Podcasts about connecticut house

The Connecticut House of Representatives approved legislation that requires all school districts statewide to adopt a policy on the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools. It now moves to the Senate for a vote. But what kind of impact will this legislation have on all public schools in the state? We got perspective from Jordan Pinsky, a teacher at Joel Barlow High School and an educator who has dedicated time recently to studying the effects of smartphone use in and outside of school.  IMAGE CREDIT:  iStock / Getty Images Plus

The Connecticut House is requiring insurance providers to cover a certain kind of testing. Connecticut is also getting a new U.S. Attorney. Get a guide to the state parks in the Long Island Sound region. Plus, the last segment of WSHU's Side Hustle.

A man sets his prison ablaze after 20 years of alleged captivity: starved, abused, and hidden in plain sight at 2 Blake Street. This case seems to be Waterbury Connecticut's darkest secret, from a desperate fire to a community's shock. How did this happen under their noses? The man's stepmother Kimberly Sullivan has been arrested on kidnapping and cruelty charges, due back in court April 22nd.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW3o45OL_Qk&t=114sEpisode Notes and Disclaimer:Throughout this podcast, opinion and speculation is used. Listeners and Viewers are encouraged to do their own research.https://www.scribd.com/document/845600281/Warrant-Affidavit-Kimberly-Sullivan-Redactedhttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/photos-reveal-house-horrors-connecticut-man-was-allegedly-held-captive-rcna199021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new session is underway in Hartford, and Bill is joined by Matt Ritter, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives for a full breakdown of what to expect.

On today's show, Mike is joined by State Senator Ryan Fazio, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives Matt Ritter, State Representative Vincent Candelora, Chairman of the New Haven County Young Republicans Patrick Burland, and State Representative-elect Joe Canino.

On today's show, Mike Cerulli chats with Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives Matt Ritter (0:00), Connecticut State Representative Greg Howard (45:30), and Connecticut State Senator Stephen Harding (1:31:21).

Sometimes opportunities arise where you least expect them and that's the situation Keith Denning, CRNA found himself in last year when he became a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we will learn all about his journey from the operating room to an important position in state politics. It might not have been his intention, but Keith is trying to take full advantage of his opportunity to make a positive impact.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Why he made the move to politics after a long career as a CRNA. How to find the information you need about your state when you run. The story of how he didn't meet pushback until he got to the legislature and introduced a bill. The push for full practice authority in Connecticut. What he's learned about politics and how to get a bill passed. Which CRNA skills best translate to political positions?   About our guest: https://www.housedems.ct.gov/Denning     Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

The Connecticut House is set to approve a $51 billion two-year state budget tonight. The feds send $8 million for cleaning up the state's abandoned industrial sites. Lawyers of Andrew Cuomo appeared in court last week. And the challenges of breaking into farming in Connecticut.

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. David begins by talking about a unique experience he had with some well hidden documents at an archive. In Family Histoire News, the first story is perhaps the saddest we've ever had. It involves a grandfather's trunk and a hand grenade. Then, a metal detectorist in Italy has made a remarkable find and flew all the way to Boston on a special mission concerning it. Next… the Connecticut House of Reps has passed a bill to exonerate all 17th century accused Connecticut “witches.” It still has to go through the Senate. An 1875 shipwreck off the coast of Washington state is getting a good looking over. David describes what was aboard and what the researchers are looking for. Lastly… Russia has finally agreed to share a scan of some ancient stolen documents related to Spain that is in their possession. David explains. Next, Sunny Morton, author of “How To Find Your Family History In US Church Records,” returns to the show. For months she has been working on “The Case of the Missing Nun.” Hear the details, what's she's discovered, and how she did it. Then, Dr. David Wood from Brigham Young University discusses their recent study connecting family history research with reduced anxiety and a better sense of well being. He'll explain the conclusions and methodology they used. David then returns for another round of “Ask Us Anything.” That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

New London showcased its plans this week for economic development in the city. The Connecticut House approves the state's toughest gun restrictions yet. More delays are expected for the LIRR's new M9 train cars. And a little inspiration for your summer travels.

