As the House and Senate Democrats sat in caucus, supposedly cracking skulls to reach some sort of agreement on an energy bill (apparently no agreement has been found—even after five hours of wrangling), the House and Senate Republicans held a press conference to refute Democratic assertions of a “Tax Cut for 95% of Connecticut.” Earlier today, House Republican Leader Larry Cafero asked the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis if the Democrats’ 95% number was accurate—or whether they had asked OFA at all to verify that statistic (the Democrats’ had been saying that it was OFA who gave them the 95% figure).
Lo and behold OFA said that the Democrats had never asked them that question, and even if they had, the number would not have been 95%, but 58% instead! When you factor in the added taxes people will be paying on all clothing purchases, all internet purchase, all funeral expenses, all real estate transactions, etc. that are included in the Democrats’ tax package—that number drops to virtual nonexistence.
When asked about the ongoing budget “negotiations” and Speaker Amann’s contention that the Governor has not been engaged, Rep. Cafero informed those gathered that the Speaker had only attended two (2) budget meetings: the first was 17 minutes, the second was 12 minutes. Meanwhile the Governor has made the pledge that her budget director, Robert Genuario, would be available to them 24 hours a day.
Again and again, the Democrats’ inefficacy and, frankly, their inability to lead has been highlighted—not merely by the opposition party—but by the Democrats’ statements themselves. As the Hartford Courant aptly said in the opening line of their lead editorial today:
“…the Democratic majority in the General Assembly is not making a very good case for being returned to to power in the next election.”
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Courant Takes Notice
From Saturday's Courant:
GOP Lawmakers Develop Their Own Punch
Defying Democrats, Rell On Taxes Plays Well With The Party's Base
By MARK PAZNIOKAS
Courant Staff Writer
May 26 2007
Outnumbered and struggling for relevance, Republican state legislators may have found a new identity and purpose by defying both Democrats and their own governor on taxes.
At the very least, the gambit is playing well among Republican donors who paid between $250 and $1,000 to attend the GOP's pre-eminent fundraiser, the Prescott Bush Awards Dinner.
They accorded hero status to House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., who pressured Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell last month to back away from an income-tax increase she sought to fund greater aid for education.
Cafero and House Republicans offered a budget that could be balanced without a tax increase - a criticism of the Democratic majority's tax plan, but one that also reflected on Rell.
On Thursday night, the GOP base signaled its approval at the Bush dinner, applauding louder for Cafero and Senate Minority Leader Louis C. DeLuca, who were introduced together, than for Rell.
Rell, who has since abandoned her tax increase and sided with legislative Republicans, seemed to take no offense at the applause for Cafero and DeLuca.
"That's absolutely no reflection on the governor. That's a reflection that the [legislative] Republicans staked some new territory this session, and people recognized that," said her spokesman, Chris Cooper. "And the governor was applauding as loudly as anybody."
In her own brief remarks Thursday, Rell encouraged the legislative leaders to continue fighting for Republican values.
Rell, who credited rising state revenues for her own decision to abandon a call for a tax increase, also has been more partisan on the budget in recent days.
"The Democrats simply don't get it," Rell said Wednesday during an unannounced visit to the Capitol press room. "Stop talking about taxes, and let's talk about getting the spending under control."
Twice this week, House Republicans tried to force a vote on a 25-cent reduction in the gas tax for the summer, a proposal Democrats dismissed as political grandstanding. But it is resonating with the beleaguered GOP.
"Larry and Lou have the Democrats on the run," Chris Healy, the new Republican state chairman, told the Bush dinner audience of 600 donors.
"Thank God!" yelled Mary Ann Turner of Enfield, a Republican town chairwoman.
Healy and others were happy to see a feistiness among the base after the debacle of the 2006 election, when Rell and her running mate, Michael Fedeles, were the only Republicans to win statewide office.
In Hartford, Republicans saw their numbers in the legislature shrink to 44 of 151 in the House and 12 of 36 in the Senate. Democrats also won four of the five U.S. House seats in Connecticut, unseating two Republican incumbents.
"We're picking ourselves up off the floor," Healy said. "We're a little bloody, and we're looking for a fight."
Cafero, 49, a lawyer from Norwalk, took over as House minority leader in January, determined to give his caucus a stronger identity.
