For
modem version of Legislative Meeting of Southwestern CT officials, click
here.
Watch
Senator Boucher on YouTube here.
C O N N E C T I C U
T S T A T E S E N A T
E 2 6 T H D I S T R I C T
Connecticut State Senator Toni Boucher represents the 26th
District
communities of Bethel, Ridgefield, Redding, Wilton, New Canaan, Weston
and Westport. She can be reached at her legislative office in
Hartford
at 1-800-842-1421, or via e-mail to Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov.
For more
information, please visit: www.SenatorBoucher.cga.ct.gov
FROM SENATOR
BOUCHER
E-mail Dec. 5, 2011
|
Compensation from the Storm
|
|
This week WITT Associates completed their report on the power
restoration efforts following the October snow storm.
Some highlights include:
• CL&P should improve its planning, procedures, training,
and pre-staging practices to adequately prepare its crews
• CL&P needs to develop Incident Command System (ICS)
structure
• CL&P during a large-scale outage, communicate the restoration
plan and progress toward implementation of that plan, as it is to
restore power itself.
• CL&P should more closely coordinate and integrate
preparedness activities with state and local governments
• State and local government planning and preparedness should include
coordination with utility providers and procedures for damage
assessment teams in power and/or utility outage events.
The entire report can be read here
It should be noted there are at least half a dozen other
inquiries into fallout from the storm. More to come…..
Compensation from the Storm
Northeast Utilities (NU) has announced it is initiating a $30
million dollar fund to compensate customers who were without power for
more than 7 days during the October snow storm.
Any residential customer without power after noon on Saturday,
November 5, as a result of the storm, would be eligible for credit
applied to their CL&P bill – a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $200.
From CL&P:
|
A Failure to Communicate and
the Power to Fix It
September 26, 2011
What did Tropical Storm Irene teach us? It taught us that accurate
communication and a plan of action are essential when preparing for a
recovering from a powerful
storm.
Executives from the state’s largest utility companies recently
testified before a joint legislative committee hearing that “yes” they
need to fix their response protocol.
But will the companies take action?
Local leaders from the towns of Ridgefield, Weston, Wilton, Redding,
and New Canaan all reported they were completely without power for
several days and hundreds
of roads were blocked. While residents sat in the dark, utilities were
scrambling for workers and providing unreliable and conflicting
messages.
Most towns observed that there was a delay of at least three days
before any noticeable action was taken. Those prolonged delays impacted
the following:
school closure decisions
residents with serious medical conditions were uncertain if they should
make alternative care arrangements
residents with well water and septic systems faced health concerns over
whether to drink the water and how to dispose waste
Once crews were deployed from within Connecticut and as far away as
Nevada, Florida and Missouri, however, good things started to happen.
If we have learned anything from the special hearings it is the
following: utilities had a communications failure and delay in response
time. Forecasters were predicting a
severe event and families prepared, so why didn’t the utilities? I
testified before the committees and suggested the following; (click
here for the full testimony)
we need real time and accurate communication
protocols between state, towns, customers and utilities,
we need technology upgrades that model Fed EX or UPS
systems to track outage restoration updates,
we should prioritize homes that are on septic
systems and well water,
we must recognize vulnerable populations- the
elderly and sick,
we should Identify trees to be cut or trimmed on a
regular basis
Utility executives testified they revised outage tracking reports
during the storm recovery to incorporate not only which circuits and
substations were off line but, which
local roads and streets were affected. They also revealed plans to
spend $15 million to revise call center and outage management systems.
An important side note: I feel strongly that the utilities do not
propose a rate increase in the aftermath of a storm. This was an
unfortunate communication gaff by the
power companies that added to the public’s anger.
Adding to the anger was the fact that many towns were without 911
services after the storm. Many people assume that phones work even when
the power is out. An
AT&T executive testified rural communities are likely served by a
remote cellular terminal. If electricity and cellular phone services
are interrupted, the use of land line
phones can be lost. The lack of a back up system is a public safety
issue.
Officials also had trouble getting the goods to those in need. When the
state plan failed, some town’s first responders rented tractor trailer
trucks and drove them to
Hartford to pick up much needed drinking water, only to wait 12 hours
or be redirected to another city sometimes with the wrong directions.
Tree trimming is also an issue. Although Connecticut clear cut trees
many years ago when farming was a major industry, it has now returned
to its forested past. Many
legislators and residents are asking to expand the tree trimming zones.
Utilities currently have the right to trim limbs that fall within 15
feet of power lines from above,
eight feet from the side, or within 10 feet at a level below the lines.
It seems reasonable that some hazards could be removed ahead of time.
In summary, Connecticut’s response to Irene was strong in many ways.
Line crews once they arrived were hailed as the stars of the operation.
Our towns were praised for their skill in responding to residents
concerns and in commodity distribution.
Neighbors helped neighbors with food, generators and access to a hot
shower.
The information provided by
residents has been invaluable. It has been given to the utilities,
legislators and agencies that have oversight. They should take these
suggestions seriously. Fix what is broken.
Utility
Company on
Notice in the wake of Irene
Hartford, CT - Sen. Toni Boucher
(R-Wilton) and Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton) are joining fellow
lawmakers in asking for a hearing into what happened with Utility
company response efforts in the wake of this week’s natural
disaster. Both Rep. Lavielle and Sen. Boucher have been traveling
through their respective districts,
disappointed with CL&P's performance.
The text of their letter to CL&P President Jeff Butler calling for
a full review can be read here.
Dear Jeff Butler,
The aftermath of Hurricane Irene
has been distressing for residents of many of the towns in southwestern
Connecticut. While most people expected loss of electric
power, they also expected that outages would be repaired expeditiously
and that regular and accurate information about progress would be
available during the
restoration process.
Unfortunately, this has not been
the case. There were significant delays in beginning the repair
work. Although the storm ended on Sunday, CL&P crews did not
become fully operational in many towns in our area until the middle of
the week.
On top of that, communication
with CL&P customers has been irregular, inconsistent, inaccurate,
and in many cases nonexistent, making the situation far more
distressing for residents than it would otherwise have been. The
overall lack of information on work plans and status reports has made
people feel very anxious and
-- in the case of many older, ill, or disabled individuals –
desperate. It is unacceptable that people already experiencing
physical distress should be left in a
communication vacuum.
We must also be sensitive to the
needs of businesses that have struggled through this historic economic
downturn only to face a week of closure because they had no
power -- at a time when Connecticut’s utility rates are among the
highest in the nation.
It is extremely unfortunate that
in the midst of this power crisis our utilities issued statements
calling for a rate hike. This could not have come at a
worse time, and,
understandably, the public reaction was that a rate hike would only add
insult to injury. We agree.
CL&P’s response to Hurricane
Irene has demonstrated that it is imperative to conduct a full review,
including public hearings and covering CL&P's:
Disaster preparedness
Response procedures
Communications protocols.
This review must lead to dramatic improvement in each of
these
areas. It must also be completed expeditiously, as we enter
hurricane season and new
weather-related incidents may occur at anytime.
Right now, the priority must be
on restoring power to homes and businesses. When that is done,
however, we ask that you agree and come to the table with the
Governor’s office, the General Assembly, and local municipalities,
along with other affected parties, on such a review and improvement
program as quickly as possible.
We count on your full cooperation. The safety and well-being of
Connecticut’s residents depends on it.
Respectfully,
State Senator Toni Boucher
(R-Wilton)
State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton)
(Combined these legislators cover
the towns of - Wilton, Norwalk, Weston, New Canaan, Westport,
Ridgefield, Redding, Bethel)
Small Business is “Big” Business in
Connecticut … and they deserve more respect
by State Senator Toni Boucher, August 19, 2011
This month, it has been my pleasure to meet with the owners of some of
Connecticut’s century-old small businesses that defy the odds and
continue to thrive in the midst of economic chaos around the
world. Much has been made of new state incentives for big
businesses who create hundreds of jobs, but it is important to remember
that the small business sector, Sub chapter S’s or LLC’s, are the true
backbone of our state’s economy.
Between 70 to 80% of our 1.6 million jobs are created by businesses
with 10 employees or less. They are also the ones most directly
affected by the state income tax hike imposed retroactively to January
1, 2011 on August 1. New taxes and unemployment insurance
assessments, as well as additional mandates such as mandatory time off
further erode their ability to expand, or reinvest in new jobs and
equipment.
Under its new budget, the state is taxing everything from dog grooming
to yoga classes. Meanwhile, the state’s unemployment rate is at
9.1% after losing nearly 10,000 jobs in just the months of May and
June. And during the next five months, new taxes will leave
consumers with even less disposable income, putting a further strain on
Main Street and stagnant labor numbers.
This year’s budget included:
- the largest tax increase in state history;
- a doubling of the corporate tax surcharge;
- costly new mandates such as paid sick leave;
- an increase in the diesel fuel tax and;
- a gross receipts tax on gasoline that continues to rise
with the wholesale price of fuel, giving Connecticut the highest gas
prices in the country.
An added hit to Connecticut business owners is our unemployment
fund. Businesses will be receiving bills for interest on
unemployment loans soon. This special assessment will affect more
than 70,000 companies in our state, who will be forced to pay the
interest on $810 million in federal money that the state borrowed to
extended unemployment insurance benefits. Employers are being
charged $1.70 per $1,000 of taxable payroll -- a maximum of $25.50 for
each employee.
This hidden tax comes at the worst of times and will cost Connecticut
businesses $30 million this year and a total of $130 million over the
next several years. Adding insult to injury, this year’s
surcharge only addresses the interest on the federal loan and not the
principal.
These policies are forcing businesses to move jobs and opportunity to
states with a more business-friendly tax and regulatory
structure. This fall, the legislature may have a opportunity to
start reversing this trend, as an economic special session will be
called. It is critical that elected leaders respect and listen to
those on the front lines of job creation and implement their
suggestions, such as: tax deferred reserve accounts so they can
re-invest in their companies; elimination of some of the 70-plus new
health insurance mandates; educational improvements in science and
engineering; and relief from future surcharges related to the
unemployment fund. Our state government should be working for small
business, not against them!
State of the Judiciary
April 15, 2011
Hartford, CT – It is clear that Connecticut, confronted by one of its
largest deficits in state history, has to also consider how all
branches of government would be affected, including the Judiciary. The
Judiciary branch has already absorbed a $34 million reduction in its
current budget.
On Wednesday, Senator Toni Boucher (R-16) listened intently during the
joint session of the Senate and House, as New Canaan resident Chief
Justice Chase Rogers made her State of the Judiciary Address.
“Now, the budget is before you. Although we are hoping for the best, we
also must prepare for the worst, and I will tell you that we are
working on contingency plans to address whatever happens going
forward,” said Chief Justice Rogers. “I feel it is important to let you
know that, if there are ultimately more significant cuts or layoffs,
the branch that we know today will look very different in the future.”
Senator Toni Boucher remarked, “I applaud Chief Justice Rogers for her
leadership and her compassion for the people of Connecticut and her
ability to plan for the future during these difficult economic times.”
Regardless of the resources that are available, Rogers assured the
joint session her commitment to three basic principles will remain
intact. These principles are: access; the efficient resolution of
cases; and fairness.
Chief Justice Rogers in her address said her office is working on:
- Reducing the times people are summoned to be on a jury
- Providing good customer service through a “Pillars of
Service” program
- Starting a complex litigation docket to avoid court case
back log
- Making the courts more user friendly on line and in person
- Improving access to pro bono representation for those who
cannot afford a lawyer
She shared these shocking statistics, in 2010, an astounding 84%
of all family cases and 27% of all civil cases had at least one party
who was self represented. The numbers are close to 90 % in housing
matters.
“I agree with Chief Justice Rogers that this trend does impact the
entire court system. Judges and staff must spend more time going over
basic procedures, which ultimately results in delays,” said Senator
Boucher. “It is frustrating to all involved, the self represented, the
judges, staff, opposing counsel and the other litigant. Ultimately,
these delays can result in an economic impact that produces job loss.”
Chief Justice Rogers has been well received for her attention to
streamlining and making the Judiciary more open to the public. Senator
Boucher believes this will go a long way in maintaining the public’s
confidence in the judiciary branch.
On the issue of fairness, Chief Justice Rogers applauded Connecticut’s
appointment of judges rather than having them elected. She feels that
elections politicize the judicial process as seen during recent
elections of judges in other states. This can place undue pressure on
judges and may erode the ability to make sound and fair judgments based
on rule of law rather than politics.
As Chief Justice Rogers so eloquently stated, “We make difficult
decisions every day, and we will continue to do so, because that is the
constitutional compact we have with your constituencies – and ours.”
April 11, 2011 - Education Committee
Report:
“More homework needs to be done” In just about every newspaper or
online article you read there is a story about education budgets and
the sad reality of teacher layoffs. The other day, in one of the
state’s leading newspapers the headline read, ‘Flat Budget Would
Require 65 Layoffs.’ Our own district towns are looking at hundreds of
possible reductions in staff. This is not the kind of news any town
wants to face, but this is the environment that many communities are
living in.
