State Representative Tony Hwang was presented with the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN) inaugural 2010 “Tip of the Cap” Education Leadership award at Fairfield University’s Dolan Business School on Aug. 31^st.

The award is a state-wide recognition for legislative leaders who have demonstrated their commitment and actions toward securing great public schools for every Connecticut child. Representative Hwang has pushed for educational reforms as it relates to teacher, administrator and parental accountability to raise our standards of educational success.

“Representative Hwang has demonstrated his commitment to securing great public schools for every Connecticut child,” said Jennifer Harmon, Director of Research and Policy for ConnCAN.  “As a freshman [legislator], he demonstrated an impressive work ethic and dedication to learning all there is to know about the state of education in Connecticut and what can be done to improve it. During the past legislative session, he led education reforms from within the rank-and-file, spoke out for what’s right for Connecticut’s students, and prioritized public school reform.  Representative Hwang stood out as the only member of the House Minority caucus to vote in favor of the Race to the Top bill’s content when it was included as an amendment to another bill. His dedication and commitment to improving outcomes for students permeated all of his work in the General Assembly, especially on the Education Committee. ConnCAN is pleased to congratulate Rep. Tony Hwang on his leadership, vision, and courage with a tip of our proverbial graduation cap.”

The award “recognizes Connecticut’s state legislators for their leadership, vision and courage in pursuit of great schools for every Connecticut child,” said Father Jeffrey von Arx, Fairfield University President.  “I echo the acknowledgement of Rep. Hwang’s tireless efforts in this endeavor and appreciate his work in Hartford on behalf of our state’s students.”

Rep. Hwang shared poignant personal stories of overcoming economic, cultural and language obstacles in reaching academic success of attending and graduating from Cornell University.  Hwang cited that he “was able to succeed academically and live the American dream because I had so many teachers and administrators that cared, challenged, and motivated me toward success combined with my parents’ encouragement, and their endless examples of personal sacrifice.  Those personal experiences allowed him to overcome a significant achievement gap that existed based on challenging income and cultural conditions.

“The chronic problem of lagging academic achievement among poor children has perplexed educators and lawmaker for years, but it became critical when it was announced that CT has the unfortunate distinction of having the largest achievement gap separating low-income children from their more well-to-do classmates on U.S. Department of Education tests of reading and mathematics. The gap separating minority and white students also is among the largest in the nation.

ConnCAN (Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now) is an American think tank and state-level education advocacy group founded in January 2005, with offices in Hartford, Connecticut and New Haven, Connecticut. ConnCAN is building a new movement of concerned citizens advocating to fundamentally reform our public schools through smart public policies.

http://www.conncan.org/learn/blog/tipping-our-caps-education-champions

“As a freshman legislator, Rep. Hwang demonstrated an impressive work ethic and dedication to learning all there is to know about the state of education in Connecticut and what can be done to improve it,” said Alex Johnston, CEO of ConnCAN.  “He stands out as the only member of the House Minority caucus to vote in favor of the Race to the Top bill’s content when it was included as an amendment to another bill. His dedication and commitment to improving outcomes for students permeates all of his work in the General Assembly. We are excited to continue to watch his progress, especially on the Education Committee”.

The award ceremony will be at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business and will also recognize the contribution of the Connecticut Independent Colleges Student Grant (CICS) program which allows low income and economically disadvantaged Connecticut high school students to attend a private state college through state and federal financial aid assistance.

Father von Arx, President of Fairfield University along with Fairfield University students that have thrived at Fairfield University will offer brief remarks about the success of the CICS program.

Location:    Fairfield University – Charles Dolan School of Business

Time:                August 31^st, 2010, 10:00 am – to start promptly

Rep. Tony Hwang with Jeff Keith and Bob Mazzone of the CT Challenge.

