Mitch Bolinsky

Legislators, Scouts Collect Worn U.S. Flags to Honor Flag Day 

NEWTOWN, CT — To celebrate Flag Day, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107), joined by Scouts from Newtown's Troop 270, hosted a community flag drive and collection at C.H. Booth Library, providing residents with an opportunity to respectfully retire their worn and tattered American flags. Altogether, the team collected 118 flags ranging in size from tiny, to massive. This year's largest flag was a 12 ft. x 18 ft. Newtown-Flagpole winter flag that, according to the “Keeper of the Flag” Chris Gardner, was taken down in March, and placed in a collection box by a member of Newtown Hook & Ladder. All flags collected, plus dozens more accumulated throughout the year, will be retired ceremonially by Newtown's Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 308, in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, which outlines procedure for the dignified retirement of American flags that are no longer fit for public display. As part of the event, Scouts from Troop 270 demonstrated the proper method for folding the American flag on the library lawn, showcasing the care, respect, and tradition associated with one of the nation’s most enduring symbols. Alongside the Representatives and Scout Leaders, they proudly, successfully folded each flag, including the one that had flown over Main Street. “Collecting worn American flags is about more than proper disposal—it’s about honoring our nation, its history, and the freedoms the flag represents,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky. “Every flag tells a story of service, patriotism, and sacrifice, and it deserves to be retired with dignity and respect.” Rep. Martin Foncello, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, praised the Scouts’ participation and commitment to civic responsibility. “It’s inspiring to see these young people demonstrate such respect for our nation’s flag and the values it represents,” said Foncello. “Partnering with Troop 270 and our local veterans organizations helps ensure this important tradition continues while providing a valuable service to the community.” Flag Day is observed annually on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, a tradition later recognized by Congress as a national observance. The legislators and scouts thank residents who participated in the collection effort, the C.H. Booth Library, VFW Post 308, and noted that they plan to continue the annual tradition in future years.

Bolinsky, Foncello Host Standing-Room Lunch & Learn at Newtown Senior Center

NEWTOWN, CT — State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello welcomed about 50 residents to the Newtown Senior Center on Monday for a "Lunch & Learn" discussion focused on the recently concluded 2026 legislative session and issues impacting local seniors and families. The informal event provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy lunch while engaging candidly with their state lawmakers about legislation passed during the session, as well as their concerns about ongoing challenges facing Connecticut residents. "We appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to join us for this discussion," said Rep. Bolinsky. "These gatherings and conversations are priceless because they allow us to hear directly from residents about their concerns while providing updates on the work being done at the State Capitol. Oftentimes, folks are so busy living their lives they don't always hear about what representatives like Rep. Foncello and I are accomplishing to improve their quality of life, especially at a time when the full truth is being obscured by nasty political rhetoric.” Rep. Foncello added, "Our goal is to make government accessible and transparent. Events like this help keep residents informed about the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives." During the presentation, Newtown’s legislators provided an overview of their backgrounds, committee assignments, legislative priorities, and accomplishments, before wading into several key issues addressed during the session including the continuing, state-policy driven rise in energy prices, the hidden taxes built into public benefits programs, and aggressive special-interest legislation that is trampling on Connecticut's 300-year history of being a "Home Rule" state by wrestling local control away from towns in zoning and in educational determination. In addition to these "challenging" matters, Foncello and Bolinsky also discussed many positive legislative victories, including advances in veterans' property tax relief, and the newly approved family caregiver tax credit included in the bipartisan budget adjustment bill. The representatives also highlighted the work of the Aging Committee, including efforts to help Connecticut residents age in place and maintain their independence for as long as possible. They discussed legislation and initiatives designed to support seniors and their families while improving access to services and resources throughout the state. Bolinsky and Foncello provided an update on the successful Newtown Rides transportation program, noting the $100,000 in state funding secured to launch the initiative. They also discussed the program's future, as it relates to test markets studying different "micro-transit" possibilities, and opportunities to continue supporting local transportation needs in communities such as Newtown where no transportation infrastructure exists. The lawmakers concluded the event by reviewing several other measures advanced by the Aging Committee during the 2026 legislative session and answering individual questions from attendees.

