Jodi Rell

Rell was born Mary Carolyn Reavis{{cite news |title=Former ODU student named Conn. Governor |url=http://www.odu.edu/webroot/orgs/IA/university_news.nsf/f65c76d82a3424d885256839007b9a45/b2828292f3a44a2985256ebb0046f6d7?OpenDocument |work=Old Dominion University News |publisher=Old Dominion University |date=June 22, 2004 |access-date=February 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911050434/http://www.odu.edu/webroot/orgs/IA/university_news.nsf/f65c76d82a3424d885256839007b9a45/b2828292f3a44a2985256ebb0046f6d7?OpenDocument |archive-date=September 11, 2006 |url-status=dead }} in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Foy and Benjamin Reavis.{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Sam |title=M. Jodi Rell, Former Republican Governor of Connecticut, Dies at 78 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/nyregion/m-jodi-rell-dead.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=22 November 2024}} She attended Old Dominion University, but left in 1967 to marry Lou Rell, a U.S. Navy pilot. The couple first moved to New Jersey, where Lou Rell took a position as a commercial airline pilot with Trans World Airlines.{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Pazniokas |title=Lou Rell, 73, was 'first spouse' of Connecticut |url=http://ctmirror.org/lou-rell-73-was-first-spouse-of-connecticut/ |work=Connecticut Mirror |date=May 26, 2014 |access-date=March 23, 2014 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323104825/http://ctmirror.org/lou-rell-73-was-first-spouse-of-connecticut/ |url-status=live }} The family then moved to a 19th-century farmhouse in Brookfield, Connecticut, in 1969. Jodi Rell later attended, but did not graduate from, Western Connecticut State University.{{cite news | title=M. Jodi Rell | url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/m_jodi_rell/index.html | work=The New York Times | first=Jennifer | last=Medina | access-date=May 6, 2010 | archive-date=March 23, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323112047/http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/m_jodi_rell/index.html | url-status=live }} She received honorary law doctorates from the University of Hartford in 2001 and the University of New Haven in 2004. In 2015, she received an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from Western Connecticut State University. In her early career, she tutored and did substitute work for the Hartford Public Schools.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

Jodi Rell's political career began as a campaign worker for Connecticut state Rep. David Smith during several of his campaigns. Smith, a pilot for Eastern Airlines, declined to seek re-election to a 5th term in the Connecticut House of Representatives in the 1984 election. He encouraged Rell to enter the race to succeed him. Rell was elected in 1984, representing the 107th District in northwestern Fairfield County, centered on Brookfield. She served from 1985 to 1995.

She became lieutenant governor after the 1994 election as John Rowland's running mate and won re-election in 1998 and 2002, becoming governor in 2004 after Rowland resigned due to corruption.{{cite news |last1=Yardley |first1=William |title=Connecticut's Governor Steps Down: Overview; Under pressure, Rowland resigns Governor's post |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/22/nyregion/connecticut-s-governor-steps-down-overview-under-pressure-rowland-resigns.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=22 November 2024}}

In her first months in office, Rell had high approval ratings, with a December 2004 Quinnipiac University Polling Institute poll showing her at 80 percent, the highest rating ever measured by that poll for a governor in Connecticut.{{cite web |author=Quinnipiac University – Office of Public Affairs |url=http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=556 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528005818/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=556 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |title=Connecticut (CT) Poll * November 23, 2004 * Connecticut Gov Gets Highest A – Quinnipiac University – Hamden, Connecticut |publisher=Quinnipiac.edu |access-date=July 18, 2010 }} She announced in October 2005 she would seek a four-year term in 2006, and was nominated by the Republican Party in May 2006 to seek a full term of her own.{{cite news |last1=Cowan |first1=Alison Leigh |title=Winning Easily After Finishing Rowland’s Term, Rell Wins 4 Years of Her Own in Connecticut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/nyregion/winning-easily-after-finishing-rowlands-term-rell-wins-4-years-of.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=8 November 2006}} Stamford businessman and former state representative Michael Fedele was nominated as her running mate as lieutenant governor.{{cite news |last1=Lucas |first1=Fred |title=Rell picks running mate |url=https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/rell-picks-running-mate-108817.php |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The News-Times |publisher=Hearst Media Services Connecticut |date=16 May 2006 |language=en}}

