HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The majority Democrats in the Connecticut House of Representatives are hiring an outside media consultant to review the caucus' communications operations.

Hartford-based McDowell Jewett Communications will conduct an evaluation and ``provide counsel on how to improve the distribution of information to the public,'' according to a written proposal provided Friday to The Associated Press.

The firm is requesting a $15,000 fee. Gabe Rosenberg, the House Democrats' communications director, said the money will come from the caucus' state-funded budget.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said, ``periodically it is helpful to evaluate our communications efforts.'' He said the firm's two principals, Duby McDowell and Stephen Jewett, are people the caucus has worked with in the past.

The House Democrats currently have a media staff of 10 people, in addition to five digital staffers.