Mitch Bolinsky

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.”

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