The editorial page of The Herald has endorsed the House-passed Health Care Partnership Act that would let cities and towns and others participate voluntarily in the state's health insurance pool.
Adopted in up to 20 other states the pooling proposal has gained support for the comprehensive coverage it would provide to employees at considerably lower premiums. Along with rising energy and electricity costs, health coverage has been the fastest-growing expense for local governments. Unsurprisingly, Mayor Stewart is an outspoken opponent of the measure.
The partnership legislation, along with the Sustinet health insurance reform bill, faces hurdles in the state Senate and a veto threat from Gov. Rell. Rell, in vetoing the partnership bill last year, left room for compromise or re-consideration.
For proponents, it boils down to a choice between the profits and dominance of private health insurances versus a state pooling option that can bring savings to taxpayers and good coverage for participants.
Speaker of the House Chris Donovan's office has estimated a potential savings for the City of New Britain of up to $900,000.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
29 May 2009
Chris Murphy To Host Saturday (5/30) Housing and Mortgage Seminar At N.B. City Hall
Congressman Murphy (D-5) is holding a mortgage seminar on Saturday, May 30th, at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend to learn how to go about getting an affordable mortgage and how to get help for those who are falling behind on paying their mortgage. Cong. Murphy will be joined by experts from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Britain Neighborhood Housing Services, Fannie Mae and McCue Mortgage.
Mayor Stewart's fuzzy revenue estimates: when will sales of development properties be realized?
It's crunch time for the Mayor and City Council to arrive at a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. City officials already face the uncertainty of not knowing state aid amounts on the weekend before the state legislature is scheduled to adjourn. That makes it critically important that Mayor Stewart's estimates for the sale of property, set at $3.5 million next year and $4.5 million this year, be confirmed. Unfortunately, these property sales, largely based on the Pinnacle Heights development, are not yet real.
The following is a post on the issue at NB Politicus:
Municipal Endorsements: Interviews Slated For June
The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee continues to gather information from prospective candidates as part of the DTC's endorsements of city offices this year.
The Democrats' slate will include Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council (10 District, 5 At large), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4).
All Democrats interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements.
Candidate information forms are available upon request at the Town Committee web site www.newbritaindemocrat.net
Congressman Murphy (D-5) is holding a mortgage seminar on Saturday, May 30th, at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend to learn how to go about getting an affordable mortgage and how to get help for those who are falling behind on paying their mortgage. Cong. Murphy will be joined by experts from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Britain Neighborhood Housing Services, Fannie Mae and McCue Mortgage.
Mayor Stewart's fuzzy revenue estimates: when will sales of development properties be realized?
It's crunch time for the Mayor and City Council to arrive at a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. City officials already face the uncertainty of not knowing state aid amounts on the weekend before the state legislature is scheduled to adjourn. That makes it critically important that Mayor Stewart's estimates for the sale of property, set at $3.5 million next year and $4.5 million this year, be confirmed. Unfortunately, these property sales, largely based on the Pinnacle Heights development, are not yet real.
The following is a post on the issue at NB Politicus:
Revenue Gap Threatens New Britain Municipal Budget
It's a year when local and state governments are struggling with falling tax revenues and a severe economic downturn. New Britain is facing all of those struggles plus one more potential hole that could break the city budget in the new fiscal year.
The problem? Mayor Stewart's proposed $216.3 million estimate, now getting scrutiny by the Common Council, has added millions of dollars of revenue that may not exist at all.
The Mayor's numbers for the sale of real property includes a $3.5 million line item, an increase of $3 million over the Board of Finance's $500,000 estimate. The source of the $3 million has been reported to be the city's sale of the former Pinnacle Heights public housing project to Centerplan development company.
Back in March Mayor Stewart told the Herald: "It’s still up in the air but it’s because of the major change in the economy. Unfortunately, that’s something none of us can control. However, we can work to make sure the deal goes through eventually.”
At issue is whether the $3 million in property revenue and perhaps millions more booked by the city's finance department for the sale of property in previous years are for real, or based on any solid promises to give by the buyers.
The Common Council, in addition to its line by line review of the budget with department heads, needs to ascertain the status of the Mayor's revenue estimates, particularly with regard to sale of property, for a true picture of the city's finances. As the June budget deadline approaches, there are millions of dollars being used to balance the city budget with nothing so far to back it up.
Time is running short on adopting a municipal budget by mid June. It's time for the Mayor to lead, not mislead the public on whether those property sale revenues can be counted on before June 30th.
