Topic - "Fiscal Guardianship of Connecticut"

Join us Wednesday, March 19th at 11:30 a.m. at the Groton Inn & Suites to hear Connecticut's first women state comptroller, Nancy Wyman, speak.

The first woman elected State Comptroller since the office was created in 1786, Nancy Wyman is the chief fiscal guardian for Connecticut's taxpayers.

Wyman, first elected statewide in 1994 and re-elected in 1998, 2002 and 2006, is responsible for paying the state's bills, keeping its books and representing the taxpayers in state fiscal matters.

Under Wyman's leadership, the Comptroller's office has significantly streamlined operations to enhance efficiency, accountability and public service.

The Comptroller issues a monthly report on state finances and writes a public report each year in which she analyzes the state budget as it relates to the economy and other factors. Wyman's office has received numerous awards for excellence in government reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

The State Comptroller also oversees the state health plan for 188,000 state employees, retirees, and their dependents. As a mother and grandmother, Wyman understands the importance of taking an active role in important health-care issues. She has spent a great deal of time advocating for health issues affecting women, children and senior citizens--working to meet their medical needs while keeping costs down.

The recommendations of her Workgroup on the Uninsured laid the foundation for Connecticut's HUSKY plan, which makes health insurance available to the working poor.

Comptroller Wyman also has opened the state's Municipal Employee's Health Insurance Program to Connecticut's small businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations - offering them the opportunity to purchase affordable, quality coverage at no additional cost to taxpayers.
 

In 2005, Wyman was named Chairwoman of the American Heart Association's Greater Hartford Heart Walk, and of the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut's annual gala. She also has been involved for years in events seeking to raise funds for breast cancer research, and as spokeswoman for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Red Ribbon holiday campaign.
Wyman has received myriad awards for her work as Comptroller, including recognition of her leadership from the Connecticut Federation of Business & Professional Women, the Connecticut State Medical Society, the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, the Council of Small Towns and the Connecticut Coalition of Police & Corrections Officers. She also is past president of the Women's Campaign School at Yale University.

Prior to her election as State Comptroller, Wyman served as State Representative (1987-1995) from the 53rd District. She was House Chairperson of the Education Committee and Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education.

While a legislator, Wyman was noted for her work in the area of public education and named "Legislator of the Year" by the Connecticut Education Association.

From 1979-1987, Comptroller Wyman served on the Tolland Board of Education and was Vice-Chairperson for four of those years. She has contributed to the local, state and national education debate and is known as an ardent champion of public education.

Wyman and her husband, Michael, have lived in Tolland since 1973. They have two daughters and sons-in-law; Stacey and Steve Papa and Meryl and Bill Baldwin, and five grandchildren; Taylor, Lindsey, Kyle, Max and Sydney.

For more information on our speaker please visit her website listed below.