He reshuffled his staff, hiring campaign consultant and former party Chairman George Gallo as his chief of staff.
"I think there was a culture of incumbency that Larry has successfully broken," Healy said in an interview Friday. "We weren't put here to stand around and take the crumbs the Democrats throw us occasionally."
Cafero has said he and the governor are aware that their interests will not always coincide. As governor, Rell will have to compromise with the Democratic majority to pass a budget.
Healy, who was elected state chairman in January with Rell's blessing, has the potentially awkward task of simultaneously defending the governor and Republican legislators when they are at odds.
He said Cafero, with his alternative budget, simply was trying to show "there was another way."
"To her credit, the governor looked at it, saw the new [revenue] numbers," Healy said. "She was open to a change in her tactics, but not her philosophy. She is still committed to her education idea."
Contact Mark Pazniokas at mpazniokas@courant.com.
Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant
GOP Lawmakers Develop Their Own Punch
Defying Democrats, Rell On Taxes Plays Well With The Party's Base
By MARK PAZNIOKAS
Courant Staff Writer
May 26 2007
Outnumbered and struggling for relevance, Republican state legislators may have found a new identity and purpose by defying both Democrats and their own governor on taxes.
At the very least, the gambit is playing well among Republican donors who paid between $250 and $1,000 to attend the GOP's pre-eminent fundraiser, the Prescott Bush Awards Dinner.
They accorded hero status to House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., who pressured Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell last month to back away from an income-tax increase she sought to fund greater aid for education.
Cafero and House Republicans offered a budget that could be balanced without a tax increase - a criticism of the Democratic majority's tax plan, but one that also reflected on Rell.
On Thursday night, the GOP base signaled its approval at the Bush dinner, applauding louder for Cafero and Senate Minority Leader Louis C. DeLuca, who were introduced together, than for Rell.
Rell, who has since abandoned her tax increase and sided with legislative Republicans, seemed to take no offense at the applause for Cafero and DeLuca.
"That's absolutely no reflection on the governor. That's a reflection that the [legislative] Republicans staked some new territory this session, and people recognized that," said her spokesman, Chris Cooper. "And the governor was applauding as loudly as anybody."
In her own brief remarks Thursday, Rell encouraged the legislative leaders to continue fighting for Republican values.
Rell, who credited rising state revenues for her own decision to abandon a call for a tax increase, also has been more partisan on the budget in recent days.
"The Democrats simply don't get it," Rell said Wednesday during an unannounced visit to the Capitol press room. "Stop talking about taxes, and let's talk about getting the spending under control."
Twice this week, House Republicans tried to force a vote on a 25-cent reduction in the gas tax for the summer, a proposal Democrats dismissed as political grandstanding. But it is resonating with the beleaguered GOP.
"Larry and Lou have the Democrats on the run," Chris Healy, the new Republican state chairman, told the Bush dinner audience of 600 donors.
"Thank God!" yelled Mary Ann Turner of Enfield, a Republican town chairwoman.
Healy and others were happy to see a feistiness among the base after the debacle of the 2006 election, when Rell and her running mate, Michael Fedeles, were the only Republicans to win statewide office.
In Hartford, Republicans saw their numbers in the legislature shrink to 44 of 151 in the House and 12 of 36 in the Senate. Democrats also won four of the five U.S. House seats in Connecticut, unseating two Republican incumbents.
"We're picking ourselves up off the floor," Healy said. "We're a little bloody, and we're looking for a fight."
Cafero, 49, a lawyer from Norwalk, took over as House minority leader in January, determined to give his caucus a stronger identity.
He reshuffled his staff, hiring campaign consultant and former party Chairman George Gallo as his chief of staff.
"I think there was a culture of incumbency that Larry has successfully broken," Healy said in an interview Friday. "We weren't put here to stand around and take the crumbs the Democrats throw us occasionally."
Cafero has said he and the governor are aware that their interests will not always coincide. As governor, Rell will have to compromise with the Democratic majority to pass a budget.
Healy, who was elected state chairman in January with Rell's blessing, has the potentially awkward task of simultaneously defending the governor and Republican legislators when they are at odds.
