Brian Lanoue

Rep. Lanoue Applauds Finance Committee Passage of Volunteer Stipends Bill

Bill Advances to the State Senate for Further Action HARTFORD – State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45) announced on Monday that the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee passed a key piece of his legislative agenda, S.B. 373, An Act Allowing a Personal Income Tax Deduction for Stipends Paid to Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers, and Volunteer Ambulance Members. The bill was previously approved by the Public Safety and Security Committee on March 17th, and now awaits further action in the Senate. This is the sixth legislative session that Rep. Lanoue has introduced this proposed legislation in the General Assembly. S.B. 373 would exempt up to $2,000 in stipends received by volunteer firefighters, fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members from the state income tax. The measure is intended to better support, recruit, and retain volunteer first responders who provide critical services in communities across Connecticut. “I am thankful to the members of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee for passing this important bill out of committee today,” said Rep. Lanoue. “I especially want to thank the chairs, State Senator John Fonfara and State Representative Maria Horn , and the ranking members, State Senator Ryan Fazio , and State Representative Joe Polletta , for working with us to move this bill to the Senate. As we all know, enrollment in our volunteer fire service is declining, and my hope is that this bill will be an important step forward in helping to buck that trend.” “This bill is a good step to help combat the ever-decreasing enrollment particularly in our volunteer fire departments across Connecticut,” said Rep. Polletta. “I am happy to see this bill pass through our committee.” The 2026 Connecticut General Assembly legislative session ends at midnight on May 6. -END-

Happy 100th Birthday to Griswold's Hester Stimac

On Sunday it was my honor to present a legislative citation to Hester Stimac of Griswold in recognition of her 100 years in eastern Connecticut. Hester has witnessed a century of living and has been a valued member of our community throughout it all. What a pleasure it was to celebrate this remarkable milestone with her! On March 30th, 1926, Hester (Benjamin) Stimac was born on the family farm in Preston City, Connecticut. Her parents were Everett and Minnie Benjamin. She is one of seven siblings (two sisters and five brothers). Growing up on the farm, Hester would collect eggs and sell them to locals in the town. Throughout her childhood, Hester attended Preston Congregational Church in Preston. In her early adulthood Hester worked at Griswold Rubber. After leaving Griswold Rubber, she began working at Thermos Corporation in Taftville. While working at Thermos, Hester was also working on the side cleaning houses. Hester took a great deal of pride in her work. Throughout her cleaning career, she cleaned for multiple clients including several supervisors from Electric Boat in Groton. Working as hard as she did, Hester was able to save enough money to build her own house in 1979. As a single mother this was a huge accomplishment. Hester has two children: Nicholas Stimac and Francis (Stimac) Hurst. She raised both of her children on her own while continuing to work as hard as she did. After retiring from Thermos, she continued cleaning until she was 88 years old. Throughout her senior years Hester frequently attends the Griswold Senior Center where she created bonds and friendships with others in her town. Throughout Hester's life, her drive and hard work to accomplish what she has, shows that age is just a number. Happy 100th Birthday to you, Hester! I was so happy I got the chance to celebrate with you all!

Several of Rep. Lanoue’s Legislative Priorities Advance with Strong Bipartisan Support

