKING FAMILY LEAVE BETTER THAN A SOAP OPERA...IS IT LIVE?  DID THEY WORK ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE NIGHT?
"...But Aresimowicz said he was sleeping when the Senate passed the legislation so he doesn’t want to pass judgment on a bill he hasn’t read. He expects to break this afternoon and discuss the bill with his members..."



SENATE PASSES DOMINION BILL:  The article - http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/senate_sends_millstone_bill_to_house_in_final_hours/






SENATE TO GAVEL IN AT 2pm Friday June 2,. 2017.  Make that 3:30pm.



SB482 - "Racial impact statement" - related to prison population 35-0.



SB974 - Broadband standards, protection, data privacy.  Consent.


SB901 - Model food code.  We assume it passed.  Back to the House at 4:24pm...



SB885 - health plans for self-insured municipalities...






SB977 - Access to original birth records.  Very entertaining debate.  "PT'd" - was it something Sen. Kennedy asked?





Maybe we can develop a project like the Big Dig?
SB501 - tunnel 84-91 if the federal $$ are available 30-6.   "Recapture" of land for economic development discussed at CT TRANSPORTATION FINANCE PANEL.



...Disputed judge renomination...should have been an interesting result...



"Dreamers" bill got pulled after two hours of debate with Sen. Linares in charge.. . https://ctmirror.org/2017/06/02/college-aid-for-undocumented-students-ends-without-a-vote/


NOTE:

We're back to live House special Saturday Session...which still hasn't done anything or maybe that is the point - make Republicans drive up to CGA and wait all day, "standing at ease?"  Now after 1pm.





                           

SENATE SET FOR 12 NOON...did they open, done procedural matters and recessed for caucuses?  Looks to be almost ready to return @1:40..."immediate Senate Dem. caucus" 15 minutes til Session 2:19pm.

Hot damn - almost ready for fireworks???


SB366 'B' - called but...clerk said 'B' failed...try again..."indigent" definitions $70k to $120k.  Cost of public defender...include middle class for this purpose...not in this language...may be PT again



SB889 - Concerning airport authority fire marshal and police offices. 26-10.



SB1005 - Penal code technical changes. 

"Standing at ease" and it is 3:49pm.




CONSENT CALENDAR #1 roll call...



Standing at ease and then Dem Caucus...they'll let us know when they are ready to return.  Thena few minutes later, and announcement of an "immediate Republican caucus."



...9:52pm we tuned in...and the Senate still chugging along.


Reverse mortgage bill - passes - we missed the number.


SB981 - plus amendment - slap suit protection - consent calendar.




SB602 - task force, 'A' shelter for animals - amendments adopted.  Consent calendar...10:30pm we're out of here...




May 31...We tuned in close to the beginning...and jumped back and forth all day.

SB986 - unan. - but were the right vote results in the right colors?




CONSENT CALENDAR @3pm





SB985 - Ethics change - would employer benefit? 

SB413 - open books of semi-public entities.  'B'  expenses net neutral.  'C' - electrical entities only, we thought we heard said.




sSB734 - amendment after amendment, looking a gift horse 'B'. Gone.  Too bad.

Adjourned 5:41pm





So it is 6:39pm and nothing yet...9:36pm we pick up (having left the House after body cam)...note that the Senate did its job after "will resume shortly" for almost 9 hours.


SO WHAT WAS THE PLAN AGAIN FOR DISAPPEARING THE DEFICIT?  HAN Network report here.
We just missed it live!  While watching the House, the Senate slipped through the deficit mitigation as well as covering the shortfall.  Report from CTNEWSJUNKIE...
So when we tuned in...


SB772 'A' - An Act Requiring Emergency Generator in certain housing for the elderly...New Haven high rise project elevators and generators for all.  Electrical malfunction.
Roll call 18-18 - President of Senate plans to break a tie on broken voting machines.  How can we afford to do this - a lovely project for just one place - (Sen. Kelly is a Republican) you just can (me talking) if you have the votes.

We're going to sleep...10:22pm zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz





Senate Session May 25th at 12 noon...12:35pm and just beginning to assemble...now in Session doing judges...in caucus.  Emergency Certified Bill 7323???  Nope.  How did we miss the drone bill???


CTNEWSJUNKIE report:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2017&bill_num=sb+975

SB271 - natural gas
SB76 - mileage tax
SB136 - community health workers.


SB1041 - GPS monitoring of those awaiting trial for assault (we shortened the wording) 'A' NOT - Judiciary Committee united to double statute of limitations but not unlimited.  Payback for Judiciary blowing off "Cecil" we think.  Withdraws amendment.


SB826 - Consumer protection.  Technical changes.


SB1040 - no prob.
SB940 - UCONN skates.  5 no votes.
SB1002 - more consent?
SB635 - more consent - this deadline extension for "PPP"?



IT WAS A LONG DAY...
SB986  plus 'A' - Another amendment to a bill: Dems support with Lt. Gov. breaking tie, to not cause there to be reimbursements to towns for employees' time in court cases.  Pass Temporarily ("PT").   Huh?




SB792 - I'LL BET THIS WAS THE TRUMP UNIVERSITY BILL!!!
Tuition integrity at private - "PT" after long discussion that included questions they couldn't answer like - what would stop the colleges from establishing in another state?  Dems never had the votes and IMHO set themselves up for an embarrassing defeat - will all of these be put in the "Implementer?"

Tuesday next Session day at 1pm - 12 noon Democrat caucus, wherein the two "PT" bills in a row will no doubt be mentioned.

Adjourned way after midnight.





SENATE BACK AT MAY 24th - 12 NOON - MAKE THAT 1PM - GAMBLING DEBATE kept almost all of the Senate up until after midnight.  1:21pm - "Immediate Republican Caucus"



SB998 - industry complained about D.E.E.P.




SB445 - and 'A' - Health bill worked on in a bipartisan manner.  NO GAG ORDER ON PHARMACIST.



sSB1001 - After long discussion of the bill which makes smoking at State Parks criminal - with no announcement at the park (no smoking sign) - only on the DEEP website.
SB1001 "PT" ("passed temporarily") vote - State Parks amendment by GOP to ensure money from voluntary contributions won't get "swept" - 18-18 tie, Lt. Gov breaks tie.???  Nope.  Motion failed???  In any event they were so shook up that Lt. Gov. after waiting many minutes for the 18th senator to show up closed the vote.  The Session was almost adjourned - but oops - they remembered to approve "Consent calendars."

@5pm adjourned







SENATE SESSION MAY 23 and 24 and 25 beginning at noon.

It is 12:03pm...6:60pm it starts.



SB260 Autonomous Vehicles  - strike all - a pilot program for 4 municipalities who are into it.  Autos only for around town driving in pilot.  Questions (by my Senator).  A Task Force created.  Unan.




Sen. Martin bill (we missed the number} but trust me - it was very peculiar - a very simple bill with cost to the state aroused what I would call nasty tone usually only reserved for Fairfield County "millionaires."
'A' 18-18, LT GOV casts ballot 19-8.
And then there was a loooong discussion about allowing non-veterans and children of same to not have to sign in at Veterans organizations...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz7:45pm we cut out.  And came back to see another strike all and replace with something totally different.  By Senator Flexer, she of the smart bear non-called amendment.

And the Senate is back at it...


NEW Program
Norwalk Amendment 'A' - this is a friends of Rick bill - New London and Norwich, Hartford - if you add Norwalk you will screw up the data.  He had a point, because the State Attorney had picked the original towns because they already had programs and history.  Norwalk is a question mark.  Believe it or not, Sen. Duff put it aside after "standing at ease" briefly!