He said Cafero, with his alternative budget, simply was trying to show "there was another way."
"To her credit, the governor looked at it, saw the new [revenue] numbers," Healy said. "She was open to a change in her tactics, but not her philosophy. She is still committed to her education idea."
Contact Mark Pazniokas at mpazniokas@courant.com.
Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Amann Vows to "Crush" Any Legislation Unless GOP Drops Bid to Cut the Gas Tax
Jim Amann is mad. Hopping mad. 'How the hell do these Republicans keep doing this to me? A few weeks ago I was the Speaker-everybody's favorite guy. Today, I'm the a$$hole jacking gas prices on Connecticut residents! How did it come to this? What the hell do I pay my gigantic staff for?'
All valid questions, Jim. So what recourse does a Speaker have when backed into a corner than to threaten to hold up valuable legislation, bonding, etc. just to ensure that the people of CT pay that extra $0.25 on every gallon of gas this summer.
I really can't sum this up better than the media already has today, so please check out the links below.
CT Local Politics
"State lawmakers headed for gas tax standoff," Keith Phaneuf, Journal Inquirer.
"GOP foiled on gas tax cut," Chris Keating, Hartford Courant.
All valid questions, Jim. So what recourse does a Speaker have when backed into a corner than to threaten to hold up valuable legislation, bonding, etc. just to ensure that the people of CT pay that extra $0.25 on every gallon of gas this summer.
I really can't sum this up better than the media already has today, so please check out the links below.
CT Local Politics
"State lawmakers headed for gas tax standoff," Keith Phaneuf, Journal Inquirer.
"GOP foiled on gas tax cut," Chris Keating, Hartford Courant.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
House Discusses Kind Jerry Head Nugs
While gas prices shoot up, energy costs are through the roof, budgets are on the table, and legislation that would actually help the people of this state wallows on the calendar...the House is now engaged in what is predicted to be a marathon debate on the medical use of Mary Jane.
Sadly, I have to admit that discussing the sweet, sweet cheeba is proving to be quite funny. There's nothing better than listening to Mike Lawlor talk to me about Yukon Gold, Jamaica Red Hair, and the dreaded Middletown Brown. Apparently we are even going to legislate the "dankness" of the buds people are allowed to grow! THIS IS GREAT!
Unfortunately, though this bill will ensure that even if you have dispensation from your doctor to hit the bong, you will still have to troll the high schools of Hartford to "score" your precious dope. I tell ya, I can't wait to see old Granny Smith, walker and all, roaming Frog Hollow in search of the 'stickiest-of-the-icky' to help with her glaucoma. And when she does find Sweet Lou, or Sir Smokes-a-lot, or Samson Simpson and purchases the coveted "eighth" that she's been after, her dealer can (and will) be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, while Granny makes a beeline for the nearest BK for a Whopper and milkshake.
And if Granny Smith isn't up for sitting in her car with the lights off outside Weaver, she now has to dust off her green thumb and grow herself some Northern California Sensimilla. Let me tell you, those plants don't just spring up overnight. SO if you're up for a good laugh--turn on CTN and fire up the hooka.
Sadly, I have to admit that discussing the sweet, sweet cheeba is proving to be quite funny. There's nothing better than listening to Mike Lawlor talk to me about Yukon Gold, Jamaica Red Hair, and the dreaded Middletown Brown. Apparently we are even going to legislate the "dankness" of the buds people are allowed to grow! THIS IS GREAT!
Unfortunately, though this bill will ensure that even if you have dispensation from your doctor to hit the bong, you will still have to troll the high schools of Hartford to "score" your precious dope. I tell ya, I can't wait to see old Granny Smith, walker and all, roaming Frog Hollow in search of the 'stickiest-of-the-icky' to help with her glaucoma. And when she does find Sweet Lou, or Sir Smokes-a-lot, or Samson Simpson and purchases the coveted "eighth" that she's been after, her dealer can (and will) be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, while Granny makes a beeline for the nearest BK for a Whopper and milkshake.
And if Granny Smith isn't up for sitting in her car with the lights off outside Weaver, she now has to dust off her green thumb and grow herself some Northern California Sensimilla. Let me tell you, those plants don't just spring up overnight. SO if you're up for a good laugh--turn on CTN and fire up the hooka.
