Tami Zawistowski

Celebrating Polish Day, Honoring Rep. Zawistowski

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski was honored for her commitment to her heritage and her success as a small business owner and elected state official during Polish Day events at the State Capitol Thursday. This annual celebration brings together Polish-American residents, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Connecticut, to honor the rich heritage and contributions of the Polish community. In addition to celebrating the 35 th anniversary of Polish Day events at the Capitol, this year they were also celebrating the 235 th anniversary of the Polish Constitution. The Polonia-Paderewski Choir performed both the American and Polish National Anthems to start the festivities, then the crowd heard from Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Mateusz Debowicz, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, and other guest speakers before officially recognizing the distinguished honorees who have made meaningful contributions to Polonia in Connecticut. The 2026 Honorees: State Representative Tami Zawistowski Frank Tyszka, Ansonia Mayor State Representative Mary Mushinsky Jason Jakubowski, CT Foodshare CEO Joanna Michalski, New Britain Polish Saturday School

Rep. Zawistowski Hosts Third Successful Bradley Development League Day at the Capitol

For the third year, more than two dozen businesses and organizations served by the Bradley Development League visited the Capitol to provide legislators and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the businesses and four towns – East Granby, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks – that make up the League. Created and organized by State Rep. Tami Zawistowski, this annual gathering has become a premier event showcasing Connecticut's incredibly diverse business community. As in previous years, there were representatives from myriad industries, including aerospace and technology, food service, manufacturing, banking, museums, athletics, and many more. Legislators and other government officials visited the event that highlighted some of the region’s business assets and attractions. "The Bradley Development League has been and will continue to be stalwart supporters of the skilled workforce in East Granby, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks, and proponents of local business development and expansion in the region,” Rep. Tami Zawistowski said. "The Bradley region combines access to cutting edge and high-tech employment and manufacturing opportunities with an excellent quality of life, including hiking and biking trails, a winery and craft breweries, historical locations like Old Newgate Prison, farm stands and markets for fresh produce and flowers, and more. The Bradley Development League is a vital asset to the business community, local employment and continued promotion of the area's diverse assets." According to its website, "the Bradley Development League is a consortium of four towns surrounding the airport—East Granby, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks—promoting regional economic growth and marketing more than 2,000 acres of buildable land. We’re here to help you learn about the area, find business incentives, explore suitable locations—and call our region home." The following companies and organizations were at the Capitol to celebrate the Day: · BDL Airport / CAA Bradley Buddies Therapy Dogs · Bradley Development League · Hilton Garden Inn Hartford-North/Bradley International Airport · Voices Against Lyme Disease · Founders Square (Grava Properties) · Hilltop Farm · Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce · Town of Suffield Economic Development · Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine · Baronet Coffee · Advanced Wheels · Bombardier · New England Air Museum · CBIA · Collins Aerospace (RTX) · Windsor Federal Bank · AdvanceCT

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.