04/02/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Statements on Decision by Congresswoman Esty to Not Seek Re-Election

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman released the following statements regarding the announcement made this afternoon by Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty that she will not seek re-election this fall:

Governor Malloy said, “Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s decision not to run for another term is the right one. She has done important work on behalf of her constituents on gun safety, economic development, and much more. I spoke with the Congresswoman multiple times over the weekend and as recently as today, encouraging full transparency with the press and public, and also urging her to do what is in best interest of her constituents and her family. I believe she is now doing that. The truth is, too many facts about how this incident was handled fall short of appropriate standards for responsible and responsive leadership. Fostering a safe and supportive workplace culture for staff must be a guiding principle for all managers, and especially all elected officials, from local office all the way up to the President.”

Lt. Governor Wyman said, “I think this is the right decision and I thank Congresswoman Esty for her many years of service to the residents of the fifth district and the State of Connecticut.”

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04/02/2018 Gov. Malloy and Commissioner Klee Blast Trump Administration Decision to Weaken Tailpipe Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Rob Klee are criticizing a decision announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to roll-back greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for automobiles.

“As we have seen too often from the Trump administration, the EPA’s announcement today again abdicates its leadership role on climate, energy and the environment,” Governor Malloy said. “States have long led the way on many important issues, including climate change. President Trump is once again putting the interests of big business ahead of the health and economic interests of the American people. This shortsighted decision will lead to decreasing fuel efficiency, which means more frequent stops at the gas station and higher gas bills for Connecticut drivers. We will continue to work with California and other like-minded states to safeguard the protections provided by the federal Clean Air Act and the Advanced Clean Car program.”

“Human-induced climate change is the most significant environmental issue we face today, and taking action now to mitigate the most damaging impacts of climate change offers one of the greatest opportunities for reshaping, reenergizing, and transforming our economy to create the green jobs and green industries of the future,” Commissioner Klee said. “While this administration may actively try to prevent states from exerting their sovereign rights to fill the void created by federal inaction, we will continue to do our part as a national leader to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, and look forward to a time when our federal government again allows science and not the demands of the auto industry to drive the important goals and objectives of the advanced clean cars program.”

California is allowed to set their own motor vehicle tailpipe standards in recognition of their unique air quality challenges and of their early efforts that pre-dated the federal Clean Air Act. Connecticut and 11 other states are authorized to adopt California’s standards under section 177 of the federal Clean Air Act provided U.S. EPA first issues a waiver to California under section 209 of the federal Clean Air Act indicating California’s standards are at least as stringent as federal standards.

The standards at issue are part of a broader agreement made in 2012 among the State of California, U.S. EPA, U.S. DOT/NHSTA and the major auto manufacturers. Under this agreement, California and the federal government agreed to harmonize state and federal tailpipe emission standards for greenhouse gases with federal fuel efficiency standards. The State of California agreed to find vehicles certified as meeting the federal tailpipe standards as being deemed in compliance with the California standards (also adopted by 12 other states, and when combined represent 35% of the national light duty vehicle market). The agreement included a mid-term evaluation during which California assessed three elements of the clean cars program: the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation, the one milligram per mile (mg/mi) particulate matter (PM) standard, and the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards for 2022 and later model years. U.S. EPA agreed to conduct a similar review of the standards for model year 2022-25.

California’s technical staff worked with U.S. EPA and NHTSA to review the federal light-duty greenhouse gas standards for 2022 through 2025 model years. This review included collaborating on a second joint Technical Assessment Report (TAR) to re-assess the technical assumptions and analysis used to develop the greenhouse gas standards. The Draft (Joint) TAR was published for public comment in July 2016. After reviewing public comments, U.S. EPA updated their analysis and published for public comment in November 2016 a Proposed Determination that the 2022 through 2025 federal standards remain as adopted. Subsequent to a review of public comment, U.S. EPA concluded their midterm evaluation and published a Final Determination in January 2017 that affirmed the existing federal greenhouse gas standards would remain as adopted. In March 2017, EPA rescinded the Final Determination, and announced that a “new” Final Determination would be published by April 1, 2018.

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04/03/2018 Gov. Malloy Nominates Judge Ingrid L Moll to Appellate Court

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is nominating Superior Court Judge Ingrid L. Moll of West Hartford to fill a vacancy on the Appellate Court.

“Since 2014, Judge Moll has served on the Superior Court with distinction,” Governor Malloy said. “She will bring with her a great amount of experience and competence to the Appellate Court.”

“I thank Governor Malloy for nominating me to serve on the Appellate Court,” Judge Moll said. “It is an honor and privilege to have this opportunity. If I am confirmed, I will work every day to prove myself worthy of this important position.”

Judge Moll became a judge of the Superior Court in April 2014, after having been nominated by Governor Malloy and approved by the General Assembly.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Moll was a member of the Hartford law firm Motley Rice LLC. She worked as a law clerk for the Honorable David M. Borden of the Connecticut Supreme Court from 1999 to 2001.

She received Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and French from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois in 1995 and a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1999.

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04/03/2018 Gov. Malloy Statement on Judiciary Committee Passage of Bump Stock Ban

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement in response to the Judiciary Committee’s passage of House Bill 5542, An Act Concerning Bump Stocks and Other Means of Enhancing the Rate of Fire of a Firearm, which closely mirrors legislation introduced earlier this session by Governor Malloy (Senate Bill 18) that was referred to the Public Safety and Security Committee but did not receive a vote prior that committee’s deadline.

“Make no mistake, this is a step in the right direction,” Governor Malloy said. “As we have heard – loud and clear – from students and activists in recent weeks, Connecticut cannot afford to sit back while Congress continues to capitulate to the demands of the NRA while ignoring the demands of the vast majority of the American people. The legislation passed today is the definition of common sense. These cheap and deadly devices – which allow weapons to fire at machine gun-like speeds – have no place in our society. It is truly unfortunate that some Republicans are so beholden to the NRA that they won’t even support this no-brainer bill.”

Similar bills have passed with bipartisan support and have been signed into law by Republican governors in Massachusetts, Florida, and New Jersey.

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04/03/2018 Gov. Malloy Nominates Eleven Connecticut Residents to Fill Judicial Vacancies on the Superior Court

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is nominating eleven state residents to fill vacancies for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. While these nominations represent only a fraction of the 42 vacancies that currently exist in the Superior Court, these judges will provide critical judicial capacity in performing the essential duties of the court system.

“Selecting nominees to fill vacancies in our court system is one of the most important duties that a governor performs – they must possess the qualities that build a stronger, fairer Connecticut for everyone in the long-run,” Governor Malloy said. “I believe that each of these women and men will bring to the bench the diverse qualities that mirror the people of our state while also meeting the high principles and integrity that our citizens deserve.”

In addition to those announced today, the Governor intends to announce further judicial nominations for the Superior Court in the coming days.

Governor Malloy’s nominations for the Superior Court include:

 Barbara D. Aaron of West Hartford: Aaron is a partner at Berman, Bourns, Aaron & Dembo LLC in Hartford, where since 2000 she has focused her practice on mediation and collaborative divorce, serving clients who are interested in resolving their cases in a confidential, respectful, and efficient process. Previously, she worked as a partner with Whitehead & Aaron from 1993 to 2000, as a principal with her own law firm from 1990 to 1993, as an associate attorney with McEleney & McGrail in Hartford from 1986 to 1990, and as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division in New York City from 1984 to 1986. Aaron currently serves on the Board of the Copper Beech Institute and is the co-chair of the Family Law Committee of the Hartford County Bar Association. She is a graduate of American University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and Brooklyn Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Eugene R. Calistro, Jr. of Guilford: Calistro is Senior Assistant State’s Attorney and Special Assistant to the United States Attorney for the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice, where since 1992 he has handled a large capacity of criminal law matters. In this position, his duties include handling numerous court and jury trials, pretrial negotiations and trial preparation, drafting pretrial and post-trial motions and responses, and oral argument before superior court judges. He also serves as a member of the National District Attorney’s Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Calistro’s previous legal experience includes working as an associate trial attorney with Shay, Slocum & Dewey in New Haven from 1991 to 1992, and as a supervisory judicial law clerk for the State of Connecticut Judicial Department from 1986 to 1991. He is a graduate of the University of New Haven, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Suzanne E. Caron of Bloomfield: Caron is a partner with Caron & Parris LLC in Vernon, where since 2006 her practice has focused on family law, collaborative divorce, mediation, personal injury, and attorney disciplinary proceedings. From 1988 to 2006 she worked as a partner with Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela LLP in Vernon, as a litigation attorney with practice emphasis upon family law, personal injury, attorney disciplinary proceedings, and zoning and land use appeals. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Connecticut School of Law, teaching first-year law students in a lawyering process course. Throughout her legal career, Caron has provided pro bono service to a number of organizations, including Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut from 1988 to 2012, where she represented indigent clients in dissolution proceedings, the juvenile court from 1988 to 1996, where she represented children and parents in abuse/neglect proceedings, and Hartford Interval House from 1989 to 2014, where she represented victims of domestic violence in custody and dissolution proceedings and restraining order hearings. She is a graduate of Bates College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in History, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Courtney M. Chaplin of Manchester: Chaplin is a Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney for the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice, where since 2015 he has been responsible for calling all dockets in court, including judicial pretrial, arraignment, regular, probation review, and motor vehicle cases. He also conducts evidentiary courtside hearings, engages in plea negotiation and trial preparation, and drafts evidentiary motions and objections. Immediately prior to that, Chaplin served as Special Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the office’s civil litigation bureau from 2014 to 2015. From 2013 to 2014, he worked as an associate attorney with small insurance defense firm in Hartford. He has also served as a judicial clerk at the Connecticut Appellate Court. Chaplin currently serves as treasurer of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association, as a member of the Client Security Fund Committee, and as a member of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Legislative Policy and Review Committee and its Statewide Opioid Taskforce. He is a graduate of Wofford College, where he received in Bachelor of Arts in Government and Spanish, and Howard University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Robert W. Clark of Durham: Clark serves as Special Counsel to the Connecticut Attorney General, where since 2011 he has been responsible for the Attorney General’s legislative initiatives and for responding to legal and public policy inquiries from legislators, constitutional officers, and state agency heads. He also serves as a member of the office’s six-person executive Litigation Management and Opinion Management Committees. Immediately prior to that position, Clark served as an Assistant Attorney General from 2004 to 2011 in the office’s Special Litigation Department. Prior to joining the Office of the Attorney General, he worked in private practice, including as an associate for Day, Berry & Howard LLP in Hartford in the commercial litigation and creditors’ rights and bankruptcy departments, and as an associate with Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP in New York City in the credits’ rights and bankruptcy department. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Tracy Lee Dayton of Weston: Dayton is a partner with Levine Lee LLP, where since 2017 she has served as a trial and appellate lawyer practicing in the areas of white collar and securities enforcement defense, investigations, and complex litigation. In this position, she represents individuals and businesses in connection with investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory agencies involving, among other things, securities and corporate fraud, and public corruption. Prior to joining Levine Lee, Dayton was an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Connecticut from 2007 to 2017, where she served as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney and the Chief of Violent Crimes and Narcotics. She also served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for five years in the Eastern District of New York, where she was the Deputy Chief of Violent Crimes and Terrorism. As an AUSA, Dayton handled matters involving racketeering, bank fraud, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and terrorism. Her previous experience also includes working as Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in California, as an Adjunct Professor with the Fordham University School of Law, and as a Business Leader in Forensic Audit with MasterCard International. Dayton currently serves as a member of the Federal Bar Council’s Federal Criminal Practice Committee, and as a commissioner on the Connecticut State Marshal Commission. She is a graduate of Princeton University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Boalt Hall School of Law of the University of California at Berkeley, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Stephanie A. McLaughlin of Stamford: McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Stamford Hospital Foundation, where since 2013 her responsibilities have included managing legal affairs for the organization, including drafting and negotiating contracts, drafting board resolutions, and overseeing litigation, mediations, arbitrations, and real estate and business transactions. She leads the planned giving initiative for the Foundation. From 2001 to 2013 she worked as a partner with Sandak Hennessey & Greco LLP in Stamford, serving as an advisor to several small and mid-sized businesses on matters spanning from commercial real estate lease negotiations to employment matters. From 1995 to 1997 McLaughlin served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for the Peace Corps in Washington, DC, and in 1998 she also served as a clerk in the Office of the General Counsel for the Peace Corps. She is a graduate of American University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts with a focus in international relations, and DePaul University College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Maureen Price-Boreland of Durham: Price-Boreland is the Executive Director of Community Partners in Action, a 143 year old nonprofit organization that provides a myriad of community justice and re-entry programming to make a positive impact on lives and advocates for criminal justice reform, a position she has held since 1997. For the ten years prior to that, she was the Deputy Director and Program Manager for the organization under its original name, the Connecticut Prison Association. Since 2001 she has also worked as an adjunct professor in criminal justice at Central Connecticut State University. She also serves as a member of several boards and commissions in the state, including the Governor’s Cabinet on Nonprofit Health and Human Services, the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Criminal Justice System, and the Steering Committee of the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Stuart D. Rosen of Avon: Rosen is a partner in the litigation department of Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford, where he has worked since 2014 as a member of the business litigation and insurance/reinsurance groups. He also works as a commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, for whom he has served since 1993, and as an adjunct lecturer at law on insurance litigation and arbitration with the University of Connecticut School of Law since 2012. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hartford. Previously, he worked in the law offices of Bingham McCutchen LLP from 1996 to 2014. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, and the Columbus School of Law of the Catholic University of America, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Joseph B. Schwartz of West Hartford: Schwartz is a partner with Murtha Cullina LLP in Hartford, where he represents clients in the areas of municipal and land use litigation and general commercial litigation. Since 2012, he has worked with the firm to represent municipalities, developers, businesses, and individuals in all phases of local land use approval and complex real estate litigation. Previously, he worked as an associate with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP (formerly Pepe & Hazard LLP) from 2010 to 2012, and as an associate with Cohen and Wolf P.C. from 2007 to 2010. He serves on several boards, including as a former member of the Board of Trustees for the University of Connecticut School of Law Foundation, as a member of the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Greater Hartford, and as treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Water Pollution Control Authorities. He is a graduate of The George Washington University, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  James Field Spallone of Centerbrook: Spallone is the Chief Legal Counsel in the Connecticut General Assembly’s House Democratic Caucus, where he has worked since January 2017. Immediately prior to that, he served for six years as Deputy Secretary of the State of Connecticut. He has also worked for nearly two decades in private practice, serving in the Law Office of James Field Spallone, where he specialized in civil and criminal litigation, family law, probate, and real estate, as well as with Gould, Larson, Bennet, Wells & McDonnell, P.C.; Waller, Smith & Palmer, P.C.; and McNerney, FitzGerald & Tiernan P.C. He was elected to serve five terms as State Representative from 2001 to 2011, representing the 36th Assembly District of Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam, during which he served for two years as co-chairman of the Government Administration and Elections Committee and as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee. He is a graduate of Williams College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in History, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/04/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Statements on the 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman released the following statements regarding the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

