Larson file 9-3-10

John Larson: Bocce and blackjack (Connecticut Mirror)

Congressional PACs mean double-duty fundraising

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By Deirdre Shesgreen

WASHINGTON-For a crowd that so adamantly decries the role of big money in politics, Connecticut's congressional delegation sure does a lot of extra political fundraising. And some of them do it with considerable style to boot.

Take Rep. John Larson's weekend excursion for deep-pocket donors last spring in California's Napa Valley. On the schedule: a bocce tournament, a vineyard tour, and a legislative update from Larson, the 4th ranking Democrat in the House. Read more

Traffic jam (Amy Rasen) 9-3-10

Traffic backed up on I-91 in New Haven (Amy Rasen)

The high cost of congestion

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By Keith M. Phaneuf

Connecticut's congested transportation network does more than try motorists' patience: It costs businesses and residents at least $670 million a year in lower productivity, higher operating expenses, weakened worker recruitment efforts and other problems associated with clogged highways and limited alternatives, according to a new draft report prepared for the state's Transportation Strategy Board. Read more

State still lacks foster homes

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By Jacqueline Rabe

Despite efforts to reverse the trend, hundreds of foster children continue to be funneled into costly congregate homes instead of being placed in family settings, a new report says.

More than 1,000 children in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families live in "orphanage" settings, the report says. About 90 children a year "age out" of DCF care when they turn 18 without ever having lived in a foster home. Read more

Unchanged since 1991, sales tax now is part of deficit equation

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By Keith M. Phaneuf

The state income tax has dominated legislative revenue debates since its controversial enactment nearly two decades ago.

But the sales tax, whose base rate of 6 percent hasn't changed since that watershed debate in 1991, may be back in the spotlight next year as politicians begin the task of closing the largest projected budget deficit in state history. Read more

Bob Mandelkern

Bob Mandelkern (Arielle Levin Becker)

Advocate calls stem cell ruling 'unjust'

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By Arielle Levin Becker

When Bob Mandelkern developed Parkinson’s disease, he became a champion for embryonic stem cell research. He thought the fight had been won until last week, when a federal judge issued an order that could impede research into Parkinson’s and many other conditions.

“It’s wrong, it’s immoral, and it hurts people and the quality of life,” he said. Read more

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