A tax is cut ... and other miracles in Connecticut

Written by Laura Hoydick

This past week saw a truly remarkable event by any measure — both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly unanimously agreed on cutting a tax, and the governor is poised to sign it into law. It’s no small deal. Anyone who has lived in Connecticut for more than a handful of years knows the legislature has always been highly resistant to cutting any taxes.

Settlement a start for struggling homeowners

Written by Laura Hoydick

The state of Connecticut will receive $190 million through a multi-state settlement with large banks over their abusive mortgage service practices, and will begin an important process of assisting struggling homeowners.

Last month Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen joined other state attorneys general in announcing the terms of the settlement with Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and GMAC in a $25 billion agreement, which was the largest of its kind ever.

Energy assistance and efficiency available

Written by Laura Hoydick

We were lucky this year in that we have had a very mild winter, especially after the extraordinarily heavy snows we were hit with last winter. However, winter cold can persist for another few months and I think it is important for you to know what state resources are available to help those in need pay for home heating expenses and those interested in investing some of their fuel budget savings into energy efficiency projects.

State borrowing cash to keep the lights on

Written by Laura Hoydick

Earlier this month the Office of the State Treasurer released a report with some rather startling news: Connecticut is borrowing millions to cover the costs of operating expenses and state employee salaries, even though the Malloy administration would have you think we are on firm footing following a $1.8 billion tax increase retroactive to the beginning of 2011.