Mitch Bolinsky

Bolinsky, Foncello Hold Community Office Hours in Sandy Hook

Bolinsky, Foncello Hold Community Office Hours in Sandy Hook Newtown residents raise concerns about electric rates, property taxes, cameras and election security NEWTOWN, CT – On a steamy August morning, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) held community office hours Friday, in the comfort of Ralph’s Sandy Hook Cafe, giving Newtown residents an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to them. The Newtown representatives thanked everyone who attended the event. Residents brought a wide range of questions and concerns, including about Connecticut’s fiscal health, electric rates, veterans’ property tax relief, election security and the use of various types of public-facing law-enforcement cameras. “Showing up, being accessible, and listening to the folks we represent is one of the most important parts of this job,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky. “ Our thanks to Ralph and crew for the hospitality of their casual, cozy cafe to hear directly from residents, our neighbors, about their concerns, including the cost of electricity, property taxes, public safety and election security, to name a few.” On the state’s fiscal health, both representatives stressed the importance of maintaining Connecticut’s fiscal guardrails and continuing to pay down state debt. Bolinsky noted: “In a year of state election advertising, the messaging can get a bit misleading. While it is absolutely true that the historic 2017-2018 Bi-Partisan Budget I had a hand in produced more than seven years of state surpluses, and knocked $11-billion off the state’s long-term, unfunded retiree healthcare and pension liabilities, Connecticut still has about $35-billion unfunded long-term debt left from its decades-long practice of not properly funding, or deferring these obligations altogether. The fiscal guardrails are still needed to eventually get the state back ‘in the black’. Weakening them, like the Governor and Majority Leaders did at the end of 2026 regular session by breaking the ‘Volatility Cap’, was a move my colleagues and I strongly opposed, and led to deferring part of our 2026 paydown, shorting retiree plans’ repayment for the first time since 2017. Connecticut is far from being awash in extra cash, as some campaign ads would have you believe.” Electric rates were another major topic of discussion. Residents expressed frustration with the high cost of electricity and the various charges included on their monthly bills. “People are more than a little fed up with opening their electric bills and seeing rising costs they have little control over,” said Bolinsky. “They deserve to know where that money is going, including executive compensation and other expenditures, while looking for real ways to bring energy costs down for Connecticut families. I’m most alarmed by all the hidden costs being approved without transparency and stashed in Public Benefits. by ”We need to keep asking tough questions and shining the light of transparency on all the charges in our electric bills that don’t power our homes and businesses. When public benefits rise meteorically because our state leaders choose to defer payment of pandemic-era, executive-order driven moratoria on four-years of unpaid bill forbearance, or for deferred line maintenance and storm damage charges, this indebtedness accumulates. It’s time for Connecticut to pay as it goes and see to it that the Public Benefit explosion of August 2024 does not become a regular occurrence, although PURA has already approved an 11% increase for January 1, 2027, and the latest deferral of line maintenance and storm damage repair is coming, and could impact our electric bills again around August 2027. Stay tuned…” Foncello also emphasized the need to take a hard look at public benefits charges that are passed along to ratepayers. “Families should not be treated like an unlimited ATM every time the state wants to fund another program,” said Foncello. “We need greater transparency and accountability in our energy system, and we need to focus on lowering the bills that residents are paying every month.” Veterans’ property tax relief was also discussed. Both representatives said they remain committed to finding additional ways to reduce the tax burden on Connecticut veterans. Election security and voter identification were also raised by residents. Foncello, who serves on the General Administration and Elections Committee, discussed the importance of maintaining accurate voter rolls and ensuring that Connecticut’s elections remain secure and reliable. Residents also raised questions about cameras, including school bus cameras, speed cameras and Flock cameras. The representatives discussed the different purposes and concerns surrounding each technology, including questions about how surveillance information is used and who ultimately has access to it. “Technology can have a role in improving public safety, but we also have to make sure there are appropriate safeguards and accountability,” said Bolinsky. “Residents are asking legitimate questions about how these cameras are being used, how information is stored and whether they are being used for their intended purpose. Those concerns deserve serious consideration, and until get answers from, and set parameters on the companies being paid to administer them, we need to slow it all down .” The representatives also heard from residents about what they would like to see prioritized by their legislators moving forward. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to come out and speak with us,” said Foncello. “Whether it was about the cost of living, taxes, public safety or the way our state government operates, these conversations matter. Our job is to listen, bring those concerns back to Hartford and continue working to make Connecticut a more affordable place to live.” Bolinsky and Foncello encouraged residents to continue reaching out to their offices with questions, concerns or ideas for improving the community.

