Many of you are already aware of the success that we had during the current legislative session which concluded in June and I wanted to provide you with a brief description of some of our legislative endeavors during the 2011 legislative session.I would also like to thank many of you for the assistance you provided by sending e-mails, writing letters and participating in Catholic Schools Day.Without these efforts, our success would have not been possible.
Here is a summary of legislation the Federation worked on during the past session of the Connecticut General Assembly:
·H.B. 6434, An Act Concerning Nonpublic School Teaching Experience and Professional Certification.This law will allow private and religious school teachers to receive their professional educator certificate if they receive 9 CEUs over five years. It will also allow college students, on a voluntary basis with the university they are attending, to student teach in private and religious schools.I would like to recognize State Representative Henry Genga for all of his hard work.
H. B. No. 6525, An Act Concerning the Continuance of the Majority Leader’s Job Growth Roundtable.This law contains changes to the CT Neighborhood Assistance Act.S. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and sole proprieties will now be able to make donations to a non-profit organization programs and receive a 60% tax credit.They may also receive a 100% tax credit if donations are specifically targeted to make energy improvements to a facility.This can be used by our schools to provide scholarships and capital improvements.
I would also like to note that with the assistance of the Bishops, our parents and school children, we were also able to ensure that the state continued to reimburse local municipalities for nursing services.This provision was contained in the Governor’s Plan B budget in case the state employee unions failed to ratify a concession package.
Municipal Update
The Mayors and City Councils of Milford and Meriden were once again kind enough to appropriate funds for a textbook loan program.This program allows municipalities to allocate funds to purchase textbooks and loan them to private and religious schools.During the past 5 years, over $600,000 has been allocated for textbook loan programs for our schools.
Federation on Facebook and Twitter
The Federation has now created a Facebook and Twitter page.I believe this will provide the Federation with the opportunity to communicate with our grassroots advocacy network in a more timely fashion and provide you with information about upcoming events.
Visit the Federation’s website at http://www.ctfcsp.org/ and click on the Facebook and Twitter boxes in the right hand corner if you would like to become a fan.
Grassroots
I encourage all of you to inform your fellow parents, family and friends about the Federation’s Grassroots Advocacy Network. Please direct them to our website and click on Catholic School Parents Grassroots Advocacy Network SIGN-UPto join.
