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December 2009 Welcome to the 2008-2009 Digest of Administrative Reports to the Governor. This website gives a comprehensive overview of all executive branch agencies in the State of Connecticut for the past fiscal year. This year’s Digest is dedicated to the extraordinary life and accomplishments of our state’s official heroine, Prudence Crandall. Nineteenth century teacher, abolitionist, suffragette, and pioneer, Crandall’s courage and unwavering determination serve as examples to all who face insurmountable obstacles and who challenge social convention. To this day, her dedication to achieving racial equality in women’s education remains unparalleled. It is a fitting tribute that the Prudence Crandall Museum home/school in Canterbury, Connecticut was named a National Historic Landmark and State Archeological Preserve. In 2000, fourth-graders from a Bristol elementary school questioned why there was a statue in the State Capitol of the state hero, Nathan Hale, but not of the state heroine. They contacted state legislators and eventually launched a campaign called "Pennies for Prudence," collecting more than $3,000 to support the project. Their commitment and hard work certainly contributed to the eventual winning of a $100,000 state grant to commission an artist to create the statue, which was unveiled in October 2008. As you read through the Digest, which salutes the outstanding achievements of state employees in particularly difficult economic times, let your thoughts also hearken back to the accomplishments of Prudence Crandall and her resolute determination and character which helped to shape our great State.
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
