Two Head Start classes slated to get underway Monday -- half the classes in the city -- are getting shut down because the state budget impasse blocked their funding.
Bristol Community Organization director Tom Morrow said Tuesday that two Head Start classes paid for with federal cash will open as planned.
Morrow said that BCO, a nonprofit community service organization, will have to lay off three Head Start staffers and reduce the hours of three others in order to cope with the funding shortage.
Families will learn today whether their children will land in one of the classrooms that stay open or if they’re going to come up short.
Morrow said that parents who have counted on the program could face tough choices.
Because “they count on their kids being in this program for six hours a day,” Morrow said, some parents may have to give up jobs or take other extraordinary measures to cope with the disruption.
“It’s kind of a rippling effect,” Morrow said.
Morrow said that all of the families whose children are enrolled in Head Start were told at the end of July that they might have to pare the enrollment. That’s because federal law requires they get at least 30-day notice before a child is dropped.
Trying to cope with an $8 billion deficit while locked in a stalemate with the legislature over the budget, Gov. Jodi Rell zeroed out the state funding for Bristol’s Head Start. It could be restored as part of a budget deal.
Morrow said that in July, BCO opted to fund its programs on the assumption that a deal would be struck.
But it’s losing $50,000 a month, he said, while the state dithers. That can’t go on, he said, so the organization had to take action.
In addition to slicing the Head Start classes, BCO is also requiring all of its administrative staff take five furlough days before the end of the fiscal year in June.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label BCO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BCO. Show all posts
August 25, 2009
April 28, 2009
Push for state health care pool
Press release from the state House Democrats:
LEGISLATORS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WORK TO PUSH DOWN HEALTH CARE COSTS
State Representatives John Geragosian (D-New Britain), Peter Tercyak (D-New Britain), Tim O’Brien (D-New Britain) andBetty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain) joined Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz Tuesday at a regional roundtable with area small business owners an non-profits to discuss business-friendly health care policies that will help New Britain area companies thrive.
The General Assembly is currently debating legislation to save small businesses thousands of dollars annually in employee health care costs. The plan would open the state employee health insurance plan to small businesses, municipal employees and non-profits.
Rep. Geragosian said, “You save money when you buy in bulk. That is the simple principle behind the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership. If you were able to join the huge state employee health care pool, your costs would drop dramatically.”
There are currently more than 200,000 people in the state insurance pool.
New Britain residents Amy Gladysz and her husband John, owners of Orbitech Satellite Services in Plainville, have seen their premiums multiply over the last several years.
“We pay thousands of dollars a year for our insurance policy, but the prescription limits are so low, that we spend thousands of dollars more for the medication we need to stay healthy” Amy Gladysz said, “If our business had access to the state plan, we would save substantially on out of pocket expenses.”
Rep. Tercyak said, “Between co-pays and yearly benefit maximums too many folks are finding that their insurance isn't adequate. One local business owner has insurance, she told me, but she's developed diabetes and now she learns that she her yearly maximum only covers three months of meds and testing supplies. Three months. We can do better than that for her and for other business people. I say they deserve the choice. I'm sure a lot of them will find the state employees' insurance options are comprehensive, attractive choices.”
“The implementation of health care pooling will provide an opportunity for thousands of our fellow citizens to be able to obtain quality health care protection at an affordable cost," Rep. O'Brien said. “Municipalities, small businesses and non-profits will be able to participate and that participation will be voluntary, not mandatory. This is a landmark first step to that needs to be taken now.”
Rep. Boukus said, “Health care costs are making it difficult for businesses to grow and provide jobs in our communities. Government must improve the business climate and lowering health care costs is a good place to start.”
Thomas Morrow, Executive Director of Bristol Community Organization, said that like many small businesses and non-profits, BCO has seen its healthcare costs skyrocket over the last several years. In order to continue offering health benefits, the agency was forced to increase the employee-paid share, by switching to health savings accounts (HSAs).
