Wednesday, February 13, 1991
February 13, 1991] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE
JOURNAL OF THE SENATE [Wednesday,
The Senate was called to order at 2:07 p.m., the President in
the Chair.
The Prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rev. Joseph J. Devine
of Waterbury, Connecticut.
The following is the prayer.
Let us pray. Bless our circle, O Lord, that we may know your
bountiful mercy. Give us the insight and the wisdom that we may be
able to judge with complete sincerity. May we have the prudence
to seek advice and the skill to use our knowledge well, for all
the people of our state. We ask this through our Heavenly Father.
Amen.
____________________
PLEDGE
Senator Barrows of the 2nd led the Senate in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
____________________
BUSINESS ON THE CALENDAR
FAVORABLE REPORTS OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
The following favorable reports were taken from the table,
read the third time, the reports of the committee accepted and the
resolutions adopted.
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 12
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF ROSE ALMA SENATORE OF
EAST HAMPTON, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN
AND YOUTH SERVICES.
Senator Mustone of the 13th explained the resolution and moved
its adoption.
Remarking favorably on the resolution were Senators Przybysz
of the 19th and Meotti of the 4th.
The following is the result of the vote:
On a roll call vote the resolution was adopted.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 13
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF HAMILTON D. HARPER, JR.
OF WEST HARTFORD, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Senator Mustone of the 13th explained the resolution and moved
its adoption.
Remarking favorably on the resolution was Senator DeLuca of
the 32nd.
The following is the result of the vote:
On a roll call vote the resolution was adopted.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 14
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF HENRY S. SCHERER, JR. OF
AVON, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING.
Senator Mustone of the 13th explained the resolution and moved
its adoption.
Remarking favorably on the resolution was Senator Sullivan of
the 5th.
The following is the result of the vote:
On a roll call vote the resolution was adopted.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 15
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF REGINALD SMITH OF NEW
HARTFORD, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES.
Senator Mustone of the 13th explained the resolution and moved
its adoption.
Remarking favorably on the resolution were Senators O'Leary of
the 7th, Eads of the 30th, Larson of the 3rd and Fleming of the
8th.
The following is the result of the vote:
On a roll call vote the resolution was adopted.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA A 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
BUSINESS ON THE CALENDAR
FAVORABLE REPORTS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES
BILLS PASSED
The following favorable reports were taken from the table,
read the third time, the reports of the committees accepted and
the bills passed.
JUDICIARY. H.B. No. 5339 (RAISED) (File No. 2, 8) AN ACT
CONCERNING CRIMINAL RECORDS.(As amended by House Amendment
Schedule "A").
Senator Spellman of the 18th explained the bill, as amended,
and moved its passage.
The chair ordered the vote be taken by roll call.
The following is the result of the vote:
On the roll call vote the bill, as amended, by House Amendment
Schedule "A" was passed in concurrence with the House.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
JUDICIARY. H.B. No. 5346 (RAISED) (File No. 4) AN ACT
CONCERNING THE FORM OF A NOTICE TO QUIT POSSESSION OR OCCUPANCY
IN AN EVICTION PROCEEDING.
Senator Spellman of the 18th explained the bill and moved its
passage.
The chair ordered the vote be taken by roll call.
The following is the result of the vote:
On the roll call vote the bill was passed in concurrence with
the House.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
JUDICIARY. H.B. No. 5349 (RAISED) (File No. 5, 7) AN ACT
CONCERNING ORDERS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MINOR
CHILDREN.(As amended by House Amendment Schedule "A").
Senator Spellman of the 18th explained the bill, as amended,
and moved its passage.
The chair ordered the vote be taken by roll call.
The following is the result of the vote:
On the roll call vote the bill, as amended, by House Amendment
Schedule "A" was passed in concurrence with the House.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
PETITION
The following petition was received by the Clerk of the
Senate, Wednesday February 13, 1991 in accordance with the
provisions of Joint Rule 11.
PETITION NO. 1
In accordance with the provisions of Joint Rule 11, the
Committee on Insurance and Real Estate is respectfully requested
to draft a bill based on Proposed Bill No. 186, entitled "AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A STANDARDIZED MEDICAL CLAIM FORM.
SEN. GUNTHER, 21st DIST.
SEN. BETTENCOURT, 20th DIST.
SEN. UPSON, 15th DIST.
SEN. LOVEGROVE, 28th DIST.
SEN. EADS, 30th DIST.
SEN. SOMMA, 16th DIST.
SEN. DELUCA, 32nd DIST.
SEN. FREEDMAN, 26th DIST.
SEN. NICKERSON, 36th DIST.
