Thank You Stafford, Somers and Union!

This campaign blog will close until 2010 - when Penny gears up for her next campaign.

Until then, please visit Penny's official legislative website,
http://www.housegop.ct.gov/members/bacchiochi.asp

Debate

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Penny Bacchiochi believes that all candidates must be accessible to the voters, but

Arlene Avery only agreed to one debate. Arlene refused to debate in the Stafford/Union area – but you now have a chance to see the debate:

The debate will be rebroadcast on

Cox Cable, Channel

Sunday, November 2^nd at 4:00pm.

Find out more about Penny by visiting her blog at

PennyBacchiochi@blogspot.com

Have questions for Penny? Call her at 860-614-3883

Bacchiochi’s stance

I ask the voters of Stafford, Somers, and Union to consider re-electing me for a fourth term as your state representative.

I have tried to return every constituent call as promptly as possible, while offering friendly, understandable, and professional responses to your concerns. Whether we are working together to fix a pothole, track down a ConnPACE application, or write a citation for your Eagle Scout, I’ve enjoyed every opportunity to serve you. While providing constituent service is only part of the job, I consider it vital and important.

The other half of the job — serving on legislative committees, crafting legislation, and voting on bills — requires “on the job training.” I am happy to report that I am fully trained and well prepared to be a strong voice for you in Hartford. My experience includes years of dedication to the Public Safety and Security Committee, the Planning and Development Committee, and extensive work with organizations such as Women in Government.

This session must address an immediate crisis in the economy, a failed Wall Street, and soaring energy prices. I am prepared to work with the governor to make necessary cuts to our out of control state budget. This will not be pain-free, but it is what we need to do. The alternative — increasing taxes to cover the deficit — is not acceptable. I am on your side — and I will prove it to you.

While I will not stop working on educational funding, veterans issues, public safety, senior services, affordable housing and farmland preservation, my priority will be jobs, taxes, and the economy.

The most meaningful compliment I ever received from a constituent was short but memorable. I was told, “I like you, Penny, because you listen more than you talk.” Thank you for your consideration on Election Day.

Penny Bacchiochi

Somers

CBIA ENDORSES PENNY BACCHIOCHI FOR STATE HOUSE SEAT

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2008

CBIA ENDORSES PENNY BACCHIOCHI FOR STATE HOUSE SEAT
52ND DISTRICT – SOMERS, STAFFORD & UNION

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) today endorsed the re-election of
Penny Bacchiochi for the state House of Representatives, representing the 52nd District.
With the crisis in the financial markets further destabilizing the economy, and the state budget
deficit rising, we need legislators now more than ever who will work to strengthen Connecticut’s
economy and business climate.

“Penny understands how important a vibrant economy and jobs are to the voters of the 52nd
District,” said John R. Rathgeber, CBIA president and CEO. “We urge voters to return her to
Hartford.”

Legislators elected to the 2009 General Assembly will face many critical issues, including job
growth, health care, taxes, transportation, energy and workforce issues — all of which affect the
health and vitality of Connecticut's economy and the quality of life for the people of the state.
“We believe Penny will work to make decisions that will improve our economy and make
Connecticut a better place to live and work,” said Rathgeber.

Bacchiochi, who lives in Somers, is seeking election in the 52nd District, which includes the
towns of Somers, Stafford and Union.

More about Bacchiochi can be found at CBIA’s election Web site, CTbizVotes.com. A
complete list of CBIA-endorsed candidates and information on key issues in the upcoming
elections are also available on the site.

CBIA is the state’s largest business organization, with 10,000 member companies.

Environmental issues remain at the forefront of legislative agenda.

A note from the Legislature from Rep. Penny Bacchiochi

Environmental issues remain at the forefront of legislative agenda.

While the primary focus of the most recent legislative sessions has been rightly on the economy, taxes and jobs, the environment continues to be an important issue for all of us. Even during hard economic times, we are obligated to be good stewards of the environment .

Over the years, when the state’s budget has been solid and the coffers full, I have supported many environmental initiatives. For example, this past session the General Assembly established a farmland preservation advisory board within the Dept. of Agriculture . This board is now overseeing a $20 million state investment in farmland preservation. In fact, I am looking forward to a ribbon cutting ceremony at Whitaker Farm on Oct. 5, which is being sponsored by the Northern Connecticut Land Trust.

Additionally, the legislature toughened up the ban on pesticides on school property and playgrounds. And along with my full support, the legislature passed a bill called “The Face of Connecticut ,” a broad-based effort to preserve the natural, historic and urban resources in our state. Some other critically important environmental bills passed this session include funding for fuel cells, the establishment of a task force to monitor land use policies, and the elimination of certain toxins and lead in children’s toys. Finally, a plan for a smart growth task force to monitor land use policies was established . As the ranking member of the Planning and Development Committee , I am excited to begin work on an in-depth plan that will guide the state’s future investment in land use.”

