A labor union for 2,200 workers at submarine maker Electric Boat in Groton-- has agreed to a new, five-year contract through 2019 that includes annual pay raises of 3 percent or more. The union includes machinists, electricians, and professional employees. Electric Boat is a subsidiary of Virginia-based General Dynamics --and employs more than 12,000 people in Groton and North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
It's unclear whether state lawmakers will approve any legislation this session that would place additional restrictions on the public release of information from homicides as part of an effort to protect victim privacy. The Judiciary Committee failed to act on Wednesday on one of two competing bills that created a procedure for allowing the public to view and seek copies of images of homicide victims. Rep. Gerald Fox, the panel's co-chairman, said there weren't enough votes to support the bill.
Malloy Wants Expanded Recycling Effort
Governor Dannel Malloy is urging state lawmakers to act before the end of the current General Assembly session to approve a legislative package that would more than double Connecticut’s recycling rate over a 10-year period and remake the quasi-public agency that oversees solid waste disposal in the state. The bill would increase the recycling rate from the current level of about 25 percent to 60 percent over the next 10 years.
Connecticut Gas Prices Soar
The price of gasoline is rising in Connecticut. Triple-A reports Connecticut gas prices have gone up 8 cents this week and 13 cents in the past month. The statewide average today for a gallon of regular is $3.90, compared to a national average of $3.69.
Connecticut Kicks Off Tourism Campaign
Connecticut’s latest tourism campaign markets the state as an attraction with substantial offerings but without a long drive. The $3.4 million dollar advertising and social media effort was unveiled today and will continue through August. Governor Malloy made boosting tourism a part of his 2010 election campaign, tying promotion of the state to economic development.