Anne Dauphinais

HARTFORD- State Rep. Anne Dauphinais (R-44) met with Killingly residents to discuss current issues being identified within the legislature and to provide answers to their local and statewide questions.

During Saturday’s coffee hour in Deb’s Place in Danielson, Rep. Dauphinais addressed a variety of issues, most notably was the governor’s budget proposal, and how a number of state increases will affect area residents.

Residents voiced their displeasure with the idea of raising the costs associated with a pistol permit renewal, something Rep. Dauphinais strongly opposes.

“Owning a firearm is a constitutional right,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “A 300% cost increase hurts those families whose financial means might not be equal to other families living in the state.” “This would disproportionately affect the poorest citizens that desire to protect themselves.”

Per the proposal, the state portion of the renewal would increase from $70 to $370. Local municipalities would still retain their $70 of the initial fee with the remaining $300 going to the state’s General Fund.

In addition, Dauphinais also discussed the increased burden of cost to our towns, the proposed mileage tax, and the $250 million being allotted to the capital city for renovations to the XL Center.

“Gov. Malloy proposes the allocation of more money to failing cities like Hartford and to prioritizing such projects like the renovation to the XL Center instead of appropriating those funds to our fire departments, hospitals, mental health services, the disabled, and other more vital services,” Dauphinais said.

For future news on these issues or to stay on top of other current legislative information please visit her state website at www.repdauphinais.com or sign up for her newsletter.