Christie Carpino

HARTFORD — Getting the state’s ailing budget back in the black and unemployed Connecticut residents back to work are top priorities for Christie Carpino, who was sworn in today as state representative for the 32nd General Assembly District covering Cromwell, Portland and Middletown. Carpino was among 17 freshman Republican legislators who vowed to serve their districts over a two-year term. Powered by her “common sense” approach to government, Carpino in November defeated incumbent Jim O’Rourke—then a deputy Speaker of the House for super-majority Democrats.

Cromwell resident Carpino has stayed busy since Election Day, meeting with elected officials in all three communities she represents to discuss issues important there. Already, Carpino has organized office hours in Cromwell, Portland and Middletown—each session will take place within the next three weeks.

“People in the towns I represent placed tremendous faith in me on Election Day, and it’s an honor I take seriously,” Carpino said. “Our state faces significant challenges, but in those hurdles I see opportunity—a chance to restructure state government in a way that will create lasting financial stability.”

Carpino was in the House chamber late Wednesday afternoon when Gov. Dan Malloy addressed lawmakers, focusing his remarks on the state’s economic crisis—namely, its estimated $3.5 billion deficit.

Over the last two years, House Republicans drove the debate over financial shortfalls, contending that spending reductions rather than tax increases should be the starting point in budget-balancing deliberations.

That’s a message Carpino trumpeted in the run-up to Election Day, where a strong show of support from voters vaulted her to membership with a House Republican caucus that picked up 14 seats statewide.

House Republicans now control 51 seats, eliminating the super majority status enjoyed by Democrats.

Carpino serves on the legislature’s committees on Appropriations, Judiciary and Education.