SB929 - whistle blower



And then they did this:   http://www.thewestonforum.com/78639/hwang-comments-on-david-vs-goliath-casino-fight/

From other sources:






"STRIKE ALL" - New meaning to "a wolf in sheep's clothing"

UNCALLED AMENDMENTS:
Flexer - Walt Disney - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07411-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - Bird Feeder - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07392-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - No Sunday hunting - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07378-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - bears are refugees - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07380-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - punishment for feeding the animals - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07374-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - "dangerous animals" definition - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07338-R00-AMD.htm
Duff Looney - https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/lcoamd/2017LCO07298-R00-AMD.htm



SENATE SCHEDULED TO CONVENE AT 12 noon Thursday...May 18.



BEAR BAITING OR WAS THAT HUNTING?

SB522 -  'B' was a modification w/D.E.E.P.;  'A' strike all "ivory" and 'C' for "Cecil" the lion.  Since all three were "strike all" amendments (and replace), did it matter what the bill title was?  We thought it had to have some relevance...unless the  Majority can prove they have a disability involving animal identification - a form of aphasia called "anomia."




Amendment 'B' for...bear! 
Outside adventures with bears can be dangerous.  Bear hunting.  Bear sitings could be the same bear.


Amendment 'C' a strike all.  "Ivory" sales.
Antiques.  "Scrimshaw" before 1974 exempt.  Would it affect museums?  Musical instruments, 100 years old...ivory confiscated.  Purchase of ivory outside CT?  16-19 (#19 at right).


Amendment 'D' strike all wins by virtue of parliamentary procedure 19-18 with Lt. Governor casting tie-breaking vote..  Bill with a title about Bear Hunting becomes "Cecil.the Lion" bill.  However, it has to be returned to Judiciary (Senator Kissel made that point - after a "stand at ease" - the clever leadership below moved to adjourn after getting opinion that the Senate could not all by itself pass a bill or statement favoring Cecil that referred to...bears.  Animal identification will trap you every time!!!



Three Sessions  next week.  JMO - Did they not forget to vote on consent calendar???

Adjourned 2:48pm.

P.S.  The Judiciary Committee, because of the fiscal note, we understand, met in the hall prior to the next Session day and ignored the Senate Majority.





SENATE IN SESSION MAY 17 AND 18 AT 12 NOON...already 12:26pm...they were going strong after 11pm...


We missed the first bill...number two:

SB901 - Food preparation

Veterans; to consent

SB136
SB916

Education


SBs912 Staff requirement early childhood - credentials for pre school teachers.  When?  Pre-school requirements to 2021.  Wages lowest paid.  Day care v. Pre school? 



SBs911 - Talented and gifted enhancements - consent.



SBs820 - physicians affected under "small business express
SB923 - deceased tenants items.

------------


SB506 plus amendment - vote 27- 9
After we took a nap...after 4pm...then we went to the Board of Selectmen and now it is 11pm and the Senate is still at it. 




sSB944 - Non-Conforming Uses - clarifying uses buildings or structures.   Demolition allowed?  Non-conforming lot question - what if tear down but property owner can't rebuild immediately - must state they intend to not rebuild.  (grandfathered use).  CT always strong. 


SB1020 - After midnight, as Senator Kissel notes ("good morning").  Bill seeks to protect CT from "forum shopping"mostly from London and Singapore. 



Five hours and 57 minutes - we assume not counting recess time?  So 12 noon to after midnight means 7 hours of "standing at ease."








ADJOURNED AT 11:04pm


SENATE SESSION  WEDNESDAY (10th) at 12 noon.  Now 12:30pm..."will begin shortly" and we guess the Senate Democrats haven't been able to muster 18 members yet...by 1pm.
Also THURSDAY (11th) scheduled...since they only adjourned after 11pm, the Thursday Session is no longer shown on the C.G.C. website.

Hurry up and wait department:   

 
sHB6695 and 'A' - "conversion therapy."  50% of Senate signed on.  LGBTQ ("questioning")
The big bill...therapist at risk for being charged when there is a confused adolescent.  Privacy concerns.  How do you prove it?  Medical malpractice.  Does this bill apply to churches etc.?
Senator Kissel questions:
Clergy - not affected.
Religious school nurse - not commerce.
"Any effort to..."  - not coercive.
Teacher, coach, or councilor not to do anything at the event - no.  Like "bullying."

And on they go...but wait a minute...that is not what the "Go List" says!

Sen. Witkos caught this sly one.



WE'RE OUT OF A DROUGHT - BUT CT RAINY DAY FUND NOW DRY.
OK, it is 9pm and the Senate is "standing at ease..."  Do you think it has something to do with this...see above.  His action what I can say is an objectionable term - an "Indian Giver" - but there is a bill about that!!!







May 3, 2017 Senate Session  - CALENDAR             
List of Bills (very interesting are these the ones coming and going?);  "Senate Journal" when no Session/Senate Rule (f) - "Communications from the Governor" took from 11:08am to 11:13am


It is 2:56pm "Swatting" SB26 - voting unanimous
EDUCATION SB908 -  consent calendar.
LEAD & ASBESTOS PROFESSIONALS


"Substitute" language sneaks in - oops - and also, it obvious that Republican co-chairs. haven't been told who might object
We note that Republicans are not used to being Chairmen - not as used to the idea of leading the discussion!  But they are doing fine (including our own Senator Boucher)!

Senate in recess...for purpose of CAUCUS (4:37pm)...when we turned back after dinner, all over.





THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD IS THE BETTER - AT THIS POINT WE WILL BEGIN SEPARATING COVERAGE FROM HOUSE AND SENATE


May 3, 2017 HOUSE SESSION - Calendar (no "Go List" as of 9:30pm) - question:  who decides and when which bills to call first, second, etc?

,,,12:52pm.


Rep. Srinivasan ("I get that" is how he covers the obvious politics-legal jargon ) pointed out that they had been spending 40 minutes discussing the first bill.

sHB5584 - Small business owners  answering phones?  Republicans are really annoyed.  "Hotline" will function with "available" $$.  handfull of "n" votes.  141-8.




sHB7063 - fast footwork Rep. Morris!  (Standing in for Speaker) and we know Rep. Urban had good look with her bill (but we forget which one).

sHB6741 - 'A'  143-6 (2 absent)


JUDICIARY
HB7262 - plea agreements victim to be fully informed. 147-0

HB7128 - higher ed statutes. Passed.

HB7176 - National Guard military recruitment ribbon...148-0

HB7250 - Desecration of cemeteries also aoandoned cemeteries.  149-0

We note Representative Mushinsky presiding.

HB5764 - 127-22
HB5943 - number of state employees per square feet...
HB5377 amended - 147-2


HB6675 amended - Fair Housing - roll call on "unfriendly" amendment ('B'?").  Votes on underlying bill with 'A'  76-72.
  • This bill is to take action so that the "I didn't know" defense for landlords of multi-family buildings can't get away from punishment.  69-80 amendment.
  • Fair Housing violations avoidance is intended



HB5116
- Information compiled for students and parents.  Why are we doing this?  145-2


HB6487 - amendment.  Lactation consultant.  Question re:  jaundice.  Doesn't the hospital have this re:  breast feeding.
Excuse me. what happened to "bottles" of milk?  Is it a generational thing?  Breast feading on and on and on.  Is this related to a bottle bill.


