10 January 2010

DeFronzo, Senate Push Bonds For Job Creation
State Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-6) and other state Senators have rolled out a "Connecticut Jobs Now" plan that would use $1 billion in state bonding to invest in transportation infrastructure, housing, energy conservation, clean water and higher education.

Picking up where the federal stimulus hasn’t gone yet, state Senate Dems describe the policy as "an aggressive plan to create jobs, stimulate Connecticut’s sluggish economy and promote economic recovery." They will need the cooperation of Governor Rell to launch the jobs initiative with her control of the state bond agenda.

“Connecticut needs jobs, and needs them now; we have a responsibility to create and sustain jobs in our state. The unemployment rate in Connecticut is 8.2 percent; construction industry employment is upwards of 25 percent,” said DeFronzo. “Our current market conditions offer an unprecedented opportunity for the state to make wise capital investments in new facilities, clean water projects, roads and bridges, mass transit and many other projects that could be bid and under construction in a very short period of time.” DeFronzo is Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Transportation Committee and General Bonding subcommittee.

"Connecticut Jobs Now", promising a 12-month push to create 16,000 jobs, calls for the funding of only those projects that were previously authorized. Wyman and other state officials would most certainly oppose any new bonding given the high levels of current debt incurred by state government from the Rowland/Rell years. The Jobs Now strategy calls for allocation of those projects that could be implemented within 90 to 120 days. Several state agencies, including the state Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works have already developed project lists that meet the recommended criteria.

For a copy of the plan by CT Senate Democrats visit www.newbritaindemocrat.net

Additional story at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/2010/01/strategic-bonding-senate-dems-push-jobs.html

Municipal Meetings This Week
Board of Education Monday, January 11th 7 p.m. 2010-2011 Operational Budget.

City Council, Wednesday, January 13th 7 p.m. The Common Council holds its first regular meeting of the year. Public participation at 7 p.m.

Democratic Town Committee Petition Period Begins Wednesday, January 13th
Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee will be expanding from 48 to 52 members. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

City To Honor Rev. King on Monday, January 18th
New Britain’s official observance of the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday January 18th from 9-11 a.m. with a breakfast and program sponsored by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Guest speaker will be Dr. William Howe of the Connecticut Department of Education. The program will continue at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the corner of King Drive and Stanley Street at approximately 10:30 a.m. Information 860-826-3410. Check the community calendar at www.newbritaindemocrat.net for additional King Day observances.

Democratic Town Committee To Meet Thursday, January 28th
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its first meeting of 2010 on Thursday, January 28th (Location to be announced) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Democrats seeking statewide offices will be given opportunities to introduce their candidacies at the January meeting and again at the February meeting (February 25th) before the start of the new term.

END QUOTE

A few closing thoughts. I believe in bipartisan solutions, but I also believe you only achieve those results with vibrant, robust, and civil partisan debate. I am a Democrat and very proud of my party’s contributions to the vitality and strength of America. I would never have had the opportunity to serve in the Congress had I not had the support and backing of my political party over the years. I appreciate the passionate party activists who have never faltered in their support of my efforts.

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd announcing he will not seek re-election on Feb. 6th


New Britain Democrats thank Chris Dodd for standing tall on access to health care and education and support of children and families and for his continuing life of public service, from the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic following his graduation from Providence College to the United States Senate.






Photo: Senator Dodd with Rep. Chris Murphy at the Puerto Rican Society festival in New Britain in July 2006 (NBDTC photo)

20 December 2009

Dems Meet Monday (12/21): Comptroller Wyman, JP appointments, 2010 Schedule On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Monday, December 21st for its December meeting and holiday gathering at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street. Guests for the meeting will include State Comptroller Nancy Wyman.

The winter solstice gathering will include Justice of the Peace appointments and the 2010 political calendar. The Justice of the Peace appointments involve new nominees. The terms of Justices of the Peace who were sworn in after the 2008 Presidential Election will not expire until 2012 and do not require re-nomination. The committee encourages Democrats to fill JP vacancies if they are donating a minimum of two hours per month to a civic, church or charitable organization.

Members and friends are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a donation to benefit New Britain's Spanish Speaking Center .

Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee is likely to expand from 48 to 52 members with new seats being added in Voting Districts 4, 5, 10 and 13. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call 860-416-0665.


