On Wednesday, the Senate had one job to do: begin the review of Senator Louis DeLuca's recent actions regarding his concern for the safety of his granddaughter. Senate President Don Williams introduced a resolution to set up a bipartisan review committee consisting of three Democrats appointed by Williams and three Republicans appointed at the recommendation of Minority Leader John McKinney. The committee will review "all publicly available information about the events leading up to [DeLuca's] guilty plea on the misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit threatening in the second degree." The resolution was unanimously adopted, with DeLuca being unable to vote.

All meetings of the committee will be open to the public. DeLuca will have the opportunity to make a statement and answer questions posed by the committee. Ultimately, the committee can make one of four recommendations: no action, reprimand, censure or expulsion. If expulsion is recommended, further investigation and a public hearing will take place.

Williams stated that this process will not be easy, but that it is necessary and that it will set a precedent for future circumstances that may occur involving a member of the Senate. Currently, there is no consistent system in place internally to handle situations regarding the conduct of a legislator.

In the chamber, DeLuca said that he has always had a respect for the process. "Nothing will change that today," he added. He continued that he is committed to working with the committee and to take full responsibility for whatever they decide. "The toughest part is to go through this," DeLuca said, a bit choked up. DeLuca also thanked his First Selectman Richard Crane and approximately 35 supporters who sat in the gallery during the proceedings. One of his supporters teared up as she explained why she came to support DeLuca, "I've known him for 32 years. He's one of the most honest men I've ever met."

Outside of the chamber, DeLuca was adamant, "The first thing I did was own up." DeLuca was resolute that he has already taken responsibility for the situation. He expressed his anger that this process is being imposed on him when it has not been imposed on other senators that have broken the law in the past. "People say this case is different. Yeah, because I'm in the minority party!" DeLuca charged as his supporters applauded around him.

Other Republican Senators agree that it is unfair that this sort of review has not been utilized in other cases in the past, but stated that they respect that this process will include Republicans. The six legislators named to the committee are: Democratic Senators Donald DeFronzo, Martin Looney, and Andrea Stillman, and Republican Senators Anthony Guglielmo, Bill Nickerson, and Andrew Roraback. As history is being written, it is certain that no one will have an easy time deciding what action to recommend against one of their own. The committee's first meeting will be next Tuesday, August 28 at 2 pm in the LOB. Per the resolution, the committee has 45 days after the first meeting to issue its recommendation, but may request two extensions of fifteen days each.

Here's just the program for you. The Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has up to $5 million in tax credits for eligible business firms in the State of Connecticut when they give financial support to community projects approved under the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA). To qualify for a tax credit, a company must make a minimum cash contribution of $250. Companies may sponsor more than one program, but they must file a separate application with DRS for each project. Donations of supplies or in-kind contributions are not eligible for these tax credits. A company is limited to $75,000 tax credit annually and a non-profit is limited to receiving $150,000 in contributions.

There are currently many programs looking for corporate donations that qualify for the tax credit here in Connecticut. The community projects range from police services and education to youth and elderly services. A complete list of eligible programs can be viewed by following the link below.

Businesses must submit Form NAA-02 to use the credits on their 2007 Corporation Business Tax Return. Forms can be obtained from the DRS website and must be postmarked or hand delivered to DRS on or after September 15, but no later than October 1, 2007. The DRS address is 25 Sigourney Street, Hartford CT 06106- 5032. Absolutely no late applications are accepted or extensions granted. Faxed copies of applications will not be accepted.

The NAA page of the DRS website will provide you with more information, including links to the downloadable forms. For further information about the Neighborhood Assistance Act, please contact DRS at 860-297-5687.