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Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2008 State Legislature Wants to Bus Hartford Students to Suburbs Cost to taxpayers 600 million dollars or more Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2008 Tax Talk 115 Tax Foundation Reports Connecticut Property Owners Pay the Highest Taxes Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2008 TAXPAYERS JUST INCURRED A 600 MILLION DOLLAR PRICE TAG TO INCLUDE BUSING STUDENTS OUT OF HARTFORD Hartford students and their parents are entitled to a first class education in their own communities. Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2008 ATTEND TAX DAY AT THE CAPITOL ON APRIL 1, 2008. The Public and Press are Invited to Attend the Forum Regarding Taxation in Connecticut. The Agenda and Participants are attached. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March, 2008 THE COST OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN CONNECTICUT IS BANKRUPTING CONNECTICUT TAXPAYERS. ARMAND FUSCO IS ATTEMPTING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT INSPITE OF SOME PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHO ARE TRYING TO STOP HIM. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March 2008 Tax Talk 114 - Gov Rell Wants Property Tax Cap Also, Will Towns Grab The Federal Stimulus Dollars Through Property Tax Increases and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - Feb 2008 Tax Talk 113 - Town Profiles Released Connecticut Property Taxes in State of Crisis - Governor Rell Promotes Property Tax Cap Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2008 Tax Talk 112 - FCTO Calls for Audit of State Slush Funds 2008 - The Year to Vote on a State Constitutional Convention, GASB 43 and 45 – A Financial Tsunami for Ct Taxpayers, and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - Jan 2008 The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations Introduces its Officers and Board of Director FCTO’s goal is to promote fiscal austerity in all levels of government thereby constraining the tax burden on local and state taxpayers. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Tax Talk 111 Appreciation to State Rep ONeill for his Excellent Presentation at FCTO Forum and More. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Nov 2007 Welcome to Tax Talk 110 FCTO is Recognized by Sam Adams Alliance of Chicago and More Sue Kniep - FCTO - 2007 INVITE TO THE NOV 10 FORUM ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM & RELIEF Guest Speakers include State Rep Arthur ONeill who Introduced Property Tax Cap Legislation Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Congratulations to Governor Jodi Rell Who Vetoed the Latest Bonding Package. Connecticut has the third highest bonded debt, per capita, of all states and owes 14.5 billion dollars from past borrowing. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Eminent Domain - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Connecticut establishes the Goodwill Committee to address Eminent Domain. Read what other states are doing. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Taxpayers Deserve A Closer Look At Teacher Contracts Congratulations to FCTO Board Member Flo Stahl on her excellent editorial which appeared in the Hartford Courant. Sue Kniep - FCTO - Aug 2007 Tax Talk 107 Updates Illegal Immigration and Recognition of FCTO Board Member Len Chaponis A federal judge has struck down the Illegal Immigration Relief Act ruling Hazleton crackdown on landlords and employers doing business with illegal immigrants is unconstitutional. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Aug 2007 In recognition of Florence Stahl who is President of the Avon Taxpayers Association Also Happy Birthday America and Links to Government Resources and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - July 2007 Tax Talk 105 - Rell Vetoes In State Tuition for Immigrants The Public Trough Is Bigger Than Ever By John Stossel and Much More Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2007 Union Contracts Account for Eighty Percent of Local Budget Costs FCTO is working to End the Secrecy of Union Contract Negotiations, Financial Accountability, and Public Discussion Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2007 Welcome to Tax Talk 104 - State Mandate Bill Defeated - CT Receives an F for Eminent Domain Failures Congratulations to Mike Guarco and the Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility and all Taxpayers who helped to defeat Bill 6956! Susan Kniep - FCTO - June, 2007 Tax Talk 103 - FCTO Highlighted in Danbury News Article Also, Veto Legislation Giving Illegals Tuition Breaks, Many speak out against Recent Eminent Domain Leg Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2007 Tax Talk 102 - CT Leg Passes Eminent Domain Bill Illegals Cost US 10 Billion Dollars a Year, Rell Vetoes Dem Tax Plan, and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2007 Work to Defeat this Costly State Mandate CCM notes that residential and business property taxpayers will be forced to pay for increased claims for a select group of people indefinitely! Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 2007 EMINENT DOMAIN - WHILE OTHER STATE LEGISLATURES ACT, THE CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE REMAINS DORMANT Tom Condon, Hartford Courant Columnist and brother of New London Development Corp. Attorney, criticizes property rights movement. Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 2007 William DiBella Guilty - Click to Read Articles and Editorials On May 23 at 5 PM at the MDC Office Building on Main St in Hartford an attempt will be made to Remove William DiBella from the MDC Commission. Susan Kniep - FCTO - May, 2007 Lets Talk Taxes May 20 Tax Freedom Day in Connecticut, Governor Rell Announces – NO NEW TAXES, Opportunity to Cast Your Vote to Lower the Gas Tax and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 2007 STOP HOUSE BILL 6956 This bill will cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2007 Governor Rell Announces Surplus Up $92 Million Governor Rell to Mayors - Democrats Budget Proposal Has Dire Consequences for Municipalities Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2007 ON MARCH 29 GOV RELL PROPOSED PROPOSITION 3 FCTO PROPOSES TO BRING UNION CONTRACTS OUT FROM BEHIND THE CLOSED DOORS OF SECRECY Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2007 April 18 Susan Kniep speaks before Berlin Taxpayers Group,Gov Rell Blasts Dems for Excessive Bonding West Hartford Taxpayers Association Address Budget Increases and Announce April 23 Meet, Town Reval Dates, Town Grand Lists and Mill Rates,Illegal Immigration Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2007 Thursday, April 19, Attend the Federalist Society Forum Presentation by Clint Bolick the President and General Counsel of the Alliance for School Choice and Cofounder and former Litigation Director of the Institute for Justice. Susan Kniep - FCTO - April , 2007 Tax Day was a Great Success FCTO Announced its Campaign to provide greater transparency of union contracts at the local level. Judy Aron - FCTO Public Relations - March 24, 2007 EAST HARTFORD PETITION DRIVE FOR BUDGET REFERNDUM Some homeowners will see their property taxes increase from 25% to 80% Susan Kniep - East Hartford Taxpayers Association - March 2007 Tax Talk 98 - MARK YOUR CALENDAR TAX DAY AT THE CAPITOL MARCH 22, 2007 AT 10:30 AM Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Tax Talk 97 on HPV Vaccine, Property Tax Reform, Binding Arbitration Border Patrol Agents Imprisoned, Ethnic Cleansing of Danbury, Judicial Accountability Susan Kniep - FCTO - Feb 2007 Welcome to Tax Talk 96 Follow what Legislature is Voting On, Concerns for HPV Vaccine,Support Changes to Prevailing Wage Laws Susan Kniep - FCTO - Feb 2006 Welcome to Tax Talk 95 Legislative Calendar and Agendas,Institute for Justice succeeds in Ohio,the Castle Coalition, Thank you FCTO, Mike Guarco on Unfunded Mandates, and More Sue Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Public debt, mandates handicap state Editorial by Susan Kniep, President of FCTO appeared in Jan 21, 2007 edition of Waterbury Republican Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 CONNECTICUT PROPERTY OWNERS!PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS! Dems Put Eminent Domain Reform On Back Burner. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 TABOR Establishes Rights for Connecticut Taxpayers The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations, Inc. released a proposed Taxpayers Bill of Rights for Connecticut. Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 3, 2006 CORRUPTION AND OTHER MISSTEPS IN CONNECTICUT The Federal Government is Doing What our own Legislators Have Failed to Do. S. Kniep - FCTO - 2007 FOLLOW THE MONEY Check Out these Websites Re Campaign Finance Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Tax Talk 94 Issues Include Immigration, Legislative Session,and Taxes U.S. Mexico Pact Revealed Billions to Non-citizens Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2007 Read editorial by Flo Stahl of Avon Tax Group. Also insight into two important issues which are Immigration and Group Homes. Susan Kniep - Group Homes - 2007 HELP MAKE 2007 THE YEAR OF THE TAXPAYER Presentation by FCTO before the Committee of the Governor on Unfunded Mandates and More Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2006 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And Remember the Boston Tea Party At this time of year, we have an opportunity to consciously reflect upon our forefathers and their sacrifices made in an effort to establish a country free from religious persecution, government suppression and excessive taxation. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Nov 2006 VOTE NOVEMBER 7, 2006 Property taxes escalating due to school budgets,eminent domain on many state ballots Susan Kniep - FCTO - Nov, 2006 Attend the Sept 9 Meeting of FCTO Armand A. Fusco is our Guest Speaker and will discuss his recent publication titled School Corruption: Betrayal of Children and the Public Trust. Susan Kniep - FCTO - August, 2006 State of Connecticut Writes Off 135 Plus Million Tax Dollars as Being Uncollectible Over 350 Million Dollars referred to State’s Suspense List in 2005 Susan Kniep - FCTO - August, 2006 Tax Talk 83 - • Could the Probate Court Rob you of your Rights? Absolutely! Many other interesting issues to include - Parents sue to remove kids from failing N.J. schools Susan Kniep - FCTO - July 2006 STATE of CONNECTICUT ELDERLY PROGRAMS State major programs serving the elderly are in the areas of health care, housing, energy, nutrition, property taxes, transportation, and cash assistance. Office of Legislative Research - State of Connecticut - 2006 TAXPAYERS ARE SAYING NO! BUDGETS ARE BEING DEFEATED! SOME TOWN OFFICIALS ARE ASKING THE STATE FOR RELIEF FROM STATE MANDATES! Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2006 Congratulations to Theresa McGrath on her recently published article. The CT Coalition for Justice in Education Funding Lawsuit is a Scam as is being practiced in 45 States throughout the US. Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 2006 Tax Talk 77 - Group Homes Connecticut Group Home Abutters announce their new website. Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 2006 Tax Talk 75 - Public Education in America Newsweek - Best High Schools in America 2006 Susan Kniep - FCTO - May 2006 Tax Talk 74 - Property Taxes A Special Thank You to Donna McCalla for providing us with Property Tax Updates. Also, see what is happening in other States. Susan Kniep - FCTO - May, 2006 Tax Talk 73 - 153 boards and board chairmen representing 98 towns across Connecticut Have joined in endorsing the Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility to seek legislative reforms Susan Kniep - FCTO - April, 2006 The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organization calls for a 2006 Constitutional Convention Secretary of State disputes FCTO and law professors on the interpretation of the Constitution. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Feb, 2006 WELCOME TO THE 72nd EDITION OF TAX TALK Read THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE TAXPAYER Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2006 WELCOME TO THE 71st EDITION OF TAX TALK State to buy a $1 million group home for 6 people. Auditors say bid was tainted. Susan Kniep - FCTO - April, 2006 WELCOME TO THE 70TH EDITION OF TAX TALK Dedicated to Reforming Binding Arbitration Susan Kniep - FCTO - April 2006 REVALUATION IS FORCING PEOPLE FROM THEIR HOMES The injustice in the Connecticut property tax structure is that we are being taxed on unrealized capital gains. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March 2006 TWO LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST GLASTONBURY ETHICS COMMISSION Suits allege the Commission refused to allow members of the public to file ethics complaints. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March 21, 2006 EMINENT DOMAIN ... WHAT NEXT CONNECTICUT Dedicated to all who are continuing the battle to end Eminent Domain abuse in Connecticut and beyond and in support of Suzette Kelo and all property owners trying to keep government from their door. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March, 2006 Susan Kniep Testimony on Prevailing Wage Thresholds Prevailing Wage Laws are driving up local property taxes. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March 16, 2006 Join The Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility Advocate for legislative changes to permit Connecticut communities to live within their means without negatively impacting needed services, education, and property tax rates. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2006 Review Proposed Glastonbury Code of Ethics. Republicans pledge to close campaign finance loophole. Corruption has been running rampant in our State and towns. Enclosed is a Proposed Code of Ethics offered by concerned citizens of Glastonbury which should be proposed in all towns throughout Conn. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Jan 2006 Statement Before The Connecticut Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee The injustice in the Connecticut property tax structure is that we are being taxed on unrealized capital gains. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Dec, 2005 WELCOME TO THE 63rd EDITION OF TAX TALK American high school students fizzle in international comparisons, placing well behind other countries, even poorer countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and South Korea Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - Jan 13, 2006 WELCOME TO THE 62nd EDITION OF TAX TALK The Center for Public Integrity provides insight into Washington Lobbyists and their influence. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Jan, 2006 WELCOME TO THE 60TH EDITION OF TAX TALK We congratulate Mike Guarco who has successfully assembled Conn officials working to reform State Mandates to include Binding Arbitration. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Dec 9, 2005 WELCOME TO THE 58TH EDITION OF TAX TALK Tax Talk opens a line of communication among concerned taxpayers. Can we publish something for you? Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - Nov 20, 2005 ATTEND THE OCT 26 INFORMATIONAL FORUM ON STATE AND LOCAL TAX POLICY A panel of invited national and state experts will discuss guiding principles for revenue systems, trends in state and local tax policies, and actual tax reform experiences in other selected states. Staff - Legislative Program Review and Investigations Comm - Oct, 2005 EMINENT DOMAIN AFTER KELO. Comments made by Susan Kniep on Eminent Domain at the Forum sponsored by The Federalist Society. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - 2005 SUSPECT RACKETEERING OR OTHER CRIMES BY YOUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS? CONTACT THE FBI! With Connecticut’s State Legislature protecting its own by refusing to give the Chief State’s Attorney the necessary tools to prosecute crimes of state and local public officials, honest Connecticut citizens and contractors must rely upon the FBI. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - August 2005 Susan Kniep, FCTO President, will participate in Forum Sponsored by Federalist Society Sept 16, 2005 at 12 noon at the Capitol in Hartford panelists will discuss EMINENT DOMAIN AFTER KELO: WHAT LIMITS - WHO DECIDES Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - August, 2005 PROPERTY OWNERS UNITE!!! ATTEND THE AUGUST 25, 2005 EMINENT DOMAIN LEGISLATIVE HEARING Also, read about New London expecting homeowners who lost case to pay hundreds of thousands in back rent. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - August, 2005 Revaluation Questions and Answers Provided by The East Hartford Taxpayers Association (EHTA) As communities go through Revaluation, consideration should be placed on phasing-in revaluation. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - July, 2005 EMINENT DOMAIN - What Have You Done to Protect Your Property Rights? Contact your elected officials and ask them to enact legislation to protect your property from eminent domain seizure! Susan Kniep - FCTO - July 12, 2005 Governor Rell Promotes Ethics in State Government Taxpayers must support Governor Rell in her attempt to establish ethical standards in local and state governments. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2005 CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Guarco and The Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility FCTO encourages all taxpayers to urge their town officials to join the Consortium and ultimately reduce their tax burden taxes! Susan Kniep - FCTO - July, 2005 MILFORD ALDERMEN LEAD CONNECTICUT IN ADDRESSING THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON EMINENT DOMAIN On July 11, 2005, the Town of Milford assumed a leadership role in protecting its property owners from this abuse of power by enacting the following Ordinance. The remaining 168 Connecticut towns should pursue similar action to protect its citizens. Susan Kniep - FCTO - July 12, 2005 FCTO Supports Ocean State Job Lot Controls Must Be Put in Place to Stop The Uncontrolled Expenditure of Tax Dollars on Speculative Development Projects Susan Kniep - FCTO - July, 