Governor Malloy said, “Fifty years after Dr. King’s life was cut all too short, we as a nation continue to strive to learn from his teachings and practice the patriotic and just campaign of nonviolent revolution that he endeavored to achieve in the name of love, compassion, and justice. His message is timeless, and his cause is one that no country in the world should ever overlook. He has forever shaped the United States for the better, but if we are to truly value what he has contributed to our society we must never stop advocating for the mission that he lost his life trying to achieve – a world of justice, peace, and freedom for all. It is a struggle that we must consistently reflect upon and be determined to improve. Let’s continue his work together, in unity, to identify injustice where we see it and work to fearlessly improve it.”

Lt. Governor Wyman said, “Dr. King led a movement that pushed this nation towards justice – one that echoes across the country at every march and every rally and inspires a new generation of leaders as they rise up. His legacy endures and our work continues – to lift communities out of poverty, to invest in the people who are the backbone of our economy, and to stand together for equality.”

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04/05/2018 Gov. Malloy Nominates Justice Robinson as Chief Justice and Judge Ecker as Associate Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court Also Announces Nomination of Five Connecticut Residents to the Superior Court

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is nominating Associate Justice Richard Allan Robinson of Stamford to serve as Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. In addition, the Governor announced that he is nominating Superior Court Judge Steven D. Ecker of New Haven to become an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

“During his esteemed career in public and judicial service Justice Robinson has demonstrated a keen legal acumen and incisive insight,” Governor Malloy said. “I am confident that as Chief Justice, his tenure will be marked with distinction and his leadership will prove to be invaluable, should he be confirmed.”

If confirmed, Justice Robinson would fill the seat that was most recently held by Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers, who retired from the bench in February.

“If I am confirmed, I will do all that is humanly possible to live up to the high standards of this office,” Justice Robinson said.

Justice Robinson has been an associate justice of the Supreme Court since December 2013. He was first appointed as a judge to the Superior Court judge in 2000 and to the Appellate Court in 2007. Prior to his service on the courts, Justice Robinson had a distinguished career in public service, serving the City of Stamford as Staff Counsel and then as Assistant Corporation Counsel for a combined fifteen years. Throughout his career, he also served in various leadership positions and was a member of a myriad of professional and civic organizations, such as President to the Stamford Branch of the NAACP (1988-1990) and as the Chair of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (1997-2000). He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University School of Law.

Should Justice Robinson be confirmed as Chief Justice, Judge Ecker would fill the Associate Justice seat that is currently held by Justice Robinson.

“Judge Ecker has shown himself to be a fair and impartial jurist during his time on the court and throughout his stellar legal career,” Governor Malloy said. “I am confident that he will serve the people of Connecticut well on the Supreme Court.”

“I am enormously grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Connecticut as a justice of the Supreme Court,” Judge Ecker said. “If confirmed by the General Assembly, I will strive every day to uphold the public trust.”

Judge Ecker became a judge of the Superior Court in April 2014, after having been nominated by Governor Malloy and approved by the General Assembly. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Ecker was a member of the Hartford law firm Cowdery, Ecker & Murphy, LLC. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable Jon O. Newman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Yale College and Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Five additional Superior Court nominations

Governor Malloy today also announced that he is nominating five state residents to fill vacancies for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. These announcements come in addition to the eleven nominations for the court that the Governor made on Tuesday.

While these nominations represent only a fraction of the 42 vacancies that currently exist in the Superior Court, these judges will provide critical judicial capacity in performing the essential duties of the court system.

In addition to those announced so far this week, the Governor intends to make further judicial nominations for the Superior Court in the coming days.

Governor Malloy’s nominations for the Superior Court include:

 Eric D. Coleman of Bloomfield: Coleman is the owner of the Law Office of Eric D. Coleman, where since 1986 he has practiced law with areas of concentration in criminal defense, personal injury, family law, probate maters, and real estate transactions. Previously, he worked from 1991 to 2001 as the Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Bloomfield and in 1986 as an associate with Tulisano and Lifshitz in Rocky Hill. He has also worked as a Management Consultant with Aetna Life and Casualty from 1981 to 1985, and as a Deputy Assistant Public Defender for the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services from 1978 to 1981, where he represented individuals accused of criminal offenses at all stages of criminal court proceedings. He was elected to serve in several public offices, including as State Senator of the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2nd Senatorial District of Hartford from 1995 to 2017, and as State Representative of its 1st Assembly District from 1983 to 1995. He serves as a member on several boards of organizations in the state, including Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Humanidad, the Community Renewal Team, and Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. He is a graduate of Columbia University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Nuala E. Droney of Columbia: Droney is a partner in business litigation with Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford, for whom she has worked since 2007. It is in that position that she serves as a first chair trial attorney, representing clients in state and federal court, as well as arbitration, in disputes ranging from complex business litigation to pro bono representation of indigent clients. She also serves as chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Team, as a member of its White-Collar Defense and Corporate Compliance Team, and as chair of its Women’s Committee – a position that led her to being a founding member of the firm’s Domestic Violence Restraining Order program, which provides free legal services to family violence victims. Previously, she worked from 2005 to 2007 as an associate in commercial litigation with Goodwin Procter LLP in Boston, and as a law clerk from 2004 to 2005 for the Honorable Alfred v. Covello of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Droney also serves on several boards, including on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority, the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford and Hans Christian Anderson Montessori School of Bolton, and as a member of the Women in White Collar Defense Association. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Yale College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in History, and the University of Virginia School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Ann E. Lynch of Granby: Lynch is an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Connecticut Attorney General, where she serves as a Department Head of the Employment Rights Unit. In this position, which she has held since 2012, she has defended employment, civil rights, and tort actions against the State of Connecticut and its officials and employees. From 1994 to 2012, she worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the office’s Public Safety Department, defending the Connecticut Department of Correction and individual officials and employees of the agency. Prior to her service with the Office of the Connecticut Attorney General, she worked from 1990 to 1994 as a litigation associate with Updike Kelly and Spellacy in Hartford defending attorneys, physicians, dentists, and engineers who had been sued for professional malpractice. She is a graduate of the State university of New York at Albany, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Economic and Sociology, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Margarita Hartley Moore of Milford: Hartley Moore is an attorney with the Law Offices of Margarita Hartley Moore, where since 1995 she has focused her practice primarily on family law, including discovery, litigation, mediation, and negotiation, representing clients in the Superior and Appellate Court. Previously, she worked from 1991 to 1995 as an associate attorney with the law firm of Stevens, Carroll & Carveth in Milford, and from 1989 to 1991 as a temporary assistant clerk with the Bridgeport Superior Court. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English, the New England School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree, and Pace University School of Law, where she received her Masters of Law degree in Environmental Law.  James Sicilian of West Hartford: Sicilian is General Counsel for the law firm of Day Pitney LLP in Hartford – a position he has held since 2014. He has worked for the firm since 1982, first as an associate and then as a partner in 1989. Throughout his career at Day Pitney, he has been engaged in a commercial trial practice, primarily in the state and federal courts in Connecticut. Previously, he worked as a law clerk from 1981 to 1982 for the Honorable Thomas J. Meskill of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Sicilian has also served on several boards, including as a member of the Board of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, as a member of the Board of Directors for Community Partners in Action, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. He is a graduate of Bucknell University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/05/2018

Gov. Malloy Directs Flags to Return to Full-Staff on Friday Evening

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that U.S. and state flags should return to full-staff at sunset on the evening of Friday, April 6, 2018. Flags are currently flying at half- staffacross the state in honor of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Kevin M. Miller, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident while on duty last week.

Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman will be in attendance at the funeral services for Trooper First Class Miller, which are being held on Friday morning at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

“It is with incredible sadness that we mourn the loss of a man who dedicated his career toward ensuring that our communities remain safe,” Governor Malloy said. “And we must also remember that in addition to his role protecting the public, Trooper First Class Miller was devoted to his family and friends, especially his children, whom he cherished. We must never forget the sacrifices that the families of our brave first responders make in their loved one’s call to service. I am incredibly proud of our Connecticut State Police troopers – they are among the best in the nation, and their professionalism is second to none.”

“Connecticut lost a fine and dedicated public servant and a good man. This grief will be with us for a very long time,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “I hope the outpouring of support and love from across Connecticut and throughout the nation gives the Miller family and Trooper First Class Miller’s law enforcement brothers and sisters some solace during this very sad time.”

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04/05/2018 Gov. Malloy Applauds Finance Committee’s Approval of Legislation to Help Stabilize Transportation Funding

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement regarding the vote this afternoon in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee approving legislation that will help stabilize the state’s transportation funding in the long-term. The proposal, House Bill 5046, also received a favorable vote by the Transportation Committee on March 22.

“This is an important step forward as we work to ensure the long-term solvency of the Special Transportation Fund, and I applaud Finance Committee leadership,” Governor Malloy said. “The truth is that if we do not find new revenue, we will not be able to keep our roads, bridges, tunnels, and rails in a state of good repair, and we will be forced to significantly increase fares and dramatically reduce services on bus and rail services. If we fail to take action this year – on this bill and on my proposals to ensure the short-term viability of the transportation fund – we will put the safety of Connecticut drivers at risk and cause unnecessary harm to our economy.”

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04/05/2018 Gov. Malloy Announces Sema4 Plans to Relocate its New York Laboratory to Connecticut and Create Over 400 Jobs in the State Cutting-Edge, Health Information Technology Company Picks Connecticut for its Expansion Plans

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Sema4, a Mount Sinai venture providing advanced genomic testing, is planning grow its presence in Connecticut by adding 408 new jobs over the next five years. The health information technology company is moving forward with expansions at its two existing locations in the state, including its recently announced headquarters at 333 Ludlow Street in Stamford and its laboratory at 1 Commercial Street in Branford. In addition, the company will soon be relocating laboratory facilities from New York City to a yet-to-be-determined site in Stamford. The move will bring the company’s job presence in Connecticut to at least 553 employees.

“We are thrilled that Sema4 has chosen to significantly expand its operations in Connecticut, bringing their total workforce to over 550,” Governor Malloy said. “It’s no surprise that this cutting-edge, health information company has decided to grow here, thanks to our first-class talent pipeline and exceptional educational institutions. Today’s announcement isn’t just about economic development, it’s about a vision we began years ago to turn Connecticut into a hub for bioscience and tech growth. Thanks to our targeted investments, that vision is coming to life.”

Sema4, a patient-centered predictive health company, is founded on the idea that more data, deeper analysis, and increased engagement with patients will improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The company offers advanced genome-based diagnostics for reproductive health and oncology and is building predictive models of complex disease.

“Connecticut offers a very attractive environment for our company to grow along the talent-rich biotech corridor running from New York City to New Haven, with a stellar pool of qualified candidates, plus competitively-priced commercial real estate and the presence of leading universities and medical centers,” Eric Schadt, PhD, founder and CEO of Sema4, said. “We greatly appreciate the strong support from the State of Connecticut to foster our growth, which has facilitated the establishment of our corporate headquarters and accelerated the expansion of our laboratory operations here in Stamford.”