“My employees complained that health savings accounts were too onerous to navigate and the out-of-pocket costs were too high. The following year, we offered a traditional plan in addition to HSAs and every employee opted into the traditional plan, even though the premiums were higher,” Morrow said. “Having access to the state plan would bring our costs down, while enabling us to offer our staff the quality health benefits they deserve.”
The lawmakers met with businesses owners Tuesday at the New Britain YMCA.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 21, 2009
Take a chance on a new car
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
A plan to raffle off a car – and have ticket proceeds power the Bristol Fuel Bank – is stalled.
Thomas Morrow, director of the Bristol Community Organization, said they still need to sell 700 more tickets just to break even.
Tickets for a chance at the sub-compact car – a red, 2009 Nissan Versa – cost $10 each.
The drawing for the car is scheduled for the end of February.
Morrow said they'll sell the tickets at the Bristol Home and Business Show, scheduled for Feb. 20-22.
"That would be our last big push," said Morrow, before the drawing.
There are 3,000 raffle tickets to sell, and Morrow said 1,500 will cover the cost of the car. After that, the proceeds go to the fuel bank.
But despite promoting the raffle at festivals and events and on posters since late September, only about 800 tickets have sold so far.
Mayor Art Ward said ticket sellers might have to exert a little personal pressure to get them sold.
"We're going to have to tap people on the shoulder," said Ward, who carries a wad of tickets around, hoping to sell them.
Morrow said he spent several hours recently at Wal-Mart, trying to sell raffle tickets to customers, but only managed to unload 11 of them.
People are either not willing – or not able – to spend $10 on a raffle ticket, Morrow said.
Peggy Sokol, aging services director, said the raffle isn't a big winner at the senior center, either.
"I have tried my darndest to push those tickets," said Sokol. "Nobody's interested in buying them."
Tickets will be available at Chili's restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 12, Morrow said. That night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant will be hosting a "Tip a Firefighter Night" to benefit the fuel bank.
Morrow said he'd like to hear of more places or events where BCO could sell the tickets.
Only half joking, Morrow said he would like to try to sell tickets at an off track betting office. He said gamblers would have better odds with a raffle ticket than they do on the ponies.
BCO is the agency in charge of the raffle, but it is a project of the Winter '09 committee, which is made up of city departments and community agencies that help residents in need of food, clothing, shelter and heat in the coldest months.
The Bristol Fuel Bank, administered by BCO, is set up to help city residents who are having trouble paying for heat, but who do not qualify for federal or state fuel assistance.
The fuel bank gives loans, which it expects recipients to repay before asking for more help.
The Crowley dealership sold the car to BCO at cost, said Morrow, and has also donated a second place prize of a $250 gas card and a third place prize of some car washes.
Raffle tickets are available from BCO at 55 South St., from Ward and others.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 25, 2008
Police and firefighters' charity game raised over $4K
Press release from the police union:
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 11/25/08
From: Peter Kot, President
Bristol Police Union, Local #754
On Friday, November 21, 2008 the Bristol Police Union and Bristol Fire Union played their 2nd annual charity flag football game at Bristol’s Muzzy Field. This year, the charity being supported was the Bristol Community Organization’s Emergency Fuel Fund which provides low-income citizens in Bristol with monies to heat their homes. In this economy of high fuel costs and high unemployment, the unions felt this was a most worthy cause. Hundreds of pounds of food were also collected and donated to the Salvation Army’s local soup kitchen.
Nearly four dozen Police and Fire Union members participated in the game which yielded an impressive and decisive 35-0 victory for the Police. This evens the record at 1-1 for each team.
The Bristol Police Union, Local #754 would like to thank the citizens and businesses in the Community that generously donated to this worthwhile cause. The event raised a total of $4,000.00 which will be donated to the B.C.O. The Bristol Police Union, Bristol PBA and Bristol Fire Union are proud supporters and we thank all that braved the cold to come out and support this event. We hope to continue and grow the event in the years to come.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 5, 2007
BCO getting state cash for Lake Avenue property
The State Bond Commission is set Friday to give the Bristol Community Organization $290,000 to reimburse it for part of the acquisition costs of its facility at 254 Lake
Avenue. It also plans to provide $85,000 to BCO for renovations so the nonprofit can use the building for a Head Start program.