The Education Committee at the state capitol has spent the last several
months dealing with issues of fairness in Education. Here are the top
seven pieces of legislation we were able to act upon that you should
know about.
Senate
Bill # 1138, AN ACT CONCERNING BULLYING AND CYBER-BULLING,
tackles the issue of school safety and tries to help foster a safer
school climate by strengthening and expanding Connecticut’s school
bullying laws.
Senate Bill # 930, AN
ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL ENTRANCE AGE, would limit the practice commonly
known as “redshirting,” when parents decide to hold a child from
entering kindergarten until the age of seven. Under the bill, all
children must attend kindergarten by the age of six, unless they
require special services.
Senate Bill # 6385, AN
ACT IMPLEMENTING THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNOR CONCERNING
EDUCATION. This legislation would maintain education funding at the
current levels and relax the requirement that a district must spend the
same or more that the previous year.
Senate Bill # 1104, AN
ACT CONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOLS, would allow the Commissioner of
Education to waive the requirement that teachers in charter schools
hold certification, when the charter school can demonstrate the
effectiveness for any uncertified teacher, but only for 15% of teachers
and administrators. This limits options and the pool of professionals
for these experimental laboratory charter schools that, by all
accounts, should not have further restrictions placed on them. More
work needs to be done to improve this proposal.
Senate Bill # 1038, AN
ACT CONCERNING SPECIAL EDUCATION, would require additional
communication of information regarding individualized education
programs to parents and guardians by adding another meeting prior to
the actual special education meeting. This could be considered by some
as an additional mandate. There is also a provision to improve the
quality of education for teachers in the implementation of
individualized education programs.
Senate Bill # 1106, AN
ACT CONCERNING A NEW DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION would
create a department that will be responsible for all state early
childhood education and child care programs and services. This would be
an expansion of state government by creating a new agency at a time
when state government needs to consolidate and reduce spending. This
legislation would also allow family child care providers, who are
subsidized by the state, to join a union and collectively bargain. (An
idea I opposed and it appears the governor may oppose as well)
Plus...
Of the seven pieces of legislation I was successful in amending Senate Bill # 1160, AN ACT CONCERNING
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL TEACHER PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION SYSTEM, TEACHER TENURE LAWS AND COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
When considering a new model for teacher elevations I added “student
growth and development” as one of the factors to consider in teacher
evaluations, which had been a glaring omission in the bill. This
omission lost Connecticut millions of federal dollars in Race to the
Top.
I was not successful, however, in amendments to remove the “last in
first out” provisions in teacher layoffs. Nearly 80% of schools are
required to use seniority as the only criteria for layoffs. I believe
that although seniority should be an important factor in layoffs, it
should not be the only factor.
New teachers who out perform their peers, along with veteran teachers,
should not be laid off simply because they haven’t logged more years on
the job. District leaders should be looking at factors like dedication,
years of service, accomplishments, performance reviews, content
knowledge, comprehension of changing material, and most importantly,
student growth and development. I also suggested that teacher peer
reviews could be used. ‘Smart layoff’ measures could help make our
state more competitive in future federal education funding as well.
These bills are now making their way through the legislative process
and could be voted on before schools get out in June. It is my hope
that my fellow lawmakers consider improvements to these measures in
order to promote what is best for our students and Connecticut’s future.
Always feel free to contact my office with questions and concerns. To
call 1-800-842-1421 or email toni.boucher@cga.ct.gov
Hartford, CT – Today, Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) joined
fellow
lawmakers calling for an end to two common practices within state
government that are costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars:
o paying union stewards for union business while on the state dime
o paying longevity bonuses to state employees for simply staying on the
job.
According to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, more than 900 state
workers, function as union stewards on state time. This costs taxpayers
an estimated total of $93 million.
“These union activities should be paid with union dues, not taxpayer
dollars,” said Senator Boucher.
Salaries for the stewards range from a low of $20,107 to a high of
$201,698 with an average of $62,618 not including fringe benefits.
Republican leaders pointed out there are 911 stewards on state
payrolls, compared to the 698 workers in the ENTIRE Department of
Environmental Protection.
House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero (also at the podium) said, “It
is unacceptable that
taxpayers foot the bill for union officials to conduct their activities
in the workplace and in union halls. The fact that we have 911 of these
positions in the state’s bureaucracy is simply stunning.’’
Senate Republican Leader John McKinney of Fairfield said, “It is plain
common sense that a state worker’s union activities should not be paid
for with taxpayer dollars. State government has been too lenient for
too long in paying state
workers for time spent lobbying and organizing on behalf of their
unions.”
The other practice that Senator Boucher takes issue with is that of
longevity payments. The nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis estimates
these payments will cost the state’s General and Special Transportation
Fund $34.5 million in each of the next two fiscal years.
These are twice-a-year bonuses for thousands of state employees for
simply staying on the job. Connecticut state employees begin receiving
twice-a-year payments upon reaching 10 years of state service. They
then receive increases in
those payments after they reach 15, 20, and 25 years of service. The
payments are provided in addition to cost of living adjustments and are
based solely on a person’s years of service not job performance.
“These two examples underscore the need to look at expensive and
unsustainable costs embedded in the unionized state employee
contracts,” said Senator Boucher.
“These contracts have for years been rubberstamped without the vote of
the House and Senate. Connecticut rules permit the legislature to
review and vote on every state union contract. But what is not known to
the general public is for
years the practice has been to put these contracts on the calendar
without taking a vote, the result?
They are automatically approved.”
Senator Boucher has lobbied for years to get the legislature to discuss
approving or rejecting these contracts on behalf of the public. “We
need to have accountability,” added Senator Boucher. “This year
thankfully, the Governor agrees. I am
hopeful the leaders of both the House and the Senate will have the
courage to vote on this legislation.”
Opening day and committee assignments for the 2011 Legislative Session,
Hartford, CT -
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26)
was sworn in for her new term at the state capitol.
Sen. Boucher represents the
communities of the 26th Senatorial District including Bethel, New
Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.
This, her second term in the
State Senate, followed a 12 year distinguished career in the House of
Representatives where she held caucus leadership positions and
served on several prominent legislative committees.
In the State Senate, Senator Boucher serves as Deputy Minority Leader.
This year, she will continue as a ranking member on the Transportation,
Higher Education,
and Education committees. She also sits on the Finance Revenue &
Bonding Committee and the Employment Subcommittee.
As a member of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, “I want to
work to resolve the state’s existing fiscal problems and plan for the
future in a bipartisan
manner.” Senator Boucher said, “We can no longer spend more than
we make and we cannot continue to rely on a fraction of our population
to pay the vast majority
of our government’s expenses.”
Senator Boucher:
http://www.senaterepublicans.ct.gov/sen_info/Boucher.aspx
The "Three Furies" Of Connecticut's Ongoing
Fiscal Crisis
By Senator Toni Boucher
e-mail
November 23, 2010
The “Three Furies” are leading Connecticut toward a fiscal crisis that
can no longer be ignored. The first of these “furies” are deficits of
more than $3 billion through 2014; the second is underfunded pension
liabilities predicted to go bankrupt by 2019; and third, an insolvent
unemployment fund that could lead to new taxes on employers by 2012.
As in Greek mythology, these “Furies” threaten to wreak havoc on the
state if they are not taken seriously.
The General Assembly’s two budge
committees – Finance and Appropriations - met to discuss the Fiscal
Accountability Reports recently completed by the Governor’s Office of
Policy and Management (OPM) and the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of
Fiscal Analysis.
Briefly, OFA predicts that
Connecticut will wrap-up our current fiscal year with an $83 million
deficit, while OPM is projecting a slight surplus of $300,000.
While the numbers are slightly different, both agencies are projecting
that Connecticut will experience serious deficits over the next couple
of years.
Under the scenario presented by OFA,
the state will have a budget deficit of $3.67 billion for Fiscal Year
2012; a budget deficit of $3.57 billion for Fiscal Year 2013; and a
budget deficit of $3.50 billion for Fiscal Year 2014.
Under the scenario presented by OPM,
the state will have a budget deficit of $3.37 billion for Fiscal Year
2012; a budget deficit of $3.23 billion for Fiscal Year 2013; and a
budget deficit of $3.13 billion for Fiscal Year 2014.
The conflict between the two fiscal
accountability reports are due to the different methodologies used by
OFA and OPM, along with a difference of opinion in the rate of growth
of cost for various programs such as Medicaid and state employee fringe
benefits.
Regardless of which report one finds
most compelling, the bottom line is that Connecticut’s fiscal situation
is dire. It will be critically important for the Governor-elect and the
General Assembly to work together make the tough, but necessary,
decisions that directly affect the taxpayers.
Our most important job during the
upcoming 2011 Legislative Session must be to craft and adopt a
responsible state budget that meets Connecticut’s needs at an
affordable cost to our taxpayers. Such a budget must be balanced, under
the mandatory spending cap, and help the state avoid the devastating
deficits projected by our government fiscal agencies.
When I asked the presenters
explaining the two fiscal accountability reports what would happen to
the deficit if the state reduced spending to 2008 levels, the answer
was that our deficit could be cut by over $2 billion. I believe we must
seriously look into cutting state spending – and avoid the public fury.
I look forward to the opportunity to
work with our new Governor and my fellow legislators to do what is best
for Connecticut. As always, I encourage you to contact me with your
questions, your concerns and your ideas. I can be reached at my
legislative office at 1-800-842-1421, or via e-mail to
Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov.
Meanwhile, I urge you to take a few
minutes to read this relevant article regarding the large costs of
government pensions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battle Looms Over Huge
Costs of Public Pensions
By
RON LIEBER, NY Times
Published: August 6, 2010
There’s a class war coming to
the world of government pensions.
Ron Lieber writes the Your Money
column, which appears in The Times on Saturdays.
The haves are retirees who were once
state or municipal workers. Their seemingly guaranteed and
ever-escalating monthly pension benefits are breaking budgets
nationwide.
The have-nots are taxpayers who
don’t have generous pensions. Their 401(k)s or individual retirement
accounts have taken a real beating in recent years and are not
guaranteed. And soon, many of those people will be paying higher taxes
or getting fewer state services as their states put more money aside to
cover those pension checks.
At stake is at least $1 trillion.
That’s trillion, with a “t,” as in titanic and terrifying.
The figure comes from a study by the
Pew Center on the States that came out in February. Pew estimated a $1
trillion gap as of fiscal 2008 between what states had promised workers
in the way of retiree pension, health care and other benefits and the
money they currently had to pay for it all. And some economists say
that Pew is too conservative and the problem is two or three times as
large.
So a question of extraordinary
financial, political, legal and moral complexity emerges, something
that every one of us will be taking into town meetings and voting
booths for years to come: Given how wrong past pension projections
were, who should pay to fill the 13-figure financing gap?
Consider what’s going on in Colorado
— and what is likely to unfold in other states and municipalities
around the country.
Earlier this year, in an act of rare
political courage, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators passed a
pension overhaul bill. Among other things, the bill reduced the raise
that people who are already retired get in their pension checks each
year.
This sort of thing just isn’t done.
States have asked current workers to contribute more, tweaked the
formula for future hires or banned them from the pension plan
altogether. But this was apparently the first time that state
legislators had forced current retirees to share the pain.
Sharing the burden seems to be the
obvious solution so we don’t continue to kick the problem into the
future. “We have to take this on, if there is any way of bringing
fiscal sanity to our children,” said former Gov. Richard Lamm of
Colorado, a Democrat. “The New Deal is demographically obsolete. You
can’t fund the dream of the 1960s on the economy of 2010.”
But in Colorado, some retirees and
those eligible to retire still want to live that dream. So they sued
the state to keep all of the annual cost-of-living increases they
thought they would be getting in perpetuity.
The state’s case turns, in part, on
whether it is an “actuarial necessity” for the Legislature to make a
change. To Meredith Williams, executive director of the Public
Employees’ Retirement Association, the state’s pension fund, the answer
is pretty simple. “If something didn’t change, we would have run out of
money in the foreseeable future,” he said. “So no one would have been
paid anything.”
Meanwhile, Gary R. Justus, a former
teacher who is one of the lead plaintiffs in the case against the
state, asks taxpayers in Colorado and elsewhere to consider an ethical
question: Why is the state so quick to break its promises?
After all, he and others like him
served their neighbors dutifully for decades. And along the way, state
employees made big decisions (and built lifelong financial plans) based
on retiring with a full pension that was promised to them in a contract
that they say has the force of the state and federal constitutions
standing behind it. To them it is deferred compensation, and taking it
away is akin to not paying a contractor for paving state highways.
And actuarial necessity or not, Mr.
Justus said he didn’t believe he should be responsible for past pension
underfunding and the foolish risks that pension managers made with his
money long after he retired in 2003.
The changes the Legislature made
don’t seem like much: there’s currently a 2 percent cap in retirees’
cost-of-living adjustment for their pension checks instead of the 3.5
percent raise that many of them received before.
But Stephen Pincus, a lawyer for the
retirees who have filed suit, estimates that the change will cost
pensioners with 30 years of service an average of $165,000 each over
the next 20 years.
