http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Catie/Where%20We%20Live%2006-13-2012.mp3
There was lots of excitement around this special session, with the FBI investigation of Chris Donovan’s campaign staff - leading him to recuse himself as speaker.
Then there was the “mixed bag” of non-budget related “concepts” added to the bills - many without any sort of public hearing. Republicans cried “foul” Democrats said “Hey, at least we’re getting something done.”
Today we found out what did get done with Ken Dixon of The Connecticut Post, Senate Democrat Don Williams, and Republican Representative Vin Candelora.
Jobs Bill
Among the things that did get done was a jobs plan that had earlier been hung up by a party dispute with speaker Chris Donovan. Candelora supported the bill in the regular session, but wasn't happy with the expansion of the bill. "We're expanding the program to cover additional businesses, the money has already been spent. It will have little affect on creating additional jobs." But Williams insisted it was an important bill for the state. "What the people of Connecticut want is for us to do everything we can possibly do to help the small and medium sized businesses to stay in business... to be a catalyst to help our economy"
Education in Bridgeport
A provision in one of the budget bills would lend the city of Bridgeport $3.5 million, as long as the city follow certain conditions related to their failing school system - that the state Education Commissioner would be involved in choosing the new superintendent. "The strings are attached in part because the new education program we passed in the regular session is not up and running," Williams said. "They are a school system in transition."
State Troopers
Republicans were concerned about the elimination of a state law that mandates a minimum of 1,248 state troopers. Candelora said that there is anecdotal evidence that we do not have enough state troopers on our roads. "People feel we should take some time through a program review to study that issue and figure out what the appropriate level of staffing will be."
