Commerce Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: |
SB-76 |
Title: |
AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONNECTICUT TREASURES PROGRAM. |
Vote Date: |
3/1/2012 |
Vote Action: |
Joint Favorable Change of Reference to Education |
PH Date: |
2/21/2012 |
File No.: |
|
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Commerce Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
● By October 1, 2012, DECD commissioner must designate culturally, educationally and historically significant locations as “Connecticut Treasures” and prepare a plan to promote them.
Effective Date: Upon passage
● By July 1, 2013, the Education Department must, within available appropriations, develop a Connecticut Treasures curriculum for school boards that may include student visits to the designated treasures.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr. and Senator Martin Looney
Sen. Williams and Sen. Looney testified in support of bill SB 76 stating the “Connecticut Treasures” program will give children better access and better appreciation for what Connecticut has to offer. The State Department of Education will develop a model curriculum that will include these treasures as a way to teach Connecticut's contribution to history as well as culture. Places like Mystic Aquarium and The Connecticut Science Center also play a vital role in promoting interest in “Stem Education”.
Connecticut Treasures will further promote a sense of pride in Connecticut, and the wonderful destinations we have to offer.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Matt Fleury, President & CEO, Connecticut Science Center, Inc. Mr. Fleury is in full support of SB 76. He testified that these destinations are here to stay, they employ local taxpayers and they reward the State by levereaging investment by private donors and other sources that is 10-or-more times the level of the State's contribution to their operations.
Peter Glankoff, Executive Vice President, Sea Research Foundation. Mr. Glankoff is in support of SB 76. He states Connecticut's Treasures according to defined criteria, and leveraging those assets to benefit the citizens of Connecticut.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None
Reported by: Lori Musco |
Date: 3/2/2012 |