Rep. Ackert Addresses Constituents Concerns During Vernon Office Hours

HARTFORD- State Rep. Tim Ackert (R-8) met with Vernon residents to discuss current legislative issues and to provide answers to other local and statewide concerns.

During the meeting, Rep. Ackert detailed recent changes to the State Senate and House of Representatives, his new committee assignments, along with other hot topics being discussed within the legislature.

Rep. Ackert stressed the importance of these sit down meetings with residents of the communities he serves.

“It is extremely important to listen to my constituents and to hear about the issues that impact them the most, the ones they are most passionate about,” he said.

The state of Connecticut’s economy and its uncertain future was one of most talked about items of the evening.

“Connecticut is in the worst fiscal state in modern history and we aren’t currently generating enough revenue to control the spending,” he said. “We rely so heavily on income taxes in the state of Connecticut.”

Vernon residents also reiterated their growing frustrations with the governor’s proposed budget and how taking on 1/3 of teacher’s pensions if adopted will affect them financially.

“It is time to build a budget together that moves Connecticut forward,” Ackert said. “We need to take a closer look at things and determine what it takes to keep retirees here, keep businesses here, and keep young people here. We need to find the balance between quality of life and affordability.”