City Hall Update: Majority Leader Seeks Internet Access To Meetings

City government will become more open and accessible to citizens if a proposal by Majority Leader Phil Sherwood is implemented. In a story by Jennifer Abel carried in the print edition of The New Britain Herald Friday, December 18th, Sherwood favors establishing a policy that would post audio and video recordings of the twice-a-month City Council meetings on line at www.new-britain.net. The meetings are now taped and broadcast on Nutmeg TV and DVDs of the proceedings are available to the public.

"We already record the meetings which air on Nutmeg TV and we have the DVDs but very rarely does someone request to view them," Sherwood told the Herald. "In fact, I don't think most people even know they can look at the DVDs. But if we can put it on the City Council page people can call them up and view them at anytime if they couldn't make the meeting due to weather or some other reason."

Sherwood also said the technology may be available to stream meetings live on the Internet. According to the Herald, Mayor Stewart did not oppose the use of the Internet for posting meetings as long as Sherwood "has a mechanism to pay for it."

Cities across the country are strengthening "sunshine" policies by using the web to post or stream public meetings, either by using their existing capacity or through upgrading technology and websites. The city's current capacity and the issue of accessing the meetings on the web will be raised at the Council in January.

NBC-Comcast Merger Raises Fears of Excessive Concentration of Power In Media

Advocates of net neutrality and a free press are warning that a merger of NBC Universal and Comcast "is a dangerous attempt by media moguls to seize control of both media content and distribution, and to use this control to squeeze consumers."

The issue will come before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Justice Department, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that have regulatory authority on the merger. Reformers are urging President Obama "to make good on his campaign pledge to act 'against the excessive concentration of [media] power in the hands of any one corporation, interest or small group.'"

Comcast, the nation’s largest cable company and the second largest Internet provider, would merge with one of the world’s biggest producers of TV shows and movies. Opponents say the consequences of merger will be:

•Higher Prices: With Comcast in control of everything from MSNBC, Bravo and E! to Universal Pictures, they’ll be able to raise prices for their competitors that will be passed on to you.

•Fewer Choices: Comcast would have a near-media monopoly in some communities, controlling cable and Internet access as well as local TV stations. They could push NBC shows ahead of other local and independent voices and programs, making it even harder to find alternatives on cable.

•Less Innovation: This merged Goliath could control what you watch and how you watch it, starving online video competitors or making you subscribe to Comcast to watch TV on the Internet.

To sign a petition and learn more visit www.freepress.net

State Convention May 21-22 In Hartford

The opening rounds for what are expected to be multi-candidate contests for Governor and Secretary of the State in the Democratic Party will begin on May 21-22 when the 2010 nominating convention will be held at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford.

The nominating convention, made up of delegates selected by Town Committees, will field candidates for United States Senator, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of the State, Treasurer, Comptroller and Attorney General. New Britain sends 31 delegates to the state and congressional conventions and chooses state legislative candidates at the town committee or in conventions for state senator and the 22nd and 24th state representative districts.

End Quote: On Joe Lieberman

He is the face of corrosive political vanity, dishonesty, greed, arrogance and untrustworthiness. He is everything we tell the kiddies not to be when they grow up. He must not be allowed to keep his stature in the Democratic party he loathes and betrays; he must not be allowed to hold his committee assignments or perks. So what if he threatens to quit the coalition? He isn’t in it. He brings nothing to it. He isn’t worth the shoe polish that would smear on his rear end when he is kicked over to the nutjob right where he so loves to be.

Author Denis Horgan -- www.denishorgan.com

5 December 2009

DTC Meeting and Holiday Gathering Set For Monday, December 21st at City Hall;
Donations to be collected for Spanish Speaking Center

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Monday, December 21st for its December meeting and holiday gathering at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street.
The agenda for the winter solstice gathering will include Justice of the Peace appointments and the 2010 political calendar. Members and friends are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a donation to benefit the Spanish Speaking Center.

Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee is likely to expand from 48 to 52 members with new seats being added in Districts 4, 5, 10 and 13. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call 860-416-0665.

State House Update: Mid (Fiscal) Year Budget Battle Ahead

The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, co-chaired by State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), will hold public hearings on Wednesday, December 9th amid Gov. Rell’s call for a special session and her proposed, new state budget cuts that include $84 million in reduced aid to cities and towns.

