Affordable Housing in New Canaan: Celebrating the Re-Opening of Canaan Parish

Posted on July 26, 2023


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The fully affordable 100-unit complex is a “landmark” for New Canaan as it combats an affordable housing shortage.

NEW CANAAN – On July 25th, State Representative Tom O’Dea (R-125) joined Governor Lamont, fellow New Canaan state lawmakers, local elected officials, industry leaders in finance and development, and community members to celebrate the re-opening of Canaan Parish – New Canaan’s newly renovated affordable housing complex.

Located on Lakeview Ave, the 100-unit complex features state-of-the-art

Representative O’Dea, Senator Fazio Host Successful Legislative Wrap-Up Event in New Canaan

Posted on June 21, 2023


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NEW CANAAN – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) AND State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) hosted a legislative update event to break down the recently-concluded legislative session.

Over three dozen residents joined the New Canaan state lawmakers in the Town Meeting Room at Town Hall to provide updates on legislative priorities and ask questions on issues like housing, development, state finances, education, and more.

“Thank you to the dedicated community members who fostered a positive and productive

Rep. O’Dea Votes to Adopt 2024-25 Connecticut State Budget with Historic Income Tax Cut

Posted on June 6, 2023


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HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) voted to adopt the FY 2024-2025 Connecticut state budget, headlined by a historic cut to the state income tax for middle- and low-income earners and families.

The fully balanced bipartisan budget features more than $150 million for local education, investments in public safety, strict adherence to fiscal guardrails established in the 2017 budget agreement, and establishes a phase-out on pension and annuity taxes. Each of these key initiatives were

Rep. O’Dea Opposes Omnibus Housing Bill, Protects Local Control

Posted on June 5, 2023


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During a House session spanning into the early morning hours, lawmakers debated an omnibus housing bill, S.B. 998, which featured some aspects of “Fair Share” and other state mandates that attempt to undermine local control of zoning.

Due to pushback from the public and many Fairfield County legislators, the bill that eventually passed was stripped of many of its enforcement mechanisms and instead empowers the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to conduct studies on each city

Op-Ed: Making Roads Safer in Post-Pandemic CT

Posted on June 2, 2023


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In post-pandemic Connecticut, traveling our state and local roads has become a more dangerous proposition.

Whether that is due to the ill-conceived police accountability bill that has handcuffed law enforcement and thinned police ranks, or as a result of a new commercial marijuana market — or a combination thereof — there is no disputing that our roadways are less safe now than they were previously. Throw in poor driving habits adopted during the pandemic, and we have a recipe for disaster.

A few

Rep. O’Dea Proposes an Amendment to Protect the Safety of Connecticut’s Scholar-Athletes

Posted on May 15, 2023


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HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) proposed an amendment to HB 6642 An Act Concerning a Title IX Compliance Toolkit for School Districts which would equip school districts to manage participation of transgender athletes in Connecticut interscholastic athletics with emphasis on safety for all children.

“The safety of our children is paramount and as a parent and legislator my concern for them compels me to protect them. When our scholar-athletes in Connecticut gear up to compete,

House Republicans Unveil CT State Budget Proposal

Posted on May 3, 2023


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2024-2025 plan provides more tax relief than Governor and Democrats, invests in key areas including education and nonprofit social safety net providers

HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tuesday released a balanced budget proposal that provides more than $1 billion in broad-based tax relief to Connecticut residents while also making historic investments in education and providing more funding for nonprofit providers.

“Residents and taxpayers have expressed growing concerns of affordability in Connecticut

Reps. O’Dea and Marra Hold Successful Legislative Update in Darien

Posted on April 27, 2023


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DARIEN — On Wednesday, State Representatives Tom O’Dea (R-125) and Tracy Marra (R-141) held a successful Legislative Update event at Town Hall in Darien. Dozens of residents filled the auditorium for a wide-ranging discussion on state issues including education, finance, housing and zoning, and transportation. Inquiring attendees asked questions of the two representatives on topics such as Connecticut’s Paid Family Leave Assistance program, concerns over local infrastructure in education and public

Investing in Stamford Schools

Posted on April 26, 2023


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On Tuesday, I joined Lt. Gov Susan Bysiewicz, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, the bipartisan Stamford legislative delegation, and local Stamford education leaders to celebrate a series of state grants aimed at improving air quality in schools through HVAC upgrades.

Recently, we have learned how important in-person learning is for our children, teachers, and families. These investments will improve not only the quality of air circulating hallways and classrooms, but the education our children receive.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Posted on April 24, 2023


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National Crime Victims’ Rights Week empowers those who have endured the effects of various crimes. In the Judiciary Committee this session, we have heard moving testimony from victims and their loved ones about the impacts of increasing criminal activity, the challenges of victimhood, and how Connecticut can do more to protect and strengthen their rights. Just last week, the governor announced a pause to a controversial commutations policy which was cutting decades off sentences for dozens of violent

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