HARTFORD— State Representatives Irene Haines (R-34) and Mark DeCaprio (R-48) enthusiastically support a House Republican parliamentary procedure to circumvent Democrat opposition to a bill that would save inflation-weary businesses and residents money by eliminating the new highway use tax (HUT) on heavyweight trucks. This legislation creates an additional burden to the trucking industry and Connecticut residents in general who are already feeling the impacts of inflation.

On Tuesday, Republicans…

On Thursday, I joined Attorney General William Tong, some of my colleagues from the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, along with many students who were directly impacted by the closure of the three Stone Academy sites across Connecticut.

Attorney General Tong announced that his office is opening a thorough investigation on this closure that has left hundreds of students in limbo. It is disturbing to me that this institute not only took the money of many students who were trying…

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives was in session to vote on State Police contracts which was passed through the Appropriations Committee last week. This is a four-year contract which addresses salary, overtime, stipends, and other specifics.

I voted yes on the approval of this contract as a first step to address several issues that our law enforcement professionals are experiencing. Police officers across Connecticut have had their difficult jobs further compounded by controversial “police…

Attention Educators and Para Professionals-

Please join me for two dedicated discussions of the education system and how it works. I would like to get your feedback on the many issues facing local educators and para professionals. We have set aside two dates at the East Haddam Grange coming up this Saturday, January 14th from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. for educators, and next Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. for para professionals.

Please see the graphic for full details and if anyone has any questions,…

On Wednesday morning, it was my honor to be sworn in once again as your state representative. Seeing the House Chamber filled with familiar and new faces, was quite the contrast to what we experienced over the last few years.

Joining me this morning was my daughter Kate, along with my dear friend Lucy.  I want to thank all of you who have given me your support to return for my third term here at the State Legislature, serving you and our communities.

Over the next several weeks, I will keep you updated…

HARTFORD – On Thursday, State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) was appointed Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee by House Republican Leader-elect State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-86). The role of a Ranking Member is to serve as the leader of the minority party in committee meetings and collaborate with Committee Leadership in proposing bills and legislation.

“I am honored to be reappointed to a leadership role in the Higher Education…

On November 3oth, Representative Haines, along with Senator Derek Slap (D-5), joined Evan Walker on 91.7 FM WXCI Radio out of Western Connecticut State University to provide insight on questions in the Higher Education sector.

In their interview, Rep. Haines was asked about her personal college experience, as well as her perspective on allowing undergraduates to create new majors and what concentrations require more attention in our contemporary society. Both Haines and Slap agreed that the significance…

I wanted you to know that Wreaths Across America (WAA) will honor Veterans during a ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery Middletown Connecticut (CTMVCM) on December 17, 2022, at 12:00 p.m.

WAA is also travelling the country with its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), a rolling interactive museum that shares the organization’s mission to Remember the nation’s fallen veterans, Honor those who serve, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

In January of 2022, the MEE left Maine and…

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

October 1^st marks the effective date of many new laws. Below are links for information on notable laws (or sections of laws) taking effect that address juvenile crime, youth mental health, government transparency, and lifting the cap on cottage food.

AN ACT CONCERNING JUVENILE JUSTICE AND SERVICES, FIREARMS BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND LARCENY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.
Public Act No. 22-115 (Sec. 1-4, 6-10, 13-18)
Summary
House Bill No. 5417

AN ACT CONCERNING THE IDENTIFICATION AND…

This September, I had the pleasure of bringing Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie on a tour of manufacturers in the towns I serve, including Bevin Brothers Manufacturing and Dickinson Brand’s American Distilling here in East Hampton. While much of the state’s attention is focused on larger companies, most manufacturers in Connecticut are smaller business operating smaller shops.

We started our manufacturing tour at Bevin Brothers, where Production Supervisor Ben Favreau walked…