E-Notes
February 14, 2005

In this issue of E-Notes, you'll find:

A. CT VOICES FOR CHILDREN ANNOUNCEMENTS
*  State Budget Forum - NOTE NEW TIME!
*  Our New Online Video Library
*  Nominations for Youth Spirit Awards
*  First for Kids Awards page

B.  NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM CT VOICES
*  Summary of Governor's Proposed FY 06 Revenue Changes
*  How Can Connecticut Still Be Facing a General Fund Deficit in SFY 06?
*  The Impact of Federal Budget Proposals on Connecticut
*  Sin Taxes : What Are They & What Are the Benefits and Harms From Imposing
Them?
*  Ambulatory Care Utilization by Children Enrolled in HUSKY A in 2003


A. CT VOICES FOR CHILDREN ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.   State Budget Forum - PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME!

Please mark your calendars for Connecticut Voices for Children's 4th Annual
State Budget Forum!  Also note that the time of the event has changed to 10
am - 2 pm (because of Appropriations Committee hearings). Lunch will be
provided.

When: Tuesday, February 22, 10 am - 2 PM (note new starting time)

Where: Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol, Hartford

This "budget boot camp" is our annual informational forum that will present
an overview of emerging state and federal budget topics and their impact on
children and families. Topics to be addressed this year include the
Governor's proposed FY 05-07 budget, the President's proposed federal
budget, and Connecticut's current fiscal condition.

Speakers will include

*  Robert Tannenwald, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
*  Spencer Cain, Office of Fiscal Analysis
*  Sharon Parrott, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Katie McKeon at
katiem@ctki... or (203) 498-4240 x199, so we know how much food to
order.

http://www.ctkidslink.org/announcement_16.html


2.  Our New Online Video Library

The CT Voices' Web site has gone multimedia!  You can view streaming video
files of recent events on our new Video Library page.  These events and
speakers include:

*  David Shipler, author of The Working Poor, who spoke last week as part of
the Inventive Views speaker series at the Lyceum in Hartford (a
Voices-Partnership for Strong Communities series)
*  CT Voices' 2004 First for Kids Award event
*  Highlights from a 2004 Tax & Budget Day Forum, featuring presentations on
"Preserving the Estate Tax and Implementing a Progressive Income Tax" and
"Corporate Tax Breaks: Ensuring Openness and Accountability"

http://www.ctkidslink.org/video.html


3.  Nominations for Youth Spirit Awards

It's that time of the year again! Connecticut Voices for Children is
accepting nominations for our 9th Annual Youth Spirit Award recipients.

The goal of the Youth Spirit Awards is to honor young people (ages 14-18)
from diverse backgrounds who have shown an extraordinary ability to rise
above difficult circumstances and give back to the community.  Each year,
approximately ten Connecticut youth are selected as role models for the
community.  Now in its 9th year, the Youth Spirit Awards ceremony is a
highly anticipated event. If you know of a young person who meets the
criteria for the Award, please nominate him or her.

The nomination form and more details are available on our Web site.
Nominations are due by March 1, 2005.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/announcement_18.html


4.  First for Kids Awards page

Each year, Connecticut Voices for Children recognizes "grown-ups" too -- for
their public leadership and effective advocacy on behalf of the state's
children, youth and families  -- at our Annual "First for Kids Awards"
ceremony.  On our First for Kids Awards page, you can find lists of former
recipients, program guides with biographical information, and a video of our
2004 awards event.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/firstkids.html



B.  NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM CT VOICES

1.  Summary of Governor's Proposed FY 06 Revenue Changes

This report summarizes and places in context Governor Rell's proposed
revenue changes for FY 06.  The Governor proposes to address 54% of the $1.2
billion structural deficit in SFY 06 through cuts in current services
spending, and 46% through net revenue increases. However, less than half the
proposed new revenues result from permanent changes in taxes and fees that
can be expected to generate revenues beyond this biennium (and nearly half
of these permanent revenues come from "sin" taxes). Another third (33%) of
the proposed new revenues come from temporary tax increases, delays in the
scheduled phase-out of tax reductions, and other temporary tax changes. The
balance (18%) comes from a variety of fund transfers, one-time revenues, and
federal funds.  The report urges a more permanent solution to Connecticut's
deficit.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_detail_209.html

2.  How Can Connecticut Still Be Facing a General Fund Deficit in SFY 06?

Connecticut's FY 05 General Fund budget is projected to have a surplus of
more than $300 million, yet its FY 06 General Fund budget is expected to
have a current services deficit, despite the improving economy. Many ask,
"How can this be?" This report reviews why Connecticut's budget remains in
trouble. It focuses on our inadequate state revenues, the predominant factor
in Connecticut's structural deficit.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_detail_206.html


3.  The Impact of Federal Budget Proposals on Connecticut

The President has proposed deep cuts in federal spending to reduce the
ballooning federal deficit.  Such cuts would have a profound impact on
Connecticut. "Connecticut's Reliance on Federal Funds: What's at Stake in
the Upcoming Federal Budget Debate," provides background on nearly $30
billion of federal funds that come to Connecticut and its residents.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_detail_205.html

CT Voices also is developing a series of fact sheets on the impact of
President Bush's proposed budget on programs in Connecticut, including
education, public health, Medicaid, justice, income security, veterans, and
environmental programs.  These will be posted as they are completed on the
CT Voices Web site.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_issue_42.html


4.  Sin Taxes : What Are They & What Are the Benefits and Harms From
Imposing Them?

An overview of benefits and problems associated with sin taxes.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_detail_159.html


5.  Ambulatory Care Utilization by Children Enrolled in HUSKY A in 2003

This report on ambulatory care (office, clinic, and emergency visits)
received by children enrolled in HUSKY A finds that well-child care rates
declined in 2003, and gaps in ambulatory care utilization persist among
children of different racial/ethnic backgrounds.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/pub_detail_208.html

-----------------------------------------

Connecticut Voices for Children
New Haven office: 33 Whitney Ave, New Haven CT 06510, (203) 498-4240
Hartford office: 60 Gillett St, Hartford CT 06105, (860) 548-1661
www.ctkidslink.org

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