Rell defeated her Democratic opponent, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in the 2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election.{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Grant |title=With defeat very clear, De Stefano concedes race |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/1158653271.html?dids=1158653271:1158653271&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+8%2C+2006&author=STEVE+GRANT&pub=Hartford+Courant&edition=&startpage=A.7&desc=WITH+DEFEAT+VERY+CLEAR%2C+DESTEFANO+CONCEDES+RACE+ |work=The Hartford Courant |page=A7 |date=November 8, 2006 |access-date=February 5, 2007 |archive-date=September 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914151404/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/1158653271.html?dids=1158653271:1158653271&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+8,+2006&author=STEVE+GRANT&pub=Hartford+Courant&edition=&startpage=A.7&desc=WITH+DEFEAT+VERY+CLEAR,+DESTEFANO+CONCEDES+RACE+ |url-status=dead }} She received approximately 710,000 votes, the highest total for any gubernatorial candidate in Connecticut history.{{cite news |title=Governor/Connecticut |url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/CT/G/00/index.html |work=America Votes 2006 |publisher=Cable News Network |date=November 8, 2006 |access-date=February 5, 2007 |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211013513/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006//pages/results/states/CT/G/00/index.html |url-status=live }} She carried all but seven towns.{{cite web |title=Vote for Governor and Lieutenant Governor 2006 |url=http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=392578 |website=STATE OF CONNECTICUT |access-date=6 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106091655/http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=392578 |archive-date=6 Nov 2008 |language=English |url-status=dead}}

Governor Rell was one of many Republicans mentioned as a potential candidate for vice president in the 2008 presidential election.{{cite web |url=http://www.wfsb.com/politics/15342264/detail.html |title=Rell For Vice President? – Politics News Story – WFSB Hartford |publisher=Wfsb.com |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The presidential nominee John McCain chose Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate instead.{{cite news |last1=Harwood |first1=John |title=McCain Shakes Up Race By Picking Sarah Palin for VP |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2008/08/29/mccain-shakes-up-race-by-picking-sarah-palin-for-vp.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=CNBC |publisher=NBC Universal |date=29 August 2008 |language=en}}

In April 2008, Rell's Lt. Governor, Michael Fedele told the media he expected Rell to run for re-election in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews/hc-rell0412.artapr12,0,2241157.story |title=Please, Not Another Raid – Hartford Courant |publisher=Courant.com |date=April 12, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413211718/http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews/hc-rell0412.artapr12,0,2241157.story |archive-date=April 13, 2008 }} In August 2008 she told reporters she would file an exploratory committee for a 2010 reelection bid.{{cite web |url=http://connpolitics.tv/index.php/2008/08/15/rell-preparing-to-run |title=Rell preparing to run |publisher=Connpolitics.tv |date=August 15, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518214336/http://connpolitics.tv/index.php/2008/08/15/rell-preparing-to-run |archive-date=May 18, 2015 }} She announced on November 9, 2009, that she would not seek re-election.{{cite web |url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-rell-no-relection-1109,0,2210088.story |title=Topic Galleries |publisher=Courant.com |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113044306/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-rell-no-relection-1109,0,2210088.story |archive-date=November 13, 2009 }} Democrat Dan Malloy succeeded Rell in office on January 5, 2011.{{cite news |last1=Pazniokas |first1=Mark |title=Malloy becomes governor, 'humbled by the sense of history' |url=https://ctmirror.org/2011/01/05/malloy-becomes-governor-humbled-sense-history/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=CT Mirror |publisher=The Connecticut News Project |date=5 January 2011}}

File:FEMA - 29383 - Photograph by Debra Young taken on 04-19-2007 in Connecticut.jpg

Governor Rell supported abortion rights, and she was supported by the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition and The WISH List, an abortion-rights Republican PAC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ct.gov/GovernorRell/cwp/view.asp?Q=260304|title=Governor Rell: Lt. Governor Rell Honored by Pro-Choice Coalition|website=www.ct.gov|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414083225/https://www.ct.gov/GovernorRell/cwp/view.asp?Q=260304|url-status=live}} She supported abortion rights embryonic stem-cell research during her tenure as Governor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17310674|title=Jodi Rell Makes History in State's Top Post|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218233925/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17310674|url-status=live}}

