'Work in Progress': Overused in Hartford

The term “shared sacrifice” was on Lake Superior State University's annual list of overused, misused and tiresome words people want to see banished. Because those two words were frequently used in 2011 Capitol DisPatch wondered what terms Nutmeg State lawmakers would banish this year if they could.

State Rep. Jason Perillo, a Republican representing in the 113th House District said he won’t care if he never again hears the term "revenue enhancers."

“It is just government speak for new taxes and fees and all it does is mislead taxpayers,” Perillo said.

will second that. To her, "work in progress" is redundant.

“I think the term used in Hartford that I find most irritating is "work in progress," she said. "It is used to describe a bill that is being discussed in committee and that the chairs or proponents want to see voted out of committee even though certain committee members might disagree with it … Frankly, all bills are 'works in progress' until they die or have been passed in both chambers.”

It’s no contest for .

“I would add my voice to the comments that 'shared sacrifice' has been misused and created a contentious environment. It should be removed from our vocabulary,” Boucher said.

If state Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, a Democrat representing New Haven in the 94th House District had his way the term “operate in silos” would be buried.

DEEP WATER

The Office of Policy and Management—working with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and local officials—selected port and harbor advisor Moffat & Nichol study the state’s three deep-water ports, including a focused effort at growing maritime industry jobs. Hartford-based BETA Group, Inc., a local engineering, planning and environmental services firm, will be a subcontractor on the project.

“Connecticut’s maritime industry is a vital piece of our State’s economy, accounting for tens of thousands of good jobs,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy in a press release. “Unfortunately, without a comprehensive strategy in place, we can't know where the best chances for us to promote economic development exist. This study will change that. It will guide the State – in the short and long-term – in our effort to partner with Connecticut’s ports, grow jobs, and bolster our economy.”

Lavielle said she’s “not sure what the Moffat & Nichol study is going to turn up, but it doesn't seem likely that Connecticut could compete with New Jersey, New York, and Boston on all aspects of shipping. That said. Connecticut has certainly not fully exploited the potential of its three deep water ports—New Haven, Bridgeport and New London.”

Lavielle, who sits on the transportation committee, said she hopes the maximum $477,000 budget for the study won't be spent, as we need to watch spending on "consulting" carefully.

Moreover, she said Connecticut needs a real rail freight system if the ports are to truly be competitive, and that’s an expensive proposition.

GREEN FOR GREEN

reminded constituents about . Among the laws are new insurance coverage regulations, tax incentives for new job growth and partial loan forgiveness for ‘green’ job majors.

And $3 million is available in loan forgiveness grants to those state residents who graduated on or after May 1, 2010 from a state college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the promotion of clean energy, renewable energy or energy efficiency; reducing greenhouse gases or carbon emissions; or inventing, designing and applying chemical products and processes to eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. The family contribution for the most recent full academic year can’t exceed $35,000, and students are eligible for a maximum loan of $2,500 per year for up to four years.

“We had a successful legislative session on a number of fronts, from business investments to consumer-friendly regulations and more,” Duff said. “I think each of these new laws contributes to an improved quality of life here in Connecticut.”

PLANS

“I’m looking forward to a better bi-partisan session soon that for me will be about - education, education, education along with transportation priorities and fighting to make sure Hartford does 'no more harm' to the beleaguered taxpayers,” Boucher said. “Of special note: CEA’s plan is a good first step in accurately evaluating teachers and making the dismissal process more efficient. But we will see if a watered down version is ultimately enacted as was the case last year.” 

WHAT THEY WANT

In addition Boucher said her constituents hope 2012 brings affordable housing, laws requiring gas companies to notify local authorities in the event of large gas leaks, and a law that prohibits businesses from requiring a customer’s social security number for identification purposes. 

FRANKLY SPEAKING 

“Connecticut hasn’t talked about race to its detriment. We’re trained not to talk about race,” Holder-Winfield said. “Talking about the achievement gap or the October jobs session is all well and good, but none of this addresses unemployment in New Haven, Bridgeport, or Hartford. And there’s a subtle racial component to these issues we need to discuss.”