Jeff Currey

NEWS FOR THIS WEEK

This week marked the last day of the legislative session!

Although the House passed several bills Wednesday evening, it was unable to hear a bill on the budget. Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey released this following statement explaining why:

"The time it took to reach an agreement, combined with the challenge of staff to physically get a printed bill to the floor, and then achieve passage, would likely require a cutoff of discussions. That scenario would not be fair for the purpose of allowing a complete and reasonable debate, and at this point would be a disservice to House members and the public they represent to move forward tonight.”

There will be a special session next week to discuss the budget. I want to assure residents that I will be doing everything in my power to push for a budget that is fair and balanced.

On Monday, May 2, legislators were treated to delicious desserts baked by Connecticut Technical High School students! This tech school is just one of many that visited the Capitol during Tech Day to showcase their academic programs. With the latest industry and workforce trends in mind, tech schools develop programs that combine academics with real world experiences. I will continue to support these schools and their programs.

Also on Tuesday, Rep. Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester) and I met with Bill Doak, the Editor of the East Hartford Gazette. The Gazette has done an excellent job reporting on local news and I encourage residents to pick up a copy at a various locations around East Hartford.

On Tuesday, May 3, I met with advocates from the Chrysalis Center, a non-profit multi service organization that offers community support for those affected with poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, or HIV/AIDS. The Center also helps individuals after they are released from incarceration. All individuals deserve the opportunity to receive assistance regardless of their circumstance. I am a proud supporter of this organization and applaud its efforts to help people rebuild their lives.

On the last day of session, Wednesday, May 4, legislators honored Rep. Bill Aman (R-South Windsor) for serving his final session after six terms. Here I stand with him and his wife, Marti, and Tom Delnicki, Mayor of South Windsor. It has a been a pleasure serving with him and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

BILLS PASSED:

SB 2 - This legislation would make it easier for veterans to start and maintain local businesses by providing veteran owned small businesses with an up to 15 percent preference for determining the “lowest responsible qualified bidder,” and provide these businesses with a one-time exemption from payment of state business entity tax.

SB 294 - This bill would require the Department of Developmental Services to provide individuals on the waiting list with their status and prevent the department from removing an individual from the list without their consent. It also requires DDS to provide at least 90 day notice to individuals with intellectual disabilities who will have their state assisted care ended.

SB 317 -This act requires any person applying for a remedial reading, remedial language arts or reading consultant endorsement to have completed a course that includes instruction on dyslexia. This bill will give students with dyslexia the proper support system they need to be academically successful.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS:

Monday:
Spending Cap Commission, LOB 1E, 10 a.m.
DMHAS: Alcohol and Drug Policy Council Meeting, LLOB 1C, 10 a.m.

Tuesday:
Department of Labor-Low Wage Employer Advisory Board Meeting, LOB 1D, 3p.m.

Wednesday:
Sentencing Commission Special Committee on Sex Offenders. LOB 2D, 10 a.m.

Thursday:
Committee on Children: CT Kids Report Card Leadership Committee Meeting, LOB 1B, 9 a.m.