HARTFORD, CT – Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy in congratulating Westport’s, Catherine Cleare Interiors, LLC as one of five Connecticut small businesses which have qualified for assistance through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP).

The program was created as a part of the bipartisan jobs bill passed during last year’s jobs special session to encourage business expansion and job growth.

Sen. Boucher said, “As a small business owner for many years, I understand that when making an investment one must consider all the risks involved. In this economy, stability is one of the most important factors in the survival of a business.”

“The jobs created by retail and service companies are often the product of hardworking and determined self-employed entrepreneurs,” Governor Malloy said. “The Small Business Express Program is proving very responsive to this important sector of our economy, one that has tremendous potential for job growth and retention.”

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments. The program, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

Catherine Cleare Interiors, LLC of Westport is receiving a job incentive loan of $63,000 that, combined with $57,500 of company funds, will be used for marketing and staff training. The interior design company will retain one position and add a new one.

State Senator Toni Boucher said, “Small businesses represent over 75% of Connecticut’s job market and are the engine of our economy. It is good to see the state focus on this critical sector and offering programs to small companies that are willing to put skin in the game. For too long business incentive programs have focused on the largest employers. Connecticut still has a long way to go to in creating an environment that is conducive to job creation but this is a step in the right direction.”

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov.

“The bill attempts to address many of the problems that occurred last year during the October Nor’easter. Many of our constituents suffered with no power, no phone, and no bathroom facilities and in many cases no running water for over a week,” said Sen. Boucher.

The bill not only deals with the October snow storm but also with the remnants of Hurricane Irene in August.
The legislation gives the state the ability to react more swiftly in the case of future outages. Under the bill, which passed 34-0 in the senate, state regulators will be required to:

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has until Nov. 1 to submit a report identifying the new standards.

“As long as those standards are real and fair and responsible, we should hold the utilities accountable if they don’t meet them,” said Sen. Toni Boucher.

The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.

Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) released the following statement today re: HB 5557 MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO STATE EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013.

“On Tuesday the Senate took up the majority budget adjustments and they also proposed to fix a more than $200 million dollar deficit that took many by surprise given that the administration had just enacted the largest retroactive tax increase that many are still feeling the sting of.

“I was proud to be a part of the minority budget adjustments that would move the state in the right direction. A direction that takes us away from headlines that proclaim Connecticut is the worst state for business, retirees and for taxpayers. And the last in the country to have a tax freedom day of May the 5th.

“The last thing the public wants to hear is that Connecticut government is continuing to spend more each year. The rate of growth in this biennium has will grow to 7.2% . While our neighboring state such as New York reduced its rate of growth during this tumultuous time in our country’s economy.

“Although the alternative republican budget reduces spending from that proposed by the majority, it still funds the following:

“It is often the response of the minority side to oppose budget and tax policies of the majority that do not align with its values. However, in this state the minority party has provided alternative budgets in the last six years that were detailed and vetted by Office of Fiscal Analysis as balanced and implementable with out further tax increases and corresponding decreases in spending. This alternative budget reflects a value that you should not spend more than you make.

“Bipartisan cooperation has produced excellent results when the majority party is open to and considers the suggestions of the other side. This was clearly seen in the Governor’s bipartisan jobs legislation and recent successful education reform.

“It is my hope that some of the detailed suggestions put forth in this alternative budget proposal will also provide some useful ideas and inspire the administration as they navigate the next two years that will surely be as challenging as the year we have just experienced.”

“There is much in this bill to like and dislike – that is the true art of the compromise. Neither side is comfortable with all aspects of the bill.

“However there are two aspects that for me are the most significant and may do the most to address our achievement gap. These two issues have been moved forward by the Black and Latino Caucus they include:

“HB 5350 AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF THE PILOT STUDY OF BEST PRACTICES IN EARLY LITERACY AND CLOSING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT GAPS that would have universal literacy by the third grade as a goal has been incorporated into this bill and it has greatly improved it.

“Will this bill prove to be the kind of reform that will improve the prospects for all children no matter their income level, increase respect for teachers and elevate teaching?

“Only time will tell and the federal government will let the state know if it agrees that we have taken a step in the right direction with much needed education dollars that Connecticut has failed to garner in the past.

“I have much appreciation for the enormous effort expended by so many groups at all levels that have worked tirelessly to bring forward many well thought out proposals included in this bill. And we are grateful to past and current administrations that have been dedicated to educational quality. We should also thank a talented and passionate Commissioner and to my colleagues who care so deeply for our children.

“We may disagree on methodology but not on the outcome we wish to achieve.

“My unusual journey to this general assembly started with my local board of education and state board of education service. As such- this journey for me has always been about education.