Rell supported a lawsuit in response to the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Connecticut's Attorney General Richard Blumenthal filed the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education to force Congress and President George W. Bush to amend the act because, Rell contended, it would compel Connecticut to spend tens of millions to meet impossibly high standards, even as the state's schools perform at one of the highest levels in the nation. The act required states to pay for standardized testing every school year, instead of every two years. Rell's State Department of Education said the extra testing would provide little new information about students' academic progress.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

Rell delivered the 2008 commencement address at Central Connecticut State University.{{cite news |title=Students "Transformed" by CCSU |url=https://www.courant.com/2008/05/25/students-transformed-by-ccsu/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=Hartford Courant |date=25 May 2008}}

Rell supported the state's constitutional spending cap resisting pressure from groups favoring expanded state government spending which would bypass the cap. As a result, in late June 2006 the state reported a $910 million surplus for the prior year and the state's Rainy Day Fund exceeded $1 billion in deposits for the first time. In 2007 she shocked many of her supporters by proposing additional spending for education that would cause the state budget to significantly exceed the spending cap. Paying for the increased spending would require raising the state income tax. Republican legislators and a few Democrats, including (at least initially) House Speaker James Amann, as well as many others, were skeptical when Rell claimed her plan would reduce property taxes.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |title=Reaction to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's two-year budget plan |url=http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-08014117.apds.m0663.bc-ct-xgr--feb08,0,5783037.story |work=The Hartford Courant |publisher=Tribune Company |date=February 8, 2007 |access-date=February 11, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} And as public opinion polls showed steadfast opposition to an income tax hike, she changed her mind and withdrew her support for increased educational spending.{{cite press release |title=Connecticut Voters Like Gov Rell, But Not Tax Hike, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Voters Mixed On Gay Marriage, Civil Unions |publisher=Quinnipiac University Poll |date=February 15, 2007 |url=http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107030642/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1017 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=February 20, 2007 }} Rell originally had the support of the Connecticut Education Association for her proposal, but they later switched to the Democratic plan favoring even higher state taxes and no limits on property tax increases.[http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6433814 WTNH.com, Connecticut News and Weather – No support for Rell's budget plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927042337/http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6433814 |date=September 27, 2007 }}. On May 9, 2007, Rell announced increased state revenues might make a tax hike unnecessary in 2007.[http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=379688&A=2791 Governor Rell: Governor Rell Announces Little or No Tax Increases Will Be Required in Her Proposed Budget] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521032712/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=379688&A=2791 |date=May 21, 2007 }}. On June 1, 2007, Rell vetoed a Democratic plan that increased the income tax.[http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=382582&A=2791 Governor Rell: Governor Rell Vetoes Democratic Tax Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625070016/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=382582&A=2791 |date=June 25, 2007 }}. A compromise education plan passed both houses of the legislature in late June that did not increase the income tax, but raised the cigarette tax and did not limit property taxes. It nonetheless exceeded the state spending cap.[https://archive.today/20120729073923/http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ap-budget-deal-0625,0,355293.story?coll=hc-headlines-local Topic Galleries – Courant.com].

In 2005, Rell agreed to a plan to revive the Connecticut estate tax, applying to estates worth $2 million or more. Critics said the tax would encourage wealthy citizens to leave and take their money with them.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

File:US Navy 090924-N-5188B-072 The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus and Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell address the media after Rell presented Submarine Base New London $7.65 million for base improvements (cropped).jpg, September 2009]]

In 2005, Rell signed into law a campaign finance bill that banned contributions from lobbyists and would provide public financing for future campaigns. The law received support from Arizona Senator John McCain,{{cite news |last1=Stowe |first1=Stacey |title=Toward an Accord on Campaign Finance in Connecticut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/nyregion/toward-an-accord-on-campaign-finance-in-connecticut.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=6 June 2005}} who campaigned for Rell in Hartford on March 17, 2006.{{cite news |title=McCain Calls Rell Reforms Model For U.S. |url=https://www.courant.com/2006/03/18/mccain-calls-rell-reforms-model-for-us/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=Hartford Courant |publisher=Tribune Publishing |date=18 March 2006}}