TO THE BEST OF HER KNOWLEDGE
W.T.F. are we doing talking about lactation consultants for 90 minutes.  The Representative who stood to defend this must have been surprised.  But really, it was a bad policy to dictate to Public Health Department.  So  Rep. Perrllo reworded it as 'Amendment b' and it passed (wording to make clear the Health Dept chooses where to link to).

6:34pm...still lactating...and then it was over, with the usual language placing all actions in the record of the Legislature.





May 2, 2017 House Session - "GO LIST" is ten pages long.  77 approx. bills or resolutions requiring action.


WOMEN IN BUSINESS DAY
As we wait for the House Session, we wonder if the House will  "flood the zone" throwing tons of bills out there...or will they choose to affirm Senate bills already passed by the upper Chamber???

11:42am when we tuned in...

 
HB7230 - online way to start up business.  Sec'y of State Office collaborate with D.E.C.D. 143-0 (8 not present)




HB6695 - "Converson Therapy (from paid people)."  "Gay" bill. LGBTQ.   Co-Sponsored by Minority Leader.  Heavy question - "deception" in "convergence" therapy.  So what does the "A" do?  Confused me!  141 votes yes.


JUDICIARY'S BILLS
HB7082 - unanimous - 149-0
HB6002 - "sexting" - unanimous  149-0 (2 not voting)
HB7081 - 147-2
HBs7161 - amendment -strike all - arisa related  148-0 (2 absent)

HB6881- repair to heat by landlord over weekends.  112-37 (2 absent)


sHB6749 - Public-Private Partnership.  Leverage private sector pro-business initiatives.  Is it a mandate?  Only creating "working group."  116-33

HB7037 - workman's comp- 149-0


sHB7119 - HIGHER EDUCATION.- teach out plan requirement (we assume somewhere else - when institution is closing), Pell funds wasted  145-4.
HB7120 - Is this the anti-Trump bill???  Who knows!  Unanimous support.  149-0.
JUDICIARY
HB7015 - debit card fraud, digital wallet, rental payment on foreclosed properties.

12 bills so far by 4:21pm - we may have missed a few as we only got to this at 11:42am.  Do the math:  5 hours to approved 12 bills = 25 minutes each plus "announcements" ever few hours...so if all the bill on the "GO LIST" approx. 77 were to be heard today...there aren't enough hlours in the day plus night!!  10 are bills returned from Committees to the floor;  one resolution.

BANKING BILL - bill sent to another committee by Speaker.
HB7093 - Now they lost their sound!!!  Now I got it back!!!  unan.  Interesting


HB6233 - Trauma Advisory Committee to be standing Committee  - Commissioner with amendment does not have to follow it (Rep. Steinberg made language advisory).  EMS. 

5:01pm - two bills in 40 minutes - picking up speed!!!  We have to emphasize that those bills "called" are done so in no order that can figure out.
Suspended rules for transmittal to Senate


HB5756 - amendment 'A' - Public Health - why a dental assistant on the Commission...got back to check it out at 5:34pm and it was over!


*
Is this the order bills got called?  Nope.









What was interesting to About Town that passed April 19th in either House or Senate
HOUSE WEDNESDAY APRIL 19...SENATE TO MEET ON THE 19TH AS WELL NOW...WHOA - HOUSE IS SCHEDULED FOR THE 20TH - WHICH WAS CANCELLED AT THE END OF 4-19-17.

GO (NO-GO) LIST



And the Speaker is in the chair to run the opening of the show today...stayed for the first bill...PLEASE NOTE...watch the attendance numbers on votes before hot topics show up to the floor.
Prompt!  And away we go...Calendar no. XX0302 called first - way down the list.  141-0 (8 not voting)



Calendar #266

LOGO CONTEST...to be add to it???  Well, you follow this link and finsd out for yourself.
Looks unanimous, too.  We assume because there were\ changes or further wording interjected by LCO, it is practice to vote???  144-0 (5 not voting). 


HB7103 - Governors Foot Guard - clarifying pay grades.  age 64-70 for musicians of quality.  145-0 (4 absent);  HAH - the next bill is "homeless child" to be enrolled or get a waiver for immunizations.


HB6008 - MDC advocate bill - in discussion the business of Hartford default - which is a member of MDC;  cost would have to be paid by MDC ratepayers.   145-0 (abs. 4)

HB7002 - personal; risk date.
HB7199 - Alzheimers related 143-0



HB6941 - P&D bill streamlining
HB7105 - P&D "      "


HB7169 - psychology technition.  144-0 (abs.) passed a samended.
--------
Mandate and potential mandates worked by Speaker


HB6483 - Not unanimlous 120 something yes
HB7173 - Another "may" bill on Registrars - 143 - 0



HB6981 - Taskforce Public Health - best practices. 115 yes. 
HB6979 - plus amendment "national" in addition to regional accreditation.  141 -0
HB6237 - Diabetes one time consultation.  "Another study" comment by a different representative than those above.   122-21

Standing at Ease....prior to that, action taken to send various bills various places.


UCONN HUSKYS - Chena sent her best wishes to the basketball team!  WOOF!!!.

------------

HB7022 - Childrens' Report Card - ok'd unanimolusly with we think 8 absent
HB7024 - Travel Agents - "registry" ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...amendment being discussed relates to travel insurance retailers (???).  Increase in license fee.  Absent 10 one "no"


HB7104 - Renewable Portfolio Standards - regional unity streamlining CT to the same rules as the rest of New England.   137-0  (12 absent)


HB7254 - Dyslexia bill - 136-0 (13 absent)

Not in Session tomorrow.

MAY first week will be busy with multiple session days - advanced notice.

Over after 5hrs 44min, beginning at @11:30am.  We watched gavel to gavel.






At 2PM this was the scene.  Session was up on CT-N around the time the UCONN Huskys time out took place in the House.


H.J.R. going on for perhaps an hour or so on House action...Senate not currently live (3:20pm)...


Bee Registration to consent calendar...and a whole lot of others, too.

Over in a jiffy (relatively speaking - legislative time - 1hr 8min of activity).





Let's see how long the list gets and which bills advance to PA status (prior to Governor's action/inaction/veto)
BILLS PASSED SO FAR IN THE SESSION...AS OF THE WEEKEND BEFORE APRIL 19 SESSIONS






A P R I L    1 2    H O U S E    S E S S I O N


IT SEEMS THEY WERE SPOT ON TIME!
Somebody has a sense of humor - gallows humor - as SESSION for April 12th begins.  We tuned in fifteen minutes late and they were voting on something already


HB5452 - "Student Embalmers" bill - a good way to begin a Session of the House.  143-0 (6)

  
PERSONAL PRIVILEGE:  Rep. Urban honors "Kid Governor" who won the title by supporting animal rights!  WOOF!!!  Special Ed shout out...
 



VOTING...
Bill to support subcontractors - "AYES HAVE IT" on amendment;  vote by roll on underlying bill.  25 nays.


HB7110 - Veterans' Affairs.  Technical bill plus amendment.  Amendment:  Optional property tax exemption gold star families.  Increased mill rates.  But not a mandate.  Looks to be unanimous???

We stepped away for about 30 minutes...


HB6506 - OMG is this not going to pass (it was an amendment)?  149 voting: 74-75 - passed temporarily...

HB7112 - child trafficking among other kids' rights stuff.  We'd bet unan.