“As an immigrant child of poor and uneducated parents who spoke no English, I formed my values, goals and ethics from an early age because of their guidance. Their daily message was that education is everything. They told me education is the way out of poverty and the path to freedom.

“Further, their respect for the educated, for teachers and the teaching profession was impressed upon us every day. They believe as I do that teaching is the noblest of all professions.

“We have been known to often say that we run for office to make a difference. What I have learned is that “making a difference” is extremely elusive. There are few endeavors that can truly make a difference.

“There are only two places where we have a real fighting chance to make a lasting, life-altering difference- in the home and in the classroom. And if the home fails a child, there is only one place left, the classroom.

“As such, a teacher assumes society’s greatest responsibility and has an enormous influence in a young person’s life. The future potential of our children and workforce that must increasingly compete on a global scale depends on them.

“That is why Raymond Neag made the largest contribution in the country to a school of education when he donated $21 million to UCONN. Mr. Neag did not donate to the school of engineering that he graduated from, but to the school of education.

“He understood teachers laid the early foundation for his success. Teaching is hard work but it can make an indelible impact on a child’s life forever. I know that everyone in this chamber is grateful to our teachers and we thank them.”

Sen. Boucher is ranking member on Education and Higher Education Committees

“This bill is a power grab by unions directed at the states most vulnerable population. This will affect the flexibility of money providing them services and will result in higher costs. This will only hurt those who are unable to pay those higher costs and may result in diminished care.

“These groups of workers are already funded through the state budget and can be provided with higher pay and given more training if the legislature appropriates them more money each year. Adding a layer that would assess these providers with union dues may result in higher costs for the individuals that receive those needed services. The state currently directs the money to pay for PCA’s and for Child Care workers to the people who receive services. Then those employers pay providers.

“I offer up the thoughts from one of my constituents who is on the front lines of this debate.

‘As we have seen happen in Michigan and other places where states have agreed to the unionization of direct care workers employed caring for people with disabilities in their homes; the disabled and their families have suffered. Disabled people and their families have lost thousands of dollars a year used to purchase this direct care to union dues and higher wages without the benefits of improved care or more care but have been able to purchase fewer hours of care for their disabled loved ones with the same dollars as before. The union provides no benefit to these families, but diverts these direct care dollars for their own purposes, to increase their membership and influence in the political realm.

Maryann Lombardi, Wilton, CT

“During the last ten years, private unions have diminished in size while government unions have grown dramatically, which has the potential to slow down state services. If there is a movement for unionization, I believe it should come from the people in the industry, not be imposed by the governor in league with SEIU. This is part of a nationwide effort to create more dues-paying members of this union. At last count, this forced unionization has been attempted in fifteen states. Some have resisted it successfully; we will continue to fight it here in Connecticut.”

Teaching is the noblest and most important of our professions. Our teachers have an enormous responsibility as they can have an indelible impact on a student’s life. We must ensure they have the best preparation to succeed in today’s challenging school environment.

Every avenue must be explored to tackle Connecticut’s widest in the nation achievement gap. Teacher preparation programs are among the most important focus areas.

“We want to attract and better prepare the next generation of teachers,” said Sen. Boucher.

The bill was inspired by concerns brought forward by Superintendents who were concerned about the disparity in quality of teacher candidates being interviewed. One of the main issues is the variation between teacher preparation programs state university system programs that prepare teachers. Committee members were told that school systems have found that there was a need for more, higher quality and more in classroom experience was needed in the program.

SB 384 will ask The State Board of Education, The Board of Regents for Higher Education and University of Connecticut to do the following including:

The State Board of Education shall report their study recommendations by April 1, 2013.

“When you increase the quality and reputation of a program you help elevate the profession. The selectivity of the programs seems to attract more, higher performing students,” said Sen. Boucher. “By increasing the quality of our teaching programs we can improve the learning environment for our students.”

Senator Boucher thanked the co-chairs of the Higher Education Committee for their willingness to consider the ideas she brought forward and the support for the betterment of the learning environment for our next generation teachers.

Committee members are hopeful other higher education institutions, like many of the liberal arts schools around the state will also develop a masters degree to help increase the pool of applicants.

The bill now goes on to the House for consideration.

Senator Boucher receiving her award

HARTFORD, CT— State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) was commended today for her continual work making Connecticut a better place for children to live and grow.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance recognized Boucher as a “Children’s Champion” for ushering legislation aimed at improving outcomes for young children, taking special interest in the issues facing young children, and engaging with advocates on early childhood legislation centering on health, nutrition and safety.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a ‘Children’s Champion’ and to stand among these distinguished community leaders and elected officials who share my strong value and commitment to early childhood issues,” said Sen. Boucher.

