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Today I stood shoulder to shoulder with dedicated and impassioned representatives of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and State Representative Mae Flexer as CCADV unveiled their legislative plan for 2010.  It is problematic that Connecticut is one of five states left in America that does not have 24 hour staff at their domestic violence shelters.  Domestic violence is a widespread problem that touches people of all ages, races and socio-economic status. Even amongst our young people, 13% report being physically abused by someone they've dated.  And that's just those who have reported it to officials.  It's time that Connecticut took the steps required to help reduce these numbers.  By creating a look back period for persistent offenders, increasing education for teens and increasing access to emergency shelters, for example, we can begin to turn the tide.

As Secretary of the State, I made it one of my priorities to protect the identities of victims of domestic violence when I created the "Safe at Home/Address Confidentiality" program which protects victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by keeping their addresses confidential.  As Attorney General I pledge to continue that effort by supporting proposals such as those put forth today by CCADV.  The over 56,000 victims of domestic violence in Connecticut deserve better.

Recent events in Haiti have brought out the best and, in some cases, the worst in American generosity.  Many citizens have reached into their pockets to help those suffering from the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti even while they struggle to make ends meet here at home.  But some credit card companies are taking advantage of this good will by keeping a percentage of the donations as fees (sometimes as much as 3%) even though it costs them a fraction of that to process these transactions.  It is wrong and should stop.  These credit card companies should waive all fees for charitable donations now.

 If I become Connecticut's next Attorney General, I promise to focus my attention on these types of business practices and shine a light on their opportunistic profiteering.  I will fight to protect the rights of consumers to ensure that all of Connecticut's generosity finds its intended recipients.  Charitable contributions must be treated as untouchable, not as a prospect for corporate profit.  I vow to make that a priority in my administration as Attorney General.

Susan Bysiewicz called on Governor Rell to make more resources available for the immediate processing of unemployment claims.  The Department of Labor has seen an increase of almost 50 percent in the number of incoming claims over last year with over 156,000 people making claims.  Many filers have experienced difficulty getting through to department staff at the call centers or have been unable to use the DOL website due to the high volume, resulting in a delay of their benefits for weeks and sometimes months.

 "Unemployment benefits are a lifeline for Connecticut families.  Delays in benefits that could have been avoided mean hardships that could have been avoided," said Susan Bysiewicz.  "The administration should have anticipated a substantial growth in jobless claims in the past year and prepared the system well in advance."

 Connecticut experienced its worst budget crisis in decades in 2009 with a current midyear estimated deficit of $337 million.  As recently as December, Governor Rell proposed further drastic cuts in public services and proposed extending her authority to make rescissions of up to 10% for any appropriation.  The impact of her 'cut without a strategy' approach has resulted in a Department of Labor that does not have the resources to handle the needs of the public.

 "Crisis situations demand crisis leadership.  The Governor must immediately take a hands-on role in resolving this issue, including increased phone staffing hours, expedited software changes, and whatever other action can be taken," said Susan Bysiewicz, who has led her state agency through the budget cuts, furloughs and reductions while maintaining the services the state's businesses and voters require.  "We need to cut the red-tape so Connecticut families are not left out in the cold this winter."

With a projected budget deficit of between $337 and $550 million, Connecticut needs leadership that will act now to address our economic crisis.

Regrettably, Governor Rell's veto yesterday of both Democratic budget deficit bills promises to place even more unnecessary hardship on the shoulders of thousands of Connecticut residents that are already struggling mightily. 

At the same time as the Governor is cutting vital services for some of Connecticut's most needy families, she has now also blocked a solution that would have provided $76 million in revenue to the state by simply postponing tax cuts for individuals with estates valued at over $2 million.  

In this time of crisis, many have raised a remarkably fair question - "As so many struggle to find jobs, keep their homes, put food on their tables and cover basic health care costs, why should we provide immediate tax cuts to make life easier for the extremely wealthy?"

The Governor has repeatedly waited for the legislature to propose a solution, only to veto each proposal that crosses her desk.  By steadfastly refusing to consider any solution other than continued service cuts, the Governor has resigned herself to the status of roadblock.  We cannot afford roadblocks on the highway to economic recovery.

Connecticut needs leadership, bi-partisan compromise and a collective vision for our economic recovery.  Connecticut needs a Governor that will act quickly and decisively.  Connecticut deserves better.