State Representative Doug Dubitsky Talks the 2017 Legislative Session with Chaplin Residents

HARTFORD – State Representatives Doug Dubitsky (R-47) held office hours Thursday night for his constituents to discuss the current legislative session and to provide answers to their local and statewide concerns.

The lawmaker who represents Chaplin and eight other Eastern Connecticut towns discussed the current $2 billion state budget deficit, Connecticut’s stagnant business climate, state tourism, employee pensions, and proposed legislation on the presentation of a permit to carry a pistol or revolver, a key area of concern amongst residents in the Eastern part of the state.

“This state needs to focus on fixing its fiscal mess and not on revoking the constitutional rights of Connecticut citizens,” Rep. Dubitsky said.

During the discussion, Rep. Dubitsky heard from area residents that they are against the proposed increase by the governor to the state’s pistol permits fees. Currently the initial fee for first time permits is $140.00, but the governor’s proposal would more than double the fee to $370.00. In addition, the fee for five year permit renewals would more than quadruple from $70.00 to $300.00.

“The governor talks about new economic reality, yet all other states have grown or recovered jobs lost during the recession. The lack of tax and regulatory stability is holding back growth and opportunity in this state,” Rep. Dubitsky said. “The state does too many things, and does them badly. It needs to focus on the core functions of government and get them right.”

Rep. Dubitsky regularly holds office hours and coffee hours throughout his nine-town district. The dates and locations of future events will be published as they are scheduled.