News From Gov. Rell week of 09/29/2008

Gov. Rell: Winter Heating Assistance Applications Are Way Up

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more than 18,000 Connecticut households have applied for winter heating assistance, more than triple the amount the state handled the same period last year.

For more information on energy assistance programs, including eligibility and where to file and application:

·Call 800-842-1132 or the state information line at 2-1-1

·Visit www.ct.gov and click on CT Energy Resources link

·Visit www.ct.gov/dss

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424274 .

Gov. Rell: Flags Return to Full Staff at Dusk Today

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that all flags should be returned to full staff today at sundown. 

Governor Rell had ordered U.S. and State of Connecticut flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Lieutenant Thomas Brown of Shelton, who was killed September 23 in Balad, Iraq.Lieutenant Brown, 26, of the 1^ST Armored Division, died of wounds received when his patrol came under small-arms fire in Balad, a city about 60 miles north of Baghdad.His funeral took place today.

Gov. Rell Orders $35 Million in Additional Budget Cuts

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she is ordering a second round of state budget cuts, exercising her power under state law to trim expenditures at Executive Branch agencies, boards and commissions to reduce a projected state budget deficit of more than $300 million.

“The simple fact is that Connecticut state government must live within its means,” Governor Rell said. “We cannot – and will not – spend money we do not have. We cannot – and will not – place burdens on our taxpayers that they are unable to support. And we cannot – and will not – wait until the state budget deficit is so large that it has become truly unmanageable. That leaves us with a single choice: Cutting state spending.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=424010 .

Gov. Rell Hails Success of First Carbon Allowance Auction

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the successful results of the first auction of carbon emission allowances under the landmark Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which will provide funds for Connecticut and nine other Northeast states to significantly cut air pollution, improve energy efficiency and develop clean energy.

Under RGGI, the states set a cap on the amount of carbon dioxide plants can emit. During the first-ever auction on September 25, power-generating companies bought “allowances” to cover their emissions. Under Governor Rell’s guidance, Connecticut was one of the first states to join the historic “cap-and-trade” program.

“By taking the lead in this landmark initiative, Connecticut is ensuring a healthier environment for our future generations with our commitment to cleaner and greener energy sources,” Governor Rell said.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=423904 .