Problems with this?  How do bartenders card, determine drunkenness - same as the way it is done now.
sHB5730 - automatic bear and wine - self-pouring, bartender determines sobriety??  Apparently a poorly drafted bill - no one truly explained why this is really new idea for us (as opposed to saying how many other states do it [r. Legislator who uses this as his opening comment on why CT should do things]).  129-19.


HB7229 - Brownfield Land Banks.  Good questions on what is eligible.  "Land Bank" will now be voluntary (compared to last Session when the Governor vetoed it because of fiscal note when it was not voluntary).


Speaker take the gavel...


HB6260 - Autism re: police contact,  Part of police training curriculum - how can this be done without additional cost?  Umbrella training - this will be included not mandated (our words).  



HB5591 - I thought I was going crazy - the bill had disappeared - the one making illegal asking job applicant's anything about their work history.  Thank you CTNEWSJUNKIE: http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/tamer_pay_equity_bill_clears_house/



HB5591 - Pay equity.  Great question on how a woman out on pregnancy leave can be compared to one who has not been.


EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK - THE QUESTION OF WHICH HOURS DESERVE $$.   The 1000 hours rule a puzzle.nine no votes.
Politically correct statement.  Other questions point out that nobody understands.  That won't stop anyone from voting for the bill.  Professor example...why do this bill???  Seniority and family leave issue.  Family leave must be 1000 hours (Rep. Porter).  Nine no votes?

ADJOURN 5:08pm.






WHILE WE WAIT FOR HOUSE SESSION AT NOON, WE PONDER THE CALENDAR...AND WE'RE OFF AND RUNNING!
So what bills will be called?  Is there a correlation with which bills get press just prior to a Session Day?  Knowing in advance is the politics, but knowing what happened is public record, if you know how to find it!



 "How A Bill Becomes A Law" - without the machinations.
Our plan is to follow along each Session of either House or Senate or both the same day.  Each day either or both House and Senate are in Session, 2017.

    
NOPE
How about this one - our pick to sneak in???  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/BA/2017HB-05210-R000050-BA.htm


     
After APRIL FOOL'S DAY, but before APRIL 15 (18 actual)...
So what's up?  Is there a "call" available on the C.G.A. website to say who selects which bills for debate?  Not exactly - but here is a link:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/cln/h/2017HCL00405R00-CLN.htm


HB7025 - with amendments 147 - 0
For the insurance industry - a "tool" to manage their business in "writing" various lines.  To make subsidiaries.  They could close one without affecting their company's bottom line.  This is a bill the industry wrote (IMHO).

HJR 108 - unanimous
HJR 109 - looking good to be unanimous...yup.
Announcements/introductions.
HJR111 - http://www.ct.gov/jrc/site/default.asp


HB6432 - real estate commercial disclosure tightening.


HB7159 - bi-literacy bill - unanimous.
Announcement/introduction - suicide prevention.  Two different representatives.


HB7156 - student records homeless - unaccompanied access to records.  Emancipated v. unaccompanied difference?  Legal or undocumented - does it make a diference in definition of homelessness.  Many questions including who has a parent and who does not.
(This is a way around kids from out of district can register in another district?)  Homeless youth issue.  Parental involvement vital.  "Emancipated" minors.  This is how to get your records without having your parents see them...it is to me a piece of legislation that is not necessary.  Rep. Fishbein (sp? not pictured) made a lot of good points!  122-24 (3 abs.)

HB5928 - farm breweries permit.
Should Lachat look into this?  Probably not since there is a commercial aspect to this!!!  Looks like a unanimous yes!


HB5884 - prohibits coal tire sealants (hydrocarbons)...asphalt based products best replacement (Pomphret has used it in ignorance)..law not needed.  Nobody will vote against it.  135-9

HB7129 - Judiciary Committee - required investigating office to state a conclusion (when a person has died).  Although he voted for it, Rep. Fishbein made a number of excellent points!
HB7131...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - 4:37pm and we're out of here...it passed with one no.
HB7237 - DEAF BILL...

HB7007 - Pilot for non-profits - GOP questions.  Ans. - They don't know how much money this might cost...5:10pmService delivery non-profit.  JMO - a waste of money?  Rep. Fishbein finds the weakness...we went to dinner...upon returning:
HB7114 - AN    ACT CONCERNING  THE  SALE  OF  ENTERTAINMENT  EVENT TICKETS ON THE SECONDARY MARKET...
And we've had enough - they seem to be sticking to the bills almost in order (or not)...it ended at 5:45pm...we'll catch up on the few bills and debate tomorrow!


                                 
 

     
SPEAKER JOE A. IN CHARGE...LEGISLATIVE SESSION MARCH 8th
...So what's up?
Resolution, introductions first. Brass City Kings Football Team recognition - semi-pro football - National Champion from Waterbury.  Kids recognized.

------

 
More necessary business.  Memorializing Mary Fritz.  Wallingford civics teacher.

     
SUPREME, FAMILY COURTS...Guardian ad litem
Seven people watching on...now 5 (YouTube).  "Easier to believe Judges than parents" says Rep. Gonzalez.  Minority Leader objects to tone (my word)...119-26 approves.









Comment on E-Cert Bill from Senate Co-Leader and House Minority Leader...does she expect to see it in the House?



IT AIN'T OVER - E-CERT.  WE ONLY FOUND THIS (HOW DID WE MISS IT???) ON CT-N:  https://ct-n.com/ondemand.asp?ID=13824

  

       
EMERGENCY CERTIFIED BILL - "E-Cert"
  • MOTION TO TABLE SB1006 - Needs a second - Markely seconds. 
  • THIS IS IT for the question about putting off local decisions.  17-18; must  vote on bill now:
  • 169 'Principalities' according to Sen. Cassano, who urges passage; 
  • "Permissive" in nature (above, right)...sure it is...
  • What is this bill doing?  Nada.
  • Pulled temporarily by action by Senate leadership - no vote! 
----------------------------

Earlier in the day it was the usual stuff...

  

SENATE DOING RECOGNITION WHEN WE TUNED IN AFTER LUNCH...RESOLUTIONS




JUDGE WHO HAS SHEEP (ABOVE) GRAZING, AMONG OTHERS
The Judge who donated kidney to Sen. Looney.  Judges, judges, judges...referees (for judges over the age of 70 if they want to do it).

  
SEN. FRITZ WAS THE CONVEYANCE BILL
"Tough lady"  Duff says, "from a different era." - Sen. Fasano tells a great story!!!
   





February first Session.  COORDINATED MUSIC, seems less classical...more low-brow?

  
House called for 11am, Senate 12:30pm
C A L E N D A R   L I N K   O N    E A C H    B O D Y   O F    T H E    C . G . A .   P I C T U R E    A B O V E
SESSION WEDNESDAY FEB 1  TO  VOTE ON REVISED PAYMENT SCHEDULE IN S.E.B.A.C. CONTRACT


  
House called for 11am, Senate 12:30pm
SESSION WEDNESDAY FEB 1  TO  VOTE ON REVISED PAYMENT SCHEDULE IN S.E.B.A.C. CONTRACT        
Graphic art by M.S. Wirtenberg

HOUSE
Working their way through their agenda of appointments...big item may not have been attacked yet.  We were at a meeting until 11am and only got home @15 min. after the scheduled start time and the House is in recess already???  



Encomiums expressed
RULES suspended to honor late State Rep.Betty Boukus.  "Do the right thing at all times."


