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HARTFORD—Getting the state’s sky-high unemployment rate and massive budget deficit under control are top priorities for Tim Ackert, who was sworn in today as state representative for the 8th General Assembly District covering Colombia, Coventry, and Vernon.

Ackert’s hard work and “common sense” message helped lead him to victory in November, deating long-time incumbent Joan Lewis.

Ackert was in the House chamber late Wednesday afternoon when Gov. Dan Malloy addressed lawmakers, focusing his remarks on the state’s budgetary issues—namely, the estimated $3.5 billion deficit.

Over the last two years, House Republicans drove the debate over financial shortfalls, contending that spending reductions, rather than tax increases, should be the starting point in budget-balancing deliberations. A quick look at Ackert’s campaign material and one quickly realizes it’s a theory he agrees with.

House Republicans now control 51 seats, eliminating the super majority enjoyed by Democrats.

Ackert serves on the legislature’s committees on Finance, Education and Public Health.