DELAURO PUSHES FOR BILL

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), who has introduced the National Infrastructure Development Bank Act , took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the proposal (click here, to view DeLauro’s floor statement). DeLauro spoke during consideration of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2010 , which has language addressing the National Infrastructure Bank proposal. The bill, passed by the House late Thursday [23 July, 2009] evening, recognizes the need for a new direction in Federal infrastructure investment, and believes that an infrastructure bank could serve as a potential financing mechanism for a wide range of infrastructure projects, including, within the realm of transportation. It therefore includes language to allow the Secretary of Transportation to transfer $2 billion, as is allocated in the budget resolution, to capitalize a national infrastructure bank should an infrastructure bank be authorized.

“An infrastructure bank, as I proposed in my National Infrastructure Development Bank Act and as is included in both the President’s budget and the Budget Resolution represents an opportunity for us to advance a bold, new, and forward-looking infrastructure policy that will improve our way of life, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth that will keep us competitive in the 21st century,” DeLauro said on the floor of the House of Representatives. “The bank would pull us away from haphazard earmarking and move us toward a more responsive, merit-based, and efficient selection process.”

The National Infrastructure Development Bank Act would create a bank to rebuild America that would direct public and private dollars toward infrastructure projects of national or regional significance. Modeled after the European Investment Bank, it would leverage private sector dollars to invest in transportation, environmental, energy and telecommunications infrastructure projects. It would objectively consider the economic, environmental, social benefits and costs of infrastructure projects, as well as other specific criteria, and fund projects of significance.

DeLauro concluded, “This is not a partisan issue. Just last week the National Governor’s Association endorsed the concept of an infrastructure bank by resolution. Both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many labor groups strongly support this effort, and as President Bush’s Transportation Secretary Mary Peters once stated, there are upwards of $400 billion in private capital available, through pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and the like, to invest in our nation’s infrastructure. We need to harness the power of that capital in a smart, effective way to remain competitive in the 21st century.”

RELL SIGNS STUDENT LOAN BILL

Governor M. Jodi Rell was recently joined by college students and representatives from several Connecticut credit unions at a bill-signing ceremony for legislation she developed to help secure low-interest college loans for students living in Connecticut or attending higher education schools in the state. 

“Fall tuition bills have already started arriving in mailboxes and that just adds to the economic pressure that families have been facing,” Governor Rell said during the ceremony at the Seasons Federal Credit Union in Middletown. “This new law provides another resource to help them meet those obligations and keep their children in college, and in some cases, defer payments for a year.” 

Governor Rell worked with the Credit Union League of Connecticut and its dozens of members in December 2008 to offer a low-interest student loan program. The new law requires the Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to set aside $3.5 million of its reserves to guarantee 20 percent of those student loans offered by participating credit unions. There are currently 24 credit unions around the state participating in the loan program. (See attached list below). 

CHEFA, a quasi-public agency, issues tax exempt bonds on behalf of nonprofit college and health care institutions to support construction of dormitories, clinics, laboratories, athletic facilities and other capital improvement projects. 

The credit union loans – offered at rates no higher 6 percent or 5.75 percent – are made to students who may not qualify for traditional loans or who may have already used up their resources. Institutions offering 6 percent loans will be able to defer interest payments for one year and credit unions offering 5.75 percent loans would not defer payments. 

“Higher education is the key to a diverse and well-trained workforce and paves the way for economic prosperity for our state,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut credit unions are ready and willing to help and have the funds to lend. What this legislation does is give them a cushion.” 

The new law, Senate Bill 842, An Act Concerning A Student Loan Guarantee Program Reserve Fund is effective upon passage. 

Here is a list of participating credit unions with the town of their main office. Many of these credit unions are accessible though branches in other areas of the state.

