House Republican Press Release

March 13, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

March Madness

By State Representative John J. Ryan

No, I don't mean the kind that involves "Bracketology", and Dickie V. (although as you can imagine, that is a popular topic in Hartford !), rather it is the time of year at the General Assembly as committees ( which raised far more bills than necessary in this 'short session’ year) scramble to get work done before their 'JF deadlines'. Since I know that as avid readers, you remember the explanation of our Committee process from previous years, I will not outline it again, and since there are far too many topics to cover, we will move directly to as many quick items as we can:

• The "madness category" certainly covers the  House Session we had recently on an "emergency certified bill" on contractor reform; there was no emergency, Governor Rell had vetoed these anti-privitization items before, and there are bills still winding their way through the process, but as we have noted previously, Hartford is more partisan/political than ever; details on this teapot tempest at a further date;

• I hope that you saw some media coverage that a number of local police departments are stepping up the enforcement of the handheld cell phone use while driving ban; if everyone agrees that this was a good law to pass, and this behavior is a major cause of accidents, then why do I still see so many people speeding by, and babbling while they hold cell phone to ear?

• And speaking of driving, the majority legislative (Democrat) caucus announced they wanted a $5 billion+ transportation plan recently. Now it's wonderful that everyone has finally realized that our long-neglected transportation system is a priority, but I admit that I was surprised when a constituent having seen the story asked me "haven't the Democrats had big majorities in both houses of the Legislature for nearly all of the last decades (quite true)? And why did they only get interested after Governor Rell actually did something about this, and how can we possibly pay for $5 BILLION+ ?" (keep in mind the annual state budget—covering everything---is only roughly three times that amount); I have to admit I am always intrigued when I learn that some Darienites actually are following what is happening!

I am certain that you closely followed the tips in our last column on how to track the progress of legislation, so assuming that you did, did you:

• Note the proposed bills seeking repeal of the new estate tax? You can track what happens if you wish on this topic, and send your thoughts to legislators, especially those who have appeared in print as pooh-poohing the notion that anyone would consider leaving Connecticut because of these taxes?

• Note the following bills that were raised this year, such as # 399 "Concerning a Full Time Legislature", # 400" Establishing a State Fruit", # 5374 "Establishing an Official State Statesman" or # 5201" Establishing the State Polka" ? (Don't worry, I am not a proponent of any of these bills!) Who knows what you will learn if you follow what goes on with your State government?

And Best Wishes for a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Please feel free to contact me with your concerns and issues. As your state representative, it is my job, and my priority to represent you and to make sure that your needs and concerns are addressed at the capitol.  You can write to me at Room 4200, Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT 06106-1591, send me e-mail at John.Ryan@housegop.state.ct.us or call my office toll-free at 1-800-842-1423.