WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) announced that Connecticut residents on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should expect their $250 recovery payments in their mailboxes in May. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to adult Social Security beneficiaries and to SSI recipients, except those receiving Medicaid in care facilities.
"When we wrote the recovery law, my top priority was helping those who need it the most in this terrible economy. This additional benefit could make a huge difference for someone being forced to choose between paying for groceries, life saving medication, or rent," said Murphy.
To receive the benefit, the individual must be eligible for Social Security or SSI during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009. No action on behalf of the recipient is required to get the payment, which will be sent separately from their regular monthly benefit.
The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) beneficiaries. The VA and RRB will be responsible for paying individuals under their programs. However, if someone receives Social Security and SSI, VA or RRB benefits, he or she will receive only one $250 payment.
If you expect to receive this benefit and do not do so by June 4, please contact Hilda Santiago in Murphy's office, 860-223-8412.
"Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have questions about your recovery law benefit, or anything else. We are here to help you with Social Security, Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and all other federal agencies," said Murphy.
To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, go to http://www.recovery.gov/

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the economy continues to erode all major revenue streams for the state, eroding the bottom line for her proposed two-year $38 billion budget presented to the Legislature nearly two months ago.
The Office of Policy and Management outlined its revised revenue estimates today in a letter to the Governor. The report takes into account the latest projected tax revenues, including personal income tax and sales tax as well as casino revenues and other fees and estimates the cumulative two-year deficit at just over $7 billion.
“Today’s report from the Office of Policy and Management makes it abundantly clear that the recession continues to ravage our revenue. I continue to be disappointed by the lack of any semblance of urgency from the Legislature to address the state’s two-year budget,” Governor Rell said. “It is well past time to stop fiddling around the edges and seriously focus on the task at hand – deliver a balanced budget for the taxpayers of Connecticut. Municipalities are crafting their budgets now and the longer we wait to give them a solid idea of what they can expect in state aid, the harder it will be on local property taxpayers.”
OPM reported in its letter today that since the Governor presented her budget on February 4, estimated revenues for Fiscal Year 2010 have been revised downward by $721.4 million and, in Fiscal Year 2011 by $671.5 million. Personal income tax dropped $371 million and $507.5 million in FY 2010 and 2011, respectively. Sales and use tax dropped $144.5 million and $151.2 million for each year.
“Frankly these revenue deteriorations are not altogether surprising given the worsening national economy and steep drop in almost every leading economic indicator over the last two months,” OPM Secretary Robert Genuario wrote. “While the numbers are deeply concerning, we still believe that our 2 year projected deficit will be far below that projected by OFA ($7.39 billion vs. $8.7 billion).
The Governor said OPM expects to deliver its final projection for the biennium shortly after the April 15 income tax deadline.