The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide a $6 million loan that will be utilized for the purchase of machinery and equipment, capital improvements, and the creation of 408 jobs in Connecticut. The company is eligible for partial loan forgiveness if certain milestones are met. In December 2015, DECD provided the company a $9.5 million loan to create 145 jobs in the state. “Sema4’s decision to move its New York City lab operations to Connecticut is evidence that this is a great place to grow a business,” Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith said. “We are thrilled with Sema4’s decision to relocate its primary diagnostic testing laboratory from New York City and add to the community of bioscience firms in the state.”

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04/06/2018 Gov. Malloy: New Report Ranks Connecticut Among Top States in Nation for its Progress in Responding to the Opioid Crisis Implementing Prescriber Guidelines and Increased Availability to Treatment Among Key Actions Highlighted in Report

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the National Safety Council has awarded Connecticut its highest mark for the state’s response to the opioid crisis in a new report released this week. Connecticut is one of only thirteen states, along with the District of Columbia, to receive the uppermost mark of “Improving” from the organization, indicating that the state has implemented comprehensive, proven actions to eliminate opioid overdoses and help protect its residents. The other states that received the highest rating were Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

“Addressing the opioid crisis has been a top priority for our administration,” Governor Malloy said. “While this is undoubtedly good news, more work remains. We must continue to devote our time, resources, and energy to combatting this tragic epidemic that has ravaged families and communities across the geographic and socioeconomic spectrum.”

“This score reflects the important work we’ve done to curb opioid use and raise awareness of addiction and treatment, and I agree with Governor Malloy that there is more work to be done,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “I applaud our many partners and stakeholders who have engaged around opioid addiction and healthcare – they have been the catalyst for saving lives and ensuring Connecticut remains responsive and attentive to the victims of the opioid epidemic and their families.”

A number of Connecticut state agencies, including the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Department of Corrections (DOC), have been working collaboratively to implement the state’s response to the opioid crisis.

In addition, the state’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, comprised of representatives from all three branches of state government, consumer and advocacy groups, private service providers, individuals in recovery from addictions, and other stakeholders, has also been working on the state’s coordinated efforts. Last year, the Council, co-chaired by the Commissioners of DMHAS and DCF, developed recommendations to address opioid addiction across the lifespan in the state.

“Connecticut’s high ranking for our response to the opioid crisis is a testament to the state’s commitment to turning the tide on opioid addiction,” DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin- Rittmon said. “I appreciate all of the hard work that has been dedicated to this crisis at the state, local and community levels and value the strong collaborative efforts taking place throughout the state.”

“Connecticut is ranked among the top states for our opioid response because of the leadership of Governor Malloy and the collaborative work among state agencies and our local and community partners to tackle the epidemic of prescription drug and opioid misuse and overdose,” DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said. “The Department of Public Health is proud to be a part of these efforts. Just recently, we completed enhancements to our syndromic surveillance program that will allow us to share real-time data on suspected overdoses in the state’s emergency departments. This data, along with information gathered by our partners and shared collaboratively, will give everyone a more complete picture of this multi-faceted crisis that will allow us to more effectively direct resources and deploy programs to fight the opioid epidemic.”

“We have always known that combating the opioid crisis would be a collaborative effort, and here at DCP, we’re thankful to partner with our sister agencies to help as many families as possible,” DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said. “I’m proud of all the work that our Drug Control Division does to regulate pharmaceuticals in the state, administer the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, enable the safe disposal of unneeded medications and support safe access to naloxone. While we’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, we know this fight is not over, and we look forward to continued collaboration with other agencies and partners at the federal, state, and local levels.”

“All our systems are confronted by the impact of opioids on families,” DCF Commissioner Joette Katz said. “In Connecticut, we have managed to utilize innovative funding sources in the private sector to expand proven-effective treatment services that can help prevent placement into foster care while maintaining child safety and keeping families intact.”

Over the past several years, Connecticut has taken significant strides in addressing the opioid crisis, including through:

 Expanded access to naloxone, a life-saving drug used in the event of an opioid overdose;  Increased access to medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder;  Enacted restrictions on the prescribing of prescription opioids;  Promoted the safe disposal of unused prescription medications; and  Implemented a program to connect recovery coaches with lived experience to individuals who report to the emergency department as a result of drug or alcohol-related medical emergencies. (Since the program began in 2017, over 700 individuals have been connected to addiction treatment or services through the program.)

Last month, Connecticut launched its statewide public awareness campaign, Change the Script, to help communities, health care providers, pharmacists and individuals deal with the prescription drug and opioids misuse and overdose crisis plaguing Connecticut and the nation.

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

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04/09/2018 Gov. Malloy Announces Increase in Graduation Rates for Seventh Consecutive Year Highest Need Districts Improving at Faster Rate than State Average

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Department of Education (SDE) Commissioner Dianna R. Wentzell today announced that graduation rates in the state reached a record high of 87.9 percent in 2017, marking an increase for the seventh consecutive year. Also on the rise are the graduation rates for school districts that participate in Connecticut’s Alliance District program. The graduation rates for the Alliance Districts reached 80.5 percent in 2017, up from 71.2 percent in 2011. The Educational Reform Districts, a subset of the Alliance Districts and among the lowest performing in the state, showed a 12.1 point gain since 2011, up to 75.7 percent in 2017. Connecticut Four-Year Graduation Rate Trend

“My administration has been laser-focused on educational outcomes and making sure that every kid in Connecticut, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education and the opportunity to succeed,” Governor Malloy said. “Over the past seven years, the results have been dramatic, particularly for the lowest-performing districts in the state. Education should be the great equalizer, and we must continue to build on our successes to ensure that all students graduate prepared for the jobs of the 21st century.”

“Achieving a record-high graduation rate in 2017 is another exciting and incredible milestone toward our goal of equity and excellence for all Connecticut students,” Commissioner Wentzell said. “What’s even more encouraging to me is the fact that our Alliance Districts and particularly our highest need Educational Reform Districts have outpaced the statewide growth in graduation rates. The fact that more young people than ever before are earning high school diplomas is a testament to the hard work and commitment of so many teachers, principals, superintendents, community partners, elected leaders, and of course our parents and students.”

Four-Year Graduation Rate

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Difference from 2011

Educational Reform Districts 63.6 66.3 69.1 71.7 71.6 73.0 75.7 12.1 Alliance Districts 71.2 73.5 74.8 77.5 77.6 78.3 80.5 9.3 State 82.7 84.8 85.5 87.0 87.2 87.4 87.9 5.2

Note: The Alliance and Education Reform designations are from prior to July 2017.

Through the Alliance District program, the state provides increased funding tied to greater accountability for the 33 lowest performing school districts. During the past four years, over $551 million has been invested into the Alliance Districts to help them strengthen their schools and improve outcomes for students. New Haven Public Schools, an Alliance District, increased 16.1 points since 2011, reaching 80.0 percent in 2017.

Governor Malloy and Commissioner Wentzell made the announcement at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, a Commissioner’s Network school which had the third largest increase in graduation rate over the past five years of any Connecticut high school, reaching 81.3 percent in 2017, up from 64.3 percent in 2013.

Detailed results for all districts and schools are available on the SDE’s data portal EdSight at http://edsight.ct.gov.

Improvement Among High Needs Students

In 2017, a subgroup of high needs students, which includes English learners, those eligible for free or reduced price lunch, and students receiving special education services, saw another increase in the graduation rate to 78.1 percent. Over the past six years, the graduation rate for high needs students has jumped 6.7 points.

State of Connecticut

Trend Graduation Cohort by High Needs

Four-Year Graduation Rate by Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 High Needs 71.4 72.4 75.5 76.1 76.8 78.1 Non-High 95.9 96.5 97.1 97.6 97.6 97.9 Needs

Graduation rates for English learners improved to 68.4 percent in 2017, up from 67.3 in 2016 and from 59.4 in 2011. Graduation rates for students with disabilities improved to 66.7 percent in 2017, up from 65.2 in 2016 and from 62.4 in 2011.

Graduation rates for black and Hispanic students continued to increase, outpacing the average growth for the state. The graduation rate for black students reached 80.1 percent in 2017, up 8.9 points since 2011. For Hispanic students, the graduation rate reached 77.7 percent in 2017, up 13.4 points since 2011.

Graduation Rate Gaps Among Student Groups

The graduation rate gap between black students and white students decreased to a 12.7-point gap, down from 18.2 points in 2011. Overall, the gap has decreased 5.5 points since 2011.

The graduation rate gap between Hispanic students and white students decreased to a 15.1-point gap-down from 25.2 points in 2011. Overall, the gap decreased 10.1 points since 2011.

Using free and reduced-priced meal eligibility as an indicator of family wealth, the graduation rate gap between low-income students and their more affluent peers decreased to a 17.4-point gap-down from 27.7 points in 2011. Overall, the gap decreased by 10.3 points since 2011.

While the increases among the graduation rates for students from subgroups are encouraging, significant gaps remain.

Graduation rates are calculated according to the Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate method, which the National Governors Association developed and is considered to be the most precise method. These rates represent the percentage of first-time, ninth-grade students who graduated with a regular high school diploma in four years or less. It is based on individual student-level data, excludes ninth-grade repeaters, late graduates, and accounts for transfers in and out of the graduating class over the four- year period.

Connecticut 2017 Cohort Graduation Rate

Graduates Non-Graduates 2017 4-Year Cohort Graduation Difference Category Count Rate from 2016 Still Enrolled Other All Students 42,508 87.9 0.5 5.6 6.5 Hispanic 8,842 77.7 1.3 9.0 13.3 Non-Hispanic 33,666 90.6 0.4 4.8 4.7 Indian or Alaska Native 116 87.9 -1.0 4.3 7.8 Asian 1,768 95.5 0.9 2.9 1.6 Black 5,844 80.1 1.3 9.5 10.4 Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 32 81.3 -2.5 9.4 9.4 White 25,050 92.8 0.3 3.7 3.5 Two or More Races 856 87.7 0.0 6.8 5.5 Male 21,936 85.1 0.7 7.0 7.9 Female 20,572 90.9 0.3 4.1 4.9 English Learner 2,402 68.4 1.0 12.4 19.2 Non-English Learner 40,106 89.1 0.6 5.2 5.7 Eligible For Lunch 18,520 78.1 1.4 9.6 12.3 Eligible For Free Lunch 15,276 76.0 1.6 10.2 13.8 Eligible For Reduced Lunch 3,244 88.3 0.2 6.4 5.3 Not Eligible For Lunch 23,988 95.5 0.4 2.6 1.9 Special Education 6,606 66.7 1.5 20.7 12.5 Non-Special Education 35,902 91.8 0.5 2.9 5.3 High Needs 21,490 78.1 1.3 10.5 11.3 Non-High Needs 21,018 97.9 0.3 0.6 1.5

Notes:

 With the exception of the 2017 cohort count column, which is a count of students, all remaining columns represent percentages. Row percentages may not add up to 100 percent because of rounding.  A student is included in the EL, special education, or free/reduced lunch subgroup, or any combination of them, if he or she was reported in that subgroup in at least one of the Public School Information System data collections over the course of his or her high school career.  In reporting race/ethnicity, the student’s last reported category is used.  Special Education students who are still in school after four years but have earned the academic credits to graduate are included in the “still enrolled” column for this calculation.  A student is included in the High Needs category, if he or she is identified as an English learner, a student with a disability, or as eligible for free/reduced price meals.  The Cohort Count is as of the end of the 2016-17 school year.  Four-Year Graduation Rate is the percentage of students who received a standard diploma within four years including early and summer graduates from the cohort.  Still Enrolled means students were still in school after four years.  Other category includes students who dropped out (including those who enrolled in an adult education program), or transferred to postsecondary education, or transferred to another school district but never enrolled in that district, or have an unknown status

Methodology and Documentation

The SDE introduced the four-year cohort graduation rate with the graduating class of 2009. This approach was created when Connecticut and 49 other states signed an agreement with the National Governors Association to develop a uniform system for tracking students. The four-year cohort graduation rate is calculated by tracking an individual cohort, or group of students, from their initial entrance into Grade 9 through graduation. The four-year cohort graduation rate represents the percentage of students who earn a standard high school diploma within four years. The calculation uses individual student-level data from the state’s Public School Information System that school districts submitted and superintendents certified.

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04/10/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Highlight Equal Pay Day, Call for Legislative Action

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman today highlighted Equal Pay Day and called on the legislature to pass the Governor’s pay equity proposal, Senate Bill 15, An Act Concerning Fair and Equal Pay for Equal Work. Equal Pay Day, which falls on April 10, marks how far an average woman must work into the year in order to equal an average man’s earnings in the previous year.

“It is unconscionable that in 2018, Hispanic women earn just 54 cents and black women earn just 63 cents for every dollar a white man earns,” Governor Malloy said. “This is an issue of fundamental economic fairness that hurts families and leads to greater societal inequities for women and people of color. The bill I have proposed this year would ban the practice of asking for salary history before an offer is made – which can disproportionately ensure that women who were underpaid at their first job continue to be underpaid throughout their careers. It would be a real and substantive step toward pay equity in our state, and I hope the legislature will take action this year on this commonsense proposal.”

“Closing the gender wage gap is an economic imperative and a matter of basic fairness,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “Many factors support ongoing wage discrimination – for each that goes unaddressed, we have women and families bearing the brunt of a system stacked against them. Connecticut must continue progress to strengthen the economic security of our working families by passing the Governor’s pay equity proposal.”