• 360 FCU www.360fcu.org  (860-627-4200) Windsor Locks 

• Achieve Financial CU www.achievefinancialcu.com  (860-828-2790) Berlin

• American Eagle FCU www.americaneagle.org  (860-568-2020)  East Hartford

• Capitol Region FCU www.capitolregionfcu.org  (860-513-4024) Wethersfield

• Charter Oak FCU www.charteroak.org  (860-446-8085) Groton

• Connecticut State Employees CU www.csecreditunion.com  (860-249-4839) Hartford

• Dutch Point CU www.dutchpoint.org  (860-563-2617) Wethersfield

• Franklin Trust FCU www.franklintrust.org  (860-296-4379) Hartford

• First Bristol FCU www.firstbristol.org  (860-584-0956) Bristol

• General Electric CU www.geefcu.com  (203-783-1103) Milford

• Hartford Healthcare FCU www.hhcu.org  (860-547-0027) Hartford

• Ledge Light FCU  www.ledgelightfcu.org  (860-445-1060) Groton

• Members CU www.memberscu.coop  (203-975-3866) Stamford

• Meriden Schools FCU www.meridenschoolsfcu.com  (203-237-6424) Meriden

• MiddConn FCU www.middconn.com  (860-638-5360) Middletown

• Mutual Security CU www.mscu.net  (203-761-2400) Wilton

• New Haven County CU www.nhccu.com  (203-234-8773) New Haven

• Northeast Family FCU www.nefamily.coop  (860-646-8870) Manchester

• Northwest Hills CU www.nwhcu.com  (860-496-7326) Torrington

• Nutmeg State FCU www.nutmegstatefcu.org  (860-513-5000) Rocky Hill

• Seasons FCU www.seasonsfcu.org  (860-346-6614) Middletown

• Sikorsky Financial CU www.sikorskyfcu.org  (203-377-2252) Stratford

• United Shoreline FCU www.unitedshoreline.org  (203-786-6410) New Haven

• Waterbury CT Teachers FCU www.wctfcu.com  (203-758-9500) Waterbury

DEMOCRATS TO PRESENT REVISED BUDGET NEXT

State Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) say the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee will vote on revised budget plans next week.

“Every day that goes by without a state budget means more uncertainty for families, businesses, and municipalities,” said Senator Williams. “Thanks to the new consensus revenue law re-passed by the legislature in this week’s veto session, we have a real opportunity to break the budget stalemate.”

“By the end of next week, the size of the deficit should no longer be in dispute and each side’s budget proposal will be made public,” continued Senator Williams. “After so many weeks without a budget, Connecticut deserves nothing less.”

“This gives us a real chance for agreement,” said Speaker Donovan. “Each party will put their best proposal out there, in full view of the public and with no more debate about the size of the deficit. Then everyone can understand where we are in agreement, where we differ, and we can negotiate the best solutions to resolve those differences.”

Under the new law, which Gov. Rell originally vetoed in early June, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) must come to agreement on the size of the deficit by the end of Saturday July 25, 2009. If the two offices do not meet the deadline, the State Comptroller will make the final determination.

The law also makes clear that unless they have already done so, the legislative committees and the governor must then present budget plans that balance the full deficit. In a July 23rd letter to Gov. Rell, the Senate President and Speaker of the House wrote:

“We intend . . . to take advantage of the opportunity to publicly present our budget at the same time you present yours. Therefore, we have instructed our Chairs to develop a plan to be voted on next week by the Committee members.”

“A budget agreement is imperative for families and communities across the state. A public appraisal of the merits and similarities of our respective plans will help in the process of reaching an agreement on the budget, especially at this point in the negotiations.”

The Senate President and Speaker of the House are eager for budget negotiations to continue immediately and believe that the new law should not be used an excuse to delay talks.

BLUMENTHAL SEEKS COURT ORDER

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today asked a Superior Court judge to compel clean up of a North Branford junkyard and will seek the owner’s imprisonment if he refuses.Blumenthal filed the action against owner Joseph Salg on behalf of acting Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Amy Marella.

In 2003, Salg signed an agreement with Blumenthal’s office and the DEP to remove debris and waste from his junkyard at 743 Forest Road and pay an $8,000 fine. Salg made some efforts to comply with the 2003 agreement, but junk and waste again began accumulating at the junkyard. Blumenthal’s office will ask the court to jail Salg if he fails to clean up the site.

Blumenthal said, “This junkyard is an environmental nightmare, strewn with tree stumps, old tires, derelict vehicles, scrap metal and other waste. This owner may be failing to properly dispose of vehicle fluids and other contaminating chemical-laden trash, possibly imperiling groundwater and wells. He is junking the law as well as the environment.

“I will fight for imprisonment and fines — and immediate clean up. This contempt for the court and law are both an insult and injury to all citizens. This junkyard threatens the environment and health. Inaction is unacceptable.”

Yvonne Bolton, Chief of DEP’s Bureau of Material Management and Compliance Assurance, said, “This type of total disregard of the environmental regulations of the state of Connecticut is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Mr. Salg has had numerous opportunities to bring his facility into compliance but has essentially chosen to ignore all orders and judgments instructing him to do so. Working with the Attorney General and local officials we aim to send a clear message to Mr. Salg as well as all other operators of these types of facilities in our state — ignore the environmental laws of Connecticut and pay the price in court.”

