Yankee Institute for Public Policy

Tolls bill revised as House prepares to vote, but specifics remain unknown

By Marc E. Fitch May 2 , 2018

Taxes, Tolls, Transportation

House Democrats released proposed changes to a bill authorizing the Connecticut Department of Transportation to move forward with implementing tolls on Connecticut’s highways. The revisions include removal of a 30-day “deemed approved” provision in the…

On A Side Note: The Trolls Take their Toll

By Marc E. Fitch April 20 , 2018

Featured Columns, On a Side Note, Taxes, Tolls, Transportation, Yankee News

A light-hearted “Toll Troll” demonstration by Yankee Institute at the Capitol on Tuesday drew media attention and ire of House leadership. Seventy-two cardboard cut-outs of little troll monsters — each symbolizing an electronic toll gantry —…

Connecticut government unions protest free speech case being heard before U.S. Supreme Court

By Marc E. Fitch February 26 , 2018

Labor, Yankee News One Comment

Approximately 150 protesters gathered outside the Connecticut Supreme Court across from the Capitol on Monday to protest Janus v. AFSCME, a free speech case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Organized by the CT…

On A Side Note: Warning! Does Not Play Well With Others

By Marc E. Fitch February 16 , 2018

Labor, Pensions

Union organizers love wearing t-shirts, it’s their thing. When there is a bill up for debate in Connecticut which dares to address the massive cost of pensions, the T-shirt brigade will show up at the…

Attorney General says legislature can change union contracts but would face high hurdles

By Marc E. Fitch July 27 , 2017

Good Government, Pensions, Taxes, Yankee News

In a cautiously worded opinion issued Thursday, Attorney General George Jepsen said the state legislature does have the ability to change existing labor contracts but would need “substantial justification.” The opinion was issued after House…

Christmas in July? Concessions deal includes $104 million lump sum payment

By Marc E. Fitch July 24 , 2017

Pensions, Taxes, Yankee News

Union members will receive $2,000 lump sum payments, which will count toward their pensions, next July as part of the concessions deal worked out between Gov. Dannel Malloy and union leaders. In total, the nonpartisan…

Union leader seeks to secure costly union benefits by warning of coming budget deficits

By Marc E. Fitch July 11 , 2017

Good Government, Pensions, Yankee News

Connecticut's top union official wrote a letter to state employees asking them to approve a concessions deal negotiated with Gov. Dannel Malloy and warned of "projected budget deficits in the billions." In a letter to…

Joe Aresimowicz