Capitol Update, September 25th

Here is my most recent update you on the Connecticut National Guard, the Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River, tomorrow’s special legislative session, and new laws that take effect on October 1.

Connecticut National Guard

As a member of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, I recently jumped on an opportunity extended to all legislators to spend the day learning about our state’s great National Guard. The event included briefings from Major General Francis Evon, the Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard/Military Department, as well as some of his staff. These briefings took place at the Bradley Air National Guard Base (Windsor Locks), the Theater Aviation Group (Groton), and Camp Nett (Niantic). Transportation was via CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which brought back memories of my last ride about twenty years ago as an Army Reserve officer.

The CT Military Department, composed of Air, Army, & Militia, is over 5,300 strong with 38 installations located throughout the state. In response to my question, MG Evon did confirm that the Guard is committed to building an armory in Litchfield County, which is the only part of the state without one.

Farmington River Quilt Display

I joined members of the Farmington River Coordinating Committee to highlight the Farmington River Quilt which is on display in the State Capitol LOB Concourse. The quilt is comprised of 50 individual crafted squares, each depicting a unique river scene. The pieces have been set-up in a linear pattern, mirroring the flow of the river. You can see videos of the beautiful quilt and the press conference at this link.

My remarks can be reviewed here.

Regarding river flow in the Upper Farmington River, control of 10 billion gallons of formerly designated drinking water in Colebrook River Lake remains unresolved. The Metropolitan District Commission is pursuing federal legislation to release it from its financial obligations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This seems to be the greatest sticking point. In the meantime, interested parties are exploring a negotiated agreement regarding a flow regime, especially to protect the river during drought periods. The Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River is one of my highest causes, and I am an active participant in these discussions.

Special Session

We will convene on Tuesday, September 26, at the State Capitol for a Special Session. We are expected to act on a judicial nominee for the State Supreme Court and we will also be tackling some election-related business, namely moving the state primary date to an earlier calendar date.

However, our caucus remains concerned about the agenda being opened to non-emergency issues, which do not have looming deadlines. With the official call of the special session, it has become clear that legislative Democrats would like to expand the agenda to alter campaign finance laws. A hasty decision with these laws could lead to the infusion of dark money in the next election cycle.

New Laws Effective October 1

Several new laws will be taking effect on October 1st. I have highlighted a couple of these new laws but encourage you to review the entire list by clicking the button below.

• Municipal Veterans Services – This bill reorganizes the laws requiring municipalities to establish veterans’ representative programs and makes various changes to them, including allowing municipalities to jointly carry out their program related duties.
• Wrong-way Driving Prevention – DOT will implement measures to stop the uptick in wrong-way driving incidences. They will be installing wrong-way driving detection and notification systems at least 120 highway exit ramps that DOT determines are high risk for wrong-way drivers. They’ll also be establishing a pilot program at high-risk exit ramps that the department determines are appropriate for testing systems that also broadcast alerts about a wrong-way driver’s presence on electronic highway message boards…
• Addressing Street Racing and Takeovers – Extends an illegal street racing prohibition to parking lots; expressly prohibits motor vehicle stunts and “street takeovers” on public roads and parking lots; prohibits certain conduct assisting with them.