Reps. Foncello, Bolinsky Host Standing-Room Lunch & Learn at Newtown Senior Center

NEWTOWN, CT — State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Marty Foncello welcomed about 50 residents to the Newtown Senior Center on Monday for a "Lunch & Learn" discussion focused on the recently concluded 2026 legislative session and issues impacting local seniors and families.

The informal event provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy lunch while engaging candidly with their state lawmakers about legislation passed during the session, as well as their concerns about ongoing challenges facing Connecticut residents.

"We appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to join us for this discussion," said Rep. Bolinsky. "These gatherings and conversations are priceless because they allow us to hear directly from residents about their concerns while providing updates on the work being done at the State Capitol.  Oftentimes, folks are so busy living their lives they don't always hear about what representatives like Rep. Foncello and I are accomplishing to improve their quality of life, especially at a time when the full truth is being obscured by nasty political rhetoric.”

Rep. Foncello added, "Our goal is to make government accessible and transparent. Events like this help keep residents informed about the policies and decisions that affect their daily lives."

During the presentation, Newtown’s legislators provided an overview of their backgrounds, committee assignments, legislative priorities, and accomplishments, before wading into several key issues addressed during the session including the continuing, state-policy driven rise in energy prices, the hidden taxes built into public benefits programs, and aggressive special-interest legislation that is trampling on Connecticut's 300-year history of being a "Home Rule" state by wrestling local control away from towns in zoning and in educational determination. 

In addition to these "challenging" matters, Foncello and Bolinsky also discussed many positive legislative victories, including advances in veterans' property tax relief, and the newly approved family caregiver tax credit included in the bipartisan budget adjustment bill.

The representatives also highlighted the work of the Aging Committee, including efforts to help Connecticut residents age in place and maintain their independence for as long as possible. They discussed legislation and initiatives designed to support seniors and their families while improving access to services and resources throughout the state.

Bolinsky and Foncello provided an update on the successful Newtown Rides transportation program, noting the $100,000 in state funding secured to launch the initiative. They also discussed the program's future, as it relates to test markets studying different "micro-transit" possibilities, and opportunities to continue supporting local transportation needs in communities such as Newtown where no transportation infrastructure exists.

The lawmakers concluded the event by reviewing several other measures advanced by the Aging Committee during the 2026 legislative session and answering individual questions from attendees.