Among the renovations needed are the replacement of the roof and paving outside.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Avenue. It also plans to provide $85,000 to BCO for renovations so the nonprofit can use the building for a Head Start program.
Among the renovations needed are the replacement of the roof and paving outside.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 31, 2007
Lake Compounce, BCO among bond package winners
Press release from the state House Republicans:
A fiscally responsible bond package approved by the Connecticut General Assembly Tuesday will help pay for important Bristol projects and provide funding for school construction and transportation infrastructure projects statewide without increasing the burden on taxpayers or threatening the state’s bond rating, state Representatives William A. Hamzy and Ron Burns said today.
The $2.82 billion package approved Tuesday was significantly less expensive than the $3.2 billion measure that passed on party line votes in September, with the majority Democrats voting to approve the bill. House Republicans opposed that Democrat measure but voted for a leaner alternative Republican bond package, which failed on another party-line vote.
Governor Rell vetoed the earlier Democrat bonding bill, citing excessive spending on pork barrel projects that could have jeopardized the state’s bond rating and unduly burdened taxpayers. She has indicated she will sign the measure that passed Tuesday.
“The bonding package approved by the majority Democrats a few weeks ago called for excessive spending on pork barrel projects that did not serve the overall interests of the people of Connecticut, would have increased the burden on taxpayers who already bear the nation’s third-highest per capita state debt, and threatened our currently favorable bond rating,” said Representative Burns, R-77th District, who serves on the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee.
“Interestingly enough, the measure we approved today is almost a mirror image of the alternative bond package we offered in September. Weeks of uncertainty over the future of school building projects around the state could have been avoided if Democrat legislators had crossed party lines and voted to approve our proposal,” Representative Burns said.
“Governor Rell did the right thing by vetoing the majority Democrats’ original bonding proposal while Republican legislators showed it was possible to put together a responsible measure that provided funding for repairs and improvements to our highways and bridges and for school construction projects throughout the state without increasing the tax burden on working families,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78th District, who had a prior commitment in Washington, D.C., and was unable to be in Hartford for Tuesday’s vote. “I’m proud of the work I did to help draft our alternative bond package, which in many ways was the model for the measure that passed today. Unfortunately, I had to be in our nation’s capitol for an engagement that could not be postponed or I would have been on the state House floor and would have voted for the bond package that passed today.”
Grants authorized for Bristol projects in the bill that passed Tuesday include:
• $3,500,000 for road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities and other improvements related to the expansion of Lake Compounce Water Park.
• $373,170 for the Bristol Community Organization, Inc., to purchase a building for the expansion of the Head Start program.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A fiscally responsible bond package approved by the Connecticut General Assembly Tuesday will help pay for important Bristol projects and provide funding for school construction and transportation infrastructure projects statewide without increasing the burden on taxpayers or threatening the state’s bond rating, state Representatives William A. Hamzy and Ron Burns said today.
The $2.82 billion package approved Tuesday was significantly less expensive than the $3.2 billion measure that passed on party line votes in September, with the majority Democrats voting to approve the bill. House Republicans opposed that Democrat measure but voted for a leaner alternative Republican bond package, which failed on another party-line vote.
Governor Rell vetoed the earlier Democrat bonding bill, citing excessive spending on pork barrel projects that could have jeopardized the state’s bond rating and unduly burdened taxpayers. She has indicated she will sign the measure that passed Tuesday.
“The bonding package approved by the majority Democrats a few weeks ago called for excessive spending on pork barrel projects that did not serve the overall interests of the people of Connecticut, would have increased the burden on taxpayers who already bear the nation’s third-highest per capita state debt, and threatened our currently favorable bond rating,” said Representative Burns, R-77th District, who serves on the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee.
“Interestingly enough, the measure we approved today is almost a mirror image of the alternative bond package we offered in September. Weeks of uncertainty over the future of school building projects around the state could have been avoided if Democrat legislators had crossed party lines and voted to approve our proposal,” Representative Burns said.