Mr. Justus, 62, who taught math for
29 years in the Denver public schools, says he thinks it could cost him
half a million dollars if he lives another 30 years. He also notes that
just about all state workers in Colorado do not (and cannot) pay into
Social Security, so the pension is all retirees have to live on unless
they have other savings.
No one disputes these figures.
Instead, they apologize. “All I can say is that I am sorry,” said
Brandon Shaffer, a Democrat, the president of the Colorado State
Senate, who helped lead the bipartisan coalition that pushed through
the changes. (He also had to break the news to his mom, a retired
teacher.) “I am tremendously sympathetic. But as a steward of the
public trust, this is what we had to do to preserve the retirement
fund.”
Taxpayers, whose payments are also
helping to restock Colorado’s pension fund, may not be as sympathetic,
though. The average retiree in the fund stopped working at the
sprightly age of 58 and deposits a check for $2,883 each month. Many of
them also got a 3.5 percent annual raise, no matter what inflation was,
until the rules changed this year.
Private sector retirees who want
their own monthly $2,883 check for life, complete with inflation
adjustments, would need an immediate fixed annuity if they don’t have a
pension. A 58-year-old male shopping for one from an A-rated insurance
company would have to hand over a minimum of $860,000, according to
Craig Hemke of Buyapension.com. A woman would need at least $928,000,
because of her longer life expectancy.
Who among aspiring retirees has a
nest egg that size, let alone people with the same moderate earning
history as many state employees? And who wants to pay to top off
someone else’s pile of money via increased income taxes or a radical
decline in state services?
If you find the argument of
Colorado’s retirees wanting, let your local legislator know that you
don’t want to be responsible for every last dollar necessary to cover
pension guarantees gone horribly awry. After all, many government
employee unions will be taking contrary positions and doing so rather
loudly.
If you work for a state or local
government, start saving money outside of the pension plan if you
haven’t already, because that plan may not last for as long as you need
it.
And if you’re a government retiree
or getting close to the end of your career? Consider what it means to
be a citizen in a community. And what it means to be civil instead of
litigious, coming to the table and making a compromise before
politicians shove it down your throat and you feel compelled to
challenge them to a courthouse brawl.
“We have to do what unions call
givebacks,” said Mr. Lamm, the former Colorado governor. “That’s the
only way to sanity. Any other alternative, therein lies dragons.”
By State Senator Toni
Boucher, e-mail note, November 21, 2010
Imbalance of Power
Commentary by State Senator Toni Boucher
August 17, 2010
Where
would we be now if Jodi Rell had not been our Governor for the last
five years? Astute observers, watching her operate in the most
one-sided state government environment in recent history, can attest
that we would be in significantly worse shape.
She attempted to slow the pace of an out of control bureaucracy but has
been limited by the reality that as governor she could only propose a
budget, not pass it. Only the legislature can approve it. Moreover, if
one party controls both houses of the General Assembly by two thirds,
they drive spending, taxes and borrowing. Newspaper editorials
throughout the state have commented on a majority leadership intent on
feeding its own special interests instead of responding responsibly to
our severe protracted economic crisis.
As the super majority resisted calls for fiscal restraint and cuts,
Fitch, CNBC, US News & World Report, Tax Foundation and Nonprofit
Quarterly all pointed to Connecticut’s highest-in-the-nation tax
burden, excessive debt, unfunded pension liabilities and to our
last-in-the-nation job growth and business climate.
“Courage is the first of human qualities, because it is the quality
that guarantees all others” -Churchill. In January 2005, Lt. Governor
Rell reflected, “My imagination was never so vivid, my political
ambitions never so grand, to think that I would be standing before you
as the 87th Governor of Connecticut, delivering my first State of the
State address”. That day she proclaimed that our state would come back
from the sting of corruption in state government and restore its
reputation. Under her honest and courageous leadership it did, making
her one of most popular leaders in our country.
It has also been Jodi Rell’s courage and persistence in the face of a
complete imbalance of power in the legislature that has kept the state
from hitting rock bottom. Actions taken by the majority leadership in
Hartford have assured us, however, that the budget problems we face
today will be with us for some time.
The stakes are now very high. The outcome of this next election will
have enormous consequences. With a two-thirds majority of both houses
in the hands of those who see no limit to spending, taxing and
borrowing, this next election will be monumental. It will take a future
governor and a more balanced legislature with the courage and the
fortitude to tackle the state’s spending and borrowing problems; and
the integrity to use the power of the office for the good of regular
citizens – the real job creators.
Yes, Governor Rell has persevered against great odds; a majority that
refused to pass “no tax increase” budgets; a majority that spent even
more during a recession; a majority that passed higher job killing
taxes that have people fleeing the state; a majority that borrowed
against future revenues so that reckless spending could continue.
We cannot say this enough Governor Rell, thank you for your service to
Connecticut, for “fighting the good fight” against such tremendous odds.
Great day for open space -news!
Not in Weston,
but funding has come through for the Norwalk River Valley Trail!
L-r: Wilton Environmental staff Pat Sesto, Norwalk Mayor Dick
Moccia, candidate for 143rd Gail Lavielle, Ridgefield First Selectman
Rudy Marconi, Senator Toni Boucher, Representative John Hetherington,
unknown.
Senator
Boucher Applauds Federal Funding For Norwalk River Valley Trail
14 September 2010
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) applauded the awarding of a $180,000
federal grant for the Norwalk River Valley Trail as an important
investment in a project that, when completed, will make the natural
beauty of area communities more accessible to walkers and bikers.
Senator Boucher made her remarks during a press conference called
earlier this week by the steering committee of the Norwalk River Valley
Trail at Union Park in Norwalk. In addition to Senator Boucher, those
attending the press conference to announce the grant included elected
officials from communities located along the proposed trail, area state
legislators, and volunteers working on the greenway project. The
funding will be used to conduct a routing study for the trail,
including soliciting input from the public, regional planning
organizations, municipal officials, businesses and other interested
parties.
“Parts of this trail already exist, and this grant will help advance
our efforts to complete it in a manner that links all of our
communities in a way that benefits them and, really, the entire region.
This has been a dream in the making since the 1990s. What is
particularly beneficial is that in building this trail a deal of
consideration was given to the needs and desires of the people who live
here and compliments ongoing efforts to upgrade and improve
transportation and mass transit in our part of the state,” said Senator
Boucher, ranking member of the General Assembly’s Transportation
Committee.
Senator Boucher credited the leadership of Pat Sesto, Director of
Environmental Affairs for Town of Wilton and Chair of the Norwalk River
Valley Trail, for applying for the federal grant on behalf of the
steering committee of the Norwalk River Valley Trail, which includes
members representing Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding and Danbury.
She also thanked the Governor and the DEP for interest in the project
and their assistance in guiding the grant request through the federal
process.
Ultimately, the proposed trail would stretch for approximately 27 miles
and, where possible, incorporate existing trails in Norwalk, Ridgefield
and Wilton, along with new segments in Redding. The first continuous
mile of the trail, beginning at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, has
been completed.
“Working together for the greater good of our region has gotten us this
far and, I am certain, will help us see the Norwalk River Valley Trail
through to completion. The many volunteers dedicated to building this
trail, along with the municipal officials, legislators, and others who
continue to work so hard on this project are to commended,” said
Senator Boucher.
HOUSING MARKET NEWS!
Norwalk, CT, August 18, 2010 – The ownership team and construction
managers of Norwalk’s first-of-its-kind townhouse-style apartments,
Summerview Square will hold a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday,
August 18 at 3:00 p.m., at 4 Summer Street to officially open the first
phase of the 63-unit high-end rental community. A tour of the community
for the media will be held in advance of the ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
The community is managed by Summerview Development Group, LLC, a Wilton
real estate development and building company representing the property
owners, Summerview Square, LLC of Westchester County, New York.
Summerview Square, which received unanimous approval from the Norwalk
Planning and Zoning Commission, is being built in four phases in the
neighborhood surrounding West Main Street, Summer Street and Jefferson
Street. The first phase is made up of 13 units of one and two-bedroom
apartments. Many associated with the project, including the builders,
sub-contractors, and service providers are members of the Home Builders
and Remodelers Association (HBRA) of Fairfield County, part of the
National Association of Home Builders.
Stated Norwalk Mayor Richard A. Moccia: “Summerview Square
demonstrates not only a smart and attractive residential addition to
our city, but respect for and cooperation with an established
neighborhood of citizens eager to see their environs developed in a
beautiful and sustainable manner. The design of Ray Sullivan and
the expertise of the development group accomplished all that in a way
that makes Norwalk proud.”
Norwalk architect Raymond Sullivan designed the community to preserve
its historic look and feel, where each apartment home has a front porch
and a sidewalk that links the neighborhood together. The development
team has worked closely with The West Main Street Neighborhood
Association that has supported the project from its inception.
“Working in collaboration with the property owners, the City of
Norwalk, building officials, and the West Main Street Neighborhood
Association has been one of the most pleasurable and professional
experiences for my team,” says Andrew J. LaSala, Jr., a partner of
Summerview Development Group.”
Located conveniently near I-95, the Merritt Parkway and train stations,
Summerview Square is a combination of one- and two-bedroom Shingle,
Colonial and Victorian-style townhomes with two floors and multi-unit
apartment-style flats. All the units have their own attached, one- and
two-car garages and private entrances from secure common hallways.
Each comes equipped with Energy efficient GE appliances, Central A/C
and heating, Hardwood floors, Walk-In closets, ample storage space,
washer-dryers, and at least two bathrooms in the two-bedroom units.
Elevators have been installed in some of the multi-level homes that are
handicap and wheelchair accessible.
Weston
State Senator Toni Boucher is honored
Weston FORUM
Written by Jeanette Ross
Tuesday, 03 August 2010 15:18
Noting her continuing efforts at
“putting education first and foremost,” Alex Johnston, chief executive
officer of the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (Conn CAN),
presented Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) with the first ConnCan Tip of the
Cap Award on Monday, July 26, at Wilton High School. The name of the
award refers to a “tip of the graduation cap,” Mr. Johnston said.
The award “recognizes Connecticut
state legislators who fight in pursuit of great public schools for
every Connecticut child.” In presenting the award to Ms. Boucher, Mr.
Johnston said, “She has been a strong leader on education reform, and
always goes the extra mile to make sure we are focusing on what will
best serve Connecticut’s children.” Regarding issues like Race to the
Top, he said, “she led her colleagues in a forthright discussion of
education legislation.”
Ms. Boucher, who began her public
career as a member and chair of the Wilton Board of Education said, “It
is so fitting that we are standing in front of one of our region’s best
high schools under a sign that reads: Striving for Excellence.
“I began my journey in public
service wanting to ‘make a difference.’ What I have learned over the
years is that the too-often cited noble goal of making a difference is
extremely elusive. Very few endeavors even come close to making a true
difference in this world. There are only two places where we have a
real fighting chance to make a lasting, life-altering difference — in
the home and in the classroom.
“And if a home fails a child, there
is only one place left with any hope of success: his or her school.”
Among those attending the award
presentation was Gil Bray, chairman of Wilton’s Board of Education. He
said that while serving on Wilton’s Board of Education, Ms. Boucher
“always focused on the students” and “has been able to continue that
passion at the state level.”
“I so strongly believe that ensuring
a good quality education is a moral obligation we have to all of
Connecticut’s children, and the key to a bright future for our state,”
said Ms. Boucher, who is a minority member of the Education Committee
in the state senate.
Ms. Boucher praised the efforts of
ConnCAN, founded in 2005, which runs results-oriented issues campaigns
on education and has worked to address the issue of failing Hartford
schools. “They tackled Connecticut’s achievement gap head-on,” she
said. “They focused a spotlight and energy on Connecticut’s educational
system that was — and still is — desperately needed.
“We need to remember that
Connecticut’s education system — once number one in the United States —
is the only reason we are not at the complete bottom when it comes to
job creation and the ability to attract business ... We are not just in
a national race but also in a global race to the top.
“As the stakes rise in this global
competition, we must raise our own expectations about what our schools
can and should accomplish ... By rewarding high performing schools, we
encourage a culture of excellence in education.”
"Tax Policy, Business Costs and Ease of
Commute Critical to Job Growth: The Third Leg of the Economic
Stool is Transportation"
July 8, 2010
by State Senator Toni BoucherI have written extensively
regarding Connecticut’s need to reform its tax policy and reduce
business costs to promote job growth. The third leg of the economic
stool is transportation.
The need for lower taxes and business costs continues to assert itself.
An article published on June 30th in U.S. News and World Report names
Connecticut as one of the states with the highest tax increases in the
nation, amounting to $221 per person for this biennium. Most of these
new taxes are being charged to medium and larger businesses,
effectively driving up their costs.
In light of these problems, it is heartening that Connecticut has made
genuine progress in improving its transportation system. Mass transit
and other transportation issues have been some of my top priorities
since I became involved in state government, particularly as a new
ranking member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee.