In June 2006, Rell intervened with New London city officials, proposing that homeowners displaced by the Kelo v. New London court decision be deeded property so they may retain homes in the neighborhood.{{cite web |url=http://www.ij.org/private_property/connecticut/6_2_06pr.html |title=Connecticut Gov. Rell Clarifies Her Statement: She Supports Returning Deeds to Family-Occupied Homes |access-date=February 5, 2007 |last=Kramer |first=John E. |author2=Knepper, Lisa |date=June 2, 2006 |work=Cases |publisher=Institute for Justice |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224141847/http://ij.org/private_property/connecticut/6_2_06pr.html |archive-date=December 24, 2006 }} A settlement was reached with the homeowners on June 30, 2006.{{cite news |title=Rell: Deeds For Fort Trumbull Homeowners |url=http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-02143800.apds.m0296.bc-ct--seizjun02,0,595545.story?coll=hc-headlines-local |work=The Hartford Courant |date=June 2, 2006 |access-date=February 5, 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite magazine |last=Last |first=Jonathan V. |date=August 21–28, 2006 |title=The Kelo Backlash |magazine=The Weekly Standard |pages=14-16 |publication-place=Washington, DC |volume=11 |issue=46 |issn=1083-3013 |id={{ProQuest|233010730}}}}

Reproduced in: {{Cite web |date=August 18, 2006 |editor-last=Cosgrove-Mather |editor-first=Bootie |title=The Kelo Backlash |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-kelo-backlash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616051436/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-kelo-backlash/ |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |access-date=August 12, 2024 |website=CBS News |agency=Weekly Standard}}

In 2007, Rell clashed with Democratic lawmakers over state bonding issues. Explaining that she felt the Democratic proposal spent too much money which the state could not afford, she called on them to renegotiate a new package with less spending. In October an agreement was reached that reduced the bond package by $400 million and the Governor signed it into law.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

In September 2010, Rell was one of seven governors to receive a grade of F in the Cato Institute's fiscal-policy report card.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/248383/hows-your-governor-doing-taxes-and-spending-veronique-de-rugy|title=How's Your Governor Doing on Taxes and Spending? – National Review Online|work=National Review Online|date=September 30, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2010|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019125101/http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/248383/hows-your-governor-doing-taxes-and-spending-veronique-de-rugy|url-status=live}}

In July 2009, the Connecticut legislature overrode a veto by Rell to pass SustiNet, the first significant public-option health care reform legislation in the nation.[http://www.aarp.org/states/ct/advocacy/articles/in_historic_vote_legislature_overrides_sustinet_veto.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906041748/http://www.aarp.org/states/ct/advocacy/articles/in_historic_vote_legislature_overrides_sustinet_veto.html|date=September 6, 2009}}

One of Rell's first major decisions as governor was, on August 25, 2004, to end the system put into place by the previous administration of housing prisoners in out-of-state corrections facilities. "Instead of sending inmates and tax dollars out of state, we can now more fully utilize correctional facilities and personnel in Connecticut," Governor Rell said. "It makes good policy and good fiscal sense." She continued, "This approach is in the best interests of the inmates, their families and our correction system. It will keep offenders closer to their families, their communities and to the support that is so critical for their successful reintegration into society."{{cite web |author=Office of the Governor |url=http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=1793&Q=277168 |title=Governor Rell: Governor Rell Announces Prison Inmates Will Return from Virginia |publisher=Ct.gov |access-date=July 18, 2010 |archive-date=May 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519171505/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=1793&Q=277168 |url-status=live }}

During Rell's administration, Connecticut carried out the first execution in New England since 1960 when serial killer Michael Bruce Ross was put to death on May 13, 2005. Rell, who supports the death penalty, declined a request by Ross's lawyers to delay the execution in order for the state legislature to debate eliminating the death penalty. Legally, the Governor of Connecticut cannot commute a death sentence.{{cite news |first=Susan |last=Haigh |title=Rell Feels Pressure on Both Sides Over Execution |url=http://www.ocpd.state.ct.us/Content/PDNEWS/120204%20associated%20press.htm |work=Public Defenders in the News |publisher=State of Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services |date=December 2, 2004 |access-date=February 5, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525183557/http://www.ocpd.state.ct.us/Content/pdnews/120204%20associated%20press.htm |archive-date=May 25, 2007 }}