In 2015, Governor Malloy signed legislation he proposed to halt “pay secrecy” – a practice among employers that frequently hinders pay discrimination from being pinpointed.

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04/10/2018 Gov. Malloy: State’s Results on National Assessment Shows Reduction in Some Achievement Gaps Since 2011 Connecticut’s Overall Student Performance Remains Steady, Scored Higher than Nation in Reading

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna R. Wentzell today announced that the State of Connecticut has been making progress in its efforts to reduce achievement gaps, according to the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – a report known as the “Nation’s Report Card” created by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The report shows that Connecticut’s overall student performance in Grades 4 and 8 in reading and mathematics is stable when compared to results from the last administration of NAEP in 2015 for all students and student groups. Connecticut scored higher than the nation in reading in Grades 4 and 8 and in Grade 8 mathematics, while the state’s fourth graders performed the same as the nation in mathematics. Additionally, over the six-year period from 2011 to 2017, fourth graders are showing progress in reducing the achievement gap in reading.

“We have a fundamental responsibility to provide an opportunity for all children to succeed,” Governor Malloy said. “With graduation rates at a record high and reductions in some of most persistent achievement gaps, we are making progress toward that goal. I am proud of our students and teachers across the state who are working hard every day to make Connecticut’s future even brighter.”

“While Connecticut’s overall performance remains steady, we recognize the importance of expanding on and accelerating some of the improvements we did see in the 2017 NAEP results,” Commissioner Wentzell said. “This includes focusing on bright spots such as the gap closure in Grade 4 reading and the narrowing of performance gaps between the state’s student subgroups. We continue to build on these positives. Only through a systemic approach to addressing the needs of all students can we collectively achieve the equity and excellence goals set forth in the State Board of Education’s Comprehensive Five-Year plan.”

NAEP 2015 to 2017 Change in Performance for Connecticut and National Public (NP)

Fourth graders are showing progress in reducing the achievement gap in reading over time. There are promising changes when comparing student group performance in 2017 to performance in 2011, the beginning of Connecticut’s shift toward new content standards and higher expectations. The achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and their non-disadvantaged peers is narrowing in Grade 4 reading. The data show a 6-point decline in the gap from 35 scale score points in 2011 to 29 scale score points in 2017. There is also evidence of reduction in the gap between white and Hispanic students on this same measure; in this case, the data show a 10 point decline in the gap from 35 scale score points in 2011 to 25 scale score points in 2017. In both cases, the changes are statistically significant.

For an explanation of statistical significance and why it is used in NAEP reporting, click here.

1 NSLP is the National School Lunch Program. Eligibility is used as a proxy for measuring poverty.

While these results provide signals that Connecticut is making headway in addressing persistent and troubling achievement disparities, there is room for improvement, especially in mathematics. When mathematics scores are reported by individual student groups, it shows that in several cases, Connecticut’s students are performing lower than their peers nationally.

NAEP 2017 Student Group Results: Comparison of Connecticut to National Public (NP)

An arrow is used when the difference between the scores is statistically significant. For an explanation of statistical significance and why it is used in NAEP reporting, click here.

The gap reductions evidenced in the 2017 NAEP results – particularly in Grade 4 reading – affirms that improvement is achievable. Therefore, SDE in partnership with districts remains committed to enhancing efforts around:

 professional learning that builds deep knowledge among educators about the Core standards;  strategic and appropriate use of local district assessments;  effective school, family and community partnerships;  data-informed decision making; and  tiered systems of support in areas of attendance, school discipline, restorative and trauma- informed practices that remove barriers to success. Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/11/2018 Gov. Malloy Marks 50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act, Urges Legislature to Implement Fair Housing and Zoning Reform

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein, members of the state legislature, and fair housing advocates from across Connecticut today marked the 50th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act, a key component of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. These sweeping reforms were enacted into law seven days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In recognition of today’s historic anniversary, Governor Malloy proclaimed April 11, 2018, as “Fair Housing Day” in the State of Connecticut.

To continue the significant progress made in Connecticut in recent years in the areas of affordable housing development and ending homelessness, the Governor introduced legislation this session (House Bill 5045) that seeks to promote housing choice and ensure local accountability for meeting the housing needs of all Connecticut residents.

“Today marks exactly fifty years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law,” Governor Malloy said. “It’s unfortunate that some of the most critical components of this act still stand unenforced to this day. The Trump administration dramatically scaled back an Obama-era rule that would have held our communities accountable for affirmatively furthering fair housing. That’s why I’m calling on the Connecticut General Assembly to enact the fair housing reforms in legislation that we’ve proposed. In the spirit of Dr. King, and to ensure we continue making progress in the months and years ahead, our state cannot turn a blind eye to the barriers that exist in our society. Access to opportunity through decent, safe, affordable housing should not be a politicized issue – it is a fundamental human right.” “Affordable housing helps us attract a young workforce, keep seniors in our communities, and provides opportunity for all residents,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Opportunity for all should be the driver of investment, planning, and implementation of affordable housing – and every level of government has an important role to play.”

“On the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, I am reminded of how far we’ve come but I also know how much more we have to do,” Commissioner Klein said. “With last month’s bipartisan vote to pass House Bill 5045 out of the Planning and Development Committee, we are one step closer to enacting reasonable zoning reform in Connecticut. It’s no secret that our state remains one of the most segregated in the nation. Though Connecticut is already recognized for its work in the areas of affordable and fair housing, now is the time for us to lead by example once again. This proposal lays out measures that will expand access to opportunity in all of our towns and cities.”

“In the 50 years since the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act, Connecticut has made some progress toward ensuring our residents have access to housing in every corner of our state, but if we are to ever truly achieve our goals of fully open and integrated communities, we need to enact fair housing reforms and inclusionary zoning so that we can fulfill the promise that the Fair Housing Act 1968 firmly envisioned,” State Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven), co-chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, said.

“Everyone deserves fair housing,” State Senator George S. Logan (R-Ansonia), co-chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, said. “Fifty years ago, American sent a clear message by banning discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing based on race and several other factors. Here in Connecticut, our Fair Housing Working Group has continued that progress by working on a bipartisan basis to push for more affordable, inclusive, and accessible housing. I thank the Governor, my legislative colleagues and fair housing advocates here in Connecticut and across the country for marking this major milestone in our history. We must always be striving to improve and strengthen our policies.”

“Think back to a time before the Fair Housing Act – a time of redlining and restrictive covenants, a time when racial segregation was so pervasive in this country that President Lyndon Johnson said that America was moving toward two societies: one black, one white, separate and unequal,” State Senator Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), co-chairman of the Planning and Development Committee and former longtime mayor of the 15th-largest city in the state, said. “Now look at Manchester. A third of our residents are black, Hispanic, or Asian. We have immigrants from India, Jamaica and Ghana, and we converse in English, French, Spanish, Hungarian and Laotian. And we were recently rated the best place in Connecticut to live by Money Magazine. So I’d say the Fair Housing Act has had a hugely positive impact on our nation since its passage 50 years ago.”

In September, the bipartisan Fair Housing Working Group, which is co-chaired by Commissioner Klein and Representative Lemar, began examining the systemic barriers to housing choice across Connecticut. A key component was to assist municipalities with their obligation to affirmatively further fair housing, and to that end, make recommendations to the General Assembly on how to reverse some of the historic trends which have led to concentrations of poverty and segregation in all corners of the state. The group consists of housing policy experts, housing advocates, state legislators, non- profit developers, and for-profit developers.

The Governor’s legislation, House Bill 5045 – An Act Establishing Accountability for Fair and Affordable Housing through Zoning Regulations, contains several provisions to advance these efforts, including:  Makes it easier for local zoning commissions to understand and adhere to their obligations and responsibilities under current law by restructuring and realigning the statute delegating zoning authority to towns into specific categories;  Increases local accountability by requiring that towns, at least once every five years, demonstrate compliance with specific provisions to the Department of Housing. If a town does not demonstrate compliance, they will lose access to discretionary funding from the state until they become in compliance, unless specifically waived by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management;  Requires that towns design their zoning regulations to affirmatively further fair housing; and  Removes the provision that zoning regulations are required to be made with reasonable consideration as to “the character of the district” – an undefined and unnecessary phrase under existing state law, as the law still directs zoning regulations to consider a district’s suitability for particular uses.

The legislation was approved in the Planning and Development Committee last month by a bipartisan vote. It next moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

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04/12/2018

Gov. Malloy Announces Closure of Connecticut Juvenile Training School Fulfills Goal to Close Outdated Facility by 2018

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that effective today, the Connecticut Juvenile Training School (CJTS), a state facility for boys adjudicated as “delinquent” and committed to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), has closed. The number of youths housed at CJTS has dropped precipitously due to a declining rate of juvenile and young adult arrests, record low crime rate, the impact of the Governor’s criminal justice reforms, and the enhanced behavioral health services made available by DCF to all of Connecticut’s youth. The facility stopped taking new admissions on January 1, and the last youth left the facility today.

CJTS originally opened in 2001 under Governor John G. Rowland, costing $57 million in taxpayer money to build and millions more in annual costs to operate.

“In Connecticut, we’re leading the nation in rethinking our approach to criminal justice, especially when it comes to the treatment of our young people,” Governor Malloy said. “The Connecticut Juvenile Training School was an ill-advised and costly relic of the Rowland era. It placed young boys in a prison-like facility, making rehabilitation, healing, and growth more challenging. The fact remains that this isn’t a celebratory moment, but a time to reflect on the past mistakes made when it comes to juvenile justice, and an opportunity to create a system that better serves our young people and society as a whole.”

CJTS is located on 32 acres of land in Middletown. The facility is secure and has a campus-style design with six buildings surrounding a central courtyard. It provided services to males between the ages of 12 to 20, and was originally built with the capacity to house more than 200 youths.

As part of the budget deal reached in October 2017, lawmakers voted to transfer care of youths whom the courts previously committed to DCF over to the judicial branch by July 1, 2018.

“We thank the staff of CJTS who were devoted to rehabilitating these young people and to improving their lifelong outcomes,” Governor Malloy continued. “But the fact is, they didn’t need a prison-like facility that housed over 200 youths to accomplish this important work. As a state, we must endeavor to provide a more suitable setting for this critical work.”

“The staff at the facility have worked tremendously hard to serve this population of youth, have demonstrated great commitment and compassion, and have proven themselves to be dedicated public servants,” DCF Commissioner Joette Katz said. “We wish them all the best in their new endeavors, and I thank them for being so instrumental in reforming the Connecticut juvenile justice system.” “The way Governor Malloy and Connecticut policy makers have methodically reformed their juvenile justice system to the point where they are now closing their state’s last youth prison is nothing short of a national model,” Vincent Schiraldi, co-director of the Columbia University Justice Lab and former New York City Probation Commissioner, said. “The fact that Connecticut’s juvenile arrest rate has plummeted alongside its decline in youth imprisonment means that state policy makers have figured out a way to make Connecticut residents safer while incarcerating fewer of their sons and daughters, something policy makers in other states should pay attention to.”

Governor Malloy has implemented criminal justice reforms that have been instrumental in drastically reducing the rate of youth arrest and imprisonment, while simultaneously overseeing a historic drop in crime. During the last 10-years, the number of youth entering the criminal justice system has plummeted in the state. Between 2009 and 2016 – the most recent year for which data is available – arrests involving people under the age of 18 dropped by a dramatic 56 percent. Additionally, between 2009 and 2017, the number of inmates under the age of 18 incarcerated by the Connecticut Department of Correction dropped by almost 85 percent.

**Download: Fact sheet and statistics on the Connecticut Juvenile Training School and juvenile crime in Connecticut

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04/13/2018 Gov. Malloy Nominates Fourteen Connecticut Residents to Fill Judicial Vacancies on the Superior Court

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is nominating fourteen state residents to fill vacancies for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. These announcements come in addition to the eleven nominations for the court that the Governor made on Tuesday of last week, and the five he announced last Thursday.

While these nominations represent only a fraction of the 45 vacancies currently in the Superior Court, these 30 nominees will provide critical judicial capacity in performing the essential duties of the court system. The Governor intends to leave a total of 21 positions vacant by the end of his term. Currently, the bipartisan budget assumes a vacancy of only 12 positions, which means that this plan of action would realize additional, unanticipated budgetary savings by leaving nine funded positions vacant.

“Selecting nominees to fill vacancies in our court system is one of the most important duties that a governor performs – they must possess the qualities that build a stronger, fairer Connecticut for everyone in the long-run,” Governor Malloy said. “I believe that each of these women and men will bring to the bench the diverse qualities that mirror the people of our state while also meeting the high principles and integrity that our citizens deserve.”

