Rep. Case receives 2015-16 committee assignments

HARTFORD – State Rep. Jay Case (R-63) will be a voice for the northwest corner in matters concerning state spending, environmental policies and human services in the Connecticut General Assembly, after being appointed to the Appropriations, Environment and Human Services committees by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides.

Case, who won a second term in November, has been a longtime voice of reason and advocacy for human services and established the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Caucus, which analyzes and addresses state government’s role in helping the most vulnerable population. Case’s new appointments, beginning Jan. 7, will allow him to build on much of the work he’s already achieved during his short tenure representing the people of Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington and Winchester.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to represent so many good, hard-working people in Connecticut’s northwest corner,” Case said. “I believe we have much to accomplish over the next few months. We are facing a fiscal crisis established by one-party rule and I hope we can curtail that during budget discussions this year.”

In addition to these important committees, Case will oversee up-and-coming college students participating in state government. Case has been named the Ranking Member for the legislative Internship Committee, encouraging high-level personal interaction between lawmakers, staff and college students in the program.

On the Appropriations Committee, Case will address issues like the state budget, which faces a $59 million deficit, and state employee salaries and benefits.

Case’s role with the Environment Committee will include working closely with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, along with matters related to conservation, recreation, pollution and wildlife, including the numerous lakes in the northwest corner. The Human Services Committee works with the social services department, the Department of Children and Families and handles issues related to persons with disabilities.