CONNECTICUT STATE SENATE OPENING DAY SCHEDULE JANUARY 7, 2015 PRESIDING: SECRETARY OF THE STATE 1. 10:00 A.M., Senate called to order 2. Prayer by the Senate Chaplain, Reverend James Nock 3. Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill 4. Roll Call of Senators-Elect 5. Oath of Office administered to Senators-Elect 6. Election of Senate Clerk and Oath of Office -President Pro Tempore elect places the name of Garey E. Coleman in nomination and remarks. Others may comment -Secretary of the State declares nominations closed, indicates the Senate Clerk is elected by acclamation 1 and administers the Oath of Office 7. Appointment of Assistant Senate Clerk and Oath of Office -Senate Clerk appoints Michael Jefferson, remarks and administers the Oath of Office 8. Election of President Pro Tempore -Majority Leader elect, Bob Duff, places the name of Senator Martin Looney in nomination and remarks -Minority Leader elect Len Fasano seconds the nomination and remarks -Secretary of the State declares nominations closed, indicates that the President Pro Tempore is elected by acclamation. - Judge John A. Keyes administers the Oath of Office PRESIDING: PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE 9. President Pro Tempore addresses the Senate 2 -Announcement of the election of Majority Leader, Senator Bob Duff -Brief remarks by the Senate Majority Leader -Announces Democratic Leadership Team and Republican choice of Senator Fasano as Minority Leader -Brief remarks by the Minority Leader 10. Adoption of Senate Agendas 1 and 2 -Majority Leader moves adoption by stating: "Mr. President, I move all items on Senate Agenda(s) No. 1 and 2 dated January 7, 2015 be acted upon as indicated and that the agenda(s) be incorporated by reference into the Senate Journal and the Senate Transcript." - Clerk calls the following resolutions from Agenda 2 -Senate Joint Resolution # 1 Resolution Concerning the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives. 3 Introduced by Senate Majority Leader and House Majority Leader -Majority Leader moves adoption of the resolution from Agenda 2 and asks for a voice vote -Clerk calls the following resolution -Senate Joint Resolution # 2 Resolution Concerning Publication of Legislative Bulletin, Printing of Bills and Expenses of the 2015 Session of the General Assembly. Introduced by Senate Majority Leader and House Majority Leader -Majority Leader moves adoption of the resolution from Agenda 2 and asks for a voice vote -Majority Leader moves for immediate transmittal of Senate Joint Resolutions 1 and 2 to the House 11. -SR #1 Resolution Raising a Committee of three senators to inform the Lt. Governor that the Senate requests Her presence in the Senate Chamber. 4 Introduced by Senate Majority Leader - Majority Leader moves adoption and asks for a voice vote After adoption, President Pro Tempore appoints 2 majority (Sen. Coleman and Sen. Osten) and 1 minority (Sen. Formica) to the committee SENATE STANDS AT EASE 12. Lt. Governor, escorted by the Senate Committee, enters the Senate Chamber 13. Lt. Governor Oath of Office by Governor Dannel P. Malloy PRESIDING: LT. GOVERNOR 14. Lt. Governor addresses the Senate 15. Lt. Governor introduces new Senate members to the circle Thank you Governor Malloy. 5 It’s been a privilege to be your partner in making Connecticut a better place to live, work, and raise our families. Over the past four years, we’ve faced very difficult times together. I’m grateful for your leadership and your friendship, and honored to serve with you for another four years. In so many appearances I’ve heard you talk about what guides your every day, // that your mother told you to leave this world a better place for your having been in it. 6 Governor, you’re doing just that. She would be so proud of your dedication to the people of Connecticut and your tireless commitment to our future. I am proud to serve with you. Thank you for being our Governor and my friend. ___ APPLAUSE __________________ I also want to recognize the extraordinary support of my family. I’ve spent nearly 4 decades in public service starting on the Tolland Board of Education, to the state House, as Connecticut’s first woman Comptroller, and now another term as lieutenant governor. And my family has stood by me every step of the way. 7 My husband Mike, whose infinite love and good humor has carried me through some truly dark times. My two wonderful daughters Stacey and Meryl and their wonderful husbands Steve and Bill. And my grandchildren: Kyle, Taylor, Lindsey, Max, and Sydney—and Kyle’s girlfriend Erin. Thank you all for being here today. My love for them motivates me every day, and that they will live in a Connecticut of greater opportunity and prosperity. My deepest gratitude also goes to my friends and family in the balcony. I am blessed by your encouragement and your wise counsel. 8 I love you all, thank you for being here today. In our Senate tradition, would you please rise and welcome my family and friends. ___________APPLAUSE_________ Thank you. I’d like to ask everyone to please join me in a moment of silence and gratitude for the men and women of our Armed Forces. Their service, // the service of our veterans, // and the commitment of their families have ensured this democracy and these freedoms that we enjoy today. Please rise. [Moment of Silence] 9 Four years ago I stood before you and remarked on the many challenges we faced. Looking back, I’m proudest of all the times —without regard to party or politics—we stood together. Bipartisanship made this state stronger. It put our residents back to work, supported business, improved our schools, and expanded the services available for veterans and their families. We are stronger for all of the tough conversations we had in these halls— // and in town halls— // across the state. We are stronger for having traveled TOGETHER what was sometimes a bumpy path to common ground. 10 And we are stronger for uniting behind a shared ethic: WE ARE A GOVERNMENT THAT SEEKS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE. I’m honored to stand with you today to continue our work together. I’d like to take a moment to recognize and thank Connecticut’s Senate leadership. It is a pleasure to congratulate our new President Pro Tem Martin Looney, our new Majority Leader Bob Duff, and our new Minority Leader Len Fasano. These men are committed public servants and I look forward to working with you again. Welcome back to our returning senators. I’m sure glad to be back with all of you. As is tradition in this body, I would also like to introduce and welcome our seven new senators. 11 Let’s please hold applause until all seven have been recognized, and Senators, would you please rise during your introduction. Senator Mae Flexer served several terms as a State Representative and was a Killingly public official for many years. She has been a strong leader on domestic violence issues; and her work has also strengthened markets and commerce for Connecticut-grown products. Welcome Senator Flexer. Senator Paul Formica (FOR-MEE-KA) has been a public servant in the Town of East Lyme for nearly 25 years and currently serves as the Town’s First Selectman. 12 He is an accomplished businessman and a respected member of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Welcome Senator For-Mee-Ka. Senator Tony Hwang (HWONG) was a state representative who worked on the Insurance, Government Administrations and Elections, and the Public Safety Committees. Senator HWONG has been an important facilitator for international relations and trade with Taiwan; // and he is active in community efforts to improve housing and education. Welcome Senator HWONG. Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. is a healthcare attorney, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities. 13 He was part of a bipartisan coalition that fought for passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Welcome Senator Kennedy. Senator Tim Larson is a former 4 term mayor of East Hartford and 2 term state representative who served on the Transportation; // Finance, Revenue and Bonding; // and the Banks Committees. Tim, it’s nice to see another Senator Larson in this chamber. Welcome Senator Larson. Senator Henri Martin has been on the Bristol City Council since 2011 working on economic growth and development initiatives. He served on the Bristol Board of Finance and manages his own real estate brokerage. Welcome Senator Martin. 14 Senator Marilyn Moore is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Witness PROJECT of Connecticut, an organization dedicated to reducing breast cancer among low income and African American women. She is a staunch advocate for anti-hunger initiatives and Chairs the Board of End Hunger Connecticut. Welcome Senator Moore. ________APPLAUSE_________________ This Senate circle is a family. Let’s unite behind a common desire to make this body a stronger, surer voice for the people of Connecticut. The campaigns are over. 15 I urge us to find more that unites us than divides us; // to recognize our SHARED devotion to this great state; // and to build a robust and thriving Connecticut with the best opportunities for our citizens. Thank you. God bless you all and God bless the great State of Connecticut. 16 PRESIDING: LT. GOVERNOR OR PRESIDENT PRO TEMP 16. Adoption of Resolutions THE CHAIR Is there any business on the Clerk’s Desk? THE CLERK Yes Madam President, the Clerk has SR #1 Resolution Concerning the Rules of the Senate. THE CHAIR Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff SENATOR DUFF -Majority Leader moves adoption and waives the reading of the resolution -Majority Leader asks for a voice vote 17 THE CHAIR: The question is on adoption.