Posted on May 31, 2018
Hartford – State Representatives Anne Dauphinais (R-44), Kevin Skulczyck (R-45), and State Sen. Heather Somers (R-18) held a sit down with area residents who wanted to discuss any legislative item that came up during this years’ shortened session.
Lawmakers fielded questions regarding local transportation issues, what has been done for families with crumbling foundations, municipal and educational funding, the proposed gun range in Griswold along with various bills each encountered while working in their various committees.
“I really appreciate all those who came out to the Town Hall and expressed concerns about various legislative related issues,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “One particular issue of concern among residents was a desire for Plainfield to have a more extensive transit system. After the legislative update I was able to set up a meeting with the first selectman to work toward finding a resolution. One of the goals of these forums is to provide an opportunity for us to work on issues affecting the district.”
“This legislative session we were faced with a myriad of bills whose sole purpose is political posturing in what will be an important election year for the residents of Connecticut,” Rep. Skulczyck said. “Many of these bills were designed to distract residents from what has happened to this state over the past 40 years under the current majority party’s control.”
The state’s recent passage of a House and Senate compromised budget was also a topic of discussion. Residents were concerned about the possibility of increased taxes or fees dominating the ‘how do we drum up revenue’ talks. The representatives discussed several of the positives highlighted within the budget like the restoration of funding for the Medicare Savings Program, funding the local fire schools, and fully funding scheduled transportation projects. Republicans also pushed for the budget to included a hard hiring freeze which would save the state $7 million.
The lawmakers are expected to host several more of these legislative updates throughout the course of the Summer.
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