Governor Malloy’s nominations for the Superior Court include:

 Matthew Edward Auger of Groton: Auger is a senior partner and trial lawyer at Suisman Shapiro in New London, where he has worked since 1988, specializing in personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims, automobile collisions, slip and falls, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and product liability. He has also handled numerous complex commercial tax appeals, insurance coverage disputes, including bad faith claims, and commercial litigation. Auger is also a retired Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. He served on active duty from 1984 to 1988 and in the reserves from 1988 to 2014. He now volunteers to provide legal assistance to active duty military members, retired members, and their dependents at the Naval Submarine Base New London. He also currently serves as a Connecticut Superior Court Attorney Trial Referee, and is a judge of the Gaming Disputes Court for the Mohegan Tribal Court. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Government, and the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Claudia A. Baio of Rocky Hill: Baio is a partner at the law firm of Howard, Kohn, Sprague & Fitzgerald, LLP in Hartford, where she has worked since 2014. From 2000 to 2014 she operated her own practice – the Law Offices of Baio and Associates – which was merged into her current firm. Currently, she focuses her practice on litigation, including defense of a variety of claims in civil litigation as well as insurance defense, workers compensation defense, and insurance coverage policy/contract analysis. From 1999 to 2000 she was a managing attorney for Baio, Dratfield and Associates, and from 1990 to 1999 she was a partner with Gordon, Muir and Foley. She also served as a law clerk from 1989 to 1990 for the Honorable Flemming L. Norcott, Jr. of the Connecticut Appellate Court. In addition to her work as an attorney, Baio also currently serves as the Mayor of the Town of Rocky Hill, for whom she was elected to serve two terms. She has experience serving as a member of a wide variety of boards for organizations and government offices, including as a member and chair of the State Contracting Standards Board, president of the Trinity Club of Hartford Alumni Association, past president of the Hartford County Bar Association, past president of the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association, and past president of the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce, among others. She is a graduate of Trinity College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Educational Studies, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she received a Juris Doctor degree.  Tejas Bhatt of Windsor: Bhatt is an Assistant Public Defender in Hartford. A public defender since 2004, he has defended individuals charged with the most serious crimes in trial courts, represented individuals in post-conviction proceedings, and on appeal to the Appellate and Supreme Courts. He has trained other public defenders and testified before various legislative committees on criminal justice legislation. In addition, Bhatt is on the executive board of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association and is a member of the National Association of Public Defense. He is a graduate of Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai India, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor degree.  Donna M. Wilkerson Brillant of Cromwell: Wilkerson Brillant works in the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) as a Regional Manager for the West Central Region (Waterbury), where since 2013 she has managed the investigative operations for discrimination cases in the areas of employment, public accommodation, credit, education and racial profiling. Previously, she worked in 2013 as a Magistrate for the Connecticut Judicial Branch, and with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles as a Hearing Officer from 2012 to 2013. She also managed her own practice, the Law Office of Donna M. Wilkerson, from 2011 to 2013, where she focused on the areas of civil and human rights, employment, contracts, affirmative action, and commercial and family law. In addition, she worked from 1999 to 2011 as a Human Rights Referee for CHRO and was responsible for presiding over all phases of the public hearing process interpreting Connecticut’s Fair Employment Practices Act and anti- discrimination statutes in conjunction with federal anti-discrimination laws. Between 2005 and 2007, Wilkerson Brillant served as the Chief Human Rights Referee and oversaw the operations of the Office of Public Hearings for CHRO. Wilkerson Brillant is also a Commercial Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association since 2004. She serves as a member of several organizations, including a fellow for the Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program, the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association, the American Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and Western New England College School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Karyl L. Carrasquilla of West Hartford: Carrasquilla is the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Connecticut Judicial Branch, where since 2015 she has led the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel in its responsibilities of negotiating and prosecuting attorney disciplinary matters for the State of Connecticut. This includes conducting hearings before the Statewide Grievance Committee, the Superior Court, and the Appellate Court, in addition to participating in legal seminars on ethics issues. From 2008 to 2015, she served as the office’s Assistant Chief Disciplinary Counsel. Prior to joining the Judicial Branch, she worked in private practice with several law firms, including Noble, Young & O’Connor in Hartford from 2001 to 2004, the Law Office of Larry R. Levine in Hartford from 1999 to 2001, the law Office of Scott B. Clendaniel in Hartford from 1996 to 1999, and Sack, Spector & Barrett in West Hartford from 1995 to 1996. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts, and Western New England College School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Robert A. D’Andrea of Litchfield: D’Andrea is a Commissioner for the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission – a position that he was appointed to in 2017. Previously, he developed several law practices in the New Milford, Lakeville, Torrington, Litchfield, and North Canaan areas, including Stedronsky & D’Andrea from 2011 to 2017; Brower, Organschi & D’Andrea from 2003 to 2011; and Guendelsberger & Taylor from 1999 to 2003. D’Andrea also worked as Contract Corporate Counsel for B/E Aerospace, Inc. in Bantam from 1998 to 1999, as General Counsel for Horton International, Inc. in Avon from 1997 to 1998, and as Deputy General Counsel for Integrated Control Systems, Inc. in Litchfield from 1993 to 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Hartford, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and Suffolk University Law School, where he received a Juris Doctor degree.  Lisa Grasso Egan of New Haven: Egan is the Undersecretary for Labor Relations with the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, where since 2015 she has been responsible for representing the state in collective bargaining, contract grievance processes, and administrative hearings before the State Board of Labor Relations. She also provides training, consultation, and advice to state agencies on a broad range of personnel-related matters, such as policies and practices, disciplinary issues, termination and separation issues, leaves of absence, and responsible accommodation issues. Prior to joining the state, Egan worked in private practice with several law firms, including Berchem, Moses and Devlin, PC in Milford from 2013 to 2015; Durant, Nichols, Houston, Hodgson and Cortese-Costa, PC in Bridgeport from 1999 to 2013; and McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney and Carpenter, LLC from 1998 to 1999. She also worked for the City of New Haven in several capacities, including as Director of Organizational Development from 1996 to 1998, and as Director of Labor Relations from 1994 to 1995. She is a graduate of Providence College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Georgetown University Law Center, where she received a Juris Doctor degree.  Barbara A. Hoffman of Clinton: Hoffman is a Supervisory State’s Attorney for the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice, where since 2011 she has been responsible for the administration of the prosecutor’s office, including the supervision of all prosecutors and support staff. Her responsibilities also include the prosecution of motor vehicle and criminal matters from the investigation, arrest, and arraignment through the pretrial and trial stages. She has also taken on the responsibility of prosecuting all of the GA sexual assault cases and some of the part A sexual assault cases. Prior to that role, she served from 1991 to 2011 as Senior Assistant State’s Attorney and from 1988 to 1991 as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney. Upon graduating law school, she became a member of the New Mexico bar and worked in a law firm in Santa Fe before returning to Connecticut. She is a program presenter for the D.A.R.E. program for schools in Bethany, Killingworth, and Old Saybrook. She is a graduate of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Oral Roberts University School of Law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Daniel J. Klau of West Hartford: Klau is an attorney with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney and Carpenter, LLP in Hartford, where he has worked since 2010. His practice has focused on appellate and First Amendment litigation, particularly media law. He has also litigated a broad variety of complex disputes involving public agencies, private parties and commercial entities in federal and state trial courts. His media practice includes representing newspapers and other publishing entities in defamation matters and cases seeking access to court proceedings and files. Klau is also an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he has taught privacy law since 2003, and a supervising attorney for the Yale Law School Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic since 2009. He is currently the president of the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information and a past president of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government. Previously, Klau worked for Pepe & Hazard, LLP from 2003 to 2010, when it merged with his present firm; Wiggin & Dana from 1996 to 2003; and Ropes & Gray from 1991 to 1996. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Chief Justice Ellen A. Peters of the Connecticut Supreme Court from 1990 to 1991. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Boston University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor degree.  Ronald E. Kowalski II of Norwalk: Kowalski is a partner at Cacace, Tusch and Santagata in Stamford, with whom he has practiced law since 1994, handling a significant civil litigation caseload, focusing primarily on property tax appeals, condemnation cases, foreclosures, lease and other contract-related litigation, union representation, lease negotiations, and appellate practice. Previously, he worked as a litigation associate with Seeley and Berglass, P.C. in New Haven in 1993; as a litigation associate with Pinney, Payne, VanLenten, Burrell, Wolfe and Dillman, P.C. in Danbury from 1992 to 1993; and as law clerk to the Honorable William J. Lavery of the Connecticut Appellate Court from 1991 to 1992. Kowalski has also served as a Special Master for tax appeals in the Stamford-Norwalk Judicial District and has written and lectured on litigation, tax appeal and appellate topics. He is a member of the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut and previously served as Registrar of Voters for the Town of Easton. He is a graduate of Fairfield University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Fine Arts, and Suffolk University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Peter A. McShane of Madison: McShane is a State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Middlesex with the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice, where since 2011 he has led law enforcement for criminal matters and the prosecution of criminals. Immediately prior to that, he served as Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney in Geographical Area 10 of New London from 2007 to 2011, as Senior Assistant State’s Attorney in the Judicial District of New London from 1994 to 2007, and as Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in Geographical Area 10 of New London from 1988 to 1994. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable John J. Daly of the Connecticut Appellate Court from 1987 to 1988. He is a graduate of St. Michaels College in Vermont, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and Boston University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor degree.  Francis L. O’Reilly of Fairfield: O’Reilly is a partner with O’Reilly and Shaw, LLC in Southport, where he has worked since 1999. In this role, his practice areas have included federal and state criminal law, civil litigation, personal injury, and family law. Previously, he worked as the principal for the Law Offices of Francis L. O’Reilly from 1996 to 1999, and as a Financial Analyst with VentureManagement in New Jersey from 1991 to 1993 and with Credit Suisse First Boston in New York City from 1986 to 1990. He is graduate of the College at Brockport, State University of New York, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Finance, and Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree.  Nada K. Sizemore of Cromwell: Sizemore worked in the insurance industry for over 31 years – 24 of which were with the Travelers Insurance Company in varying capacities in its corporate legal services organization. She most recently served as Second Vice President and General Counsel for Northland Insurance and Northfield Insurance – wholly owned subsidiaries of Travelers. In this capacity, she provided full legal support for the 500-person Northland organization within the Travelers Business Insurance Legal and Claim Legal groups. She currently provides legal support to varying religious nonprofit organizations including the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America; St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Boston, Massachusetts, Inc.; and the Central Church Council. Prior to her career in insurance, she had served a two-year appointment as a Judicial Law Clerk to Connecticut Superior Court judges. She is a graduate of Western Connecticut State College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts, and Pace University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Michael Wu of Canton: Wu is the Managing Attorney for the Waterbury office of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income people by providing access to justice. In this capacity, he oversees an office of a dozen attorneys and legal assistants serving clients in Greater Waterbury, Greater Danbury, and Litchfield County. He also practiced consumer law in a strategic initiative to identify more effective ways to assist persons being sued because of consumer credit card debt. Previously, he operated with his brother the Law Offices of James Wu, LLC from 2014 to 2017, practicing civil litigation with a focus on commercial matters. Between 1986 and 2014 he held a number of assignments of increasing responsibility within United Technologies Corporation, including Otis Elevator, Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Standard (now UTC Aerospace Systems), and UTC Corporate Headquarters. This included managing Otis’s North American Litigation Department of in-house attorneys, paralegals, and claims administrators, and managing its Commercial Legal and Contracts functions. He also worked from 1987 to 1989 at Combustion Engineering Inc., and from 1983 to 1986 at Howd and Ludorf. Wu is actively involved in his community, including serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Plymouth. He is also bilingual in English and Spanish. He is a graduate of Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, Yale University Divinity School, where he received a Master of Divinity, and Western New England University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/16/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Statements on the General Assembly’s Sexual Harassment Hearing (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman released the following statements regarding today’s Joint Committee on Legislative Management hearing to review the Connecticut General Assembly’s sexual harassment policies:

“The United States is in the midst of a national reckoning when it comes to the treatment of individuals in the workplace,” Governor Malloy said. “Connecticut has a proud history of leading on this front, becoming only the second state in the nation to mandate sexual harassment prevention training for employers of 50 or more in 1991. In December, my administration ordered executive branch agencies to review and enhance their sexual harassment policies. We shared the results of this review with the legislature, in the hopes of continuing our collective efforts to make our workplaces a safer place for all employees. I applaud the Joint Committee on Legislative Management for beginning to take steps towards developing a more thoughtful and comprehensive sexual harassment policy.”

“I commend the Joint Committee for prioritizing the health and well-being of the tens of thousands of employees working for state government,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “Sexual harassment policies should not only protect the current workforce, but also send a signal that we are committed to a fair workplace and opportunity for all.”

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04/17/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Applaud Committee Approval of Minimum Wage Bill

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman are applauding the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee for voting tonight 27-24 to advance legislation that will raise the minimum wage in Connecticut.

“Every working person in Connecticut deserves to be fairly compensated – it’s that simple,” Governor Malloy said. “As I said at the start of this session, we should not allow another January to pass without an increase in the minimum wage, and I will continue to work with legislative leaders toward that goal. Today’s action by the Appropriations Committee is a welcome advancement of this important conversation that must ultimately result in a real step forward for all the low-wage workers in our state.”

“Raising the minimum wage improves economic security for low-wage earners – more than 60 percent of whom are women,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “With this vote, the Appropriations Committee put saving for the future and having the resources to handle an emergency a little more in reach for hard working residents. I commend them for taking this step forward.”