The mid-fiscal year call for adjustments stem from projections released by State Comptroller Nancy Wyman on December 1 that show a $549 million shortfall because of a continued decline in receipts of the income and sales taxes. According to Wyman: “receipts of the income tax remain weak, despite an increase in the tax rate for upper-income residents. Collection of the quarterly estimated income tax payments typically made by investors is down by 29.4 percent and revenue from the payroll-withholding tax dropped by 4.3 percent.” Wyman’s report noted that Connecticut added 1,000 payroll jobs in October but still has lost more than 70,000 jobs since October 2008.

In response, House Speaker Chris Donovan Friday denounced Republican legislative leaders call for devastating cuts to local school aid. GOP lawmakers also called for the elimination of the Citizen’s Election Program that keeps lobbyists and state contractors out of the campaign finance system.

Donovan said the Appropriations Committee would hear from the public first before considering actions or negotiating with the Governor on budget mitigation. Said Donovan:

“The plan presented by Republican leadership today (December 4) is misleading and deceptive. On the one hand, they agree that the Governor’s proposal to cut municipal aid is a bad idea. Yet on the other hand, they recommend tens of millions of dollars in cuts to municipal education programs like priority school districts, magnet and charter schools. They want to give new tax benefits to wealthy estates, but want to cut dental care for seniors. They want to give huge tax cuts when we’re facing a deficit. But they want to cut job growth programs that can create tax revenue. That doesn’t make sense. On the national level, Republican policies helped us into recession. Here in Connecticut, the Republican proposal just doesn’t add up. Let’s be honest. Their 6.5 percent across the board cuts are not only indiscriminate, but double what they claim. The truth is that coming mid-year, when almost half of budget allocations have been spent and more committed, this is really a 13 percent cut that will devastate programs.”

“We’ll go through the real numbers at public hearings on December 9 and listen to what the people of Connecticut have to say,” said Donovan on how Democrats will respond to balance the current fiscal year budget.
Related story in the Courant by Don Stacom.

City Hall Update: Downtown Development Hearing Tuesday 12/8 , Council Meeting Wednesday 12/9

The Common Council and the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will hold a regular meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. A presentation on Arete Development's proposal on construction of a new police headquarters and related commercial/retail development may be considered. The new police station project is considered a linchpin of bigger plans for downtown’s revitalization that also include surrounding properties such as the old New Britain Herald building and the uses of frontage retail space on Main and Chestnut streets.

On Wednesday, December 9th the City Council will hold a regular meeting when public participation opens at 7 p.m. On the agenda is Mayor Stewart’s veto of reappointments to the regional Mattabassett District of Gerry Amodio, William Candelori and Edward Sasso. Mayor Stewart’s veto stems from his objections to former State Rep. Candelori, who is Chairman of the Mattabassett board, for “ethical” issues and his past legal problems. On two prior occasions Stewart did not object to Candelori serving on the regional board, but in a veto message last month Stewart said Candelori is unfit to serve.

In a Herald story by Jim Craven Mayor Stewart denied acting “illegally or inappropriately” in acknowledging his advocacy for New Britain-based Maguire Group in bidding on a $100 million water treatment project being undertaken by the Mattabassett District.

The Mattabassett District, formed as a regional authority in 1961, has a 12-member board of which New Britain has a majority – seven members appointed by the Common Council. Its mission is to provide waste water treatment New Britain, Berlin and Cromwell, as well as adjoining communities in its watershed including portions of Farmington, Middletown, Newington and Rocky Hill.


Semper Fi:
Donations Being Accepted for Marines Deployed To Iran, Afghanistan

Elbridge Road resident Marjorie Hackett-Wallace and family invite New Britain Democrats to contribute to a second annual holiday care package drive to benefit U.S. Marines deployed to Iran and Afghanistan. Volunteers are collecting personal care items, snacks and other comforts to go to Marines and will be accepting donations on up to December 21st. Cash donations will be accepted to defer the cost of shipping. Each Care Package costs $10.50 to ship. Donations are welcome at Hackett-Wallace’s home at 103 Elbridge Road For more information please contact Marjorie or Craig at 860-224-7635 or 860-280-6686.The Marines’ Care Package Wish List includes: deodorant, body powder, tooth paste/tooth brushes, razors, foot powder, boot socks, hand sanitizer, vitamins, baby wipes cough drops; snacks and food need to be pre-packaged individual serving size: Rice Krispies Treats, beef jerky snack mixes,sunflower seeds, chewing gum, nuts, freeze dried coffee, Individually wrapped snacks Granola, Soup Mix, Cereal Bars, Hot Chocolate andPringles Chips; International Calling Cards, Ziploc Bags, Poker Chips, Playing Cards, Dice , AA Batteries, Sewing Kit, Lysol Wipes,paperback books, magazines, newspapers, tobacco products, pens, paper, and stamps.
For additional information on this giving opportunity go to http://www.devildogadvocates.org/