House Decides to Kill Their Own Bill Rather Than Vote on Gas Tax Cut
In a display of legislative cowardice, the Democratic supermajority decided to "PT" a bill that would have supported marine and land-based law enforcement when House Republican Leader Larry Cafero offered an amendment instituting a state gas tax holiday from Memorial Day through Labor of this year. Intent on not having their members be forced to actually do their job and cast a vote on the amendment--or the bill itself--Majority Leader Donovan decided to pass the bill temporarily to buy time to come up with some solution.
PTing a bill is the ultimate cowardly move by a majority, but almost laughable when done by a supermajority (especially since they put on such a display of Democratic "unity" last night when they overrode the Governor's veto). I guess they really don't have a lot of faith in their ability to marshal votes, because they certainly wouldn't hold up a good bill simply because they feel a vote against cutting the gas tax would hurt them politically, would they? Noooo....that would never happen.
I hope they don't do this on every Republican amendment. Holding up the people's business for political expedience won't help their standing in the public eye.
PTing a bill is the ultimate cowardly move by a majority, but almost laughable when done by a supermajority (especially since they put on such a display of Democratic "unity" last night when they overrode the Governor's veto). I guess they really don't have a lot of faith in their ability to marshal votes, because they certainly wouldn't hold up a good bill simply because they feel a vote against cutting the gas tax would hurt them politically, would they? Noooo....that would never happen.
I hope they don't do this on every Republican amendment. Holding up the people's business for political expedience won't help their standing in the public eye.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
T-minus 19 days...and counting
The odd-year sessions of the Connecticut General Assembly are the longer of the two--lasting five months, compared to the three month sessions of even years. The common wisdom is that these "long sessions" are when the most heated issues are brought up. Many of the more polarizing bills, often regarding hot-button social issues are reserved for these sessions because there's a year and a half to go before the next election, allowing as much time as possible for public ire and/or stupid positioning by legislators to be forgotten. Some would argue that it also allows the most possible time to vet and debate these issues. And what kind of long session would it be without a little skirmishing over the biennial state budget?!
But this year, with Democrats having veto-proof majorities in both chambers and no one standing in their way, not a single bill addressing a top issue of importance to Connecticut residents has made it to the House or Senate floor. Tax relief, energy price relief, jobs, healthcare...not one word...not even a drafted bill? How long do the Speaker and Senate President think they can continue making these bold predictions (remember "The Democrats will pass an energy bill by the end of January!") and never delivering? That's fine though--this is what the people of Connecticut can expect from supermajority Democrat leadership. It's what they voted for--and now they'll reap it with the rest of us.
But this year, with Democrats having veto-proof majorities in both chambers and no one standing in their way, not a single bill addressing a top issue of importance to Connecticut residents has made it to the House or Senate floor. Tax relief, energy price relief, jobs, healthcare...not one word...not even a drafted bill? How long do the Speaker and Senate President think they can continue making these bold predictions (remember "The Democrats will pass an energy bill by the end of January!") and never delivering? That's fine though--this is what the people of Connecticut can expect from supermajority Democrat leadership. It's what they voted for--and now they'll reap it with the rest of us.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Where's the Outrage?
Some might remember nary two weeks ago when Young Democrat co-prez Lon Seidman decided to bitch and moan and blame Republicans for the resolution to allow 17 year olds to vote in primaries not gaining the necessary 3/4 vote to put it on the ballot in 2008. I guess they forgot their seventh grade math: it was a Democrat's bill; there are 107 Democrats; 6 Dems voted NO; 8 Dems didn't even bother to show up; 12 REPUBLICANS VOTED FOR IT! If the Dems had their stuff together it would have hit the threshold easily. But I guess it's easier for them to blame Cafero and the piddly little superminority.
But yesterday the shoe was on the other foot. During the discussion on awarding wrongly convicted James Tillman $5 million for 18 years behind bars, Democrats Joe Aresimowicz and Peter Panaroni orginially voted NO (the ONLY NO votes on the board). Speaker James Amann, upon noticing this, held the vote open longer than usual and in a stern voice began asking (up to 4 times) "please make sure your vote has been properly cast." He only ceased once both Panaroni and Aresimowicz had reversed their positions and pushed the green button. When Tillman and his mother entered the chamber to a standing ovation, Panaroni refused to even stand or applaud!