1:55pm


    

INVESTORS CONCERNED AND A LOT OF REPUBLICANS.
The agreement to be voted upon.  What is the actual return?  Why is the 6.9% not the right number...what has been the acrtual number historically?  Only one page???  "Kick the can down the road" approach.  Not going to get one vote from Republicans.
By the way this is a "refinancing" like those people who get their refrigerators on time.





No way out.



Minority Leader makes excellent points and perhaps contributes to vote being only 4 shy of a tie.

HR8 - 148 voting   76-72
--------------------




SENATE
Not due until 12:30pm...now 1:11pm- 1:37pm Sen. Duff begins.


  

Doing the Betty Boukus memorial...



HIGH DRAMA?
Senate debating it...close to the end, Senate Leaders now speaking...vote is a tie and Lt. Governor votes to break it.
Point of order asking why she has to vote since the agreement is approved if it is a tie, but Lt. Governor decides to vote anyway.
-------------

CHECK OUT COMMENT FROM CT MIRROR - AND THEY CERTAINLY DID AN ABOUT FACE!

NOT A VOTE ON UNION CONTRACT/GIVEBACK/EXTENSION???
http://ctmirror.org/2017/01/23/budget-committee-rejects-malloys-plan-to-lock-in-dcf-spending/
SEN. OSTEN
"...Of the 12 state senators on the committee, ten voted against the plan and two in favor of it. Democrats who crossed party lines to vote against their Democratic governor’s plan included Sens. Mae Flexer, Cathy Osten, Gayle Slossberg and Gary Winfield..." (CT MIRROR report)







January 18th Session of Legislature (for Judiciary system appointments and re-appointments)



     

HOUSE SESSION January 18, 2017 began at 11am and is still going on at 4pm...you go girl (below right)!

      
Rep. Slap, at the left, speaks for the first time on the floor.  Rep. Tong (Co-Chair. of Judiciary Committee) & Rep. Rebimbus (Ranking Member) do the presentations.   We note Black & Latino Caucus members in both
House (Rep. Minnie Gonzalez)  and Senator Winfield (not pictured) actively opposing judges that they feel are against the poor and helpless.  "He don't have no respect" comment got the vote of Rep. Steinberg on one of her arguments one against judge's re-appointments.







OPENING DAY

      
We are betting on a busy Session at Planning & Development ; Yankee Institute report on Hartford (boy do we have the pulse of the Legislature)


AND THEY'RE OFF - HOUSE REPUBLICANS were ready first...then http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/PDF/2017-SDCommittees.pdf


       
GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS LINGERS...
Our running commentary.

Governor's address.was to be formally placed here - be we didn't do it because by the time we got around to try to do it, the budget address took all the steam out of it!  FYI - My first observation is that he has kept everyone waiting for a record length of time.

Joint Session. 

Nancy Wyman introduces Government Officials including past Speakers of the House .  Prayer.  12:42 pm start of speech.

Sikorsky, UTC, Electric Boat.  Ramping up.  Aerospace investment.  (Thank you Donald - my note.)  "Predictable and sustainable."

    3 keys areas in his budget (full address in February):

    Lean state government.  Reduced number of agencies.  Less on overtime.  Additional savings.  Budget next month.  Agencies must continue efficiency.

    Pension System: Unfunded liabilities.  After 80 years only one third set aside.  State has fully funded pension obligations.  Much more to do.  Must reach agreement to make retirement affordable.

    Aid for education and other 1/5 of budget Town aid:  Are we spending $$ in the best way?  C.C.J.E.F.  Level playing field.  A new way to guarantee access to education (formula).  Town Aid, current enrolllment.  NO BANKRUPTCY.  Real change needs to be made this year.

Governor says we have recovered jobs during his "First Five etc"   Low unemployment (we doubt this).  CT safer than it has been in 50 years.  Predictability.  What we have learned from the Election.  Connecticut is a welcoming place.


  
What we heard was "Don't worry, this is Connecticut and nothing the Federal Government asks us to do will be done."  What's next for Public Education?

Well, we can't wait for SPEAK UP February 4th to hear from our  State Legislators what was meant by this:

(Quoting from CTNEWSJUNKIE this morning:  Story in full

“If you’re going to go it alone, you’re going to have to come up with the money to do that,” Aresimowicz added.

House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said the legislature can’t withhold money from municipalities and then require them to do more.

“You can’t talk out of both sides of your mouth,” Klarides said. “Yet, we’re still going to give you all of these mandates you can’t afford.” )

Of course he can speak out of both sides of his mouth, he thinks he's in charge!






LAND USE AND THE ENVIRONMENT:  A.K.A. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OUR PRIMARY FOCUS PLUS BUDGET;

What changes in Regional Planning entities, such as the Metropolitan District Commission, are coming?  Powers increased?  What bills will be introduced of interest to About Town?

      

        
WHAT DOES THE STATE CONSTITUTION SAY?
Sometimes administrative matters become intertwined as power struggles ensue.  This should be interesting - like watching the bouncing ball?

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE GREATER HARTFORD AREA

Known as "The Insurance Capital of the World."  Metropolitan District Commission the oldest regional planning body in the U.S.A.  CT population = 3,579,000;  maybe (almost) Queens and The Bronx? (Source:  Wikipedia)







DRONES, CRUMB RUBBER:  Watch for square dances on the floor...and beware crumbling foundations in this bill ( or similar bills sHB7175 or SB905):    https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/BA/2017SB-00806-R000301-BA.htm
THE SONG THAT ENDED ALL SQUARE DANCES IN MY YOUTH
This is the period when the analogies between C.G.A. and square dancing apply:  "Goodnight Irene" ends the Regular Session...."do si do your partner et al" (sent to G.A.E. from the floor and do it again) not to mention "allemande left" (sent to related Committee from the floor and returned to the floor).  And for a lesson for the Education Committee, now having completed JF process as one of the earlier Committees perhaps because there is always a cost to what the do:  The Jesse Polka!  Transportation Committee - "For whom the bell tolls" department:  https://ctmirror.org/2017/03/17/legislative-panel-backs-tolls-but-bill-faces-uncertain-future/

P L A N N I N G    &   D E V E L O P M E N T   C O M M I T T E E
First Meeting Friday the 13th at 9:30am (1-13-17) - not on CT-N.
Here we are on March 27th...which bills will go to the floor?  And which will have had P.H., not get out of Committee, and somehow in Special Session, get slipped into an "Implementer?"

There seems to be more than one way to get there:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=pd

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommDocList.asp?comm_code=pd&doc_type=jfr

Were any of our "favorites" in these groups of bills? 

MISSION:  TAKE AWAY POWER FROM MUNICIPALITIES... AND BOARDS OF ED?

We've been expecting this since the taskforce
January Session, 2017
Proposed Substitute Bill No. 922
LCO No. 5751
AN ACT CONCERNING TEMPORARY HEALTH CARE STRUCTURES.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/pddata/sl/2017SB-00922-R00LCO05751-0324PD-SL.PDF


Oh really?
Committee Bill No. 6470
AN ACT CONCERNING LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/pdf/2017HB-06470-R01-HB.pdf

A study (by OPM?)

Raised H.B. No. 7297
Session Year 2017
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION IN THE DUTY TO PROMOTE FAIR HOUSING AND REQUIRING A STUDY OF CONNECTICUT'S HOUSING INVENTORY AND CURRENT AND FUTURE HOUSING NEEDS.
To establish a private right of action in the duty to promote fair housing and require a study of the state's housing inventory and current and future housing needs.