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has officially applied to receive nearly $39 million in federal stimulus funds for energy programs by assuring the U.S. Department of Energy that Connecticut will adhere to stipulations outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“These funds will help us continue our momentum on creating a green collar workforce while building an economy of the future that includes renewable and alternative energy sources and clean technology,” Governor Rell said. “We are a proven national leader in the field and our existing energy programs have Connecticut well-positioned to soar with the next generation of jobs and green technology.”
Connecticut is in line to receive $38.5 million in energy stimulus grants. Governor Rell signed the letter of application on March 23 to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in accordance with Section 410 of the ARRA.
The letter includes an outline of the State Energy Program, developed to meet four goals mandated by the U.S. Energy Department. The goals are:
Increase efficiency and reduce energy costs for consumers, businesses and government
Reduce reliance on imported energy
Improve reliability of electricity and delivery of energy services
Reduce the impact of energy production on the environment
“Many of our standards in Connecticut meet or exceed the federal requirements and I am confident we will be able to put these stimulus funds to work as soon as possible,” Governor Rell said.
The State Energy Plan includes expansion of the state’s leading fuel cell industry, a geothermal and solar thermal initiative for residential and commercial buildings and increased support for wind energy.
Overall, Connecticut will receive about $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars. Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.
For more information the ARRA in Connecticut and to view a copy of the energy application documents, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will receive $1.73 million in federal stimulus money for three initiatives to reduce the amount of harmful emissions from diesel engines in Connecticut.
The three initiatives are a program to retrofit emission systems on state-owned diesel vehicles, a truck-stop electrification project to reduce diesel truck idling and a project to replace a high-emitting diesel locomotive engine with a low-emission power system.
To qualify for funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, all of the projects were required to demonstrate that they would both reduce diesel emissions and stimulate the economy by creating jobs. The truck stop and locomotive projects will be undertaken in New Haven. The other is the statewide program to retrofit diesel vehicles operated by the Department of Transportation.
"One of my top priorities in using the federal stimulus funds is to promote clean energy and green technologies that will bring lasting improvements to our environment," Governor Rell said. “Children will soon be enjoying the spring weather and as the stewards of Connecticut's environment, our commitment to clean air and water is a commitment to the next generation. These kind of projects represent the future of Connecticut."
"These projects will improve the health and quality of life in our communities and they will boost our economy by creating jobs," the Governor said. "Because these projects will get underway almost immediately, we expect to see economic and environmental results within the next several months.”
The proposed projects and funding amounts are:
• Diesel Vehicle Retrofit – This program will retrofit approximately 170 Department of Transportation diesel vehicles and pieces of construction equipment used on highway projects. In addition, airport shuttle buses, snow plowing equipment and dump trucks will also be evaluated for retrofits within the DOT fleet. The vehicles will receive diesel oxidation catalysts which result in lower emissions. Allocation: $3,000 per piece of equipment, totaling $510,000
• Truck Stop Electrification – This project at the Port of New Haven will establish a truck stop electrification (TSE) parking area to relieve a long-standing problem caused by idling trucks waiting for gate access to deliver or pick up goods. TSE units allow truck drivers to have heat, air conditioning and electricity for in-cab appliances without running their truck engines. The neighborhoods around the Port of New Haven have long been plagued by emissions from trucks waiting in line to pick up or deliver cargo. Allocation: $380,256
• Locomotive Engine Repower – This project will replace a traditional, high-emitting diesel locomotive engine operated by the Providence and Worcester Rail Road in New Haven with low emission generators and diesel particulate filters. This project will be the first of its kind in Connecticut. Given the long lifespan of locomotive engines, this project will yield significant emission reductions for many years to come. Allocation: $750,000
The Governor noted that these projects will further implement strategies set out in the Connecticut Clean Diesel Plan, adopted in 2005. The three proposed projects, among 16 submitted for consideration, were determined to be the best qualified because they will clearly reduce diesel emissions, expedite economic recovery and facilitate the creation and preservation of jobs.
“These projects were selected as most likely to benefit the greatest number people in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “We will improve the quality of life for people across Connecticut by retrofitting the DOT equipment and the neighborhoods in New Haven near the port and the rail line will see significant improvements in air quality.”
Diesel exhaust is a significant contributor to air pollution and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. Connecticut communities, especially those in urban areas, suffer from sooty exhaust emitted by trucks, buses and other diesel engines that can make breathing difficult, particularly for children, the elderly and other sensitive groups.
The Department of Environmental Protection is assisting stakeholders whose projects were not selected for inclusion in the state funding work plan to obtain money from other funding programs. One example is the National Clean Diesel Assistance Program, which has allocated $8.79 Million to EPA Region 1 for a range of projects similar to those included in the state allocation.
DEP is still accepting project proposals to be evaluated for the national program, which has a deadline of April 28, 2009. Proposals submitted to DEP for consideration should arrive two weeks prior to that date.

State Rep. Annie Hornish is sponsoring new legislation that aims to stimulate the economy by reducing the initial investment for new small businesses in the state.

Read about it here.

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that AIG has provided the Department of Consumer Protection with contract documents – in accordance with a subpoena issued Thursday – relating to the $165 million in bonuses given out by its financial products division.
On Wednesday, Governor Rell ordered Commissioner Farrell to issue the subpoena to AIG as part of an investigation into how the company’s bonuses might be voided. AIG had cited Connecticut law in saying the bonuses were required by contract.
“With this information, we will determine how the contracts were crafted and whether they violate any provisions of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act,” Governor Rell said. “The Act includes language that addresses actions that may be ‘against public policy’ and that will be one key area of the review.
“The public policy Congress intended when it enacted the Troubled Asset Relief Program was to provide bailout funds – that is, taxpayer money – in order to stabilize financial companies and restore the flow of credit to consumers,” the Governor said. “That money was never intended to provide windfalls to the very people whose greed and lack of oversight led to the implosion of our financial markets.
“I am pleased that we obtained these documents quickly, given the seriousness of this issue,” Governor Rell said. “The documents will be scrutinized closely and we will report our findings as soon as the investigation is complete.”
The largest AIG bonus given was $6.4 million; bonuses of more than $4 million were given to six employees, the Governor said. Another 66 people received bonuses of more than $1 million each. In total, more than 400 people in AIG’s financial products division received bonuses. All employee names have been redacted from the documents, according to Commissioner Farrell.
“For the purposes of our current investigation into the overall legality of these documents, the names of the recipients are not necessary at this time,” Farrell said. “Depending upon the legal conclusions we reach and whether there is a need for enforcement action, our subpoena remains active and we can still get the names, should we make a determination that they are necessary.”
The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, codified as Connecticut General Statutes Section 42-110a, was enacted in 1973.

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her budget office now estimates the shortfall in the current year’s state budget at about $667 million, reflecting an infusion of more than $380 million in federal stimulus money but a continual, steady drop in tax collections.
“The recession continues to erode all our revenue streams. It is crucial, and has been for months now, that we urgently identify and act on spending cuts,” Governor Rell said.
The persistent gap comes even after the latest round of budget cuts by the Governor and General Assembly. Governor Rell has taken a number of cost-saving steps over the past several months, including four rounds of rescissions, a ban on out-of-state travel, a hiring freeze and she has presented three deficit mitigation plans to the Legislature.
“We are still chasing a moving target,” Governor Rell said. “There remains millions of dollars in potential savings left on the table from the last mitigation plan and it is more than past time – midway through the current budget year – that we tap into them. That is the essence of my fourth mitigation plan. The Legislature and I must work together to identify those savings on which we can agree. The taxpayers of Connecticut are counting on us to make a real difference this time.”
The estimate today from the Office of Policy and Management is the latest of several projections of the current budget year shortfall, which was $944 million last month. The monthly letter from OPM to the Comptroller includes a downward revision of revenues by $275.8 million.
OPM points to a drop in personal income tax of $60 million and a drop in sales tax revenue of $85 million. State tax refunds are also expected to be down by $120 million because they have significantly exceeded their target and because various business tax refunds – notably the Film Industry Tax Credit – have exceeded their target.
Additional cost-cutting and an increase in the amount of money agencies expect to have left over when this fiscal year ends on June 30 also helped offset the decline in tax collections. That resulted in increase in deficit of $107 million from February’s estimate. Also off-setting revenue losses for the month is the estimated $383.8 million the state is expected to receive from the enhanced Medicaid reimbursement in the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Chris Dodd (D- CT) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today announced the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study addressing access to music and arts education for public school students as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Dodd and Alexander called for the study in response to reports that the testing requirements of NCLB were forcing some schools, particularly those that serve low-income and minority students, to narrow their curriculum and restrict access to music and arts education.
“This study’s findings clearly show that many students across the country are losing their chance to study music and the arts,” said Dodd, Chairman of the Children & Families Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. “I hope the Department of Education will follow the GAO’s recommendation and conduct further research into this disturbing trend. Moreover, I hope that the GAO will reconsider its conclusions by reviewing current research on arts education and student outcomes. No child – regardless of family income, race, or hometown – should be denied the opportunity to discover and develop his or her unique talents.”
“We know the importance of a well-rounded education, and this study shows that some school districts are narrowing their curriculum instead of broadening it,” said Alexander, Ranking Republican on the Children & Families Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). “While we must ensure that our children are prepared in reading and mathematics, we know that good school leaders find creative ways to include music in the curriculum, too. I hope that Congress will reexamine the role of Washington mandates and provide flexibility for state and local leaders to ensure that our students can read and write, understand mathematics, know science, have a knowledge of U.S. history, and also have an appreciation for music.”
"Emerging research continues to demonstrate the importance of music and arts education to children and young people in U.S. public schools," said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. "We hope that this GAO study contributes to an on-going and productive dialogue about ways to keep music education strong in our schools and communities to assure access for all children especially those that have experienced reductions in this element of the core curriculum."
The study, entitled “Access to Arts Education,” outlined the following conclusions:

The study identified a decrease in instruction time for arts education with "statistically significant" differences across school characteristics (low-income, minority, urban/rural). Specifically, teachers at schools identified as needing improvement and those with higher percentages of minority students, were more likely to report a reduction in time spent on the arts.

Teachers at elementary schools with high percentages of low-income or minority students reported larger arts instruction time reductions than teachers in schools with low percentages of low-income or minority students.

Of 32 states that awarded arts education grants (in school years 2001-2002 and 2006-2007), 37 percent had funding decreases and 15 percent had funding increases. Arts education officials attributed this to decreased budgets and competing demands on instruction time.

The GAO study recommended that the Department of Education, in its planned study of NCLB implementation, include questions that would help clarify why instruction time in music and arts education has decreased for some students. The study also indicated that from the perspective of the GAO, research on the effect of arts education on student success is inconclusive. However, the GAO’s referenced research was published in 2000 and fails to take into account current and ongoing research, both qualitative and quantitative, that provides contemporary knowledge about the role and impact of arts education.

Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded employers that a state program can provide them with a viable alternative to layoffs during the current economic downturn.
Connecticut's Shared Work Program allows a business to reduce the work schedule of permanent, full-time employees during a temporary decline in business. An employer can reduce hours rather than laying off part of the work force during slow times. In turn, affected employees will receive partial unemployment insurance benefits to supplement the wages they lose.
"Approximately 300 businesses in Connecticut are currently taking advantage of this program," Governor Rell said. "Many of them are manufacturing companies that value their skilled work force but do not have enough current orders to keep their employees working full-time.
"This program helps to alleviate costly retraining expenses that would otherwise be incurred as the result of a layoff," the Governor said. "It's a win-win situation when workers can continue to bring home a paycheck and employers know their highly skilled - and highly valued - employees will be ready to go when the economy rebounds."
Governor Rell pointed out that under the Shared Work Program, employees retain their jobs, financial security, health insurance and retirement benefits. In addition, they avoid the economic and emotional hardships caused by a layoff and the stress of having to look for a new job.
"The program gives employers the option of temporarily reducing personnel costs in lieu of layoffs," Governor Rell said. "Employers can maintain continuity in their work force during a downturn, which will allow them to be well-positioned and ready for future business upswings."
The Shared Work program is available to Connecticut companies that meet several basic eligibility requirements that include the following:
* Employers must have at least four full-time, permanent employees participating. Part-time and seasonal employees are not eligible
* Employers cannot eliminate or reduce employee fringe benefits
* Employee hours and wages cannot be reduced by less than 20 percent or more than 40 percent
* Program participation must be in lieu of a layoff of an equivalent percentage of employees
* Employees must be able to work and be available for full-time employment with the participating employer
* Employees must meet all regular unemployment compensation requirements
For additional information about the Shared Work Program or to obtain an application, contact the Department of Labor via e-mail at DOL.SharedWork@ct.gov or visit the agency's Web site at www.ct.gov/dol and click on the "Employer Services" section.

