CARPINO BEGINS FOURTH TERM IN LEGISLATURE

HARTFORD – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) was sworn into her fourth term Wednesday morning in the Connecticut General Assembly’s House of Representatives.

Photo: State Rep. Christie Carpino participates in Opening Day of the 2017 Legislative Session

Rep. Carpino has been named an Assistant Republican Leader, an integral role within the caucus. Additionally, Rep. Carpino will continue her service on the legislature’s Public Health and Judiciary Committees.

Rep. Carpino has also been named House Chair of the Regulation Review Committee. This powerful committee reviews regulations proposed by state agencies and must act in order for regulations to be implemented.

After Opening Day ceremonies, the House of Representatives passed operating rules for the upcoming session. A Republican proposal to amend the rules went to a roll call vote, but failed along a party line vote.

“I supported a common sense amendment that would have allowed the legislature to review major financial agreements the state enters with various labor unions,” explained Carpino. “I was disappointed when the measure failed along a party line vote. I will work to overcome the partisanship and continue to work with my legislative colleagues across the aisle to alleviate the state’s growing debt.”

The amendment would require the legislature to review union contracts prior to them being approved by the state. This would have ultimately provided more vigilance to the legislature regarding monies allocated from the Executive branch and state agencies. Long-term agreements often carry substantial pension liability that falls on the State of Connecticut.

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