Let communities bond for OPEB
Raised H.B. No. 7296
Session Year 2017
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE FUNDING OF UNFUNDED ACCRUED MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM LIABILITIES BY MUNICIPALITIES.
To permit municipalities to authorize and issue municipal employees' retirement system pension funding bonds.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07296-R00-HB.htm


Raised H.B. No. 7219 ( as improved by others)
Session Year 2017
AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT.
To require the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to conduct a study regarding municipal development.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-07219-R01-HB.htm

A study by OPM
Raised S.B. No. 977 (a JFS in progress)
Session Year 2017
AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL LAND USE.
To require the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to conduct a study regarding issues relating to municipal land use in this state.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/s/2017SB-00977-R00-SB.htm


Take away funding from COGS unless...
H.B. No. 6920
AN ACT CONCERNING THE POWERS OF MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENTS.
To limit the availability of regional performance incentive program grants to regional councils of governments, permit municipalities to form local agricultural councils, establish certain requirements for cooperative economic development commissions and grant certain powers to regional councils of governments.  Language as JF'd:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/TOB/h/2017HB-06920-R01-HB.htm

If you don't get a water bill you don't count.
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY RESIDENTS WITH UNMET NEEDS BASED ON UNPAID WATER UTILITY BILLS.
To establish a pilot program to identify residents with unmet needs based on unpaid water utility bills.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB115&which_year=2017

.

BILLS VOTED OUT OF COMMITTEE:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=pd

 

NOW WE ARE GETTING MORE SERIOUS...AS FIRST SENATE BILLS EMERGE...SENATOR HWANG ON P&D - Public Hearings coming
First out of the gate are "Proposed Bills" usually suggested by legislators after requests from constituents and our choice of "most likely to get nowhere". 

PUBLIC HEARING:




February 22, 2017 not on CT-N.- they are following Environment instead (single-use plastic bags)
February 15, 2017


SENATE BILLS

 
Committee Bill
AN ACT ELIMINATING THE MUNICIPAL SPENDING CAP
To eliminate the municipal spending cap.

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00779&which_year=2017

Feb 3 PH
AN ACT CONCERNING CONVENING SPECIAL TOWN MEETINGS BY APPLICATION OF INHABITANTS
To increase the number of inhabitants required on an application to invoke a special town meeting
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00453&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING THE MAILING OR DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS AND TELEPHONE BOOKS
To require newspapers and telephone books be either hand delivered or mailed to recipients
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06685&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES ON MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS.
To protect municipalities from unfunded state mandates and provide property tax relief.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB455&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING DUPLICATIVE MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS.
To provide cost savings to municipalities by permitting the merger of duplicative administrative functions.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB378&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF IN-LAW APARTMENTS.
To encourage senior citizens to age in place in community settings rather than seek institutionalized long-term care.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB457&which_year=2017

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY RESIDENTS WITH UNMET NEEDS BASED ON UNPAID WATER UTILITY BILLS.
To establish a pilot program to identify residents with unmet needs based on unpaid water utility bills.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB115&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
To allow transparency in the process of approving contracts for management positions negotiated by boards of education.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB49&which_year=2017



HOUSE BILLS
 
AN ACT CONCERNING THE POLITICAL COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN MUNICIPAL BODIES
To exempt municipal bodies that are advisory in nature and do not have regulatory powers from political composition requirements.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05554&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING INCENTIVES FOR MUNICIPAL REVITALIZATION PROJECTS.
To create vibrant and livable communities by providing incentives to municipalities for undertaking local revitalization projects that contribute to the cultural and economic growth of the community.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5592&which_year=2017

--------

SEE HOUSING COMMITTEE FOR MORE

AN ACT ELIMINATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS.
To relieve municipalities of burdensome affordable housing requirements.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5293&which_year=2017

--------

AN ACT ALLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF PUBLIC NOTICE ON A MUNICIPAL INTERNET WEB SITE.
To allow for the publication of public notice on a municipal Internet web site in lieu of a weekly newspaper.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5322&which_year=2017

AN ACT PERMITTING THE POSTING OF LEGAL NOTICES ON MUNICIPAL WEB SITES.
To allow municipalities to post legal notices and meeting minutes on their Internet web site rather than in a newspaper.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5160&which_year=2017

-------

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE MUNICIPAL SPENDING CAP.
To provide financial relief to municipalities.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6227&which_year=2017

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE MUNICIPAL SPENDING CAP.
To provide financial relief to municipalities.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6229&which_year=2017

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE MUNICIPAL SPENDING CAP.
To provide fiscal relief to municipalities.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5450&which_year=2017

AN ACT REPEALING THE MUNICIPAL MILL RATE CAP.
To provide mandate relief to municipalities.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5321&which_year=2017

------------------

AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AND EDUCATION FUND PAYMENTS.
To increase municipal budget certainty and reliability by giving towns the ability to budget based on the actual amount of state funds provided.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5156&which_year=2017

--------------

AN ACT CONCERNING PASSAGE OF MUNICIPAL MANDATES.
To require a two-thirds vote of the membership of both chambers in order to pass any new or expanded unfunded mandates.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6227&which_year=2017

Had public hearing yet?  We don't think so...
AN ACT INCREASING THE THRESHOLD REQUIRED FOR PASSAGE OF UNFUNDED MUNICIPAL MANDATES.
To require a two-thirds majority vote of both chambers in order to pass any new or expanded unfunded mandates.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5158&which_year=2017


AN ACT CONCERNING THE PASSAGE OF NEW STATE MANDATES TO MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS.
To require the vote of two-thirds of each chamber of the General Assembly to enact a new unfunded state mandate.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5558&which_year=2017

--------------

CHANGE OF REFERENCE

TO ENERGY&TECHNOLOGY
AN ACT AUTHORIZING DISTRICTS FOR COMMUNITY BROADBAND SYSTEMS
To authorize districts for community broadband systems
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06480&which_year=2017

--------------

HOW TO FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR'S BILLS AT P&D:  We note that hot links above should get you to this information.







Watch this spot for our favorite bills originating at Env and commentary.  Bills voted out of Committee including three related to the bottle bill (see story below):  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=env

WHOA - three bills alive (we think these are the ones) that do different things - what a mess:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/dueling_bills_to_expand_or_repeal_connecticuts_bottle_bill_move_forward/
E N V I R O N M E N T    C O M M I T T E E
      



E N V I R O N M E N T    C O M M I T T E E   J F   MARCH 22-17


THE AGENDA FOR JF ON ENVIRONMENT
Senator Kennedy now the Chair. of Environment;  when first we began observing C.G.A., Rep. Mushinsky was Chair.


Emergency order we just googled while listening to debate on SB506.
http://www.aquarion.com/files/pdfs/State_Issues_New_Water_Supply_Emergency_Order-3-2-17.pdf




MANDATE NOT NEEDED?  WHY WAIT?  HOW DUMB ARE THEY - WATER COMPANIES ARE THERE TO SELL WATER J.M.O.
Will this affect well owners?  I think I heard that half the households in CT were on private wells.  This bill might be one Weston cares about.  Bossie doesn't think this is a good bill.  Fishing is going down in mandates.

CHICKENS AROUSED - WHY COWS ONLY?  SB999
 


FARM 500kw DIGESTERS ALTERNATIVE REVENUE PILOT MAKING MANURE PROFITABLE
Interesting...some bills are picked out as duplicative - and in my opinion, just another way to confuse the floor process.  ("Strike all...")


PASSING BILLS THAT DO THE SAME THING
Plastic bag bills similar.  Amendment fails.


