March News Update
As Congress Prepares Budget, Sub Suppliers Look To Secure Funding
The Day
3/6/09
Washington - It was hard to miss the victorious mood at Thursday's Submarine Industrial Base Council breakfast, where submarine builders and suppliers from across the country mingled with members of Congress to kick off a day of visits to members' offices on Capitol Hill.
Last year's record-breaking $14 billion contract for eight new Virginia-class submarines, to be built in part by Groton's Electric Boat, was cause for celebration and record-breaking turnout at the council's 17th annual meeting, organizers said.
“The feeling in the room was definitely much more upbeat,” said Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, who spoke to the nearly 200 attendees.
But there wasn't much time to rest on their laurels. With President Barack Obama's proposed budget still vague on defense spending - and with more-immediate priorities looming in the midst of the economic crisis - industry representatives came to Washington prepared to push for two new priorities: increased funds for research and development and a program to design a replacement for the aging Ohio-class Trident submarine.
“Even though awards have been made … the new administration has put a hold on everything,” said the council's co-chairman, Dan DePompei of DRS Power Technology in Fitchburg, Mass.
“Block 3 funding [for the Virginia-class subs] is pretty safe, but R&D could be questioned.”
Obama's budget outline would set the Defense Department's basic budget, which excludes war costs, at $533.7 billion - a 4 percent increase over this year that barely keeps pace with inflation. By contrast, George W. Bush increased the department's budget by 74 percent from 2001 to 2008.
After an era of heightened spending and ambitious defense projects, council members said, they must now market their services as long-term investments in the country's economic prosperity and national security.
“There is an economic impact across the country for what we do, and we need to reinforce that message with Congress,” Electric Boat President John P. Casey said in an interview.
He said Congress and the Navy need to start thinking now about replacing the Ohio-class submarines, the first of which is set to be retired in 2029.
“We're not early, we're not late, but we need to start now,” Casey said.
Courtney said an Ohio-class redesign program would bring more entry-level design jobs to Electric Boat. In the past year, the company has added about 200 engineers and 400 designers to its work force, many of them younger employees whose ranks had thinned at Electric Boat over the years.
“It's really been exciting to see, on the design side, younger workers going through the doors in the morning,” Courtney said in an interview. “Trying to hold onto our young people is a profoundly significant issue in our state.”
Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., stressed the urgency of keeping research-and-development funding levels high to keep pace with emerging naval powers like China.
“If you have any doubts about whether this is Cold War technology, just ask other nations that are eager for this technology,” Dodd said after speaking to the council. “It would be awfully shortsighted to find out the whole world was right and we were wrong.”
Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla., the senior Republican on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, assured the council audience that Navy procurement programs would not face the chopping block when Congress starts debating the budget in April.
“The Appropriations Committee will be supporting these programs, and we're looking forward to that Trident submarine,” Young said to applause.
Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., cautioned that as the Navy falls behind in the number of submarines in its fleet, the submarine industry must work even harder to ensure that Congress will pay for the “complex engineering and precise craftsmanship” necessary for an updated fleet.
“We can't take it for granted that other members of Congress are as passionate and knowledgeable as we are about submarines,” said Langevin, co-chairman of the Congressional Submarine Caucus.
New Health Center On The Way For Putnam
John Penney
Norwich Bulletin
3/5/09
Putnam, Conn. — After years of wrangling by health advocates, state leaders and town officials, plans for a new family health center in town are beginning to solidify.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced this week Generations Family Health Center was awarded $1.12 million in federal funds for a new health center in town. The funds were part of a $2 billion national program designed to boost local health care programs for low- to moderate-income families.
“As an increased number of families feel the effects of the recession, Generations will be better positioned to help our friends and neighbors who may lose their employer-sponsored health insurance,” Courtney said.
The “New Access Point” center has been a long time coming, said Arvind Shaw, executive director of Generations, which provides northeastern Connecticut residents with medical, dental and behavioral health services through satellite offices in Danielson and Willimantic.
“I’m ecstatic,” Shaw said. “There’s a huge unmet need in this area. People without the money or ability to reach our other offices will now have access to the care they’re entitled to.”
As in its other locations, patient service costs at the planned facility will vary depending on patient income.
Shaw said the next step is to secure a building in town for renovations. He said operating the center — estimated at 8,000 square feet — will require hiring 30 additional staff, including doctors, nurses, hygienists and office personnel. Shaw said he’s reached out to local business owners to determine what properties are available.