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the federal government has notified Connecticut that it meets the criteria for an Extended Benefits (EB) program that will provide 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation to those who are out of work. This will increase the maximum benefit entitlement to 72 weeks for many claimants.
According to the Governor, the 13 weeks are in addition to the 26 weeks of state benefits and the 33 weeks of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC-08) currently being provided to the state’s jobless residents.
“With unemployment now at 7.3 percent, this 13 week extension is a welcome relief to those who have been unable to find jobs in an economy that has not yet turned around,” Governor Rell said.
A state “triggers” onto Extended Benefits as a result of high unemployment rates. Traditionally, when this occurs, 50 percent of EB is paid out through the state’s Trust Fund, which is funded by employer contributions, and the federal government pays the other 50 percent. However, as a result of the stimulus bill, the federal government will pay 100 percent of the Extended Benefits for 2009, saving the State of Connecticut nearly $100 million over the next year.
“Each week, the extra $25 now being added to every unemployment check as part of the stimulus bill provides our residents with another $3 million – money that is going toward paying the bills and supporting our families,” Governor Rell said. “An extended benefits program translates to an estimated $200 million that will be provided to Connecticut’s families –one more rung on the ladder we must build to help us climb out of this recession.”
The first week that claimants receiving EUC-08 will exhaust their 33 weeks of emergency benefits will be April 11, 2009. As a result, the first payable week of the federally-funded Extended Benefits will be the week ending April 18, 2009. Eligible claimants will automatically receive the additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits.
“Over the past year, our state has lost more than 38,000 jobs and during that same time, Connecticut’s unemployment rate has jumped from 5 percent to 7.3 percent,” Governor Rell said. “Initial unemployment claims have risen more than 20 percent since last year, and many factors indicate that the nation, as well as Connecticut, will lose more jobs before the economy begins to grow again. While I am optimistic that Connecticut can work its way out of this recession, this newest extension of benefits will help us to keep our heads above water as we rebuild our state.”

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has reconstituted the board of directors of the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation by replacing all six of her appointments to the board, effective March 12. The Governor has recommended a new board Chair and she has ordered immediate corrective actions to address the mismanagement and the host of poor business practices outlined by the Auditors of Public Accounts in a March 5 letter to Michael P. Meotti, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education.
“The Auditors’ findings are nothing short of disgraceful,” Governor Rell said. “Whether though mismanagement or misfeasance or a combination of both, while the Foundation was driving its finances into the ground it was also paying its executives huge raises and bonuses and providing them with perks and privileges fit for kings and queens. The mission of the Foundation is to help increase access to college for our students, not to increase the administrators’ compensation and benefits at the expense of the students and, ultimately, of the Foundation itself.
“That mission and the viability of the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation have been jeopardized and I am directing these new board members to take immediate actions to right the ship and to put an end to the lavish treatment,” the Governor said. “These new members have a tremendous breadth and depth of experience in finance, education and administration and they will help restore accountability and good business practices to the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation.”
Governor Rell has named the following individuals to the Foundation board, effective March 12.
Lisa Kelly Morgan - is a partner at Ruben, Johnson & Morgan, P.C. and the Governor hopes the board members will consider her as Chair. Kelly Morgan is the former chairperson of the state’s Judicial Selection Commission.
Walter Harrison - has been the President of the University of Hartford since 1998. He previously served as vice president for university relations and secretary of the University.
William J. McGurk - is the President & CEO of Rockville Bank.
John Schyuler - is a Managing Director with UHY Advisors N.E., LLC, a partner with UHY LLP, and a member of its Management Committee. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the states of Connecticut and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Julie Drouin - is the vice president of finance and the chief financial officer at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.
Pamela Partridge West - is a retired Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer for U.S. Trust Company in West Hartford.
In their letter, the Auditors reported that the Foundation has experienced negative cash flows in each of the last five fiscal years that totaled approximately $24.5 million and the Auditors expect another negative cash flow for the 2008 fiscal year. While its financial condition was eroding, the Foundation reduced its workforce from 162 positions to 96 and faced a foreclosure lawsuit on its headquarters -- but at the same time, the Foundation authorized a variety of specific expenses characterized by the Auditors as “excessive.”
Those expenses included large raises and bonuses for top executives, expensive golf club memberships, limousine rentals and expensive holiday parties for staff, basketball tickets at Madison Square Garden, football tickets and a satellite radio system for the Foundation president’s car. The auditors found that the Foundation not only provided its executives with “excessive” salary increases but also incurred expenses “that appear to be more for the benefit of those in management than for the operation of the foundation.”
The Connecticut Student Loan Foundation administers, guarantees and finances federal education loans.