This interest dates back to my first month as a state representative
over a decade ago. As a newly elected legislator, I not only prevailed
in a fight with a former governor to save our Norwalk to Danbury rail
line from closing, but also to prevent the construction of a
superhighway across our district’s historic towns and wetlands. The
widening of Route 7 in Wilton, now nearing completion, was the
compromise negotiated after that battle. Had the highway been built,
both our environment and area residents’ quality of life would have
suffered. Preserving the Branch line was only half the battle, however,
since it had not been modernized in over 50 years.
Fortunately, our governor has taken encouraging steps to improve mass
transit. Three hundred new rail cars will start to appear on our main
line this fall and through 2012. In addition, $30 million has been
dedicated to modernizing the Norwalk to Danbury rail system’s
antiquated signaling operation. This change is necessary for future
improvements, and will allow for new trains and better schedules. There
is also a proposal under consideration to electrify the rail line
which, if implemented, could reduce commute time by 20 minutes.
Regardless of any administrative changes that may occur at the state
Department of Transportation under our next Governor, it is important
that Connecticut continue to improve its mass transit system. Our
future prosperity depends on how easily commuters get to work, how
effectively businesses transport goods, and how environmentally
responsible we are in developing our transportation systems.
Recently, I joined our Governor, the U.S. Transportation Secretary,
state transportation officials, and members of the state’s
congressional delegation to discuss high-speed rail in the northeast,
and promote improvements to commuter rail service between Connecticut’s
cities and neighboring states.
A regional approach to mass transit will keep Connecticut at the top of
the federal priorities list. Updating Connecticut’s railroad and bus
systems is the key to fostering a healthy regional economy that will
attract new businesses and create jobs. Fortunately, our state and
national leaders understand this – and we are all committed to working
together to build on our progress.
I encourage readers interested transportation issues to contact my
office at (860) 240-0465 or at Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov. Readers
interested in learning more about the projects mentioned above may
visit www.danburybranchstudy.com for information on the Danbury Branch
Line and www.route7study.org for information on the Route 7 corridor.
Published in the Weston FORUM July 8,
2010
The
Folly Of "Kicking The Can Down The Road" As A State Budget Strategy
By State Senator Toni Boucher
June 22, 2010
When confronted with the staggering problems affecting Connecticut's
economy, I am incredulous. As our economy struggles, state officials
seem even more determined to continue on the destructive path that
brought us to this point.
The state budget that takes effect on July 1st relies on habitual
shortcuts of borrowing and increasing taxes to avoid making necessary
spending cuts. This places a burden on Connecticut's businesses and
families. Rather than confronting our financial problems, they merely
delay the hard choices we must make.
The gross mismanagement of our state's finances cannot be ignored. The
recent, predictable, downgrading of state bonds by one of the nation's
top rating agencies affirms our financial predicament. As Connecticut
prepares to borrow money to cover its budget deficit again, Fitch
analysts note, “the state relies on borrowing to address its ongoing
fiscal challenges in the context of already high liabilities and large
projected structural gaps." Analysts for Moody's reported, “Connecticut
has the highest net tax-supported debt among the 50 states."
Furthermore, “Connecticut is more dependent than most states on
high-income earners." Our per capita tax rate is 64% higher than the
national average. Interestingly, Maine and Rhode Island have moved to
reduce taxes for high earning residents. Legislative leaders in Rhode
Island are correct when they state, “lowering the marginal tax rate (to
5.9% versus Connecticut's 6.5%) will help make Rhode Island more
appealing to companies looking to come into the state". Meanwhile,
Connecticut continues to discourage its most productive residents by
laying the cost of financial profligacy at their feet.
Consequently, our business climate has soured. CEO Magazine stated that
businesses view the northeast as “very expensive, with some of the
highest wages, taxes, regulations and cost of facilities in the
nation." Sadly, Connecticut has offered no challenge to this
perception. In fact, within just the last five years we have fallen to
45th place as a state most conducive to business. Connecticut must halt
this decline to regain its former status as the best state in which to
live, work, raise a family and retire.
Enormous challenges remain. Connecticut faces deficits of more than $3
billion in 2012 and 2013. Union leaders while controlling the
Connecticut House of Representatives continue to push through higher
salaries and benefits. Connecticut also faces $43 billion in unfunded
pension and retirement liabilities. Instead of cutting back on wage
increases, state union leaders successfully fought to underfund state
pensions by $100 million this budget cycle. Some conclude that state
government borrowing makes tax hikes inevitable. Not true; it is this
type of thinking that has fed Connecticut's insatiable appetite for
spending and has made us the state with the highest tax burden in the
country. Increasing taxes is not the answer; fiscal austerity is.
Reinventing state government will take political courage. As noted by
Institutional Investor, March 2010, “The bad news is that solutions
require steely will on the part of politicians faced with determined
and organized public employee unions. Such courage is a rarity in the
world of realpolitik". Until now, Connecticut's politicians have kicked
the proverbial can down the road. Their lack of courage has led to a
public outcry for fiscal responsibility that has gone unanswered.
State budget problems we now face are monumental. We cannot continue to
pretend the situation will improve without a dramatic change in
direction. Connecticut's taxpayers are now demanding more than fiscal
responsibility – they are demanding accountability.
Connecticut's Great Budget Saga
Continues: Mounting Deficits Through 2014
By State Senator Toni Boucher
April 1, 2010
Joe McGee of the Business Council of Fairfield County recently stated,
"What the recession has done is unmask a structural imbalance in
Connecticut’s fiscal policies that has been building for years." It has
been clear to employers, taxpayers and a few elected officials for some
time that our state has been heading for financial ruin due to the
inaction by the General Assembly to confront reality. Our current
budget deficit per person is nearly twice that of any other state,
$1,700.00 (Nonprofit Quarterly, February 2010.) And, deficits
continue to mount: $518 million by June 30, 2010, nearly $1 billion in
2011 and $4 billion in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
For a time, the legislative majority leadership’s reluctance to
confront reality could have been attributed to their belief that the
financial crisis was just a momentary blip from which we would quickly
recover. Today, there is no excuse for their denial. We must stop
spending money we do not have because our beleaguered taxpayers and the
bedrock of our state, our remaining employers, cannot afford it.
Connecticut already carries the heaviest per capita tax burden of
$5,464.00 (Forbes, March 12, 2010) in the contiguous United States,
along with the heaviest per capita state debt of $4,490.00 (Forbes,
January 20, 2010.)
What has become apparent is a desire on the part of some in the
legislature’s majority to protect state unions at the expense of
private sector jobs. Their agenda calls for further increasing taxes on
businesses, individual citizens and private sector bonuses. Yet
longevity payments, which are state employee bonuses based on years
worked rather than productivity, have been a longstanding practice. No
wonder our state’s business climate is seen as unfriendly, to the
extent that management for United Technologies recently voiced a desire
to go "any place but Connecticut."
Recent events at the State Capitol highlight the need to make the
difficult, responsible decisions necessary to end this fiscal crisis –
regardless of how politically unpopular some of those decisions are.
The latest chapter in the state budget impasse saga occurred last
weekend when the Senate majority pushed through a so-called deficit
mitigation plan calling for raising taxes by $180 million, but cutting
spending by only $65 million. Keep in mind that the Senate passed this
plan 21-15 shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Saturday after defeating plans
offered by Governor Rell and the Senate Republicans, both of whom
called for deeper spending cuts. Later in the day, the House decided
against meeting in session to take up the Senate majority’s deficit
mitigation plan. Why? It became clear that the House would not be able
to marshal enough votes to override Governor Rell’s promise to veto the
Senate majority’s woefully inadequate deficit mitigation plan.
Remember that there are enough members of the majority in both the
Senate and the House to override any gubernatorial veto and pass a
budget of their own.
So, where do we stand? So far, the only proposals taken seriously
by the General Assembly’s majority leadership call for tax increases,
instead of significant spending cuts. If we cannot work together to
address the state’s existing $500 million deficit, how can we hope to
pass a responsible, balanced budget for next year and head off the
$11.4 billion deficit projected over the next three years?
Democrats and Republicans must come together to resolve Connecticut’s
ongoing, dangerous, fiscal crisis. At least half of the details
included in our various plans are the same. Let’s agree to meet on
common ground, and build from there.
Our state has lost 101,000 jobs between January of last year and
January of this year. Unemployment is at 9.1 percent; the last time it
was this high was 1976. State government is the largest employer in
Connecticut, and our state workers are among the highest paid
government employees in the nation. It should be noted that for every
one dollar in private pay and benefits a private employee earned, a
state or local government worker received one dollar and forty-five
cents and that salaries were 30% and benefits 70% higher than private
workers were. (Wall Street Journal, March 26, 2010.)
The bottom line is that Connecticut citizens are calling for immediate
responsible action, but too many legislators are not listening. So let
me repeat what you have been writing to me. You are saying you want an
end to tax increases. You want the state to cut spending!
You want the legislature to pass a deficit mitigation plan and a new
state budget that does not further burden taxpayers and cost
Connecticut more private sector jobs.
It is my fervent hope to report soon that Hartford has heard you, that
common sense has returned to Connecticut and that taxpayers can look
forward to better times ahead.
No Way To Run A Business, A
Household,
Or The State Of Connecticut
By State Senator Toni Boucher
December 16, 2009
Rarely has Connecticut's
legislature convened as many times as it has this year just to discuss
the state budget. Here's what happened at our eighth budget
session: The legislators who control 70 percent of the vote, the budget
process, and the legislative agenda walked into the State Capitol,
opened the session, banged the gavel, and left without doing anything
to address our dire fiscal situation. I was incredulous.
Despite the majority's passage of a "balanced budget", our state still
has a substantial deficit
The General Assembly’s majority legislators
continue to put their heads in the sand and pretend that somehow, some
way, the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis will just go away. Rather than
heed Governor M. Jodi Rell’s call for a special session to address our
$466.5 million deficit, they chose to ignore the flood tide of red ink
drowning our state.
It seems to me that the strategy at the State
Capitol is to keep state employment, wages, and benefits high and
immune to any meaningful cuts, while turning a deaf ear to the massive
layoffs, wage cuts, house foreclosures, and business closings that have
become commonplace in the private sector. The legislature’s continued
resistance to taking meaningful action simply prolongs the state’s
fiscal problems and greatly lessens our chances for a robust recovery.
Governor Rell’s response to the Democrats’
lack of decision-making ability was right on target and reflected what
so many Republican legislators have been predicting for the past year.
Three months ago, I voted against the budget that is now in deficit
because, rather than shrink state government, it called for spending
even more than last year, raising taxes and fees, borrowing, draining
the Raining Day Fund, and using one-time revenues to cover operating
expenses. As I anticipated, passing this budget put our towns and
cities in a precarious situation and further threatened our already
beleaguered state economy. It now looks like the majority will propose
further raising taxes, and perhaps even more borrowing, to close the
deficit.
As Governor Rell said in response to
legislative leaders’ recent refusal to heed her call to hold a special
deficit mitigation session: “The new taxes and fee increases contained
in the current budget are not generating the levels of revenue they
were predicted to bring in, so why would even higher taxes be the
answer now? And, the payments on the debt we are incurring will add to
the burden on future generations. If we borrow more, we jeopardize our
credit rating, making it more expensive to pay for important projects
in the future. In fact, the state Treasurer estimates a lowered bond
rating could cost the state as much as $80 million a year.”
To underscore the Governor’s concerns, Moody’s
and Fitch’s investor services have already revised their outlook on
Connecticut’s general obligation bonds from stable to negative. This
clearly reflects the legislative majority’s lack of political will to
cut spending in the face of declining revenues – unlike nearly every
other state legislature.
This is no way to run a business, household,
or our state. The citizens of Connecticut do not deserve this, and
neither do the municipal government leaders who have already set their
budgets for the year. This recession has forced so many families,
businesses, non-profit organizations, and others in Connecticut to do
more with a lot less. Those in Hartford, who are insulated from the
reality of what is happening, do not understand that in economic
crises, many small business owners go without pay, put their families
at risk and sacrifice, so that their businesses and employees can
survive. They have the right to expect their state government to do the
same. So far, they have been sorely disappointed.
A Connecticut
Worth Fighting For
August 10, 2009
Concerned citizens ask if we finally have a state budget deal. My
answer is no. I remind them that, although the Governor proposes a
budget, it is the legislature's responsibility to enact it. The
Democratic majority's most recently proposed budget calls for
significant tax increases that are not acceptable to the Governor or to
Republican legislators. Negotiations continue.
Even with a veto-proof majority, the Democrats have not yet been able
to secure enough votes to pass a budget. This puts the state at risk
for having its bond rating downgraded, and increases the likelihood we
will be forced to drain the Rainy Day Fund to retire last year's $1
billion deficit. Downgrading the state's bond rating means it will cost
more to borrow money. Spending the Rainy Day Fund now means we won't
have that money to offset our projected two-year $8 billion deficit.
What is most appalling is that Connecticut is now the last state
without a budget. Even California has finally acted, responding to
their fiscal problems by reducing government spending to 2005 levels.
Here in Connecticut, Republican legislators have offered budget
proposals to push government spending back to 2007 levels. We
Republicans believe that the responsible thing to do is reinvent state
government so that it is smaller, less expensive, and more efficient.
