Tami Zawistowski

CT House Republicans Unveil “Pathway to Affordability” Budget Plan

HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tues­day released a budget adjustment plan for the second year of the state budget through a series of policies aimed at making Connecticut more affordable, lowering household costs, easing property tax pressures, and addressing the school funding crisis facing communities across the state. The $27.9 billion plan, called “Pathway to Affordability,” is balanced, provides more than $400 million in tax relief, falls $167 million under the state spending cap, and spends less than the governor’s budget proposal and the product advanced by Appropriations Committee Democrats. “Connecticut is staring down a projected budget deficit that could grow worse before it gets better, and the majority’s answer is to spend more and hope for the best,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “That’s not a strategy—that’s a recipe for the next tax hike. Our plan keeps us under the spending cap and puts real money back in people’s pockets, whether through their property tax bills­ or their insurance premiums." School Taxpayer Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP) The centerpiece of the House Republican proposal is the School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan, or STRAP—a $365 million investment distributed to every city and town in Connecticut to help offset surging education costs and reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. “Here’s the reality: Connecticut is underfunding education, using a fatally flawed formula, which has not kept up with what it actually costs to educate a child, and towns are left making up the difference,” said Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland), House Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee. “STRAP distributes $365 million to every Connecticut community on a proportional basis—using the same percentage each town already receives from the $2.3 billion ECS program. It would mean actual tax relief for our communities, and it’s built into the budget so it’s sustainable. It’s a solution that towns can actually plan around, so they’re not constantly scrambling or raising taxes just to keep schools running. We will continue the necessary work to fix this, but in the meantime, our proposal keeps these funds there until the legislature fixes the broken ECS formula once and for all.” The “Pathway to Affordability” plan includes a broad range of tax and fee relief: Increase the state’s maximum property tax credit to $650 and expand income eligibility, extending relief to 800,000 filers Curb healthcare costs by reducing a state levy on insurance companies ($20 million) that has been passed on to consumers in their monthly premiums Eliminate income tax on all Social Security benefits Eliminate the sales tax on children’s clothing Enact a “no tax on tips” exemption Reduce the sales tax on vehicles priced between $50,000 and $75,000 from 7.75% to 6.35%--because the cost of vehicles has risen sharply in recent years, and what once seemed like a luxury price point now covers everyday family minivans and work trucks Eliminate fees on certain occupational licenses Remove the “Passport to Parks” fee from motor vehicle registrations Ease local tax burden by providing $2.5 million to help municipalities cover early voting costs “Connecticut is already one of the most expensive states in the country to live in, and our residents feel it every single month,” said Rep. Joe Polletta (R-Watertown), House Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “The relief we’re proposing isn’t a one-time check or a political stunt. It’s built into the budget, which means it’s sustainable. Democrats have floated ideas that rely on volatile, one-time revenues. That’s not a plan, that’s a gamble with people’s money. We’re done gambling.” The plan is funded through new revenue and spending discipline, including: Recover $340 million by challenging New York’s “convenience of employer” rule, which forces roughly 80,000 Connecticut residents who work remotely for New York employers and pay income taxes to New York at rates higher (10.9% top rate) than they would pay here at home (6.99% top rate). The plan includes $1 million to help these workers file legal challenges against New York’s policy. Save $153 million by budgeting state employee positions based on realistic hiring trends rather than funding all vacancies at once Save $61 million by eliminating state-funded health insurance for undocumented immigrants, who retain access to care through Federally Qualified Health Centers Removes 25% of double-funding of ECS grants to municipalities, saving $29 million Save $12 million by reducing legislative earmarks Save $3.5 million by eliminating inmate text messaging Among our targeted investments in public safety and human services: $3.2 million to expand the CRISIS program helping police respond to and de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises $1.5 million for domestic violence shelters Provides funding to hire investigators for Medicaid Fraud Control $2.4 million to increase provider rates for Birth-to-Three child development services Creates an income tax deduction (up to $2k) for volunteer firefighter and EMS personnel