SEN. CASE, 14th DIST.
SEN. MUNSTER, 33rd DIST.
SEN. ANISKOVICH, 12th DIST.
____________________
REPORT
The following report was received and is on file in the Senate
Clerk's Office.
Public Transportation Commission: Final report on the
Coordination of Transportation services for the Elderly and
Disabled pursuant to Special Act 90-10. Date of Receipt: February
11, 1991
The report was then referred to the Committee on
Transportation.
____________________
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
SENATE AND HOUSE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
On motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th, the first reading of
the following bills and resolutions was waived, the list of bills
and resolutions as prepared by the Clerks was accepted, and the
bills and resolutions referred to the committees as indicated
thereon in concurrence:
JUDICIARY
S.B. No. 104 (COMM) JUDICIARY. 'AN ACT CONCERNING
PATERNITY', to permit the court of probate to establish paternity
after death for the purpose of inheritance.
COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION
S.B. No. 114 (COMM) COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION. 'AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SURETY BOND GUARANTEE PROGRAM FOR SMALL
CONTRACTORS AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES', to establish a surety
bond guarantee fund and a technical assistance program for small
contractors and minority-owned businesses with state government
contracts.
S.B. No. 129 (COMM) COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING A PURCHASING PREFERENCE FOR COMPANIES DEPENDENT ON
DEFENSE CONTRACTS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT', to assist defense
dependent companies which are seeking to convert to nondefense
industries.
S.B. No. 415 (COMM) COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION. 'AN ACT
PROMOTING TRADE WITH MEXICO', to allow for the expansion and
promotion of trade activities with Mexico within existing
department of economic development resources.
S.B. No. 676 (RAISED) COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION. 'AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A PRIVATE BOND MORTGAGE INSURANCE FUND AND A
MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT FUND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN THE STATE', to create a program of
bond insurance and equity financing for purposes of providing
financial assistance to manufacturing companies in the state.
ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
S.B. No. 677 (RAISED) ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES BY PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANIES',
to permit opportunities for energy efficiency improvements
through fuel switching.
S.B. No. 678 (RAISED) ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING THE EXEMPTION FROM THE SALES AND USE TAX FOR RENEWABLE
ENERGY SYSTEMS AND SMALL COGENERATION SYSTEMS', to stimulate
investment in and development of alternative energy systems by
continuing an existing exemption from the sales and use tax but
limiting the exemption to cogeneration systems with a names
rating of one megawatt.
S.B. No. 679 (RAISED) ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING REVISIONS IN THE BIENNIAL ENERGY ASSESSMENT REVIEW
PROCESS', to provide a greater opportunity for the coordination
and development of an integrated and comprehensive energy policy.
S.B. No. 680 (RAISED) ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE CORPORATE BUSINESS TAX FOR SMALL
COMPANIES CONCERNED WITH ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS', to continue
to provide a stimulus for investment in small business involved
in alternative energy systems for a five year period.
S.B. No. 681 (RAISED) ENERGY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES. 'AN ACT
CONCERNING RATE ADJUSTMENTS', to adopt procedures allowing
automatic public service company rate increases for certain
expenses in accordance with a price index in order to eliminate
costly rate proceedings.
PUBLIC HEALTH
S.B. No. 682 (RAISED) PUBLIC HEALTH. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE
ACCESS OF MINORS TO CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES', to ensure that
minors do not have access to cigarettes.
GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTIONS
S.B. No. 683 (RAISED) GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND
ELECTIONS. 'AN ACT CONCERNING COMPUTER-STORED PUBLIC RECORDS', to
(1) provide explicitly that, except as specifically provided by
the legislature, a public agency shall provide, at cost, copies
of its non-exempt computer-stored public records on the computer
storage device or medium requested, if the agency can reasonably
make such copies; (2) provide that a public agency shall not
impair by contract or otherwise any right of the public under the
freedom of information act with respect to the agency's
computerized, non-exempt public records; (3) to prospectively
require public agencies, as part of their design analysis, to
consult with the freedom of information commission before they
acquire computer systems, equipment or software to store or
retrieve non-exempt public records in order to ensure that such
systems, equipment or software adequately provide for the rights
of the public to such records at the least cost possible to the
agency and to any person requesting them; (4) to establish
criteria for determining the cost of copying computer-stored
records and transcriptions; (5) to prospectively require the
freedom of information commission to authorize its staff to
consult with and advise public agencies seeking to acquire
computer systems, equipment or software that store or retrieve
non-exempt public records in order to help such agencies meet
their obligation to ensure that such systems, equipment or
software adequately provide for the rights of the public to such
records at the least cost possible to the agency and to any
person requesting them; and (6) to make technical corrections to
statutory references.
JUDICIARY
H.B. No. 5533 (COMM) 'AN ACT TO RENAME THE PROBATE DISTRICT
OF NEW LONDON', to rename the probate district of New London to
the probte district of Waterford.
ENVIRONMENT
H.B. No. 5665 (COMM) 'AN ACT TO PRESERVE THE AGRICULTURAL
LANDS AT THE SOUTHBURY TRAINING SCHOOL', to preserve the
agricultural lands at the Southbury Training School.
COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION
H.B. No. 5766 (COMM) 'AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL
TRAINING PROGRAM AND A SELF-EMPLOYMENT LOAN PROGRAM', to
establish a training program and loan program to attack
structural unemployment, to reduce unemployment and to reduce
participation in the general assistance program.
H.B. No. 5767 (COMM) 'AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INDUSTRIAL
INCUBATOR PROGRAM AND CONCERNING AUTHORIZATION OF BONDS OF THE
STATE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL INCUBATOR IN WATERBURY', to develop an
industrial incubator in Waterbury, thereby providing new
businesses with a location without a high overhead and to provide
funds for such purpose.
JUDICIARY
H.B. No. 6258 (COMM) 'AN ACT CONCERNING COURT ACCOMMODATIONS
AT DANIELSON', to provide superior court accommodations at
Danielson.
H.B. No. 6515 (COMM) 'AN ACT EXTENDING THE DEADLINE FOR THE
PLAN TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT FUND TO OPERATE THE CORPORATIONS
DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE', to extend
the deadline for the secretary of the state to file the report
from January 15, 1991 to June 1, 1991.
COMMERCE AND EXPORTATION
H.B. No. 6749 (COMM) 'AN ACT TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO BONDS
FOR SMALL CONTRACTORS', to facilitate access to performance,
surety and bid bonds for the purpose of enabling small
contractors to effectively participate in contracts involving
state projects.
H.B. No. 6888 (RAISED) 'AN ACT ALLOWING PREFERENCE FOR A
CONNECTICUT COMPANY AGAINST AN OUT-OF-STATE BIDDER IN THE STATE
PURCHASING PROCEDURE', to enable the commissioner of
administrative services under certain conditions to award a
contract in the state purchasing procedure to a bidder whose
primary commercial or manufacturing location is within
Connecticut although a lower bid is submitted by a bidder whose
primary commercial or manufacturing location is outside the state
of Connecticut.
LABOR AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
H.B. No. 6889 (RAISED) 'AN ACT ELIMINATING BINDING
ARBITRATION FOR STATE EMPLOYEES AND GRANTING STATE EMPLOYEES THE
RIGHT TO STRIKE', to eliminate mandatory binding arbitration for
state employees and to give state employees the right to strike.
JUDICIARY
H.B. No. 6890 (RAISED) 'AN ACT CONCERNING REVIEW HEARINGS
FOR GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED', to provide for a
mandatory three-year review of a guardianship of the mentally
retarded, while eliminating the necessity for a mandatory
hearing.
H.B. No. 6891 (RAISED) 'AN ACT CONCERNING REVIEW HEARINGS
FOR CONSERVATORSHIP MATTERS', to provide for a mandatory three
year review of conservatorship while eliminating the mandatory
hearing.
INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE
H.J. No. 12 (COMM) 'RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO
AMEND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974
(ERISA)', to call upon Congress to amend ERISA to allow states to
regulate self-insured health plans.
____________________
FAVORABLE REPORTS OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following favorable reports were received from the Senate
Committee indicated, read the second time and tabled for the
calendar.
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 18
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF ROBERT R. GOOGINS OF
GLASTONBURY, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE NOMINATIONS. S.R. No. 19
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE NOMINATION OF JOHN J. C. HERNDON OF
SALISBURY, TO BE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
____________________
BUSINESS ON THE CALENDAR
FAVORABLE REPORT OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE
BILL PASSED
The following favorable report was taken from the table, read
the third time, the report of the committee accepted and the bill
passed.
JUDICIARY. H.B. No. 5343 (RAISED) (File No. 3) AN ACT
CONCERNING A REGISTRY OF PROTECTIVE AND RESTRAINING ORDERS.
Senator Spellman of the 18th explained the bill and moved its
passage.
Senator Fleming of the 8th offered Senate Amendment Schedule
"A" (LCO 3603), moved its adoption and requested that the vote be
taken by roll call.
Remarking favorably on the amendment was Senator Upson of the
15th.
Remarking unfavorably on the amendment were Senators Spellman
of the 18th and O'Leary of the 7th.
The chair ordered the vote be taken by roll call.
The following is the result of the vote:
On the roll call vote Senate Amendment Schedule "A" was
rejected.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA N 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
N 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
N 3 JOHN B. LARSON Y 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
N 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
N 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN N 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
N 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. N 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
N 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
N 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS N 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
N 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE N 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
N 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
N 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE N 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
Y 14 MAX S. CASE Y 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
Y 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
N 17 GARY A. HALE N 35 MARIE A. HERBST
N 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
The following is Senate Amendment Schedule "A".
In line 12, after "The" insert a closing bracket and after
said closing bracket insert "ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1992, THE"
In line 16, delete the closing bracket.
In line 28, delete "AND", and delete the opening bracket and
insert in lieu thereof "ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1992,"
In line 30, delete the closing bracket.
Senator Spellman of the 18th moved passage of the bill.
Remarking on the bill was Senator Lovegrove of the 28th.
The chair ordered the vote be taken by roll call.
The following is the result of the vote:
On the roll call vote the bill was passed in concurrence with
the House.
The following is the roll call vote:
A 1 WILLIAM A. DIBELLA Y 19 KENNETH L. PRZYBYSZ
Y 2 FRANK D. BARROWS Y 20 LAWRENCE J. BETTENCOURT
Y 3 JOHN B. LARSON N 21 GEORGE L. GUNTHER
Y 4 MICHAEL P. MEOTTI Y 22 LEE SCARPETTI
Y 5 KEVIN B. SULLIVAN Y 23 MARGARET E. MORTON
Y 6 JOSEPH H. HARPER, JR. Y 24 JAMES H. MALONEY
Y 7 CORNELIUS O'LEARY Y 25 ROBERT GENUARIO
Y 8 JAMES T. FLEMING Y 26 JUDITH G. FREEDMAN
Y 9 A. CYNTHIA MATTHEWS Y 27 GEORGE C. JEPSEN
Y 10 CHARLES H. ALLEN, III Y 28 FRED H. LOVEGROVE, JR.
A 11 ANTHONY V. AVALLONE Y 29 KEVIN P. JOHNSTON
Y 12 WILLIAM ANISKOVICH Y 30 M. ADELA EADS
Y 13 AMELIA P. MUSTONE Y 31 STEVEN C. CASEY
N 14 MAX S. CASE N 32 LOUIS C. DELUCA
N 15 THOMAS F. UPSON Y 33 EDWARD W. MUNSTER
Y 16 STEPHEN R. SOMMA Y 34 PHILIP S. ROBERTSON
Y 17 GARY A. HALE Y 35 MARIE A. HERBST
Y 18 STEVEN SPELLMAN Y 36 WILLIAM H. NICKERSON
____________________
SENATOR ABSENT
The following Senator was absent today or may have missed some
votes due to the following:
Senator DiBella of the 1st - illness
____________________
RECESS
On motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th, the Senate at 2:54
p.m. recessed.
____________________
AFTER RECESS
The Senate reconvened at 6:50 p.m., the President in the
Chair.
____________________
PETITIONS
The following petitions were received by the Clerk of the
Senate, Wednesday February 13, 1990 in accordance with the
provisions of Joint Rule 11.
PETITION NO. 2
In accordance with the provisions of Joint Rule 11, the
Committee on Transportation is respectfully requested to draft a
bill based on Proposed Bill No.55, entitled "AN ACT
RE-ESTABLISHING THE TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD."
SEN. DELUCA, 32nd DIST.
SEN. GUNTHER, 21st DIST.
SEN. BETTENCOURT, 20th DIST.
SEN. EADS, 30th DIST.
SEN. UPSON, 15th DIST.
SEN. LOVEGROVE, 28th DIST.
SEN. SOMMA, 16th DIST.
SEN. NICKERSON, 36th DIST.
SEN. FREEDMAN, 26th DIST.
SEN. CASE, 14th DIST.
SEN. MUNSTER, 33rd DIST.
SEN. SCARPETTI, 22nd DIST.
SEN. ANISKOVICH, 12th DIST.
SEN. ROBERTSON, 34th DIST.
SEN. GENUARIO, 25th DIST.
SEN. FLEMING, 8th DIST.
____________________
PETITION NO. 3
In accordance with the provisions of Joint Rule 11, the
Committee on Insurance and Real Estate is respectfully requested
to draft a bill based on Proposed Bill No. 41, entitled "AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT OFFICE OF CONSUMER COUNSEL FOR
INSURANCE MATTERS."
SEN. SOMMA, 16th DIST.
SEN. GUNTHER, 21st DIST.
SEN. BETTENCOURT, 20th DIST.
SEN. EADS, 30th DIST.
SEN. UPSON, 15th DIST.
SEN. LOVEGROVE, 28th DIST.
SEN. DELUCA, 32nd DIST.
SEN. NICKERSON, 36th DIST.
SEN. CASE, 14th DIST.
SEN. MUNSTER, 33rd DIST.
SEN. SCARPETTI, 22nd DIST.
SEN. ANISKOVICH, 12th DIST.
____________________
PETITION NO. 4
In accordance with the provisions of Joint Rule 11, the
Committee on Insurance and Real Estate is respectfully requested
to draft a bill based on Proposed Bill No. 71, entitled "AN ACT
CONCERNING REGULATION OF INSURANCE RATES."
SEN. SOMMA, 16th DIST.
SEN. GUNTHER, 21st DIST.
SEN. BETTENCOURT, 20th DIST.
SEN. EADS, 30th DIST.
SEN. UPSON, 15th DIST.
SEN. LOVEGROVE, 28th DIST.
SEN. DELUCA, 32nd DIST.
SEN. NICKERSON, 36th DIST.
SEN. CASE, 14th DIST.
SEN. MUNSTER, 33rd DIST.
SEN. SCARPETTI, 22nd DIST.
SEN. ANISKOVICH, 12th DIST.
____________________
SENATE RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The following resolution was introduced, read and adopted.
S.R. No. 20 SEN. O'LEARY, 7th DIST. RESOLUTION RAISING A
COMMITTEE TO INFORM THE HOUSE THAT THE SENATE IS READY TO MEET IN
JOINT CONVENTION.
Senator O'Leary of the 7th explained the resolution and
moved its adoption.
On a voice vote the resolution was adopted.
The following is the resolution.
Resolved by the Senate:
That a committee of three senators be appointed to inform the
House that the Senate is ready to meet the House in Joint
Convention.
The President appointed Senators Mustone of the 13th, Morton
of the 23rd and Case of the 14th.
____________________
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th, the Senate at 6:52
p.m. adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
____________________
JOINT CONVENTION
The Honorable Senate, preceded by the Lieutenant Governor and
the Clerks of the Senate, entered the House of Representatives
and met the House in Joint Convention.
The President of the Senate called the Joint Convention to
order.
The prayer was offered by the Senate Chaplain, Reverend Joseph
A. Devine of Waterbury, Connecticut.
The following is the prayer.
Let us pray: Be with us, O Lord, as we gather in this
historic session for Governor Weicker's first budget message.
Indeed, the tone is somber -- with 60,000 of our own Connecticut
men and women as part of a force of 500,000 American men and women
half way around the world in Desert Storm, the brows of many at
home lined with anxiety about their safety and their own concerns
about the worsening economy and the growing unemployment lines,
and our own state budget splashed with the running red ink of
deficit.
In a special way bless our Governor, our noble Senators and
our loyal Representatives. Give them inspiration and light that
they may have the vision of a prophet, the wisdom of Solomon and
the uncommon valour the Connecticut young men who carried our
battle flags in the Civil War. For the rest of us, your little
people, O Lord, give us faith, trust, hope, understanding, and
love. We ask this through our Heavenly Father. Amen.
____________________
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Senator Mustone of the 13th led the Joint Convention in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
____________________
JOINT CONVENTION RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The following Joint Convention Resolution was introduced, read
and adopted.
J.C. No. 21 SEN. O'LEARY, 7th DIST.; REP. FRANKEL, 121st
DIST. RESOLUTION RAISING A COMMITTEE TO INFORM THE GOVERNOR THAT
THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ARE MET IN JOINT
CONVENTION TO RECEIVE HIS MESSAGE CONCERNING THE BUDGET.
On a motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th, the resolution was
adopted.
The following is the resolution.
Resolved by this Assembly:
That a committee of two Senators and two Representatives be
appointed to inform His Excellency the Governor, that the Senate
and the House of Representatives are met in Joint Convention for
the purpose of receiving his message concerning the budget.
The President appointed Senator O'Leary of the 7th, Senator
Eads of the 30th, Representative Frankel of the 121st and
Representative Krawiecki of the 78th.
____________________
The Governor thereupon appeared in the Hall of the House and
delivered his budget address.
____________________
JOINT CONVENTION RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The following Joint Convention Resolution was introduced, read
and adopted.
J.C. No. 22 SEN. O'LEARY, 7th DIST.; REP. FRANKEL, 121st
DIST. RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE PRINTING OF THE GOVERNOR'S
MESSAGE CONCERNING THE BUDGET.
