Filibusters At Risk

The People for the American Way are concerned the Republicans are about to 'Go Nuclear' and put an end to Senate filibusters forever. Read more about this issue and sign up at their site. Here's what it will take:

Frist needs the votes of half the Senate plus Vice President Cheney’s tie-breaker to succeed. That means we must win the votes of all 44 Democratic senators, the one Independent, and at least six courageous Republicans to stop him. That’s why we need you to sign the petition that will go to senators whose vote we need to win this fight – and then pass it on!

Sign A Petition on Social Security

While Connecticut's own Rob Simmons captivated the nation's attention with his comments on Social Security, it appears he's turned over the reigns to his colleague Bill Thomas (R-CA) this week.

Thomas, appearing on a national television news program, suggested race and gender should be considerations when deciding social security benefits.

The DNC has started a petition drive that they will be sending to President Bush.

Choose your Chair

The Young Democrats of America will be casting three votes for the next DNC Chair on February 11. YDA is requesting Young Democrats from around the country contact them via their website to submit your vote for chair. You can see a complete list of candidates here before voting. Also, feel free to comment on each of the candidates via this blog. Looking forward to your comments!

The Battle Ahead

Courtney Mabeus, from The Capital Eye, wrote an article recently on the groups lobbying for Social Security privitization. You can say she "followed the money". Read all about the groups that could profit enormously off this overhaul and how they have donated millions to the Republican party. http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=153

Open Forum - Your Thoughts on the Death Penalty

At our meeting last night we discussed some ways to open our blog up to more participants. In an effort to facilitate some lively discussions, we will offer up an 'open forum' topic where you can post your thoughts on an issue. Anonymous posting is allowed.

Today's topic: Capital punishment. With the execution of Michael Ross imminent (although currently on hold), the legislature is set to debate the issue beginning January 31st.

What are your thoughts?

Meeting Tonight! 7:00 p.m.

Don't forget, our general meeting is tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee headquarters (179 Allyn Street, right above Coaches Bar and Grill).

We will discuss the new bylaws changes previously mentioned, and meet Kevin Graff - policy director for State Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams. Kevin is also the youngest member of the Glastonbury City Council (one of our endorsed 2003 candidates).

Investigate Durational Project Managers

John Rowland may be on his way to prison, but many of his patronage appointees in high paying 'under the radar' jobs remain. The state calls them 'durational project managers' which it defines as "Persons employed to make or conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation."

A 2002 Office of Legislative Research report shows there were 47 of these people in 2002 with an average salary of $81,800. What's more, the total salaries for these individuals totaled 3.5 million dollars in 2002 alone.

Check out The Hartford Courant's editorial from January 18th, and an in depth December 20th Courant article by John Lender (read it on iConn). There's even a 1997 Hartford Advocate Article that details the durational project managers and other shenanigans that most likely still permeate under the radar.

If Governor Rell is serious about cleaning up state government, it's time to really start doing it.

New Bylaws Changes Tonight

Tonight (Monday, January 24th), The Connecticut Young Democrats will deliberate and vote on our most sweeping bylaws changes since our reorganization more than a year and a half ago.

Currently, only individuals elected by their individual chapters plus our executive board members have a vote in general proceedings. While our chapters are growing stronger and more numerous each month, we have a number of members who contribute greatly to the organization but are not affiliated with a chapter.

The changes being proposed tonight will grant members with regular attendance the opportunity to have a vote as an 'at-large' member. Specific details on the new rules can be found by clicking here.

Hope to see you tonight!