June 29, 2016

End of Session Update

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I want to thank all those who came out to the ‘Legislative Wrap-Ups’ I hosted across the 23rd District. Hearing from you is the most important aspect of my job as your State Representative in Hartford. If you could not make it, but would like to chat, I am available for conversations via phone or e-mail, or we can even schedule a coffee date.

This past session was especially challenging due to the massive budget shortfalls the state is facing. The legislature passed budget adjustments on a House vote of 74-70, but I could not support the proposal because it did not contain the structural changes I believe the state needs in order to improve our future economic climate (the state is facing an over $2.5 billion deficit for 2017-19). Unfortunately, the budget did not include necessary changes such as pension reform for new union state employees, strict overtime restrictions, a strong bonding cap, a solid spending cap, and robust municipal mandate relief (especially after deep cuts to municipalities were made). The budget package that passed is already showing signs of potentially serious issues, especially with long-term liabilities and reduced revenue projections. Click here to read more.

However, there were some bright spots in this legislative session that included:

N ecessary first steps in tackling the state’s opioid addiction epidemic
Relief for firefighters who develop cancer in the line-of-duty
R equiring that Tomosynthesis (a 3-D mammogram that more accurately detects breast cancer) be covered by insurance
Allowing private businesses like AAA to do car registration renewals, which will hopefully alleviate some DMV wait times

For more detailed information on legislation passed this year, I urge you click here to read the complete Office of Legislative Research’s non-partisan summary of the major public acts of 2016.

Please click on the below images for a closer look at this past legislative session.

It has truly been an honor and a privilege representing the people of the 23rd and I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime at devin.carney@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423.

Sincerely,

State Representative Devin Carney

23rd General Assembly District