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Sen Fasano - Opening Day Remarks

Yesterday marked the start of the 2017 Legislative Session in the Connecticut General Assembly.
As the new Senate Republican President Pro Tempore, I had the honor of addressing the state Senate on opening day. Please click below to watch my remarks about this historic year, in which Democrats and Republicans hold an equal number of seats in the chamber.

To read my full address visit: http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2017/01/opening-day-remarks-from-senate-republican-president-pro-tempore-len-fasano/

“We must remember that our voices are strongest when raised together. When all ideas are heard – when all avenues are explored – that is when the best legislation is created. I am proud to serve with each and every one of you and together Democrats and Republicans can surge Connecticut forward.”

~ Senator Len Fasano

Purple Heart Homes Winter News Letter

Check out our Winter Newsletter! Stories include: Operation: Veteran Home Renovation, Our Nationally broadcast TV show, and photos from 2016!  

Read more here. 

www.purplehearthomesusa.org

 

The American Political Zone - Dec 28

The American Political Zone - A Political Commentary on Current Events

  Featuring Daria Novak, 2nd District Congressional Candidate and President of the Institute for American Politics, and Frank Vernuccio, New York Analysis Policyand Government, The American Political Zone is now a regular feature in the Middletown Insider.

One of the best political discussion programs you can find, our hosts possess a vast knowledge of current affairs and they share this with us in a lively and interesting fashion.

CCDL - More Gun Bills Jan. 20 - 23

Here's the bills proposed for January 20, 2017.
These are just the bills announced that day. You can always see the full list of bills CCDL is tracking this year by clicking the “Pending Legislation” button near the top of the page, or bookmarking this link: www.ccdl.us/blog/2017-legislation

Proposed H.B. No. 6193 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFENSE OF A PERSON'S HOME, MOTOR VEHICLE OR BUSINESS', to establish a rebuttable presumption in a self-defense claim that, when a person believes it necessary to use deadly force to repel an intruder, such belief is a reasonable belief.
REF. JUDICIARY

Proposed H.B. No. 6194 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT REPEALING GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION ENACTED IN 2013', to repeal gun control legislation enacted in 2013.
REF. JUDICIARY

Proposed H.B. No. 6200 REP. SIMMONS, 144th DIST.; REP. TONG, 147th DIST.; REP. FOX, 148th DIST. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESENTATION OF A CARRY PERMIT', to require individuals openly carrying to produce their permit if their firearm is visible and if requested by a law enforcement officer.
REF. JUDICIARY

Proposed H.B. No. 6263 REP. SKULCZYCK, 45th DIST. 'AN ACT REPEALING CERTAIN GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION', to repeal gun control legislation enacted in 2013.
REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Proposed H.B. No. 6264 REP. DUBITSKY, 47th DIST.; REP. ACKERT, 8th DIST. 'AN ACT EXCLUDING RIMFIRE TARGET PISTOLS FROM THE DEFINITION OF "ASSAULT WEAPON"', to exclude from the definition of "assault weapon" any rimfire target pistols that are designed for use in target shooting events at the Olympic games.
REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

CCDL is also going to try and start tracking more sportsmen related bills, since there is a lot of overlap between gun owners and sportsmen. So here are those bills we're following.

Sen. Suzio Seeks to De-Fund State Study, Urges Public To Weigh In

A CT Mileage Tax?

A proposal by Sen. Len Suzio to de-fund the state's study of a potential "Mileage Tax" will receive a public hearing in the coming weeks.

Suzio on Monday applauded the Transportation Committee's vote to let the public weigh in on the issue.

 

Suzio, who serves as Vice-Chair of the committee, said he is making good on his campaign pledge to defeat the Mileage Tax.

 

"Imagine a Connecticut tax that would put a GPS chip in your vehicle and track your every move," Suzio said.  "Imagine getting taxed for every mile you drive. Why are our state tax dollars being used to study this 'Big Brother' idea? Let's do the right thing and de-fund the study. I urge taxpayers to speak out against the Mileage Tax."

Sen. Markley On Convention of States Movement

Convention of States Forum
State Senator Joe Markley and state Representative Rob Sampson will host an informational forum on the Convention of States movement. The forum will be held on Thursday, February 9th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.


What: Informational forum on the Convention of States Movement
Who: Sen. Markley, Rep. Sampson and Constitutional scholars on both sides of the debate
When: Thursday February 9th 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Legislative Office Building Room 2C 300 Capitol Avenue in Hartford

Senator Markley explains: Click below to watch!

