Wheeler Clinic Foster Care Program

Birthdays

President Don informed the club that Paul Mikkelson has been diagnosed with cancer and they are in the process of staging the disease and starting treatment.  Our best wishes and prayers are extended to Paul and his family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Vignati  went to Washington DC to lobby our Federal Legislators on continuing funding for Alzheimer's research as 1 in 6 people over 65 have the disorder.  He also lobbied on behalf of a bill to protect seniors from unscrupulous financial advisors.  Then his wife joined him and they were able to visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Newseum.

 

Joann Santiago had $5 Happy Dollars in honor of and continuing our prayers for Paul, Nancy, and Hank's healing.

 

Larry Sullivan was reminded by the Alzheimer's mention about the Irishmen who had Alzheimer's and forgot everything but the grudge. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Voorhees called member Joann Santiago to the podium, the previous week, to receive her Paul Harris Plus-6 honor for all that she has contributed to the club. The award included a lovely red stone!

 

 

Note:  Picture wasn't available for last weeks newsletter

[Tim LeGyt, photo credit - Phil Worley]

State Representative Tim LeGyt

2017 Legislative Session Update

 

As we all know the major issue for this legislative session is the state budget.  It is not going well and Tim feels that it is very unlikely that they will be able to pass a budget by the end of the legislative session (June 7) and will then have to go into a special session. Tim feels that there are too many competing interest groups for comprise to be reached.  This year with the more even playing field, it is harder then ever since the majority party cannot force a vote without all being in agreement, which is unlikely.  The senate is tied at 16 votes each, while the Democrats in the house only have a 4 seat edge.

Tim is on the appropriations committee which is charged with developing the budget.  The committee's have deadlines by which they are supposed to meet so that the full legislator can review and vote on the measure.  The committee's deadline was last Thursday.  The budgeting process this term is terrible because we have such a whole to fill.  The strategy of raising takes has been tried in the past with what he thinks has been devastating results.   The budget they were working on included about a 5% increase in taxes, which the Republicans could not support.  They would have to bring the budget out with no Republican support but a number of Democrats on the committee were also hesitant to support the budget.  The committee is 24 Democrats and 23 Republicans.  So the Appropriation Committee and their charge crashed and burned last week.  In addition the budget there were over a 100 bills that should have been acted on that were caught up in this dysfunction.   The governor is now trying to get the parties together.

 

We have revenue woes that are unprecedented.  We are trying to find 3 Billion dollars for the next two years.  Complicating that is the revenue receipts are down hill from the projections.  We are now 360 million dollars below what we expected for this budget year, which will have to be made up.  It can't be done in two months meaning the governor will have to bond for operating expenses.  That is very bad.  This shortfall now gets carried over into next year, making it worse.  So 3 billion become 5.  Finding 5 billion dollars in a budget of 41 billion, when half is untouchable means we have to cut the discretionary part of the budget by 20%.  Everyone has their own way they think that should happen. and their own programs that they want to protect.  He was sorry to have to present such a gloomy picture but it would be disrespectful not to be up front on the issues.  While he feels it is a privilege and his honor to serve, it has been depressing to be part of this process this year.

There was a question asked about what happens if we have no budgets.  Tim indicated that the agencies will be able to operate on the basis of this years numbers until a budget has passed.  One year we didn't have a budget till September.  Another question was asked about the prospects for concessions from state employees of 700 million or more.  If the state unions would open up their contracts and offer up some concessions then we wouldn't have to layoff workers.  Malloy has said to get 700 million in savings, he would have to lay off a tenth of the work force.  If they won't open the contract back up, which he feels is unlikely, we will have to find a billion in savings because of the on going cost when you lay someone off.  Maybe 5,000 state workers.  this would be a terrible thing to do.  A question was also asked about CT-N and Tim feels it won't be cut and that cameras will remain focused on their work.