On a motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th, the resolution was
adopted.
The following is the resolution.
Resolved by this Assembly:
That the message of the Governor concerning the budget be
printed in the journals of the Senate and the House and that a
sufficient number of copies be printed for general distribution.
After the Governor read his budget address, Senator O'Leary of
the 7th moved for dissolution of the Joint Convention.
The President thereupon dissolved the Joint Convention and the
Senate withdrew.
____________________
REPORT OF THE JOINT CONVENTION
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate:
It is my duty to report to you the proceedings of the Joint
Convention.
Upon the invitation of the House, the Senate met the House in
convention for the purpose of receiving any communications which
the Governor might choose to make.
Her Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, presided over the
Convention.
Prayer was offered by the Senate Chaplin Reverend Joseph A.
Devine of Waterbury.
Senator O'Leary of the 7th offered a resolution Raising a
Committee of two Senators and two Representatives to inform the
His Excellency, the Governor, that the Senate and House of
Representatives were met in Joint Convention for the purpose of
receiving his message concerning the budget.
The resolution was adopted and Senators O'Leary of the 7th,
Eads of the 30th, Representatives Frankel of the 121st and
Krawiecki of the 78th were appointed as such committee.
The committee soon reported that they had performed the duties
assigned to them and had been informed that the Governor would
soon come into the Convention.
His Excellency, the Governor, accompanied by the State
Officers, appeared in the Hall of the House in Joint Convention.
His Excellency delivered his budget message to the convention
and a copy of the message was left in my hands for the use of the
General Assembly.
Presently all of the executive officers retired from the Hall
of the House.
Senator O'Leary of the 7th offered a resolution concerning the
printing of the Governors message.
The resolution was adopted.
Upon motion of Senator O'Leary of the 7th it was voted that
the Convention be dissolved.
The President thereupon dissolved the Convention and the
Senate withdrew.
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN B. LARSON
President Pro Tempore
____________________
BUDGET MESSAGE FOR CONNECTICUT
GOVERNOR LOWELL P. WEICKER, JR.
FEBRUARY 13, 1991
Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the
General Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen of Connecticut.
Thank you for extending me the courtesy of this Chamber and
your homes this evening. I know these are trying times in many
different ways and one more pronouncement from a Governor, Mayor
or President does not fall into the category of a good time.
But there are jobs to be done, as another Connecticut National
Guard Unit knew when I bade its members farewell in Niantic this
afternoon. It is the job of the budget that has me before you this
evening.
Tonight is a special moment for our State -- for each of us,
elector and elected, who are the State. We have the power, if only
the will, to positively and dramatically change our little corner
of the world.
And mind you, not having Washington, or the United Nations or
economic tides changing it for us, but rather deciding our own
destiny in this act called a budget.
Every generation is a part of history -- few in a generation
have the chance to make history. Everyone within and without this
chamber starts at such a threshold this evening.
I've made my choice and although the path to it was trying, I
feel great.
And the reason I feel great is that with this budget -- what
was done is done; what is to be, is free to flourish, to be
created, to happen.
I'll spend little time with a reprise of harsh facts. The
deficit projection, as I walked into this Chamber, is 2.4 billion
dollars. It grew $40 million just within the past days as
corporations claimed refunds for overpayment of taxes.
These kinds of figures, left untended, control lives, sap
confidence, humble visions and make recovery impossible.
Neither you nor I signed on to muck around for two to four
years in the mistakes of the past. We're in the future business so
lets's get on with life in Connecticut, not debt.
Now, as with anything new, there are those who will grimly
hang onto the old. I predict the saying "turf battle" will achieve
a whole new definition in Connecticut in 1991.
Already, without the totality of the budget before them,
wealthy towns, labor unions, correction officers, nursing home
operators and boot camp advocates have all said "not me."
Now, with the budget public, they will be joined by many other
legitimate elements of our society. But as the lobster sheds its
shell to grow and the tree its leaves for beauty, so Connecticut
now must turn in the old for new clothes and new functions.
The change begins with the deficit. The themes are fairness and
effectiveness.
These less-familiar words of Patrick Henry best describe what
should be our process in the days ahead:
"For my part, whatever the anguish of spirit it may cost, I am
willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst and to provide
for it."
For openers, such "provision" means proposing cuts of $1.2
billion from the budget. Not across-the-board cuts, as is the
style of the lazy and philosophical, but line-by-line reductions
after review of each service, each need.
We used a scalpel, not a chain saw. Every function, with the
exception of economic development and certain health and education
programs, was cut.