Advocates for Higher Education in CT

Sen. Heather Somers and Sen. Art Linares on January 11 attended the first 2017 meeting of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.  The panel has oversight of all matters relating to the Board of Regents for Higher Education, public and independent institutions of higher education, private occupational schools, post‑secondary education, job training institutions and programs, apprenticeship training programs and adult job training programs offered to the public by any state agency or that receives funding from the state.  Somers, who serves as the committee’s Vice-Chair, represents Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, and Voluntown.  Linares, the committee’s Co-Chair, represents Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.  Somers (www.SenatorSomers.com) can be reached at Heather.Somers@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421.  Linares (www.SenatorLinares.com) can be reached at Art.Linares@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421. 

CCDL - Legislative Work Shops

The 2017 legislative session is well under way. As in years past, gun owners will be needed to support or oppose various proposed laws related to your rights.

CCDL invites all that are interested in preserving our 2nd Amendment rights in Connecticut to attend one of our FREE workshops. These workshops are designed to educate gun owners about legislative action.

At these FREE workshops you will learn:

• Learn about the legislative process and any pending gun bills
• Tips for communicating with your legislators
• How to prepare written testimony
• How to submit your testimony
• How to testify at a public hearing effectively
• How to track gun bills
• How to become proactive and vigilant
• Much more!

These events are free and open to CCDL members and anyone who supports our right to bear arms. Bring you friends!

Host: New Haven Sportsman's Club
Date: Passed

Host: Windsor Marksmen’s Association
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Suffield VFW Post 9544
972 Sheldon ST, Suffield, CT
(downstairs meeting hall)

For more information, email Ray Bevis: legislative@ccdl.us

Senator Markley - Capital Update

Please take a moment to watch my newest update video. I discuss judicial confirmations, my town hall meetings, and a forum on the Convention of States movement

American Political Zone Dec 21

The American Political Zone - A Political Commentary on Current Events
 

Featuring Daria Novak, 2nd District Congressional Candidate and President of the Institute for American Politics, and Frank Vernuccio, New York Analysis Policy and Government, The American Political Zone is now a regular feature in the Middletown Insider.

One of the best political discussion programs you can find, our hosts possess a vast knowledge of current affairs and they share this with us in a lively and interesting fashion.

CCDL - New Gun Bills Jan. 18 - 19

Just 2 gun-related proposed bills for the 18th..

Remember, you can always see the full list of bills CCDL is tracking this year by clicking the “Pending Legislation” button near the top of the page, or bookmarking this link: www.ccdl.us/blog/2017-legislation

That page will also show the official position of the CCDL Executive Board on bills once we have one.

Proposed H.B. No. 5813 REP. SKULCZYCK, 45th DIST. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE LOCATIONS OF FIREARMS TRAINING FACILITIES', to limit the locations of state firearms training facilities and to direct the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct a study regarding its firearms training needs.
REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Proposed S.B. No. 144 SEN. GUGLIELMO, 35th DIST. 'AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO EQUIP THE STATE POLICE WITH FIREARMS', to provide the state police with rifles.
REF. APPROPRIATIONS

More bills follow . . .

CCDL - More New Gun Related Bills

(Friday, January 13, 2017)

Just a few new bills today. Remember, this are only proposed bills at this time. They will be referred to the appropriate committees where they may undergo significant changed before going for a vote, or they may be killed completely. Even the good ones need to be watched carefully.

These are just the bills announced today. You can always see the full list of bills CCDL is tracking this year by clicking the “Pending Legislation” button near the top of the page, or bookmarking this link: www.ccdl.us/blog/2017-legislation

Proposed H.B. No. 5597 REP. SKULCZYCK, 45th DIST. 'AN ACT PROVIDING FIREARMS TO THE STATE POLICE', to provide the state police with rifles.
REF. APPROPRIATIONS

Proposed H.B. No. 5672 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT RECOGNIZING LICENSES TO CARRY FIREARMS ISSUED BY OTHER STATES', to recognize permits or licenses to carry a firearm issued by other states that have substantially similar standards for carrying a firearm.
REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Middletown Rifle and Revolver Club 22LR Poker Shoot!

Hello 22 LR Rim fire shooters! 

