This report is a non-partisan effort to increase the public’s and policymaker’s understanding of the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the so called “stimulus bill,” as well as some of its fiscal and economic impacts in the State of Connecticut.
The report highlights economic conditions that helped propel passage of the stimulus bill, discusses some of the economic principles behind the use of fiscal policy as an economic stimulus and presents key arguments for and against the ARRA. The report broadly classifies and summarizes key ARRA provisions and their timing nationally and in Connecticut. To help bring coherence to nearly 300 separate spending measures we present a simple taxonomy that describes how the measures will affect government and their potential to stimulate economic activity.
We compare the volume of known stimulus funding allocated to Connecticut with the amount allocated to other states and we estimate the value of individual and corporate tax breaks Connecticut citizens and businesses will receive as a result of ARRA’s provisions. Finally, we suggest benchmark metrics from which to evaluate the job creation impacts of the ARRA and highlight some of the difficulties inherent in and urge caution in evaluating ...<< MORE >>
This manual is designed to help local politicians, taxpayer activists, and concerned citizens to lower onerous property taxes by organizing to reduce local budgets, both for their towns and schools.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL MANUAL NOW! (PDF)
Although written in the early months of 2009 – a time of dramatically falling home values, widespread job losses and worldwide economic difficulties – it is designed to be implemented during any period, so that events like those of today will never again put property tax payers in such dire economic circumstances.
This manual is also designed to be straightforward and accessible. Even policymakers are often confused by the terminology of local finance. Many otherwise intelligent people cannot clearly define “mil rate” or “grand list.” They are also made to feel helpless by false assertions that the cost of public employment is forever fixed by contract, that local programs are strictly mandated by state law, and that unions and other special interest groups are too powerful to be resisted.
What follows is based on the work of Dr. Armand Fusco, former school superintendent in Branford, Connecticut, and author of ...<< MORE >>
I have been contacted numerous times over the last couple of days by angry parents wanting to know if it was legal for the school to use the automated calling system to urge a 'No' vote, sending home flyers with the kids, or teachers and aides urging the children to tell their parents to vote 'No'.
My read on the answer to all is- absolutely not.
Read a summary of the rules -HERE- PDF
The complaint form is here-
http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/forms/complaint/filing_a_complaint.pdf
It is a very simple process whereby you fill out the form, have it signed by the Town Clerk and mail it in- and they take it from there.
That's your BOE/PTO- by hook or crook. Last time I checked Woodstock was still part of the United States.
I wish to convey my sincere thanks to all of you who are aware and have supported the fight for right. I have been involved in political maneuverings at the State and National level in the past and haven’t ever experienced anything quite like this, nor would I have expected an arrogance or sleaze level quite this disgusting in a beautiful little town such as this. If you are not aware, keep your blinders on, you might be better off.
I received the docket on the SEEC complaint yesterday and it will go forward. ...<< MORE >>
By Lisa Rapose
This referendum, unfortunately, was a casualty of disinformation. Pure and simple.
I can not tell you the number of folks who told me, “I agree that it would be a good thing to change the BOE to 4 year terms but, I think we should wait and do it without ‘kicking everybody off’…” These good-hearted people did not want to unseat the BOE. It all seemed mean-spirited to them. Sadly, they just did not know that the reconstitution of the board is the ONLY WAY to do ...<< MORE >>
By Ed Higgins
In the run-up to tomorrow's referendum vote on the petitioned ordinance that could result in the reconstitution of the Board of Education, a good deal of the public commentary has taken a tone of personal and pejorative attacks upon those citizens who felt compelled to sign the petition and bring the proposal before residents for a vote. Supporters have been labeled as being 'anti-education', selfish and or being driven by a single issue of self interest.
A close look at the names of many of the 38 original signatories of ...<< MORE >>
A Board of Education is a public agency comprised of elected officials who make decisions for us. Sounds simple enough, right? We elect people to run our school system in our collective best interest. The truth is it’s just not that simple.
I have spent the last 4 years being heavily involved in education issues in Woodstock. I started out like most folks advocating for our kids. There was a lot that I did not know or understand so, I started asking questions. The more questions I asked led to more questions ...<< MORE >>