I'm wondering where's the Young Democrats outrage? Where's their little YouTube clip on this one? Maybe yesterday's storm knocked out their power...yeah, that must be it.
But yesterday the shoe was on the other foot. During the discussion on awarding wrongly convicted James Tillman $5 million for 18 years behind bars, Democrats Joe Aresimowicz and Peter Panaroni orginially voted NO (the ONLY NO votes on the board). Speaker James Amann, upon noticing this, held the vote open longer than usual and in a stern voice began asking (up to 4 times) "please make sure your vote has been properly cast." He only ceased once both Panaroni and Aresimowicz had reversed their positions and pushed the green button. When Tillman and his mother entered the chamber to a standing ovation, Panaroni refused to even stand or applaud!
I'm wondering where's the Young Democrats outrage? Where's their little YouTube clip on this one? Maybe yesterday's storm knocked out their power...yeah, that must be it.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Time for Billy to say "Bye Bye"
Today's Courant detailed the goings-on in former State Senate Majority Leader William DiBella's civil fraud trial. DiBella apparently got himself quite a "finders fee" for asking his old Hartford buddy, disgraced/incarcerated/dirtbag Republican Treasurer Paul Silvester to steer approx. $50 million in state pension investments to a capital investment firm with whom DiBella had negotiated a sweetheart deal. I'm not going to go off on a rant here, but needless to say I've always thought DiBella was as crooked as the number three. What infuriates me even more is that this guy has cashed in every chip he has to remain as the chairman of the Metropolitan District Commission: the water authority for greater Hartford. While they certainly provide great water, the way the MDC is run has been a text book case of mismanagement and shady dealings. Now they're pushing an $8 billion rehab project for Hartford sewers that the other seven MDC member towns are going to pay the lion's share of. When do the powerbrokers and people of Connecticut say enough is enough to this type of blatant corruption? Time for Billy to say "bye bye."
Hartford Courant: DiBella Pressed to Justify Fee
Hartford Courant: DiBella Pressed to Justify Fee
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Welcome Aboard, Governor....Better late than never!
In yet another BRILLIANT political move, Jodi-come-lately finally conceded that not jacking taxes on Connecticut residents is the way to go, based upon the revised revenue estimates of last week.
In an "unusual move," Rell made her position known via (you guessed it!) press release: "Connecticut's economy is strong and growing and with the new revenue projections I have just received, I firmly believe that we can adopt a budget for the next biennium that contains no tax increases whatsoever."
Her assertion that the reason for these increased revenues is that "...The economy is strong and growing" is suspect at best. The increased revenues are because the state underestimated revenues in the lead-up to a statewide election that allowed the Governor and legislators to campaign on budget surpluses! So we, the taxpayers, had to fork over more of our hard-earned and it's only by the grace of God (and the House Republicans) that we now have a glimmer of hope that our taxes won't be hiked again! Job growth is still stagnant, more companies are moving out than moving in, and young people are still having to look elsewhere to build their careers and their families. Let's cool the 'strong and growing' economy talk.
But I digress--I'm pleased that our Governor has seen the light and is now on the "No Tax Increase" train. Now let's see how relevant Republicans can truly be at the Capitol.
In an "unusual move," Rell made her position known via (you guessed it!) press release: "Connecticut's economy is strong and growing and with the new revenue projections I have just received, I firmly believe that we can adopt a budget for the next biennium that contains no tax increases whatsoever."
Her assertion that the reason for these increased revenues is that "...The economy is strong and growing" is suspect at best. The increased revenues are because the state underestimated revenues in the lead-up to a statewide election that allowed the Governor and legislators to campaign on budget surpluses! So we, the taxpayers, had to fork over more of our hard-earned and it's only by the grace of God (and the House Republicans) that we now have a glimmer of hope that our taxes won't be hiked again! Job growth is still stagnant, more companies are moving out than moving in, and young people are still having to look elsewhere to build their careers and their families. Let's cool the 'strong and growing' economy talk.
But I digress--I'm pleased that our Governor has seen the light and is now on the "No Tax Increase" train. Now let's see how relevant Republicans can truly be at the Capitol.