STATE SENATOR LEN FASANO HONORS LOCAL COMPANY

State Senator Len Fasano (R-North Haven) joined with other lawmakers and local officials to honor Wallingford company Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc. as it was named a Connecticut 2009 Health Workplace Innovator by the Connecticut Chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD). The Connecticut Chapter of the PFCD is a statewide coalition of approximately 80 patient, provider, community, business and labor groups which works to raise awareness about managing and preventing chronic illnesses.

“This award from the Connecticut Chapter of PFCD only affirms what many of us already know to be true of Ulbrich – that it makes its employees a priority,” said Senator Fasano. “In providing folks with easy access to tools for healthy living like lectures, discounts to health clubs and up to 80% reimbursement for smoking cessation programs, the company not only reduces the cost of healthcare coverage but most importantly improves the lives of its workforce.”

In addition to the award from PFCD, Senator Fasano and several other state lawmakers joined together and presented a special citation to Ulbrich Steel in recognition of the company’s efforts to maintain and improve the health and quality of life of its employees.

“I am honored to be able to join in recognizing a company that has always been a positive force in our community,” said Senator Fasano. “Ulbrich Steel has its roots right here in Wallingford where it began back in the 1920’s. Since that time the company has provided quality jobs and helped develop strong careers for many in our community. But even more than the invaluable experience it provides, the company treats its workforce more like family than employees and that deserves our recognition and appreciation.”

Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc. has approximately 500 employees and offices worldwide. It processes a variety of metals including stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. The company serves a variety of markets including the aerospace, medical, automotive, aircraft and nuclear and solar energy industries.

For more on Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc. visit: http://www.ulbrich.com/.

To learn more about the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease visit: http://www.fightchronicdisease.org/

HARP, DAILY LEAD SENATE VETO OVERRIDE

State Senators Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven) and Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook), Senate chairs of the legislature’s Appropriations and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committees, respectively, today earned a Senate override of a gubernatorial veto of the so-called consensus revenue forecasting bill. With responsibility for the two budget committees, Senators Harp and Daily said the inability to agree on revenue estimates dramatically delayed and complicated the budget process this year; they say mandatory consensus on revenue forecasts will help accelerate and streamline the process by which future budgets are negotiated and decided.

Today’s veto override vote was 24-12; the House of Representatives was expected to vote later today.

“We constantly seek to improve the budget process, whether it’s with a new software package we purchase, additional reporting requirements, or earlier committee deadlines, and I see this call for consensus revenue forecasting as an extension of that effort,” Senator Daily said. “The urgent need for this became undeniable this year when the deficit projections varied by more than $2.5 billion. It was as if the two sides were working on the budget of two entirely different states.”

Senator Harp said the bill includes a failsafe option for the state comptroller’s office to provide consensus revenue estimates when the governor’s Office of Policy and Management and the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis cannot agree on revenue projections. In that manner all parties would still have one single bottom line to work toward to better serve the residents of Connecticut.

“The clear advantages of this new system would include simplified and more efficient budget-building as a direct result of an agreed-upon starting point and finish line, and it would also help everyone keep current with revenue trends and performance so adjustments can be made more accurately if and when a budget begins to fall out of balance,” Senator Harp said. “I’m particularly confident about the role of the comptroller’s office as arbiter of disputed forecasts, given the important administrative and executive budget-related functions of that office.”

Consensus revenue forecasting is used by 26 states to streamline their budgeting efforts and the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting recommends the process coast-to-coast. Eight of the nine states with the very highest bond ratings credit consensus forecasting for those high bond ratings.

NEW HAVEN AND WEST HAVEN TO GET FUNDS

The cities of  New Haven and West Haven are slated to receive millions in Federal Stimulus dollars. New Haven is to receive while West Haven  is to receive $194,409 in Economic Development  aid from the federal government. A total of $3,920,040 is being sent  to 14 municipalities in Connecticut for a wide range of activities intended to create jobs, provide affordable housing and create local economic opportunities. The awards were released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

ATTORNEY GENERAL PRAISES FINAL DPUC DECISION

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised a final Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) ruling affirming its draft decision slashing Southern Connecticut Gas Company’s (SCG) rates 3.2 percent.

The final decision will reduce SCG’s rates $12.4 million.

Blumenthal opposed SCG’s original request for a $34.2 million, or 9.2 percent increase, calling instead on DUPC to reduce the company’s rates. Blumenthal argued that SCG’s rates should fall because the company’s petition showed that its natural gas costs have plummeted and it overstated costs for salaries, payroll and retirement.