The idea for a local health center grew from a 2001 health assessment study conducted by the Northeast District Department of Health after town officials began hearing concerns from residents about the availability of health services, Town Manager Doug Cutler said.
“This goes back quite a ways,” he said. “Even with (Day Kimball Hospital) and the primary care doctors’ offices here, it was determined there was still a need for affordable health care for residents.”
Cutler said the town will work with Generations officials during the research phase of development.
News of a new Generations office pleased Putnam resident Leon Chatelle, whose son, Leon, receives regular checkups from the organization’s mobile dental van.
“That’s just awesome,” he said. “It’ll absolutely benefit the people who live in town. (Generations) does a great job with the kids here, so I’ll definitely check it out.”
Rep. Courtney to Make $4,500 Contribution to Three Second District Food Banks
Congressman Joe Courtney announced that his campaign will make $1,500 contributions to each of three Second Congressional District food pantries and meal distribution centers serving eastern Connecticut’s families in need. The $4,500 contribution will help to alleviate the increasing burden being placed on area food centers because of the recession.
The $4,500 represents contributions Courtney received from PMA Group, which is accused of questionable operations and practices.
The following food pantries will each receive a $1,500 contribution:
- St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich
- Enfield Food Shelf, Enfield
- Gemma Moran Food Distribution Center, New London
“If PMA Group executives have engaged in dishonest practices, then I cannot and will not accept their financial support,” stated Courtney. “However, I do not want to pass up an opportunity to use their contributions to do some good in our community.”
Agency Gets $880K To Help Region’s Jobless
Patricia Daddona
The Day
2/27/09
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board an $880,286 federal grant to help retrain the unemployed in the region.
The Franklin-based agency received notice of the first wave of layoffs at Foxwoods Resort Casino in October and used details from that initial number, about 165 workers, as evidence of the potential magnitude of layoffs in the region, said John Beauregard, the agency's executive director.
The money will assist not only Foxwoods employees who have lost their jobs but other dislocated workers as well, Beauregard said. The funds are intended to supplement existing retraining and employment assistance programs, he added.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, said these funds will help the state's economy as workers are retrained and find new jobs.
”The economic woes that have dragged down the national economy continue to take a toll on our state, including the critical tourism and entertainment sectors in southeastern Connecticut,” Rell said in a statement. “In the end, the only way for Connecticut - and the nation - to recover from this downturn is to literally 'work' our way out of it - job by job and family by family. This grant is an important step in that process.”
Courtney added: “These are our neighbors and our friends and they need our help to find new jobs, which is why I will continue to support responsible federal grant programs that alleviate the burden placed on Connecticut and help steer us out of this recession.”
The funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's National Emergency Grant program. Half of the money will be provided immediately while the remaining funds will be released as the state meets specific requirements of the grant program and shows a continued need for the funds.
Ashford Volunteer Fire Department Receives Grant For Equipment
Teri Stohlberg
Reminder News
U. S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2 nd District) announced last week that three Connecticut fire departments have been awarded federal assistance grants for operation and safety improvements.
“As a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus, I am pleased to announce that these departments will receive federal assistance to enable them to continue their vital service to the communities that they serve,” Courtney said in a press release.
The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department is one of the departments awarded the new grant. The actual amount that the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department will receive is $30,020. Other fire districts receiving this grant are the Pawcatuck Fire District and the Chesterfield Fire Company. They will receive $54,326 and $45,667, respectively.
Wayne Fletcher, chief of the AVFD, explained that the money will be used to buy new turn-out gear. “This is in accordance with the latest NFPA regulations , which have changed in the last year… As a result of this grant, all my people will be compliant.”
The NFPA is the National Fire Protection Agency, which sets the standards for fire-fighting gear and equipment. The AVFD will need to purchase 26 new sets of turn-out gear, which, according to Fletcher, is much more lightweight and more flexible, allowing the firefighters to move more rapidly and work for longer periods of time. The new turn-out gear will have additional safety gear like holders for flashlights, a harness system and a rescue strap. “We are also getting 36 high-visibility vests, so they can be seen at accident sites,” Fletcher added.
At the request of AVFD, Courtney wrote a letter in support of their grant request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant Programs Director in Washington, D.C. In his letter, Courtney stated, “The average lifespan of a set of turnout gear is three to five years. The Ashford volunteer firefighters are currently working with 17 sets of gear all over five years old. Some of the sets are 20 years old.”
