Traffic signal gains approval

On Tuesday, June 15, the State Traffic Commission approved a traffic light for the intersection of Route 7 in Ridgefield and 640 Danbury Road — which serves Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, Ridgefield Crossings and Regency at Ridgefield, an over-55 condominium complex.

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) worked cooperatively with state Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie, the State Traffic Commission, and residents at Regency during the last two years to make the traffic light possible.

The DOT conducted a traffic study of the intersection in January, and agreed that traffic conditions had changed since road was widened and three facilities were completed in the area. The request for a traffic light there had been turned down twice before, once in 1997 when Laurel Ridge was being constructed and again in 2005 when Regency at Ridgefield was being planned.

House GOP offers comprehensive jobs bill

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) joined his House Republican colleagues today in offering a comprehensive jobs proposal during a legislative session at the Capitol.

The GOP proposal was comprised of the following pro-jobs initiatives.

- Repeal of Business Entity Tax on all businesses.

- Create small business revolving loan fund (direct loans only)–$25 million cap on the program.

- Job Creation Tax Credit Program—creates a tax credit for employers who employ 100 employees or less.  Employers may receive a $4,800/per employee for every employee the employer hires off the unemployment rolls.  Job must be a full-time. Cap on the program: $17.5 million.

- Requires that Jobs Impact Statements accompany bills and amendments.

- Department of Economic Development Permitting Process — Streamlines the permitting process to stimulate economy and job growth. Requires the commissioner of DECD to establish an office of the permit ombudsman for the purpose of expediting the review of permit applications for projects that meet certain criteria. 

The bill was defeated on a largely party-line vote. With just one week left in the legislative session, Rep. Frey said he is dis

Deficit mitigation agreement first step on long journey

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) today said closing the state’s current deficit without raising taxes is step forward in the budget process, but also cautioned that a $700 million budget gap for the next fiscal year awaits July 1, and that needs to be addressed be fixed before the legislature adjourns in May.

“I and my House Republican colleagues have been advocating a solution to this year’s budget deficit that does not include tax increases or cut essential aid to towns. I’m happy that my friends on the other side of the aisle have come to the realization that Connecticut residents can not afford to be burdened with more taxes,” said Rep. Frey. “We must, however, begin work on closing the projected $700 million budget gap for the 2001 fiscal year that begins on July 1.” 

The bi-partisan deficit mitigation plan put forth by the House does not include any tax hikes or cuts to essential municipal aid that House Republicans opposed and eliminates only the current $350 million budget gap. The plan does not tackle the looming deficit that kicks in within the next 10 weeks but Rep. Frey said he hopes to address that within the coming days.
    
Rep. Frey said he especially opposes any version of proposed tax hikes on sick people who become hospitalized, insisting that could not be part of any deficit mitigation plan.

House Republicans are prepared to vote to eliminate the projected deficit for the 2011-12 budget year beginning July 1. The budget hole, he said, can be filled with targeted spending reductions, government efficiencies and no tax hikes.

Frey hosts Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) welcomed Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Maggie Nesbitt to the state Capitol on Tuesday, April 13.

“Maggie Nesbitt is a shining example of what our youth of today can be if they work hard and reach for the stars,” said Rep. Frey. “She is well-deserving of this honor. I wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Connecticut Youth of Year title. Regardless of how that competition turns out, she has already made her fellow Ridgefielders proud.” 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America presents the award to deserving youths for sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Nesbitt was accompanied on her visit to Hartford by Kristin Goncalves, Program Director at Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club.