Also during the last session, the General Assembly passed a mammoth global warming bill that I could not support due to the overwhelming cost that it would have put on constituents at a time they can least afford it. While many environmental groups insisted this was necessary, I continued to hear from constituents that they did not want to pay higher energy prices. The overly aggressive global warming bill made Connecticut only the fi fth state to take such drastic measures. The bill set a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. Unfortunately , the bill offered no mechanism for accomplishing this lofty goal, but instead only insisted upon it happening .

Because we must continue to address global warming, I joined with Gov. Rell when she started her successful “One Thing” campaign regarding small and cost-free changes that we can all make to leave this planet a better place. Some of the suggestions from the ‘One Thing’ campaign include:

Don’t let hot water keep running while you’re shaving or washing.

Don’t place lamps or TV’s in front of thermostat sensors. The sensors can feel the heat given off and make the A/ C run longer.

Every few loads, consider drying your clothes outside on a line. It saves big on energy and talk about ‘Spring fresh.

Get rid of any room air conditioner that is more than ten years old and you’ll save when you replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualifi ed model.

Go ahead and use your dishwasher. A full load actually uses less hot water than hand washing.

I have started a new newsletter and would love to add you to the e-mail distribution list. If you are interested, please e-mail me at penny.bacchiochi@ cga.ct.gov. I will be sending out capitol news updates on a regular basis to keep my constituents informed of the goings-on at the Capitol.

$300 million deficit confirmed; State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi calls for swift action now

HARTFORD – State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) is calling for swift action to offset the growing $300 million state deficit that was confirmed by independent budget analysts during a fiscal forum convened by House and Senate Republicans.

Sinking revenues and the refusal of the majority to make budget adjustments this year has led to the most serious fiscal problems the state has faced in years, said Rep. Bacchiochi.

The budget problems will only worsen over time without legislative action, and the deficit could reach $1.2 billion in 2010, according to the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

“The news was staggering in its severity. We cannot wait another day before we begin to address these problems. The citizens of Connecticut need to know what we are facing and be prepared for the challenges we are going to face in the next two years. I do not think tax increases are an option, we have to look at scaling back state government,” said Rep. Bacchiochi.

The data show that revenue from virtually every sector is way off, from real estate sales to income taxes and sales taxes.

Rep. Bacchiochi noted that the dire budget numbers do not even reflect any portion of the recent troubles of Wall Street financial institutions beginning Sept. 15, which will ripple further through Connecticut’s economy.

The forum revealed that revenues are seriously lagging:

· Investment income is off 41 percent;

· Real estate conveyance taxes are down more than 40 percent;

· Casino gambling revenue is down 4.3 percent;

· Automobile sales taxes are off 10.8 percent.

Rep. Bacchiochi said the data shows that Connecticut is over reliant on certain areas of the state when it comes to revenue. Fairfield County provides 45 percent of all the incomes taxes to Connecticut, he noted.

Since the budget was adopted in June of 2007, housing starts are off an astounding 122 percent.

Rep. Bacchiochi added that all parties in state government – all lawmakers, the administration and state employees – must come together quickly and begin the work that lies ahead.

“What we have heard so far is that we cannot wait months to consider our options. No budget adjustments were made this spring and we are already in trouble,” she said.

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

Prison Information Presented to Bacchiochi, Others

Prison Information Presented to Bacchiochi, Others
Bipartisan group reviewing information about assaults on staff, inmates

A panel assembled to consider concerns over workplace safety in prisons throughout the state pored over data Wednesday morning provided by the Department of Correction.

The bi-partisan Prison Safety Task Force was formed this summer after assaults on correction officers in prisons raised concerns about the safety of men and women employed in state facilities.

Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, a member of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee, is among the Republicans on the panel. Rep. Ray Kalinowski joined her at the Capitol session.

With an organizational meeting under its belt already, the panel began in earnest to review statistics considered vital to figuring out how to safeguard prison employees.

Bacchiochi and Kalinowski took notes regarding the number of times staffers reported assaults by inmates as well as details about prisoners harming each other.

The committee also learned about the reporting process.

The task force is expected to eventually draw up short and long term legislative solutions.

It was an inmate stabbing an officer in the neck with a homemade shank this summer that prompted legislators to take a deeper look at what’s happening behind prison walls.

“Today was the launching point in an effort to better protect people who risk their lives performing jobs that, for the most part, go unheralded by the general public,” Bacchiochi said.

The task force will meet again Oct. 21.

Bacchiochi represents the 52nd General Assembly District covering Somers, Union and Stafford.

Kalinowski, R-100, is a ranking member of the Public Safety Committee.