Would that it were only numbers, only mathematics. But
suffering is peculiar to human beings, not statistics. So I
confide to you that this was the most difficult task in terms of
the heart.
The final upshot, without picking through the remains on the
abattoir floor, is general fund expenditures that are 2.8 percent
below last year's. If achieved, it would be the first time that
minus growth in state spending has occurred in modern memory.
Even with that magnitude of cuts in spending, only one half of
the deficit problem is erased. The remainder is dealt with either
by more cuts or more revenue.
Incidentally, for any read-my-lips dreamers out there,
long-term bonds are not revenues. They are expenditures -- and not
so long-term either when it comes to paying interest.
So, on with the second bullet of adding revenues. I am
recommending the following revenue system to give us balanced
budget in 1991-1992 and beyond:
1. Cutting the state sales tax from 8 percent to 4 and
one quarter percent on July 1.
2. Eliminating the capital gains, dividends and interest
taxes on July 1.
3. Expanding the sales tax base by eliminating the
exemptions on gasoline, newspapers, clothing,
haircuts, laundry, movies and amusements, among other
goods and services, effective July 1.
(Still exempt are utility bills, prescription medicines,
food, among a host of other goods and services.)
4. Eliminating the 20 percent corporate surcharge
effective with the income year that begins January 1,
1992.
5. Cutting nearly in half the sales tax on utility bills
of non-manufacturing companies on July 1.
6. Adoption of a personal income tax of 6 percent of
adjusted gross income in excess of 25,000 dollars for
joint filers and 12,500 dollars for single filers on
July 1.
With such a system in place, two other entities contribute to
Connecticut's revenue stream:
1. The federal government -- with an estimated pick-up
of one third or $300 million plus of the aggregate
net new taxes.
2. Non-residents -- who earn income here now will help
pay for the services Connecticut provides them.
To close the circle and pay for the $707.4 million deficit
from 1990-91, I recommend setting up an Economic Recovery Fund
with one third of the debt being retired each year for the next
three years -- accomplished with dedicated funds from general
revenues. 272.1 million dollars is included in the 1991-92 budget
for that purpose.
In other words, we're generating the payback internally and
with short-term notes, not long-term bonds.
Now, my friends, if indeed I still have any -- let me walk you
through the process used to arrive at my conclusions of this
evening:
I went into budget deliberations seeking to avoid an income
tax, thinking to expand the sales tax -- even to food and
prescription medicines -- and planning a one-shot surcharge on an
individual's federal tax liability.
On another tack were those of my administration who marshaled
facts on behalf of an income tax.
No rank was pulled in the debate. Both sides had spirited and
conscientious advocates. Facts had to carry the day -- facts
linked not only to a past but to a future.
And what finally pulled me over the line was this:
One option -- my wish -- took care of the past, with nothing
to show for the present or the future -- except the need for
another economic disaster speech next year; another multi-million
budget cut exercise and certainly more nickle-and-dime taxes.
The other option -- this plan -- takes care of the past and
starts tomorrow today. Hope was the difference, with it, all was
possible. Without it, our Connecticut, as we envision it, would
slip away.
The average difference in taxes as a percent of income to
avoid that, would range from 2 percent less taxes in the zero to
$10,000 range to 1 percent more taxes for the $200,000-plus range.
The good news is what this course promises for the business
climate of Connecticut -- allowing it to compete again with all
other states and the world; encouraging small business, offering
new and expanding jobs and thus generating revenue.
And remember. As follows the night the day, without jobs there
are no revenues and no services.
Not so coincidentally, jobs in good times and certainly in
bad, are the number one priority of this administration.
The impact of this budget on business includes:
* Three hundred million dollars less each year in business
taxes which can be invested in expansion and the work force.
* With the reduction in the sales tax, business -- which pays
40 percent of the state sales tax -- will have more money to
invest in jobs.
* Exemptions will be maintained for business-associated
services such as legal and accounting; architect, land
surveying and engineering services will be transferred back
to exempt status -- all to encourage business expansion,
growth and jobs for Connecticut-based professional services.
* A vital link between higher educationa and the business
community through the establishment of new Advanced
Technology Centers at Yale and the University of Connecticut
to promote research in the areas of precision manufacturing
science and neuroscience and biotechnology.
* Increased support for the Department of Economic
Development, increasing the funding for programs nurturing
entrepreneurial ventures and ventures selling Connecticut
products abroad.
I want business to get a very clear signal from Connecticut's
tax policies: We want you here. We need you here. You are no
longer the limitless well to which everybody turned when new
revenue was needed.
In this no-punches-pulled budgeting process we have preserved
-- even enhanced -- our commitment to children, the real future of
Connecticut.