State Rep. John Rigby, R-63, is one of several state lawmakers lobbying on the behalf of dairy farmers who want state aid to keep their farms viable.

Read more about it here.

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the state’s Recovery Working Group approved more than $200 million in federal stimulus transportation projects to quickly create jobs on dozens of statewide transportation projects, including bridge replacement and repair, road paving and traffic signal work.
“We literally want shovels in the ground and people hired by next month,” Governor Rell said. “It is essential we put people back to work and money back into our economy as soon as possible. These projects will do that as well as improve the condition and safety of our roads and bridges.”
Under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Connecticut is in line to receive $302 million for highway infrastructure projects and, of that; approximately 30 percent must go to local and regional projects. The remainder – just over $200 million – will be used for projects the Governor and DOT submitted to the Recovery Working Group today. (See list below and on Connecticut stimulus Web site: www.recovery.ct.gov).
“We have been preparing for weeks to expedite these projects, literally have them shovel-ready,” Governor Rell said. “Now with this approval, we intend to have these projects underway by the spring construction season.”
Governor Rell assembled the Recovery Working Group last month to help identify projects that qualify for federal stimulus money. The panel includes state officials, lawmakers and representatives from municipalities.
Overall, Connecticut will receive about $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars. Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.
“Washington will be watching to see how states use the billions of dollars in taxpayer money that make up the stimulus package,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut is ready to move quickly on a number of critical projects that will ultimately get us back on the road to recovery.”

DOT Projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

· Trumbull/Fairfield: Merritt Parkway safety improvements, resurfacing, bridge improvements. $70.8 million.

· Branford: Reconstruction of Route 1 Amtrak Bridge. $73 million

· Statewide: Resurfacing. $18.8 million

· Northwestern Connecticut: Joint replacement of various bridges. $5 million

· Enfield: Rehabilitation of the Route 5 Bridge over I-91. $7 million.

· Westport: Rehabilitation of Hales Road Bridge over Metro-North rail lines. $4 million.

· Old Saybrook: Replace joints on Baldwin Bridge on I-95 over Connecticut River. $5 million.

· Ashford: Rehabilitate Route 89 bridge over Mount Hope River. $1.45 million.

· Statewide: Repair/replace overhead sign supports at 20 locations. $5.6 million.

· Manchester: Install traffic control signal at Slater Street/Circuit City driveway intersection. $300,000.

· Statewide: State Traffic Commission-required traffic signal installation. $7 million

· Statewide: Roadside safety improvements. $4 million.

Two state politicians proposed a bill that would change the financial oversight at Catholic churches in the state, drawing widespread controversy.

Read about it here.

Governor M. Jodi Rell today unveiled a comprehensive state Web site to help citizens follow the flow of federal stimulus dollars into Connecticut, track the progress of stimulus-funded projects and monitor the availability and creation of jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“It is essential that this process be as transparent and helpful and open as possible,” Governor Rell said. “Through this Web site, anyone – any citizen, public official, jobseeker, contractor – can track where the federal money is going and who is hiring,” Governor Rell said. “Not only is this transparency a stipulation of the federal act, it is the absolute right thing to do when so much taxpayer money is at stake.”
Connecticut has already begun receiving some of the $3 billion in federal stimulus money. Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.
“Our goal is to get the money back into the economy as soon as possible and put people back to work,” Governor Rell said. “This Web site contains links to employers and training opportunities. It also includes critical information on project deadlines and will serve as a clearinghouse for more funding sources.”
The new Web site – www.recovery.ct.gov – includes sections on:

