From left to right: State Representative Mark DeCaprio (Lebanon), State Representative Irene Haines (East Haddam), State Representative Christie Carpino (Portland), State Representative Steve Weir (Hebron).

(HARTFORD) — On Wednesday, February 7^th, State Representatives Christie Carpino (Portland), Mark DeCaprio (Lebanon), Irene Haines (East Haddam), and Steve Weir (Hebron) convened with her colleagues in the General Assembly as they marked the start of the 2024 legislative session.

The representatives…

With the 2024 Connecticut Legislative Session set to begin on Wednesday, February 7th, I wanted to provide you with resources to keep handy. If you have any questions for me as we approach the beginning of session, please feel free to reach out to me. The upcoming legislative session is the “short” session, which begins February 7^th, and ends May 8th. The state’s constitution and legislative rules for this session generally limit proposed bills to adjustments of the budget, revenue and legislation…

It was less than two months ago that Democrats yanked their proposed ban on gas-powered vehicles and conceded residents had valid concerns. Yet Democrats are now “feeling pretty good” about the prospects of adopting the California plan and are even plotting special session dates for the end of this month.

🚨 ACT NOW: call Democrats and tell them this critical issue shouldn’t be decided in a special session that wouldn’t provide Connecticut residents a chance to have their say on this deeply flawed…

On January 1st, there were 25 passed bills from the 2023 legislative session that became law in our state. New laws voted on in the legislative session generally take effect on the following- July 1st, October 1st, or January 1st.

During our legislative sessions there are a large amount of bills are typically passed. One of the more impactful laws include online privacy/safety protections, hospice/palliative care, and early voting.

Here are some key points concerning early voting-

• Referendums and…
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Hartford- On Friday, the State Bonding Commission approved funding for a variety of projects across Connecticut, with a total of $6,365,000 for dam repairs across the state. State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) applauded the incoming funds for these needed repairs.

“I would like to thank the State Bond Commission and Governor Lamont, for their understanding of the situation, and giving us the funding to complete these needed repairs,” said Rep. Haines. “I would also like to thank everyone on…

HARTFORD—Following the CSCU Board of Regents approval to raise college tuition by 5%, State Representative Irene Haines (R-34), Ranking Member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, released the following statement-

“I have no doubt that the tuition hike approved by the Board of Regents on Thursday will be frustrating to college students in our state system who are already struggling with prolonged inflation and the high cost of living in Connecticut, particularly when it’s…

Key Committee Vote to be Held on Nov. 28

 CT farmers, fuel distributors and truckers speak out vs. adoption of regulations

In advance of a key legislative committee vote on Nov. 28, Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly and House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora today urged Democrats to “pump the brakes” on the Lamont administration’s proposal to ban the sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and send the proposed regulations back…

HARTFORD – Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized State Representative Irene Haines (R-34), with perfect voting scores on key bills impacting Connecticut’s economic growth and business climate during the 2023 legislative session.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) ranked all state lawmakers based on their support for the business community’s positions on 10 important policies. The bills all affect job creation, small business growth and economic stability in…

On Monday, I joined local leaders and advocates at the State Capitol for the Governor’s Prevention Partnership Press Conference, to support the “Prevention Starts with You,” campaign. This campaign is a multi-prong approach to combating youth substance abuse by encouraging the safe disposal of expired medications at home. Connecticut’s Senate Delegation was able to secure $1.2 million in federal funding to purchase 50,000 Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches, that will be distributed in the Greater…

On Wednesday, November 8th, there will be an Informational Public Hearing will be hosted by the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, at the Legislative Office Building, Room 2C, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

All Connecticut veterans, military personnel, advocates, and their loved ones are invited to share issues or concerns related to veterans and military affairs in our state.

You are encouraged to participate in this hearing if you have any comments or concerns with state policies that impact veterans…