Justice of the Peace Association
Newsletter
Summer 2008
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In This
Issue: |
CT Gov. Rell Vetoes State Health Insurance Plan
Gov. Jodi Rell vetoed the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill on June 13, saying that it would not achieve the intended cost savings or increase the number of people with insurance and could lead to substantial costs to taxpayers. However, her veto message also said she supported the concept and would work with its supporters on a "more workable version of the bill in the next legislative session." You can support our efforts to get JPs included in the revised plan by letting us know if you are a likely joiner. (We thank those of you who already have done so.)
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Save a Date: Choose from 3 CT Conferences in the Fall Three regional morning meetings (breakfast included) will be held for CT JPs this autumn, repeating a format that worked well last year. New JPs -- those taking office in the new year -- are especially invited to attend one of the sessions. Here are the dates and locations:
Experienced JPs will enjoy networking with their colleagues and sharing tips and concerns. Those who have attended past conferences will tell you there's always something new to learn. Please also consider volunteering to be a speaker and sharing your knowledge with others. A new slant on an old favorite (pricing your services, marketing) would be welcome, as would your own topic ideas. We are especially seeking speakers on:
The early-bird price (valid through August 31) for attending any of the conferences is $25 for jpUS members, $30 for non-members. Speakers attend free. You can pay by credit card or Paypal here. Let us know by email which conference you will attend. |
If it's Leap Year, It's a Presidential Election Year, which means... ... it's also a year in which Connecticut and Vermont JPs must think about reappointment. In CT, political party chairs have already given their Town Clerk the names of their candidates. Unaffiliated JPs and wannabes should speak with the Town Clerk directly. More information about the process in Connecticut and in Vermont is on the jpUS website. Gay Marriage Momentum In NY... Gov. David A. Paterson directed all state agencies on May 14 to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions where it is legal. Agencies must ensure that gay couples married elsewhere are "afforded the same recognition as any other legally performed union" and report back to the governor by June 30. When implemented, the directive will make New York the only state that fully recognizes same-sex unions performed legally elsewhere but does not itself allow gay marriage. and in California... Four years after the City of San Francisco married more than 4000 same-sex couples in defiance of state law -- marriages that were later invalidated -- hundreds of gay couples are marrying again, this time throughout the state. The State Supreme Court's ruling that California's anti-gay marriage laws were unconstitutional became final on June 16 at 5 p.m. and some gay couples wasted no time in getting married. In its 4-3 ruling last month, the state Supreme Court called marriage a "basic civil right." California now becomes the second state (after Massachusetts) to permit marriage between same sex couples. A constitutional amendment that would overturn the Court's ruling will be on the ballot in November (opposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger). Voters in Arizona and Florida will face similar measures in November. Forty-one states already have laws or constitutional amendments defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. |
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Letters Officiant for a Day: A Correction "Your statement that almost anyone can
perform marriage for one day in NH is not quite correct," writes
JP Maureen Robinson. "Unlike MA where 'civilians' can apply for a
one day certification, NH requires that the person be authorized
to perform marriages in their state of residence.
"I am so glad that you mentioned this as I had thought that only an out-of-state judge or ordained clergyperson could perform ceremonies in NH. This solves a problem for one of my clients. Her dear friend is a VT JP whom she wanted to perform the ceremony. I was going to do it, but now they can have the ceremony they want." Maureen Robinson, Keene NH Leap Day Ceremonies Peter Stempien, Simsbury CT JP, performed a wedding in his town's Boy Scout Hall, the first time the hall was rented out for a wedding. "The groom did not like jewelry so we had a unity candle service." How Important Is Your JP Income? "I work full time, but I do miss the extra income when I don't have a few weddings in a month. I must confess, I sometimes spend my earnings on the way home from the wedding ceremony. " I do joke with people and tell them that my retirement plan is to continue performing weddings when I am older. But the wedding couple will have to pick me up. I'll perform the ceremony, stay for the reception (which I don't do now because I have a very busy schedule), dance the Electric Slide if I am still able to do so, and then they can take me home (with a doggie-bag, I hope)! My guess is that some JP's are already in this retirement plan." Kathy Taylor, Burlington, CT Ed: We can vouch for the plan. How about other JP retirees? Please let us know if you prefer not to receive this Newsletter and we'll take you off the list. Also let us know if you have problems receiving it or if you are receiving more than one. We welcome your feedback and appreciate news or features of interest to JPs. Please send your suggestions, comments and submissions to newsletter@jpUS.org |
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