Connecticut Local Politics

Unlike Sean Sullivan, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, Reps John Larson and Rosa DeLauro have resisted the temptation to pander to the electorate in the short term and are focusing on the long term energy policy. This from their press release on why they oppose the gas tax holiday:
“First, [it] will bankrupt the federal […]

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The Courant reports that Governor Rell is considering a full or partial veto of the criminal justice bill based by the General Assembly last week due to the cost.
The bill, passed in response to home invasions in Cheshire and New Britain, toughens the penalties for repeat violent offenders. But what’s cause concern for Jodi Rell […]

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It’s a good question, and the First Selectman of Waterford, Dan Seward, says yes in a fascinating article in the Courant today.
The article is worth reading, especially to get an understanding of the debate over nuclear power as it currently stands. The negatives are obvious: environmental issues (including nuclear waste), cost of construction of […]

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State Rep. Robert Menga (D-New Haven) is suggesting that utilities could make out like bandits under the terms of the new energy bill. Apparently consumers may have to pay up to $25 million more:
The scheme created by investor-owned utilities in section 107 of the energy bill is named “decoupling.” Generally it works this way: If […]

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Capitol Watch has the story:
Gov. M. Jodi Rell was flabbergasted when she heard that the Connecticut Light & Power Company is seeking yet another rate increase for more than 1 million electricity customers. The latest proposal calls for a 4.6 percent hike that would start on January 1, 2008 - coming on the heels of […]

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Lazy bums!
With time running out in the legislative session, the General Assembly will be unable to finish all of its work by the Constitutional deadline at midnight Wednesday, House Speaker James Amann said Monday afternoon.
Even if a budget deal is reached before Wednesday night, the legislature would be unable to finish the so-called “budget implementers,’’ […]

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Back in the 1990s, Connecticut was promised that deregulation of utilities would lead to lower rates for consumers. The power companies would get out of the generating business, sell off their power plants, and become basically energy distributors.
It didn’t work. In fact, our rates are higher than they’ve ever been. Here are some […]

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According to MLN there were only 19 no votes.
More details as they come in, including information on the various amendments. Feel free to chime in with information in the comments section. Initial details about the compromise can be found at our earlier post here.
Right after the vote was called I spoke to a tired, […]

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According to The Day, Democratic Legislators have reached a deal on the dueling energy bills. The deal apparently favors the Senate bill. This doesn’t come as a surprise since yesterday CT News Junkie observed that The lobbyists for big energy look way to happy for it to be good for consumers, so don’t […]

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Senate Democrats are going to vote on (and presumably approve) a plan for a progressive income tax today, according to the Courant–leading to a possible budget impasse with the governor:
Senate Democrats today intend to defy Gov. M. Jodi Rell by approving a progressive income tax scale that Democrats say will lower taxes for most residents […]

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We have just over a week left to go in this years Legislative session. Expect to see lots of action especially when it comes to energy, taxes, and health care.
Have a bill that you’re worried won’t get passed? Here’s the thread to get it off your chest. Then contact your Legislators.
Also, if you […]

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House Speaker James Amann (D-Milford) is threatening to essentially bring a halt to House business if the Republican minority doesn’t drop their proposal to eliminate the gas tax for the summer:
House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford, vowed to indefinitely delay any bills - including the state budget, bonding programs, or even energy relief - if […]

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During last night’s live blog with Tom Swan a few of us asked for a side by side comparison of the dueling House and Senate energy bills. Tom promised that a chart would be posted on CCAG’s website the next day, and today they made good on that promise. The comparison was done […]

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My wife and I carpool to Springfield every morning, and we always pass by a certain Mobil station on Hazard Ave. That’s how we keep track of gas prices from day to day.
Today the price there was $3.25/gallon–higher than I had ever seen it, even worse than the aftermath of Katrina. Wow, I thought to […]

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Tonight CT Local Politics welcomes Tom Swan to our comments section. Many of you are familiar with Swan as Ned Lamont’s campaign manager, but he’s also the Executive Director of Connecticut Citizen Action Group.
Last week the CCAG’s analysis of energy contracts for 12 towns led Attorney General Dick Blumenthal to call for an investigation. […]

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