Connecticut legislators are putting the finishing touches on their work—as this year's regular legislative session is scheduled to end at midnight tonight. While numerous bills still need approval from one chamber or another, many major pieces of legislation from this year's session have already been approved. The list includes a revised $19 billion dollar state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Pushing for Adoption Bill Approval
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch was at the Capitol on Tuesday to push his former colleagues in the state Senate to vote to approve a bill that would allow adoptees to have access to their original birth certificates. The Catholic Church runs one of the largest adoption services in the state. They have opposed the legislation in the past.
Recycling Bill Awaits Governor Malloy's Signature
Connecticut lawmakers are sending a bill to the governor that restructures the state's largest regional trash authority and seeks to double the state's recycling rate. Governor Dannel Malloy's office estimates municipalities could save $35 million annually if the recycling rate increased from 24.8 percent to 40 percent.
Expanding Authority of Tribal Police
Mike Lawlor, the state’s undersecretary for criminal justice policy, says Connecticut is close to reaching agreements with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans to expand the authority of their tribal police departments. A law that passed last year authorized the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to give tribal police law enforcement powers, including at the tribal-owned casinos.
Electric Boat Celebrates Contract Win
Electric Boat expects to hire more than 500 extra employees as it gets ready to work on the largest contract ever awarded by the U.S. Navy. The contract supports a workforce of 11,600 between Groton and Rhode Island. The contract calls for ten Virginia class submarines in five years. The contract takes effect at the end of the year, but more layoffs could take place as other work tapers off.