Rell faced another criminal justice issue in July 2007, when two paroled convicts were charged with the home invasion murders of the Petit family in Cheshire. Rell announced a panel would review the state's parole policies and create a study on the topic. She also reiterated her support of capital punishment. On July 31, 2007, she announced tighter parole policies and asked the legislature to define burglary of an occupied dwelling as a violent crime.[http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=390200&A=2791 Governor Rell: Governor Rell Announces Major Crackdown on Parole, Supervision of ‘Burglary II’ Offenders] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731054945/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=390200&A=2791 |date=July 31, 2017 }}. In September 2007, she announced a moratorium on the parole of violent offenders.[http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews/hc-noparole-0921,0,3863424.story?coll=hc_tab01_layout Topic Galleries – Courant.com]{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. State Senator Sam Caligiuri had called for a full moratorium in July. Ironically, the man Rell appointed to chair the parole board, Robert Farr, wrote an op-ed for the Hartford Courant defending the state's parole system.[https://archive.today/20070813102353/http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2007/07/a-defense-of-pa.html CAPITOL WATCH: A Defense of Parole – From Bob Farr in 1999]. Rell announced in September that she does not believe Connecticut needs to build new prisons, send inmates out of state or expand any of the corrections facilities.{{cite news|author-link=New Haven Register |author=Gregory B. Hladky |title=Rell Won't Testify On Parole Reforms |url=http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18850128&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=31007&rfi=6 |work=New Haven Register |publisher=Journal Register Company |date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=October 16, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In January 2008, Rell reached agreement with legislative leaders on a number of criminal justice reforms which were responsive to the systemic failures that occurred before the Cheshire home invasion. A special session in late January passed laws to toughen penalties for home invasion and to tighten parole procedures,{{cite web |url=http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctdemplan0108.artjan08,0,527901.story |title=Topic Galleries |publisher=Courant.com |access-date=July 18, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} but did not pass a Three Strikes Law which Rell, Caligiuri, and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney had favored.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

Rell reiterated her call for a Three Strikes law on March 31, 2008, following the kidnapping and murder of an elderly New Britain woman, crimes committed by a convicted sex offender recently released from a Connecticut prison.{{cite web |author=Office of the Governor |url=http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=412458&A=3293 |title=Governor Rell: Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on the Home Invasion and Shootings in New Britain |publisher=Ct.gov |date=April 4, 2008 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |archive-date=May 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519174441/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=412458&A=3293 |url-status=live }}

====LGBT policy====

File:Jodi-Rell(crop).jpg

On April 20, 2005, Rell signed into law a bill that made Connecticut the first state to adopt civil unions for same-sex couples without being directed to do so by a court. The law gives same-sex couples all of the 300+ rights, responsibilities, and privileges that the state gives to heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt children, awarding state income tax credits, inheritance rights, and allowing same-sex partners to be considered next-of-kin when it comes to making medical decisions for incapacitated partners, yet does not require employers to give equal insurance benefits as they would to heterosexual couples. The bill was amended to define marriage as "between a man and a woman" after Rell threatened a veto. Rell signed the bill despite some Republican opposition to it, including from the Chairman of the State Republicans at the time.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

Rell had announced that were the legislature to pass a bill establishing gay marriage in Connecticut, that she would veto the bill.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Rell Would Veto Same-Sex Marriage Bill |url=http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctgaymarriageveto0127.artjan27,0,2773496.story?coll=hc-headlines-local |work=The Hartford Courant |publisher=Tribune Company |date=January 27, 2007 |access-date=February 15, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On October 10, 2008, Connecticut courts ruled that the ban of gay marriage violated citizens rights guaranteed to them by the constitution. Governor Jodi Rell responded by saying she would not fight the decision. "The Supreme Court has spoken," she stated "I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision, either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution, will not meet with success." However, on April 23, 2009, Rell signed a bill into law providing for a gender neutral marriage statute.{{cite web |url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hcu-gaymarriage-0423,0,664738.story |title=Topic Galleries |publisher=Courant.com |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427134112/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hcu-gaymarriage-0423,0,664738.story |archive-date=April 27, 2009 }} It also provided for civil unions to be automatically transformed into marriages on October 1, 2010.{{cite news |title=Vote caps decade-long Conn. gay marriage fight |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna30362523 |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=NBC News |agency=The Associated Press |date=23 April 2009 |language=en}}