· Explanation of the federal law

· Accountability of stimulus dollars

· Lists of “shovel-ready” projects and deadlines

· Latest news on the stimulus in Connecticut

· Frequently asked questions

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has written to legislative leaders requesting passage of emergency legislation that would allow the state to quickly access millions of dollars in federal stimulus aid and begin putting people to work.
Connecticut is in line to receive approximately $3 billion: $1.65 billion in direct aid, $1.3 billion in Medicaid assistance. There are also billions of dollars more in competitive grants available. It is estimated the state could create and/or save nearly 41,000 jobs from the stimulus.
“The hallmarks of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are jobs creation and getting this money into the economy as soon as possible,” Governor Rell said in her letter of March 5 to the General Assembly leadership. “We must move expeditiously to get every last dollar for which the state of Connecticut, our towns, cities, schools and hospitals are eligible.”
The Governor is asking the Legislature to approve two emergency certification bills at its next session. One bill would shorten permit deadlines for projects considered “shovel-ready.” The second bill would make the state eligible for millions more in unemployment compensation and save Connecticut businesses millions of dollars in unemployment insurance.



Since December, the Governor’s office has received more than 2,000 projects ideas, ranging from major highway construction to town athletic fields. Those requests came from state agencies and municipalities seeking stimulus funds. A special task force, assembled by Governor Rell, has begun meeting to identify those projects qualified for federal money. The working group includes state officials, lawmakers and representatives from municipalities.
“As you know, the approval process for issuance of permits by state agencies is often lengthy and time-consuming,” Governor Rell wrote. “Since the Act requires that federal stimulus funds be obligated and spent within a relatively short timeframe, this proposed bill would tighten the timeframes for issuance of state permits so that more projects would be truly ‘shovel-ready.’”
As the national recession has worsened, so have unemployment levels in Connecticut with the jobless rate climbing to 7.1 percent. The Governor said an estimated 30,000 jobs have been lost in Connecticut over the past year and more than 130,000 citizens are currently unemployed.
“Our Department of Labor is processing unemployment claims at levels not seen in decades,” Governor Rell said. “These benefit checks are essential for the economic stability of thousands of Connecticut families and are their financial lifeline until the nation begins to recover from the recession.”
Governor Rell said the state has already received about one third of the $87 million in Unemployment Compensation Modernization funds for which it is eligible. To qualify for the rest, the state must change a law to provide unemployment benefits for any citizen who voluntarily leaves his or her job to accompany a spouse to another area from which it is impractical to commute.
The state already provides those benefits for military spouses. The Governor said getting the remaining stimulus money would help businesses save on unemployment insurance and keep the state’s unemployment fund solvent.
The Department of Labor estimates enacting this provision will cost approximately $1.2 million a year.

State Representative Annie Hornish (D-Granby), who represents the towns of Barkhamsted, East Granby, Granby and New Hartford in the Connecticut General Assembly, is sponsoring legislation that takes aim at securities fraud and excessive executive pay by companies receiving state assistance.
Hornish is backing a bill (HB5922) being considered by the Commerce Committee that would require companies seeking state assistance to agree to cap top executive pay at no more than 25 times its lowest paid employee in annual compensation. Under the “Commitments of Responsible Corporations” legislation, companies would also be prohibited from discontinuing any pension program currently in place.
“Taxpayers fund hundreds of millions of dollars in state grants, loans and tax credits for private companies to encourage economic growth,” Hornish said. “In exchange for state aid, there should be an expectation that these companies adhere to ethical business practices.”
Hornish is also supporting legislation (HB6339) that would allow the state to immediately seize the assets of anyone arrested for securities fraud, such as the recent Madoff Ponzi Scheme. Under current state law, someone arrested for soliciting a prostitute in a vehicle can lose their car; someone selling drugs out of their home can have their home seized.
“We seize the assets of drug dealers and ‘johns’ but a Bernie Madoff can stay in his penthouse apartment after defrauding clients out of hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars,” Hornish said. “The class bias exemplified by the lenient treatment of white collar criminals must be addressed. Seizing the assets of crooked money managers makes it more likely there will be some money left to satisfy a judgment for victims.”