2005 Consortium Mission Detailed to Officials From Area Towns There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to effecting reforms for the economic betterment of the community staff - voicenews.com - June 30, 2005 ATTEND JULY 5 RALLY NEW LONDON HOME OWNERS, BUSINESS OWNERS, CHURCHES UNITE AGAINST GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER OF OUR PROPERTIES Susan Kniep - FCTO - June 30, 2005 Attend the June 22 Meeting of the East Hartford Taxpayers Association on Revaluation. Revaluation can result in significant property tax increases. Susan Kniep - EHTA - May, 2005 Why are they saying no? Journal Inquirer Editorial Taxpayers are fighting back! They are rejecting municipal budgets throughout the State. Here is how one newspaper defines this growing movement among concerned taxpayers ... Editorial Staff - Journal Inquirer - May, 2005 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JOURNAL INQUIRER AND REPORTER KEITH PHANEUF The have unlocked the doors to government and exposed the Political Action Committee Network and the “loopholes” in election laws which allow businesses to channel money into political campaigns through lobbyists. Keith Phaneuf - Journal Inquirer - May, 2005 2005 STATE OF CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES REPORT What the Legislature in 2004 planned to do in 2005 according to the Office of Legislative Research. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2005 POTHOLE REPAIR Taxpayer groups are reporting pot holes to towns so automobile owners will be reimbursed. Susan Kniep - FCTO - 2005 Speech by Susan Kniep At Brad Davis Luncheon of April 4, 2005 Nearly every facet of your life is affected by what your public officials do while in office! Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - April 4, 2005 A Message from The East Hartford Taxpayers Association Promoting honesty, accountability and efficiency in the government of East Hartford. Staff - EHTA - 2005 Editorial by FCTO President Susan Kniep Written for Waterbury Republican Newspaper Governor Rell and Legislators Must Fix the Widening Divide They Have Created Between At Will Private Sector Employees and Government Sector Union Employees. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - 2005 The Mayor of New Britain and Common Council are to be Commended for Assuming A Leadership Role Special recognition is given to Alderman Hermanowski who initiated the following Resolution, which would ultimately allow New Britain high school students to participate in a three year early graduation program with the reward of a local subsidy. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - January, 2005 FCTO Proposes Early High School Graduation Plan This Plan will give students a financial incentive to graduate after three years to be applied to their college studies. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - December 2004 Defense lawyers: Where was Blumenthal? Attorney General Blumenthal is asked how his department could have approved the State Contracts now under scrutiny. Staff - Associated Press - October 4, 2004 DART to Hartford Courant by Columbia Journal Review Deluged for years with material pointing to corruption of Gov Rowland,Courant sent it swiftly down the drain Gloria Cooper - Columbia Journal Review - 2004 Medicare Payment Errors Nearly $20 Billion Medicare reported that private companies that process health claims from its beneficiaries made nearly $20 billion in erroneous or questionable payments last year, an error rate of 9.3 percent. Staff - Associated Press - Dec 14, 2004 Why Cant the IRS Do It? Congress has given the Internal Revenue Service clearance to have private debt collectors go after delinquent taxpayers. Editorial - Washington Post - Dec 9, 2004 The Looming National Benefit Crisis The long-term economic health of the United States is threatened by $53 trillion in government debts and liabilities that start to come due in four years when baby boomers begin to retire. DENNIS CAUCHON and JOHN WAGGONER - USA Today - Oct, 2004 WRIT OF MANDAMUS Taxpayers – When all else fails and town leaders are violating their own laws, consider filing a Writ of Mandamus action! Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - 2004 AN ACT CONCERNING BINDING ARBITRATION REFORM - BILL 5042 FCTO Requests that State Law Makers Reconsider and Approve Bill 5042 and Thereby Control State and Local Taxes. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - Nov, 2004 FCTO Proposes Changes to State Binding Arbitration Laws Based on Anthem Stock Lawsuit Eliminate HealthCare Costs and Issues from Contract Negotiations and Arbitration Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - Nov 1, 2004 Top Court Ruling Favors Unions In Anthem Case The Supreme Court ruled in favor of unions that the Anthem Stock Distribution is a contractual, not a legal, dispute and is therefore subject to arbitration. Jeffrey Cohen - Hartford Courant - Oct 25, 2004 Justices Take Eminent Domain Case The Supreme Court will decide whether cities can seize property and transfer it to private developers whose projects could boost an ailing local economy. Joan Biskupic - USA TODAY - Sept 28, 2004 Business Tax Code Lets Some Companies Off Easy Pitney Bowes of Stamford received $56 million in rebates in the federal corporate tax between 2001 and 2003, three years in which it earned $1.8 billion in profits. Dan Haar - Hartford Courant - Sept 26, 2004 THE FEDERATION OF CONNECTICUT TAXPAYER ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSES IMMEDIATE ADOPTION OF ETHICS LAWS On June 23, 2004, the following letter was directed to Lieutenant Governor Rell Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - June 23, 2004 Binding Arbitration Letter and Resolution FCTO is directing the following letter and Resolution to the CEOs of the 169 cities and towns in Connecticut. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - 2004 Thomas Jefferson said Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty. Be Vigilant. Be Free. JOIN FCTO! Join The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations. Learn about your government. Visit TAX TALK under FCTO Working With You. Also, access several taxpayer informative websites. Your Friends from FCTO - FCTO - Jan 2004 THE ROWLAND CORRUPTION TRAIL BEGINS ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL A primer on how nearly a half a million dollars in campaign contributions helped the Tomassos win 100 million dollars in no bid contracts. Staff - Common Cause - 2004 The Task Force of Governor Rell on Contracting Reform FCTO Suggests Connecticut Citizens Assume A Proactive Role in Contract Reform on a Local Level. Governor Rell Task Force - State of Connecticut - August, 2004 Ethics Reform and Enforcement Legislation summaries of legislation passed in the past few years that tighten the process for enforcing the State Ethics Code and during the 2004 session that reform the state code. Office of Legislative Research - State of Connecticut - May 13, 2004 CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH The Office of Legislative Research compiles reports on various legislative issues. Please travel to this website and see if a report has been generated which you may have an interest in reading. OLR - State of Connecticut - July, 2004 Property-Tax Rise Triggers Backlash in Some Areas Voters have organized efforts to repeal or slow property tax boosts in states from Virginia to Oregon. Ray A. Smith - Wall Street Journal - July, 2004 TAX TALK Allows You to Interact with Other Concerned Taxpayers. Let us know what you or your group is thinking, doing, and planning. Send to fctopresident@ctact.org. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - July 2004 Connecticut Teachers Salaries Third-Highest In Country Connecticuts teachers earned an average of $53,962 last year, a salary that ranks them among the highest paid in the country and the highest in the Northeast region. Staff - Associated Press - July 15, 2004 State Representative Sean Williams Vows to Press Connecticut Open Government Agenda Williams says the state budget and other legislation should pass public scrutiny, or not pass the legislature Staff - Town News - July 1, 2004 Failures Do not Weaken Ethics Resolve Reference is made to FCTOs Letter to Adopt Strong Ethics Laws. If your State Rep refuses, contact fctopresident@ctact.org. Staff - Courant - June , 2004 Rowland Gets Offer of Short Term In Exchange for Guilty Plea The Journal Inquirer Newspaper suggests that Rowland is weighing a deal by the Feds Don Michak - Journal Inquirer - June 26, 2004 TAXES GOT YOU DOWN??? ATTEND THE JUNE MEETING OF THE FEDERATION. Join With Others on June 26. Work collectively to Reduce Taxes! Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - June, 2004 HOMEOWNERS NEED REAL TAX RELIEF IN STATE Dowd Muska is a Philip Gressel Fellow for Tax and Budget Policy at the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, Trinity College, P.O. Box 260660, Hartford 06126. His email address is dowd@yankeeinstitute.org D. Dowd Muska - Yankee Institute - May, 2004 CORRUPTION IN CONNECTICUT A compilation of websites which will help you navigate through the revelations on Corruption in Connecticut Susan Kniep - FCTO - June, 2004 Reform Binding Arbitration All Connecticut Municipal Leaders are urged to read the following and provide information to FCTO on personnel related expenses. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - May 2004 Lobbyists Bankrolling Politics Visit the Center for Public Integrity and Learn Who Is Bankrolling the Presidential Candidates Staff - Center for Public Integrity - May, 2004 FCTO In the News Communities Feel Effects of Taxpayer Groups Staff - Waterbury Republican - May 24, 2004 Citizens Against Gov Waste New 2004 Congressional Pig Book shows expenditures constitute a record-breaking 22.9 billion dollars spent on 10,656 pork-barrel projects. Staff - Citizens Against Gov Waste - April, 2004 Citizens for Tax Justice A visit to this Website will provide you with insight into who is benefiting from your taxes Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - May 10, 2004 Officials in State Lavished with Gifts Companies that Gave Presents Often Received Contracts from the State Staff - Associated Press - April 25, 2004 Over 60 Percent of Corporations Did Not Pay Taxes Large Firms Dodged Federal Taxes From 1996-2000 As Profits Soared Staff - Wall Street Journal - April 6, 2004 Avon Taxpayers Association Announces New Website Congratulations to Flo Stahl, the President of The Avon Taxpayers Association and a Board Member of FCTO. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - April 2004 Stop Bending The Rules Courant Editorial defines how ethical and moral ambivalence toward questionable behavior contributes to a climate of corruption and they provide examples.... Editorial Staff - Hartford Courant - April, 2004 Aging Watchdog Group Fights To Keep Bite Hartford Courant focuses on a FCTO member, CPOA of New Britain, which is the longest running taxpayer group in the Connecticut. Staff - Hartford Courant - April Operation Iraqi Infoganda Real journalism may be reeling, but faux journalism rocks. As an entertainment category in the cultural marketplace, it may soon rival reality TV. Frank Rich - New York Times - March, 2004 Treasury Secretary Snow Reignites Fight Over Job Outsourcing The countrys manufacturers have suffered more than 3 million lost jobs since mid-2000. Staff - Associated Press - March 30, 2004 ETHICS RULING A VICTORY FOR LOCAL TAXPAYERS Congratulations to Citizens Property Owners Association of New Britain, the oldest taxpayer organization in the State of Connecticut. CPOA challenged union officials who vote on union contracts in their capacity as elected officials and won. Joann Klimkiewicz - Hartford Courant - March 25, 2004 State Top Court Lets Borough Vote on Two Budgets Separately The state Supreme Court has overturned an Appellate Court decision that said holding separate referendums on municipal and school budgets in Naugatuck is illegal. Staff - Waterbury Republican - March 23, 2004 Hog Wild: Stupid Ways States Waste Money See What Congress Sent to Connecticut and Other States Staff - Readers Digest - March 2004 Who is Afraid Of Binding Arbitration? I Am! In 2002-03, when the state was more than a billion dollars in deficit, state employee unions refused to accept a one year wage freeze and instead received $13 million in raises. Louis C. DeLuca - Hartford Courant - March 16, 2004 Homes Should Trump Hotels FCTO Supports Republican Leader of House Robert Ward as he seeks to prohibit the government from seizing homes for private interests. Robert Ward - Hartford Courant Op Ed - March 16, 2004 National Taxpayers Union Foundation Study: Freeze on ALL Federal Spending, Including Defense, Is Feasible Option for Fighting Deficits Staff - National Taxpayers Union - March, 2004 U.S. Trade Gap Hits Record $43.1 Billion in January This widest measure of U.S. trade and investment flows, would also likely cut economic growth early in 2004. Doug Palmer - Reuters - March 10, 2004 Testimony Before the State Labor Committee by Susan Kniep, President, FCTO Binding Arbitration Reform Supported by Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations. Susan Kniep - FCTO - March 4, 2004 Disciplining Bad Lawyers A Long, Slow Process While State Panel Deliberates, Questionable Attorneys Continue To Practice Thomas D. Williams - Hartford Courant - March 7, 2004 A Threat To Property Owners The sacred right to own property was undermined this week by the decision of the Connecticut Supreme Court. Editorial Staff - Hartford Courant - March 5, 2004 Congress Shows Little Interest in Budget-Cutting Measures National Taxpayers Union Foundation released study revealing 32 lawmakers sought to raise the federal budget by more than $1 trillion