State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky to Host Community Food Drive at Newtown Big Y

State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky to Host Community Food Drive at Newtown Big Y NEWTOWN – State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) is partnering with FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown, Inc. inviting residents to help support local families in need by participating in a community food drive on Monday, August 17 , at the Big Y at Newtown's Queen Street Shopping Center Rep. Bolinsky will be on-site collecting donations of non-perishable food products, personal care items, paper goods, diapers, pet food & care items, or gift cards to benefit food-insecure families and individuals in Newtown and Sandy Hook. FAITH stands for "Food Assistance, Immediate, Temporary Help". They are our community's largest, all-volunteer, nonprofit, free and discreet local food assistance organization, serving Newtown and Sandy Hook. "Even a single donation can make a meaningful difference for a neighbor in need," said Rep. Bolinsky. "The need is great, and it's my hope to welcome and thank those who help stock FAITH'S shelves and fulfill its mission to serve our neighbors, close to home." To donate, for a confidential consultation, or to become a volunteer, visit www.newtownfoodpantry.org . EVENT DETAILS: WHO: State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) WHAT: Community Food Drive WHEN: Monday, August 17 th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Big Y World Class Market, 6 Queen Street in Newtown For more information, please contact Rep. Bolinsky's office at Mitch.Bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov or call 1.800.842.1423.

Bolinsky Alerts Residents to Upcoming Route 34 Slope Stabilization Project in Sandy Hook

NEWTOWN – State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) is reminding residents and commuters that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will begin a major slope stabilization project along Route 34 in Sandy Hook on Monday, August 3 , resulting in temporary traffic changes expected to remain in place through Saturday, October 31, 2026 . The first phase of the project will require one of Route 34's two travel lanes to be closed between Jordan Hill Road and Great Quarter Road . During construction, traffic will be controlled by a temporary signal, allowing alternating one-way travel through the work zone. Uniformed flaggers will also be on site during various phases of the project to help direct motorists safely. "This is an important project to stabilize the hillside and protect the long-term safety of everyone who travels this stretch of Route 34," said Bolinsky. "While the temporary lane closure and traffic delays may be frustrating, I ask everyone for a little extra patience as this necessary work is completed. Please slow down, follow the traffic signals and flaggers, and give our construction crews the room they need to work safely." According to CTDOT, work during this phase will include the installation of temporary concrete barriers, steel sheet piles, stone riprap, and new pavement striping. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, especially during peak commuting hours, and to remain alert while traveling through the construction zone. Traffic control signage will be in place throughout the project, and schedules may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Residents with questions about the project are encouraged to visit the Connecticut Department of Transportation for additional project updates.

Bolinsky Proud to Represent Newtown at State Capitol America 250 Recommitment Ceremony