Our budget proposals reflect that goal, which we can achieve by
controlling both taxes and spending.
From my point of view, the Democrats seem more concerned about
protecting state employees than about stemming the loss of private
sector jobs. This attitude will not help revitalize our economy. A
leader in analysis and forecasting, IHS Global Insight, predicts that
Connecticut will join Michigan, Ohio and Indiana in being among the
last states to emerge from the recession sometime after 2015.
Employers do not need professional research to tell them how
Connecticut's current fiscal climate is affecting them. Recently, I met
with an employer of seven who told me that when the legislature's
Democratic leaders talk about wanting to tax the wealthy, they are
talking about him. Also, I heard from the executive director of one of
the nation's largest associations of investment companies who is
wondering if relocating from Fairfield County to New Hampshire, where
there is no state income or estate taxes, might be in his members' best
interest.
Raising taxes on the so-called wealthy is tantamount to chasing
employers out of state. Driving out the wealthy creates a domino
effect. The businesses they operate will close, leaving their employees
without jobs. Unemployed people do not buy cars, eat at restaurants, or
shop for new clothes leading to more failed businesses.
The state budget we pass now will determine the quality of life in
Connecticut for years to come. The incentive to create and excel
once
propelled our state to prosperity and made Connecticut the land of
innovation, home of Yankee ingenuity. That is the Connecticut worth
fighting for.
Wearing red
shoes, (not in photo) Senator Boucher in white coat and blue top; First
Selectman Woody Bliss (l.)
and Acting Commissioner Amey Marella of CTDEP (r.) at Sherwood Island
Nature Center official ribbon cutting ceremony!
Testimony
of Senator Toni Boucher In Support of Proposed Senate Bill 3, An Act
Redefining Terms Concerning The Spending Cap and Proposed House Bill
5073, An Act Concerning The Constitutional Spending Cap.
March 5, 2010
Chairwoman Harp, Chairman Geragosian, Ranking Member Debicella, Ranking
Member Minor and other distinguished members of the Appropriations
Committee, today I testify in support of Proposed Senate Bill 3, An Act
Redefining Terms Concerning The Spending Cap and Proposed House Bill
5073, An Act Concerning The Constitutional Spending Cap.
Almost 18 years ago the residents of Connecticut spoke clearly and
overwhelmingly when they ratified an amendment to our state
Constitution establishing a cap on state government spending.
Unfortunately, the Legislature has not done its job by properly
implementing this constitutional amendment. In order for the
constitutional cap on spending to be fully implemented the General
Assembly must vote by a three-fifths majority to approve the
definitions of the cap.
The spending cap is designed to control the growth of state spending to
the level of growth in either personal income or inflation. Thus,
government spending will grow at the same rate as the economy and, more
importantly, at a rate the taxpayers can afford. For the last 18 years,
the legislature has been operating under a statutory spending cap, a
good measure, but one that does not carry the weight of a fully
implemented constitutional amendment. In fact, the legislature has
often ignored this statutory cap and voted to exceed this cap for
various purposes. This was not the will of the voters then or now.
Article Third, Section 18 of the Constitution of the State of
Connecticut clearly states that enactment of the spending cap would
require a three-fifths vote on the definition of three terms. Those
terms are “increase in personal income,” “increase in inflation,” and
“general budget expenditures.” This action by the General Assembly has
never occurred.
During the 1991 budget crisis, the legislature established a state
Personal Income Tax. To assuage fears that a new income tax would lead
to out of control spending the income tax was enacted with the caveat
that a permanent spending cap would be put in place to prevent
government from irresponsibly increasing taxes. This pledge, I believe,
has been broken again and again and the will of the voters, over 80
percent of our citizens who voted for the cap has been
disregarded. It is possible that, if the legislature had enacted
the constitutional spending cap when required, our spending would be
more in-line with the state’s flat employment and population
growth. Instead, we now have a structural deficit that is
unsustainable.
The General Assembly can no longer afford to ignore the will of people,
and the time to fully implement the constitutional cap is now. The
public outcry on excessive spending at all levels of government is
unprecedented. Our citizens expect, and even demand, that we
address this critical issue to ensure that the welfare of future
generations will not be compromised.
Proposed Senate Bill 3 and Proposed House Bill 5073 include the
language necessary to make this happen. I hope we can move forward with
these proposals and fully implement Connecticut’s constitutional
spending cap. Thank you for your consideration of these measures
Sincerely,
Toni Boucher
State Senator
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to weigh in on this important issue, you may contact
the co-chairs of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee:
Senator Toni Harp (D-10) at 1-800-842-1420 or
Harp@senatedems.ct.gov
Representative John Geragosian (D-25) at 1.800.842.8267 or
John.Geragosian@cga.ct.gov
As always, please feel free to contact me at my legislative office at
1-800-842-1421 or via e-mail to Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov.
Democratic Majority’s State Budget Plan
Moves Connecticut in the Wrong Direction
By Senator Toni Boucher
June 30, 2009
When she announced she would veto
the budget passed last Friday by the General Assembly's Democratic
majority, Governor M. Jodi Rell called it "exactly the wrong budget at
exactly the wrong time". She was right. Instead of helping
families and businesses survive during these tough times and
positioning the state to prosper in the future, this budget sets the
stage for further deficits and steers Connecticut down a path that will
make it increasingly uncompetitive.
Although the Governor and the Republican minority introduced
several budget proposals this year, the Democratic majority, which
commands enough votes to pass a budget at any time, could not produce a
budget its members would support during the General Assembly's regular
session. The Democratic majority introduced last week's budget
nearly a month after the session's end. Despite the extra time,
it is unbalanced, unaffordable, and does not clearly explain how the
state will close its gaping deficit. As a matter of fact, information
provided by the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis
indicates that this two-year budget is likely to be in deficit by $263
million.
Sadly, the centerpiece of the Democratic majority’s budget plan
is tax increases – tax increases on the so-called wealthy, a 25% tax
increase on businesses, 30% increase on estate taxes, along with a
variety of other tax and fee increases that would result in higher
costs for everyone living and doing business in our state. Furthermore,
as Governor Rell explained in expressing her decision to veto it, the
so-called savings and cuts proposed in this budget are “largely
unachievable”. And, finally, this budget does not include
transportation funding – a significant part of any state budget.
The majority’s budget was so inadequate that its leaders knew
they could not rally enough votes among their own members to overturn a
veto. Why did they waste everyone's time with special session days that
cost taxpayers $11,000 a shot?
With a looming deficit of more than $8 billion, this is no time
to play politics. It is time to be responsible and look to our
future. We still have a golden opportunity to move in the right
direction – to reshape and reduce the size of state government.
The State of Maine has done just that - abolished its graduated
tax structure and replaced it with a flat rate for nearly everyone.
Also, the State of Main cut government spending in order to promote
growth, and attract jobs. The state’s Democratic Governor was
asked how he withstood the outcry of giving tax cuts for the rich, and
he replied that: "Without employers, you don't have employees,” adding
that "The best social services program is a job."
The State of Maryland, on the other hand, introduced a
millionaires' tax last year, and the number of residents with more than
$1 million in taxable income who filed taxes fell by one-third.
We must not bite the hand that feeds us. We cannot
continue to drive away the people and businesses that are the backbone
of our state's economy. If we hold the line on spending now, and
spare our taxpayers the pain of further sacrifices they cannot afford,
we can position Connecticut to move forward when the economy
improves. We can still move in the right direction. The
opportunity is there. Squandering it is not an option.
R E A
D Y , S E
T G O ! ! !
The Long Session is getting
going
and our new Senator is hard at work for you! Selected releases
from Sen. Boucher below.
Senator
Boucher's bills here!
And while she's at it, her
actions on some others...
Senate approves 'block the box'
bill. Law would allow police to ticket drivers who stop in
intersections
Stamford ADVOCATE
By Brian Lockhart, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/23/2009 10:33:10 PM EDT
Updated: 05/24/2009 12:32:06 AM EDT
HARTFORD -- A bill aimed at allowing police in cities such as Stamford
and Norwalk to fine motorists who stop in intersections, "blocking the
box," cleared the state Senate last week.
But an amendment could lead the House of Representatives to scuttle the
legislation.
Submitted by Stamford lawmakers at the request of the city's Board of
Representatives, the bill would let municipalities adopt ordinances
that would empower police officers to issue citations to drivers who
attempt to squeeze through a green light and wind up blocking oncoming
traffic.
Any municipality can implement the policy now, but state law currently
does not allow police to penalize drivers. With fines and fees
combined, drivers could wind up paying $100 to $300.
Tractor-trailers
and cars entering an intersection to make a turn would be
excluded.
The legislation is modeled after "don't block the box" laws in New York
City. State Sen. Gary LeBeau, D-East Hartford, said during
Thursday's
debate of the bill that he has seen motorists impede traffic as they
try to make a green light.
"Everybody's looking out for themselves," LeBeau said.
But other supporters -- including state Sens. Antonietta "Toni"
Boucher, R-Wilton, and Kevin Witkos, R-Canton -- urged that the bill be
amended.
As submitted, the legislation applied to municipalities with more than
50,000 residents.
Witkos, a police sergeant, said the proposal would be a good tool for
police but said there are busy intersections in smaller cities and
towns where it could be applied. Boucher agreed, saying she would
like
to see the law, if passed, adopted in towns within her district, which
are along the congested Route 7. State Sen. Andrew McDonald,
D-Stamford, a sponsor of the bill, said that in previous years, the
bill was defeated in the House of Representatives because it included
all cities and towns.
"I think Sen. Witkos is correct. It could be useful for smaller towns
with large traffic volume," McDonald told his colleagues. "But that was
the basis of this legislation being defeated last time."
Ultimately, the legislation was successfully amended, and the bill was
unanimously passed by the Senate and went to the House. Witkos
and
Boucher, both former members of the House of Representatives, said they
would seek to lobby their former colleagues to ensure the bill is
passed and sent to Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell for her signature.
Read the official report from
the CPTC here...
Commuters call for action, not more
studies
Norwalk HOUR
By ROBERT KOCH
Posted on 05/19/2009
Commuters, their advocates and elected officials told the Connecticut
Public Transportation Commission at Norwalk City Hall on Tuesday night
to speed along commuter rail improvement projects and other
alternatives to automobiles.
"We need a sense of enormous emergency. We don't have 10 years," said
Harold E. Clark, a Wilton resident. "Provide public transportation. I
don't care if it's more buses, until you can build the trains."
Michael Perrella, also of Wilton, said he has seen incremental
improvement in train service but added, "in real terms, very little has
been done."
The comments came after Peter A. Richter of the state Department of
Transportation gave an update on the State Rail Plan, which will lay
out rail policy, priorities and strategies to channel state and federal
funding.
"You're going to see this railroad get ... better," said Richter, who
pointed to improvements while acknowledging their slow pace.
"Continue to hammer away," said Thomas A. Cheeseman, transportation
commission chairman. "Something will get done."
About three dozen people attended the hearing, including state Sen.
Toni Boucher, R-26; Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss; and Wilton
First Selectman William F. Brennan, who complimented the DOT for
widening Route 7.
"Unfortunately, I cannot say the same things about the rail line and
some of their facilities. The Wilton train station has been locked up
tight for over three and a half years," Brennan said. "Get this train
station open."
Boucher said upgrading the Norwalk-Danbury line has been her priority
and is now advancing after being ignored for years.
Jim Cameron, Connecticut Metro North Commuter Rail Council chairman,
said he's pleased that more than 300 new rail cars are slated for
delivery. But he added that nothing has been done to boost parking at
train stations. Cameron took aim at the state Transportation Strategy
Board and asked the transportation commission to be more aggressive.
"Something has to come out of this other than a written report that
doesn't get acted on," Cameron said. "Take what you hear tonight, put
it in front of Gov. Rell."
Tuesday night's hearing was one of seven such hearings the
transportation commission will hold this year prior to submitting its
annual report to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, the DOT and the General Assembly's
Transportation Committee.
"It is very important that what you say here doesn't disappear into
this room," said Gail Lavielle, transportation commission member from
Wilton. "We will be following up."
Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi pleaded with the transportation
commission to speed DOT projects.
"The DOT has lost its credibility with the taxpayers. We have no faith
with the DOT's projects," Marconi said. "When are we going to see
something happen?"
Senator Boucher Says “No” To Proposed Legislation; That Would Stop
Grass-Roots Efforts To Ban Plastic Bags
April
28, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said she will continue to fight proposed
legislation that would prevent municipalities from banning the local
use of paper and plastic shopping bags, while at the same time taxing
those who choose to use disposable bags.
“Passing this legislation, House Bill 5215, An Act Promoting Reusable
Shopping Bags, would move the state backwards. Westport already has a
ban on plastic bags, and the four members of the Westport
Representative Town Meeting who led the fight for this local ban
received the 2009 EPA Environmental Merit Award. Yet, we are seriously
considering legislation that would prevent all other towns from doing
the same, and calling it a good thing for the environment,” said
Senator Boucher, adding that the proposed legislation would not affect
the existing Westport ordinance banning plastic bags.
