House Republicans first to test drive telecommuting; to save millions in gas costs, make air cleaner

HARTFORD – State Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) joined her House Republican colleagues today in announcing that their office plans to allow employees to work remotely from home on a staggered basis to create more efficiencies in state government, get commuters off clogged highways and combat soaring gas prices.

“This pilot program takes into account the changing landscape and economy in Connecticut. If successful, these telecommuting efforts will cut back on traffic on our congested highways and show the way for the private sector by example,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “We must make our state government leaner and greener, and this proposal is a good first step toward that goal.”

Highlights of the pilot program that will be tested over the next few months and evaluated:

· Staff members will be allowed to telecommute one day per week based on a lottery system, ensuring that all Legislative Office Building responsibilities will be covered;

· Staff will use laptop computers that are already available to allow them to perform all their usual office functions;

· The voluntary program has been tried in other states such as Georgia where state workers have converted 181,000 hours of commuting time into productive working hours and 175,000 fewer pounds of air pollution;

· Because the telecommuting will be staggered throughout the offices, there will be no disruption of service for constituents.

Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be “cost effective.’’ But last year only 140 state employees actually took advantage of the telecommuting option.

A 2007 national study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimated that telecommuting saves enough energy in the traditional workplace to power one million households for a year. The same study determined that 3.9 million telecommuters saved 840 million gallons of gas.

The pilot program can only be implemented with the approval of Democratic legislative leaders.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.

Message to District 52 from State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi

Regular legislative session ended, in-district activities rolling along

The 2008 regular legislative session has wrapped up, and the General Assembly did have its share of significant achievements. After much debate, the legislature passed S.B. 671, which strengthens our state’s persistent dangerous felony laws, to allow prosecutors to send repeat violent criminals to prison for longer sentences. It includes $10 million in funding.

Funding for public housing and the low and moderate income tax abatement program was also shored-up . The new law restores $4 million in rental assistance programs and requires housing operators to refund any rent increases that were erroneously eliminated in the 2008-09 budget last year.

In the wake of a number of teen driving tragedies, we passed a bill that enacts tougher driving restrictions on 16 and 17-year olds, increases instruction time for prospective drivers, increases the penalties for teenage drivers who carry unauthorized passengers in their vehicles, and increases penalties for drivers charged with racing, reckless driving, speeding and cell phone use.

To honor veterans, the legislature passed a bill exempting the $10 fee currently charged for the issuance of Gold Star Family license plates. The plates are issued to immediate family members of Connecticut state residents who were killed in action while performing military duty in the armed forces. We also voted to allow issuance of “Support Our Troops!” license plates. Funds raised from the plate will go to various organizations to help veterans, active service members, and their families.

To assist towns in attracting volunteer firefighters, we passed a law that bans municipalities from entering into contracts that would prohibit paid firefighters or paid emergency personnel from serving as active members while volunteering during their personal time for the fire department of the city or town where they reside.

Throughout the district, I have been busy. At the request of a prison guard union, I toured the Northern Correctional facility in Somers. Northern was originally designed to house death row inmates and other serious offenders only, but it now houses several levels of segregated inmates, gang threat inmates and inmates with mental health issues. The tour was eye-opening . Our correction officers deserve recognition for the difficult work they do each day.

I also attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Union Fire Department , which looked back at the history of the Fire Department and recognized several of the past fire chiefs. Union faces challenges because it is a small department, yet charged with providing fire and rescue service to hundreds of acres of state forest.

In May, I organized the first Rx-Express bus visit to the Stafford Town Hall. The mobile Social Services office came to town and offered immediate applications and approvals for a variety of programs, including ConnPace, Husky and Food Stamps.

I attended the Eastern Regional Women in Government conference and was elected to serve my second term as a State Director. Women in Government focuses on improving healthcare for women, and we are now focusing on breast cancer, cervical cancer and heart disease. I will be participating in several local public service announcements urging women to know their numbers, good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

With the price of gas on everyone’s minds, I continue to urge legislative leaders to reduce the state’s portion of the gasoline tax. I have started a new newsletter. If you are interested in receiving it, please email me at penny.bacchiochi@cga .ct.gov.

