Last year Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed a 90-page energy bill that passed in the waning days of the legislative session without the normal sequence of public hearing and comment. That bill is back – and as Senate Bill 1, highlighting its importance to Senate Democrats, who control the chamber. “Lowering electric rates for businesses and [...]

“The sun did not shine. The Iraq war dragged on. And our once great economy Was almost all gone.” So begins Loren Spivack’s political parody of “The Cat in the Hat.” It’s opening stanzas blame Republicans, but the focus quickly shifts to “The New Democrat,” the title character modeled on President Barack Obama. “The ‘big [...]

Gov. Dannel Malloy chose six current and two former legislators to serve in his administration, a decision that will cost taxpayers millions in extra pension payments when these public officials retire. All state employees, including legislators, are eligible for state pensions based on the three highest-income years. A former legislator lucky enough to get a [...]

Federal officials denied the University of Connecticut Health Center a $100 million grant last month, which, according to the grant application, will pose a challenge for the state’s struggling academic hospital. The application – to fund one third of a $332 million project to build a new bed tower for John Dempsey Hospital – makes [...]

“To the victor belong the spoils.” – Sen. William Marcy, D-NY Less than 24 hours into his administration, Gov. Dan Malloy has announced the appointment of 38 administration officials, but more than 68 positions remain to be filled. Malloy has the ability to appoint leaders of each state department, a governor’s office staff and the [...]