“Governor Rell did the right thing by vetoing the majority Democrats’ original bonding proposal while Republican legislators showed it was possible to put together a responsible measure that provided funding for repairs and improvements to our highways and bridges and for school construction projects throughout the state without increasing the tax burden on working families,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78th District, who had a prior commitment in Washington, D.C., and was unable to be in Hartford for Tuesday’s vote. “I’m proud of the work I did to help draft our alternative bond package, which in many ways was the model for the measure that passed today. Unfortunately, I had to be in our nation’s capitol for an engagement that could not be postponed or I would have been on the state House floor and would have voted for the bond package that passed today.”
Grants authorized for Bristol projects in the bill that passed Tuesday include:
• $3,500,000 for road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities and other improvements related to the expansion of Lake Compounce Water Park.
• $373,170 for the Bristol Community Organization, Inc., to purchase a building for the expansion of the Head Start program.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 25, 2007
Dems hammer Hamzy, Burns
Keep in mind the GOP response to this argument, offered in a Friday release
Press release from the Democrats at the statehouse:
The State House Democrats Office released a list of targeted community investments identified by House Republican legislators as key projects for their districts. These projects were negotiated in a bipartisan manner as part of the bonding package and voted on Thursday by the General Assembly.
The vote was split among party lines with every House Republican legislator voting against the bill. As a result, the Republican legislators voted against their own projects that would benefit the municipalities they were elected to represent.
House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan said, “These projects benefit our communities and provide property tax relief for our cities and towns. When it came time to vote, the Republicans voted no. It is important for residents to know where their representatives stand.”
“After these legislators indicated how important these projects were to their communities and got them in the bond package, they voted against the bill for some short sighted political reason,” said Speaker of the House Jim Amann (D-Milford). “Now they will have to explain to their mayor and constituents why all of a sudden these projects aren't so important after all.”
Bonding projects earmarked by House Republican legislators:
Bristol (Reps. William Hamzy, Ron Burns): $425,000 grant-in-aid to Bristol Community Organization, Inc. to purchase a building for expansion of the Head Start program
Brookfield (Rep. David Scribner): $1 million made available to the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut in Brookfield for capital improvements including an indoor pool
Brookfield (Rep. David Scribner): $500,000 grant-in-aid for expansion of the senior center, including computer equipment
Durham (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): $500,000 grant-in-aid to Farnam Neighborhood House for the Camp Farnam Reclamation and Revitalization Project
Easton (Rep. John Stripp): $250,000 grant-in-aid for renovations at the senior center
Granby (Rep. Richard Ferrari): $100,000 grant-in-aid to Holcomb Farm for restoration and renovation of buildings
Greenwich (Reps. Livvy Floren, Claudia Powers, Lile Gibbons): $1.5 million for renovation of existing or construction of new exhibition areas, teaching spaces and the science gallery at the Bruce Museum
Greenwich (Reps. Livvy Floren, Claudia Powers, Lile Gibbons): $2 million grant-in-aid for remediation of brownfields at the Cos Cob Power Plant site
Litchfield (Rep. Craig Miner): $1 million grant-in-aid for firehouse construction in Northfield
Manchester (Rep. Pamela Sawyer): $900,000 grant-in-aid for the development and construction of the Manchester to Bolton segment of the East Coast Greenway
Middlefield (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): Up to $100,000 made available for Lake Beseck
Middletown (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): $1 million grant-in-aid to the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission for revitalization projects
Naugatuck (Reps. Kevin DelGobbo, David Labriola): $93,000 grant-in-aid for improvements to Long Meadow Brook, including riverside access
North Branford (Rep. Vincent Candelora): $500,000 grant-in-aid for development of the Swatchuk Property for active and passive recreation
North Branford (Rep. Vincent Candelora): $500,000 grant-in-aid for renovations and additions to the Edward Smith Library in Northford
Oxford (Rep. David Labriola): $600,000 grant-in-aid to Oxford for improvements to Oxford Industrial Park Road
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $1 million grant-in-aid to the Somers Housing Authority for the rehabilitation and expansion of senior housing at the Woodcrest facility
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for expansion of the Somers Library
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for two fire substations
Stafford (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for downtown redevelopment
Stratford (Reps. John Harkins, Lawrence Miller): $500,000 grant-in-aid for new boilers at Stratford High School
Thomaston (Rep. John Piscopo): $2 million grant-in-aid for extension of a water main in the Jackson Street area
Torrington (Rep. Anne Ruwet): $1 million grant-in-aid for the development and construction of the Warner Theater Stage House
Torrington (Rep. Anne Ruwet): $575,000 grant-in-aid for downtown redevelopment
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Press release from the Democrats at the statehouse:
The State House Democrats Office released a list of targeted community investments identified by House Republican legislators as key projects for their districts. These projects were negotiated in a bipartisan manner as part of the bonding package and voted on Thursday by the General Assembly.
