3/31/2005 | Governor Calls Democrats’ Election Reform Bills a Sham |
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"The bills passed today only nibble at the edge of making real changes to the election system. Frankly, all they accomplish is giving politicians a new pot of money to dip into to finance their political campaigns. That’s not what the people want; that’s not what the people deserve. I want – and the people want – real reform, honest reform. What happened to the outrage over the abuses that have been reported in state government? Again, in light of everything the state has gone through, it is mind-boggling that this is the best the legislature can do."
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3/30/2005 | Governor Rell Urges Government Committee to Swiftly Pass Bold, Sweeping Reforms |
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“My ‘Fairness Over Favoritism’ package provides a golden opportunity to restore faith and integrity in our state government and bring about real change."
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3/30/2005 | Governor Rell Statement on Golden Hill Paugussett Decision |
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"This is great news for Fairfield County residents and for all of Connecticut. Tribal recognition has a huge impact on the everyday lives of Connecticut residents, particularly where casino gaming is involved. I thank Attorney General Blumenthal, Senators Dodd and Lieberman, as well as Congressman John Larson, Congressman Rob Simmons, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congressman Chris Shays, and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson for their tireless work on this petition."
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3/30/2005 | Governor Rell Wants New Talks With MetLife Over Possible Job Cuts |
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“I have asked my staff to immediately begin working with MetLife to try to save as many jobs as possible, and to ensure that MetLife intends to be as good a corporate citizen as Travelers has been. All I ask is for Connecticut to get a fair shake. The state, the employees of The Travelers and our citizens deserve nothing less."
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3/30/2005 | Governor Rell ‘Extremely Unhappy’ About Likely MetLife/Travelers Job Cuts |
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“I have spoken to MetLife Chairman Robert Benmosche – face-to-face and on the phone – and my staff has met with his people. But we still do not have a comfort level as to a definitive number of jobs that are in jeopardy, except that the numbers will be significant. I want exact numbers and exact guarantees."
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3/29/2005 | Governor Rell Names West Hartford’s Olear to Chair Connecticut Housing Finance Authority |
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“Leslie has a background in finance, taxation and the law. She has had considerable experience in the representation of lenders and developers in connection with real estate acquisition and development. For nearly 25 years, she has overseen real estate transactions in the corporate world. I am confident Leslie will be an excellent chair of the Authority."
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3/29/2005 | Governor Rell Asks 1199, Nursing Homes to Keep Talking While Provider Initiative Pending |
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“Given that the legislative process sometimes takes more time than any of us would like, I ask for your patience and understanding. I also ask that you and your respective members encourage legislators to take action on this proposed legislation sooner rather than later. We will all be best served if patience and restraint is exercised.”
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3/29/2005 | Governor Rell announces TOPOFF 3 Homeland Security Exercise |
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"The exercise will confront us with real-life circumstances that will allow us to determine if our plans work as well in practice as they do on paper. Following the exercise we will evaluate our response and then make any changes in our plans that will help us to do an even better job in protecting the safety and well being of Connecticut’s people.”
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3/25/2005 | Governor Rell Issues Crackdown on Use of 411 Service |
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More than half a million 411 calls were made at a cost of nearly $400,000 between October 2003 and February 2005. “I know that state employees want to help the state save money, and this is a contribution that is literally at every employee’s fingertips," Governor Rell said.
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3/24/2005 | Governor Rell Lauds Summer Reading Award Winners |
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Governor Rell today joined State Librarian Kendall Wiggin and State Education Commissioner Betty J. Sternberg in presenting the 2004 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge Partnership Awards to library programs in Lyme, Farmington and Clinton.
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3/24/2005 | Senator McCain Agrees to Governor Rell’s Request To Hold Hearing on Tribal Recognition Process |
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“Senator McCain personally called me last week to say he agreed to my request and will schedule a public hearing this spring. This is encouraging news in our fight to put an end to flawed recognition decisions by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). By agreeing to hold this hearing, I have no doubt that Senator McCain’s committee will uncover many instances where the lack of strict adherence to guidelines for federal tribal recognition has allowed some tribes to manipulate the system.”
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3/24/2005 | Governor Rell Calls for New Disclosures on State Contract Consulting Agreements |
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"Whenever a state contract is entered into and the company involved in that contract hires a consultant, we want to know information about that consultant."
