14 February 2010

Republican “Roadmap” Undermines Retirees, Working Families, Middle Class
The Republican Party’s alternatives to Democratic proposals for economic stimulus and health care plans have come out of the woodwork. Republican Congressman Paul Ryan (WI) is the point man for a strategy that would, according to press reports, make wholesale cuts to Social Security and Medicare, let the wealthiest 1% of Americans keep their Bush, deficit-causing tax cuts and create a “simpler” tax system that includes an 8.5% federal consumption (sales) tax. Notes the widely read TPM blog: “That's a tax on all goods and services that shifts the tax burden from corporations to individual consumers.”

The GOP “blueprint” undermines the Medicare program in future years with this provision: “For those currently under 55 – as they become Medicare-eligible – it creates a Medicare payment, initially averaging $11,000, to be used to purchase a Medicare certified plan. The payment is adjusted to reflect medical inflation, and pegged to income, with low-income individuals receiving greater support.” Put simply, the GOP plan throws Medicare eligible individuals to the insurance industry that would reap a taxpayer windfall without a benefit guarantee, or worse, a decrease in those benefits.
You can read the “roadmap” in its entirety at http://www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov/ complete with Rep. Ryan's bragging about how good it is.

Andy Stern, the president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), who has worked with members of the Business Roundtable on health care reform over the last several years told TPM: "It's hard to imagine that this is a 21st century plan. It seems like we're going back to the future. Particularly when George Bush inherited a surplus and drove it into a massive deficit, I'm not sure we should trust the Republican party's rehashed ideas to not just bankrupt the country in the end."

The Connecticut Republicans seeking a seat in the 5th CD and elsewhere this year should be called out for their position on their party’s “roadmap.” Prediction: They will run away from it as fast as they can to avoid talking about issues and being labeled as proponents of the same lame ideas espoused by Bush 43. Lest we forget the Bush-Cheney war mongering, deregulation and fiscal policies plunged the country into harshest economic trouble since the Great Depression. Well, maybe all of CT GOPers except Linda "Smackdown" McMahon, the current darling of New Britain's Republicans.

NB Dems February Meeting: February 25 at City Hall
The Democratic Town Committee will meet on February 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street for its final meeting of the 2008-2010 term. Members and friends will receive updates on key issues emerging at the state House and City Hall this year. Candidates for statewide offices will also be welcomed.

Organizational, Delegate meetings scheduled to start the 2010-2012 term: March 4, March 23-30
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its organizational meeting for a new term on Thursday March 4th at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street. The Committee will elect officers, district leaders and appoint committees to kick off the 2010 election cycle. Democrats not serving as elected members from district who wish to volunteer as associate members are welcome to attend and join. For more information, e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call the Town Chair at 860-827-9469.

DTC Leader Francisco Cuin appointed to state Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
DTC member and District Leader Francisco O. Cuin has been appointed to serve on the state’s Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) for the next two years. Cuin, active in voter registration and citizen involvement, has served on the town committee for three terms and was elected citywide to the Board of Assessment Appeal (2007-2009). A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Francisco is a member of the board of the Spanish Speaking Center and is an elected member of the city’s Board of Assessment. He is also the co-founder of the Parent Network of New Britain, which works to improve quality of life of New Britain Latinos. Cuin currently works for the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. in the Head Start Program and with the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. He holds multiple degrees, including a juris doctorate from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Democratic legislators had praise for Cuin’s work in the community and his appointment to the statewide commission:
“Francisco Cuin is a civic leader in the city of New Britain and is a strong advocate for the Latino community in our city,” said Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-6). “He will be a welcome and positive addition to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.” Representative Betty Boukus (D-22) said, “Mr. Cuin has a long history of advocacy and will bring an important voice to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.” Said State representative John Geragosian (D-25): “Francisco will make a wonderful addition to the commission. He understands the challenges facing the Latino community and the community at-large. He will be a strong advocate for change.”
Created in 1994, LPRAC is a nonpartisan public policy agency within the state’s Legislative Branch. LPRAC consists of 21 appointed volunteers who are mandated to advise the General Assembly and the governor on policies that foster progress in the Latino communities residing in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.cga.ct.gov/lprac/.

New Britain Democrats Rx for the February Blues: Irish music, Southern cooking

The menu: Saturday, February 20th, Noon
4th annual winter BBQ sponsored by the Pride of CT Lodge 1437, 24-30 Elm Street. Smoked ribs, BBQ chicken, fried fish, Georgia hots, baked beans, salads and corn on the cob. Come early. Stay late.
The Music: the New Britain Irish Social Club, 39 South Street
Friday, February 19th, 8:30-11:30 p.m. presenting the Marksmen
Friday, March 5th, 8:30-11:30 p.m. presenting Celtic Music of Calley McGrane and the Exiles.
New Britain Irish Social Club (Hibernians) 860-832-8023

End Quote
“The difference between Democrats and Republicans has always been measured in courage and confidence. The Republicans believe that the wagon train will not make it to the frontier unless some of the old, some of the young, some of the weak are left behind by the side of the trail…We Democrats believe that we can make it all the way with the whole family intact….” Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo at the 1984 Democratic National Convention.