Jay Case

Case Supports Bill to Improve Government Spending Transparency

HARTFORD – State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) this week supported legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in state spending. H.B. 5309, An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislative-Directed Funds , was among the final bills considered by the House of Representatives this session and received broad bipartisan support. “The partnerships we have with nonprofit and community-based organizations across the state are essential to delivering quality services,” said Rep. Case. “However, when the system is abused and funding allocations are perceived as political favors, swift action is necessary. This bill takes two important steps: it increases transparency in state spending and begins to restore public trust in the work being done in Hartford.” The legislation comes amid heightened scrutiny of state funding to nonprofits, including concerns surrounding a Hartford-based organization flagged for financial mismanagement after receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. These issues were further amplified during the 2025 budget debate. After passing unanimously in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Canino, Case Applaud $200,000 Investment in Northwest Connecticut Food Hub

TORRINGTON, CT – State Representatives Joe Canino (R-Torrington) and Jay Case (R-Winsted), who represent Torrington, today welcomed the announcement of a $200,000 state grant awarded to the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub. This investment is aimed to strengthen the region’s local food system and support families in need. The funding, announced by the governor's office as part of a broader $1.55 million statewide initiative, will enable the Northwest Connecticut Food Hub to purchase fresh, locally grown food from area farms and distribute it to residents across western Connecticut. According to the announcement, the program will partner with schools, food pantries, and community organizations to ensure nutritious food reaches families experiencing food insecurity. “This funding is a win-win for our community,” the legislators said in a joint statement. “It supports our local farmers while ensuring families in Torrington and across northwestern Connecticut have access to healthy, locally grown food. Investments like this strengthen both our agricultural economy and our communities.” The Northwest Connecticut Food Hub plays a key role in connecting regional farms with consumers and organizations, expanding access to fresh food while creating stable markets for farmers. This grant will enhance its capacity to serve as a reliable distribution network throughout the region. The lawmakers also noted that continued state support is essential following recent federal funding reductions that previously supported similar efforts. “We are pleased to see the state step up to continue this important program,” they added. “Ensuring access to nutritious food while supporting our farmers is critical to building a stronger, more resilient Connecticut.” ###

I/DD Family Hearing Day

Every year, I have the privilege of joining the I/DD community for Family Hearing Day—an experience that continues to ground and inspire my work. There is something powerful about hearing directly from families, caregivers, and advocates who live these realities every day. Their voices bring clarity, urgency, and purpose to the policies we shape. This year was no exception. I was especially grateful to everyone who took the time to share their stories and perspectives, including Nicole Milo from House of Hope. Her testimony was both moving and eye-opening, highlighting the critical needs of individuals diagnosed with profound autism. She spoke candidly about the challenges many face as they age out of certain services—an often-overlooked transition that can leave families navigating uncertainty at a time when stability is most needed. Over the years, we have made meaningful progress in strengthening the safety net for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But as these conversations remind us, our work is far from finished. Too many individuals and families still encounter gaps in care, barriers to access, and limited resources during pivotal stages of life. Family Hearing Day is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. It reinforces the importance of listening, learning, and continuing to push for policies that ensure every resident has access to the services and supports they need to live safe, fulfilling, and high-quality lives. I remain committed to working alongside this community to build a more inclusive and responsive system—one that truly meets people where they are and supports them throughout every stage of life. ###

Read Across America: Pearson School

It was great to visit Pearson School this morning to celebrate Read Across America! I had the opportunity to read What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada with the 5th graders in Ms. MacDonald’s class. Together, we talked about the importance of approaching problems with a positive mindset—shifting away from seeing challenges as purely negative and instead viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow. It was wonderful to hear the students’ thoughtful perspectives on problem-solving and how they apply these ideas in their own lives. After the reading, we also had a chance to talk about some of the topics and projects the students are currently exploring in their curriculum, which led to a lively and engaging discussion. It’s always inspiring to see such thoughtful conversations happening in our classrooms and to spend time with students who are curious, reflective, and eager to learn.

Case, Canino Issue Statement on Siting Council Decision Regarding Proposed Solar Installation

The joint statement on the Siting Council's decision to deny the Lodestar Energy application to build a solar array in Torrington: We fully support the Siting Council’s decision to deny the application for the Lodestar Energy solar project in Torrington. Local impacts must remain paramount, and this proposal would have caused significant harm to our community’s ecosystem. This decision preserves 19 acres of forest land and more than 20 acres of productive farmland—protecting natural resources that are vital to our environment, local agriculture, and overall quality of life. While we agree with the outcome, this case underscores the need for a stronger municipal voice in the siting process. Municipalities and local stakeholders should have a more direct and meaningful role in decision-making when projects of this scale affect their communities. ###