In May 2008, Rell vetoed a bill to raise the minimum wage in the state of Connecticut. The legislature successfully voted to override Rell's veto in June 2008.{{cite news |title=Legislature Overrides Minimum Wage Veto |url=http://www.wtic.com/pages/2465853.php? |work=WTIC (AM) News/ Talk 1080 |date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=July 29, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The legislation raised Connecticut's minimum wage at the time, $7.65 an hour to $8.00 an hour beginning in January 2009, and to $8.25 an hour in 2010.{{cite news |last1=Carter |first1=Angela |title=Minimum wage bill heads to Rell's desk |url=https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Minimum-wage-bill-heads-to-Rell-s-desk-12137660.php |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=The Register Citizen |publisher=Hearst Communications |date=7 May 2008 |language=en}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=Connecticut gubernatorial election, 2006}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = M. Jodi Rell

|votes = 709,849

|percentage = 63

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = John DeStefano, Jr.

|votes = 398,220

|percentage = 35

}}

{{Election box end}}

File:Connecticut governors Ned Lamont and Jodi Rell.jpg in 2023]]

Rell was an Episcopalian.{{cite web |title=Rivals Blast Rell Stance |website=Hartford Courant |date=March 4, 2006 |url=https://www.courant.com/2006/03/04/rivals-blast-rell-stance/ |ref={{sfnref | Hartford Courant | 2006}} |access-date=August 6, 2024}} Rell was married to Lou Rell in 1967, with whom she had two children, Michael and Meredith. In April 2006, she became a grandmother. Her 2006 campaign advertisements featured her with her grandson.{{Cn|date=November 2024}}

Rell underwent surgery for breast cancer in December 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=1793&Q=288318 |title=Press Release: Governor Rell Leaves Hospital After Breast Cancer Surgery |access-date=November 6, 2007 |archive-date=December 17, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217083752/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=1793&Q=288318 |url-status=live }}

Her husband died on March 22, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://ctmirror.org/lou-rell-73-was-first-spouse-of-connecticut/|title=Lou Rell, 73, was 'first spouse' of Connecticut|author=Mark Pazniokas|date=March 22, 2014|work=The CT Mirror|access-date=March 23, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323104825/http://ctmirror.org/lou-rell-73-was-first-spouse-of-connecticut/|url-status=live}}

Rell died following a short illness at a hospital in Florida, on November 20, 2024, at the age of 78.{{cite news |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Former CT Gov. Jodi Rell has died |url=https://www.wfsb.com/2024/11/21/former-ct-gov-jodi-rell-has-died/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241121175158/https://www.wfsb.com/2024/11/21/former-ct-gov-jodi-rell-has-died/ |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |accessdate=November 21, 2024 |publisher=WFSB}}{{Cite news |last= |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Remembering Gov. M. Jodi Rell and her legacy |url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/officials-remember-gov-m-jodi-rell-and-her-legacy/3438928/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241121175109/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/officials-remember-gov-m-jodi-rell-and-her-legacy/3438928/ |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |access-date=November 21, 2024 |website=NBC Connecticut |language=en-US}}

{{Portal|Connecticut|Biography|Politics}}

• List of governors of Connecticut
• List of female state governors in the United States
• List of female lieutenant governors in the United States

{{Clear}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{IMDb name| 2986058}}
• {{C-SPAN|58570}}
• [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/uniquecandidate.phtml?uc=32188 Campaign contributions] for Jodi Rell and John Rowland (2002) at FollowTheMoney.org

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{{s-bef|before=David Smith}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
for the 107th district|years=1985–1995}}

{{s-aft|after=Scott Santa-Maria}}

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{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Robert Jaekle}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut|years=1994, 1998, 2002}}

{{s-aft|after=Michael Fedele}}

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{{s-bef|before=John Rowland}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Governor of Connecticut|years=2006}}

{{s-aft|after=Tom Foley}}

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{{s-bef|before=Eunice Groark}}

{{s-ttl|title=Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut|years=1995–2004}}

{{s-aft|after=Kevin Sullivan}}

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{{s-bef|before=John Rowland}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Connecticut|years=2004–2011}}

{{s-aft|after=Dan Malloy}}

{{s-end}}

{{Governors of Connecticut}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rell, Jodi}}

Category:1946 births

Category:2024 deaths

Category:21st-century American women

Category:American Episcopalians

Category:Lieutenant governors of Connecticut

Category:Old Dominion University alumni

Category:People from Brookfield, Connecticut

Category:Politicians from Norfolk, Virginia

Category:Republican Party governors of Connecticut

Category:Republican Party members of the Connecticut House of Representatives

Category:Western Connecticut State University alumni

Category:Women state governors of the United States

Category:Women state legislators in Connecticut

Category:20th-century members of the Connecticut General Assembly

Category:20th-century American women politicians