Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations

Eminent Domain Bills:� Note that these Bills do not prevent government from taking your property by Eminent� Domain for private gain, nor does it protect the rights of the New London homeowners to remain in their homes.��

S. B. 665� Alive:� AN ACT CONCERNING EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS. To (1) allow certain property owners to repurchase property taken from them by eminent domain if the land is not used for a public use and is subsequently resold, (2) prohibit persons from misrepresenting that they are authorized to acquire property by eminent domain by making such misrepresentation an unfair trade practice, (3) require appraisals in eminent domain proceedings to be conducted by state-licensed real estate appraisers in accordance with uniform standards, (4) require the consent of the parties before a court may appoint a judge trial referee to review a statement of compensation in an eminent domain proceeding, (5) increase the maximum payments for relocation assistance, and (6) revise the standards used by local legislative bodies prior to authorizing the use of eminent domain pursuant to a development plan under chapter 132 of the general statutes. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=665&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=11&SUBMIT.y=5

S.B. 34 Alive:� AN ACT REVISING THE PROCESS FOR THE TAKING OF REAL PROPERTY BY MUNICIPALITIES FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.� To revise the process for eminent domain for municipal redevelopment projects and economic development projects by (1) requiring a determination in the plan that a taking of real property is for a public use or economic development; (2) requiring a two-thirds vote if the taking is for economic development; (3) increasing compensation if the taking is for economic development; and (4) authorizing the owner of condemned real property to challenge all aspects of the taking.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00034&which_year=2006

H.B. 5038 Alive:� AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN BY MUNICIPALITIES AND AUTHORIZING MUNICIPALITIES TO ESTABLISH SEPARATE RATES OF TAXATION.� To (1) revise the process for taking of real property by municipalities for redevelopment and economic development by (A) excluding residential properties from takings for economic development, (B) increasing compensation to owners of property to an amount not less than one hundred fifty per cent of the property's fair market value and two hundred per cent of the property's fair market value if the property is taken by eminent domain for economic development purposes, (C) requiring two-thirds approval of the legislative body for a taking for economic development, (D) requiring any acquisition of real property by eminent domain be not more than five years after approval of a plan, (E) establishing a grant program to compensate persons for the costs of contesting an eminent domain proceeding, (F) providing a tax credit against the income tax for persons residing in distressed municipalities, (G) requiring disclosure of information on the taking of real property by eminent domain, (H) prohibiting discussion of the acquisition of real property by eminent domain at executive session meetings, and (I) establishing a Property Rights Ombudsman; and (2) authorizing municipalities to establish separate rates of taxation for real estate. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05038&which_year=2006

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H. B. 5576 Alive:� AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONTENT OF MINUTES OF A MEETING UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE COPYING OF PUBLIC RECORDS.� To establish a content requirement for the minutes of a meeting of a public agency and to enable individuals to utilize their own equipment to copy public records. ��http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5576&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=5&SUBMIT.y=5

The following are the comments of Scott Coleman of Rocky Hill who initially proposed legislation to define Minutes and their content and to reduce the cost of obtaining public documents:�� As currently drafted, this Bill seeks to (1) reduce the cost of document copies from $.50 to $.10 per page.� (2) permit individuals to utilize their own equipment (scanners, cell phone cameras, portable copiers, etc) to make copies of public documents. Agencies would be required to provide an electrical outlet. Unfortunately, this Bill does not (as yet) remove the outrageous $10 fee which may be charged for each copy session. (3) require that all meetings be tape recorded, and that a copy of that tape would be provided upon request. This Bill further requires that, upon request, agencies must provide a written transcript created from the tape. Again, unfortunately, this Bill suffers from legislative meddling, and stipulates that the first individual requesting a transcript would have to bear the transcription costs, which would be considerable. Currently, efforts are being made to amend the Bill�s language to insure that these costs are passed on to the agencies.�� This was a simple bill whose original objectives were simply to define the word �minutes�, and to reduce the cost of copies. It went awry when those who didn�t understand the original statute tried to make changes.