Several of Rep. Lanoue’s Legislative Priorities Advance with Strong Bipartisan Support Three bills now await further action by the General Assembly Hartford – As the committee phase of the 2026 legislative session begins to wind down, several of State Representative Brian Lanoue’s (R-45) key priorities are already moving forward with strong, unanimous bipartisan support. The Labor and Public Employees Committee passed H.B. No. 5497 - An Act Establishing a Task Force to Study the Effects of Artificial Intelligence on the Trades Industry and Requiring a Study of a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program , out of committee last week. A section of that bill crafted by Rep. Lanoue creates a task force of trades professionals, CTECS administrators, engineers, technology designers, and AI experts to study how artificial intelligence will affect Connecticut’s trades programs and training. The group will identify gaps in current training and certification and recommend how to integrate AI related skills, so current and future tradespeople remain competitive in a changing economy and work environment. On March 17 th , the Public Safety and Security Committee passed S.B. No.373 - An Act Allowing a Personal Income Tax Deduction for Stipends Paid to Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers, and Volunteer Ambulance Members . The bill would make up to $2,000 in stipends for volunteer firefighters, fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members exempt from the state income tax. The goal is to better support, recruit, and retain volunteer first responders who provide critical services in communities across Connecticut. During the committee’s public hearing on the bill, retired Griswold Fire Chief Tom Holowaty, and Jewett City Captain Rich Waselik provided powerful testimony in support of this legislation sharing compelling and invaluable perspectives. The concept has been a top priority of Rep. Lanoue's that was introduced over the last several sessions. "I want to thank the committee for passing this bill, and I give them credit for addressing this important matter,” said Tom Holowaty. “I look forward to this bill being take up for debate and a vote in the Senate, the House, and eventually being signed into law by Governor Lamont.” Finally in the Energy and Technology Committee, S.B. No. 246 - An Act Requiring a Study of Natural Gas Rates for Commercial and Agricultural Customers will await additional action in the Senate. The bill directs the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner to study the creation of a separate natural gas demand charge category for farmers and agricultural operators, shifting from an annual to a quarterly (three month) assessment. The commissioner must report findings to the legislature by January 2027. The hope is that this study will institute a legislative fix by creating a special category for farmland and agricultural operators (as defined in CT statute 12-107c) in a future session. “The strong bipartisan support for these bills shows that when we focus on practical solutions which support our trades professionals, standing with our volunteer first responders, and helping our farmers manage energy costs. During challenging times, it is my hope that we can move Connecticut forward together with bold solutions,” Rep. Lanoue said. “I’m grateful to committee leadership and members on both sides of the aisle for working with me to advance these priorities. I understand there are many bills to consider, and I am so appreciative of all the time and effort that was put into getting them advanced.” The 2026 Legislative Session adjourns on May 6th, 2026, at midnight. -END- State Representative Brian Lanoue Represents the 45 th General Assembly District, including the towns Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown. State Rep. Brian Lanoue and Lou DeMicco from Jewett City Greenhouses during the February 26th Energy & Technology Committee Public Hearing Appearing in the photo left to right is Griswold Fire Chief Tom Holowaty, State Representative Brian Lanoue, and Jewett City Captain Rich Waselik

March for Life 2026

On Wednesday, I was honored to once again speak at the Connecticut March for Life Rally, standing alongside hundreds of advocates from across our state. Each year, I am encouraged to see such a strong, diverse, and growing crowd - especially so many young people - publicly affirming the dignity and value of every unborn child. At a time when these protections are under attack, it is more important than ever that we stand firm. Our founders declared that every person has the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” That right to life begins in the womb - and our commitment to defend it must never waver. As your state representative, I am here to be the voice for - including the unborn.

Read Across America 2026

Another year of Read Across America is in the books! On top of some very busy weeks at the State Capitol, it was great to get into the district in celebration of Read Across America! I had a great time meeting our youth across the 45th District. Here is a summary of my stops along the way! Monday, March 9th: Griswold Elementary School and Veterans Memorial in Preston I had a great day reading to the second grade classes at Griswold Elementary School and the third and fourth graders at Veterans Memorial in Preston. We read and discussed making green eggs and ham as well as what it means to be a hero. The kids had some great ideas to make the world a better place including no more wars, kindness to one another and no more homelessness. It was particularly touching seeing so many children of parents whom I went to school with during these same grade years. Wednesday, March 11th: Voluntown Elementary School and Lisbon Central School As part of Reads Across America, it was great partnering with my friend and president of Light the Way, Jessica Britagna, as well as Bay - Connecticut’s Water Safety Dog. Jessica, Bay, and I visited with Voluntown Elementary School’s third grade and Lisbon Central School’s second and third grade classes. I got to read “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” which highlights key water safety rules for children. Bay & Jessica did a great job emphasizing the importance of wearing life vests as well as Bay’s role as a water rescue dog. Once she finishes training, Bay will help people who find themselves in danger in the water. The kids asked some amazing questions and they did a wonderful job with the renditions of Stewie’s song “Don’t Jump In Til You Learn to Swim.” Friday, March 13th: Juliet Long School in Gales Ferry My final read in 2026 was with Ms. Craig’s first grade class at the Juliet Long School in Gales Ferry. Thank you to Jessica and our four-legged pal Bay for the fun and very important water safety presentation. The kids were great and I loved seeing all the wonderful interactions between them and Bay. I also want to thank the kids for their opinions and comments regarding the pending legislation before the legislature on requiring children to wear life jackets while on a dock in CT. Special shout out to the Duchess for securing us a copy of “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” with lighting speed so we could share his story and song with the children throughout the 45th!