The proposed legislation has been approved by the General Assembly’s
Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee by a narrow margin of 28-22,
and is now subject to further legislative action. Before voting against
the bill as a member of the committee, Senator Boucher tried,
unsuccessfully, to amend it to restore the right of local communities
to impose their own bans on plastic and paper bags.
In addition to forbidding towns to regulate the local use of plastic
and paper bags beginning in October, the proposed legislation requires
retailers, other than restaurants, to charge shoppers five cents per
disposable bag beginning January 1, 2010. A portion of the proceeds
would be used for one-time grants to municipalities to promote
recycling programs...full story here.
“Is this bill intended to promote green behavior, or is it just another
way for the state to raise money? Charging five cents for each paper
and plastic bag is not enough to change individual behavior, but it
would certainly burden retailers with expensive oversight and
administrative costs, infringe on home rule and impose a regressive tax
that could really hurt people who are already struggling to pay for
food,” said Senator Boucher.
Senator Boucher said she knows of several other communities that have
expressed an interest in imposing an outright ban on disposable
shopping bags, including Ridgefield, Fairfield, Wilton, Darien, East
Haddam and Windham.
“People all across our state understand the issue, and are willing to
do their part to protect the environment by giving up the convenience
of plastic and paper shopping bags. That is why so many retailers,
without any prodding from the state, already make reusable shopping
bags available to their customers. And, that is why there is an active
grass-roots efforts in so many towns to follow Westport’s good example
and impose their own bans on disposable shopping bags,” said Senator
Boucher.
“This proposed legislation is misguided at best, and potentially very
harmful. I will do everything I can to convince my colleagues in the
General Assembly to defeat it,” added Senator Boucher.
Does Light Rail Make Sense For
Connecticut?
By State Senator Toni Boucher
April 23, 2009
In a rare moment outside the halls of the Capitol building, I was
provided an opportunity to experience a relatively new light rail
system during a recent business trip to Charlotte, North Carolina.
For those of you who have not experienced this type of transportation,
light rail is a continuously running electric railway system that takes
advantage of rails at street level, underground and overhead. While
visiting Charlotte, I paid $3 to take the 14 mile light rail round trip
between the suburbs and downtown. These trains make frequent stops at
the convention center, basketball arena, hotels, and retail and
corporate centers. This smart, clean and convenient ride is extremely
popular, and the voters overwhelmingly approved the plans now underway
to double the size and reach of their light rail system.
I am cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits of developing
light rail in Connecticut. As the sponsor of proposed legislation
calling for the State Department of Transportation to determine which
regions of our state could benefit from light rail service, it was
valuable to see a successful operation in action. According to
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie, this type of mass
transit is successful in other states and a feasibility study may show
Stamford to be a good candidate for light rail service because of its
high density and traffic volume.
A thorough study would include a look at successful light rail systems
like the one in Charlotte to determine what aspects of these successful
systems would work well in Connecticut. Before making a huge financial
commitment to light rail anywhere in our state, we need a great deal of
information, including whether it would appeal to commuters and if such
a mass transit system would promote economic growth.
We can draw certain parallels between our areas. Charlotte is the
epicenter of American banking, home to Bank of America, Wachovia and
Wells Fargo. Business and government leaders in Charlotte are working
hard to diversify from the finance sector into biotechnology,
healthcare, energy and logistics. Here in Connecticut, our state’s
dismal fiscal situation and government budget deficit can be linked to
a lack of economic diversification, punitive tax policies, and
unbridled state spending. Like Charlotte, Connecticut must take a close
look at what we do right, and what we do wrong, with an eye to
reinventing state government to promote strong economic growth.
As an added benefit, the Charlotte light rail system has encouraged
smart land use policies. For example, high quality development has
sprung up near the new stations established to accommodate light rail
commuters. Could developing light rail in certain, carefully chosen,
regions of Connecticut promote diverse economic growth here? A well
designed feasibility study could answer that question, and provide
other information we need in order to proceed intelligently.
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Marie told legislators he has
seen 17 out of 18 light rail systems succeed throughout the nation. In
his experience, density is the number one issue and a study may show
Stamford to have the right attributes for success.
Connecticut cannot presently afford to make a huge financial commitment
to light rail. However, our state will eventually emerge from this
recession, and it is in our best interests to spend this time looking
into how we can promote economic growth when the time is right.
Regardless of what form it takes, faster, more convenient, and
environmentally-friendly mass transit will play a key role in the
future success of our state. Light rail may be an option worth
exploring.
Sen. Boucher Supports Funding For
Local Train Station Improvements: Wilton & Cannondale Station
Upgrades Included In Proposed Legislation
April 17, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) recently voted as a member of the Finance,
Revenue & Bonding Committee in favor of legislation that includes
funding for improvements to the Wilton and Cannondale train stations.
The proposed legislation includes $150,000 that would be used for
upgrades to the Wilton Train Station and the Cannondale
Train Station. Senate Bill 834, An Act Concerning The Authorization Of
Special Tax Obligation Bonds Of The State For Certain Transportation
Purposes, is now subject to further legislative action.
“I am a strong advocate for mass transit, and for making
necessary improvements and upgrades to our train stations. Approving
this funding for upgrades to the Wilton and Cannondale train stations
would be an excellent investment in our ongoing efforts to encourage
train ridership. Commuters would certainly appreciate the
improvements,” said Senator Boucher, who also serves as the leading
Republican Senator, Ranking Member, of the Transportation Committee.
Senator Boucher expressed gratitude to the co-chairs and ranking
members of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee and
Transportation Committee for working with her to include funding for
improvements to these two train stations in this proposed bonding bill.
“I submitted legislation to the Transportation Committee earlier
this year calling for much needed improvements to the Wilton and
Cannondale Train Stations and, as a result, the funding was included in
this bonding bill. Right now, one of the stations has a long platform
with absolutely no seating, and the other desperately needs some
fixing,” said Senator Boucher.
Senator Boucher said that, even during tough economic times, the state
should make an effort to keep the train stations in good repair.
“Even small improvements go a long way to creating a
commuter-friendly experience for those making the often difficult trip
to work, are greatly appreciated,” said Senator Boucher.
Senator Boucher Supports Proposed
Legislation To Expand General Assembly’s Economic Forecasting Efforts
March 20, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) recently called on the Appropriations
Committee to support proposed legislation that would expand the role of
the General Assembly’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) in
projecting the long-term fiscal impact of state government spending and
taxing.
Senator Boucher submitted testimony to the committee in support of
Senate Bill 49, An Act Concerning An Annual Summary Of The Long-Term
Fiscal Condition Of The State.
“In light of our state’s current economic situation, new policies must
be implemented to better educate and inform our state legislators in an
effort to craft better economic policy which recreates an environment
where businesses can grow and families can prosper. This report would
give a three-year look back on Connecticut’s fiscal climate and a five
year forward looking view of the state’s economic trends and prospects.
This information is critical as we face a severe budget gap in each of
the next three years. The General Assembly must expand its analysis and
vision to comprehend where Connecticut has been and where it is going,
both economically and on a budgetary basis,” said Senator Boucher, a
member of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee.
Senator Boucher noted that both the state’s Office of Policy and
Management (OPM) and OFA currently submit budgetary information each
year to the Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Appropriations
committees. Under SB 49, more information would be made available to
the entire General Assembly.
Senator Boucher said the proposed legislation would require OFA to
submit annual reports that include: a summary of the state’s financial
climate; information on state expenditures and revenues over the
previous three fiscal years; projected expenditures and revenues for
the upcoming fiscal years; information regarding specific tax and
economic trends in the state and region; data on the largest cost
drivers within the state budget; and growth of long-term state debt,
including bonding and unfunded pensions.
“Passing this bill would provide the General Assembly with a valuable
tool for developing future legislation and state policies for
revitalizing Connecticut’s economy,” said Senator Boucher.
The primary sponsor of the proposed legislation is Senator L. Scott
Frantz (R-36).
Senator Boucher Applauds Fairfield
County Support For Proposed Improvement Of Norwalk/Danbury Train Line
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) applauded the show of regional
support before the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee for her
proposed legislation to make improvements to the Norwalk/Danbury Train
Line.
Senator Boucher’s proposed legislation, SB 425, An Act Concerning The
Improvement Of The Norwalk/Danbury Train, was a subject of a recent
public hearing. Senator Boucher is the leading Republican Senator, or
ranking member, of the Transportation Committee.
“As a long time advocate for the Norwalk/Danbury train line, I found it
extremely important and timely to have so many leaders and
organizations from our region stand up and speak out in favor of making
necessary improvements. Their overwhelming support for implementing the
recommendations of the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line Improvement Plan is
critical and will go a long way in convincing the state to continue its
investment in improving mass transit in Fairfield County. Their
abundant support was noted by the entire committee and by the DOT. I
thank all who took the time to make the long journey to Hartford to
testify, or submit written testimony, and assure them that I will
continue working with my legislative colleagues to move this important
initiative forward,” said Senator Boucher.
Those who expressed support for the proposed legislation include:
Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss who also chairs the South Western
Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (SWRMPO); Wilton First
Selectman William F. Brennan, member of SWRMPO; Ridgefield First
Selectman Rudy Marconi; Gail Lavielle of Wilton and member of the
Connecticut Public Transportation Commission; Tim Beeble of Bethel;
Jonathan Chew, Executive Director of Housatonic Valley Council of
Elected Officials; and Molly McKay, CT Sierra Club Transportation
Committee Chair, and Martin Mador, CT Sierra Club Legislative Chair.
Senator Boucher said that much of the testimony in favor of her
proposed legislation pointed out the need to complete the CTC signal
upgrade, which is the key to making other necessary improvements. She
said that supporters of her proposed legislation agreed that making
additional, necessary, improvements to the train line must be the focus
of the state Department of Transportation. Also, she said there was
much support for extending the train line to New Milford and,
eventually, electrification of the train line.
“Decades of regional and state long range transportation plans and
studies have led to implementation of some projects that improve
highway operations and safety in the Route 7 corridor. On the rail
side, little progress has been made. Even though the regional long
range transportation plans of the South Western Region and the
Housatonic Valley Region have designated Danbury Branch Line
improvements as a priority, few improvements have been implemented,”
said Weston First Selectman and SWRMPO Chair Woody Bliss.
“First, there is good news. The Route 7 widening project in Wilton will
be fully completed in approximately one year. This is offset by the
not-so-good news that rail improvements to the Danbury Branch have not
progressed beyond maintenance activities. Needed infrastructure and
state upgrades are long overdue . . . Improvements to the Danbury
Branch centralized traffic control (CTC) system have made little
progress for more than a decade. This is an essential safety and
operations project that will upgrade the manual block traffic control
system to a safety-compliant and state of the art system,” said Wilton
First Selectman William F. Brennan.
“This is perhaps the most difficult year for budgeting in recent
memory, and I am not envious of what lies ahead for all of you. There
will be some very difficult decisions we all need to make both here at
the state level and for all CEOs at the local level. Unquestionably,
there will be programs and projects that will not be supported. But
when you consider this bill, SB 425, I ask that you keep in mind one
very important consideration. When the dust has settled and the air
clears and we have begun our upward climb out of this severe recession,
we must be sure that our actions now result in projects that will
advance our state and regions to be more efficient, environmentally
sensitive, and proactive in leading Connecticut into the future. SB 425
begins this journey,” said Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
Gail Lavielle of Wilton, testifying as a private citizen and former
commuter and not as a member of the Connecticut Public Transportation
Commission, said that a recent increase in train service improvements
to the Wilton train stations and initial funding for a new centralized
traffic control system augurs well for the branch line, but more
improvements are needed.
“Western Connecticut is one of our state’s key economic engines, and
mass transit is necessary to keep it going. Businesses can’t run and
families can’t survive if people can’t get to work. Connecticut needs
its people in this part of the state to stay in Connecticut and to
contribute to its economy. But they must have conditions that allow
them to thrive: efficient mass transit, less congested roadways, and
property values that are enhanced by easy access to major metropolitan
areas.” said Gail Lavielle.
“Please support SB 425 directing the state Department of Transportation
to implement the recommendations of the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line
Improvement Plan, including electrification. Currently diesel
locomotives pull the trains up and down the line. Electrification would
reduce air and noise pollution, as well as substantially increase the
speed of the trains,” said Tim Beeble.
“Greater Danbury’s growth is fueled by the fact that it is a rapidly
growing commuter shed for the Norwalk and Stamford areas. Many Stamford
workers have sought housing in Greater Danbury, way out of proportion
to population growth rates in Greater Danbury. This market is key for
north to south rail passenger service,” said Jonathan Chew, Executive
Director of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials.
“Transportation needs to be planned as a system, not separate,
competing modes. We have over invested in roads for so many decades
that in order to integrate highways, rails, buses, bicycles, air travel
and walking, we need to greatly expand our funding for rail and transit
and use highway money to fix what we have built because it is
crumbling,” said Molly McKay and Martin Mador, officials of the CT
Sierra Club.
