News From Gov. Rell week of 09/22/2008

Gov. Rell: Flags to Half Staff to Honor Army Lt. Thomas J. Brown of Shelton

Governor M. Jodi Rell today issued the following statement after learning of the combat death of U.S. Army Lieutenant Thomas J. Brown of Shelton, who was killed September 23 in Balad, Iraq:

“I have 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.

“Lieutenant Brown, 26, of the 1^ST Army Division, died of wounds received when his patrol came under small-arms fire in Balad, a city about 60 miles north of Baghdad.

“We must never lose sight of the sacrifices our military members make each and every day as they serve our great country. Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Lieutenant Brown. We can best honor his selfless dedication to our freedoms by keeping Lieutenant Brown – and all our men and women overseas – in our thoughts and prayers.

“At my direction, U.S. and state flags will remain at half-staff until Lieutenant Brown has been interred. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=423506 .

 Gov. Rell: Major Job Fair in East Hartford Thursday

Governor M. Jodi Rell today urged interested residents to visit a major state sponsored job fair that will take place Thursday, September 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rentschler Field Ball Room, East Hartford.

“Representatives from 60 companies will be at Rentschler Field to meet with jobseekers – both individuals seeking that first time, entry level position, as well as those looking to advance or change careers,” Governor Rell said.

The event will feature Certified Professional Résumé Writers from the Connecticut Department of Labor. For no charge, the staff will review and critique résumés to help ensure they effectively showcase the skills of a jobseeker.  The agency’s mobile workforce center, the Career Express, will also be on hand, with Labor Department employees on board and ready to assist with employment needs.

Gov. Rell: Projected Deficit Climbs Above $300 Million

Governor M. Jodi Rell has announced that the estimate from her budget office of the current state budget deficit has more than doubled from last month, increasing from about $145 million to more than $300 million.  “Like families all over Connecticut, state government must face the grim fiscal reality and plan accordingly,” Governor Rell said.  “I will continue to reduce spending even beyond the budget cuts and cost-cutting measures I have already ordered. We already looking for places to make additional budget cuts.”

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=423388 .

Gov. Rell: Expanded New Haven Line Service Starts Oct. 5

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that new train service is being added on the Danbury and Waterbury branch lines of Metro-North Railroad and eastbound service on the New Haven Line is being expanded to meet customer requests.  The changes take effect on Sunday, October 5.

For more information, please visit http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=423370 .