Senator Richard Blumenthal did a deep dive into his concerns over artificial intelligence. He also addressed what kind of regulation can be in place to better control it and who would be in charge of oversight. ((00:00)) May is mental health awareness month and we want to know if Connecticut has enough resources in place for residents. Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared what the state is doing to support affordable, adequate options for kids and adults struggling. He also touched on the controversy of whether mental health facilities should be invested in. ((13:10)) The controversial Vision Zero bill has passed through the Connecticut House and now heads to the Senate for a vote. We spoke to Senator Tony Hwang who is the ranking member of the Transportation Committee about the bill and why some oppose it. We also touched on scary street takeovers in Connecticut and whether the beach bill is dead. ((23:34)) IMAGE CREDIT:  iStock / Getty Images Plus

The Alert Medic 1 team sits down to discuss a recent popular Reddit post discussing Connecticut House Bill 6581 and its potential implications for EMS.

Devin Carney is my guest on this episode. He just won his 3rd term in the state house in Hartford. He's from Old Saybrook, where he grew up having a great time with his grandfather, Art Carney, from television's The Honeymooners.  Devin works well across the aisle and has a great love for his family. You'll enjoy his manner, for sure. The history marker involves Florida and Common Sense. Devin took the oath in January 2023 here: https://www.cthousegop.com/Carney/Support the showThanks for listening. Please share the pod with your mates, and feel free to comment right here! Write to Bob on his email -- bobmendo@AOL.comLink to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078996765315 on Facebook. Bobs Your Uncle features the opinions of Bob Mendelsohn and any of his guests.To financially support the podcast, go to the Patreon site and choose Gold, Silver or Bronze levels. Thanks for that! https://www.patreon.com/BobsYourUncle To read Bob's 1999 autobiography, click this link https://bit.ly/StoryBob

Host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Quentin 'Q' Williams, a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives and Chair of the Housing Committee. Q makes it clear - all communities within Connecticut are facing the same problem: not enough housing. He talks through the housing crisis and how we can mitigate intersectional inequality's negative consequences. Q uses his expertise as a teacher, leader, and politician to explain the effects of changing existing housing policies and making new ones. He walks us through solutions to help people who need it most, and explains why there is a desperate need for supportive, safe, and rehabilitative housing. Tune in to learn how Q is changing the narrative by representing a demographic often silenced.

Shartarra Penn is an amazing 30 year burn survivor. Ms. Penn is a mother of 4, a Property Manager and works with individuals with special needs.She has so much knowledge to share with us and I am so honored to have her with us. She has already opened my eyes to a few burn survivor truths just over the past week!Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE, so this message may reach as far as to possible and so that you never miss an episode!#burnsurvivor⁣#growthcoach⁣#amazoninfluencer⁣#beautyinfluencer ⁣#tonyameisenbach⁣#burnedbeauty2018⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣.⁣#connecticut #brandambassador #curvysensedoll #dermablend #fire #firerescue #free #gluelesswigs #healing #housefire #inspirational #loreal #makeup #makeupaddict #mentalhealth #motivation #motivationalspeaker #podcaster #successquotes #survivor #thistooshallpassSee lessSupport this podcast at —

Fuel insecurity, you heard the term here first (thanks Tom).  Kimberly Fiorello Is an American politician who is currently serving as the representative from the 149th District in the Connecticut House of Representatives talks about an event she attended in New York breaking down classical liberalism. Alphonso McGriff talks solutions that should be looked at for gun violence, and making better decisions. Helping children with positive influences, remodels. 

Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed bipartisan legislation passed by the Connecticut House of Representatives to give workers the right to leave captive audience meetings. He also talked about a bill passed by the Connecticut state legislature to provide pandemic pay for essential workers in the private sector.         Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition (IGWC) Union Representative Cole Nelson joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed his group's efforts to gain union recognition from the administration at Indiana University.

The Connecticut House of Representatives will consider legislation that would increase funding for public schools across the state.