The vote was split among party lines with every House Republican legislator voting against the bill. As a result, the Republican legislators voted against their own projects that would benefit the municipalities they were elected to represent.
House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan said, “These projects benefit our communities and provide property tax relief for our cities and towns. When it came time to vote, the Republicans voted no. It is important for residents to know where their representatives stand.”
“After these legislators indicated how important these projects were to their communities and got them in the bond package, they voted against the bill for some short sighted political reason,” said Speaker of the House Jim Amann (D-Milford). “Now they will have to explain to their mayor and constituents why all of a sudden these projects aren't so important after all.”
Bonding projects earmarked by House Republican legislators:
Bristol (Reps. William Hamzy, Ron Burns): $425,000 grant-in-aid to Bristol Community Organization, Inc. to purchase a building for expansion of the Head Start program
Brookfield (Rep. David Scribner): $1 million made available to the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut in Brookfield for capital improvements including an indoor pool
Brookfield (Rep. David Scribner): $500,000 grant-in-aid for expansion of the senior center, including computer equipment
Durham (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): $500,000 grant-in-aid to Farnam Neighborhood House for the Camp Farnam Reclamation and Revitalization Project
Easton (Rep. John Stripp): $250,000 grant-in-aid for renovations at the senior center
Granby (Rep. Richard Ferrari): $100,000 grant-in-aid to Holcomb Farm for restoration and renovation of buildings
Greenwich (Reps. Livvy Floren, Claudia Powers, Lile Gibbons): $1.5 million for renovation of existing or construction of new exhibition areas, teaching spaces and the science gallery at the Bruce Museum
Greenwich (Reps. Livvy Floren, Claudia Powers, Lile Gibbons): $2 million grant-in-aid for remediation of brownfields at the Cos Cob Power Plant site
Litchfield (Rep. Craig Miner): $1 million grant-in-aid for firehouse construction in Northfield
Manchester (Rep. Pamela Sawyer): $900,000 grant-in-aid for the development and construction of the Manchester to Bolton segment of the East Coast Greenway
Middlefield (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): Up to $100,000 made available for Lake Beseck
Middletown (Rep. Raymond Kalinowski): $1 million grant-in-aid to the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission for revitalization projects
Naugatuck (Reps. Kevin DelGobbo, David Labriola): $93,000 grant-in-aid for improvements to Long Meadow Brook, including riverside access
North Branford (Rep. Vincent Candelora): $500,000 grant-in-aid for development of the Swatchuk Property for active and passive recreation
North Branford (Rep. Vincent Candelora): $500,000 grant-in-aid for renovations and additions to the Edward Smith Library in Northford
Oxford (Rep. David Labriola): $600,000 grant-in-aid to Oxford for improvements to Oxford Industrial Park Road
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $1 million grant-in-aid to the Somers Housing Authority for the rehabilitation and expansion of senior housing at the Woodcrest facility
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for expansion of the Somers Library
Somers (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for two fire substations
Stafford (Rep. Penny Bacchiochi): $500,000 grant-in-aid for downtown redevelopment
Stratford (Reps. John Harkins, Lawrence Miller): $500,000 grant-in-aid for new boilers at Stratford High School
Thomaston (Rep. John Piscopo): $2 million grant-in-aid for extension of a water main in the Jackson Street area
Torrington (Rep. Anne Ruwet): $1 million grant-in-aid for the development and construction of the Warner Theater Stage House
Torrington (Rep. Anne Ruwet): $575,000 grant-in-aid for downtown redevelopment
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 21, 2007
Bond money for Bristol
Press release from Sen. Tom Colapietro this morning:
SEN. COLAPIETRO APPLAUDS BOND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BRISTOL COMMUNITY
Hartford - In a 21-to-12 vote at the Capitol last evening, the Senate approved a bond authorization package for the State of Connecticut including school construction funds, bridge repairs and transportation improvements, restoration of the Clean Water Fund, and funding for several capital improvement projects in the 31st District.