HARTFORD – With a real sense of pride and appreciation for Newtown’s rich history and community spirit, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) represented the Town of Newtown at the Connecticut State Capitol on July 4th for a special America 250 | CT Recommitment Ceremony honoring the ideals and principles of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony brought together representatives from towns and cities across Connecticut to celebrate America’s founding values and begin the countdown toward the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. As part of the event, municipal representatives signed a recommitment document inspired by the Declaration of Independence, reaffirming a shared commitment to liberty, self-government, civic participation, and the freedoms generations of Americans have worked to protect. “For me, it was humbling to have been asked by our First Selectman to represent our hometown on this special July 4th. I am grateful for the opportunity to add our community’s voice to this historic moment,” said Rep. Bolinsky. “The Declaration of Independence is more than words — it's a promise that each generation must carry forward. Our founders were visionary, building a nation on a foundation of freedom, opportunity, and the belief that government exists to serve the people. Those ideals are every bit as important today as they were in 1776.” Rep. Bolinsky noted that Newtown’s own history and traditions make the state's Recommitment Ceremony especially meaningful, from honoring veterans and service members, to preserving the stories of those who helped shape our community and nation. “Newtown is a special place because we value our history, look out for our neighbors, and understand the importance of service,” said Bolinsky. “Whether it’s our veterans who defended our freedoms, our volunteers who strengthen our community, or families teaching the next generation about citizenship and responsibility, the spirit of America lives right here at in the shadow of our Flagpole.” The ceremony followed an impressive American Legion and VFW-led flag ceremony at the State Capitol's Hall of Flags, proceeding outside for each of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities to sign the Recommitment document - then to the Connecticut State Library, where attendees gathered to recognize Connecticut’s contributions to the American Revolution and America’s continuing journey. The signed recommitment document will be preserved in the state archives, along with the state’s copy of the Declaration of independence, the original 1662 Connecticut Charter, and hundreds of other historic documents and artifacts displayed as part of the Connecticut’s Revolution exhibition at the Museum of Connecticut History, at the State Library. “The 250th birthday of America is a wonderful opportunity to remember where we came from and think about the country we want to leave for our children and grandchildren,” Rep. Bolinsky added. “Our founders gave us an incredible gift. It’s up to all of us to protect it, strengthen it, and pass it on.” America 250 | CT events and programs will continue throughout Connecticut leading up tom, and beyond the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.

Bolinsky Asks Governor for State Participation in Federal Education Tax Credit

HARTFORD – State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown), a longtime member of the legislature’s Education Committee, a 2025 member of the Select Committee on Special Education, and a driver of the bipartisan formation of the state’s Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities has joined fellow legislators in again urging Governor Ned Lamont to have Connecticut “opt-in” to participate in a new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. The initiative is designed to provide additional educational scholarship opportunities for students and families at a time of rapidly increasing educational costs in states like Connecticut. The new federal program has already drawn 27-states and is still accepting enrollments. In a state as reliant on local property taxes as is Connecticut, towns like Newtown are experiencing the brunt of growing demands on its school budgets in its General K-12 Public Education; it’s growing contractual obligations; greatly escalating Special Education costs in terms of utilization, demand, and transportation cost growth. Bolinsky, who has long been an advocate for the state paying its fair share, and reforming its longstanding habit of piling unfunded state mandates on local districts and taxpayers, said: “To turn away an opportunity to leverage federal resources that could help students while encouraging charitable education contribution in Connecticut would be an opportunity lost. The federal program, gearing up to begin in 2027, would allow Connecticut taxpayers to direct federal tax dollars toward scholarships for eligible Connecticut students—but only if the state chooses to participate. We need to participate!” "Newtown families know firsthand how expensive it has become to educate every child while providing the specialized services many students need," Bolinsky said. "Our community is proud of our public schools, but we also know that special education costs continue to place significant pressure on our local budget and ultimately on property taxpayers. If there's an opportunity to bring federal dollars into Connecticut to help families and students, we should seize it—not send those dollars to other states." Rep Bolinsky noted that Newtown families with children who need tutoring, specialized educational services, or additional support for those who “learn differently” could benefit from scholarships available through the program if Connecticut opts in. The scholarships may be used for a variety of qualified educational expenses, including tutoring, specialized services, and other K-12 education costs, with additional guidance expected later this year. Eligibility is targeted toward low- and moderate-income households but, ultimately holds the potential to provide systemic tax relief. "If Connecticut chooses not to participate, contributing taxpayers can still receive the federal tax credit—but their donations will help students in another state instead of helping children here at home," Bolinsky said. "That simply doesn't make sense. I'd much rather see those dollars benefiting Newtown families, our students, taxpayers, and other communities across Connecticut." Bolinsky concluded by sharing that special education costs now constitute nearly one-third of many district’s education budgets, while stagnated reimbursements from the state's Excess Cost Grant program fall further behind actual expenses with every subsequent year. “Connecticut’s Constitution guarantees every child have the opportunity for a ‘Free and Appropriate Public Education’ but, each year, the state contributes a smaller pierce of that promise, through a long obsolete funding model that pushes more to local taxpayers every year. That’s why I propose educational funding reform in every session. Part of the reform should be developing new sources of revenue like this new federal program. By itself, it won’t make our schools whole, but it’s a beginning – a first step in taking our foot off the local property tax accelerator.”