Although this is not the first federal grant AVFD has received, Fletcher commented, “These grants are important because little towns and little fire departments don’t have the money to replace the equipment.” Fletcher has been busy getting bids from several companies for the new turn-out gear. The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department is an all-volunteer department serving this rural town of about 4,500 residents.
Courtney has hosted numerous fire grant trainings attended by many of area fire departments. These trainings provide local departments with the assistance they need to secure funding.
“Joe Courtney is always helping the fire departments in the little towns,” Fletcher said.
In his press release announcing the grants, Courtney spoke highly of the firefighters in his district. “These men and women sacrifice their time and often their safety, to protect our homes and businesses. I congratulate each department for applying for these funds and wish them continued success in their efforts,” Courtney stated.
The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department on Route 44 in Ashford.
Stimulus May Save Teacher Jobs
Adam Bowles
Norwich Bulletin
2/20/09
The recently enacted economic stimulus bill that includes more than $1 billion in education spending nationwide is expected to save the region from drastic teacher layoffs in the next two school years.
The numbers are big, and they offset sharp state cuts and come with restrictions, which means school officials first must sort out the details and absorb the figures into their budgets.
“I don’t know what the strings are that are attached to it,” said Sandra Berardy, chairwoman of the Montville Board of Education, which next meets in March.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, praised President Barack Obama for committing to the investment.
“To see this type of infusion, people were blown away,” he said.
Already this year, school districts across the state are working on budgets that so far feature small percentage increases that may force layoffs, pay-to-play programs and requests to reopen union contracts. About 80 percent to 85 percent of a budget consists of salaries and benefits.
Richard Murray, chairman of the Killingly Board of Education, said he was relieved with Congress’ approval of the $787 billion bill, which was partly designed to offset state cuts in education spending, keep teachers on the job and maintain class sizes.
“We were looking at significant layoffs and hopefully this will mitigate some of that,” Murray said.
The stimulus package featured a $54 billion fund to prevent or restore state budget cuts with $39 billion designated for kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education. About $9 billion can be used for modernization and renovation and other priorities, and $5 billion will be used by the education secretary to encourage innovation.
Another $25 billion will go to No Child Left Behind and special education programs, and $4 billion will go to Head Start and Early Head Start early education programs and for child care programs.
Murray said local educators remain uncertain about their budgets because the state has to approve its spending plan.
Mary Graham pulled her two children, now ages 6 and 9, out of Mahan Elementary School in Norwich last year and enrolled them at St. Patrick Cathedral School. She said she respected the staff at Mahan but felt the system was overwhelmed by budget cuts and unfunded federal mandates. If the stimulus package leads to reform, Graham said she would consider re-enrolling her children in public school.
“I’m definitely watching to see how the money is going to be spent and to see if it’s going to do any good,” she said.
2nd District Congressman Lauds Stimulus, Says It Will Deliver Jobs
Don Michak
Journal Inquirer
2/18/09
People at the first few of several area “town meetings” about the Obama administration’s economic stimulus package have been supportive of the $787 billion plan because many work in the especially hard-hit building trades, according to the organizer of the sessions, U.S. Rep. Joseph D. Courtney, D-2nd District.
But Courtney, who raised eyebrows in October when he twice voted against the $700 billion “rescue” for the nation’s financial services industry, says he suspects that attendees also turned out because they were curious about his own take on the stimulus package.
The two-term lawmaker from Vernon said Tuesday that he had no qualms in backing the spending and tax cut package signed the same day by President Obama, describing it as “a much different type of plan” than the previously enacted Wall Street bailout.
He said the unprecedented stimulus was defensible because it is “aimed at the right sector of the economy,” and because it contains no earmarks.
He also said it not only provides hundreds of millions of dollars to create jobs on “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects, but also needy-student program and special-education funding for financially strapped school systems across Connecticut.
Courtney acknowledged that while the House had approved stimulus funding for “school modernization and construction” that also was expected to benefit local schools, the money was stripped from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act during conference committee negotiations with the Senate.
He said there’s a chance school systems still could get money for construction with approval by the governor and the General Assembly, but conceded that it was “going to be a heavy lift for local communities to redirect that money.”
Courtney said the task now facing the governor and, particularly, the Department of Transportation, is to determine within a 120-day period which projects are to be funded.
“The states are at risk of losing money if they don’t hit these timelines,” he said. “Obama’s kind of challenged them to do it.”
Courtney’s comments came as White House officials released state-by-state numbers describing the expected impacts of the stimulus package. The plan is estimated to create or save 3.5 million jobs over the next two years, they said, including 40,900 in the Connecticut’s five congressional districts.
