House Republicans Propose Election Integrity Reforms in Special Session

During debate on election-related legislation in the House of Representatives today, State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) introduced an amendment to increase penalties for those convicted of improper or illegal election tampering.

The legislature was in special session to take up various matters, including some technical changes to election law initiatives. However, in the days leading up to the session, wild accusations…

I just wanted you to know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending…

Last Wednesday, Rep. Fishbein joined colleagues, friends and local business leaders for Midstate Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” to celebrate Colonial Flooring America’s 50 successful years in Wallingford!

Rep. Fishbein said it was a privilege to honor the company’s accomplishments owner Peter Escobar.  Escobar, an immigrant from Colombia, has been a fixture in Wallingford’s business community for years and his dedication to the community is evident in everything he does.

Congratulations…

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) announced Veterans STAND DOWN 2023 will take place on September 22nd from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. at five regional sites across the state.

While the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many agencies and organizations operate, the DVA continues its commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans by providing access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits.

Stand Down…

State Rep. Craig Fishbein joined friends, his colleagues Rep. Hilda Santiago and Rep. Michael Quinn, business owners and their employees, Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce and Midstate Chamber of Commerce members, and local philanthropists for the 2023 United Way of Meriden and Wallingford’s Community Campaign and Awards Celebration at Salon Nathaniel Signature in Wallingford.  Dozens crowded into the salon to enjoy each other’s company, and share conversations over light refreshments before the award…

I wanted to make you aware that the application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) began on September 1, 2023. The program helps Connecticut residents – including both homeowners and renters – with the costs associated with heating their homes.

Basic benefits toward heating bills range from $180 to $530 depending on income, size of household, and need. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which…

In recognition of Black Owned Business Month, State Representative Craig Fishbein joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysieweicz for a tour of one of Wallingford’s newest businesses, Nutmeg Kettlecorn, located at 2 Chapel Street, Suite 6.  Robbin and Herb Jackson opened the store to continue a family tradition and they offer more than 21 different combinations of flavors.  Of course, they have “standard” kettlecorn, and flavors like caramel and salt and sweet, but also have unique mixes with other flavors…

Friends and Neighbors,

An informational public meeting is being held later this month on 10 rate filings from 9 health insurers for 2024 plans both on and off Access Health CT, the state’s federal Affordable Care Act exchange. The public informational meeting will be held in a hybrid format, both in person at the Legislative Office Building, in Hartford, and online at CT-N.

The insurers are seeking an average hike of 12.4% on individual health plans next year and 14.8% on small group plans.

This…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m writing to let you know about major regulatory changes that will impact all of us.

The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting written comments on two proposed regulations, one that would ban the sales of new gas-powered passenger cars (beginning in 2035) and another that would gradually prohibit the sale of new gas-powered trucks that are used to ship goods and provide essential services.

I have significant concerns about the…

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

With school starting and thousands of children soon waiting at the end of their driveways or on the side of a road for the bus, I wanted to remind everyone to be careful on our public roadways.

When school is in session, drivers should use extra caution, especially near bus stops, schools, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

Safety tips for drivers:

• State law prohibits passing a school bus with its lights flashing. Some school buses are equipped with cameras to record passing…
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