Big Changes, Big Price Tag?

Although it is still early in the legislative session, my colleagues and I in Hartford have been very busy tackling the issues facing our State and community this year.

One of the most publicized matters this session is the Governor’s “Sunday Sales” bill (House Bill 5021) which, despite its misleading title, is a comprehensive package of reforms to the way that alcohol is purchased and sold in the state.

A public hearing on the subject occurred on February 28 in Hartford, drawing a crowd of nearly 1,000 people to the Capitol as supporters and opponents of the bill testified before the General Law Committee.

Parties on both sides of this issue have been making compromises, changing the nitty gritty details of the bill in an effort to balance what proponents are calling a benefit to consumers, while opponents like the Connecticut Package Store Association argue will cause small businesses to layoff employees and close.

The General Law Committee is currently considering whether or not to vote the bill out of committee and progress it further in the legislative process.

Another major proposal facing the legislature this session is the Governor’s education bill (Senate Bill 24), which attempts to reform many aspects of the State’s educational system, including teacher tenure, early childhood education, teacher evaluations, school funding and small district regionalization.

The Education Committee hosted two days of public hearings where they heard many hours of testimony on the subject from teachers, administrators, parents, students and educational organizations, who all weighed in with both praise and criticism.

An educated workforce is the backbone of every strong economy and I look forward to a continued dialogue about the degree to which the bill accomplishes our common goal of better preparing our children for the competitive job market.

And finally, the state budget and economy are of the utmost importance during this “short” session, as the State Constitution requires the legislature to focus on budgetary, revenue and financial matters on even-numbered years.

Unfortunately, we are predicted to end the fiscal year on June 30th with a $236 million deficit – putting our state budget in a perilous position. 

Additionally, while the current adopted budget includes $260 million in spending increases, the Governor has proposed another $329 million increases, bringing us to a total increase of over a half billion dollars between this year and next.

Clearly there is a lot of work that needs to be done to get our fiscal house in order, and I am continuing my daily efforts to do that in a responsible manner.

As always, I welcome your input on these and all issues coming before the legislature. Please contact me with your thoughts and questions by calling 800-842-1423 or emailing me at Livvy.Floren@housegop.ct.gov.

State Representative Livvy R. Floren
149th District
Greenwich and Stamford