Posted on March 18, 2019 by admin
State Representative Mike France (R-42) today testified before the Education Committee in favor of legislation to protect local Boards of Education (BoE) from confusion caused by Legislative or Executive Branch actions after local budgets are approved, and to allow better local control of BoE budgets.
HB 1068 – An Act Concerning the Minimum Budget Requirement – would amend current state statute to allow local school districts to reduce budgeted education appropriations when the school population…
Posted on February 20, 2019 by admin
State Representative Mike France (R-42) was disappointed, but not surprised, that Governor Lamont’s first budget address to the General Assembly included a major policy shift and campaign pledge reversal when he included a policy to toll all vehicles on Connecticut roadways in his budget. The governor’s proposed budget also expanded sales tax to include various professional services, personal services, non-prescription drugs, newspapers and magazines. In addition, Governor Lamont proposed shifting 25% of the state’s annual teachers’ employee retirement fund contribution to local town budgets.
During his campaign, then-candidate Lamont repeatedly said he would toll tractor-trailers only, and that those revenues would sufficient to pay for needed transportation infrastructure improvements. During today’s address, Governor Lamont claimed tolling all vehicles was necessary to fund those same transportation improvements, but that 40% of toll revenue would come from out-of-state drivers. Unfortunately, that’s still a 120% tax increase on Connecticut residents to use the same roads.
“I fully expected Governor Lamont to flip-flop on this issue and, while I’m disappointed he chose to do so, I’m certainly not surprised,” Rep. France said. “Adding tolls to our roadways will cost taxpayers, especially low and middle-income workers, significantly reducing their discretionary income as they struggle to pay their bills and do more with less. In addition, the governor plans to greatly expand the sales tax and increase payroll taxes by another 1/2% to enact paid Family Medical Leave (FMLA). Adding tolls will only serve to multiply the negative effects on the economy and potentially cripple the middle class.”
…
Posted on February 14, 2019 by admin
I have submitted House Bill (H.B.) 5243 and H.B. 6190 to the Legislature, which would correctly define the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) and better protect local Boards of Education (BoE) from confusion caused by Legislative or Executive Branch actions after local budgets are approved. In addition, I proposed H.B. 5180 to improve BoE fiscal management by allowing a reduction in MBR based on year-over-year reductions in certain special education costs, which can be a significant fiscal impact to our small towns.
…
Posted on January 31, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD — The legislature’s Conservative Caucus today reacted with concern after learning a legislative proposal to mandate the creation of regional school districts was recently unveiled.
Proposed Bill 454 would create a legislative commission to develop a plan to regionalize school districts based on population, in alignment with Connecticut’s Probate Court system. Under this law, the current system of approximately 150 school districts would be reduced to 54, merging both rural and urban communities, and would become effective by default even without action by the commission or approval of the legislature.
…
Posted on January 16, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD — The Connecticut General Assembly Conservative Caucus today announced highlights of its 2019-2020 legislative agenda, including provisions that would strengthen Connecticut’s criminal justice system, uphold individual voting rights, and allow individual workers to determine their contributions to union activities, among other proposed legislation.
In response to the repeated and detrimental loosening of the state’s criminal justice laws, the caucus proposed legislation to reinstate the death penalty to hold violent offenders accountable if they choose to commit heinous crimes towards the people of our state. The legislation’s focus on capital felony cases would not otherwise impact state law regarding prosecution or imprisonment for lower level crimes and would allow the imposition of the death penalty in certain specific and violent cases.
…
Posted on January 11, 2019 by admin
LEDYARD – After undergoing a complete renovation, the McDonald’s restaurant in Gales Ferry has become one of the chain’s most modern locations in the State of Connecticut. State Representative Mike France (R-42) and State Senator Cathy Osten (D-19) attended the grand opening celebration earlier this week.
“This is my home McDonald’s, I live just a couple blocks up the road,” said Rep. France. “In fact, my oldest daughter got her first job here. McDonald’s has always lead the way as a great opportunity for first jobs and scholarship programs that help people grow in their career. The new technology and table service included in this remodel shows the future of where McDonald’s is going, and that there are ways to make fast food different and a more enjoyable experience.”
…
Posted on January 9, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) joined legislative colleagues today, Opening Day of the 2019 Legislative Session, to be sworn in to his third term at the State Capitol. He will serve for two more years as the State Representative for the 42nd General Assembly District of Ledyard, Preston and Montville.
“I sincerely appreciate the support of my constituents and it is truly an honor to serve another term as your voice at the State Capitol,”…
Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin
New legislation effective dates are typically January 1st, July 1st, and October 1st throughout the calendar year. As 2018 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting tomorrow, January 1, 2019.
These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some noteworthy new laws below and encourage you to take a look at the full list. Please contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these new laws.…
Posted on December 4, 2018 by admin
HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) invites his constituents to join him for a town-hall style meeting at the Ledyard Town Hall Annex on December 11th for a Pre-Session discussion of legislative priorities and other issues of interest. On December 15th, he will be holding a second Pre-Session discussion at the Preston Public Library. Rep. France will be available to answer your questions concerning what’s happening up in Hartford, new laws that went into effect this fall, and proposed…
Posted on December 3, 2018 by admin
HARTFORD — State Representative Mike France (R-42) will be at the Preston Transfer Station on Saturday, December 8th to make himself available to constituents to answer your questions concerning what’s happening up in Hartford, new laws that went into effect this fall, and proposed legislation for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session.
WHEN: Saturday, December 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Preston Transfer Station, 108 Ross Road, Preston, CT
“Some of the best ideas for legislation come…
