Mark Anderson

🌱 Ag Day at the State Capitol

Hartford - Wednesday, March 18, marked "Ag Day" at the State Capitol—an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate Connecticut’s agricultural community and the vital role it plays in our state. I had the pleasure of meeting with FFA students from Northwestern Regional 7 during their visit to Hartford. With so many farmers and agricultural vendors on hand, the students had a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths, learn more about the industry, and connect directly with elected officials. We also had a thoughtful discussion about several policy proposals that could impact Connecticut’s farming community, and I appreciated hearing their perspectives. A special thank you to Program Director Andrew O’Brien for coordinating the visit and making the day possible for these students. It’s always great to connect with residents of the 62nd District, and today was no exception. I also had the chance to speak with Josh Capiga, co-owner of CT Garlic Company, who is doing impressive work producing high-quality garlic and seed right here in Connecticut. Their commitment to regenerative farming practices is helping to strengthen sustainable agriculture in our state. Their products are available both direct-to-consumer and at the wholesale level. Ag Day is a reminder of how important it is to support local agriculture year-round.

WATCH: Anderson Speaks in Support of Livestock Protection

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Veterans’ & Military Affairs Committee Public Hearing

HARTFORD - On Tuesday afternoon, the Veterans’ & Military Affairs Committee convened a public hearing at the State Capitol in Hartford to consider legislation that directly impacts Connecticut’s veterans, service members, and their families. The proposals under review focus on strengthening support systems, expanding benefits, and ensuring those who have served our country receive the resources and recognition they deserve. Key measures would: Provide tax relief for veterans, National Guard members, and military-related organizations Strengthen and enhance services through the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, including added support for our state veterans’ cemetery Invest in grants and capital funding for veterans-related projects across the state Update military policies, including additional protections against interpersonal violence and improvements related to National Guard matters Create fee exemptions and streamline DMV-related processes for veterans Establish a task force to expand VA partnerships with nursing homes Together, these bills are designed to deliver meaningful financial relief, improve access to critical services, and reinforce our commitment to Connecticut’s veterans and military families. Supporting those who have served is not just a responsibility — it is a promise we must continue to uphold. ###

Anderson: Unilateral Spending for Executive Branch Approved on Party-Lines

HARTFORD - Late last year in an emergency session, the legislature approved $500 million to provide the governor with discretionary spending authority. In recent weeks, those funds have been allocated with no legislative involvement. On Thursday, the House considered a proposal to return more than $300 million of those funds to the state budget. An amendment was offered to remove taxes on tips and overtime pay, with the goal of helping working residents keep more of their earnings. State Rep. Mark Anderson (R-Granby) issued the following statement: "Affordability remains the top challenge for many in Connecticut, and this proposal was intended to provide some immediate relief. The amendment did not advance, and the funding was approved as proposed - with no earmarks or direction provided on how the funds will ultimately be allocated, or what organizations will receive a cut of the money. I remain hopeful that we can continue working together on policies that address inflation and improve affordability for residents across the state." ###

2026 Session Opening Day

HARTFORD - Wednesday, February 4th, marks the opening of the 2026 legislative session of the Connecticut General Assembly. This year’s “short session” is dedicated to making targeted adjustments to the biennial state budget, while also considering legislation from all committees of cognizance. The session is scheduled to adjourn on Wednesday, May 6. As this new session begins, I look forward to advancing policies that lower the overall cost of living, address the ongoing energy cost crisis, strengthen accountability and transparency in government, and enact protections for the land and water of Connecticut. It is an honor to serve as your State Representative, and I remain committed to bringing the voices of our community to the Capitol. Your perspectives, concerns, and ideas are essential to my work, and I encourage you to reach out to my office at any time during the session. Hearing directly from you helps ensure that the decisions we make reflect the needs and priorities of our district. Session Resources To help you stay informed and engaged throughout the legislative process, I am pleased to share the following resources: Connecticut Network (CT-N) : CT-N provides live and on-demand coverage of committee meetings, public hearings, and session days. An archive of prior recorded meetings is also available and may be helpful as you follow specific issues. Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) Website: The CGA website is one of the most comprehensive tools for tracking legislative activity. It includes the daily calendar of events at the Capitol, bill information, committee schedules, and additional session-related materials. My Website: I will continue to post regular updates on my website throughout the session. I encourage you to visit often for news from the Capitol and updates on legislation impacting our community. Thank you for the privilege of representing you. I look forward to working together throughout the 2026 legislative session.