No one can blame anyone at City Hall for a bad economy but City Hall has an obligation to tell the truth -- even if that truth is bad news.
Municipal Endorsements: Interviews Slated For June
The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee continues to gather information from prospective candidates as part of the DTC's endorsements of city offices this year.
The Democrats' slate will include Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council (10 District, 5 At large), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4).
All Democrats interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements.
Candidate information forms are available upon request at the Town Committee web site www.newbritaindemocrat.net
Trailblazing Decision: Obama Nominates Judge Sotomayor
President Obama on his Supreme Court pick:
"Judge (Sonia) Sotomayor has lived the America Dream. Born and raised in a South Bronx housing project, she distinguished herself in academia and then as a hard-charging New York District Attorney.
Judge Sotomayor has gone on to earn bipartisan acclaim as one of America's finest legal minds. As a Supreme Court Justice, she would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any Justice in 100 years. Judge Sotomayor would show fidelity to our Constitution and draw on a common-sense understanding of how the law affects our day-to-day lives."
Source: Organizing for America/Democratic National Committee
"Judge (Sonia) Sotomayor has lived the America Dream. Born and raised in a South Bronx housing project, she distinguished herself in academia and then as a hard-charging New York District Attorney.
Judge Sotomayor has gone on to earn bipartisan acclaim as one of America's finest legal minds. As a Supreme Court Justice, she would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any Justice in 100 years. Judge Sotomayor would show fidelity to our Constitution and draw on a common-sense understanding of how the law affects our day-to-day lives."
Source: Organizing for America/Democratic National Committee
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
20 May 2009
Health Care Partnership Advances In House; Potential Savings To City Taxpayers
Legislation to allow cities and towns an option to join self-insured state health care plans overwhelmingly passed the state House of Representatives Wednesday night.
The Health Care Partnership Act – pushed by House Speaker Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) and New Britain lawmakers – “allows municipalities, certain municipal service contractors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses to join the state employee health insurance plan for their employees and retirees.”
According to proponents, enactment of the legislation could reduce the city of New Britain’s health insurance costs by an estimated $900,000 per year. In effect in 20 other states, the health insurance polling concept has curbed and reduced rising health insurance premiums for local governments.
State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the House Appropriations chair, has pointed to the Partnership plan as a way to reduce one of the fastest rising costs for city government.
State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) agrees: "This is important legislation because it would help keep property taxes down and extend quality affordable health care coverage for small businesses." Added O'Brien: "New Britain property taxpayers need the nearly $900,000 in savings this legislation is estimated to provide by lowering how much the city would have to pay for health insurance. And as I go door to door talking to the people I represent, many people who own or work for small businesses and non-profit organizations tell me how interested they are about the possibility of being able to get the quality state health plan at low premium prices from the state's bulk purchasing power."
Mayor Timothy Stewart (R-New Britain) has been critical of the legislation, arguing that it interferes with local collective bargaining agreements. Municipal union leaders, however, are strongly backing the partnership act that exists in Massachusetts and other states. Under the plan, benefits would likely increase for employees at a reduced cost to local taxpayers. Under the 2009 legislation adopted by the House, the partnership would extend eligibility to nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
Similar legislation, which faces opposition from insurance lobbyists and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (an organization that sells insurance to small businesses) was adopted by the House and state Senate last year but Governor Rell successfully vetoed the plan. Enactment may depend on the state Senate approving the measure with a veto-proof majority.
Reminder: Town Committee Meets Thursday, May 21
The Democratic Town Committee will holds its May meeting on Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, Room 504. A discussion on current developments on municipal and state budgets will be part of the agenda. The Committee will receive an update on endorsements for municipal offices. The DTC will endorse municipal candidates in July. The public is invited to attend. For information on the municipal candidate endorsement process please visit www.newbritaindemocrat.net
Legislation to allow cities and towns an option to join self-insured state health care plans overwhelmingly passed the state House of Representatives Wednesday night.
The Health Care Partnership Act – pushed by House Speaker Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) and New Britain lawmakers – “allows municipalities, certain municipal service contractors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses to join the state employee health insurance plan for their employees and retirees.”
According to proponents, enactment of the legislation could reduce the city of New Britain’s health insurance costs by an estimated $900,000 per year. In effect in 20 other states, the health insurance polling concept has curbed and reduced rising health insurance premiums for local governments.
State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the House Appropriations chair, has pointed to the Partnership plan as a way to reduce one of the fastest rising costs for city government.
State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) agrees: "This is important legislation because it would help keep property taxes down and extend quality affordable health care coverage for small businesses." Added O'Brien: "New Britain property taxpayers need the nearly $900,000 in savings this legislation is estimated to provide by lowering how much the city would have to pay for health insurance. And as I go door to door talking to the people I represent, many people who own or work for small businesses and non-profit organizations tell me how interested they are about the possibility of being able to get the quality state health plan at low premium prices from the state's bulk purchasing power."
Mayor Timothy Stewart (R-New Britain) has been critical of the legislation, arguing that it interferes with local collective bargaining agreements. Municipal union leaders, however, are strongly backing the partnership act that exists in Massachusetts and other states. Under the plan, benefits would likely increase for employees at a reduced cost to local taxpayers. Under the 2009 legislation adopted by the House, the partnership would extend eligibility to nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
Similar legislation, which faces opposition from insurance lobbyists and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (an organization that sells insurance to small businesses) was adopted by the House and state Senate last year but Governor Rell successfully vetoed the plan. Enactment may depend on the state Senate approving the measure with a veto-proof majority.
Reminder: Town Committee Meets Thursday, May 21
The Democratic Town Committee will holds its May meeting on Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, Room 504. A discussion on current developments on municipal and state budgets will be part of the agenda. The Committee will receive an update on endorsements for municipal offices. The DTC will endorse municipal candidates in July. The public is invited to attend. For information on the municipal candidate endorsement process please visit www.newbritaindemocrat.net
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Obama At Notre Dame
Right-wing and intolerant elements of the Catholic Church, aided and abetted by some in the church's hierarchy, are attacking President Obama and Notre Dame for Obama’s involvement in the University’s commencement today.
Click here http://www.catholicdemocrats.org/index.php to send a message to support
Town Committee To Meet Thursday, May 21
The Democratic Town Committee will holds its May meeting on Thursday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. at
Dems Urged To Show Support For Health Care Reform In
Health care reform and efforts to reduce the number of citizens who have no health insurance increased in both
National Health Care Reform: Let congress know we support the President in his quest for quality, affordable health care reform this legislative session by signing the petition (http://www.capitolconnect.
According to proponents of the legislation: "SustiNet is the most complete Connecticut-specific health care reform plan ready for action at the state legislature. SustiNet is built on experience and input from people who know firsthand the good and bad of our current health care system - doctors, nurses and hospitals; small business owners and corporate leaders; people without health insurance and with inadequate coverage; labor unions; faith leaders; and health care advocates. They worked with Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut and leading national experts to design the best plan for our state that delivers quality, choice, better health and economic sustainability.
End Quote
"Now more than ever, we must stand up for our enduring principles and values. We can't lie low while the Republican Party tries to pass itself off as the party of 'moral values,' at the very time when it shortchanges America's children, neglects the nation's needy, and leaves America with trillions of dollars in debt for future generations to pay off. We must not give the time of day to a party that mobilizes the hateful reactionary forces of bigotry, greed, and fear and tries to win elections by fomenting irreconcilable divisions in our people."
- Senator Edward M. Kennedy (quote from Catholic Democrats’ home page)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
12 May 2009
Supporters of fundamental changes in the state's health insurance system will be going to the state capitol, 300 Capitol Avenue ,on Wednesday, May 13 from 2pm - 6pm. It promises to be a pivotal day in the quest for insuring the uninsured and a major step toward universal health care. The citizen lobbying push will be held from 2 to 6 p.m.
A broad-based coalition of public interest groups, labor, clergy and small business owners are seeking passage of the Sustinet Health Care proposal before the legislative session ends in June. The New Britain Democratic Town Committee is an endorser of the healthcare4every1 campaign. Proponents of SustiNet (HB 6600) say it is a way "to ensure that everyone in Connecticut has high quality, affordable health care regardless of pre-existing conditions, job changes, self-employment, divorce and other life changes. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes dental and mental health coverage. People can choose their own doctors, and have the option of keeping their existing health plans."
Building on last year's Health Care Partnership legislation vetoed by Gov. Rell, SustiNet would be available to businesses, nonprofits and municipalities that would like to offer their employees good, comprehensive health care benefits at affordable rates. Premium payments would be based on a sliding scale depending upon your income. Because the plan would create a large public-private insurance pool, SustiNet would negotiate more competitive rates and create savings for individuals and businesses. People with SustiNet plan would save $875 or more per year on health care costs. The new system’s emphasis on prevention, better management of chronic illnesses and use of electronic medical records will also reduce costs. The legislation faces misleading lobbying efforts from the CT Business and Industry Association and other health insurers.
City Budget Hearing Thursday At High School
A public hearing on the 2010 municipal budget will be held at New Britain High School, Mill Street, Thursday, May 14th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Stewart's February budget message, containing no specific cuts and based on Governor Rell's out of balance state budget that includes lower amount of municipal aid, calls for layoffs and a 5 percent across the board reduction to city services. There has been minimal information coming out of City Hall on where the cuts will fall and how the administration proposes to pay for it. Democratic Town Chairman John McNamara chided Stewart for not providing sufficient details in his February budget message to the Common Council. "The Mayor's proposal contains unsubstantiated revenue estimates that makes his no tax increase pledge ring hollow. He is not leveling with the taxpayers in what he has said so far." Added McNamara: "If the Mayor is intent on layoffs of rank and file, direct service employees and cutting services he should take the lead and refuse any increase in his salary and perks which will be approaching $120,000 a year. "
As noted here last month, the budget planning of the the Mayor and Council is made more difficult because of the uncertainty on what actual state aid amounts will be. Governor Rell has not yet come to the table for serious negotiations with legislative leaders. Both the state and city face June deadlines to set budgets for the year that begins July 1st. The state faces a multi-billion dollar deficit that will require a combination of cuts, tax or revenue increases and use of federal stimulus funds.
Municipal Endorsements: Committee Continues to Gather Candidate Information
The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee continues to gather information and confirm candidates for the Democratic endorsement. Interviews of candidates are expected to be held in June. The Democrats' slate will include Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council (10 District, 5 At large), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4). Any Democrat interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements. Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. The May meeting of the town committee is scheduled for May 21st.
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted) May 21, June 18.
July: The Committee is required to meet between July 21 and July 28 for city office endorsements
August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Primary Day: September 15 (if necessary) Election Day: November 3
July: The Committee is required to meet between July 21 and July 28 for city office endorsements
August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Primary Day: September 15 (if necessary) Election Day: November 3
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.
Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bysiewicz Will Speak To New Britain Democrats At Thursday, April 30th, Meeting
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, a potential Democratic candidate for Governor in 2010, will be the guest speaker at the April meeting of the Democratic Town Committee (DTC). The meeting will be held on Thursday, 4/30, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, Room 504, 27 West Main Street. The DTC meeting will also take up activities for voter registration and communication committees in addition to Justice of the Peace appointments.
The public is welcome to attend.
The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee continues to gather information from candidates as part of the DTC's endorsements of city offices this year. The Democrats' slate will include Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council (10 District, 5 At large), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4). All Democrats interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements. Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. An update on the committee's work will be provided at the April 30th meeting.
The JJB: Montana Governor To Keynote Annual Democratic Dinner
The 61st annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner will be held on Monday, June 1st at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer will be the keynote speaker and CT AFL-CIO President John Olsen will receive the Gov. William A. O'Neill Award. Tickets are $175 per person. Information at www.ctdems.org or by calling 860-560-1775
Condolences for Inolfo Lopes
New Britain Democrats extend condolences to former Ward One Alderman Rick Lopes and his family on the passing of his father, Inolfo Lopes, 75, of West Hartford. A native of Portugal, Mr. Lopes immigrated to Hartford in 1962 and worked at Chandler Evans in West Hartford for 36 years. A West Hartford resident, Mr. Lopes was a member of the Hartford Portuguese Club of Newington.
Calling hours will be Sunday April 26th from 4-7 PM at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane St., Hartford, CT. Donations in Inolfo Lopes' memory may be made to: Our Lady of Fatima Community Center, 50 Kane St., Fatima Square, Hartford, CT 06106, or a charity of your choice.
Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5) and other officials will cut the ribbon on a long-awaited, renovated store at Urban Oaks Farm,
Saturday, May 9th is the annual Connecticut Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park to benefit the CT Breast Health Initiative. The event includes a 5K run, 4K walk, 1-mile walk and Kids' challenge races. To contribute, form a team and join in support of the CTBHI call 860-827-7103 or visit www.ctraceinthepark.org.
Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted) April 30, May 21, June 18.
July: The Committee is required to meet between July 21 and July 28 for city office endorsements
August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Primary Day: September 15 (if necessary) Election Day: November 3
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted) April 30, May 21, June 18.
July: The Committee is required to meet between July 21 and July 28 for city office endorsements
August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Primary Day: September 15 (if necessary) Election Day: November 3
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.
Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara
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