"Although demand for coverage is rising, the state's social services commissioner told legislators Tuesday that the Rell administration wants to shut down a toll-free phone line that provides information about the HUSKY health care program for low-income children and their families.”-- CT Mirror,

The timing and the setting were fitting, and even rather serendipitous.

Earlier today, Zogby International released a poll which found that Connecticut voters overwhelmingly support public financing, with 79 percent of respondents supporting the Citizens’ Elections Program as described.

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who made enormous sacrifices for our country and to pay tribute to the brave men and women who tirelessly and selflessly serve overseas. We pray for their well being as they give of themselves on behalf of their families and friends at home.

As you've no doubt heard, Governor Rell announced yesterday that she will not seek another term. I'd like to thank her for her years of service to the State of Connecticut and I wish her and her family all the best.

Few of us will ever forget where we were eight years ago today. I was at home when the first tower was hit, and I remember the shock and confusion we all shared at that moment. When the second tower was hit, I was in my office, and all speculation was erased.

Connecticut's nonprofits play a vital role in providing fundamental services to more than 500,000 of our state's most vulnerable people. They provide a safety net for children, the elderly and others who suffer from developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic abuse and much more.

I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news that Senator Ted Kennedy had passed away. Senator Kennedy, the fighting lion of the Senate, was a staunch and unwavering supporter of policies intended to improve the healthcare, education and civil rights of countless Americans.

We've heard a lot of noise coming out of the Governor's Mansion recently, but as a good friend once told me long ago, listening is every bit as important as talking. In your town committee meetings, in the cornered booths of your local coffee shops, over the last eight months I've had the opportunity to listen to the many concerns of Connecticut citizens across the state.

The internet is abuzz over what's transpired at our state's capitol in recent days. The legislative Democrats voted successfully to override Governor Rell's veto of the SustiNet health care bill and six other pieces of legislation. Governor Rell vetoed a staggering 20 bills during this legislative session, many of which were bipartisan efforts.