The legislation is House Bill 5388, An Act Concerning a Fair Minimum Wage.

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04/17/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Hail Committee Approval of Legislation Strengthening Workplace Harassment Laws

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman are applauding the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee for voting unanimously tonight to approve legislation the Governor proposed that expands Connecticut’s existing workplace harassment laws to better address today’s challenges.

The legislation – House Bill 5043, An Act Promoting a Civil, Fair, and Harassment-Free Workplace – was introduced as brave women and men across the nation come forward to tell their experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Adopting these proposals is not only good for people and good for business – it’s the right thing to do,” Governor Malloy said. “Making Connecticut a stronger, fairer place to work will make our state a more attractive place to live, improve our workforce, and make our state more competitive. The bottom line is while our state has been a leader on this issue, we must continue to strive to ensure that our policies are effective in creating an open and respectful workplace culture. The overwhelming, bipartisan response to this bill shows just how important this issue is to our state, and I want to thank legislators from both sides of the aisle for working together to get this done.”

“The era of looking the other way is finally at an end and I join tens of millions of women, and men, celebrating the change in culture brought about by women standing up, speaking out, and demanding respect in the workplace,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “Sexual harassment has damaged the very people who are the backbone of our workforce – it’s had a chilling impact on individual careers and across all sectors of our economy, and it’s gone unchecked and without meaningful sanction for too long. Every employee should be empowered to protect themselves from harassment. I thank the Appropriations Committee for their commitment to safer workplaces for all.”

The proposal seeks to update Connecticut’s existing anti-harassment training requirements by:

 Requiring all employers with three or more employees to annually communicate to their employees the illegality of harassment on the basis of protected class and the remedies available to targets of such harassment;  Extending and enhancing awareness and anti-harassment compliance training to any employers with 15 or more employees in pursuit of improved workplace civility; and  Updating the content of anti-harassment training to include content that encourages bystander intervention and types of conduct that constitute and do not constitute harassment and strategies to prevent harassment. It next moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

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04/17/2018 Gov. Malloy Announces Launch of State’s Fully Autonomous Vehicle Testing Pilot Program Interested Municipalities Must Submit Application to Participate in the Innovative Testing Initiative

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the launch of Connecticut’s Fully Autonomous Vehicle Testing Pilot Program (FAVTPP) – an initiative created by legislation that the Governor signed into law last year that will help bring Connecticut to the forefront of the innovative and burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry. Under the terms of the program, towns and cities that are interested in participating and allowing the testing of fully autonomous vehicles on their roadways must submit an application to the state. Upon review, up to four municipalities will be selected for participation.

“Make no mistake, autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation, whether it is people looking for a safer and easier commute, more efficient and cheaper commercial transit, more precise ride- sharing and for-hire services, or beyond,” Governor Malloy said. “These vehicles are going to be part of our lives soon and we want to take proactive steps to have our state be at the forefront of this innovative technology. We are showing this industry and those around the country that we promote the development of these kinds of forward-thinking, technology-driven products in Connecticut. We cannot allow our state to be outpaced as this technology grows.”

As required under the law, the program includes strict standards on the testing of these vehicles, only allowing them to be conducted through limited and controlled testing areas. Participating municipalities will have to enter into agreements with autonomous vehicle testers.

The program is being administered by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Connecticut Insurance Department.

To apply, interested municipalities must submit an application to OPM, which is available to download on the agency’s website. Municipalities that intend to apply are strongly urged to notify the point-of-contact that is listed on OPM’s website of their intent to submit an application as soon as possible.

Interested municipalities are also encouraged to review the “Required Minimum Framework for Agreements between Municipalities and Autonomous Vehicle Testers” document that is also available on the website. Prior to testing, a municipality that has been accepted into the FAVTPP will be required to submit to OPM a copy of its agreements with the relevant autonomous vehicle testers that includes those minimum terms listed in the framework document.

04/18/2018 Gov. Malloy: Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Former First Lady Barbara Bush

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that – in accordance with a presidential proclamation directing flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the country in honor of former First Lady Barbara Bush – U.S. and state flags in Connecticut will fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on the day of interment, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

Governor Malloy said, “Barbara Bush had a respect and love for our country that perhaps was only surpassed by her love for her family. Nobody can deny the honesty, dignity, and class with which she carried herself. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, we send our very best to the Bush family and extend our deepest sympathies.”

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said, “My thoughts are with the Bush family as they mourn the loss of Barbara Bush. She was a true First Lady whose priorities reflected her commitment to education, women, and all Americans. She served with compassion and respect, leaving behind partisanship for what was right. We are deeply grateful for her service to the nation and the legacy she leaves around literacy and learning.”

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04/18/2018 Gov. Malloy Hails Senate Passage of Bill Expanding Access to Financial Aid for Connecticut Dreamers Proposal Builds upon a Law Governor Malloy Signed in 2011 Permitting In-State College Tuition Rates to Undocumented Connecticut Students

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy is commending the Connecticut State Senate for the bipartisan, 30-5 vote this afternoon to adopt legislation that will allow undocumented students attending Connecticut public colleges and universities the opportunity to qualify for the state’s system of financial aid, which they already pay into through their existing tuition.

“In Connecticut, we pride ourselves on not only our commitment to education but also our history of compassion, fairness, and equality,” Governor Malloy said. “The bottom line of this legislation is not controversial – it allows students who are already attending our colleges and universities and already paying into our financial aid system with the ability to access that very system for which they are currently ineligible through no fault of their own. We are talking about young people whose dream is to work here and contribute to our state’s economy and cultural fabric. Connecticut’s workforce is second-to-none, and by increasing access to post-secondary education we are telling employers and businesses across our globe that we have the workforce to fill the jobs of tomorrow. I thank the leaders on both sides of the aisle in the Senate for passing this bill today, and I look forward to seeing its approval in the House so that I can sign it into law.”

“I commend the Senate for passing this legislation. Dreamers pay into the financial aid system and should be able to participate – it’s a matter of basic fairness,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “An educated workforce is an important part of attracting business and industry. Making college more affordable for all students should continue to be a priority.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 4, An Act Assisting Students Without Legal Immigration Status with the Cost of College. It next moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The proposal builds upon a law that Governor Malloy signed in 2011 (and expanded in 2015) granting in-state college tuition rates for the state’s public colleges and universities to undocumented students from Connecticut. The in-state rates are extended only to those who have completed at least two years of high school within the state, where they also must have graduated or earned an equivalent diploma.

When he signed that bill seven years ago, the Governor explained that it was not only a moral issue, but would allow the state to better compete in the global economy by ensuring that Connecticut’s workforce remains among the best educated in the country.

04/18/2018 Gov. Malloy Announces Mayborn Group has Relocated its U.S. Headquarters to Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Mayborn Group, a global manufacturer of baby products, has relocated its U.S. headquarters from Norwood, Massachusetts to Stamford, Connecticut. The company currently employs 16 and plans to add an additional 7 workers by 2019.

“This is the latest example of an international company seeing tremendous opportunity in our state,” Governor Malloy said. “Connecticut offers many competitive advantages for companies, and we are thrilled to now have Mayborn call Connecticut home.”

Mayborn Group is the owner of the leading baby essentials brand tommee tippee® which offers a range of award-winning baby feeding, soothing and hygiene products. This global brand is number one for infant feeding in the U.K. and Australia and is the fastest growing bottle brand in America. Headquartered in North East England, Mayborn has offices worldwide including in Paris, Melbourne and Hong Kong.

“As part of a wider strategic review of Mayborn’s growth agenda, we are excited with the move of our North American headquarters to Stamford,” Chris Parsons, President of Mayborn USA, said. “This locates Mayborn at the heart of some of the world’s leading Consumer Packaged Goods companies, providing a wider recruiting pool to supplement our current talent base. Stamford also is also rapidly becoming a hub for digital media and this connectivity will further accelerate our shift to a digital-led business that represents huge upside to the entire Mayborn group.”

The company is leasing approximately 5,000 square feet of space at 1010 Washington Boulevard. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is supporting the project with a $300,000 loan and $100,000 matching grant through the Small Business Express program.

“We continue to see a diverse array of companies make commitments to grow and invest in our state,” DECD Commissioner Catherine Smiths said. “Many of them cite our workforce, location and quality of life as key reasons for their move. This bodes well for the economy moving forward.”

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04/19/2018 Gov. Malloy Celebrates Grand Opening of Hartford Line Station in Meriden, Reiterates Call to Stabilize Special Transportation Fund

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, alongside Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker and numerous federal and state officials, today held a ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the new CTrail Hartford Line Meriden Station, located at 60 State Street. The station will provide service to existing Amtrak trains and future Hartford Line trains when the CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service launches in June 2018. Importantly, it offers visitors more convenient access to the city’s new transit-oriented development (TOD) sites, located in direct proximity to the new station.

“My administration has been committed to improving transportation options for families and businesses,” Governor Malloy said. “This new station is a catalyst for transit-oriented development in Meriden, helping to make it a more livable, walkable community and drastically increasing transportation choices for commuters. The Hartford Line will allow Connecticut residents to look to transit rather than automobiles, resulting in less traffic on our overburdened highways, fewer emissions, and healthier communities.”

Construction of the station began in December 2014 and was completed in November 2017. It features several amenities aimed at improving the passenger experience for Hartford Line riders, including high-level platforms on both sides of the tracks, elevators, stairways, an overhead pedestrian bridge, canopies covering approximately 50 percent of each platform, ticket vending machines, and a passenger information display system. To improve passenger safety, the new station features automatic platform snow melting systems, security cameras, and blue light emergency call boxes.

The station includes a 65-space surface parking lot, and additional parking is available in a recently opened garage located at the intersection of Colony Street and Church Street that has approximately 225 spaces reserved for Hartford Line passengers and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the station parking lot includes one electric vehicle charging station, with three more located in the parking garage. Each charging station allows two vehicles to charge at once.

“The robust and customer-centric station you see here today is an illustration of the years of commitment and collaboration between the department, its program management team and the City of Meriden,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “The station is already driving economic development, and with the expected increase in rail ridership following launch, this station and others along the Hartford Line will serve Connecticut communities well for years to come.”

“We’re proud to celebrate the opening of the Meriden station and the significant benefits it will create for passengers and the city,” Tom Moritz, Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure Access and Investment at Amtrak, said. “We offer our congratulations and thanks to Governor Malloy and CTDOT for their strong vision and partnership in bringing reliable and convenient passenger rail services to the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts.”

“TransitAmerica Services, Inc. and Alternate Concepts, Inc. are excited to be a part of the transportation renaissance that is taking place in Connecticut,” Douglas M. Honn, General Manager of the company that will provide the new rail service, said. “We look forward, along with our partners at CTDOT, Amtrak, Metro-North and the FRA to providing a safe, reliable, cost effective transportation alternative to commuters up and down the I-91 corridor.”

“I’m truly excited to see the new rail station open in Meriden. Our residents will have a gateway to Hartford, Springfield, Boston and New York City through a state of the art rail station, located in a safe, convenient location in Meriden’s center,” Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati said. “The opportunities for our residents to travel the Northeast Corridor and beyond are a great convenience. As part of the TOD, the potential benefits to local businesses and those businesses looking for a centrally located city with many economic incentives of all types are great. To all, we say welcome. My thanks to Governor Malloy and our state and federal delegations for their vision and securing the funding for this incredible station and the Hartford Line. We look forward to the great rewards and opportunities this rail station will offer the Meriden community over the years to come. On behalf of the City Council, our staff and residents I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations on this special d

Before opening, Meriden’s new rail station spurred several TOD projects, including a 273-space parking garage, three mixed-use developments totaling 295 new residential units and 31,000 square feet of commercial space, a new Transit Center, a 14-acre town green, and the demolition of the Mills public housing project and the former Record-Journal building. Ongoing public and private investment in Meriden’s TOD projects exceeds $150 million. One of these new developments, 24 Colony Street, which is just steps from the new Hartford Line train station, was completed in December 2016 and is the first new construction in downtown Meriden in 30 years.

Governor Malloy also reiterated his call for additional revenue to ensure the short and long-term solvency of the Special Transportation Fund (STF), which without prompt action will be in deficit by fiscal year 2019.

“Investment in our infrastructure should not be seen as optional,” Governor Malloy said. “The state has been forced to cancel or postpone indefinitely $4.3 billion in projects across Connecticut, almost all of which are aimed at keeping our roads and bridges back in a state of good repair. And this isn’t just about safety – it’s about our economy. We simply cannot afford to allow our infrastructure to fall further behind even as our neighbors make much-needed investments.”

The administration continues to warn that failure to shore up funding for the STF would cause drastic increases in rail and bus fares; major service reductions on Metro-North, Shore Line East, and CTtransitbus services; and prevent essential repairs and upgrades to the state’s transportation system. Without the reinstatement of canceled projects, Connecticut’s infrastructure will fall further into a state of disrepair, making our roads and bridges less safe for residents and harming the state’s economy.

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04/19/2018 Gov. Malloy Praises House Approval of Constitutional Amendment Permitting Early Voting in Connecticut Today’s Approval is the First Major Hurdle in a Multi-Step Process Toward Ratifying a Constitutional Amendment

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for voting 81-65 today to approve a resolution that would amend the state’s constitution to allow a system of early voting during elections. It is the first major step required in a multi-year, multi-pronged process to amend the state’s constitution.