Rep. Zawistowski to Host Bradley Development League Day at the State Capitol  

State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) will be hosting the third annual Bradley Development League Day at the State Capitol to highlight the businesses and entrepreneurs from East Granby, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks that leverage relationships with each other and the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) to foster a positive business environment in their area. Created in 1995, the Bradley Development League continues to inspire and promote technology, financial, manufacturing, aerospace, and tourism in a 4-town area that includes Bradley International Airport and features cutting-edge innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs as well as agriculture and tourism destinations. "I'm excited to be able to once again bring members of the League to Hartford to meet directly with legislators, agency commissioners, and executive branch staff in an informal setting that fosters conversation and increased collaboration," Rep. Zawistowski said. "By highlighting the incredible diversity of our area’s benefits, the Bradley Development League drives innovation, investment, and expansion." Bradley Development League Day at the Capitol Hosted by Rep. Tami Zawistowski Capitol North Lobby 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford Wednesday, April 29, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event but would still like to contact Rep. Zawistowski, please call her office at: 860-842-4200 or email: Tami.Zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov

Suffield Students Present the Facts on CT's Bear Population

Students from the AG Issues Team from the Suffield Regional Agriscience Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter came to the Legislative Office Building to put on a lighthearted, but incredibly informative, presentation on bear population management in Connecticut. Tackling a very complicated issue with a short skit based around a courtroom trial, prosecuting students accused "Mr. Bearington" of breaking into, ransacking a home, and eating the food inside. They appealed to the judge to implement restrictions on bears, possibly including relocation, a limited bear hunt season, or even sterilization. In defense, Mr. Bearington and his lawyers claimed he was only doing what was natural and that humans to have needed more restrictions to reduce or eliminate potential conflicts. They suggested locking garbage cans, removal of bird feeders, and noise harassment measures, among other ideas. According to the students, Connecticut’s bear population is expanding at a rate that outpaces current management tools, leading to increased property damage and safety concerns in residential areas. Their presentation highlighted the conflict between regulated management (such as a hunting season or aggressive state intervention) and coexistence strategies (such as bear-resistant infrastructure and habitat protection). About three dozen people attended the presentation, and the students did a masterful job answering questions from the audience when they wrapped up. I want to thank the members of the AG Issues team: Coach/Teacher Dr. Laura LaFlamme, and students Jacob Chaws, Windsor Locks (10th grade), Sarah Daigel, East Windsor (10th grade), Claire Kleinman, West Hartford (10th grade), Quinn Libby, Suffield (10th grade), Alice McCoy, Suffield (12th grade), Sasha Nelson, Suffield (12th grade), Nate Russell, East Granby (11th grade), for bringing a measured discussion and incredible enthusiasm to a very complicated issue.

Rep. Zawistowski Applauds $12.1 million Grant for 255 Main St. Revitalization

On Friday afternoon, State Rep. Tami Zawistowski joined Windsor Locks First Selectman Jonathan Savino, Rep. Jane Garibay, State Senator John Kissel, Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno for the official announcement of a combined $12.1 million grant from the Department of Economic Development, Department of Housing, and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, to aid brownfield remediation and construction of a 70-unit mixed income housing development adjacent to the new CT rail Hartford Line train station in Windsor Locks. "This is a great news for Windsor Locks and this grant moves this project one step closer to revitalizing this incredibly important area. The improvements will provide easy access to transportation and retail opportunities for dozens of residents and families, as well as expanding opportunities for small businesses," Rep. Zawistowski, who serves on the legislature's Transportation Committee said. The grant will facilitate the next steps in the demolition and construction of the 255 Main St. property, a transit-oriented development (TOD) project which is expected to bring 120 mixed-income housing units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space.

"Ag Day" at the Capitol!

Today was "AG Day" at the Capitol and I had the pleasure of talking with FFA students from Suffield Regional Agriscience / Suffield Public Schools ! With agriculture taking center stage in Hartford, scores of students from Future Farmers of America chapters across the state, 4-H members, farmers, growers, and environmentalists converged on the Capitol to share their passion for the outdoors, nature, and agriculture during this annual event that showcases Connecticut's incredible biodiversity. As always, it's great to have so many high school students in the building, especially when they're invested and involved in the legislative process and how the laws passed here will affect them and the agriculture industry. I have no doubt that these students will accomplish big things in the future. Connecticut is lucky to have so many FFA chapters! I also bumped into Governor Lamont and talked with Lisa Stevens, executive director, and Matt Fitzpatrick, president of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association, and Lillian Ruiz, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Erosion, and others. Always an informative, fun and well attended event!