The Connecticut House voted to extend a pandemic provision that allows restaurants to expand outdoor dining for another year.

Ray Boyd was incarcerated in 1992, facing a 50 year sentence. He ultimately spent close to 30 years in prison in Connecticut before being released.  Ray experienced Covid 19 while incarcerated and reentry during the pandemic.  Ray shares his story with Amber and Jason. Ray, Amber, and Jason are joined by Barbara Fair from Stop Solitary Connecticut. You can find Ray's book, Model Inmate on Amazon by clicking here.In 2021, the Protect Act to limit the use of Solitary Confinement and create oversight for the Department of Corrections was passed by the Connecticut House and Senate. Governor Lamont vetoed the bill, and instead issued an executive order that can be repealed at any time.  In 2022, Connecticut advocates led by Stop Solitary are organizing to finally have the Protect Act signed into law. You can learn more about Stop Solitary CT visiting here.Background on The PROTECT ActAn Act Promoting Responsible Oversight and Treatment, and Ensuring Correctional Transparency (PROTECT) Act would: 1) create a Commission for Correctional Oversight made up of formerly incarcerated people, family members, experts in medicine, mental health, and corrections, and representatives from the legislative and executive branch; 2) stop extreme isolation and promote effective alternatives, bringing Connecticut in compliance with international minimum human rights standards; 3) end abusive restraints and dehumanizing strip searches; 4) protect social bonds by guaranteeing incarcerated people a minimum number of free letters and access to contact visits; 5) promote correctional officer wellness by requiring trainings and other strategies to mitigate trauma; and 6) promote transparency by requiring public reporting of key corrections department data. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/amplifiedvoices)

Connecticut Republicans say it's time to fully do away with masks.

Anna NyakanaAWARD-WINNING & BESTSELLING AUTHOR, SPEAKER, PRODUCER, & SINGER-SONGWRITERAnna was born in Berlin, Germany in 1986 to a Ugandan father and German-Moldavian mother. Her family immigrated to the United States in the early '90s, settling in Stamford, Connecticut. Beginning at age six, Anna pursued her musical passions and spent her teenage years honing her skills of songwriting and live performance until releasing her debut album in 2007 all while growing a revolutionary spirit through youth activism in her community. With a desire to be the change she wished to see in the world and manage an entrepreneurial career, she proceeded to attain her Bachelor's degree in Business in 2011. Anna discovered there was an overwhelming need to empower the youth and chose to focus on literacy in order to give kids a true knowledge of self versus indoctrinated trauma. Out of this desire, the Niyah Zuri series was born and Anna took the next few years to write and publish her greatest literary work. "Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh's Throne" hails as a time-bending exploration of Ancient Egypt lead by the fearless heroine Niyah Zuri and her best friends Miguel and Hugo Gonzales. The adventure continues in the long-anticipated sequel "Niyah Zuri and The Mayan Eclipse," both chapter books equipped with a full glossary and free online resources for parents and teachers to access.Anna has been featured on many media outlets to spread the Niyah Zuri message of diversity, empowerment, including SiriusXM, Entercom Radio, FOX, FOX Soul, PopFuzion TV, NBC CT, ABC WTNH, FOX 61, Connecticut Magazine, Sheen Magazine, Medium, and KIVO Daily. During her interview on SiriusXM's “The Karen Hunter Show,” Anna stressed her mission of decolonizing the curriculums stating, “It is critical children see a reflection of themselves in the books that they read. My mission is to inspire them, one adventure at a time.” Working directly with school administrators, she has implemented the Niyah Zuri series in over 20 school districts nationwide. Building upon the book series, Anna is creating "Adventures with Niyah Zuri," a cartoon series, currently in production and being pitched to networks. The animation will also be released as a short film accompanied by its own original soundtrack, executive produced and performed by the multi-faceted visionary.   Anna Nyakana has received many honors including Connecticut Magazine's 2021 "40 Under 40" list and February cover,  2020 "100 Women of Color Award" and Valedictorian, and Official Citations from the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut and Connecticut House of Representatives for her relentless advocacy on behalf of students in her home state to bring diversity back to the classroom. Additionally, Anna serves on the Board of Directors for the Born Rich Foundation, a Connecticut-based non-profit that addresses the socio-economy disparities in marginalized communities through education. The Niyah Zuri book series is available on www.annanyakana.com and all major bookstores/retailers. Anna Nyakana is based in Connecticut and New York, alternating between the two as she raises her children and grows her Niyah Zuri Movement for the youth!https://annanyakana.com/media-kit