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S. B. 701 Alive:� AN ACT CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND FOR SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC SYSTEMS, AND INSTITUTING AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR THE PROVISION OF REGIONAL SERVICES.� To (1) reform the manner of property tax assessments by providing for revaluations only when real property undergoes a change in ownership or has improvements made, (2) extend the exemption from property tax for solar energy electricity generating systems, and (3) establish a regional performance incentive program to encourage reduction in mill rates through provision of services on a regional basis.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=701&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=7&SUBMIT.y=8

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H.B. 5741 Died:� AN ACT CONCERNING THE PREVAILING WAGE THRESHOLDS.
To increase the prevailing wage thresholds. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5741&which_year=2006

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H.B. 5393 Died: ��AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE RELATING TO BINDING ARBITRATION FOR MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES.�
To revise statutes relating to municipal binding arbitration in accordance with the recommendations of the program review and investigations committee.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5393&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=6&SUBMIT.y=4

H.B. 5490 Died: ��AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE CONCERNING BINDING ARBITRATION FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES.� To revise statutes relating to binding arbitration for school employees in accordance with the recommendations of the program review and investigations committee. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5490&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=8&SUBMIT.y=6

H.B. 5491 Alive: ��AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE RELATING TO CONNECTICUT'S TAX SYSTEM.� To implement the recommendations of the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee relating to Connecticut's tax system. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5491&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=6&SUBMIT.y=11

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Ethics Bills: S.B. No. 53, S.B. No. 184, S.B. No. 185,� S.B. No. 487,� S.B. No. 488, S.B. No. 491, H.B. No. 5054,� H.B. No. 5055,� H.B. No. 5065, H.B. No. 5205,�� H.B. No. 5207

S.B. 53 Died: ��AN ACT CONCERNING GENERAL GOVERNMENTAL REFORM.� To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=53&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=8&SUBMIT.y=8

S.B. 184 Died: ��AN ACT CONCERNING REVOCATION OF PENSION AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BENEFITS FOR CORRUPT STATE OR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS.� To enhance the integrity of the state and municipal governments.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=184&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=6&SUBMIT.y=5

S.B. 185 Died: ��AN ACT CONCERNING THE REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION UNDER THE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION STATUTE.�� To extend the application of the rebuttable presumption under the whistleblower statute to personnel actions taken or threatened within five years of the employee's transmission of information to the Auditors of Public Accounts or the Attorney General.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=185&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=13&SUBMIT.y=6

S.B. 487 Alive:�� AN ACT CONCERNING ETHICS IN STATE GOVERNMENT.� To amend provisions of the state's ethics and campaign finance laws in order to prohibit certain lobbying and campaign contribution soliciting practices. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=487&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=7&SUBMIT.y=3

S.B. Bill 488 Died:� AN ACT CONCERNING EMPLOYEES OF QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES. To prohibit members of a quasi-public agency from benefiting from certain contracts entered into by the quasi-public agency. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=488&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=13&SUBMIT.y=4

S. B. 491 Died:� AN ACT CONCERNING A STATE LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE . To establish a legislative ethics committee.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=491&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=5&SUBMIT.y=4

H. B. 5054 Died:� AN ACT REGULATING MUNICIPAL LOBBYING. To provide for the regulation of municipal lobbyists in the same manner as the regulation of state lobbyists.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5054&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=18&SUBMIT.y=6

H. B. 5055 Alive:� AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AND DISTRICT ETHICS CODES.� To require each municipality and special district to (1) establish an ethics code for its officials and employees or update any existing ethics code to comply with requirements set forth in the bill, (2) establish a procedure for investigating and deliberating on allegations of unethical conduct, corrupting influence or illegal activities, unless the municipality or district has established an agency for such purposes, and (3) establish a policy for disclosure of financial interests of municipal or district officials and employees, unless the municipality or district has previously required such disclosure.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5055&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=7&SUBMIT.y=9

H. B. 5065 Died:� AN ACT CONCERNING ETHICS. To require a study of ethics statutes. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5065&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=10&SUBMIT.y=4

H. B. 5207 Died:� AN ACT CONCERNING COURT REDUCTION OR REVOCATION OF PENSIONS OF STATE EMPLOYEES OR OFFICIALS WHO COMMIT FRAUD AGAINST THE STATE.� To allow for the court ordered reduction or revocation of pension benefits when a state employee or public official commits a crime related to state office.� http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5207&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=8&SUBMIT.y=10

