Martin Foncello

Legislators, Scouts Collect Worn U.S. Flags to Honor Flag Day 

NEWTOWN, CT — To celebrate Flag Day, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107), joined by Scouts from Newtown's Troop 270, hosted a community flag drive and collection at C.H. Booth Library, providing residents with an opportunity to respectfully retire their worn and tattered American flags. Altogether, the team collected 118 flags ranging in size from tiny, to massive. This year's largest flag was a 12 ft. x 18 ft. Newtown-Flagpole winter flag that, according to the “Keeper of the Flag” Chris Gardner, was taken down in March, and placed in a collection box by a member of Newtown Hook & Ladder. All flags collected, plus dozens more accumulated throughout the year, will be retired ceremonially by Newtown's Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 308, in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, which outlines procedure for the dignified retirement of American flags that are no longer fit for public display. As part of the event, Scouts from Troop 270 demonstrated the proper method for folding the American flag on the library lawn, showcasing the care, respect, and tradition associated with one of the nation’s most enduring symbols. Alongside the Representatives and Scout Leaders, they proudly, successfully folded each flag, including the one that had flown over Main Street. “Collecting worn American flags is about more than proper disposal—it’s about honoring our nation, its history, and the freedoms the flag represents,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky. “Every flag tells a story of service, patriotism, and sacrifice, and it deserves to be retired with dignity and respect.” Rep. Martin Foncello, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, praised the Scouts’ participation and commitment to civic responsibility. “It’s inspiring to see these young people demonstrate such respect for our nation’s flag and the values it represents,” said Foncello. “Partnering with Troop 270 and our local veterans organizations helps ensure this important tradition continues while providing a valuable service to the community.” Flag Day is observed annually on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, a tradition later recognized by Congress as a national observance. The legislators and scouts thank residents who participated in the collection effort, the C.H. Booth Library, VFW Post 308, and noted that they plan to continue the annual tradition in future years.

Reps. Foncello, Bolinsky Host Standing-Room Lunch & Learn at Newtown Senior Center

NEWTOWN, CT — State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello welcomed about 50 residents to the Newtown Senior Center on Monday for a "Lunch & Learn" discussion focused on the recently concluded 2026 legislative session and issues impacting local seniors and families. The informal event provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy lunch while engaging candidly with their state lawmakers about legislation passed during the session, as well as their concerns about ongoing challenges facing Connecticut residents. "We appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to join us for this discussion," said Rep. Bolinsky. "These gatherings and conversations are priceless because they allow us to hear directly from residents about their concerns while providing updates on the work being done at the State Capitol. Oftentimes, folks are so busy living their lives they don't always hear about what representatives like Rep. Foncello and I are accomplishing to improve their quality of life, especially at a time when the full truth is being obscured by nasty political rhetoric.” Rep. Foncello added, "Our goal is to make government accessible and transparent. Events like this help keep residents informed about the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives." During the presentation, Newtown’s legislators provided an overview of their backgrounds, committee assignments, legislative priorities, and accomplishments, before wading into several key issues addressed during the session including the continuing, state-policy driven rise in energy prices, the hidden taxes built into public benefits programs, and aggressive special-interest legislation that is trampling on Connecticut's 300-year history of being a "Home Rule" state by wrestling local control away from towns in zoning and in educational determination. In addition to these "challenging" matters, Foncello and Bolinsky also discussed many positive legislative victories, including advances in veterans' property tax relief, and the newly approved family caregiver tax credit included in the bipartisan budget adjustment bill. The representatives also highlighted the work of the Aging Committee, including efforts to help Connecticut residents age in place and maintain their independence for as long as possible. They discussed legislation and initiatives designed to support seniors and their families while improving access to services and resources throughout the state. Bolinsky and Foncello provided an update on the successful Newtown Rides transportation program, noting the $100,000 in state funding secured to launch the initiative. They also discussed the program's future, as it relates to test markets studying different "micro-transit" possibilities, and opportunities to continue supporting local transportation needs in communities such as Newtown where no transportation infrastructure exists. The lawmakers concluded the event by reviewing several other measures advanced by the Aging Committee during the 2026 legislative session and answering individual questions from attendees.

Rep. Foncello Joins Rally Opposing Compressor Station Expansion

State Representative Martin Foncello (R-107) joined with advocates at a rally outside of Brookfield Town Hall on Saturday, May 30, 2026. They met to call on Gov. Lamont to have the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reject the permit application for the compressor station expansion by Whisconier Middle School. "This is not a partisan issue, it's a public safety issue," said Rep. Foncello. "Thank you to local resident Kerry Swift for inviting us, and the Sierra Club for having us speak out on this important subject. I submitted testimony to DEEP with my concerns about air pollution and other quality-of-life issues associated with an expansion that primarily benefits out-of-state energy distribution." You can read Rep. Foncello's DEEP testimony here .

Rep. Foncello Applauds Bond Funding Approval for Brookfield

State Representative Martin Foncello (R-107) announced that the state Bond Commission has met to approve funding for various projects, including in Brookfield. $1.75 million was approved as a grant-in-aid to Brookfield Housing Authority. The funding will be used for repairs to existing senior and disabled housing units. "I appreciate that this project was included in the Department of Housing authorization because it will enable more of our neighbors remain safely at home and age in place," said Rep. Foncello.

2026 Major Public Acts Report

The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has compiled its 2026 Major Public Acts report. This report details the action of the legislature in 2026, with brief summaries of major policy changes. More detailed summaries can be found at: https://cga.ct.gov/olr/ . OLR also produces a number of “Acts Affecting” reports highlighting legislation in various policy areas. Some of the topics covered in this report include: Aging Criminal Justice and Public Safety Education Energy Environment Human Services Insurance Public Health Veterans’ and Military Affairs To review the 2026 Major Public Acts report in its entirety, click here .