Brian Lanoue

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!

Rep. Lanoue Testifies on Behalf of His Task Force to Examine AI in Labor Committee

Tuesday I testified before the Labor Committee in support of HB 5497, which includes my bill proposal to form a task force to examine AI and how it will affect the trades programs. I am suggesting we establish a task force that will consist of our various certified trades professionals, CTECS administrators, engineers, software and hardware designers, and AI experts to examine what will be needed to integrate AI knowledge and training into various trades curriculums in our tech schools and programs in Connecticut. It is imperative that we find out what we don’t know, and ensure that our current and future tradesmen are certified and trained in the technologies needed to remain competitive into future. The advent of artificial intelligence has brought a new age of technological advancement and rapidly changing industry. While much attention has focused on office-based jobs, it is crucial to understand how AI is affecting and transforming the trades. AI tools are already increasing efficiency in project planning and predictive maintenance and are changing the skills workers need to succeed. Raised H.B. 5497 will establish a task force to study the effects of AI on the trades and provide key information to help ensure workers have the skills they need in an advancing technological landscape. This task force should review not only how AI is changing work on job sites and in facilities, but also how it should shape training and education pathways, including curriculum at our technical high schools and trade schools, as well as for those already in the workforce. Because AI is evolving at a rapid pace, this work is an attempt to hit a moving target. Bringing together certified tradesmen from a range of trades with AI experts, engineers, and designers will help Connecticut thoughtfully harness this transformative technology to strengthen and support the trades industry. I urged the committee to act swiftly to advance this bill so Connecticut can proactively prepare its trades workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I want to thank Co-Chairs Kushner and Sanchez; Vice Chairs Cabrera and Wilson; Ranking Members Sampson and Weir; and the distinguished members of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, for their consideration. I will update you on this bill in the coming days. To view my full testimony, click below- https://youtu.be/rSNOP3wOcRE