LT. GOVERNOR’S LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES:
2005 SESSION WRAP-UP
When the 2005 Legislative Session began, we focused our advocacy on a few key initiatives to help Connecticut. The following is a summary of what succeeded and where there is still work to do.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE. Done -- Based on the blueprint for reform proposed by the Lt. Governor’s Community Mental Health Cabinet and with Governor Rell’s support, this is a banner year for more effective treatment and recovery. More than $50 million in new investment will increase supportive housing and transitional services, sustain community providers, expand flexible funding for children in crisis, create a single user-friendly information website, promote private insurance parity and much more. Still left to do -- Awareness training for first-responders, adequate rates for emergency hospitalization, alternatives to inappropriate nursing home placements, and ending Connecticut’s dubious status as the only state in the nation to pay for but not get the benefit of maximizing available federal funding.
“OPERATION APPRECIATION.” Done -- Iraq and Afghanistan are putting an unprecedented burden on our National Guard and Military Reserves as well as their families back home. As a result of my work with Lt. Governors across the nation, new state legislation provides a “Military Family Relief Fund,” globally available information hotline, combat bonuses, increased combat pay and death benefits and education benefits. Still left to do -- Suspend state and property taxes for those on active combat duty or assure that they will be kept whole when military pay is less than the job they left at home.
ETHICS REFORM. Done – While somewhat different from my proposal, we do have a new state ethics authority, a new staff to end the infighting, and clearer procedures for advice, investigation, and enforcement. Including my ban on from lobbying for those convicted of corruption is a plus. Still left to do – State pension forfeiture for officials and employees convicted of corruption.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. Done? – Significantly restored and even expanded school funding and other state aid to cities and towns, but only as one-time state surplus revenue sharing. Not done – Fully restored state income tax property tax credits, local retention of a portion of state sales tax collections, and a significant “homestead” exemption for most property taxpayers.
BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUNDS. Done -- $1 million more to help construct additional handicapped accessible playgrounds across the state.
COMMISSION ON AGING. Done – Independent advocacy restored with relocation to the legislative branch and more adequate funding.
STATE TROOPER ON-BOARD COMPUTERS. Done – Financing provided to improve safety and efficiency on the road.
NO DOUBLE-BILLING EMISSIONS TESTING. Done – Legislation was not needed, but attempts by state and failed contractor to double bill consumers for missed inspections will not be allowed.
CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION. Done – With help from Attorney General Blumenthal, consumers may now “freeze” access to confidential credit data without express permission.
WATERBURY HOME-RULE. Not done – The ill-advised and costly Rowland-era state bailout of Waterbury continues and with it the denial of basic home-rule, local accountability, and collective bargaining.
MAGNET SCHOOL FUNDING. Done – Emergency funding for capital area magnet schools and increased state operating support. Not done – Parent rather than school district-controlled choice.
STATE CAPITOL OVERLOOK. Not done – Financing the final phase of restoring the State Capitol and its historic connection to Bushnell Park (including public space) will wait while a statue is placed back on top of the Capitol dome.