Dem's Tank Dry on Gas Tax Holiday
Making good on yesterday's promise to push a Gas Tax Holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, House Republicans in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee put forward an amendment doing just that. The Democrats voted it down 31-14 along party lines. The vote went too fast for me to list the names of those who voted "Nay", but as soon as the tally sheet comes out I'll post those.
Amazingly, what should have been a throw away news story for Republicans instead wound up knocking the gay marriage Supreme Court case off the front page! Although, how Rell gets credit for this, I'll never know--all I do know is that it's better to have her behind this proposal than against it. Another great policy move via press release!
Rell Seeks Halt in Gas Tax
Amazingly, what should have been a throw away news story for Republicans instead wound up knocking the gay marriage Supreme Court case off the front page! Although, how Rell gets credit for this, I'll never know--all I do know is that it's better to have her behind this proposal than against it. Another great policy move via press release!
Rell Seeks Halt in Gas Tax
Monday, May 14, 2007
Finch Splashes In
You'd have to figure that in a Democrat cannonball competition, Chris Caruso would win hands-down. But among the Bridgeport Democratic establishment it was lanky State Senator Bill Finch who took the prize today as he announced that he will seek the nomination to succeed John "Snowball" Fabrizi as mayor of Connecticut's largest city.
Pound for pound, Caruso will be no pushover: coming just a few votes short of defeating Fabrizi in the 2003 primary. But, much like in Hartford, Caruso has few friends among Bridgeport political players and it will be a difficult task to wrest the nomination from Finch. Like Yokozuna taking on the Hulkster in WrestleMania 9, this will be the marquis race throughout the summer months. I can't wait to see how many Republican and Democrat legislators contribute to Caruso's bid--a victory for him in Bridgeport is a victory for everyone at the Capitol.
Pound for pound, Caruso will be no pushover: coming just a few votes short of defeating Fabrizi in the 2003 primary. But, much like in Hartford, Caruso has few friends among Bridgeport political players and it will be a difficult task to wrest the nomination from Finch. Like Yokozuna taking on the Hulkster in WrestleMania 9, this will be the marquis race throughout the summer months. I can't wait to see how many Republican and Democrat legislators contribute to Caruso's bid--a victory for him in Bridgeport is a victory for everyone at the Capitol.
House GOP Continues Press Conference Hot Streak: Now Propose a Summer-long Gas Tax Holiday
House Republicans today called for a summer-long moratorium on the state tax on gasoline, which now stands at $0.25 per gallon. The proposed tax holiday would run during the year's peak driving season: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Republican Leader Larry Cafero (R, Norwalk) said that based upon the revised revenue estimates released last week that show the surplus at nearly $1 billion, the state would be able to enact this moratorium AND pass a "NO Tax Increase" budget without having to pick the pockets of Connecticut taxpayers.
This continues an impressive streak of well-researched and well-attended press conferences on out-of-the-box proposals, addressing the concerns that a majority of Connecticut residents are screaming for: energy prices, education, seniors, and taxes.
This begs the question of 'how many times are the supermajority Democrats going to continue reacting to their Republican counterparts?' Am I the only one who finds it pathetic that 44 Republicans in the House get more press than all 131 Democrats in both chambers? How can Jim "Do they make sweatbands for your upper-lip?" Amann call himself a leader when he has yet to pass one significant piece of legislation that actually helps people or addresses a critical issue? What happened to "We'll have an energy bill by the end of January?" What about the universal healthcare plan the Dems campaigned on last fall? But it's nice to know that as we endure rolling blackouts, higher property taxes and staggering utility bills this summer, at least we'll be able to get ourselves some Plan B without a hassle.
Courant/AP Story: http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-gastax-0514,0,4554060.story?coll=hc-headlines-local
This continues an impressive streak of well-researched and well-attended press conferences on out-of-the-box proposals, addressing the concerns that a majority of Connecticut residents are screaming for: energy prices, education, seniors, and taxes.
