Joe Canino

On Air with WZBG, 2026 Session Wrap

Check out Rep. Joe Canino’s (R-Torrington) recent interview with Dale Jones on WZBG! They discuss several major pieces of legislation the General Assembly considered and acted on during this year’s legislative session.

2026 State Budget Adjustments

Torrington will receive nearly $3.5 million in additional funding as a result of the adjustments made to the current state budget document. This funding will make a significant impact locally, helping to stabilize mill rates and cut to the heart of the state’s affordability issues. Additional components of the budget include: More funding for our community, stabilizing property taxes Funds fire school training facilities, providing more resources to Torrington’s school (Litchfield County Fire Training School) Invests in workforce programs and education Increases the exemption amount for “sales tax free week” from $100 to $300 and adds backpacks and cleated shoes to the list of items that can be bought tax-free Creates a sales and use tax exemption for nonelectronic school supplies Establishes a family caregiver tax credit for residents caring for a loved one Looking Ahead... While this budget includes several positive elements, I remain cautiously optimistic. Moving forward, we must carefully prioritize resources to ensure that mill rates remain under control and that we continue addressing the cost-of-living challenges facing our community. ###

Rep. Canino Opposes Mandates on Connecticut Businesses

Hartford - State Rep. Canino (R-Torrington) opposed HB 5003 because it places additional restrictions on Connecticut’s businesses. "We should be supporting the men and women who drive our economy, not constantly telling them how to run their shops. This legislation represents government overreach and adds unnecessary burdens to businesses trying to grow and succeed," said Canino, member of the Labor Committee. As Friedrich Hayek once said, “The more the state plans, the more difficult planning becomes for the individual.”

Canino Announces School/Taxpayers Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP)

Connecticut’s broken education funding formula has forced cities and towns to make up the difference, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The House Republican School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP) would return $365 million to communities across the state. For the 65 th District, that means Torrington would receive an additional $5,157,078 in funding for our schools. STRAP is built directly into the state budget, so towns can count on consistent funding year after year—no scrambling, no uncertainty. It provides meaningful, sustainable relief for local property taxpayers while lawmakers continue working to fix the flawed Education Cost Sharing formula for good. More Information Click here to access the STRAP tool and see allocations for each town. Click here for the Pathway to Affordability plan site.

CANINO BACKS STRONGER OVERSIGHT OF STATE SPENDING

HARTFORD – The House passed a bill to increase oversight of earmarked spending in the state budget. Rep. Joe Canino (R-65) supported the reform, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated. "Far and wide, we have great partners across the state that work with us to deliver quality services that enhance the lives of many Connecticut residents. However, as a result of recent allegations and unclear formulas for how organizations receive funding, we need to do a better job determining where our state funds are actually going," said Canino. The bill, H.B. 5039, follows scrutiny of state funding to nonprofits, including a Hartford organization flagged for financial mismanagement after receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. The issue intensified concerns raised during the 2025 budget debate. "This concept won broad, bipartisan support. It's a testament to the fact that there is an interest in Hartford to be better stewards of your tax dollars. I am hopeful this sentiment will hold before a final budget is approved," Canino added. The legislation adds safeguards, including stricter rules on passing funds to other groups, quarterly reporting by the Office of Policy and Management, and annual reports from funding recipients, along with public disclosure requirements. After unanimous passage in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for its action. ###