Despite public and political pressure to do so, State Senator and newly-elected Mayor of Bridgeport Bill Finch is still on the ropes about whether he will resign his Senate seat.

Finch's 22nd Senate district includes Monroe, Trumbull, and part of Bridgeport. Earlier this month, the Monroe town council met to discuss a resolution asking Finch to step down from his Senate seat now that he is mayor. Finch maintains that he is only holding both seats while he waits for the Supreme Court's decision on Rep. Chris Caruso's challenge to the September 11 Democratic primary. The Monroe Town Council ultimately decided to respect that decision and tabled the vote on the resolution until January.

"Holding both jobs has never been a goal of mine," said Finch. However, he did add that if he were to keep both jobs, he would donate his state salary to either the Bridgeport city budget or the Beardsley Zoo. Finch makes $28,000 per year as a state lawmaker with an additional $4,241 for his leadership position as assistant majority leader and chairman of the Environment Committee. As mayor, Finch will make $121,000 per year and will retain his state retirement and health benefits.

Some speculate that the Senate Democratic majority wants Finch to keep his Senate seat in order to hold onto their veto-proof majority of 24-11. Although Sen. Louis DeLuca's seat will be up for grabs in a January 15 special election, DeLuca's district is considered a Republican stronghold and Democrats are not as confident they can pick up the seat.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, every state except West Virginia, Wyoming, and Indiana prohibits a legislator from holding a second statewide elected office. Of those 47 states, 25 prohibit state legislators from holding other offices at the country or municipal level. Eighteen states, including Connecticut, allow a legislator to hold a second county or municipal office as long as that office is not deemed "incompatible". This could occur if one office was subordinate to the other or if inconsistencies exist between the duties of the two offices.

In Finch's case, he would be legally allowed to hold both his Senate seat and his mayoral position. However, even Governor Rell doesn't think that's such a good idea. "If he wants to serve the people of Bridgeport and make it his full-time occupation, that's where he should devote his attention," Rell said. Democratic State Reps. Chris Caruso, Jack Hennessy, Andres Ayala, Don Clemons and Bob Keeley echoed the same sentiments.

Discussion will calm down over the holidays, but rest assured when that Supreme Court decision comes in, everyone will want to know how to address Bill Finch, Senator or Mayor?

It may not be the busiest time of the year at the State Capitol, but amongst the aisles of retail centers scattered throughout the state, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full force. In the spirit of savings, several Connecticut lawmakers have made it a point to highlight several state retail laws that can benefit consumers during the busiest retail season.

Senators Duff (D-Norwalk), McDonald (D-Stamford) and Slossberg (D-Milford) recently noted two laws in particular: Connecticut's gift card regulations and the "one free-item" provision that shoppers should pay particular attention to this year.

In 2003, the State of Connecticut passed landmark legislation outlawing expiration dates on gift cards. That same law also prohibits companies from applying inactivity fees to gift certificates and cards. Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld Connecticut's ban against gift card dormancy fees. Senator McDonald pointed out that this is welcoming news as gift cards are some of the season's most popular items, and consumers who invest their money in a gift card, "expect to get that full value back in store credit."

One buyer beware is that the gift card law does not apply to gift cards that are issued through national banks that are governed by federal law. It is important to pay special attention to this exception as some retailers in Connecticut use federally chartered banks to take advantage of this loophole.

Keep an eye on your receipt! Senator Slossberg noted that perhaps the most overlooked law during the holiday season is the "one-free-item" law that took effect in October 2006. Under the law, if an item is on sale and scans into the checkout at a higher-than- posted price, the store must give the item to the customer for free, up to a $20 value!

All stores in Connecticut are required to post notice of the requirement in a conspicuous place and they must have stations where customers can check an item's price. The law was designed to be sure that retailers treat their customers fairly. "Connecticut has these laws in place to protect each and every consumer in our state," said Slossberg.

"Americans will spend $474.5 billion this holiday season," Senator Duff said. "In Connecticut, consumers have a number of tools to help make sure that they're getting the most for their money." There are only 3 more shopping days before Christmas, but these tips are useful for any consumer all year long!

Thank you for your participation in our In the Loop survey! Based on your input, starting in 2008, In the Loop will feature a new Agency Corner! This section will feature a variety of information ranging from Commissioners' bios to new regulations to program initiatives. Whatever is hot within the various 21 state agencies, we'll report on in this new feature!

If you have any suggestions for agency information that you'd like to see, please let us know. Contact Kate Mulligan at kmulligan@ctlobby.com. Thanks again for your input!

With the New Year comes a new voice at Sullivan & LeShane! We'd like to welcome our new Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Paula Ferro. Paula joined the office on December 17 and will be your first point of contact at S&L. We are looking forward to having her as the newest member of the S&L team!

As the year winds down, so do things at the Capitol, but not for long! Opening day is just over a month away and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming session. In the Loop will return on Friday, January 11. Until then, we wish you and yours very happy holidays!