1 September 2009

Congressional Health Care Forum On Tap For Murphy, Larson Wednesday, 9/2

Advocates of universal health care will participate in Congressional forums on health care legislation on Wednesday in the 1st and 5th Congressional Districts. The push for reform will include pre-forum rallies.

A Hartford rally and march previously scheduled at Cong Larson's and Senator Dodd's Hartford offices has been cancelled, according to organizers in a move to encourage participation at the forums.

1st District -- Cong. John Larson

4:30 PM West Hartford - Health Care Town Hall Forum with Congressman John Larson
There will be a 4:30 pm rally at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford followed by the health care forum with Congressman Larson beginning at 5:30 PM.

5th District -- Cong Chris Murphy

5:30 PM Washington - Rally and Health Care Town Hall Forum with Congressman Chris Murphy. There will be a 5:30 pm rally at Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South Street, Washington, CT followed by the health care forum with Congressman Murphy beginning at 6:30 PM.

State Budget Will Stand After Parting Shots But No Veto From Governor

Governor Rell announced late Tuesday afternoon that she will allow a two-year state budget plan just approved by the House and Senate to stand without signing it. Her move to support a 1 percent increase on the state income tax for wealthy households paved the way for passage amid falling tax revenues and a multi-billion deficit. Rell said she agreed to the income tax hike on the highest income earners ($500,000 and up) because, she said, all the cuts that could be made have been made. In a contradictory statement Tuesday,however, Rell criticized Democratic legislative leaders for not cutting enough. Democrats say they have trimmed up to $3 billion from state spending without severe cuts to the social safety net and dismantling of key state services.

CT News Junkie's Christine Stuart covered the announcement and reactions.