On Saturday, July 24^th, the 6^th Anniversary of the Connecticut Challenge bike ride will be held to benefit cancer survivors.  State Representative Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) will be on hand to support the event with a citation of recognition from Gov. M. Jodi Rell and the legislative General Assembly and ride as a participant as well.

“The Connecticut Challenge is a special event run by a passionate group of caring and dedicated volunteers,” said Rep. Hwang.  “Most people know someone who has been stricken with cancer.  Most of the focus of a patient and family rightly goes to combating the disease and surviving it. Once someone has achieved that heroic victory over the disease, there are a number of after-effects that need to be considered.  That is where the Connecticut Challenge comes in – it serves to support and educate cancer survivors on living life to its’ fullest.  I urge everyone who can to come out for this bike ride Saturday, even if you cannot ride, just come out and support the cause.  You truly can make a difference.”

“Our riders have raised close to $3 million since 2005, which has allowed us to improve the care of Connecticut’s 120,000 cancer survivors,” said co-founder, Jeff Keith of Fairfield.  “We all know people who have battled cancer with incredible courage.  What we don’t often see is how these survivors may continue to struggle with the long-term effects of their disease and their treatments.  By helping us raise money to improve survivorship programs across Connecticut, our riders, volunteers and donors are making a very direct, positive impact on the cancer survivors in their lives.”

“We’re expecting over 700 riders from 65 communities in CT and 12 other states, up over 50% from 2009,” said Bob Mazzone, Executive Director of the CT Challenge.  “This tells us that the message of the Connecticut Challenge about the critical need for support services for cancer survivors is being heard across the state.  All of these committed people are training hard and raising money and all of this money stays right here in Connecticut to help the 120,000 cancer survivors in our state.  We are looking forward to a fun, emotional and memorable day on Saturday.”

The Connecticut Challenge funded the first adult survivorship clinic in the state in 2006 at Yale Cancer Center.  Since that time, the organization has formed the Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Network, through which it hopes to work with every hospital across the state to offer comprehensive care for cancer survivors as they complete their treatments.  The goal of the Survivorship Network is to offer these special resources to cancer survivors no matter where they live in the state.  Proceeds from the 2010 ride will support the continued development of the Survivorship network as well as educational events for survivors and medical professionals.

About the Connecticut Challenge

The Connecticut Challenge was founded in 2005 to address the staggering lack of resources available to help cancer survivors after completion of their treatments.  Since then, the CT Challenge has supported cancer survivorship programs at several hospitals and community support organizations across the state, including Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, CT Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, UConn Health Center in Farmington, St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Bennett Cancer Center in Stamford, Leever Cancer Center in Waterbury, Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and Ann’s Place in Danbury.  The goal is to work closely with every hospital in state to bring support to Connecticut’s 120,000 cancer survivors, no matter where they live.  Learn more at www.ctchallenge.org.

The Connecticut Challenge raises most of its funding through the annual CT Challenge charity bike ride.  The Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, July 24^th, with an emotional opening ceremony recognizing cancer survivor participants, starting at 7:30 AM.  Greenfield Hill Congregational Church located on 1045 Old Academy Road, Fairfield will host the start and finish of the bike ride.  Bike riders of all ages and skill levels can register for a 12, 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile ride and raise funds from personal sponsors to support their efforts.  To learn more about riding, volunteering or donating to the 2010 event, please visit http:/bike.ctchallenge.org/

State Representative Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) recognized and honored the Fairfield Police Department Thursday evening during a promotion ceremony at the Roger Ludlowe Middle School Auditorium.  Four officers were promoted to to higher ranks within the department:  Deputy Chief Gary McNamara to Chief of Police; Sergeant James Perez to Lieutenant; Detective Frederick Hine to Sergeant; and Detective Daniel VanDerheyden to Sergeant.

Photo: Amy Mortensen / Connecticut Post Freelance

On Monday, July 5th, the Fairfield United Veterans Organization held their 117th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Town Hall.

Rep. Tony Hwang provided the keynote address speaking of his personal experiences with the value of the American Dream.