SB994
I have to admit that this argument reminds me of "The enemy of the good is the better" quote.


BARELY LOST - AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY
SB994 - Sen. Minor says it will be followed by other conservatives.



SECONDARY MATERIALS INDUSTRY BILL - SIMILAR TO DELAWARE
This is a revolutionary-European-like concept for recycling.  Bottle Bill fund keeps the budget whole.  "Need to get nickles out of the system."  We don't think it passed.


RECYCLING/REDEMPTION CENTERS
HB5618 - raising the rate for redemption ($$ per bottle).  A chore to follow the bills if there are two of the same kind that can be switched.


500 gallons and below. 


J.F.S. to F.R.B.



WE ARE WATCHING THE NEXT DAY - SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND OUT
So what ultimately got JF'd?  We'll follow up!   Previously a few bills JF'd.


##






  
MARCH 3, 2017:  WE  WATCHED THE END LIVE:
  ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING - JF ACTIONS.  Final result of Friday morning meeting left open 'til 4pm for other members to vote (until 4pm).


P.H. Mar. 13, 2017...includes budget-related matters.

         
S.B.605 - Boy did she whack'm.  Cut schools but build maintenance garage.  We cannot afford to maintain what we have.  CHEEP.
  
INVESTMENTS:  DIVERSITY OF OPPORTUNITY - camp grounds before Memorial Day, after Labor Day nixed
On the issue of Klee testimony - a bit of administrator lingo - but desire to balance expenses with gate receipts (to General Fund).  Silver Sands parking - really, this is the issue, too:  Port-a-poty replaced by bathrooms.
22 year old environmental impact statement being used:  More local control.  Natural state and in a residential neighborhood - will be hurting wold life.  Testimony for more parking - isn't this a reason to approve it?  Capacity now.


SMOKING BAN BILL AT STATE PARKS?  What is relation to repeating "sweeps" of funds? 

TOXIC WASTES FROM ONLY ONE TECHNOLOGY? 



CARBON PRICE TAX "LOCK BOX" C.B.I.A.:  Raising 7247 as a bill is devastating to for example, the airline industry.  Unintended consequences.  More and more...another take from those who can pay to those who the government in Hartford wants to reward.  DEFICIT REDUCTION.

             
CARBON PRICE TAX:

He loves it (l) and (r) would it be considered to lower other taxes?  Bossie not convinced it won't end up in a manure tax.  Half of emissions from cars, trucks.  Carbon tax solution in favor.


          

 Dairy farmer and digester manufacturer LANGUAGE will kill existing Southington facility for food waste:  methane digester since 1997 - SB999
Company that builds the digester - food waste important.  Need 180 milking cows (130 CT farms).  Where does the language stand now to protect existing farmer doing this?


From CTNEWSJUNKIE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/is_it_time_to_increase_or_eliminate_connecticuts_bottle_bill/


S.B. No. 996
(RAISED) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BOTTLE RECYCLING FEE IN LIEU OF A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT.
H.B. No. 5618 (COMM) AN ACT CONCERNING AN INCREASE IN THE HANDLING FEE FOR BOTTLE REDEMPTION CENTERS.
S.B. No. 1000 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING COMMERCIAL USES FOR RECYCLED GLASS. (ENV)


Biodiesel fuel v. kelp...not finished yet (started before lunch - now dinner time - didn't hear anything about recycling bills except that all those who did mention them didn't think they were either necessary or well writtem..






P.H. Feb. 22, 2017...very entertaining.  Report 2-24-17 from CTNEWSJUNKIE:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/connecticut_lawmakers_debate_what_to_do_with_tax_on_plastic_bags/
This public hearing is about 15 bills.   One of them is a bill about tertiary treatment but it just in the simple description so far appears to require funding to study things.  For this reason, it may not get anywhere, but you never know!

David Sutherland of the Nature Conservancy testified against the "barge" bill regarding rising tides.  Turns out this is a special deal for New Haven and Long Wharf, who would like to have dining alternatives for theater goers (Mayor's representative spoke on this);  Rep. Urban spoke for feral cats and so far no one was speaking for coyotes (Mrs. Fox was in the audience [see below] and that is what she tells About Town).

Power Company end run around trees?

Plastic Bag bill I think stands a good chance this year if it gets a report that doubling return fee to 10 cents it will bring in revenue!  And trees also were on the agenda of this PH agenda.

        
        

This late in the Session, we note end runs don't get by - remember the displeasure (we think in Greenwich), over tree cutting?  NOT TO MENTION WESTON...

AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC NOTICE OF TREE REMOVAL ON MUNICIPAL PROPERTY - SENT BACK TO JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
Following the CT Senate is very difficult to do while watching "live" because many many bills are sent to "Consent Calendars."  Hoho - we figured it out!   See below the last part of this proposed bill:





BILLS COMING OUT...! 
And second meeting will set some up for hearing and also send some to LCO for drafting, too...

SENATE BILLS

AN ACT CONCERNING PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING THE DISPOSITION OF A DOG THAT HAS ATTACKED OR BITTEN A PERSON.
To recognize abuse as a mitigating factor in any proceeding involving the disposition of a dog that has attacked or bitten a person.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB105&which_year=2017

AN ACT ESTABLISHING FINES FOR PERSONS WHO HARASS OR INTERFERE WITH SERVICE ANIMALS.
To protect service animals and the persons they assist.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB517&which_year=2017



HOUSE BILLS

AN ACT PROMOTING WATER CONSERVATION AND ASSURING ADEQUATE WATER
SUPPLY
To restructure water rates to assure ongoing revenue stability necessary to protect the
public access to a safe, quality water supply.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB6323&which_year=2017

Catnip tax next?
AN ACT REQUIRING THE LICENSING OF CATS.
To require the licensing of cats in the same manner as the licensing of dogs
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5874&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.
To establish consistent regulations of underground storage tank life expectancy and to alleviate financial pressure on local school and municipal budgets.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5420&which_year=2017

AN ACT CONCERNING THE THRESHOLD FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S REVIEW OF COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS.
To raise the threshold for what constitutes a community water system.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5416&which_year=2017

     
OPENING MEETING
Rep. Dunsby states the case for privately held open space in his district important to environment of the other towns and cities not in his district.

      
SECOND MEETING, THE THIRD...MEOW!!!  Public Hearing testimony pits hunters against non-hunters as bears head for the hills.
What we saw happening online...everything approved but meeting held open until 4pm so that members not present might register their votes.
Next meeting is Fri Jan 27 Committee meeting to raise more bills and these are they

PH Fri Feb 3 at 10am - not on agenda but related...
  
Up for hearing are "proposed" bills.  That would be from constituents or lobbyists suggestions to legislators.   Stalking horse for MDC?  The reason why some suspicious.


CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORT:  On "Bottled Water" bill PH a familiar face testifies - http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/as_drought_continues_enviro_committee_hears_concerns_about_water_bottling/
                   
NOTE:  Link to statements made by Environment Committee Chair. last Session:  http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/branford/entry/kennedy_e-cert/





Go direct to other Committees possibly of interest this session...



G O V E R N M E N T    A D M I N I S T R A T I O N    A N D    E L E C T I O N S ,    H O U S I N G  ( S E N .   H W A N G )   A N D    E D U C A T I O N    N O W    C O M M E R C E  -  H O T    L I N K S    B E L O W





   
OTHER ISSUES like education funded thru property tax sharing concept  AND COMMITTEES INCLUDING G.A.E.
2017 spotlight on G.A.E. re:  National Popular Vote Compact - Public Hearing on several bills  Feb. 22:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/gaedata/pha/2017PHA00222-R001000GAE-PHA.htm




HOUSING COMMITTEE:

And on the edge of legislative action...