Congratulations on a New Arrival!
Congratulations to former Ward One Ald. Greg Gerratana and Jessica Gerratana on the birth of a son, Gregory Luke Gerratana born November 30th at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. The proud grandparents are former State Rep. Terry Gerratana and DTC member, Dr. Frank Gerratana.

In Memoriam: Alvin B. Brooks
New Britain Democrats extend condolences to the family of artist Alvin B. Brooks , the son of DTC member and leader Alton B. Brooks, who passed away on December 1. A Homegoing Celebration for Alvin will be held Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. from Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, with the Rev. Sherman G. Dunmore Sr., pastor, presiding. Committal service and final resting place will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain. Relatives and friends may call at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, Monday from 10 to 11 a.m.

End Quote

Reports from The Hill in Washington D.C. are that Democratic Senators are preparing to offer a "compromise" amendment to the healthcare bill as soon as next week that would destroy the public option. It's likely to include every one of the insurance industry's greatest hits -- a trigger, state-based co-ops, and could even replace the already bad Opt-Out clause with an even worse one that would require states that want a public option to Opt-In instead. And what should come as no surprise to anyone, they're likely to still call this new sell-out to the insurance industry a "public option. No matter what they call it, enough is enough. It's time to stop negotiating with defeat and reject all amendments which weaken the public option.

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director, Democracy for America
http://democracyforamerica.com

21 November 2009

Yes We Can: U.S. Senate Clears Way For Health Coverage Debate

Saturday night's U.S. Senate procedural vote, 60-39, advanced health care reform legislation into a holiday season debate that will be pivotal to winning a universal health care policy. The step to begin debate comes nearly 60 years after President Truman first proposed that health care be a right for all Americans.

Both Senators Dodd and Lieberman were in the affirmative, but Lieberman has vowed to reverse his prior pledges and oppose a public option that Dodd and others say will be a key to competition and lowering excessive costs.

Locally, proponents are urging participation on Tuesday, November 24, 11:30 AM at Joe Lieberman’s office 1 Constitution Plaza in Hartford where the Interfaith Alliance will once again try to deliver the cards of prayers and wishes for health care reform.

To learn more or get involved visit
www.healthcare4every1.org


LWV Sponsors Forum on Newspapers Monday, 11/23

“The Changing Role of Newspapers” will be the topic at a forum organized by the Berlin/New Britain League of Women Voters (LWV) on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. at the First Church, 830 Corbin Avenue.

Scheduled to speak are: Matthew Kauffman, award winning investigative reporter from the Hartford Courant; Vivian B. Martin, PhD, Assoc. Prof. of Journalism CCSU and Michael Schroeder, Publisher and Editor of The Herald.

Admission to the forum is free.

DTC Invites Justice of the Peace Nominations

Registered Democrats in New Britain are eligible to be appointed Justices of the Peace. Nominations to fill vacancies in the ranks of JPs are filled at Town Committee meetings with the next meeting scheduled for December 17th.

Justices of the Peace, an elective office for which elections are held every four years in Presidential elections, have general oath giving powers, may take acknowledgments, may join persons in marriage and and make take depositions.

The Town Committee asks that Democrats seeking to become a JP provide evidence of volunteering in their community a minimum of two hours per months. Interested persons may e-mail to newbritaindemocrat@gmail or write NBDTC P.O. Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050

Community Calendar at DTC website

For announcements, meetings and events visit the Democratic Town Committee Community Calendar at www.newbritaindemocrat.net

End Quote

“Last year 750,000 Americans filed bankruptcy. Over half of those bankruptcies were because of medical expenses. Over half of the people who filed bankruptcy because of medical expenses had health insurance. Don’t we need to do something on health insurance reform? Of course we do.”