The Middletown R & R Club would like to extend an invitation to you (and bring a friend) to come and play Poker Fun Shoot.

We are asking for a $10.00 donation to the club. 

At sign in you will buy your first Target for $5.00

The object is to shoot the highest Poker hand with 5 shots within 1.5 minutes. If the bullet hole hits a line the higher score is used. This is a paper target shoot limited timed-fired for.  Any .22 LR caliber rim fire semi auto pistol or revolver will qualify. Open sights or optics are allowed.

Date: January 31, 2017 (last Tuesday of the month)      Sign-in Starts at 7:00 PM                    We will start Shooting at 7:15 PM

Please email me with any comments, suggestion or ideas on the fun shoots.

PLEASE BRING EYE AND EAR PROTECTION (Mandatory).

Address to: Middletown Rifle and Revolver Club  

Directions for:   1 Mill St. Middletown, CT

Merge onto CT-9 South toward MIDDLETOWN/OLD SAYBROOK. Take the CT-17 S exit- EXIT 13- toward NEW HAVEN. Take the MAIN ST EXTENSION ramp. Turn LEFT onto MAIN ST EXT. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto RIDGE RD. Turn RIGHT onto MILL ST. Club is on the left before small Bridge.

For GPS users the approximate address for the Middletown Rifle and Revolver Club is 1 Mill Street. Or you can use 25 Mill Street which is Marino Crane - the gun club is right next door.

Please email me if you are planning to attend so we can plan appropriately

Your Friend

Ray Beaulieu

rjb29@comcast.net

860-798-7248

Sen. Suzio Encourages residents to Contact Him With Concerns

Sen. Len Suzio (right) speaks with Norwalk Rep. Fred Wilms (left) prior to the first 2017 meeting of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee. Suzio serves as Vice-Chair of the legislative panel, which has cognizance of all matters relating to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Suzio encouraged area residents to contact him with concerns related to the DOT, DMV, or any other issue at Len.Suzio@cga.ct.gov or at 800 842-1421.  Among Suzio’s priorities is de-funding the study of a potential Connecticut Mileage Tax – a potential tax on every mile Connecticut residents drive.  Sign up for Suzio’s State Capitol updates at: www.SenatorSuzio.com . Suzio represents Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, and Rockfall.

Legislators Introduce Bill to Recognize National Popular Vote in State Electoral College

Bill would allocate Electoral College votes to popular vote winner

As members of the Electoral College met Monday to cast their votes, a group of Connecticut state legislators led by Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown) and Rep. James Albis (D-East Haven) filed legislation that would allocate Connecticut’s Electoral College votes to the winner of the national popular vote.

If the bill is passed, Connecticut would join the group of states that make up The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). The legislation was filed by Reps. Lesser, Albis, Haddad, D’Agostino, Hennessy and Porter, Sens. Flexer and Winfield, and Representatives-elect Linehan and Elliot.

“As President Obama said, the electoral college as we know it is a vestige. It is a legacy of a time when states’ rights mattered more than human rights,” said Rep. Lesser. “Connecticut has the power to join with our sister states to chart a new course where every vote is equal. I’m proud to introduce this legislation.”

Sen. Hwang: “Share your thoughts and concerns."

Activity at the State Capitol is heating up. Please watch and share this brief video update:

Markley, Suzio Town Hall Meeting

Senator Markley - Opening Day Update

"In this video (from Jan. 4) I discuss my impressions of the opening day of the legislative session, the Governor’s speech, and my upcoming town halls in the district."

 

CCDL - Here We Go! 1st Gun Bills Of 2017

The 2017 Connecticut state legislative regular session started January 4th and Adjourns June 7th. The first few days are mostly formalities, but now we're starting to see the first proposed gun bills coming out. Remember, these are just proposed bills right now, but this is the best time to kill the bad ones and prevent them from moving ahead, or voice your support for the good ones.

CCDL is also going to try and start tracking more sportsmen related bills, since there is a lot of overlap between gun owners and sportsmen. You'll see those bills listed after the gun bills.