Awards were presented to Boucher and other state legislators at the State Capitol. The room was packed with a number of parents, early childhood advocates and activist leaders from across the state.

Sen. Boucher received this award for her efforts to promote early childhood issues both locally in her profession and at the State Capitol.

“Sen. Boucher was chosen as a 2012 Children’s Champion for demonstrating a strong level of commitment to early childhood through leadership on policy issues during the 2012 legislative session, and active involvement on local early childhood initiatives,” said Maggie Adair, Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide membership and advocacy organization committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight. They have member organizations which employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children.

“I want to thank the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for strong advocacy surrounding pre-school education and early childhood education,” said Sen. Boucher.

Senator Boucher also recognized Elaine Zimmerman of Connecticut Commission on Children for her work on the science of early learning. She has highlighted the fact that 80% of what a child learns is learned from birth to the age of 5.

Sen. Boucher stated, “An investment in this age group will give us the greatest return and help us close the widest in the nation achievement gap.”

Sen. Boucher also received the Children’s Champion award from the Alliance in 2009. Sen. Boucher is a Ranking Member of both the Education Committee and Higher Education Committee and dedicates much of her time to issues involving youth programs, children’s issues and education. She has also been a chairman of Wilton Board of Education, State Board of Education and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Assistant Minority Leader in the House.

SB 40 makes changes to the way that the Connecticut State University System and Community Colleges can offer remedial help to those students who enter college well behind the learning curve of their classmates.

“This bill will allow students who may need extra help to catch up by eliminating remedial class requirements before they begin taking entry level classes,” said Sen. Boucher. “Instead, higher education institutions will have the opportunity to offer a beefed up entry level class, so students who need help can catch up faster.”

The goal of SB 40 is to allow these students – some of them non-traditional – to graduate in 2 years with an associate’s degree from community college, or 4 years in our state university system and not have to expend grants and scholarships on remedial studies. Many times students will spend 4 years earning an associates degree that should only take two years to acquire.

“As a result, some students are expending their scarce college scholarship loans on one to two years of remedial courses that do not count toward the completion of their college degree,” said Sen. Boucher.

“As a ranking member on the Higher Education Committee, I would prefer to see students prepared for college when they graduated High School. However, as we have experienced Connecticut’s achievement gap has grown through the years and sadly many students leave high school unprepared for college level courses. This bill seeks to address this issue so our students can compete for jobs in a global society,” said Sen. Boucher. “Remedial classes can help to pass courses necessary to fulfill the requirements of a degree however the long delay often derails the student’s progress. The need to shorten the process made this bill a priority of the higher education committee.”

Senator Boucher, along with the Chairs of the Higher Education Committee, crafted and successfully passed this ground breaking new design to help students complete a college degree in a timely fashion. They also believe this could become a national model for streamlining remedial courses at the Community College and State University Systems.

The hard work by the leaders of the higher education committee to revise the language by including all parties and their concerns produced a strong bill that limits remedial classes to one semester and offers support that may be necessary taken along side of degree eligible courses in an effort to make the journey from college entrance to completion shorter and less costly. The implementation of this bill may highlight other aspects of remedial education that can be improved. Senator Boucher looks forward to continuing to work together with the leaders, and members of the higher education committee to make continuous improvement to our constituent units of our higher education system and for the benefit of our community college and state university system students.

The bill passed on a roll call vote 33-3.

Sen. Boucher is a Ranking Member of both the Education Committee and Higher Education Committee and dedicates much of her time to issues involving youth programs, children’s issues and education. She has also been a chairman of Wilton Board of Education, State Board of Education and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Assistant Minority Leader in the House.

SB 218 would permit municipalities to use fewer polling places for primaries than for the general election.

“The turnout difference between general elections and primary elections is glaring. The high water mark for recent turnout was the 2008 Presidential election, which garnered an impressive 78.14% turnout of Connecticut voters,” said Senator Boucher. “In contrast, turnout for an August 2009 Primary election was a meager 13.9%. Despite the disparity, our towns still had to properly staff and maintain the same number of polling places. This bill would give municipalities the flexibility to adjust the number of polling places depending on need.”

With the passage of SB 218 there are potential municipal savings that could be realized through the elimination of polling locations. They include:

Senator Boucher said, “Some of my towns are also finding it increasingly difficult to find enough poll workers to properly maintain each polling place, particularly in low interest elections.”

If the registrars reduce the number of polling places, they may similarly agree to reduce the number of moderators, provided there is at least one moderator per polling place. The bill requires the polling places for a primary to remain the same as for the corresponding election if the registrars cannot agree to the changes or if any candidate objects.

“During these difficult times, we need to extend the ability to cut costs to as many of our towns as possible and still maintaining the integrity of the process,” said Sen. Boucher.