dollars. Staff - HEARTLAND INSTITUTE - January 2004 Healthcare Lobbyists Fund Johnson PAC The Leadership Encouraging Excellence PAC, has collected more than $65,000 from health care and insurance company reps since it was established three months ago Don Michak - Journal Inquirer - Jan 28, 2004 THE VALUE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAWS The story expounds upon the value of Federal and State Freedom of Information Laws which provides citizens with access to their government Staff - Parade Magazine - Jan 2004 Budget Office Projects U.S. Deficit to Hit $477 Billion The federal deficit will hit a record $477 billion this year and get worse if lawmakers cut taxes or increase spending, the Congressional Budget Office projected Monday Staff - Associated Press - Jan 26, 2004 D.C. School Vouchers Win Final Approval Hundreds of children in the District will be able to attend private schools at taxpayer expense beginning this fall under a plan approved by the Senate Spencer S. Hsu and Justin Blum - Washington Post - Jan 23, 2004 Senate Passes Funding As Democrats Relent The Senate approved a long-overdue $328 billion bill to fund most federal agencies yesterday after Democrats abandoned a fight over overtime pay, food labeling and other contentious issues that had held up the legislation. Helen Dewar - Washington Post - Jan 23, 2004 Ellington Voters Block Change In Pension Plan By 2023 to 80, voters at a referendum overturned a 45-34 vote at a town meeting Nov. 17 to enroll the non-union employees in the state Municipal Employee Retirement System. Lee Foster - Hartford Courant - Jan 16, 2004 Another January, another Congressional pay raise For US senators and representatives, it was a Happy New Year. As of Jan. 1, their salary is $158,100, the highest ever and an increase of $3,400 over last year. Jeff Jacoby - Columnist, Boston Globe - Jan 5, 2003 Bushite Betrayal of Working America Under new Bush Plan employers would be allowed to bring Mexican temporary workers in legally, give them the jobs, and put them on a fast track to permanent residency and citizenship. WorldNetDaily Commentary - PATRICK BUCHANAN - Jan 1, 2004 Documents Belie Rowland Claim (Refer to FCTO Hall of Shame for further reporting) Records Contradict Denials by Governor That His Office Played Role In State Contract Awards. Jon Lender - Hartford Courant - Dec 24 2003 IBM To Move Thousands Of Tech Jobs Overseas Southbury Office Among Those Affected By Offshoring AP - Associated Press - Dec 16, 2003 Talks put light on teachers contract. Arbitration likely to contain costs. An insight into teacher contract negotiations Tracie Mauriello - Waterbury Republican - Dec 14, 2003 Audit rules raise costs, concerns. New standards leave some towns irritated The new standard has forced many towns to spend more money on outside consultants, new software and employee time Alexander MacInnes - Waterbury Republican - Dec 14, 2003 Supreme Court Upholds McCain-Feingold Campaign Reform Act The Law is an attempt to control the unregulated, uncontained and often underground system of fund-raising Fred Barbash - Washington Post - Dec 10, 2003 Give The Public Access To Legislative Process Citizens should be well aware of and have a chance to comment on proposed legislation long before it becomes law. Robert Ward - Hartford Courant - Nov 17, 2003 Rowland Retreats on Enron Denial Governor Rowland has now acknowledged several calls with Enron Chairman Lay. Jon Lender - Hartford Courant - Nov 7, 2003 Double Dipping in Cities Municipal employees should be restricted from running in local elections. Editorial Staff - Hartford Courant - Nov 10, 2003 Land Group Set Back By Ruling The Fort Trumbull Conservancy concerned for intervenor ruling Lynne Tuohy - Hartford Courant - Oct 15, 2003 Panel Urges Shift Of Tax Burden To State State Commission Proposes Shifting $1 billion in Education Costs to State Press Reporter - Associated Press - Oct 1, 2003 Binding Arbitration Letter and Resolution FCTO is directing the following letter and Resolution to the CEOs of the 169 cities and towns in Connecticut. Susan Kniep - FCTO - Sept 1, 2003 Testimony Before State Legislature on Ethics On March 14, 2003, Susan Kniep, FCTO President, offered the following testimony to the State Legislature on Bills intended to help curb municipal corruption. She stressed time limits of auditors. Susan G. Kniep - FCTO - March 14, 2003 Source nytimes.com National Debt Details Welcome Fellow Taxpayers We invite you to join with The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations, Inc. (FCTO) and work to Reduce Your State and Local Taxes more...