On Oct. 7th, Speaker of the House Chris Donovan and Rep. Roberta Willis held a news conference to defend families in Connecticut that have a loved one with development disabilities. Speaking at the Tunick House in Torrington, the legislators were joined by family members and staff, all who sought to highlight their ongoing deep concern over Governor Rell’s plan to close or privatize 23 state residential facilities that provide care. Closure would profoundly disrupt the lives of hundreds of people across the state and damage the quality and continuity of care to the residents of these group homes.

Steve Fontana, CT State Representative and Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee talks about the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership. This Partnership would open the State Employees Union Healthcare pool to municipalities and small businesses. As towns and small businesses voluntarily join the pool becomes larger and the bulk purchasing power will drive health insurance costs down. The Plan has been championed and passed successfully in the CT House of Representatives by Speaker of …