January 8, 2015

Rep. Case takes oath again, aims at fiscal responsibility

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HARTFORD – State Rep. Jay Case (R-63), whose district includes Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington and Winchester, took the oath of office Wednesday for his second term, saying he plans to stick to his campaign promises of government “living within its means” and fighting for Connecticut’s northwest corner.

During his first term, Case became known throughout the Capitol complex as an ardent advocate for the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community and a fiscal conservative seeking to streamline government. Case, who won a re-election bid in November, said his second term will build on his common-sense approach to governing.

“It’s a budget-negotiating year and that means anything and everything will be under the microscope,” Case said. “We need to strike a healthy balance between providing quality services and infrastructure improvement with responsible spending and fiscal accountability. It’s the beginning of the year, so I’m hopeful, energized and feeling optimistic about improving life for our residents.”

House Republicans picked up 10 seats statewide during the 2014 election, becoming a 64-member minority. The huge gain will allow GOP caucus members like Case to have a stronger voice at the bargaining table, especially during a year where the governor and lawmakers are facing a two-year, $2.7 billion deficit.

Case, named the Ranking Member of the legislature’s Internship Committee, will oversee the program designed to educate young people interested in state government and policy. In addition to his work on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, Case will tackle issues close to his district and to his heart, serving on the Environment and Human Services committees.

A founding member of the I/DD Caucus, Case will lead the growing discussion on government’s role with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The I/DD Caucus hosts community hearings, addresses proposals related to mental health and education and advocates on behalf of organizations and individuals.

“As always, my office door is open and my phone and email are expecting input. My constituents deserve a strong voice in Hartford and I’m willing to have them heard,” Case said.