From the Connecticut Post:

State Rep. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, the keynote speaker at the ceremony, used his personal history to illustrate his commitment to the ideals of American liberty.

“As an Asian-American that immigrated to the United States, I have personally seen the American difference of true freedom and opportunity versus other countries, and how much that positive difference has allowed me to pursue and live the American Dream,” he told the gathering.

Hwang said that his parents, in 1949, escaped by boat from mainland China to Taiwan, when the communists led by Mao Zedong overthrew the Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek.

“Unfortunately, the democratic government imposed significant martial law on the citizens of Taiwan,” Hwang said. “Economically, options were limited if you were not politically connected or well educated. And my parents had neither and their economic future was limited. Politically, the media was tightly controlled, outspoken advocates and academic figures were blacklisted or jailed, and the school curriculum was heavily controlled. Political freedom to articulate and influence public policy was limited.”

Read more at the Connecticut Post here.

A ceremony was held at the State Department of Transportation headquarters to announce the campaign, which runs from May 24 through June 6. It was enthusiastically attended by uniformed law enforcement officers from throughout Connecticut.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 12,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in 2008. 64% of those victims died because they didn’t have a seat belt on.

Hwang noted that seat belts work, especially considering that when worn correctly they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45% and 60% in pick-up trucks, SUVs and mini vans.

Yet nearly one in five Americans still fail to wear their belt regularly, statistics that hold up in Connecticut. The program seeks to encourage constant seat belt use by highlighting enforcement during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

The ceremony took a poignant turn when Tom Geary, father of Cassie Geary, a 17 year driver who died from injuries suffered from an accident. The fatal accident occurred when Cassie’s car, travelling at under 35 miles per hour, slipped on a patch of black ice and hit a tree. She was not wearing her seat belt and was thrown from the automobile. Mr. Geary spoke of the pain his family still endures, but in turn motivated the family to create “Click it for Cassie” an educational seat belt safety program targeted at teen-ager drivers.

“The ‘Click It or Ticket’ enforcement program is critical to saving lives through a coordinated effort of law enforcement, legislative and community leaders raising awareness about seat belt use,” said Rep. Tony Hwang. “The ‘Click It for Cassie’ program is a great communication vehicle to remind teenage drivers about seat belt use. If Cassie Geary’s compelling tragedy can save teenage lives, then one positive thing will have been drawn from her passing.”

“It’s important to remind all Connecticut residents that when they get behind the wheel of their car and their passengers get inside, that simple decision to buckle up is a life or death decision,” said Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele. “Memorial Day Weekend traditionally kicks off summer with barbecues, picnics, students out of school and that carefree feeling of freedom. The devastating loss experienced by the Geary family is a grim reminder to us all: before the key goes in the ignition, everyone clicks the seatbelt. ‘Click It or Ticket’ will save your life and everyone can enjoy a safe summer.”

On Earth Day 2010 Representative Tony Hwang took time out of a busy legislative session day to speak on ‘Meet the Leaders’ about issues facing the state and nation concerning the safe guarding of the Environment.

The forum, titled “Perfecting Skills in a Changing Job Market” will be held on Monday evening, May 24th, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Fairfield Main Library’s Memorial Room in Fairfield (1080 Old Post Road).

The economic downturn dramatically impacted U.S. workers. In just over two years, the U.S. economy shed jobs at an alarming rate, pushing the measurable jobless rate from 5% to 9.9%, according to the Labor Department. As of April of 2010, the number of persons unemployed nationwide due to job loss stood at 15.3 million. Most of this decline occurred among permanent job losers. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) continued to trend up in April, reaching 6.7 million. As of March, 2010, unemployment in Connecticut stood at 9.2%

“Today’s fast changing world economy has created a ‘new normal’ in the job market,” said Representative Hwang. “In past recessions, jobs that were eliminated came back. That isn’t necessarily the case with this current recession. In this economy, some jobs are going the way of typewriter repairmen and milk delivery person; gone forever. Many of the jobs created by the booms in the housing and credit markets, for example, have likely been permanently erased by the subsequent bust.”