The top priorities in this budget include:
* Initiatives to promote voluntary integration in education,
continuing Project Concern and encouraging initiatives
promoting racial, ethnic and economic integration within and
across school districts.
* Birth to Three early intervention programs and services for
handicapped infants and toddlers with an initial new
commitment of 1.2 million dollars.
* Improving access to community health care centers for
uninsured and underserved clients, particularly children,
born and unborn.
* Implementing the federal mandate expanding Medicaid to
children.
* Expand services of the Department of Children and Youth
Services that will protect children from abuse, neglect and
abandonment.
* For our older youngsters, I am recommending block grants to
higher education institutions.
I have long believed that our universities and colleges have
realized nowhere near their potential. I also have to tell you
that the best decisions are made in the university, in the health
center and the colleges, not the governor's office or the
legislature.
Where there is freedom of decision, excellence flourishes.
There will be accountability -- the taxpayer has every right
to expect money is being spent correctly.
But I believe in the excellence achieved by those on the front
lines delivering the best possible education to the children of
Connecticut.
In this budget message I have chosen to dwell on crucial
priorities for our future and on present programs of proven worth.
But being tough, this budget is likely to bring out those who
would point fingers, seek blame. Time just doesn't permit for
that. If anyone is going to argue in the huddle, go talk to the
water boy.
We can't stand a moment of self pity over what deficits and
recessions have done to us. Our competitors don't care.
We must be ready to take the field with 49 other states and
the world. Like or not, ready or not, that is the game now being
played.
And to those -- watching at home -- who say the political
system is responsible for our present predicament, I say BUSHWA
(no pun intended). The political system is all of us in the State
of Connecticut.
We all had the means to give direction to our revenue and
spending habits -- and we didn't choose to do so. It wasn't only
the fact that the legislature didn't. The people chose not to.
To my friends at home, no system can be devised, either by
constitutional amendment or statutory authority, that is as
effective as the individual citizen participating in the process,
voting the fiscally-responsible into office, the deadbeats out.
You can't expect a governmental automatic pilot to do the job
you refuse to do once a year in the voting booth.
It takes involved men and women, and once we get this State
straightened away -- and we will -- participation in our
one-of-a-kind constitutional process must be expanded and
maintained.
To my friends here in this Chamber, I know we can do this
together. Not me, not you, not Democrat, not Republican, not
Connecticut Party -- but us. If we are fair and set forth those
values that relate to others and not ourselves, than we will have
done what we were elected to do.
I do not think any one of us is going to benefit, short-term,
from this exercise. Nobody is going to come out ahead -- except
those we were elected to serve.
I think they want this budget as the first order of business,
not the monkey-business concluded in the last wee hours of every
legislature, from mine in 1963 to ones of more recent vintage.
As for the courage I ask for here, its meaning can be found
everywhere, from the simple words of Nathan Hale of Coventry to
the faces of our young men and women, seen so closely and clearly
from that strange war on the desert and gulf of the Middle East.
Nobody asked or is asking those men and women of different
color and backgrounds, to go slow, to give anything less than
their best, even their lives.
I think the best we can do in honoring them is to make sure,
so far as their opportunities are concerned -- and those of their
children -- that we give no less in preparing a healthy, thriving
Connecticut for their home-coming.
Now, how to close a message of sacrifice and hope?
Well, far better than the words of a governor or a speech
writer are the words of a citizen.
Phyllis Zlotnik, disabled, in a wheelchair, and an advocate,
wrote me the following words on January 21, 1991:
"There's no doubt we're in difficult times,
painful ones in every direction. Why anyone
would want to be Governor now is unfathomable to
me, however, I'm glad you do. As concerned as
you are about people with disabilities, I know
you'll have to make cuts in those services as
well. Who ever would be Governor would have to
make similar cuts and I'd rather that person be
a friend such as you rather than someone who
didn't care.
We may not always agree, and may have other
ideas about the ways to make services more cost
effective, but those of us who understand will
be behind you. We hope you'll seek our advice,
but will accept if you cannot do so.
I wish you luck and success in your endeavors
for all our sakes, including yours. Despite the
fact I've been present in an area with you on
numerous occasions, circumstances have prevented
me from saying 'congratulations' and good luck.
I'm taking this opportunity to do that now. If
there is anything I can do to be of assistance
in any way, please call on me. I've lost alot
of my faith in politics over the last few years;
but you have not let me down since Watergate,
and I know you will continue to be my last
bastion of believability.
And if you feel alone with your decisions,
remember those of us -- and there are many out
there -- who are silently with you."
To Phyllis and all of you, my thanks -- and Godspeed.