Election 2010
State Rep. David Baram talks about Connecticut, Israel, and the Jewish community
By Judie Jacobson
BLOOMFIELD - Former Bloomfield Mayor David Baram has served the 15th Assembly District as state representative since he won the seat in a special election held in March following the unexpected death of Rep. Faith McMahon. Now, Baram is facing a challenge for the party's nomination in the August 10 primary from James Michel and Leo Canty.
In addition to serving 7 years as Bloomfield mayor, Baram has served as chairman of the Capitol Region Council of Governments; chairman of the Bloomfield Democratic Town Committee; chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Bloomfield Center Fire District. An attorney with the firm Clayman, Tapper and Baram in Bloomfield, he is a past president of the Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce and has served on various state commissions, including Connix (Connecticut-Israel Commission), the Council on Environmental Quality, and a Regional Planning Commission.
Additionally, Baram has a long history of involvement in the greater Hartford Jewish community. Among his many posts, he is a past president of Beth Hillel Synagogue in Bloomfield, the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut (JFACT) and Federation Homes in Bloomfield; and past chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford's Community Relations Council (JCRC). Currently, Baram serves as membership chair of the Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford.
Recently, Baram outlined for the Ledger his position several state issues of importance to the Jewish community. Among his priorities: Stay in close contact with Jewish organizations during the session - i.e., JFACT, the Jewish Federations, the JCCs and the Hebrew Homes -- to keep them apprised of legislation and to ascertain their needs. Here is more of what he had to say.
On Iran and Sudan
Require the state treasurer to divest in state pension funds of any company doing business with Iran and Sudan. The current treasurer Denise Nappier is in favor of this effort. Although the Congress passed a tough sanctions bill on Iran and the President signed it, our national Jewish organizations still believe that states should also approve divestment initiatives.
On ties with Israel
Find funding for CONNIX and other international economic initiatives. The Ct. Israel Exchange Commission no longer receives any state funding and we believe Ct. should follow the model of the state of Maryland where many initiatives have resulted in significant business arrangements and research and development between Israel and Maryland. Several key industries like bio medical, pharmaceutical and high and low tech would benefit Connecticut with the resurrection of CONNIX. A recent successful trade mission to Israel led by Rep. Joe Courtney and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce proved that Connecticut companies can grow by selling products to Israel which has a growing economy and desire to import from the U.S. At the same time, some companies in Connecticut may be able to access Israeli brainpower for its research and The statute of the CONNIX Commission calls for not only exchanges in trade, but also education and culture.
A number of governors have visited Israel to promote business relationships as well as other exchanges. Growing Connecticut's economy and jobs is a must and successful trips to Israel led by governors or at least endorsed by governors has helped different states expand their export opportunities. I advocate the next governor visiting Israel and leading a delegation of business and other community leaders.
In addition, let's introduce leading Israeli dignitaries to the House and Senate such as the new Consul General of Israel and our Israeli Young Emissaries.
On caring for the elderly
Our three Jewish nursing homes are heavily dependent on Medicaid reimbursement. The legislature should consider how to increase the Medicaid rate while working closely with Congress and the administration on how to increase the federal match that is currently at 50%. At the same time, as Connecticut is one of the leading states in population by age, we need to increase efforts to properly fund home care and day care for the elderly... to allow the elderly to age in place and prevent unnecessary pre-institutionalization. Our Jewish agencies like Jewish Family Service and JCCs, in addition to our Jewish housing for the elderly and our three nursing homes, are leaders in the field of human and social services to the elderly .
On dealing with D.C.
Every state has an office in Washington, D.C. The current office of the governor in Washington is not serving to access the maximum amount of federal dollars to be brought back to Connecticut. The legislature should be involved in how to appropriate the best use of funding of the governor's office in Washington to secure funding from federal grants.
On non-profits
The legislature should explore how it can work better with the non-profit social service delivery system to provide necessary services to the mentally challenged, elderly, poor children, children with autism, victims of domestic violence, etc. Generally, the non-profit sector can provide better quality services at a lower cost than the state, but the legislature has been reluctant to make necessary changes.