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3/23/2005 | Governor Rell Announces More Than $2.5 Million to Assist Low-Income Residents in Heating Assistance Program |
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“If you can’t afford the cost of heating oil or utilities, you probably can’t afford to make your home more energy-efficient. But it’s obviously important to make weatherization improvements so heating assistance dollars don’t go out the window. That’s why this federal weatherization funding makes good sense. It protects the public’s investment in winter heating assistance and helps conserve energy overall.”
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3/23/2005 | Governor Rell Urges Prompt Passage of Nursing Home Provider Initiative |
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"I am hopeful that a strike can be avoided,” Governor Rell wrote in a letter to legislative majority and minority leaders. “Now is the time to take action. I ask each of you to work within your caucuses to quickly come to a resolution of the provider initiative. Connecticut’s hard-working nursing home employees and those they serve deserve nothing less."
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $750,000 For Hartford’s Riverwalk South |
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“The Connecticut River is a magnificent natural gem and the more access we provide to it, the better.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Appoints Hopkins-Staten to State Education Board |
3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $1 Million Fund to Help Keep and Grow Small Manufacturing Jobs |
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“This Fund will help our small businesses – the key to existing jobs in Connecticut and the spark for growth in the future – fight for every contract, every deal and every opportunity they can.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces More Than $114,000 for Farmland Preservation |
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This is another victory for preservation in Connecticut. The Crane farm abuts other preserved farms and is part of a block of over 600 acres of open space and protected farmlands. The best way to maintain the beauty and character of our state is to set these areas aside and safeguard them."
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $412,800 for Kendrick Ave. Courthouse Project in Waterbury |
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“This project involves the renovation of a courthouse first opened for business in 1896 and largely rebuilt in 1911. The project is needed to expand the space for court operations in Waterbury and to modernize the aging building.
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $1.57 Million For South Windsor Pump Stations |
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Said Representative Aman, “My community deserves this additional wastewater protection and I appreciate Governor Rell’s desire to move these projects forward.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $1.2 Million for Planning Passenger Rail Improvements |
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“Making plans for improvements along the New Canaan and Waterbury branch lines will help support the goals of the $1.2 billion transportation initiative I proposed in my budget package. These passenger rail lines provide important service in heavily populated areas between Waterbury and Bridgeport and between Stamford and New Canaan. We want to make sure these lines offer attractive, convenient and affordable service. We want these lines attract passengers, take cars off our roads and encourage economic development.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $500,000 for Western Greenwich Civic Center Renovations |
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“The town of Greenwich has been working in partnership with local residents and nonprofit groups for more than five years to restore, rehabilitate and renovate the former Glenville school,” Representative Floren said. “The updated facility will serve as a hub of activity for our residents.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $110,000 to Study Potential Flooding Hazards on Blackberry River |
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“This is a big relief for the residents of these towns. I know there is a great deal of concern regarding flooding if one of the four flood control dams should fail,” said Sen. Herlihy. “This will give assurance to the people of Norfolk and North Canaan that the proper emergency plans are in place should something unforeseen occur. I am very pleased that through the efforts of the administration this item is now moving forward.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $614,145 to Buy Group Home for Boys |
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Our goal is to provide emotionally troubled children with a nurturing and supportive environment.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces Funding for State Police Forensic Science Lab in Meriden |
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“These funds will let us take the critical first steps toward construction of a modern addition to the State Police laboratory. Our lab made great strides and gained a national reputation under the direction of Dr. Henry Lee. We must continue to build on this progress."
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $200,000 to Renovate New Britain YMCA |
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"These renovations will insure the continued provision of services to residents of the YMCA,” State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo said. “The members of the New Britain delegation and I are very pleased to have played a part in securing this funding. We are grateful that Governor Rell recognized the importance of this project and scheduled it for Bond Commission action."
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3/22/2005 | 6th Graders from Hartland, Wallingford, Wethersfield Win Statewide Women’s History Essay Contest |
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“I was very impressed with the essays written by Mackenzie, Brooke and Stephen. Each student thoroughly researched and wrote thoughtful essays on women who positively influenced them. They have brought attention to a handful of the many accomplished and influential women in Connecticut’s history.”
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3/22/2005 | Governor Rell Nominates Groton for Federal Housing Award |
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"What Groton has done is a model for all other towns who are seeking to develop affordable housing and provide an inviting climate for first time homebuyers.”