Please Join Us at a Campaign Kick-off Event

For Penny Bacchiochi

State Representative

Special Guests:

Governor M. Jodi Rell

Senator Tony Guglielmo

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 6pm sharp

AT: the NEW Republican Headquarters

111 West Main Street, Stafford Springs, CT 06076

(former Chez Pierre )

Food and Drinks Available

For more information, please call Penny at 614-3883,

or email her at penbach@aol.com

Paid for by Penny 2008, Bree Bernier, Treasurer

Penny on TV

Penny will be a guest on Face the State. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008 at 11am. She will be discussing Republican VP pick Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi named to serve on bi-partisan prison task force

Recent assaults and increased violence in state prisons has raised concerns about workplace safety for officers, nurses and other Department of Corrections employees, and State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) has been tapped to be a part of a new task force created to identify solutions to the problem.

Rep. Bacchiochi was recently named to the bi-partisan prison safety task force. The panel will examine the link between inmate assaults on correction officers and population levels in prisons. The task force will draw up short and long term legislative solutions to the problem.

“As a representative of a district that is home to a substantial prison presence, I am eager to serve on the task force and work toward safety improvements for the staff and for the general public at our prisons,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “Whether we are discussing the increased use of protective gear, or whether we currently have the proper the staffing levels, these are critical matters that need and deserve our attention.”

The prison safety task force is expected to issue its findings in December along with a suggested course of action of for the 2009 legislative session.

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

Rep. Penny Bacchiochi: Sales tax-free week is a great opportunity to save

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) reminds her constituents that “sales tax-free week” will run this year from Sunday, Aug. 17, through Saturday, Aug. 23.

Primarily viewed as a help to families preparing to send their children back to school, clothing and footwear items under $300 will be exempt from the state’s six percent sales tax. Rep. Bacchiochi has consistently supported and advocated for legislation that establishes a one-week exemption from the state sales tax, which was first enacted in 2000.

Examples of clothing exempted during the sales tax-free holiday are jeans, dresses, blouses, shirts, shoes, sneakers, scarves, gloves, and belts. Non-apparel items, such as jewelry, wallets, and luggage are not included in the exemption.

“Sales tax-free week is a good way to make it more affordable for parents to make their back-to-school purchases,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “With prices climbing higher and higher across the board in many cases, I encourage my constituents to make the most of the sales tax-free week opportunity.”

Connecticut House Republicans first introduced the concept in August 1999 – modeled after a successful New York program – as a way of providing additional relief to Connecticut families while boosting the state’s economic competitiveness among neighboring states.

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

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.

Find Rep Bacchiochi on the poster from CTN

Ever wonder just who all your local politicians are and what they do? You can find me and all the others at click here.

Penny

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi re-elected state director for Women in Government

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) was re-elected to be the State Director for Women In Government at the group’s Eastern Regional Conference in Maine last week.

“It is so important to work in a bi-partisan approach with other women from across the country who are focused on women’s issues,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “I am excited to continue to work on a number of critical issues, including healthcare issues such as cervical cancer prevention and heart disease in women.”

As indicated on its Web site (www.womeningovernment.org), Women In Government is a national, non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues.

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

Message to District 52 from State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi

Faced with decreasing revenues and a looming economic recession, House Republicans have offered an alternative budget, which I believe is the best option available to the General Assembly in these uncertain economic times.

The alternative budget offered would cut state gas taxes, eliminate a business tax and be balanced by offering thousands of state employees an early retirement plan that will reduce spending by $163 million next year, according to the Legislature’s non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

With time running out in this legislative session (scheduled to adjourn on May 7) we put forth a balanced tax and spending plan that will not raise taxes, streamline government and will avoid potentially huge budget defi cits and tax increases in the coming years.

The alternative budget would:

Cut gas prices by 10 cents through a summer state tax moratorium and a roll back the scheduled gross receipts tax increase of .5 percent on July 1. Those roll backs will save consumers $50 millions Republicans said.

Eliminate the $250 Business Entity Tax that all businesses pay just for opening their doors over two years to save $35 million ($17.5 million in the first year)

Offers up to 11,600 eligible state workers an early retirement incentive program (ERIP) to save a projected $163 million in the next fiscal year.

Along with these provisions, the alternative budget proposal also includes $10 million for additional resources to comply with the enhanced crime bill passed by the legislature in mid-April . Without funding for that bill, the changes in the penal system will not be able to happen. This is a critical part of the alternative budget proposal.

An ERIP offered in 2003 in the midst of the last state fiscal crisis saw more than 4,000 workers retire and cut the state payroll by more than $155 million . I would like to stress that no state worker would lose his or her job because of the ERIP.

State government must become more efficient , like many of the residents of our state buckling down to weather the forecasted economic downturn. Now is not the time to be discussing new spending or taxes, that’s for sure.