“I am pleased that DPUC heeded my request to slash SCG’s bills 3.2 percent, providing consumers with the rate relief they need and deserve,” Blumenthal said. “The company’s own petition undermined its original outrageous and outlandish rate hike request, showing lower natural gas costs and exaggerated salary, payroll and retirement expenses. This decision rightly requires SCG to tighten its belt, just as its customers must in the midst of the current economic morass. This major victory for consumers and businesses sends a powerful message: profiteering during recession will not be tolerated. Utility rates must reflect real costs and economic conditions.

“I will continue fighting for fair, equitable and affordable utility rates for consumers and businesses.”

Last October, at Blumenthal’s urging, the DPUC ordered a temporary interim rate decrease of $15 million for SCG. Blumenthal fought in this proceeding to make that rate decrease permanent, and the DPUC’s decision today does just that, providing much needed rate relief for consumers.

The DPUC similarly rejected a Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) rate increase and instead slashed rates 4.2 percent last month.

SLOSSBERG SUPPORTS “REVERSE AUCTIONS”

In 2008, the state legislature passed a bill to allow municipalities to use online reverse auctions, an online bidding process that can be used to procure goods and services at better prices.

Since then, Connecticut’s Regional School District (RSD) 17 has saved 24 percent on laptop purchases, 20 percent on LCD projectors and bulbs and 56 percent on printer purchases using online reverse auctioning, which is why Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford) invited leaders from Milford, Orange and West Haven to learn more about reverse auctions and how they can use this tool to save money at a forum held this past Tuesday.

“Reverse online auctioning gives towns a way to be better shoppers so that taxpayers save,” said Senator Slossberg, who chairs the Government Administration & Elections Committee and has worked for the past two years to pass the new laws that allow municipalities to take advantage of online reverse auctioning.

“As bidders try to undercut each other, the municipality enjoys the savings on products that they might otherwise pay a premium for,” she said. “In a tough economy, we all need to make the most of every dollar we collect and every dollar we spend.”

According to RSD 17 Superintendent Gary Mala, the use of online reverse auctioning for his district as part of a cooperative online purchasing group with eight other Connecticut public school districts helped achieve a total 28 percent savings for the group.

“The RSD 17 results are incredible,” Senator Slossberg said. “Every penny we are able to save on purchasing supplies for our schools allows us to keep teachers in the classroom. Every penny we save on road salt or cleaning supplies allows us to maintain other valuable city services.”

Local officials from the three municipalities said that online reverse auctioning could be a new resource for towns working to tighten their belts.

“I was really impressed with the entire program,” said Pamela Mangini, Finance Director for the Town of Orange. “Frankly, when I arrived, I didn’t truly understand the program. I walked away feeling that it’s really a concept worth looking into, especially in these difficult economic times.”

“I thought the presentation was very informative,” said West Haven City Councilman Ed O’Brien. “I’m looking forward to West Haven using it. Any way we can save money for the taxpayers is good. This is definitely a viable alternative to the way we currently purchase items.”

“We are definitely going with it,” said Phillip Russell, Milford’s deputy superintendent of operations. “This is something we’ve been looking for for a long time, and were anxious to try it out.”

Online reverse auctioning involves an online bidding process in which qualified bidders or qualified proposers who are anonymous to each other submit bids or proposals to provide goods or supplies under an invitation to bid or a request for proposals.

DODD SEEKING REPRODUCTIVE BENEFITS IN BILL

During the ongoing health care reform debate taking place in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) has worked to ensure that family planning and women’s reproductive and preventive health services are covered by the health reform bill. He has also led the fight against key anti-choice amendments offered by Republican Senators.

Dodd has co-sponsored and fought for passage of the Mikulski amendment on women’s health. The amendment provides coverage of women’s reproductive and preventive health services with little or no cost-sharing and ensured patients’ access to essential community providers. The amendment passed the committee with Dodd’s strong support on a vote of 12 to 11.

Yesterday, Dodd led the opposition to four anti-choice amendments offered by Republican Senators. These amendments would have overridden federal privacy and confidentiality protections and prevented insurance plans from covering abortions. If these amendments had passed they would have restricted the ability of women to needed reproductive health services as part of health reform. With Sen. Dodd’s opposition these amendments each failed on votes of 11 to 12.

“Health care for all means health care for all. And we cannot allow critical services to be denied to women based on the ideological concerns of a few,” said Dodd. “That is why I opposed the anti-choice amendments. It is also why I am proud to support ongoing efforts to ensure women have access to family planning and reproductive health services.”

“True healthcare reform means services and access for everyone, and Sen. Dodd understands this,” said Teresa C. Younger, Executive Director of Connecticut’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women. “His leadership continues to be critical in preventing narrow ideological agendas from derailing the focus away from the full range of options, which includes a woman’s reproductive rights, her privacy and her safety.”