Rochelle responds to Lamont's proposed budget

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s two-year proposed budget. 

Kara Rochelle

“Governor Lamont presented to the legislature his version of the budget last week and I want to assure you that in the history of the General Assembly the legislature have never passed a budget as a Governor has presented it.
"I hear the concerns of our residents and this is the first step in a long process of revision. The bipartisan Appropriations and Finance Committee is analyzing the Governor’s proposal and working to produce a budget that reflects the legislature’s priorities. Following that proposal, we can expect additional negotiations that I hope will lead to a balanced, bipartisan budget that benefits the most people,” Rochelle said. 

“I will be critically analyzing each budget proposal to ensure the people of Ansonia and Derby are being fairly considered," she said. "My priority is to continue advocating for the working class, rebuilding the middle class, proper funding for our schools, improving our train service, and spurring economic development, decent wages, tax relief for working class families, reigning in healthcare costs, and building the long-promised Valley Fire School amongst other issues that deeply affect our residents,” Rochelle said. 

“I encourage residents to be in touch, attend my twice-monthly community conversations in Ansonia and Derby, and share your questions, concerns, and ideas for how best to move forward," she said. "I will share with residents via Facebook and Email opportunities to make their voices directly heard at legislative public hearings. I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I look forward to working hard for all of you over the next several months.” 

The governor’s proposed budget is the first step in a drafting process that typically produces a unified and blended budget from various parties by the end of the legislative session. 

Lamont’s budget can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/2019-Legislative-Proposals.

The Appropriations Committee will hold public hearings at the Legislative Office Building on the following dates, which residents can use as an opportunity to share their thoughts on Gov. Lamont’s budget proposal. 

Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

Friday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

To access the calendar, click here. 

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Logan: Bill to prohibit 'Asian Registry' wins support at hearing in Hartford

State senator urges constituents to write in favor of legislation

Supporters gather at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford Thursday. /Submitted photo

George Logan, R-Ansonia, said in an email today:

A bill to prohibit Connecticut public schools from compiling a so-called "Asian Registry" received strong support during a March 8 public hearing at the Legislative Office Building.
Hundreds of taxpayers joined my fellow legislators and me to speak in favor of Bill 359.

Our message:

Connecticut government should not mandate that Asian-Pacific American students register their ancestral nation of origin or ethnic background.
Such a mandate would be an invasion of privacy. 
I thank Lin Yang of Woodbridge for organizing the terrific turnout.
I urge you to join us in speaking out.

1. Send a brief email to EDTestimony@cga.ct.gov saying "YES" to Bill 359.
2. Reference Bill 359 in the subject line
3. Copy me at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov / include your name and town
4. Share this information with friends.

The bill can be read here:  www.cga.ct.gov/2018/TOB/s/pdf/2018SB-00359-R00-SB.pdf

Thank you!