Boucher Seeks Reform of State
Affordable Housing Law
WestportNow
February 18, 2009
Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) today asked the General Assembly’s
Housing Committee to support her legislative proposals to give
municipalities more control over their efforts to provide affordable
housing, and to credit towns and cities for the affordable housing they
already provide.
Toni Boucher: “Clearly, we need to make some changes.” Contributed
photo
“The state’s affordable housing law is responsible for historic changes
in how the courts review municipal zoning decisions concerning
affordable housing,” she said. “Since its enactment, many affordable
dwellings have been created. However, some bad practices and unintended
consequences have also occurred.”
Boucher said developers can use the law to essentially override
municipal planning and zoning laws if less than 10 percent of a town’s
housing stock is deemed affordable.
“Developers can appeal a denial by the local authorities to the courts
and, unfortunately, many use the law as a way to build costly dense
housing wherever they want, without regard to the local development
plan.” she said.
Boucher said numerous environmental groups and municipal planning and
zoning commissions in her district, which includes Westport, had
contacted her to support her affordable housing proposals.
“Clearly, we need to make some changes,” she said.
Boucher said under proposed SB 206, An Act Concerning Moratoriums On
Affordable Housing Applications, the existing affordable housing law
would be amended to award one-housing equivalent point to elderly
housing units, and to use local median income in designating local
housing as affordable under state law.
Under SB 208, An Act Concerning The Determination Of The Number Of
Affordable Housing Units In A Municipality, municipalities could
include existing affordable apartments and accessory apartments to meet
the state threshold for affordable housing units.
“Crediting municipalities for the affordable dwellings they already
have would give them more control future building, allowing local
officials to make sure that construction conforms to the plan of
development,” Boucher said.
“Many communities have made great progress in meeting the high demand
for affordable elderly housing, and their efforts have made it possible
for low-income seniors to stay in the towns where they raised their
families and contributed their time and money. These towns’ efforts
ought to be taken into account when calculating their contribution to
the state’s affordable housing stock.”
In addition, Boucher is a co-sponsor of HB 5597, An Act Concerning An
Application For Affordable Housing Developments, which she said calls
for “financial compensation to be given to towns for traffic mitigation
plans needed as a result of the dense development adding to traffic
congestion.“
She said that the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission, along with
other towns in the 26th Senatorial District, submitted testimony in
support of the three bills.
Boucher said that testimony submitted by the Westport Planning &
Zoning Commission is representative of the experience of many area
communities.
That testimony stated: “In Westport, any attempt through planning to
require affordable and market rate units in the same project to be
comparable in size and/or quality of construction is virtually
impossible. To be able to rent or sell the affordable units based
on income as a percentage of the area median income would help allow
comparable units to be built, a goal of this commission.”
Boucher said she agreed and that she testified before the Housing
Committee to support both her own legislative proposals and the need
for reform as expressed by local officials in her district.
“The rules under which affordable housing is developed have to be fair
to everyone involved, residents who need the housing, developers who
provide it, and the communities in which it is located,” she said.
“The General Assembly has an opportunity this year to pass legislation
that would responsible address these issues. I look forward to working
with my legislative colleagues in a bipartisan manner to pass such
legislation.”
Tough Times Call for Tough
Measures
February 10, 2009
By State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26)
Governor M. Jodi Rell is calling for a $38.4 billion two-year state
budget that aggressively addresses the state’s dire fiscal problems and
positions the state for a speedy recovery when the recession ends.
Clearly, she has been paying close attention to what our beleaguered
municipal officials, taxpayers and small business owners have been
saying.
First, the Governor’s budget proposal does not call for tax increases –
and maintains existing funding levels for towns. This is important
because reducing state aid to municipalities could lead to local
property tax increases. Secondly, Governor Rell is calling for
streamlining government to make it more effective, efficient and
affordable for the taxpayers who support it.
Governor Rell understands that the challenges posed by our current
fiscal problems present state government with a rare opportunity to
make changes designed to benefit taxpayers far into the future. The
Governor is offering a budget plan that calls for no spending increases
next year. Her plan also calls for eliminating and consolidating state
agencies and commissions; cancelling a significant amount of pending
state bonding; seeking concessions from state employee unions;
eliminating many existing and vacant state employee positions; and
creating an office to detect and abolish waste, fraud and abuse
throughout state government.
The Governor is looking to the future by calling for the merger of the
state’s vo-tech and community college systems to create a Middle
College System that would help students bridge the gap between high
school and higher education. She is responding to employment needs by
calling for the creation of a Connecticut Conservation Corps to provide
work to the newly unemployed, and maintain our public parks, trails and
beaches at the same time.
The needs of our cities and towns are prominently featured in Governor
Rell’s budget proposal. For example, she wants to provide financial
incentives to towns that voluntarily regionalize services and purchases
when doing so is feasible. She is proposing to suspend binding
arbitration for two years, and restrict the binding arbitration process
to cover only wages and benefits, not other workplace issues.
More importantly, Governor Rell is responding to local government
officials’ desperate pleas for relief from unfunded state mandates. Her
proposed budget includes a provision requiring a two-thirds vote to
impose any new expensive mandates. Furthermore, she wants to delay the
implementation of two costly mandates – requiring in-school suspension
and treating 16- and 17-year old violent offenders as juveniles.
No doubt, many aspects of Governor Rell’s budget proposal are viewed by
some as controversial and will certainly generate a great deal of
vigorous debate. As a member of the General Assembly’s Finance, Revenue
& Bonding Committee, I am looking forward to the opportunity to
work with fellow legislators in a bipartisan manner to do what is best
for our state.
It is clear that Governor Rell is responding to the public’s call for
austerity and accountability. Like her, I believe that these tough
times call for the courage to make the tough decisions that will keep
our state moving forward.
The Hard, Cold Fact About Connecticut’s
State Budget
By Senator Toni Boucher
February 3, 2009
The facts about Connecticut’s state budget situation
reflect a reality that some are still reluctant to accept.
The legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) released
updated figures projecting the deficit for this fiscal year at $1.35
billion, at $3.97 billion for Fiscal Year 2010, and at $4.71 billion
for Fiscal Year 2011. That translates to 7.9 % of the state’s general
fund budget for this fiscal year, 21.4 % for the next fiscal year, and
24.2 % the following fiscal year. Keep in mind that there is only $1.38
billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
The situation is dire and unlikely to improve in the near future.
According to OFA, our tax revenues for this year are falling short:
personal income tax revenues by $1 billion; sales and use tax by $368
million; corporation tax by $207 million; real estate conveyance tax by
$109 million; gross receipts tax from oil companies by $63 million; and
casino revenues by $74 million.
Clearly the General Assembly has to get serious about addressing our
state government’s fiscal problems.
So far, I am not convinced that Democrat majority leadership – which
controls both chambers of the legislature by a veto proof margin –
understands the need to make painful, politically unpopular decisions.
In mid January, the legislature adopted a mitigation plan that reduces
our budget deficit by only $124 million. Not only is this not good
enough, it actually includes additional funding for contributions to a
healthcare plan for employees of a business that won the low bid on a
state contract. I opposed this on the Senate floor as a questionable,
expensive precedent that does not recognize the state’s fiscal crisis.
Check to see how your legislators voted.
The fact is that Connecticut’s households and businesses are far ahead
of the General Assembly in terms of recognizing the state’s fiscal
problems. Our state has a 7.1 percent unemployment rate. Connecticut
lost a total of 21,300 jobs last November and December. Businesses are
closing. Most towns are scrutinizing every line item in their budgets
for cutbacks and asking the state for relief from unfunded mandates.
My constituents understand the situation, including one whose business
recently laid off two valued employees, froze the salaries of the
workers left, and required senior management to take a 35-50 percent
salary cut. Sad stories like this are all too common, and many of us
fear that things are going to get much worse before they get better.
As I write this, Governor Rell is preparing to give her budget address
to the General Assembly. Certainly, her budget proposal will call for
sacrifices beyond what any of us wants to contemplate.
I want to assure you that I stand firm with those who are serious about
solving our fiscal problems. When the legislature met in January to
adopt a budget deficit mitigation plan, some of us proposed cutting the
salaries and benefits of legislators and state officials. It is
important to demonstrate that we are willing to join our constituents
in making the sacrifices that will be demanded of all of us. Sadly,
this proposal was rejected.
It could be that too many members of the General Assembly are still in
denial about the dismal state of Connecticut’s economy and feel that in
just a few short months there will be a reversal. Various committee
chairs are looking at raising fees and eliminating certain tax
exemptions. One so-called cost savings proposal being offered calls for
decriminalizing the possession of small of amounts of marijuana by
requiring offenders to just pay a fine as a revenue source. At best,
that is an irresponsible unhealthy suggestion that I will certainly
oppose if it ever comes to a vote.
As a member of the General Assembly’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding
Committee, I expect to be very involved in the debates that will ensue.
I welcome the opportunity to hear your ideas and urge you to contact me
at my legislative office in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421 or via e-mail to
Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov.
Some
Westonites (not in the 26th District) commute from Georgetown...
Past, Present and Future of Danbury
Branch Line
By State Senator Toni Boucher
January 29, 2009
Good news from the new Commissioner of Transportation, Joseph Marie,
for our Norwalk to Danbury train line is shining a bright light through
the thick haze of the grim economic headlines that confront us daily.
Those of us who have fought so long to ensure that a revitalized
Norwalk/ Danbury Branch Line is a key component of Connecticut’s mass
transit system are greatly encouraged by his and Governor Rell’s most
recent efforts to upgrade our historic train line.
Just last month, the State Bond Commission authorized $2.5 million to
design a centralized traffic control system. This vital appropriation
was followed earlier this month by the federal government’s commitment
to Commissioner Marie to help fund the remainder of this $75 million
project. By the end of 2011 or early 2012 the Norwalk/Danbury Branch
Line will no longer be the only rail line in America where a trainman
has to get off the train and manually pull a switch in order for one
train to pass another. It also means that our north south spur could
become compatible with the New Haven line, bringing our commuters
greater capacity and more flexible schedules.
Fortunately, it has been nothing but good news for the future of the
Norwalk/Danbury Train Line for the past several months. Back in
October, two new midday trains were added to the Norwalk/Danbury
weekday branch in response to growing customer demand. And – finally –
running water and a restroom facility were installed at the Cannondale
Train Station!
How attitudes have changed since I was first elected to the General
Assembly as a State Representative! Back then, there was little
interest in keeping the branch line operating, never mind improving it.
In fact, in 1997 there was a serious effort to replace this branch line
with a super highway and buses. I, and other like-minded advocates,
launched a successful fight to save the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line –
and we’ve been fighting ever since. Saving the train line was a
necessary first step; securing funding for basic maintenance, never
mind infrastructure improvements, proved to be even more difficult.
However, as a recent member of the General Assembly’s Transportation
Committee, and now as the leading Republican Senator of this important
committee, I have promoted a change in attitude with regards to mass
transit. Unlike my early years in the General Assembly, the state of
Connecticut now has a stronger voice in the Metro North decisions. We
have more parking at the Wilton Train Station and at two of our smaller
stations have added plumbing with there was none.
What changed? Fortunately, Governor M. Jodi Rell believes in mass
transit and understands the economic imperative the Norwalk/Danbury
Branch Line represents. Shortly after she took office in 2004, as
advocates of preserving and improving our rail line, we began to see
real progress for the first time in decades. In addition, after a
series of revolving door DOT Commissioners, we now have a strong,
powerful, ally in Commissioner Joseph Marie.
Clearly, the most obvious beneficiaries of this change in attitude are
the commuters who count on the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line as their
lifeline to the urban centers. But, they are not the only ones.
Excellent train service and a much-improved Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line
is a key to sustaining property values and improving the quality of
life in Fairfield County by making it feasible for more commuters to
avoid our overburdened highways. In the end, mass transit saves money,
reduces pollution and relieves traffic congestion.
I am optimistic that the good news regarding the future of our
Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line is going to continue. DOT has completed the
first phase of its study to evaluate the feasibility improving train
travel times by, among other things, re-electrifying the branch line.
Currently, the train line is no longer electrified and uses diesel
locomotives in a push –pull operation, pushing towards Grand Central
and pulling toward Danbury. The second phase of the study is now
underway. Among the long-term improvements contemplated is extending
the branch line from Danbury to New Milford, and from Danbury to
Waterbury. Ultimately, a successful outcome will be an expanded
state-of-the-art Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line that provides excellent
service on an appropriate number of train cars traveling between
stations that provide quality amenities and sufficient parking. I
encourage those interested in learning more to visit the website
dedicated to the ongoing study at www.danburybranchstudy.com.
It is interesting to note that the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line has been
a mainstay of Fairfield County for well over one hundred years, its
early history dating back to 1835 when the Connecticut State
Legislature granted a rail charter to an enterprise then known as the
Fairfield County Railroad. Even then, progress was anything but smooth,
and by 1850 the charter was renewed and renamed “The Danbury &
Norwalk Railroad”. In 1852, the D&N started running its two Hinkley
Steam Engines - named “The Danbury” and “The Norwalk” – along its
23-mile line. In those days, the trains made two daily round trips for
passengers – and one way took 75 minutes.