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3/21/2005 | Governor Announces Current Year Surplus Increases to $417.8 Million |
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“I’ve made this point time and again: The Legislature should be focused on cutting spending, not on raising taxes. Connecticut has a constitutional cap on spending for a reason: Because taxpayers can’t afford runaway state spending. There are countless worthwhile programs and policies, but we can’t pay for them all."
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3/18/2005 | Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell |
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Governor M. Jodi Rell today issued the following statement on the sentencing of former Governor John Rowland:
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3/17/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $24 Million in Homeland Security Grants to Strengthen Prevention and Response |
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“It is important to note that these federal funds will improve the capabilities of our first responders – the local fire, police, emergency management and emergency medical services across our state. Supporting the work of local first responders is one of the best investments we can make in protecting the safety and security of our state and our people.”
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Issues Saint Patrick’s Day Proclamation |
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Governor Rell today officially proclaimed Thursday “Saint Patrick’s Day” in Connecticut and urged that special attention be paid in Connecticut schools to the history of Ireland and its people.
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $500,000 for Study of Hartford Stage |
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"As a fixture on the Capitol city’s arts and culture scene, Hartford Stage is taking the next step to determine what the future holds. The State of Connecticut is playing a supporting role to ensure that the theater’s future in Hartford is secure – whether in its current location on Church Street or elsewhere in the city.”
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell’s Statement on Nominees to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commisson |
3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Directs DOT to Schedule Information Meeting for Route 7 and Route 15 Interchange Project |
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The meeting will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2005, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Avenue. Representatives of the DOT and the project consulting firm will provide information and respond to questions at the meeting.
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Names Westport’s Bernhard to Judicial Review Council |
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“I’m very pleased to nominate Ken to this important post. Ken is a man of integrity and has a tremendous knowledge of state government and the law. I am confident he will be an excellent addition to the Council.”
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Provides $2 Million for Restoration of Hammonasset Beach |
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“I plan on reinvigorating our state park system,” Governor Rell said. “I want state residents to take pride in all our parks and to be able to boast to friends and relatives in other states about the jewels we have all across this state. Hammonasset is a great example of a state gem we need to protect and preserve."
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3/16/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $750,000 for Stamford Palace Theatre Renovations |
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"The renovation demonstrates the important role the arts can play in bringing Connecticut’s cities to life. The theater is the home to the Stamford Symphony and the Connecticut Grand Opera, and is the site for numerous other concerts and performances."
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3/14/2005 | Governor Rell’s Plan for Supportive Housing Will Continue Battle Against Homelessness |
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Governor Rell’s plan calls for creating 500 units of supportive housing in the next two years, with an additional 500 units to be created in the following three years.
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3/14/2005 | Governor Rell’s Plan for Supportive Housing Will Continue Battle Against Homelessness |
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Governor Rell’s plan calls for creating 500 units of supportive housing in the next two years, with an additional 500 units to be created in the following three years.
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3/14/2005 | Governor Rell Urges Passage of Fiscal Accountability Measure |
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“This bill forces the General Assembly to keep the budget at the top of its annual agenda and make sure that it’s acted upon in a timely way. The budget controls almost everything we do at the state level, so it’s just common sense to keep it the top priority and get it adopted on time. Furthermore, this legislation would also help our cities and towns plan better, and we owe our mayors, first selectmen and local taxpayers as much flexibility as we can give them.”
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3/14/2005 | Governor Rell Warns Northeastern Governors of Amtrak Fee Hike |
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Governor Rell told the ten governors that the proposed change would amount to a 626 percent increase in Connecticut and could be precedent setting throughout the region. Under the present fee structure, Connecticut pays approximately $847,000 a year. The proposed hike would result in an annual $5.3 million payment for access fees for the Northeast Corridor.
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3/10/2005 | Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on HUSKY-A Extension Bill |
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“I will sign this bill extending HUSKY benefits, but there are several matters I want to be clear about as I do so."
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3/10/2005 | Governor Rell Urges Support of Expanded Benefits for Active Duty Soldiers, Veterans |
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“My bill is a way for Connecticut to say thank you to the many men and women serving in the National Guard. As defenders of our freedom, they make countless sacrifices during their time on active duty in our military. Providing them and their families with additional benefits is the least we can do to help them through these challenging times.”
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3/8/2005 | Gov. Rell, Rep. Shays Announce Release of $9.2 Million for Repair of I-95 |
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“We are grateful for this award. It will help us pay for the reconstruction costs associated with the bridge collapse."
