June 17, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

The 2025 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to represent the people of East Haddam, East Hampton, and Salem at the State Capitol.

This session, I remained focused on the values and priorities that matter most to our communities—local control, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.

State Rep. Irene Haines (R-East Haddam, East Hampton, Salem) Concludes the 2025 CT General Assembly Session

Standing Up for Local Voices

Throughout the session, I consistently fought back against top-down mandates from Hartford that would strip control from our towns. I believe the best decisions are made close to home, with the input of the people directly affected, not by bureaucrats far removed from our communities.

Advocating for Smarter Budgeting

As stewards of your tax dollars, we must make responsible financial decisions. I opposed wasteful spending and worked to ensure that state resources are used efficiently and transparently, protecting the financial future of our towns and residents.

Championing “Stop the Bleed” Legislation

One of the most important bills I supported this year was the Stop the Bleed initiative. This legislation will provide bleeding control kits and training in our schools and public buildings—empowering educators, staff, and citizens to save lives in the event of an emergency. It’s a simple, lifesaving step forward in public safety and emergency preparedness.

Defending Parental Rights

I also stood firm in support of parental rights, pushing back against state-level decisions that infringe on how families choose to raise and educate their children. Parents—not politicians—should have the final say in the decisions that shape their children’s futures.

Although the legislative session has ended, my work as your State Representative continues every day. I’ll be active throughout the district—attending events, visiting local organizations, and staying engaged with residents like you.

Whether you have questions about legislation, need assistance with a state agency, or want to share your thoughts, I’m here to listen and help.

Thank you for the honor of serving you. Let’s keep working together to protect what makes our towns strong.

– Rep. Irene Haines
87th District – East Haddam, East Hampton & Salem

Representative Irene Haines Co-Sponsors New Law Signed by Governor to Expand Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that expands important benefits for the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1239, which Representative Haines co-sponsored and strongly supported, renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the […]

June 27, 2025

Rep. Haines Demands Accountability After Rushed CT Budget Passage

HARTFORD, CT — Today, the Connecticut General Assembly approved a $55.8 billion biennial budget by a rushed process that State Representative Irene Haines firmly rejects. Despite an 11.2% increase in General Fund spending over two years, a $2.551 billion rise, the budget fails to meet critical statutory and moral obligations. Most notably, special education excess […]

June 3, 2025