Governor Dannel Malloy announced a plan today for the state to play a major role in purchasing and protecting a 1,000 acre parcel, as open space, along Long Island Sound. The Preserve, located in the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook, is considered to be the last, large unprotected coastal forest between New York and Boston.
The Connecticut Senate has given final legislative approval to a deal allowing United Technologies to use up to $400 million in unused tax credits. UTC would be required to make up to $500 million in upgrades and expansions and hire more workers.
Concussion Training Legislation
The state House of Representatives has approved a bill that would mandate schools to provide concussion training to coaches, students and parents. The concussion training bill only applies to sports programs within the school system. The bill would strengthen the state’s first-in-the-nation concussion law. It now heads to the Senate.
Banning E-Cigarette Sales to Minors
The Senate voted this week in favor of legislation that prevents minors from purchasing e-cigarettes - also known as an electronic nicotine delivery system – as well as other vapor products. The bill, proposed by Governor Malloy, now moves to the House of Representatives for further action. It's also illegal under the bill for anyone to sell, give or deliver e-cigarettes to a minor.
State GOP Leaders Oppose Retirement Plan
Republican lawmakers along with business leaders and financial planners are protesting a plan from Democrats to have the state sponsor an IRA type retirement savings program. It would operate at no cost to employers. Some estimates place the number of Connecticut workers with no retirement plan, other than Social Security, between 600,000 and 700,000. Opponents say the proposal isn’t necessary and would compete with the private sector.