Under the resolution, a system would be established creating an early voting period that would be required to occur during the 14 days preceding an election. That period must include at least two and no more than five days of early voting, and at least eight hours during each early voting day. Voters would only be allowed to cast their ballots in the municipality in which they reside.

During his State of the State address in February, Governor Malloy stressed that adopting such a constitutional amendment should be a priority this session.

“In a democracy, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier for the voters of our state to cast their ballots in elections,” Governor Malloy said after the House approved the resolution this afternoon. “In today’s modern world, busy schedules always don’t align with the 14-hour, restricted block of time that our state currently mandates as a voting period. Hardworking folks following the rules should be able to express their most fundamental right to vote. Other states have shown that a system of early voting works, and it’s time for us to catch up to this reality. I applaud the House for taking this major step today, and I urge the Senate to follow suit without delay.”

“This is another initiative to increase participation in elections and ensure citizens have every opportunity to make their voices heard,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Modernizing how we vote is an important part of sustaining our democracy. I commend the House for their action.

The legislation is House Joint Resolution 28, Resolution Proposing a State Constitutional Amendment to Permit Early Voting. It next moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate approves the resolution this session, it must then be approved for a second time by both chambers of the General Assembly during the 2019 session. If it clears that hurdle, then it will appear on the ballot during the 2020 general election and a majority of voters must approve it before it can become part of the state constitution and be implemented.

Throughout his time in office, Governor Malloy has advocated for a number of policy updates to increase voter participation in the state. In 2012, the Governor signed legislation permitting same-day registration so that eligible voters could sign-up on Election Day and cast their ballot in the town in which they reside. That same bill also created a system allowing eligible voters to submit their voter registration applications over the internet. In 2016, the Malloy administration implemented one of the country’s most comprehensive “motor voter” programs, making registration easier and more convenient.

Earlier this year, the Governor signed an executive order directing the creation of an analysis to review the potential methods and requirements needed to implement voting by mail for all local, state, and federal elections in Connecticut. That review remains underway.

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04/19/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Commend the House for Approving Pay Equity Bill

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman are congratulating the Connecticut House of Representatives for their overwhelming 142-4 vote this afternoon in favor of legislation that aims to prevent unintended pay discrimination in the state. Under the bill, employers will be prohibited during a hiring process from inquiring about a prospective candidate’s previous salary history until an offer of employment with compensation has been offered.

“People deserve equal pay for equal work – it’s that simple,” Governor Malloy said. “This is an issue of fundamental economic fairness that hurts families and leads to greater societal inequities for women and people of color. This bill is an important step forward that would ban the practice of asking for salary history, which can disproportionately ensure that women who were underpaid at previous jobs continue to be underpaid throughout their careers. It would be a real and substantive step toward pay equity in our state, and I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this legislation. In particular, I’d like to thank Representative Robin Porter for her leadership and work on this issue and moving this bill forward.”

“Addressing wage discrimination is an economic imperative, and it’s the right thing to do,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “I applaud House members for ensuring this legislation moves forward. Right out of college, women face wage inequity, and that gap continues to widen over the course of a woman’s career. Salaries shouldn’t reflect the gender of the talent – this legislation helps move us in that direction.”

The legislation is House Bill 5386, An Act Concerning Various Pay Equity and Fairness Matters. It echoes the intent of a similar legislative proposal the Governor also introduced earlier this year (Senate Bill 15). The bill next moves to the Senate for consideration.

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04/20/2018

Gov. Malloy Announces Connecticut’s Opportunity Zone Nominations 72 Zones Chosen in 27 Municipalities Across the State

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that his administration is nominating 72 opportunity zones across 27 municipalities in Connecticut. These nominations were made as part of the federal government’s recently established Opportunity Zone Program to induce long-term investments in low-income communities.

“One of my administration’s top priorities has been the revitalization, reinvention and growth of our cities,” said Governor Malloy, who in February announced an application process for municipalities in the state that were interested in participating in the program. “These opportunity zone nominations we have made will go a long way in encouraging new investment and development in areas that will be critical to Connecticut’s future. I’d like to thank all of the towns that submitted applications, and congratulate those chosen for this exciting new program.”

The program provides a federal tax incentive for investors to re-invest unrealized capital gains into opportunity zones through opportunity funds. Under the terms of the program, the governor of each state must submit a plan to the federal government designating up to 25 percent of the qualified census tracts in their state as opportunity zones, which is then subject to approval of the Secretary of the Treasury.

“We thank all of the participating municipalities for the hard work and careful planning that went into these applications,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith of the Department of Economic and Community Development, the state agency that is overseeing the application process. “The 72 opportunity zones that we have nominated are ripe for redevelopment, and we hope this designation will encourage new investments in these areas and spur economic growth.”

“In addition to the historic investment we’ve made under the Malloy administration when it comes to building, preserving, and rehabilitating affordable housing, these new opportunity zones will keep Connecticut on its continued path toward economic prosperity,” said Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein. “Incentivizing developers to build affordable housing makes good economic sense and a diverse housing stock is key to attracting business and people of all ages. We’re already encouraging investment in our towns and cities and I’m confident these new designations will only help to expand on that progress.”

Qualified census tracts are those that have a poverty rate of at least 20 percent of a median income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. The opportunity fund model encourages investors to pool their resources in opportunity zones, increasing the scale of investments going to underserved areas. These funds may seed new businesses, expand existing firms, or undertake real estate development.

Qualifying investments may include a broad range of commercial and residential investments, such as transit-oriented development, affordable housing and mixed-use development, and energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on public and private assets. In exchange for their investments, opportunity fund investors are able to decrease their federal tax burden through the preferential treatment of capital gains.

Connecticut’s Opportunity Zone Nominations

Click the image above for an interactive map of Connecticut’s opportunity zone nominations. The areas shaded in blue indicate the nominated opportunity zones.

Town Number of Zones Ansonia 1 Bridgeport 7 Bristol 1 Danbury 1 East Hartford 5 Groton 1 Hamden 1 Hartford 10 Manchester 2 Mansfield 1 Meriden 3 Middletown 2 Naugatuck 1 New Britain 3 New Haven 7 New London 3 Norwalk 3 Norwich 3 Putnam 1 Stamford 5 Stratford 1 Torrington 1 Waterbury 4 West Hartford 1 West Haven 2 Windham 1 Windsor 1 Total 72 Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/23/2018 Gov. Malloy Opens Rebuilt Fishing Pier, Calls for Legislative Action on Climate Change and Energy

(NEW HAVEN, CT) – Joined by federal, state, and local officials, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today participated in a ceremony commemorating the grand opening of the rebuilt Fort Hale Park Pier in New Haven. The original pier was badly damaged in 2011 by the impact of Tropical Storm Irene and then completely destroyed in 2012 by Superstorm Sandy. The rebuilt pier, funded with a state bond grant, was designed to better withstand future severe weather events. During the event, the Governor discussed the impact of extreme weather on our state and push for legislative proposals currently pending in the General Assembly that will better prepare the state for the ongoing effects of climate change and sea level rise.

“This state-of-the art pier marks not only an important investment in New Haven, it marks an important investment in our future – because it was built to withstand the unpredictable and powerful weather patterns brought on by a changing climate,” Governor Malloy said. “It’s an example of how we should be building in the 21st century – taking account of the fact that the sea will rise, and storms will me more frequent and more powerful than we have become accustomed to. With sea levels are expected to rise by nearly two feet over the next 30 years, causing great harm to our coastal communities, we must adjust our current practices to prevent climate disaster. My administration’s two proposals do just that.”

The Governor’s environmental bill, Senate Bill 7 – An Act Concerning Climate Change and Resiliency, which has been passed by the legislature’s Environment Committee, makes necessary statutory changes to ensure the success of future projects undertaken in the state, the prudence of our investments, and the safety of those residing on or near the shoreline. The legislation:

 Implements an interim target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45 percent from a 2001 baseline by 2030 as recommended by the Governor’s Council on Climate Change.  Updates current statutory references to sea level rise to reflect CIRCA’s planning recommendation of nearly two feet by 2050.  Requires all future state projects located in the Coastal Boundary that are either undertaken by a state agency or funded by a state/federal grant or loan to meet CIRCA’s projections.  Updates Connecticut coastal boundary maps to move the boundary landward distance represented by the approximate two feet in sea level rise.

The Governor’s energy bill, Senate Bill 9 – An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Energy Future, which has been passed by the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, will build upon the state’s long history of successes to cement Connecticut’s leadership status on climate and clean energy by providing goals, structural reforms, and policy tools required to ensure continued progress through 2030 and beyond. The legislation:

 Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 40 percent by 2030.  Makes the compensation for clean distributed generation simpler, fairer and more sustainable by: o Simplifying the current net metering / virtual net metering structures through the introduction of one competitive auction structure. o Establishing a fixed rate for residential programs (i.e. rooftop solar) through a PURA rate setting process that ensures that developers cover their costs and earn a fair rate of return. o Most significantly, this proposal will increase the megawatts deployed of renewable energy at a savings of over $1 billion in ratepayer dollars over 20 years compared with the continuation of current programs. “Climate change is real, we have witnessed its horrific impacts time and time again,” Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Rob Klee said. “Connecticut must plan for even greater damage as a result of future storms. We cannot stick our heads in the sand and ignore this problem. This pier and other steps New Haven has taken should be a role model for all Connecticut communities to follow.” Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/24/2018 Gov. Malloy Applauds the House for Voting in Favor of Legislation Increasing Access to Affordable Housing

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy is applauding members of the Connecticut General Assembly’s House of Representatives for voting this afternoon to approve legislation he introduced to ensure all of Connecticut’s towns and cities are doing their part to build affordable housing. The legislation will now head to the Senate.

“Access to fair and affordable housing is good for families, communities, and for businesses,” Governor Malloy said. “While it is unfortunate that it was amended to remove some enforcement mechanisms, this bill remains a step in the right direction. I applaud members of the Connecticut House of Representatives who voted in favor of House Bill 5045, particularly Representative Roland Lemar, who has proven to be a true champion for housing reform. As it moves to the Senate, I urge our State Senators to vote in favor of this legislation, and further cement Connecticut’s standing as a leader in the development of fair and affordable housing.”

“Investments in affordable housing help us attract a young workforce and contribute to building a talent pipeline for business and industry throughout Connecticut,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “This is important legislation that provides opportunity—for young people to set down roots, for seniors to stay in their communities, and for residents to be able to afford to live near where they work. I applaud the House for passing this legislation and urge favorable Senate action.”

“This critical vote by the House of Representatives is the first step toward enacting reasonable zoning reform in the State of Connecticut,” Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein said. “It’s no secret that our state remains one of the most segregated in the nation. By ensuring our zoning laws better reflect the needs of our towns and cities, our residents will have greater access to opportunity.”

The Governor’s legislation is House Bill 5045, An Act Establishing Accountability for Fair and Affordable Housing through Zoning Regulations.

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04/25/2018 Gov. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman Applaud Legislative Approval of Tuition Assistance for Immigrant Students

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman applauded the state House of Representatives for the passage today of Senate Bill 4, An Act Assisting Students Without Legal Immigration Status With The Cost Of College, in a bipartisan manner. The legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support last week and now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature. Governor Malloy has requested immediate transmission of the bill and will sign it as soon as possible.

“Dreamers are part of the fabric of this state,” Governor Malloy said. “They have been educated in our public schools, worked in our small businesses – and started small businesses of their own, paid taxes, and served in our military. Yet until now, they have not had access to the very financial aid that they pay into at our colleges and universities. The legislature has rightly taken long overdue action to correct this injustice, and I applaud the members who supported this commonsense legislation. At the same time, President Trump has rescinded protections for Dreamers, and his Republican allies in Congress have refused to take any action. None of this is a substitute for much-needed federal legislation, but Connecticut can and will continue to do everything in our power to stand up for the rights of these residents.”

“Dreamers pay into the financial aid system and should be able to participate – it’s a matter of basic fairness, and it’s an important part of building an educated workforce,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “We are a nation built by immigrants just like the Dreamers. Men and women who are informed and engaged in our communities, who work hard, and who love this nation. Connecticut proudly ensures these students, young people who have called the U.S. home for most of their lives, have the same opportunity to build a strong future as everyone else.”

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04/25/2018 Gov. Malloy, Comm. Klein Slam Sec. Carson for Proposal to Triple Rent for Low-Income Families (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne Klein released the following statements in response to reports that Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson plans to propose tripling rent for low-income individuals and families receiving housing assistance.

“The ink is barely dry on President Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations, and now his administration is proposing to triple rent for low-income families,” Governor Malloy said. “This is yet another example of remarkably out-of-whack priorities from the Trump administration. Secretary Carson should rescind this outrageous and harmful proposal.”

“Here they go again demonstrating the clear lack of understanding of the challenges these families face,” Commissioner Klein said. “ In the past the work and mission of HUD included and was not limited to preventing and ending homelessness as well as providing affordable housing opportunities. Whether or not the Trump Administration wants to recognize it, the fact is that many of these individuals and families are the working poor. By tripling their rent, it will not put those families on the road to self-sufficiency. Rather it will put them on the road to homelessness.”