Blow by blow of another Housing FORUM
Sponsored by Partnership for Strong Communities with Joe McGee moderating.

-------------

              
Partnership for Strong Communities
We watched the forum live (Commissioner [l] other persons were on the second panel).  REPLAY HERE.  Any housing bills this Session impact Weston?  "Inclusionary zonng?"








COMING tomorrow,,,before Session
Public Safety and Security Committee
CT LOTTERY CORPORATION INFORMATIONAL FORUM AGENDA
Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 9:00 AM IN ROOM 2D OF THE LOB

I. CONVENE MEETING
II. REMARKS BY THE CHAIRS
III. INFORMATIONAL SESSION WITH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1. CASH 5 GAME

2. SEVERANCE PACKAGE OF FORMER C.E.O. OF CLC

IV. ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING
V. ADJOURNMENT








PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE TWO HOUR MEETING...DRONED ON...
So here we are on May 1, 2017 at Public Safety and Security Committee for them to review bills forwarded from the floor...into caucus mode after 41 seconds.

Public Safety and Security Committee
MEETING AGENDA, Monday, May 1, 2017
1:00 PM IN ROOM 2B OF THE LOB

I. CONVENE MEETING/THEN THEY CAUCUSED FOR AN HOUR
II. REMARKS BY THE CHAIRS
III. BILLS FOR REVIEW

1. Substitute for H.B. No. 7260 (RAISED) (File No. 639) AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE AND REGULATION OF DRONES. (JUD,PS)/"HELD THE BILL" 
Report later from -   http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/public_safety_committee_grounds_drone_legislation/

IV. ANY OTHER BILLS OR RESOLUTIONS LEGALLY BEFORE THE COMMITTEE AFTER THE PREPARATION OF THIS AGENDA/nothing said
V. ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING/nothing said
VI. ADJOURNMENT
/done

What does this all mean?  It can end up killing it or just hanging around waiting to get lucky, or, in Special Session, being inserted in the Implementer.












NEWS
Hartford-Springfield new train service runnng out of money before it even opens?
http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-hartford-rail-line-update-issues20180112-story.html#nws=true





CONNECTICUT DRIVING BLIND INTO THE FUTURE ANYWAY...AND CTNEWSJUNKIE REPORT ON UNION STATION RALLY FOR TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS
No more back seat driver - "autonomous" automobiles take to the roads.  Renewal thru public/private partnership?  How about a new historic district for Hartford centered around Richardson's rail station renewal?

   








TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE P.H. - 11AM UNTIL 4:48PM (still more speakers but it was enough for me!)
"How are Connecticut Legislative Public Hearings like cattle calls?" asks Bossie.



GOP Plan on gas tax.
Sen. Fasano points out in testimony there has to be a prioritized plan.

          
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS...
Can we wait?  Will technology catch up and make it unnecessary to install present designs?  Can "Lock Box" work?  A million a mile for construction.  Methods changing.

    
     
MPO'S AND TRUCKERS HAVE A TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT IDEA ON EXISTING RAIL CORRIDORS (TRUCKERS AGAINST LOWER FAIRFIELD COUNTY)
COG thinks this bill is legislative overreach.  Slows process.  River Valley COG on tolling.  Naugatuck against HB7138 - "ppp" should be increased.  Truck guy explains highway users pay for transit.  Number of trucks 5%.

More testimony from engineers this time to 7138.  Delay delay delay.  CT DOT using "fastrac."  Bog down the system, Chair. notes others think so too.


CAN'T HAVE CONGESTION  PRICING BECAUSE ONLY IN A PART OF STATE
Toll bills.  HB7138.  Tolls can be and are avoided.  Transform CT a good plan .  Recommends coordination by corridor.  And WestCOG director gets enthusiastic praise from Committee for his presentation!!!  (Rarely happens.)








T R A N S P O R T A T I O N   C O M M I T T E E    I N F O R M A T I O N A L    F O R U M  :   Commissioner Redeker answers questions.



    
TRANSPORTATION T.O.D.
to Transportation Committee, Feb. 15, 2017.  Danbury Line gets platform and "up and over" to Merritt Seven station.

  
Bike-Ped:  Note Weston participating.  If towns have width requirements for R.O.W., add roadway narrowing to permit walk-bike lans...everywhere a thru road?




PREVIOUSLY...AND WE MEAN A LONG TIME AGO

      
This time, to compensate for gas tax revenue

TRANSPORTATION BUZZ - TOLLS AGAIN
"COMPACT" - shouldn't that be in the Transportation CommitteeAutonomous vehicle   ph on naming bridge, school bus funding;  bill on $300k study of "mileage tax";  Watch out for action at Education Committee on this issue.

We watched organizational meetings of Labor and Commerce Committees - going on at the same time but perhaps not in the same universe?  And next day, Transportation Committee too.  Plus Environment.  And the Friday the thirteenth Finance Revenue and Bonding opening meeting...and a replay

Plus CT BIENNIAL BUDGET/ CT SPENDING CAP...

                     

Projected at only 35% of retirement covered:  http://ctmirror.org/2017/01/05/future-payment-scheme-takes-a-heavy-present-toll-on-state-pension-fund/

And how about these awesome unemployment numbers
Great reason for Washington D.C. to cut funding to obviously healthy and growing CT, if you believe the official word...you think this is a possibility?

S.E.B.A.C. agreement official press release:  http://portal.ct.gov/en/Office-of-the-Governor/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2016/12-2016/Gov-Malloy-and-State-Employee-Unions-Reach-Agreement-on-Pensions



Dannel uses John's playbook. 
Bypass the Legislature, pass the buck to future.  Can the Legislature force a vote? 







"CONSENSUS DEFICIT" ANNOUNCED POST ELECTION
http://ctmirror.org/2016/11/10/eroding-revenues-widen-gap-in-next-state-budget-by-500m/

---------------

BIENNIAL BUDGET LOOK-AHEAD...
http://ctmirror.org/2016/11/04/what-cuts-in-the-next-state-budget-could-look-like/






ARTICLE BELOW ABOUT MY FAVORITE TOPIC
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/technology/new-york-passes-law-airbnb.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news





"IF MASSACHUSETTS IS DOING IT WHY DON'T WE" ARGUMENT?
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/mass._will_consider_legalizing_weed_nov._8_some_lawmakers_hope_connecticut_/





Some summer articles to bring you up to speed:



Check out our Spending Cap Commission reports here
  - Oct. 19 testimony.




Sad estimate for out years..you know the expression "soooo big?"
And speaking of "blood letting" here is an article about orientation session for school superintendents:  http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Superintendents-Westport-s-new-one-included-9179225.php




LIKE HEALTH DISTRICTS?

"Sharkey, who is retiring from the legislature, predicts lawmakers may start getting tough on communities who refuse to work together to save money, possibly tying state aid to how efficient a community is operating..."
http://www.nhregister.com/government-and-politics/20160822/budget-deficits-intensify-push-for-regional-cooperation-in-connecticut




Another view:  From CT Post

“We need to restore fiscal order to the state and we need to fight to maintain local control,” Dunsby said.As a state representative, Dunsby said, he would like to implement a statewide spending cap and transition Connecticut’s pension plans to defined contribution plans.