February 29, 2020

It Takes a Village (and Funding) to Prevent Youth Suicide

February 29, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

Between January 2001 and December 2019, Connecticut has lost 165 children to suicide. The age of children attempting and dying from suicide has been trending younger and younger over the last 15 years. Funding would go a long way to helping state and local leaders scale up suicide prevention programs and training. The Office of Child Advocate says the state should provide a specific appropriation for this work to support critical community training efforts.

February 28, 2020

Collaboration Between Hartford Public Library and Hartford Stage to be Honored

February 28, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

Hartford Stage partnered with the Hartford Public Library four years ago to create a program inviting Hartford residents to attend shows at the theatre, free of charge. Through the innovative Library Pass Program Hartford residents with an adult or teen library card can reserve a two-ticket pass per eligible show from any of the seven library branches in the city. Since its inception, nearly 2,000 Hartford residents have enjoyed free performances at Hartford Stage.

February 25, 2020

CT Academy for Science & Engineering Elects 36 New Members from Academia, Industry; Nominations for Prestigious 2020 Medal of Technology Due March 12

February 25, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

In 2020, the Connecticut Medal of Technology, Connecticut's highest honor for technological achievement in fields crucial to Connecticut's economic competitiveness, will be awarded by the Connecticut Academy for Science & Engineering (CASE). Nominations are being accepted through March 12. CASE has also elected 36 new members, from academia and industry, including a former astronaut and a university president.

February 24, 2020

Proposal Would Eliminate Requirement to Report School Bullying Incidents to State

February 24, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

The state legislature is considering a proposal that would “eliminate the requirement that each school under the jurisdiction of a local or regional board of education annually report the number of verified acts of bullying in such school to the Department of Education.” There were more than 550 bullying incidents reported in Connecticut schools in the last academic year.

February 24, 2020

Census 2020: Connecticut’s Avoidable Fiscal Problem

February 24, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

Connecticut is at risk of missing out on billions of dollars of federal revenue it should rightfully receive. The reason: many state residents will needlessly be undercounted in the upcoming Census.

February 23, 2020

Legislature Considers Free Swimming Lessons for Children Under Age 18

February 23, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

Helping children learn to swim is what experts consider to be among the “very top strategies to reduce drowning emergencies and fatalities. The Connecticut legislature is currently considering legislation that would establish a program to provide free swimming lessons to individuals under the age of 18.

February 23, 2020

Risk of Unintended Consequences If Prohibiting Polystyrene School Lunch Trays

February 23, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

We are providing some information to put much needed context around the impact that prohibiting styrofoam trays will have on food service programs throughout the state. School districts have few choices when it comes to implementing this prohibition. Many school districts will have to increase meal prices…

February 17, 2020

CT Resident Named to Lead Global Efforts of InsureTech Connect

February 17, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

InsureTech Connect (ITC) has announced that Connecticut resident Mee-Jung Jang has joined the international organization’s leadership team as President. Jang brings to ITC a broad set of experiences driven by her diverse interests. Among them: being the managing director of a seed stage fund, founder and CEO of her own startup, quant hedge fund analyst, corporate IP attorney, and published book author

February 16, 2020

Tax Credit for College Graduates Buying First Home Proposed, Again

February 16, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

Among the numerous legislative proposals in the early weeks of the current session of the Connecticut General Assembly is one that would require the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to establish the Learn Here, Live Here program. It’s been tried before. The requirement, not the program itself.

February 13, 2020

The Hartford Ranks #11 Among Nation's Best Employers for Diversity

February 13, 2020/ Bernard Kavaler

A year ago, The Hartford was the highest ranked property-casualty insurance company in Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity, ranking 14th overall in the list of 500 companies representing a broad array of industries nationwide. This year the company did even better, earning a number 11 ranking among all businesses, and leading Connecticut companies.