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3/8/2005 | Governor Rell Announces $3.5 Million Settlement with Merrill Lynch |
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"I’m especially pleased that the bulk of the money will go to further financial literacy programs. The best investor is always an educated investor. I’m also pleased with the establishment of a fund to further educate and inform the investigators who deal with these often intricate cases."
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3/8/2005 | Governor Orders Early Dismissal of State Employees |
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“I encourage everyone to get home safely and to then stay there until the storm passes. This will allow crews from the state Department of Transportation and local crews to clear our highways and roads quickly and effectively.”
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3/8/2005 | Governor Rell Urges Support of Initiative to Increase Rates for Nursing Homes and Care Providers |
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“This proposal would sharply increase the amount of federal Medicaid support for every nursing home in the state as well as more than 350 nonprofit community providers. It is an innovative way of increasing our federal reimbursements by $118 million a year and helping these institutions stabilize their work force, meet rising expenses and continue to provide valuable care to residents of our state.”
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3/7/2005 | Gov. Rell, Rep. DeLauro Announce $200,000 for Housing Rehabilitation in East Haven |
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“This funding will allow for the rehabilitation of approximately eight units in town. It will enable low-and moderate-income homeowners in East Haven to have access to funds for much-needed home improvements. The improvements will follow local housing code standards to ensure housing safety and stability.”
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3/7/2005 | Governor Rell Meets with MetLife CEO to Discuss Future of Travelers Life & Annuity |
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“I will continue to work and fight to keep these jobs in Connecticut, and if it means meeting with someone every day I’ll do it.”
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3/7/2005 | Governor Rell Announces Resignation of Agriculture Commissioner Bruce Gresczyk |
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Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that Agriculture Commissioner Bruce Gresczyk has informed her of his intention to resign his position effective April 15. Gresczyk has headed the Department since March 2003 and served previously as Deputy Commissioner.
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3/4/2005 | Governor Rell Receives Preliminary Report from U.S. Army Inspector General; Announces Retirements of Generals Cugno, Zembrzuski |
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“I thank both of these men for their many years of service to our nation and to Connecticut. I wish them well in the future.”
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3/4/2005 | Governor Rell Says Casino-Affected Towns Need Relief; Pushes For Unfunded Mandates Study |
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“The towns of Ledyard, Montville, Norwich, North Stonington and Preston are the communities in our state most affected by their proximity to the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. Officials of those towns have stressed to us time and again the tremendous burden the casinos have on local infrastructures and services. It is time to better compensate these towns for some of the costs they incur.”
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3/4/2005 | Governor Rell Highlights Latest Round of LIHEAP Funding; State 16.5 % Ahead of Last Year’s Totals |
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“I’m very pleased that the President has released this money – we know all too well that winter isn’t finished with Connecticut yet. And here’s another great example of our ability to get results from the President and the Congress thanks to the effective support of our delegation, my office in Washington and our ability to reach the right people and get our message heard.”
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3/3/2005 | Governor Rell Appoints Bobroske to State Board of Education |
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“Beverly has served on local, state, and national education panels. She has earned widespread praise and respect for her advocacy and compassion for Connecticut’s students. She will be an excellent addition to the Board."
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3/3/2005 | Governor Rell Nominates Elaine Pullen as Chair of Connecticut Innovations |
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“Connecticut Innovations has a vital mission. It makes equity investments in emerging Connecticut technology companies, it provides essential, nonfinancial support to entrepreneurs, and it conducts its own initiatives that address the specific needs of the Connecticut technology sector. I am confident that Elaine Pullen is the right person to lead this important effort.”
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3/3/2005 | Governor Rell’s Adoption Initiative Begins With Centralized Point of Contact for Interested Families |
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“We are going to roll out the red carpet for anyone who is interested in giving a child a permanent place to call home. Providing the best service to prospective adoptive parents from the very first contact is more likely to result in a successful adoption.” The toll-free number for interested parents is: 1-888-KID-HERO.
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3/2/2005 | Governor Rell Launches the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame; Hall to Honor 10 Veterans Each Year for Post-Military Achievements |
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Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the official launch of the Governor’s Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. Governor Rell created the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame to recognize the post-military achievements of generations of outstanding veterans from the state, living or deceased, and to spotlight their contributions to their community, including education, public safety, politics, recreation and other areas of public service.
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