Harry Reid (D-NV), the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, Saturday, November 21st

14 November 2009

Town Committee Meets Thursday (11/19): Death Penalty Discussion On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, November 19th, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall’s Room 504.

Representatives of the Connecticut Network Against the Death Penalty (CNADP) will be making a presentation and answering questions. Speakers will include Ben Jones, the executive director, and Juan Melendez, who spent almost 18 years on death row before being found innocent. The CNADP is a statewide organization that advocates for abolition and organize support activities for victims’ families.

Also on the agenda will be appointments to fill vacancies for Justices of the Peace.

An Appreciation Party for the 2009 municipal slate will follow at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street.

Members and volunteers are invited to attend

All We Can Do Until 2012 Is Pray for Joe Lieberman

Constituents of U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, the long ago co-founder of 60s’ statewide progressive Democratic organization (Caucus of CT Democrats), have turned to prayer vigils to convince the senator to support health care reform and a public option for the uninsured.

In a reversal from his 2006 campaign promises Lieberman has vowed to hold up legislation in the Senate that would ensure him more media face time and do the bidding of his friends in the Republican Party.

The Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care will hold an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Lieberman on Sunday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m.at Stamford High School (in Lieberman’s neighborhood), 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT.

Organizers from "all walks of life and all faith traditions" are calling for Lieberman to support a strong public option and quality, affordable health care

“Our various faith traditions and our various experiences as pastors, rabbis, priests, imams and people of faith from all walks of life have taught us that no one should be left behind in receiving care that heals the body and quiets the mind.” said Efrain Agosto, Academic Dean, Hartford Seminary.

More information available at www.healthcare4every1.org or call (203) 639-0550

Memo to Harry Reid et al from New Britain: It’s time to do the reconciliation and adopt by majority vote.

Rep. O’Brien: “The work that we started this year is not over.”

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) expressed deep appreciation this week to the many people who supported his campaign for Mayor. "I want to give my thanks to everyone who helped with and supported our campaign to change New Britain for the better for everyone in our city," said O'Brien. "And I thank the thousands of people who came out to vote in hope for a brighter future for New Britain."

O'Brien added, "We should be proud of what we accomplished. We gave hope to thousands of people in our city that we can change things for the better - lowering unfair property taxes, improving education opportunities, improving neighborhoods and creating good paying jobs. Most of all, we spread hope that we, everyday people, working together as a community, can truly improve life for everyone in New Britain. What we started this year is genuinely good.”

O'Brien said that he plans to continue to advocate for the important changes his campaign championed. "The work that we started this year is not over. It is just beginning. We should keep building and organizing to win a brighter future for our city."

NB Politicus: Trash Talk From Mayor Sets Wrong Tone

Mayor Stewart began a new term this week with an official call for an "end to political warfare" between his office and the City Council, according to Courant coverage

And there was some high-minded rhetoric from Stewart to get things going:
"Today we stand at the threshold of becoming a new and exciting city, one that will be the centerpiece of central Connecticut — at the crossroads of prosperity and the future home of new and emerging workplaces for our citizens to grow and prosper. Our city has seen days of glory and days of decline, but surely our best days lie ahead of us."

At Thursday's first Council meeting Stewart urged civility, according to Jim Craven's story in the Herald under the headline "Stewart Demands Civility".

But Stewart's admonitions to the Democratic City Council were quickly contradicted in a series of published quotes from the Mayor in both daily newspapers: Council leaders Phil Sherwood and Mike Trueworthy are "hacks" , "carpetbaggers" and "liars" who will obstruct his agenda over the next few years.

READ the whole post at NB Politicus

Rep. O'Brien Congratulates Mayor; Renews Call For Positive Change

Rep. Tim O'Brien, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, congratulated Tim Stewart on the day of his inauguration and looked forward to continuing to advocate for the people of New Britain on the important issues.

"I congratulate Tim Stewart on his inaugural day," said Rep. O'Brien, "and give best wishes to him and his family in the coming years. I hope today is a joyous one for them."

O'Brien said he is happy to be continuing his work at the State Capitol. "As I said during the campaign, my passion for my work at the Capitol on behalf of the people I represent is as strong as it ever was."

"I am proud of what I have accomplished in the legislature," O'Brien added, "but there there are many more victories needed for the people I represent and I glad to be continuing that important work."