Vincent Candelora, Republican Minority Leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives. “ “The governor doesn't need this broad authority to continue to micromanage businesses or other industries. To me (him) it's just an overreach that shouldn't be utilized,” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gionfriddo, Former President and CEO of Mental Health America, has held multiple mental health related positions throughout his 40-year career, and advocates for early intervention and integrated approaches to recovery. About Paul Gionfriddo Paul Gionfriddo (https://www.mhanational.org/paul-gionfriddo), the former President and CEO of Mental Health America, has worked in a variety of health and mental-health related positions during his 40-year career.  He joined MHA in 2014, and was responsible for coining the concept “B4Stage4” to describe MHA's long-time focus on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and integrated approaches to promoting recovery for people with mental health concerns. His essay How I Helped Create a Flawed Mental Health System That's Failed Millions – And My Son, was published in Health Affairs in September 2012. His policy memoir, Losing Tim: How Our Health and Education Systems Failed My Son with Schizophrenia, was published by Columbia University Press in October 2014. From 2013-2017, he served a four-year term on the National Advisory Council to the SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services. He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1979 until 1990, and also served as Mayor of Middletown, CT from 1989-1991. Paul is a graduate of Wesleyan University, and resides with his wife, Pam, in Middletown, CT and Alexandria, VA. Find Paul Gionfriddo: On Twitter, https://twitter.com/pgionfriddo On LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgionfriddo/.

Corey Phillip Paris is an American politician serving as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 145th district. Elected in an April 29, 2021 special election, he assumed office on May 4, 2021. Paris was the president of the Connecticut Young Democrats. He also worked for People for the American Way. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The Connecticut House declares racism a public health crisis, a 63 year old woman got pushed on a subway platform, and bear sightings in Connecticut and Los Angeles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russell Blair, content editor on The Courant's metro desk. Earmarks are back: Connecticut House members requested $254M for transportation projects. What's on the list? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - The archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is calling for peace and reconciliation, following the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, in 2020. Archbishop Bernard Hebda said the crucified and risen Christ is an example of the healing power of forgiveness and compassion. The archbishop prayed that Christ would bring healing to the Twin Cities, comfort to Floyd's family, and satisfaction to those who thirst for justice. A bill that would end religious exemptions from childhood vaccine requirements has advanced in the Connecticut House of Representatives. The bill has the support of Connecticut's governor, but it still needs to pass the state Senate. There has been an increase in the number of requests for religious exemption from childhood vaccinations. In as many as 100 schools in Connecticut, vaccination rates have fallen below 95 percent. Public health officials stress the importance of high vaccination rates to protect against outbreaks. If the latest bill passes, it will go into effect in 2022. And finally, in his general audience today, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to read the 19th-century spiritual classic, “The Way of a Pilgrim.” The book shares the story of an unnamed pilgrim who travels across Russia, seeking to discover the secret of constant prayer. Francis said the book can help today's Catholics better understand vocal prayer. Francis gave his address in the library of the Apostolic Palace, due to coronavirus restrictions.

The man who wrote Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation “red flag” gun law in 1999 says such measures work to prevent gun violence. Mike Lawlor, now a criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven, is a former longtime Democratic member of the Connecticut House. He also served in the Malloy administration, working on criminal justice policy.