I encourage everyone interested in learning more about the fascinating
history of the Norwalk/Danbury Branch Line to check out information
provided on the website maintained by the Housatonic Valley of Elected
Officials at www.hvceo.org.
Meanwhile, I urge all of you to support ongoing efforts to modernize
our rail line so that it can continue to serve Fairfield County for
many generations to come.
G O O
D N E W
S F O R T H E 2 6
T H D I S T R I C T
4th Congressional District race - the
cities overpowered the suburbs this year: we are so sad.
Governor
Jodi Rell and Senator-to-be
Toni Boucher (26th District) - including
part of Weston - in the Governor's Residence.
Bloomberg backs Shays at
Westport fundraiser
By Jeff
Morganteen
Staff Writer
Article
Launched: 10/13/2008 02:33:39 AM EDT
WESTPORT - At a Republican fundraiser Sunday, New York
City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stumped for U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays,
R-Bridgeport, helping to raise more than $100,000 in Shays' race
against Democratic challenger Jim Himes of Greenwich.
Shays votes for what he thinks is right, regardless
of party, Bloomberg said at the fundraiser held in a waterfront
Westport mansion.
"His judgment is really rock solid," Bloomberg said.
"He looks at the facts and is willing to vote for things that he thinks
are good whether or not partisan politics dictate or ask him to do so."
Bloomberg was joined by 200 Shays supporters at the
home of Barry and Carol Asness, longtime backers of Shays.
Bloomberg lauded Shays in a speech in the backyard
then met with members of the media in the driveway, fielding questions
from New York City newspapers about non-partisan elections and
Bloomberg's presumed bid for a third term as mayor.
Bloomberg said Shays, if elected next month, will be
an asset to either presidential candidate as they deal with the
economic crisis.
"We're not going to get out of this financial crisis
easily and we're certainly not going to unless we can pull people
together from both sides of the aisle," Bloomberg said. "That will be
the president's real challenge."
Bloomberg did not directly address the financial
crisis, instead focusing on his relationship with Shays and commending
him for his willingness to work with both parties.
"Sadly, there are very few people in the House (of
Representatives) that do that," he said. "Most people in the House vote
party lines. Chris does not."
Bloomberg then listed issues facing the nation.
"We need to do something about having a comprehensive
energy strategy," he said. "Our dependence on foreign oil is a great
vulnerability for our country and this massive transfer of wealth from
America to countries that don't respect our freedom and don't respect
our values is something we're going to pay for a long time."
Since he and Shays met five years ago, they have
worked on issues that include transportation, terrorism and the Federal
Aviation Administration flight path redesign, Bloomberg said.
Shays, 63, has represented the 4th District since
1987.
Several state Republicans attended the event,
including state Sen. William Nickerson of Greenwich, state Rep.
Antonietta "Toni" Boucher of Wilton, and Scott Frantz, who is
running
for Nickerson's seat.
Nickerson said Shays has been a leader on issues
affecting global markets. Although members of Congress, including
Shays, passed a $700 billon bailout bill for Wall Street, stock markets
worldwide tanked last week. But Nickerson said criticism of the bill is
premature.
"The bailout bill has not even been implemented,"
Nickerson said. "One-day stock market fluctuation is not a judgment on
whether Congress or the White House is handling this properly."
AT THE
GRANGE...
What a beautiful day for this event - face painting for the non-voting
crowd, cool jazz for rest of us! Sunday, September 21, the last
day
of summer 2008. Representative John Stripp hung out and
Toni Boucher, Representative from Wilton,
running to fill the spot of retiring
State Senator Judi Freedman at the right with Chair. Judy Stripp.
State Senator Judith G. Freedman,
R-26 not running again - endorses Rep. Toni Boucher (R-143) at press
conference on the steps of the Wilton Town Hall.
Toni Boucher: some
background...
- 12 years State Representative, 6 as Assistant Minority
Leader
- Member of Appropriations, Transportation, Education and
Higher Education Committees
- State Board of Education, Chair of Policy & Long Range
Planning Committees
- Board of Selectmen , Board of Education Chair
- 25 year business career, Executive at Fortune 500
companies, founder of small businesses
- Director of non-profit institute
- UConn MBA, Series 7 & 63 licenses
- Connecticut Art Advocate of the Year, 2002 & 2008
- Connecticut Music Advocate of the Year, 2008
- Drug Free America Foundation "Moxie Award," 2006
- Drug-Free Schools Coalition, Legislator of the Year 2005
- Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Award 2005
Battles fought and won in the
Legislature:
- Stopped new income and gas tax increases in 2007 and 2008
- Stopped Super 7 highway through Wilton, Ridgefield and
Redding in, 1999, 2007, 2008
- Stopped the permanent closure (shutdown) of Danbury train
line- 1997
- Put overheard power lines underground
- Moved cell towers from residents' backyards
- Saved Open Space and wetlands in Redding, Weston Westport,
Patrick and Cranbury neighborhoods
- Protected Art and Music programs in inter-city schools
- Reformed Bilingual educational programs throughout CT
- Stopped Drug Legalizers in 2004 , 2006, 2008
Examples of work on behalf
of constituents:
- Resolved
bias issues in her district
- Vets benefits for Wilton retired vet
- Resolved constituent health insurance gap problems,
- Resolved a family’s problem with elderly mother who was
subjected to anti-Semitic bias
- DSS services for a 52 year old severely disabled sister of
a resident -
- 85 year-old was subjected to a scam artist- Boucher was
able to
have $1700 restored
- Bill for vet’s son overseas on duty - re: taxes on his car
while overseas: law changed for him and other vets.
- Financial assistance pursued and won: Wilton
Library, teen centers, senior services grant, police and fire
grants
One description of how to
get things done (example):
- The Nature Center approached during campaign season and
asked if Toni might help - succeed when others had not. No one
else asked
for help could get them the $300,000 they needed to close the gap of $3
million
to build the new visitors center for the Nature Center.
- After the
election, Boucher tried to get a bill passed for that purpose BUT could
not get support by other legislators who that thought New Canaan was
"too wealthy" and would not be in a position receive grants from the
limited money available. Toni, always interested in the environment and
organizations supporting "green"issues,
persisted...
- reaching across the isle to the Democratic Party's Bonding
Committee chairman; together, they devised a plan to obtain a DEP grant
for $300,000.
- Following through for months in support of the New Canaan
Nature Center grant, reaching as far as the DEP Commissioner,
after all, there was a successful result! The Nature Center was
thrilled,
and so began a series of similar projects, some in Wilton, but others
in Norwalk and Westport. Toni Boucher is an advocate for
constituents and a
legislator working across Party lines, for the people!
CHAMPION FOR
BETTER DANBURY
LINE IN THE LEGISLAURE!
Rep. Boucher active on this issue this and previous Session - and
SENATOR Boucher will press ahead for better service to cut delays (in
the short run...)
Danbury Branch plans
chugging along slowly
Weston FORUM
Written by Jeff Yates
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Commuters looking for a fix to their Danbury Branch woes will likely
have to wait some time — at the least three years — before seeing much,
or any, improvement to the Metro North train line.
During a recent hearing on phase two of the line’s Electrification
Feasibility Study, at which Department of Transportation and other
study team members discussed the five alternatives being considered to
improve the line, commuters, local officials and four candidates for
state offices gave their two cents on possible improvements.
While the new signaling system for the branch, which will allow for
more frequent trains, should be completed in three years, results of
the current study will likely not be seen for another 10 to 15 years,
officials said. And that’s only if money is set aside to pay for the
project.
Under consideration are five alternatives:
• A no-build alternative in which the only major change would be the
addition of a Georgetown station as part of the Gilbert & Bennett
redevelopment project.
• A plan in which no construction takes place and no new equipment is
purchased but defined as “everything else that can be done” otherwise.
• A plan in which track alignment work is conducted between South
Norwalk and Danbury, passing sidings — where trains can pull off the
main track to let another pass by — are added or improved, and a new
electrification system is added.
• Another alternative is to extend commuter service north from Danbury
to New Milford, adding three new stations and improving the existing
freight track alignment on that route to allow for faster speed.
• The final proposal is for partial electrification of the line, from
South Norwalk to the Merritt Parkway, with feeder rail and/or bus
service.
Under the current system “basically what it amounts to is a train
leaves Danbury to South Norwalk... it has to get about 1/3 of the way,”
before another train can be sent south,” said David Chase, a member of
the study team.
Under the new signaling system, already approved and separate from this
study, “in theory you can run it at a four- or five-minute headway. In
practicality, you’re not going to run that many trains,” he said.
Andy Davis, the DOT project manager, said the signaling system would
offer the option of some relief.
“Once the signaling system goes in, we’ll have the option for more
service on the line,” he said, adding the limiting factor would be new
equipment — locomotives and cars — which wouldn’t be available until
the New Haven line’s M8s come into service.
As for the current study, Mr. Davis said a 10- to 15-year window was
likely.
He said the funding was available to get through the study phase, but
“we have nothing for the next phase, which is design and
implementation.”
Commuters
Commuters who came to one of the two sessions held in Wilton on
Wednesday, June 18, expressed exasperation at the timeline, and concern
about some of the proposals being considered.
“As a rider now, I know that the first couple trains out in the morning
are burdened, and if you’re going to extend the line...” to New
Milford, it will be impossible to find a spot to stand, let alone sit,
said one commuter.
Others said they currently drive to another more southern station, or,
more frequently the New Canaan line, because service and train
frequency are better.
“That’s what I do, because of the frequency coming home at South
Norwalk,” said one commuter.
Ms. Boucher, who said she was given word that the new signaling system
funding had been released and the project could move forward, said it
would help ease some of the delays and poor service on the line.
“It has been a long, hard fight on the part of Wilton and its
representation to get it put back on the table,” she said, adding the
fight for a new signaling system had been going on since 1997. “That is
a huge win for this train line...”
Public comment on the study is open until July 25. Full details of the
options, and more information may be found at:
www.danburybranchstudy.com.
BOUCHER STATE SENATE
CAMPAIGN
QUALIFIES FOR PUBLIC FINANCING IN RECORD TIME
WILTON, June 30 – State Representative Toni Boucher today
announced that her campaign for election as State Senator of
Connecticut's 26th District has qualified for public financing from the
state's Citizens' Election Fund. The announcement comes just one
month after Boucher's unanimous nomination as her party's candidate for
the State Senate seat that will be vacated by Judith Freedman, who is
not seeking reelection.
"I am gratified by the immediate outpouring of support for this
campaign," said Ellen Essman, CPA and Treasurer, Boucher State Senate
Committee. "We raised enough funds from enough contributors to
qualify for public financing in about one third of the time that it has
taken many others running for public office to get the same
results. I am very proud of our efforts and of the response this
campaign has received."
To qualify for Citizen's Election Fund financing, candidates for the
State Senate must raise at least $15,000, including individual
contributions from at least 300 residents of the towns they are seeking
to represent.
Boucher's success in qualifying so quickly is noteworthy not only
because of its speed, but also because her campaign initially faced a
unique challenge. Before Senator Freedman's announcement of her
retirement and her endorsement of Boucher as her successor, Boucher had
intended to seek reelection as State Representative. Her House
campaign had already qualified for public financing, having raised more
than $5,000, including contributions from 150 donors in the 143rd
District. Recognizing that there was no precedent for this type
of situation, Boucher took the initiative of closing down her House
campaign committee and refunding all monies she had received to each
individual contributor. She then recruited a new Treasurer and
formed a completely new committee for her State Senate campaign.
"Closing down one campaign and jump-starting another in just a month
was an enormous amount of work," said Representative Boucher, "but I
felt strongly that this was the proper procedure to follow, especially
given all that the State has experienced in the last few years.
It also sets a precedent for others, should a similar situation occur
again."
"I am delighted that Toni has received the support she deserves and
that we now have the resources to work together to win in November,"
said Senator Judith Freedman, Chairman of the Boucher State Senate
Committee. "As I said at our nominating convention, I cannot
think of anyone better than Toni to take my seat. The way that
she handled the transition from one campaign to another is a perfect
demonstration of the fact that she meets the highest ethical standards
required of people in public office. She is tenacious about the
issues shared by the constituents of our district, and she has a keen
understanding of the towns she represents. She is an outstanding
State Representative, and I know she will be an outstanding State
Senator."
"I want to thank the residents of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding,
Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton for their enthusiastic
support," said Representative Boucher. "You not only have made it
possible for me to get our campaign message out to the entire 26th
District during the months ahead, but also have given me the
inspiration and encouragement to continue my fight for changes that
will improve the economic climate in our State. I believe that
state government should work for our citizens – not the other way
around."
Watch interview
with...Toni Boucher and Judi Freedman: 26th District's interests
front and center!
Retiring
State Senator Freedman and Representative Toni Boucher discuss
issues of the day of
particular interest to residents of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding,
Ridgefield, Westport, Weston, and Wilton.
Please
Click
Here If You Are Using A Dial-Up Modem
Please Click
Here If You Are Using A DSL Or Cable Connection