These are just the bills announced today. You can always see the FULL list of bills CCDL is tracking by clicking the "Pending Legislation" button near the top of the page, or bookmarking this link: www.ccdl.us/blog/2017-legislation

Proposed H.B. No. 5513 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR THE PURCHASE OF A GUN SAFE', to establish a tax credit, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars, against the personal income tax for the purchase of a gun safe for a taxpayer's personal use. REF. FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING

Proposed H.B. No. 5570 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT REMOVING VOLUNTARY ADMISSION TO A HOSPITAL FOR PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES AS A REASON TO DENY A FIREARM PERMIT OR CERTIFICATE', to encourage a person to voluntarily admit himself or herself to a hospital for psychiatric disabilities by not disqualifying such person from receiving a firearm permit or certificate based solely on such voluntary admission. REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Proposed H.B. No. 5571 REP. SAMPSON, 80th DIST. 'AN ACT CONCERNING FIREARMS DURING A CIVIL PREPAREDNESS EMERGENCY', to prohibit the Governor or any municipality from restricting lawful possession of a firearm or ammunition during a civil preparedness emergency. REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Proposed S.B. No. 73 SEN. WITKOS, 8th DIST. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE POSSESSION OF HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINES BY RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS', to allow retired law enforcement officers to possess high-capacity magazines. REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Proposed S.B. No. 74 SEN. KISSEL, 7th DIST. 'AN ACT PROHIBITING LOCAL REGULATION OF FIREARMS', to prevent the regulation of firearms by municipalities. REF. PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

---

Proposed H.B. No. 5495 REP. ACKERT, 8th DIST. 'AN ACT WAIVING HUNTING LICENSE FEES FOR BOW AND ARROW HUNTERS WHO ARE SIXTY-FIVE AND OLDER', to waive hunting license fees for certain senior citizens who hunt by bow and arrow. REF. ENVIRONMENT

Proposed H.B. No. 5499 REP. SKULCZYCK, 45th DIST. 'AN ACT AUTHORIZING SUNDAY HUNTING ON PRIVATE LANDS', to allow Sunday hunting on private lands. REF. ENVIRONMENT

"American Political Zone" 12/16/06

The American Political Zone - A Political Commentary on Current Events

Featuring Daria Novak, 2nd District Congressional Candidate and President of the Institute for American Politics, and Frank Vernuccio, New York Analysis Policyand Government, The American Political Zone is now a regular feature in the Middletown Insider.

One of the best political discussion programs you can find, our hosts possess a vast knowledge of current affairs and they share this with us in a lively and interesting fashion.

Merry Christmas from Mercy High

Better late than never!

(They are two different videos)

CCDL Presser Re: Proposed Olympic Pistol Regulatons

01/03/2016

(Groton, CT) - The Connecticut Citizens Defense League (The state's largest gun rights organization) is opposed to some of the regulatory recommendations from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection that pertain to Olympic Competition Pistols. The firearms in question fell under the State's definition of assault weapons when amended language was passed under Public Act 13-3 and 13-220. 
 
CCDL notes that there are just 10 days to enter public comments to try to get DESPP to factor in their objections to the regulatory changes.  (The editor regrets he was unable to publish this, sooner.)
 
Statement from CCDL President Scott Wilson:
 
"There are two parts of the proposed language changes that would likely impact would-be Olympic target shooters. First off, Sec. 53-202b-5(a) 6 is an unnecessary burden that creates another obstacle for an Olympic hopeful to obtain these very expensive and calibrated pieces of equipment. These types of guns are never used to commit violent crimes". 
 
"The second more troubling issue with the language is Sec. 53-202b-5(a) 9. This language essentially states that unless you are already sanctioned by the Olympic Committee or some other national or international committee, you cannot get the approval to possess one of these firearms. How does one train to become an Olympic-level competitor without access to the equipment needed in the first place? It's a dreadful Catch 22". 
 
Wilson also stated:
"It is important to point out that these firearms would still be regulated by all other state and federal law. We feel applying “assault weapon” definitions to these extremely rare and specialized types of firearms is pointless".



About the CCDL: The Connecticut Citizens Defense League was formed in 2009 by a small group of concerned citizens as a non-partisan organization to advocate second amendment rights in the state of Connecticut. Since their founding, the group has grown to over 25,000 members from across the state.
Thanks to this large supportive base, the CCDL has become a fixture at the state capitol, and well-recognized by committees that see firearms related bills.
As the go-to organization in the state they are consulted regularly by lawmakers who have questions and concerns about pending legislation or existing laws. For more information on the CCDL please visit: http://www.ccdl.us

CCDL 8th Anniversary Dinner

Where does the time go? Come celebrate CCDL’s 8th anniversary with a dinner event to be held February 18th, 2017 at the Aquaturf Club in Plantsville. Relax, enjoy a meal, and share a well deserved night out.