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S. B. 626 Alive: AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL READINESS.To address funding needs and reaccreditation concerns for school readiness programs. http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=626&which_year=2006&SUBMIT.x=13&SUBMIT.y=6

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George Ruhe, garuhe@snet.net

Wethersfield Taxpayers Association

Subject:� Channel 15, April 4 Show with Susan Kniep, Former Mayor of East Hartford and Barbara Surwillo, Former Mayor of Wethersfield

April 5, 2006�

Dear Susan:� I enjoyed the program last night. You and Barbara touched on many pertinent issues that are appropriate to most communities.�� Perhaps arrangements can be made to have it rebroadcast on Channel 15 and /or Channel 14 in Wethersfield. I did record the program, and if desired it could be made available for replay.�� I am forwarding a copy of this e - mail to the WTXA Board of Directors, Rick Garrey, President of WCTV, as well as several other interested citizens of Wethersfield.�� Regards: George A Ruhe

(I also extend my sincere appreciation to Barbara Surwillo for having me as her guest on her show.� She is a remarkable woman dedicated to improving the governments of Rocky Hill and beyond.�� Susan Kniep)

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Tom Ahern, TOMNHCTHALLOCK7@MSN.COM

New Haven, FCTO Board Member

$400,000. TAX DELINQUENCY-WILL� THE ALDERMEN AND TAX PAYERS BE CONNED AGAIN?

April 10, 2006

$400,000� unpaid taxes,� that� Mayor De Stefano� says may cost the City another $6 1, 000� plus foreclosure� costs, after a� 16 year tax delinquency.� The Alderman� were previously� fooled� in� a� business loan , from the CITY OF NEW HAVEN,( $250,000 �as I recall)� related� to� this� subject.� Will� our� Aldermen� take a closer look� at� this?�� The Mayor proposes foreclosure and� sale of # 108 Food� Terminal� Plaza to the adjacent owner at 104� Food Plaza Terminal�..Where was the Tax collector� during 16 years tax delinquency?�� Where was� the Economic� Development Dept,� for� the� empty� property for� 16 years?� Will� there then be other� grants or loans� to� a� new� buyer?� 104 Food Terminal Plaza, then� Annicelli� Fruit Co, , received� that loan� ( $250,000� as I recall ) with the� promise of�� creating new jobs�.� At the time,� they owed� about $70,000� in back taxes.� That fact�� was hidden from the� Aldermen by the then� City� development czar.�� THE LOAN RECIPIENTS FORMED A� NEW CORPORATION, ( NEW ORLEANS FRUIT �..)� WITH LIMITED� OR NO� PERSONAL�� LIABILITY��.AND IN A FEW MONTHS� THEY� WERE OUT OF BUSINESS!�� NO NEW JOBS� ,ANOTHER EMPTY BUILDING,� AND TAX PAYERS� MONEY� ( $250,000) GONE�� Will� the City Aldermen�� look closely at this new proposal to prevent going down the same path?�� Will the City get the best offer,� or is this another� �insider� deal?� What happened� to the CITY�S 104� Food Terminal Plaza loan� ( New Orleans Fruit Co, & $250,000 as I recall) since that time?�� A logical question� for our� Aldermen.�� The City�s� apparent� tax� or� development� negligence may� perhaps� now allow the� tax delinquent property owner, after �coasting� with unpaid taxes for 16 years,� to sell at an inflated price, before the City can act.�� NOW ANOTHER� CITY PROPOSAL:�� With� a� $500,000 (+/-)� tax delinquency� as the City�s� investment�� in 458 Grand Ave,�� how will� the City get the best deal?�� Will the aldermen� look� into the partners� of the proposed developer?�� Will the City be further� financing� this� project?�

Many of us� hope� that the aldermen and� the NEW HAVEN REGISTER, will� keep us� informed.�� Submitted on behalf� of� many interested� citizens. Thomas Ahern,203-773-1571

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The Conspiracy Against the Taxpayers, Steven Malanga� �.. FOR 50 YEARS, public unions, health-care lobbyists, and social-services advocacy groups have doggedly been amassing power in state capitols and city halls, using their influence to inflate pay and benefits for their workers and to boost government spending. The bill for that influence is now coming due, and it is overwhelming state and local budgets.�� Continued at this website:� http://www.city-journal.org/html/15_4_taxpayers.html

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