This begs the question of 'how many times are the supermajority Democrats going to continue reacting to their Republican counterparts?' Am I the only one who finds it pathetic that 44 Republicans in the House get more press than all 131 Democrats in both chambers? How can Jim "Do they make sweatbands for your upper-lip?" Amann call himself a leader when he has yet to pass one significant piece of legislation that actually helps people or addresses a critical issue? What happened to "We'll have an energy bill by the end of January?" What about the universal healthcare plan the Dems campaigned on last fall? But it's nice to know that as we endure rolling blackouts, higher property taxes and staggering utility bills this summer, at least we'll be able to get ourselves some Plan B without a hassle.
Courant/AP Story: http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-gastax-0514,0,4554060.story?coll=hc-headlines-local
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Gov Backpedals on Tax Hike
After claiming for months that she needed to hike income taxes in excess of 10% over the coming biennium, Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that, all of a sudden, new taxes are apparently no longer necessary! The reason? Well, could be that a new poll came out today saying that everyone hates her budget and instead wants to support the "real" Republicans' budget that does not increase taxes. It might also be that the Office of Fiscal Analysis released their revenue estimates today, which bore out exactly what the House Republicans had said when they rolled out their budget: that OPM had grossly underestimated the state's revenues, meaning that they had overtaxed us once again. So now, instead of admitting their mistake or giving credit where credit is due, the Governor is now saying that she can push through her budget without raising taxes, or at least raising them minimally.
In her afternoon press conference the governor also made the "bold" claim that the spending side of the budget needed to be cut? Amazingly she was able to say it with a straight face, since she herself has proposed the largest spending influx into education this state has ever seen! How she is able to justify her rhetoric against her actions is going to be interesting over the coming weeks.
All in all I'm happy to see the Governor remembering that she is, in fact, a Republican. But if she tries to play the "this was my idea" game, she is going to run up against some backpressure from those of use at the grassroots who embraced the House Republicans "NO Tax Increase" budget and spread the word to put the pressure back on our wayward Governor and those spendthrift Democrats to get the message. Give the credit where it's due, Governor, and thank Rep. Cafero and those who've gone around the state enlightening us to the fact that Republicans still exist in Hartford!
In her afternoon press conference the governor also made the "bold" claim that the spending side of the budget needed to be cut? Amazingly she was able to say it with a straight face, since she herself has proposed the largest spending influx into education this state has ever seen! How she is able to justify her rhetoric against her actions is going to be interesting over the coming weeks.
All in all I'm happy to see the Governor remembering that she is, in fact, a Republican. But if she tries to play the "this was my idea" game, she is going to run up against some backpressure from those of use at the grassroots who embraced the House Republicans "NO Tax Increase" budget and spread the word to put the pressure back on our wayward Governor and those spendthrift Democrats to get the message. Give the credit where it's due, Governor, and thank Rep. Cafero and those who've gone around the state enlightening us to the fact that Republicans still exist in Hartford!
State residents overwhelmingly support GOP "NO Tax Increase" Budget
Quinnipiac University today released their latest poll on which budget the people of Connecticut are in favor of. Only 16% of those surveyed said that they supported Governor Rell's budget proposal, while 33% said that they were in favor of the Democrats' budget.
A whopping 41% of Connecticut residents support the "NO Tax Increase" Budget plan unveiled by House Republican Leader Larry Cafero two weeks ago. The Republicans' budget relies on different revenue projections, that they say are more in line with actual revenues realized over the past fifteen years. They maintain current funding levels for all programs and make investments in key areas like energy, education, and healthcare. I don't know about you but considering their superminority status, for the House Republicans to present a budget in opposition to their own Governor's and the Democrat's, and for that plan to have gained as much traction as it has is remarkable. Credit Cafero with showing some leadership and giving Republicans someone to believe in at the Capitol.
Check out the article on the frontpage of www.courant.com, or the poll at http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1060. (I'm still getting used to posting in this format, so just cut and paste these into your browser--I'll figure out how to hyperlink stuff eventually!)
A whopping 41% of Connecticut residents support the "NO Tax Increase" Budget plan unveiled by House Republican Leader Larry Cafero two weeks ago. The Republicans' budget relies on different revenue projections, that they say are more in line with actual revenues realized over the past fifteen years. They maintain current funding levels for all programs and make investments in key areas like energy, education, and healthcare. I don't know about you but considering their superminority status, for the House Republicans to present a budget in opposition to their own Governor's and the Democrat's, and for that plan to have gained as much traction as it has is remarkable. Credit Cafero with showing some leadership and giving Republicans someone to believe in at the Capitol.
