New England Public Radio

Connecticut Governor Backs Enhanced Rail Plan For Western Massachusetts

Proponents of a plan to bring expanded intercity passenger rail service to western Massachusetts are getting support from Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy.

In a letter first reported on MassLive, Malloy called for his Bay State counterpart, Charlie Baker, to OK the planning and engineering of rail service linking the region’s cities, like Hartford and Springfield, and east to Worcester and Boston.

Tim Brennan of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission said that means getting the project to what he calls a shovel-ready position, so it can compete for federal and state funds.

“Providing passenger rail service is all important in terms of the fate, economically, of regions going forward. So we want to be connected. That’s the only way we can really think about being competitive,” said Brennan.

Brennan estimated that getting the project shovel-ready will cost about $20 million.

The Baker Administration is not committing to the project yet, saying only that the rail plan process is ongoing.

 

Back Next Week: Connecticut Legislature Pushes Budget Vote To Special Session

Connecticut’s regular legislative session ended at midnight on Wednesday without a final vote on the state’s budget. Financial challenges have been at the forefront of lawmakers’ work this session as the state faces a $1 billion deficit for the next fiscal year.

Legislative Democrats reached a budget deal late Tuesday with Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy. They’ll take up that plan in a special session starting May 12th.

For more on the end of Connecticut’s regular session, we checked in with Ebong Udoma, State Capitol Reporter for WSHU Public Radio.

Click the audio player above for the conversation with Ebong Udoma.

Malloy Offers Mass. Advice On Casinos

As his state prepares to build a third casino to compete with Springfield’s MGM, Conn. Gov. Dannel Malloy sounds less than excited about gambling.

“And I’ll say to Massachusetts: Be careful what you wish for,” he says. “There are problems that come with casinos as well as some profit.”

Mass. opened its first casino last year with at least two more on the way, while Conn. has a pair of tribal casinos.

Last year Malloy signed a bill to potentially open a third casino, but he stresses that plans for that casino are not yet certain.

“It’s got a ways to go if it’s ever going to happen, quite frankly,” he says.

Meanwhile, MGM has filed suit against Conn. to block a new casino.

Malloy’s remarks came during a visit to Springfield Thursday on behalf of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Malloy Names His (Reluctant) Pick Of Republican Candidates

It wouldn’t be his first choice, but Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy of Conn. has a preferred Republican in the presidential race.  Malloy visited Springfield to campaign for Hillary Clinton ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

Malloy says he’s amazed at what he called the “lack of quality” in the Republican field.  But he had relatively kind words for the Governor of Ohio.

“I think John Kasich has comported himself well in this contest, and none of the other [Republican candidates] have – none,” he says.

During his visit Thursday, Malloy continued his attacks on Bernie Sanders’s voting record on gun issues.

The governor says he hopes and expects the Democratic nomination will be decided far before Conn.’s primary on April 26.

Reporting contributed by Katherine Hazen.   

Malloy Pushes Budget Cuts As Conn. Legislature Starts New Session

Governor Dannel Malloy delivers his State of the State address on Wednesday, as the Connecticut legislature begins its 2016 session. Malloy will propose more than $550 million in across-the-board spending cuts for the next fiscal year.

In an election year, Hartford Courant Capitol Bureau Chief Chris Keating says Democratic lawmakers may be especially hesitant to approve drastic budget cuts.

“On top of that, they might not want to raise taxes depending on the district they are in,” Keating says. “It’s a delicate balance. I think the average legislator would just wish that the economy would improve and generate enough money to pay for everything, and they don’t have to cut a penny.”

All Connecticut Senate and House members are up for re-election in November. Governor Malloy is not.

Click the audio player above to hear the full interview with Chris Keating of the Hartford Courant.

Correction: A version of this story that first aired February 2, 2016, incorrectly stated that Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy was proposing a new two-year budget. He is, in fact, proposing changes for the second year of the budget which began last year.

Mass. AG Healey, Other New England Elected Officials Support Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is among those hailing today’s  decision by the U-S Supreme Court granting same-sex couples the right to get married nationwide. Healey filed a brief with the high court in this case on behalf of 17 states. She says the ruling is a victory for the equality of all Americans.

“Today is a turning point in the lives of so many couples and families across this land,” Healey says. “For today across this country families will be treated like families: No matter where they live, no matter where they go and no matter who they love.”

Healy also thanks those who took part in the legal battle, including the case that led to Massachusetts legalizing same-sex marriage in 2004. Healy is the nation’s first openly gay attorney general.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said at a press conference the issue of same-sex marriage has been personal for him. “As many of you know my brother is gay and married and lives here in the Commonwealth and it’s been unfortunate that residents of all 50 states haven’t been able to enjoy that opportunity that he’s had here in the Bay State”, Baker says. “With today’s Supreme Court decision every American citizen across the nation will have equal protection under the law and the right to marry the person they choose.”

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy says this is a historic decision by the Supreme Court. “It’s a day that Americans across our state and country can celebrate, “Malloy says.”  While the State of Connecticut has recognized marriage for same-sex couples since 2008, today’s ruling means that our residents cannot lose their marriage rights while traveling from state to state.

And Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin says there is much to celebrate. “Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a rejection of fear, and instead an affirmation of hope and equal rights for all,” Shumlin says. The Court has closed the door on a terrible injustice by ensuring that the right to marry can no longer be denied to any gay couple simply because of where they call home.”