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04/25/2018 Governors Malloy, Murphy, Cuomo, Raimondo, Baker, Carney and Rosselló Announce Nation’s First Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Partnership Will Collect and Analyze Data Across Multiple Disciplines on Public Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence to Better Inform Policymakers Nationwide, Fills Void Left by Federal Government's 1996 Ban on Federally-Funded Gun Violence Research

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Delaware Governor John Carney, and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló today announced the nation’s first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a key initiative of the historic “States for Gun Safety” coalition between New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, and Puerto Rico.

The consortium brings the thought leaders and top researchers from partner states together to undertake significant new research on all manners of gun violence, data collection and analysis across multiple disciplines. This unprecedented effort will provide the public, including policymakers, with new information to ultimately reduce the scourge of gun violence. This groundbreaking consortium fills the void left by the federal government’s 1996 ban on the use of federal funds to study gun violence, which has obstructed research efforts across the nation, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Governor Malloy said, “Gun violence is a public health emergency, and it should be treated as such. Connecticut has been a national leader in addressing this epidemic. By working together with like- minded states, we can take strides toward understanding the root causes of violence and determine the most effective prevention strategies. Connecticut has reduced violent crime at a faster rate than any state in the nation since we passed our commonsense gun legislation in 2013. This coalition is a critical step to building upon this progress.”

Governor Murphy said, “Despite having some the toughest gun laws in the nation, New Jersey has suffered from roughly 80 percent of our gun crimes being committed with a gun trafficked across our borders. We’re losing young people across our state to the senseless epidemic of gun violence as Congress sits idly by on this issue. Those of us at the state and local level are taking matters into our hands to curb violence in our communities. That’s why I’m proud to join my fellow governors in creating the nation’s first regional gun violence research consortium.”

Governor Cuomo said, “New York is proud to have the nation’s strongest gun safety laws. The federal government’s continued inaction on this issue has not only allowed the epidemic of gun violence to spread, but it has left it to the states to provide the leadership needed to confront this problem head on. The consortium is a major step in our multi-state partnership to research responsible gun safety legislation and take new steps to prevent illegal guns from crossing state lines.”

Governor Raimondo said, “While Washington continues to drag its feet, in Rhode Island we’re stepping up and taking decisive action to keep our communities safe. This week I was proud to take part in the first meeting of Rhode Island’s new Gun Safety Working Group, which will help create an action plan for gun reform. The efforts of this new multi-state consortium will further bolster our work with meaningful research to help guide action on reforms across all of our states. I thank my fellow governors for their efforts and look forward to seeing the research developed by the consortium.”

Governor Baker said, “Massachusetts is pleased to have some of the nation’s strongest gun control laws and looks forward to working with other states to enhance information sharing across state lines to provide state officials and law enforcement with more resources to keep our communities safe.”

Governor Carney said, “Working together, states can and should directly confront the threat of gun violence. This new consortium will provide new information and research about gun violence to inform policy discussions at the state and federal levels. Better information will help us enforce laws already on the books, intercept the flow of illegal weapons across state borders, and take additional action that will make a real difference. Delaware is proud to be a part of this coalition, and I thank my fellow Governors for their leadership on this issue.”

Governor Rosselló said, “Puerto Rico is proud to have some of the strongest regulations of permits to possess guns in the United States. At the same time, we are fighting against illegal guns in the island. I believe this consortium of states to promote shared knowledge will go a long way towards raising awareness about the direct relationship between uncontrolled access to guns and acts of violence. This is an important step towards ending in the senseless massacres that have claimed the lives of innocent people in public institutions and schools.”

The consortium will operate between the multiple states involved, harnessing the collective research and expertise for collaborative activities among individual universities and departments. In addition to new research, the consortium will also create a central clearinghouse of existing data from institutional, federal, and multi-state sources for public use.

This month marks the anniversary of two of our country’s most tragic mass shootings that are etched into the history of our society; it was eleven years ago this week that 32 people lost their lives on the campus of Virginia Tech University, and 19 years ago, 13 people were tragically killed at Columbine High school.

Listed below are the scholars from the states who are leading the consortium. A full link with their biographies is available here.

 Romain L. Alexander Policy Advisor, Office of Governor John Carney  Eric F. Bronson, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Roger Williams University  Rod K. Brunson Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University  Joel Capellan, Assistant Professor of Law & Justice Studies at Rowan University  Michaela Dunne, Manager of Law Enforcement & Justice Services at Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)  Ayman El-Mohandes, Dean, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy  Sandro Galea, Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health  Anna Harvey, Professor of Politics and Director of the Public Safety Lab at New York University  David Hemenway, Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health  Christopher Herrmann, Assistant Professor in the Law and Police Science Department at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice  Heather Howard, Lecturer in Public Affairs at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs  Margaret K. Formica, Assistant Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University  Allan Jiao, Professor of Law & Justice Studies at Rowan University  Craig H. Kennedy, Provost at the University of Connecticut (UConn)  David M. Kennedy, Professor of Criminal Justice at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (NYC)  Chris Kervick, Executive Director, State of Delaware Criminal Justice Council  John M. Klofas, Professor and Director of the Center for Public Safety Initiative at the Rochester Institute of Technology  Mike Lawlor, Undersecretary for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning, Connecticut Office of Policy & Management and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven (on leave)  Alan Lizotte, Distinguished Professor and former Dean at the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany  Matthew J. Miller, Professor of Health Sciences and Epidemiology at Northeastern University  Daniel J. O’Connell, Ph.D, Senior Scientist, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware  James Peyser, Massachusetts Secretary of Education  Jennifer L. Pomeranz, Assistant Professor, College of Global Public Health at New York University  Jeremy Porter, Professor of Sociology at CUNY Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center  William Pridemore, Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany  Dermot Quinn, Lieutenant Colonel, Massachusetts State Police  Sonali Rajan, Assistant Professor of Health Education at Teachers College, Columbia University  Megan L. Ranney, Emergency Physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital/ Alpert Medical School of Brown University  Jaclyn Schildkraut, Assistant Professor of Public Justice and National Expert on Mass Shootings  Donald H. Sebastian, Senior Vice-President of Technology & Business Development at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)  Michael Siegel, Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences at Boston University School of Public Health  Nick Simmons, Project Coordinator at the Rockefeller Institute of Government  Robert J. Spitzer, Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at SUNY Cortland  Sean P. Varano, Professor of Criminal Justice at Roger Williams University Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

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04/27/2018 Gov. Malloy Signs Legislation Permitting Access to Financial Aid for Connecticut Dreamers Legislation Builds upon a Law Governor Malloy Signed in 2011 Permitting In-State College Tuition Rates to Undocumented Connecticut Students

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today signed into law legislation allowing undocumented students who attend Connecticut public colleges and universities the opportunity to qualify for the state’s system of financial aid. Previously, state law denied access to the financial aid system for these students, despite the fact that they were required to pay into it through their existing tuition.

When he signed the bill, the Governor explained that changing the law is not only the fair thing to do, but it also better prepares the state to compete in the global economy by ensuring that Connecticut’s workforce remains among the best educated and most skilled in the country.

“In Connecticut, we pride ourselves on not only our commitment to education but also our history of compassion, fairness, and equality,” Governor Malloy said. “The bottom line of what we are doing here is not controversial – it allows students who are already attending our colleges and universities and already paying into our financial aid system with the ability to access that very system for which they are currently ineligible through no fault of their own. We are talking about young people whose dream is to seek higher education, work here and contribute to our state’s economy. Connecticut’s workforce is second-to-none, and by increasing access to post-secondary education we are telling employers and businesses across our globe that we have the labor force to fill the jobs of tomorrow.” The legislation is Senate Bill 4, An Act Assisting Students Without Legal Immigration Status with the Cost of College. It passed both the House and the Senate with broad, bipartisan support. It took effect immediately upon receiving the Governor’s signature.

“Dreamers should absolutely be able to participate in the financial aid system that they contribute to – it’s a matter of basic fairness, and it’s an important part of building an educated workforce,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “We are a nation built by immigrants just like the Dreamers. Men and women who are informed and engaged in our communities, who work hard, and who love this nation. Connecticut proudly ensures these young people who have called the U.S. home for most of their lives have the same opportunity to build a strong future as everyone else.”

State tax dollars are not used for the financial aid system – it is funded through a need and merit- based pool that students attending the schools are required to pay into through their tuition. Federal Pell grants and state aid provided through the Roberta Willis Scholarship will still be unavailable to this group of students.

The legislation builds upon a law that Governor Malloy signed in 2011 (and expanded in 2015) permitting undocumented students who were raised and educated in Connecticut with the ability to pay in-state tuition rates for the state’s colleges and universities. Those rates are extended only to those who have completed at least two years of high school within the state, where they also must have graduated or earned an equivalent diploma.

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04/27/2018 Gov. Malloy Nominates Two Connecticut Residents to Fill Judicial Vacancies on the Superior Court

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is nominating two state residents to fill vacancies for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. Additional retirements and other changes in recent days allow the Malloy administration to make these supplemental nominations while still maintaining the Governor’s original stated commitment to leave 21 vacancies on the Superior Court by the end of his term in January 2019. Currently, the number of Superior Court judges serving in the Judicial Branch is at its lowest point in more than a decade.

The nominations announced today include:

 Norma I. Sánchez-Figueroa of South Windsor: Sánchez-Figueroa is a Family Support Magistrate with the State of Connecticut’s Judicial Branch, where she has served since 2011. Prior to that, she served in private practice with law firms in 1994 to 1995, and then as the solo practitioner and managing attorney of the Law Office of Norma I. Sánchez-Figueroa from 1995 to 2011. She also served as a litigation paralegal with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from 1991 to 1994, and as a law clerk to justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts from 1988 to 1990. She is a graduate of Brandeis University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Boston College Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor degree.  Jennifer Macierowski of Windsor: Macierowski is the Chief Legal Counsel and Director of Research and Policy for the Connecticut General Assembly’s Senate Republican Caucus, where she has worked since 1999. In this capacity, she has been responsible for developing, negotiating, and drafting legislation on a broad range of topics; managing the caucus’s legal, research, and policy departments; and advising the Senate Republican President Pro Tempore on a range of legal issues. Prior to her service with the state, she was an associate with the firms of Halloran & Sage and Wiggin & Dana. Macierowski is a member of the Connecticut Health Information Technology Advisory Council, the State Leaders Program of the National Association of State Health Policy, and is the chair of the Town of Windsor’s Board of Ethics. She is a graduate of Amherst College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree. Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy

04/30/2018 Gov. Malloy Breaks Ground on Groton Water Treatment Renovations, Calls for Passage of State Water Plan

(GROTON, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino, federal and local officials, and representatives of Groton Utilities, today broke ground on a $54 million comprehensive rehabilitation of an 80-year-old water treatment plant that provides drinking water supply to 45,000 people along with commercial and industrial customers in southeastern Connecticut, including General Dynamics Electric Boat and Pfizer’s global research headquarters. The project, which is expected to take three years, is funded entirely through Connecticut’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, including a state grant of $15 million and low- interest loans of $39 million.

“This is a critical and long-overdue project,” Governor Malloy said. “The fact is that this plant was constructed in 1939, 41 years before there was an Environmental Protection Agency, and the most recent updates were in 1960, 14 years before the passage of the Clean Water Act. I am proud that Connecticut understands the need to make sure our infrastructure is sufficient to provide safe and reliable drinking water for all of our residents and businesses.”

The Governor also used the opportunity to call on the legislature to approve the State Water Plan as written, including language reiterating state statutes, which state that water is a public trust.

“The State Water Plan establishes a framework for the responsible management of Connecticut’s water – one that allows all stakeholders a continuing voice at the table,” Governor Malloy said. “The plan was drafted after an 18-month transparent and public process with extensive input from consumers, environmental advocates, and water utilities. The idea that these same utilities are now trying to derail the entire process in order to protect their private interests and profits should be of concern to every citizen in our state. The simple fact is that water is a public trust, and our state statutes have said as much for over 40 years – this plan does nothing to change that, or expand upon it.”

Public Act 14-163 instructed the Water Planning Council to develop a State Water Plan for future management of the water resources of the state. The plan is currently pending approval in the General Assembly.

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04/30/2018

Gov. Malloy Statement on Consensus Revenue Estimates

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement regarding the consensus revenue estimates that were released earlier today by the Office of Policy and Management and the Office of Fiscal Analysis. The estimates show that revenues are up and could drive the Rainy Day Fund over $1.5 billion on June 30.

“Today’s consensus revenue report is unquestionably good news – it is a milestone we should all recognize and appreciate,” Governor Malloy said. “In January 2011, Connecticut faced a biennial deficit of more than $6 billion, a depleted Rainy Day Fund, and had taken on a $916 million deficit loan, which has since been fully repaid. In the intervening years, we’ve worked hard and made difficult decisions to set the state on more stable financial footing, including fully funding our pensions each and every year. Now, we must continue our progress. In the interests of all state residents, I urge the legislature to remain disciplined in order to give the next governor and the next legislature the best chances of success in the years ahead.”

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