Check out the article on the frontpage of www.courant.com, or the poll at http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1060. (I'm still getting used to posting in this format, so just cut and paste these into your browser--I'll figure out how to hyperlink stuff eventually!)
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Fabrizi Drops Mayoral Bid
After a term plagued by scandal, innuendo, and intraparty squabbling, embattled Mayor John Fabrizi has dropped out of the race. This move ostensibly clears the decks for Rep. Chris Caruso, Sen. Bill Finch, and many many others. Too bad for Republican Rick Torres who would have benefited from multiple splits within the Bridgeport Dems.
Story can be found at www.connpost.com.
Story can be found at www.connpost.com.
Terrorist Cell to attack Ganim, Newton
A joint federal/local law enforcement operation foiled an apparent terrorist cell located in Camden, New Jersey. Word is they were looking for a city that mirrored life back in their native Sarajevo--aside from the aquarium, Camden was a good choice. Details are sketchy at this time, but apparently these kooks were 'training' during singles weekends in the Poconos. Their target? None other than the lynchpin in our national defense: Fort Dix--home of such secret weapons as Joe Ganim, Ernie Newton, and Phil Giordano. You release those guys on the streets of Baghdad and watch out!
Bridgeport residents were elated to learn that the Mayor Eternal and Bridgeport's Moses will remain safe, secure, and be reelected upon their triumphant returns. A 2:30pm press conference has been scheduled to further flesh out these murky details. Stay tuned.
Bridgeport residents were elated to learn that the Mayor Eternal and Bridgeport's Moses will remain safe, secure, and be reelected upon their triumphant returns. A 2:30pm press conference has been scheduled to further flesh out these murky details. Stay tuned.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Municipal Roundup - Big win in Naugy
So the first-round of elections since the Democratic tsunami of 2006 have been held in nine towns and boroughs around Connecticut. Frankly, I don't plan on delving into 'who won the Warden's office' in Fenwick, Bantam, or the other non-169ers. But in those actual towns that held elections today there was at least one very interesting result...Naugatuck. Two-term Mayor Ron San Angelo decided not to run in expectation of an appointment from Governor Rell, leaving Naugatuck Republicans scrambling to find a candidate. After their initial endorsee, mayoral aide Stephanie Gunnoud bowed out after a hard-fought week on the campaign trail, Michael Bronko (husband of popular local 'Burgess' Eileen Bronko) stepped up to the plate. Tonight, you'd be hard-pressed to argue that he didn't hit a home run. The Republican won (much to the surprise of many local GOPers), mainly due to the overwhelming approval of the Renaissance Place redevelopment project referendum that San Angelo and Republicans had championed. (The only person more relieved by the win than Bronko is probably Alexius Conroy, Renaissance's developer!) No one had really given Bronko much of a chance against two-time mayoral candidate Curtis Bosco (D). Plus it looks as though perennial petitioning candidate Peter Jurzynski took more votes than last time, further splitting what would presumably be Bosco votes. All in all, a very big night for Naugy Republicans.
It seems as though Republican Bruno Simonetti, or "Landslide" as he will come to be known, has won by four whole votes in Bolton. Coming on the heels of the Simmons/Courntey recount, I'd say that they town clerk there should be rather prepared for this one.
All in all, considering that no seats actually changed partisan hands, it seems that the Democrats' invincibility from 2006 has not carried over into the early rounds of municipal jousting but I'll reserve judgment on that until that starry November night. But kudos to Naugatuck Republicans on winning a seat many thought lost.
It seems as though Republican Bruno Simonetti, or "Landslide" as he will come to be known, has won by four whole votes in Bolton. Coming on the heels of the Simmons/Courntey recount, I'd say that they town clerk there should be rather prepared for this one.
All in all, considering that no seats actually changed partisan hands, it seems that the Democrats' invincibility from 2006 has not carried over into the early rounds of municipal jousting but I'll reserve judgment on that until that starry November night. But kudos to Naugatuck Republicans on winning a seat many thought lost.
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