We've added over 25,000 members since that first dinner, so come pat yourselves on the back.

Tickets may be purchased at our monthly meeting or online, and you must show your ticket at the door to gain entry.  Tickets are $57 per person when ordered online in our web store. Tickets ordered online will not be shipped. They will be held at the door under the name used to order them.

Dinner will be buffet style, salad and cheese tables are on the menu as well. This event is 4pm-9pm, with dinner to start at 5:30. We will have some speakers, but not TOO many! This is a night to sit back and enjoy a well deserved meal. Bring some cash for raffle tickets and the bar! All lawful forms of carry are permitted and encouraged, but remember the Aquaturf does serve alcohol. Please carry (and drink) responsibly.

The Aquaturf is located at 556 Mulberry st, Plantsville CT, 06479. Their phone number is 860-621-9335.

Click the BUY NOW button to purchase tickets.

Roots in Ripon - The Electoral Collage, One More Time

County by county 2016 election map by Grass Roots Nebraska

Roots in Ripon

Chuck Roots

12 December 2016

www.chuckroots.com

One More Time

Well, the events following the presidential election last month come as no surprise. In fact, I mentioned in one of my articles leading up to the election that there would be a call from somewhere in the political hallways of Congress to repeal the Constitution’s establishment of the Electoral College vote in favor of the more popular “Popular Vote.”

Sure enough, the dust hadn’t even settled from the November 7^th ballot counting and already members of Congress were squawking about the unfairness of the election. A political commentary from CNBC trumpets, “Democrats and Left Wing activists are loudly calling to repeal the Electoral College.” The argument that has been put forth goes something like this: Hillary has won the Popular Vote by two-and-a-half million votes over Donald Trump. Therefore, she should be the next president. This same approach was touted by Al Gore in his failed bid for the White House in 2000, garnering more Popular Votes than George W. Bush.

The U.S. Presidential Election has never been a Popular Vote at any time in our 240-year history. Hopefully it never will be. The Founding Fathers intentionally steered our new republic away from popularity voting. High school class presidents were almost entirely about the popularity of the individual running for office. Our Founding Fathers thought this to be a bad formula for electing the president of our country.

The question is still asked, “Why do we have the Electoral College?” The answer comes from a clear understanding of the Constitution. “The founding fathers established the Electoral College in the Constitution as a compromise between election of the President by a vote in Congress and election of the President by a popular vote of qualified citizens.”

"American Political Zone"

The American Political Zone - A Political Commentary

on Current Events

Featuring Daria Novak, 2nd District Congressional Candidate and President of the Institute for American Politics, and Frank Vernuccio, New York Analysis Policyand Government, The American Political Zone is now a regular feature in the Middletown Insider.

One of the best political discussion programs you can find, our hosts possess a vast knowledge of current affairs and they share this with us in a lively and interesting fashion.

4 NYE Entertaining Tips to Wow Your Guests!

Guest post from Aimee Lyons (Better late than never!)

Anyone can throw a New Year’s Eve party filled with streamers, noisemakers, and wacky 2017 glasses. But, it takes some true creativity and planning to host a party that will wow your guests. That’s why I’ve found some of the best New Year’s Eve entertaining tips and hacks that will make your NYE party the talk of the town.

1. Make inexpensive decorations that look like a million bucks

Don’t make the holiday entertaining mistake of spending tons of money on new décor that you won’t enjoy looking at after the last guest leaves. You can wow your guests with DIY decorations that far surpass any you’d find in a tired party store. The most important tip is to make sure that your décor matches or fits into a theme because you don’t want to confuse your guests. It’s also easier for you to choose a theme and stick to it when choosing and making your décor.

2. Prepare fancy food without the fuss

The best way to wow your guests is to serve them food that they will think is fancy but that you know doesn’t take much time at all.

• Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres - Consider broiled mussels, chili served in large dinner rolls or small bread bowls, Vidalia onion tarts, or Cipollini onion hummus to get your party started.

• Main courses – If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner with a main course, you should choose one that everyone will love even though it won’t take you hours of preparation. Some of my favorites include glazed ham with coriander and fennel, bacon-wrapped pork loin with cherries, and roast beef with slow-cooked tomatoes and garlic. And of course, you can always serve black-eyed peas and greens, traditional good luck foods for the new year.