Bolinsky: Call to Action Asking Governor to Veto Homeschooling Bill

I’m reaching out to ask for your help and continued advocacy. A bill that regulates homeschooling families has passed both the House and Senate of the Connecticut General Assembly, and I have serious concerns about the unnecessary burdens it places on families who are doing what’s best for their children. I strongly urge you to contact Ned Lamont and ask him to veto this legislation. Homeschooling has long been a successful and responsible choice for many Connecticut families. This bill risks overregulating that choice and undermining parental rights without clear benefit. Your voice matters. Please take a moment to call or email the Governor’s office and respectfully ask for a veto. Thank you for standing up for Connecticut families. Governor Ned Lamont Contact Information Phone Numbers: Main Office: 860-566-4840 and Toll-Free: 1-800-406-1527 Mailing Address: Office of Governor Ned Lamont State Capitol 210 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 Online Contact Email Form: You can submit an email directly to the Governor's office via the Official Contact Form: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/contact/email-governor-lamont?language=en_US&fbclid=IwY2xjawRq7SZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvTDlqcVZZbXlYN3JvT1dTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr8vSTelgqVsKcJD8mFPvSGsCtdN8pQkf4QimjzQ-DvpYmtv7UHg4mMs1xz__aem_mgNt7Mi4K4GukPNaJ5qIvQ

Newtown Legislators Sponsor Retired Flag Collection

Newtown Legislators Sponsor Retired Flag Collection NEWTOWN- State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Martin Foncello, in cooperation with the Scouts of Newtown’s Troop 270, and VFW Post 308 are encouraging Newtown residents to retire their worn American flags as we approach Flag Day 2026. Flags will be respectfully folded and stored for their formal, dignified retirement, on or after Flag Day. The House Republicans have made the flag collection an annual tradition to commemorate Flag Day, which was officially proclaimed as June 14 th in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, marking the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress passing a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation”. Oddly, it took Congress until 1949 to formally approve Flag Day as a day of national observance before it was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The Newtown legislators have provided five locations that residents can drop off their worn American flags for proper ceremonial disposal according to the U.S. Flag Code, plus an additional day to drop flags off to the State Representatives. Drop-off locations will receive flags from May 1 st - June 13 th . The drop-off locations are: Edmond Town Hall, Lobby, 45 Main Street, Newtown CH Booth Library, Circulation desk, 25 Main Street, Newtown Newtown Community Center, Main lobby, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown Newtown Municipal Center, Selectman's entrance, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown Brookfield Library, Lobby, 182 Whisconier Road, Brookfield Additionally, the Newtown lawmakers will host a final drive-up flag donation event for your worn and tattered flags at the at C.H. Booth Library, Saturday, June 13th from 10:00am-12:00PM. The U.S. Flag Code specifies that old American flags no longer in service must be properly disposed. The collected flags will be given to the VFW Post 308 for proper retirement during a ceremony on or after June 14. For additional information please call (800) 842-1423.

Bolinsky Hails Aging Committee Work for Seniors

As the Ranking Member of the Aging committee, I enjoy working with the most non-partisan committee in the General Assembly. I am privileged to have wonderful working relationship with both my Democrat House and Senate chairs, Jane Garibay and Jan Hochadel. This session the House has passed three bills from the Aging Committee regarding 10 dental hygienists serving underserved homebound patients, 2) technology in residential care homes, and 3) trainings for homemaker companion agency employees. You can read about those four bills below: HB 5140 will allow dental hygienists to serve underserved homebound patients in private residences, such as seniors, veterans, and the disabled, who would likely go without dental care. Dental hygienists currently are allowed by law to work in facilities such as senior centers and preschools without the oversight of a dentist, and this legislation expands upon that. The dental hygienist will have worked under the supervision of a dentist for more than two years. HB 5142 extends protections for the use of technology to residents of residential care homes and sets a penalty for violation of the protections. It ensures residents in residential care homes can set up virtual monitoring systems so families have peace of mind, and they can keep an eye on their loved ones. In the case of roommates, permission must sign off on paperwork, which can change at any time. HB 5143 requires homemaker companion agency employees to complete eight hours of basic training each year, including training on topics such as: helping individuals with Alzheimer’s, identifying abuse, identifying when care is above capacity of a homemaker companion, and hygiene assistance. In the 2026 Connecticut budget I supported a provision that includes a new caregiver tax credit, allowing low-income residents to claim up to $2,000 for expenses related to caring for a family member at home. Taking effect in 2027 with credits received in 2028, it provides a 50% reimbursement on qualified costs like home modifications or health aides for caregivers with annual incomes under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples).