Carpino Op-ed: The Upcoming Session

Since the 2013 Legislative session opens this week, I wanted to take this time to reach out to you. This year, the Connecticut General Assembly will convene the “long session” which goes from January 9th to June 5th.

In the long session, individual legislators propose bills they feel are worthwhile to their districts and to the state of Connecticut. Every legislator also votes for or against the two-year state budget.

An effective way for the public to get your viewpoint and show their support or opposition to specific legislation is to speak at a legislative public hearing on specific. Written testimony is also an option.

It will help to know the number of the bill in which you’re interested. To find out, call the bill status information room at (860) 240-0555, or call one of the toll-free numbers listed below and ask to be transferred to the Information Room.

The Connecticut General Assembly’s internet site (www.cga.ct.gov) will allow you to retrieve the bill status information on the bill you are interested in, including current text, up-to-date actions on the bill, introducer, statement of purpose and co-sponsors. Public notice of a public hearing on a specific bill is 5 calendar days. The notice will provide you the bill number, the time and location of the hearing.

If you plan to testify make sure your remarks are clear and concise. Many committees limit testimony to accommodate everyone that wants to speak. Written testimony should be turned in before the hearing begins. It will then become part of the permanent legislative record. This process is due to the deadlines in which committees can hold public hearings and meet to discuss issues.

If you have ideas, questions or concerns about a state law, or problem that could be solved by legislative action, please contact me. I’m also here to help if you’re having a problem with a state agency. My hope is for us to continue working together so that our state government can better serve you, your family, and our community.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns that you have about state government, including visiting the state capitol, or to request an official citation to commemorate a significant achievement or life event.

As always, you can reach me at 1-800-842-1423 or by e-mail at Christie.Carpino@housegop.ct.gov.