O'Brien expressed deep appreciation to the many people who supported his campaign for Mayor.

"I want to give my thanks to everyone who helped with and supported our campaign to change New Britain for the better for everyone in our city," said O'Brien. "And I thank the thousands of people who came out to vote in hope for a brighter future for New Britain."


O'Brien added, "We should be proud of what we accomplished. We gave hope to thousands of people in our city that we can change things for the better - lowering unfair property taxes, improving education opportunities, improving neighborhoods and creating good paying jobs."

"Most of all," O'Brien said, "we spread hope that we, everyday people, working together as a community, can truly improve life for everyone in New Britain. What we started this year is genuinely good."


O'Brien said that he plans to continue to advocate for the important changes his campaign championed. "The work that we started this year is not over. It is just beginning. We should keep building and organizing to win a brighter future for our city."

"Together, we can build a brighter future for New Britain," said O'Brien.

U.S. House Takes Step Toward Affordable Health Care
Rep. Murphy: “This bill starts the process of fixing it….”

By a razor thin margin (220-215) and only one Republican vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” Saturday (Nov. 7) with the support of U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5).

According to a statement released by Murphy’s office, affordable health insurance is slipping from the grasps of too many Connecticut residents. This summer, Connecticut's biggest insurer announced that it was increasing rates for individuals by over 30%. And a recent report by Families USA found that 28,100 Connecticut residents will lose their health coverage in 2009 as a result of losing their jobs. By the end of the year, Connecticut will be home to 303,000 uninsured adults, an increase of ten percent in just one year.

"Every night in this country, thousands of children go to sleep, sick in their bed because their mother couldn't afford to get them to the doctor. And every day, thousands more families file for bankruptcy, losing everything they own, because their loved one got sick and they couldn't afford the bills anymore. This is the most affluent, compassionate nation in the world, and it makes no sense that our health care system leaves so many behind. This bill starts the process of fixing it, for people in Connecticut and across the country," said Murphy.

The debate in the U.S. House included delaying and sometimes juvenile tactics by House Republicans but the measure passed after more than 14 hours. Proponents of the heavily-compromised bill cite the components of the legislation as a major step forward in the fight for universal and affordable coverage:

• reforms insurance law to stop discrimination based on pre-existing conditions;
• ends the practice of patients losing their insurance if they get too sick;
• provides tax credits for businesses that provide health insurance coverage to their employees;
• strengthens Medicare by beginning to close the prescription drug donut hole immediately, cutting co-payments for preventive services, and slashing waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system; and
• reduces the deficit while covering 96% of Americans

The close House vote was attributable to some progressive Democrats opposing the measure for what they called a “weakened” public option. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a former Presidential candidate from Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, stated:

“But instead of working toward the elimination of for-profit insurance, H.R. 3962 would put the government in the role of accelerating the privatization of health care. In H.R. 3962, the government is requiring at least 21 million Americans to buy private health insurance from the very industry that causes costs to be so high, which will result in at least $70 billion in new annual revenue, much of which is coming from taxpayers. This inevitably will lead to even more costs, more subsidies, and higher profits for insurance companies — a bailout under a blue cross.”

Debate on the issue is far from over. The House-adopted bill now goes on to the U.S. Senate and a merged version of the legislation will be developed in a conference committee for a final vote.

City Government Begins Anew On Tuesday (Nov. 10)

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is scheduled to administer the oath of office to newly elected municipal officials on Tuesday in ceremonies to begin at 11 a.m. Trinity-On-Main Performing Arts Center in downtown New Britain. The public is invited to attend.

A Correction on Tuesday’s Municipal Election Numbers

The Nov. 7th New Britain Democrat e-letter incorrectly stated that 1,000 more voters voted in the Nov. 3 Municipal Election. The comment should have said:

Only 200 more voted this year compared to 2007 (9,006 to 8,808) making the turnout a paltry 27.86%. The lower percentage but slightly higher turnout is attributable to the "Obama bounce" of 2008. In 2007, there were 30,433 registered voters. This year enrollment was 32,323. The likelihood is that a few more percentage points would have led to a different outcome. The challenge remains: to encourage citizen participation at the local level where government can impact people the most.

End Quote for Veteran’s Day

“In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” - Mark Twain