Rep. Hwang believes that our current job market has experienced a dramatic paradigm shift and to be competitive in the new economy that emerged, job seekers will need to acquire new skills and take a fresh approach to success. Our innovative job skills event with its’ assembled experts will help the un-employed, under-employed and currently employed to refocus their approach and find success in the new marketplace.

Rep. Hwang has invited an impressive panel of job market experts, each of whom has volunteered their time to share their unique perspective and experience with forum attendees and provide a question and answer session after the presentation.

Joseph Carbone – President of The WorkPlace, Inc., an organization that helps people prepare for careers and strengthens the workforce for employers. Mr. Carbone will discuss how job skill and personality assessments will help job seekers to best determine their best chance for career success, and in specific cases, a major change in career paths and industries may be necessary.

Chris Russell – Founder of fairfieldcountyjobs.com, the top local job site on the Internet for companies seeking to recruit in Fairfield County. Mr. Russell will discuss and explain the various Internet social media options such as Facebook® and LinkIn® and offer strategies on how to maximize their potential for job and skills networking.

Beth Carter – Founder of Carter Consultants Ltd., which provides executive recruiting and life coaching services. Ms. Carter will share her experience as an executive recruiter for the past 18 years and offer insight into what employers and look for and want in prospective job candidates. Topics include resume building, phone interview skills and getting the interview appointment.

Dorothy Timmerman – Executive Director, Fairfield Counseling Center, Inc., a non-profit state licensed mental health clinic. Ms. Timmerman will speak openly about the emotional challenges of job loss, impacting areas of self esteem, frustration, financial distress and family dynamics. Her presentation will assure job seekers that most emotional stresses are normal and experienced by many of their peers, and resources and counselor are available to help.

“This is a first-rate panel of experts who volunteered for the benefit of the public good and I hope any local residents who are looking for new careers or impacted by job loss will come by and avail themselves of this unique opportunity, we are all here to help and enable people to succeed in their career,” said Hwang.

Representatives T.R. Rowe (R-Trumbull) and Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield)) both hailed the passage of critical legislation in the House of Representatives today which requires the Siting Council to take public concerns into consideration when evaluating applications such as the one currently pending for a Fuel Cell Power Plant in the Nichols neighborhood in Trumbull.

The measure passed as “House Amendment A” on HB 5213, An Act Concerning the Siting Council. The legislation stems from neighborhood concerns about a proposal to place a 3.4 megawatt, natural gas-fueled electric generation plant in a highly residential neighborhood in the Nichols portion of Trumbull. The plant would be within close proximity to three schools and, under current rules, the Siting Council is only required to consider environmental impact in its decisions. Additionally, the council is not required to hold public hearings in affected communities.

Last month dozens of Trumbull residents wearing red and white “Fragile: Handle with Care” stickers boarded a bus and traveled to the State Capitol to testify before a legislative committee in favor of legislation that would change the way the Connecticut Siting Council makes decisions about where they will allow the construction of potentially dangerous power generators. Representatives Rowe and Hwang testified along with State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Trumbull) in favor of the legislation.

“I am very thankful for the support the full House has given to this legislation,” said Representative Rowe. “The concerns of those members of a community that would have to live with the effects of a natural gas-based power plant being in their neighborhood must be heard. We have one week left in the legislative session. I am hopeful the bill passes the Senate quickly and goes to the Governor for her signature.”

“This kind of bill is long overdue and will have a positive effect not only for the Nichols neighborhood, but communities around the state,” said Representative Hwang. “I appreciate the support the full House gave in passing this bill. It will be difficult, but we must find a proper way to balance the needs of the community with increased needs for power generation.”

The measure now heads to the State Senate for action there. The 2010 regular legislative session adjourns on May 5.