Michael sits down with Fred Camillo, an American politician who has served as the First Selectman of Greenwich, Connecticut since 2019. He previously served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 151st district from 2009 to 2019. On November 5, 2019, Camillo was elected First Selectman of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Sean Scanlon is an American politician who has served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 98th district since 2015. The 98th district encompasses the shore towns of Branford & Guilford. He currently serves on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, the Public Health Committee, and is co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate committee. We had a great conversation diving into Rep Scanlon's work in Hartford, news about legislation Rep Scanlon sponsored in CT involving a tragic accident in his district being taken up by Congress, what it's like having worked with Senator Chris Murphy, his goals for the state in 2021, how the state is handling the covid-19 vaccine, and so much more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

State Rep. Kara Rochelle represents Ansonia and Derby in the Connecticut House of Representatives. In this interview, she talks to reporter Eugene Driscoll about the long-planned Route 34/Main Street widening in downtown Derby, school funding in Ansonia & Derby, the legalization of marijuana, healthcare, manufacturing jobs, and more. Brought to you by ValleyGivesBack.org.

Before entering politics, Chris Shays served in the Peace Corps in Fiji along with his wife Betsi from 1968 to 1970. At the age of 29, he ran and won a seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives as a Republican in 1975. Twelve years later, he won a seat in Congress, where he represented the 4th congressional district for 21 years, from 1987 through 2008. When he lost his seat in 2008, he was last Republican serving in any state in New England. In this episode, Congressman Shays shares some amazing stories from his time with the Peace Corps in Fiji. He also talks about the time he spent a week in jail as a congressman as a result of protesting judicial corruption, and about the time he stayed overnight in the notorious Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago to understand the reality there before a Congressional hearing. He ends the interview by sharing his thoughts on the current state of our politics.

Bob Duff is an American politician, currently serving as a member of the Connecticut Senate, where he represents Norwalk and part of Darien in Connecticut's 25th District. He previously served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 137th District. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Connecticut House of Representatives 143rd District Republican candidate Patrizia Zucaro talks with host John Marino on Fairfield County Talk Radio, "The Cup of Joe Political Show," produced by Sharc Creative

David Arconti is an American politician who has served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 109th district since 2013. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Matthew Ritter is a lawyer and Democratic politician from Connecticut. He is currently the Majority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives & State Representative of Connecticut's 1st Assembly District. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Anne Meiman Hughes is an American politician who is the member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 135th district, serving Weston, Easton and parts of Redding in Fairfield County. She is a member of the Democratic Party and serves as Co-Chair of the Progressive Democratic Caucus. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Raghib Ismail Allie-Brennan is an American politician and former United States House of Representatives legislative aid. In the 2018 election, Allie-Brennan was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing Connecticut's 2nd assembly district. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A little more than two weeks ago the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis led to street protests in almost every major city in the US and even overseas. It was a tipping point- it called into questions the idea of ‘systemic racism ‘ in our politics, our health care system and our policing. Today on WPKN’s GM Report to the Listeners- Steve di Costanzo will be joined by Rev. James Morton, 1st VP of the NAACP (Bridgeport Chapter) who marched in Washington DC in 1963- Rev Lee’s late mother- Margaret E. Morton was the first black woman to serve in the Connecticut House of Reps as well as the Connecticut Senate. We will also be joined by a young black educator and activist, Takina Pollack Shafer from Bridgeport - who is also active in Bridgeport Generation Now. With the theme of ‘Justice for George Floyd’ and our support of BLACK LIVES MATTER, we will re-air the Eulogy at George Floyd’s Memorial in Houston last week. It was given by Rev Al Sharpton- it’s a moving and powerful talk. Resources: Bridgeport Generation Now - http://bptgennow.org CT CORE Organize Now- http://www.ctcore-organizenow.org Justice For Jason (Bridgeport) Look for FB Page.

In our newest installment, host Benjamin Corb interviews Representative John Paul Sredzinski, who represents the 112th district in the State of Connecticut House of Representatives. Sredzinski talks about what its like to be an elected representative in the times of social distancing, and how the legislature and governor are working in a bipartisan manner to respond to this pandemic. Also, Sredzinski shares his experience as a potential COVID-19 patient. Benjamin Corb - @bwcorb on twitter John Paul Sredzinski - @jpsredzinski

On this week's Episode of the Cheshire Cast, we talk with Lezlye Zupkus. Lezlye Zupkus is a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing District 89. We are still doing our podcast over ZOOM while we practice responsible "Physical Distancing". We discuss getting into Politics, COVID-19 and Wine.

