Posted on February 6, 2019 by jpheasant
HARTFORD – State Representative Rick Hayes (R-51) has introduced two separate pieces of legislation to amend the state’s statutes to extend the current season and expand the type hunting allowed on Sunday’s.
“Hunting is extremely important to not only the people of my district by also many of those who live in the Northeastern portion of the state,” Rep. Hayes said. “By extended the Sunday hunting requirements to allow shotguns and rifles, it will then allow others who are currently being excluded from those private lands to also participate.”
Hayes’ first proposal, HB-5309, would seek to lengthen the state’s bow, rifle, and shotgun seasons to allow an extra week for hunters to participate in these activities.
The second proposal, HB-5310, would look to expand Sunday hunting on public and private lands from only bow and arrow to also include shotgun and rifle.
In 2015, Public Act 15-204 was adopted to allow Sunday bow and arrow hunting on certain private property, provided such hunting occurred within deer management zones and was done in accordance with other wildlife management principles.
Both HB-5309 and HB-5310 have been referred to the Environment Committee for further action.
Posted on February 1, 2019 by jpheasant
HARTFORD – Several Republican legislators stand in opposition to a proposal that could potentially alter existing state laws regarding local racing rules. State Representatives Rick Hayes (R-Putnam), Kurt Vail (R-Stafford), Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford), and State Senator Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) expressed issues with unintended consequences of the newly proposed bill, H.B. 6591, because it seeks to regulate the times during which motor vehicle racing can take place.
“Throughout my campaign I promised that I would support local business. In my opinion this bill, as written, is anti-business and would directly impact Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, a locally owned business which has been a great community partner and a local icon for many years,” Rep. Hayes said. “The Hoenig Family has invested in major improvements to this attraction which draws thousands of visitors to our northeast corner of the state. As legislators we need to do whatever possible to attract new local business and make it easier for current business owners to continue in being successful by regulations and operational barriers. I will oppose this bill and will continue to support and work hard on behalf of local business.”
Posted on January 30, 2019 by jpheasant
HARTFORD – State Representatives Rick Hayes (R-51), Anne Dauphinias (R-44), and Doug Dubitsky (R-47) are a part of a Republican drafted bill that would seek to prohibit the merger or closure of an institution within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities without the review and approval of the General Assembly.
HB6474, AN ACT CONCERNING THE MERGER OR CLOSURE OF INSTITUTIONS WITHIN THE CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, seeks to remove the power for school consolidation and closing across the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities from the CT Board of Regents for Higher Education without legislative review and input.
“I couldn’t be more committed to protecting QVCC and I will continue to monitor bills that affect our communities and will work hard for the people of Putnam, Thompson, and Killingly,” said Rep. Hayes.
State Rep. Dauphinais said that she has heard from several people affiliated with QVCC who have expressed serious concern over the future of the school.
“We wanted to be a part of this bill to allow our voices and those of the communities we serve to be heard and to protect the great work QVCC has done in educating people in northeast Connecticut,” Rep. Dauphinais said.
QVCC has one of the largest endowments in the community college system. These endowments help fund scholarships and programs for the school. The future of these endowments should the Board of Regents seek to consolidate schools would be in doubt
State Representatives will be able to track and offer input during the legislative process. They will also be able to alert the public of the progress and opportunities for the public to offer comment on this legislation.
“It’s only appropriate for a decision as far reaching as closing state colleges and universities to allow the legislature to be involved in the decision. We wouldn’t want unelected bureaucrats to make these decisions. The General Assembly is accountable to the people we represent,” said Rep. Dubitsky.
The bill currently sits in the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee awaiting review and debate.
Posted on January 11, 2019 by jpheasant
HARTFORD – State Representative Rick Hayes (R-51) was sworn into office early Wednesday morning beginning his first-term as State Representative for the 51st district, representing the towns of Killingly, Putnam, and Thompson.
“It was truly an honor to stand in the chamber with my hand raised taking my oath to uphold both the United States and Connecticut Constitutions. There are so many good strong leaders in that room and to think back to the history of those who have done this before me is very humbling,” Rep. Hayes said. “I was also honored to my wife Kathy, my true best friend was by my side to experience this with me. I’d like to thank the people of Putnam, Thompson, and Killingly for entrusting me with this opportunity to represent them. It’s time to get to work on their behalf.”
Hayes who is entering into his first-term, has received his two-year committee assignments by House Republican Leader Rep. Themis Klarides who selected him to serve on the General Assembly’s Environment, Children’s, and Public Safety Committees.
Prior to the November elections, Hayes spent 33 years working in law enforcement, is excited to transfer the knowledge and experience he’s gained as an officer and Putnam Chief of Police to the new responsibilities he will have as a member of these committees.
“I am excited about all three of my committee appointments and eager to get started. Public Safety is in my blood. My career in law enforcement has always included the safety and matters related to children, so I think this this appointment is also a natural fit. I also have a love for nature and am a strong supporter of our local farmers and agriculture, so I’m also very pleased with being appointed to Environment,” Rep. Hayes said.
The Public Safety and Security Committee has jurisdiction on all matters relating to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, civil preparedness and homeland security, state police, the state-wide organized crime investigative task force, municipal police training, fire marshals, the fire safety code, the state building code, and legalized gambling.
The Environment Committee focuses on matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that include conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control; and all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture, including farming, dairy products and domestic animals.
The Committee on Children shall have knowledge on all matters relating to children.
Rep. Hayes can be reached via email at Rick.Hayes@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 800-842-1423.
You can also follow his legislative activity by signing up at https://www.cthousegop.com/hayes/.
Posted on January 7, 2019 by Admin