Rep. Penny Bacchiochi invites veterans to apply for state medal

HARTFORD – More than 1,340 veterans throughout the 52^nd District have been sent letters inviting them to apply for the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal.

State Rep. Penny Bacchicohi (R-Somers) is organizing a ceremony honoring veterans who served during America’s armed conflicts. The medals will be presented at an official ceremony which is currently being planned for the end of the year.

Connecticut offers a Wartime Service Medal to all veterans of the armed forces with qualifying military service who are currently residents of the state. Rep. Bacchiochi is encouraging veterans to apply for the medal and to receive it at the local ceremony. It should also be noted that people outside of the 52nd District can contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs directly at 1-800-550-0000 or visit www.ct.gov/ctva to download the application, which can be sent directly to the DVA.

“It is important to always remember and honor the sacrifices of our veterans,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “At least in this small way by awarding these veterans medals, we can recognize the men and women who answered our nation’s call at a time of peril. I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for this medal and receive their proper recognition.”

For further information on the award, the application process or the event, please contact Rep. Bacchiochi’s Capitol office at 240-8700.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.

A Special Thank You

Hello Penny,

Thank you so much for sending the application as well as inviting me to participate in the presentation of the CT Wartime Service Medal. Since I have already applied for and received my medal I assume this means that I have forfeited my chance to be so honored. Even if this is the case I would still be interested in attending the presentation of the Medal to those that will be so honored from Stafford. In addition I just want to say "Thank You" for your service as my state Representative and be assured that the good work that you do for us has not gone unnoticed. It makes me proud to cast my vote for you on election day knowing that I will be represented by someone of your distinguished character and willingness to stand up for what is right and just for the good people of our district. Keep up the great work Penny and I hope to see your name on the ballot for many years to come.

Sincerely and respectfully, Christopher F. Wood, Stafford Springs
(Vietnam Veteran 69-70, U.S. Coast Guard)

Meet and Greet Picnic July 16

SOMERS- The Somers Republican Town Committee is sponsoring an old-fashioned “Meet, Greet and Eat” Picnic on July 16, for everyone who wants to have a burger or hot dog, salad, and a drink on us, at no charge. Everyone is welcome! The event is to be held at the Field Road Pavilion, Somers, starting at 5:30 p.m. and continues until dusk. All who attend can meet, greet and eat with our invited guests, Sean Sullivan, candidate for 2nd US Congressional District, Senator John Kissel, 7th District State Senate, and Penny Bacchiochi, State Representative, 52nd District.

“Potluck” deserts from home are encouraged , and we expect there will be quite a selection of them for you to sample! So set aside the date – Wednesday, July 16, at 5:30 to 8 p.m., and bring a friend, your neighbor, and a desert! For more information, contact David Reed, Chairman of the Somers Republican Town Committee at 749-5364 .

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi organizes energy efficiency meeting with CL&P at Somers Senior Center

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) has organized an informational meeting on how to help seniors with their energy costs on Wednesday, July 9 at the Somers Senior Center, beginning at 1 p.m.. A Northeast Utilities representative will make a presentation at the meeting.

“The current crunch with regard to energy costs is affecting all segments of our population, especially our seniors,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “This informational forum will give those who attend the opportunity to get some tips on how to reduce their energy costs, and have some of their energy-related questions answered.”

The presentation will provide residents in attendance with Energy Saving Sampler Kits that contain weather proofing materials and energy saving light bulbs and improved efficiency showerheads. The kits help familiarize people with items that can reduce energy costs, said Rep. Bacchiochi. In addition, residents and CL&P staff also will discuss conservation methods, such as washing clothes in cold water, noting that majority of modern detergents work well with most stains, for example.

Other topics expected to be covered include heating conservation, assessment of heating efficiency and NU’s circuit breaker program for reducing costs.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) represents Somers, Stafford and Union in the General Assembly.