“This is a good balanced package for the state that recognizes some of Bristol’s needs while funding bridge repairs and school construction projects,” said Senator Colapietro.
The package, which authorizes the state’s bonding for the next two fiscal years, includes:
· A $200,000 grant for the Indian Rock Nature Preserve in Bristol,
· A $425,000 grant-in-aid to the Bristol Community Organization, Inc. to purchase a building for expansion of its Head Start program, and
· $19,118,861 for alterations and improvements to the buildings and grounds at Tunxis Community College.
“These are organizations and projects that provide great social and cultural service to our communities,” Senator Colapietro said.
Additionally, Senator Colapietro noted that $3,500,000 was authorized for road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities, and other improvements related to expanding the Lake Compounce Water Park in Southington.
“Although Lake Compounce isn’t wholly in my district,” Senator Colapietro added, “I pushed for the funding in for the park. I know that many of my constituents enjoy Lake Compounce, and I’m pleased that these funds are in the bond package.”
The package was later approved by the state House of Representatives in an 84-to-38 vote.
The total $3.15 billion package for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 must still be signed into law by Gov. M. Jodi Rell; individual bonding projects must then be placed by the governor on the State Bond Commission agenda for its consideration and approval before any work is undertaken.
“I urge the governor to sign this package for the benefit of the State of Connecticut and to put these items for Bristol and Plymouth on the Bond Commission agenda,” Senator Colapietro said.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
SEN. COLAPIETRO APPLAUDS BOND AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BRISTOL COMMUNITY
Hartford - In a 21-to-12 vote at the Capitol last evening, the Senate approved a bond authorization package for the State of Connecticut including school construction funds, bridge repairs and transportation improvements, restoration of the Clean Water Fund, and funding for several capital improvement projects in the 31st District.
“This is a good balanced package for the state that recognizes some of Bristol’s needs while funding bridge repairs and school construction projects,” said Senator Colapietro.
The package, which authorizes the state’s bonding for the next two fiscal years, includes:
· A $200,000 grant for the Indian Rock Nature Preserve in Bristol,
· A $425,000 grant-in-aid to the Bristol Community Organization, Inc. to purchase a building for expansion of its Head Start program, and
· $19,118,861 for alterations and improvements to the buildings and grounds at Tunxis Community College.
“These are organizations and projects that provide great social and cultural service to our communities,” Senator Colapietro said.
Additionally, Senator Colapietro noted that $3,500,000 was authorized for road relocation, utility upgrades, new service facilities, and other improvements related to expanding the Lake Compounce Water Park in Southington.
“Although Lake Compounce isn’t wholly in my district,” Senator Colapietro added, “I pushed for the funding in for the park. I know that many of my constituents enjoy Lake Compounce, and I’m pleased that these funds are in the bond package.”
The package was later approved by the state House of Representatives in an 84-to-38 vote.
The total $3.15 billion package for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 must still be signed into law by Gov. M. Jodi Rell; individual bonding projects must then be placed by the governor on the State Bond Commission agenda for its consideration and approval before any work is undertaken.
“I urge the governor to sign this package for the benefit of the State of Connecticut and to put these items for Bristol and Plymouth on the Bond Commission agenda,” Senator Colapietro said.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)