Connecticut on Wednesday May 07, 2008

Archive of Connecticut on Wednesday May 07, 2008

Rell looks for savings as deficit looms
By The Associated Press, The Hartford Courant (registration)
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1.
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Use of state lawyers in ethics cases flounders in House
By Jon Lender, The Hartford Courant (registration)
A Senate-approved bill that would let legislators and other state employees use taxpayer-funded state lawyers to defend them in ethics cases is floundering in the House - where a key committee chairman, who normally would bring it up, refuses to do so.
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Needy districts face cuts in school reading programs
By Arielle Levin Becker, The Hartford Courant (registration)
The state's neediest school districts are facing cuts in critical programs that help teach children to read because of a looming $20 million falloff in funding under the state's "do-nothing" budget.
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Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
When an elderly person with dementia is lost, seven states can trigger a Silver Alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.
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Mayors, others decry state budget decision
By Susan Haigh, The Associated Press, The Day (New London)
Mayors, union leaders and activists for the poor ramped up the political pressure Monday on the General Assembly and Gov. M. Jodi Rell, hoping to change their minds about not amending the new budget that takes effect July 1.
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Bill on open alcohol containers in vehicles seems dead
By Christopher Keating, The Hartford Courant (registration)
In the state Senate, it seemed like a no-brainer last week that a driver in the year 2008 should not be able to bolt down the highway with an open bottle of whiskey in his hand. To the surprise of many, that's still legal in Connecticut.
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Advocacy group seeks oversight of some Connecticut DCF functions
By Stephanie Reitz, The Associated Press, The Day (New London)
A watchdog group is asking a federal court monitor to appoint an overseer to manage some services of the state Department of Children and Families.
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All present and accounted for
By Jennifer Grogan, The Day (New London)
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. - For the first time since the start of the Iraq War, the Connecticut National Guard units are all home.
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GOP pushes budget spending
By Susan Haigh, The Associated Press, The Day (New London)
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1.
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Senate cuts fee for Gold Star plates
By The Associated Press, The Hartford Courant (registration)
A bill that eliminates the fee for the Gold Star Family license plate is heading to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's desk.
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Senate votes to limit lead in toys
By The Associated Press, The Hartford Courant (registration)
The state of Connecticut is moving closer toward establishing limits for lead in children's products.
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Wal-Mart selects 20 capitols, including Pa.'s, for energy audits
By The Associated Press, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced partnerships with Pennsylvania, 18 other states and Puerto Rico to help them save on energy and electricity costs at their capitols.
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Will states fix 2012 primary process?
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
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Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
By Kim Mendelsohn, Special to Stateline.org
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.
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Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.
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WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
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Parents turn to states for autism help
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

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With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
By Daniel C. Vock and John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writers
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say.
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Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure.
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Credit crunch hits states' college loans
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer

(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)

The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college.

More states offer choice in long-term care
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
More states are poised to offer a successful alternative to traditional Medicaid plans that allows elders and the disabled to avoid moving to a nursing facility by hiring friends, neighbors or family members to look after them in their own homes.
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Partisan mix in R.I., Conn. poses challenges
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

The blue states of Connecticut and Rhode Island have had a long tradition of electing Republican governors. But in both states, the combination has led at times to difficult — even chaotic — policymaking.
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Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

For the past several election cycles, the Democrats have been on a roll in legislative elections. This year, the party is well-positioned to hold its majority of chambers — but greatly expanding Democratic control may not be in the cards.

WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. California corrections officials install “flushometers” to control wasteful toilet flushing in prisons. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.
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