On this midweek edition of Connecticut Today, Paul talks with political author and speaker Tom Basile about the seriousness of Michael Bloomberg's run as a Democratic candidate. Then Republican Minority Leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives Themis Klarides checks in about the upcoming vote on tolls. SEGMENTS Tom Basile: (0:37-17:45) Representative Themis Klarides (17:46-28:06) (GETTY IMAGES/IMAGE CREDIT)

Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then that’s when they’ll have the most competition. Blog Post: http://bit.ly/32blLAZ Social Media and More: http://linktr.ee/aaronrealtor --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ct-tactical-realtor/message

Deputy Speaker for the Connecticut House of Representatives (yes, you read that correctly), the honorable Christopher Rosario, joins the podcast to wax nostalgic about his formative teen years spent watching The Lone Shark television show.  Mr. Rosario provides an under-the-hood look at the political machinations in the State of Connecticut....and talks about potential casino gaming in Bridgeport, legal weed, and shows us why he would be an outstanding Mayor of the Park City.  Of course there is the usual minutiae, including two fifty year old white guys talking about TLC (and NOT the cable channel), getting guns pulled on them, and the never ending Louis CK story (and why Michael Ian Black is in need of a good punch).  It's your weekly fix of toxic masculinity.   Que bueno!

Connecticut has 151 state House districts covering one or more communities - and this coming Election Day, registered voters in each district will elects one representative to serve a two-year term. Those Representatives make up the lower chamber of the Connecticut General Assembly, which alongside the Connecticut State Senate, form the legislative branch of our state government. Elected state representatives work in conjunction with the governor to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Connecticut House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Connecticut State Senate is the upper chamber of the Connecticut General Assembly, and its President and potential tie-breaking member is the sitting Lt Governor. Alongside the Connecticut House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Connecticut state government and works alongside the governor of Connecticut to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the state Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. All registered voters can head to the polls this Election Day to elect candidates or incumbents to fill all 36 Connecticut Senate seats for two-year terms.

We are joined by Steve Bucci, Visiting Fellow, Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign and National Security Policy at The Heritage Foundation, and Themis Klaridess, Republican Minority Leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Our guest today is Jack DeOliveira, a 24-year-old first-generation Portuguese-American. He studied Political Science and became involved in politics by reaching out to fellow Portuguese-American Rep. Rosa Rebimbas. He is a Burgess in Naugatuck and works as a legislative aid at the Connecticut House of Republicans. He talks about the political world in the state of Connecticut and how to get younger generations of Portuguese-Americans involved.

Themis Klarides, current Republican Minority Leader in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Re: House GOP Leader Klarides Blasts Democrats for Failing to Override Vetoes on Hartford Bailout, Making Schools Safer, Caving to Gov. Malloy @RepTKlarides Sound Off Sister,  Jonathan Hoenig. Christine Stuart, Re: General Assembly Fails To Override Any of Malloy’s 7 Vetoes @ctnewsjunkie

Themis Klarides has made a career of defying expectations. Earlier this year, the Connecticut House minority speaker resisted pressure to run for the open governor’s race in her state. Instead, she's making a play to form a Republican majority and become Speaker. Klarides, 52, the first woman leader of the House Republicans in Connecticut history, was first elected to the legislature two decades ago. Her path wasn't the most traditional route to public office: A former model and competitive body-builder, Klarides also did a stint as a "ring girl" for World Wrestling Entertainment. Early political opponents tried to hold that against her, she says. "I was the state rep who was a swimsuit model and worked for the WWE," says Klarides, who studied for her bar exams backstage between television tapings of Monday Night RAW.

Nicole speaks with the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives about their new gun legislation which will be the toughest in the country. Plus recapping Michelle Shocked's attempts at career salvation on CNN last night, and The Political Carnival's GottaLaff