The most — 8,500 — would be created or saved in Courtney’s district, they said.
Courtney, meanwhile, saved his most critical comments for Republican House and Senate leaders who opposed the package, saying they had allowed ideology to blind them and were planning to make the matter the central issue in the next mid-term congressional elections.
Courtney also accused them of being out of touch with fellow Republican governors having to deal day-to-day with the worsening economic recession. Connecticut’s own Gov. M. Jodi Rell had written a letter backing the stimulus plan, he said, and other prominent Republican politicians and organizations often allied with them — such as California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers — had endorsed the package.
“Unlike Washington politicians, these guys are living with the problem in a real way,” he said. “The claim that Obama doesn’t have Republican support is bogus,” he added.
Courtney said that despite his support for the stimulus, he believed the Obama administration had tempered the package too much and allowed too many tax cuts so as to accommodate the minority Republicans. He said he would have preferred that it provide even more in infrastructure funding, let alone money for school construction.
“Why you wouldn’t want people out there working on school buildings is beyond me,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, the White House was really making the call here,” he added.
Courtney said he also was discouraged by some questioners who have attended his town meetings and suggested that the administration was out to control doctors with an information technology plan.
He said the proposal, which was tied to an office established in the George W. Bush administration, would give the government “no authority to tell doctors what to do.”
“Rush is out there pushing this,” he said, referring to the complaint by the conservative radio talkshow host Rush Limbaugh. “But this has got the support of the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association, and every trade group would be screaming bloody murder if there was really a problem.”
Courtney will hold a final town meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, the last of five such sessions in his district.
Insurance Expands For Combat Vets -- But Courtney worries many do not know they are entitled to additional coverage
Jennifer Grogan
The Day
Some service members who were severely injured while serving in the current overseas conflicts are now entitled to thousands of dollars due to a change in their insurance coverage.
The problem is, many of them don't know it.
“There are hundreds, and possibly thousands, of soldiers, sailors and Marines out there who now qualify for a payment or who received a payment and are now entitled to a larger award,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District. “But people have left the military and they're not in the system anymore, in terms of their whereabouts. All of the branches are scrambling to notify people.”
Congress created the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection program (TSGLI) in 2005 to provide severely injured service members with a one-time, tax-free payment to help them and their families.
Certain specific injuries were covered - permanent loss of sight, speech or hearing; amputation of a hand or foot; loss of thumb and index finger; paralysis of two or more limbs; burns; coma; or the inability to carry out daily activities due to a traumatic brain injury.
This coverage was made retroactive, allowing payments of between $25,000 and $100,000 to those injured in the theater of operations for the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts since Oct. 7, 2001.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Defense Department, recently reviewed the program and decided this past November to change the eligibility requirements and significantly expand the benefits.
Under the new rules, some people who received less than the full $100,000 may now be eligible for an additional payment and some who were denied payment may now qualify.
“Like so much about this conflict, the system was just not ready to deal with the huge human costs of this war and it needed to be adjusted,” Courtney said.
Additional injuries that are now covered include the complete paralysis of one limb; loss of four toes; loss of the big toe; and facial reconstruction due to the face or jaw having been torn away.
Other categories were expanded, with payments now available to those who lost sight for 120 days or more; lost fingers and toes; went through multiple surgeries to save a limb rather than amputate; or suffered second-degree burns to at least 20 percent of their face or body.
“These are seriously injured veterans who are facing tremendous struggles,” Courtney said. “It's obviously very important that they get all the financial assistance they need to help them transition back to civilian life.”
The program still does not cover post-traumatic stress disorder or mental illnesses, which Courtney said is the next big challenge for the system to address.
Courtney met with a group of local veterans' organizations last month, and none knew about the change to the insurance.
“There's clearly a gap in awareness out there,” he said.
Connecticut service members who have been injured since 2001 should contact the VA to explore their options, said U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn. Most service members are enrolled in TSGLI through the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program.
“The TSGLI is a well-deserved benefit for those who suffer traumatic injury while serving in defense of our great nation,” Dodd said in a statement.
Linda Schwartz, the state's veterans' affairs commissioner, said veterans needing help with claims or benefits can also contact a caseworker through her office.
“The most important message is, 'you can't do it by yourself,'” she said. “Our wounded warriors think this is just paperwork but it takes years and years of following it. You need folks to help you because these things change everyday.”
The state veterans' information line is 1-866-9CT-VETS.