TORRINGTON — The search for a new principal for Torrington High School has begun, and input from the public will be encouraged, an official said Wednesday.
In a Board of Education meeting Wednesday, William Joslyn, director of Human Resources, said the school administration has set aside Tuesday, March 24 as a date for a public meeting. The meeting will allow for the community to offer input on what they want for a future principal for THS, he said.
Eliza Holcomb, of Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, will facilitate day long meetings. Students are scheduled to hold their portion at 1:30 p.m. followed by staff at 2:30 p.m., administrators at 3:30 p.m. and parents and community members at 7 p.m., Joslyn said
The district has already begun to recieve applicants, although Joslyn did not have an exact number Wednesday. By the next regular board meeting on March 20 he said he expects to have an update in terms of numbers.
“In talking with Eliza Holcomb she said we’ve gotten some early interests and inquirires,” he said. “We’ll be getting paperwork from the candidates.”
The deadline for the applications is March 25. The first round of interviews will commence on April 6 and the second will go on April 20.
The district has employed the use of several education websites and publications as well as the state Department of Education and the Torrington Public Schools website for advertising, Joslyn said. The greatest interest comes from the website job searches, he said, and the district is well represented there.
THS currently has an interim superintendent, Susan Olsen, who filled in the spot of interim principal John Pelchat. Pelchat was also filling in the shoes of former principal John Metallo who was forced to resign last summer.
Ronald DeRosa can be reached by e-mail at torrington@registercitizen.com

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Treasurer Denise Nappier has written her to caution that because of the slumping national economy there is a possibility the state could face a cash flow problem later this year. In response to the Treasurer’s letter, Governor Rell is considering a range of options to ensure Connecticut will continue meeting its financial obligations.
“Our state keeps its money in a common cash pool, in part so that we can earn as much interest as possible – the same way a family might keep most of its money in a savings account,” Governor Rell said. “The downside of that practice is that when the economy is slow we do not always have a large amount of ready cash. In addition to regular bills, in the coming months the state must make the next round of Education Cost Sharing payments (the main grant for state education aid) to cities and towns, and we want to be sure there is enough cash on hand to make those grants without overstretching our resources.”
The next round of ECS payments is due May 1 and will total more than $945 million.
“It is not clear yet whether we will need to do anything,” the Governor said. “It would not be the first time the state has taken such action and it is only prudent to plan for all eventualities. There are a number of options at our disposal, including issuing Bond Anticipation Notes or drawing on a line of credit arranged with banks. If we must act, we will looking for the best option – one that will give us the ‘liquidity’ we need without incurring excessive interest charges or other expenses. I will consult with my budget office, the Treasurer and others as we determine the next steps.”
Revenues from a wide range of sources, including quarterly personal income tax, business tax, sales tax and other payments, have fallen in recent months because of the economic downturn. This has affected the monthly flow of cash into state coffers.
On the other hand, deficit mitigation measures – including spending cuts ordered by Governor Rell – could reduce the need for additional cash, as could a speedy influx of money from the federal stimulus package.

HARTFORD -- Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has signed a letter to President Obama officially certifying Connecticut ’s acceptance of stimulus funds.
Governor Rell’s February 27 letter to the Executive Office of the President attests that all money “will be used to create jobs and promote economic growth in a manner that is in the best interests of the taxpayers of the State of Connecticut .”
“The task before us now is to get people back to work, get our economy moving again and position us for success when the national business climate improves,” Governor Rell said.
For the average citizen in Connecticut, the immediate effect of the stimulus will be felt as soon as Monday when thousands of residents currently collecting unemployment will see a $25 bump in their weekly checks. The extra money will have a broader effect, because it injects an additional $2.5 million to $3 million a week into Connecticut ’s economy.
Governor Rell has formed a broad-based working group of municipal officials, business leaders, legislators and state agency chiefs to determine the final, prioritized list of “shovel-ready” projects to be funded through the federal stimulus package. The working group’s first meeting took place on February 26.
Last week, Governor Rell announced nearly $7.5 million in federal stimulus funds have been awarded to three Connecticut cities and a major hospital for lead abatement work. The recipients and breakdown of the grants are:

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center , Hartford , $875,000
City of New London , $2 million
City of Norwich , $1.69 million
City of Waterbury , $3 million

State Republican lawmakers discussed combining services for towns in the same region to save money at a budget forum Friday.

Read more about it here.