Arnold Jensen

Rep. Jensen Connects with Residents in Oxford and Naugatuck Through Legislative Updates

State Representative Arnie Jensen recently wrapped up a series of legislative update meetings in Oxford and Naugatuck, continuing his commitment to engaging directly with residents across the district. The events provided an opportunity for constituents to hear updates from the Capitol and participate in open discussions on the issues impacting their daily lives. Among the key topics were rising public utility costs, ongoing conversations surrounding vaccine policy, and the broader challenge of affordability across Connecticut. Attendance at both events was strong, with residents bringing forward thoughtful questions and concerns. Rep. Jensen, who joined Rep. Seth Bronko during the update in Naugatuck, emphasized the importance of these in-person conversations, noting that direct feedback from constituents plays a critical role in shaping his work as a legislator. “Having these conversations face-to-face makes a difference,” Jensen said. “It’s important that people have the opportunity to be heard, and that their concerns are reflected in the decisions being made in Hartford.” Rep. Jensen plans to continue hosting similar events in the future to ensure residents have consistent access to updates and the ability to share their perspectives on state policies.

Rep. Jensen Votes in Strong Support of Bill to Address Abuse of 'Earmark' Process

HARTFORD - State Rep. Arnold Jensen, R-Oxford , on Thursday voted in strong support of legislation that would add new transparency, reporting and oversight requirements to legislatively directed funds, more commonly known as earmarks. The legislation, H.B. 5039, was developed in response to media scrutiny of state funding provided to nonprofit and community organizations. A federal probe into a Hartford-based organization that received state funding, combined with sustained pressure from House Republicans, proved to be a catalyst for change. The scrutiny has centered on the Blue Hills Civic Association, a Hartford-based nonprofit that received more than $15 million in state funds in recent years. A state audit released in early 2026 found serious problems with how Blue Hills spent taxpayer money, including what auditors described as a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement and a breakdown of internal controls. The Blue Hills controversy compounded broader Republican concerns about earmarks during the 2025 debate over the two-year budget, with House and Senate GOP leaders later holding a press conference pointing to several nonprofit recipients they said lacked any verifiable public presence or track record of work. Among the most impactful elements of the legislation are reforms targeting a current gap in the system that allows earmark recipients to pass funds along to other organizations without approval, transparency, or accountability. Under the bill, that practice would require prior approval, and any organization receiving passed-along funds would face the same transparency requirements as the original earmark recipient. The legislation also requires the Office of Policy and Management (OPM)—the governor's budget office—to provide quarterly reports to the Appropriations, Finance and Government Oversight committees on disbursements to date and plans for remaining funds. Earmark recipients must also report annually to the administering state agency on how they and any organizations they passed funds to used the money. OPM would be required to post that information to a publicly accessible website. The bill further directs OPM to establish policies requiring funding recipients to disclose key organizational details, from the entity's legal name and leadership information to certifications that neither the recipient nor any organization they passed funds to has been convicted of or found civilly liable for fraud in connection with a government contract. OPM must share details of those policies with the leaders of the General Assembly. The legislation was passed with bipartisan support. It awaits further action in the State Senate.

Reps. Jensen and Bronko to Hold Mid-Session Legislative Discussion

NAUGATUCK– Rep. Arnold Jensen, R-131st, and Rep. Seth Bronko, R-70 th , are inviting residents to join them on Tuesday, April 14, when they will host a Mid-Session Legislative Update at the offices of the Naugatuck Board of Education. The event, which is open to all members of the public, is focused on connecting with constituents, discussing local priorities, updates on bills, as well as any other state government-related topic. This update is open to all residents and will provide an opportunity to talk about state and local matters, or any other government-related topic that is on their mind. When: Tuesday, April 14 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where: 497 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck Rep. Jensen can be contacted at Arnold.Jensen@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow his legislative activity by visiting his website or on Facebook by clicking here .

Rep. Jensen, Sen. Berthel to Hold Mid-Session Legislative Discussion; Event Open to All Residents

OXFORD– Rep. Arnold Jensen, R-131st, and Sen. Eric Berthel are inviting residents to join them on Tuesday, March 31, when they will host a Pints and Policy discussion at the Black Hog Brewery. The event, which is open to all members of the public, is focused on connecting with constituents, discussing local priorities, legislative updates and any other state government-related topic. This relaxed gathering is open to all residents and will provide an opportunity to talk about state and local matters in a casual setting. When: Tuesday, March 31 Pints & Policy 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Where: Black Hog Brewery (115 Hurley Road, Bldg. 9A, Oxford) Rep. Jensen can be contacted at Arnold.Jensen@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow his legislative activity by visiting his website or on Facebook by clicking here .

Jensen opposes bill stripping local zoning control  

HARTFORD – The General Assembly met in a special legislative session to take up a number of new bills, most notably an omnibus piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state's housing affordability crisis. Unfortunately, the bill brought forward by the majority party was not something Rep. Arnold Jensen (R-Oxford) could not support. This bill was very similar to H.B. 5002 which was passed earlier this year in regular legislative session and was later vetoed by Gov. Lamont. Among the many flaws in the new bill, "An Act Concerning Housing Growth," was the usurping of local town control on housing decisions, the creation of a new statewide housing authority and the elimination of off-street parking minimums required for new housing projects with fewer than 16 units. "Adding layers of bureaucracy and regulations does nothing but increase the cost of new housing that will further deter homebuilders from looking at Connecticut as a place to build more housing," said Rep. Jensen. "Our towns and cities should not have the state of Connecticut dictate the what, where and when of where housing is built in their communities. This bill will undoubtedly do more harm than good, and therefor I voted in opposition." The new bill will also allow the state to create a statewide housing authority, which can then build housing on state land. This paves the way for state-owned housing projects. Municipalities will be required to approve housing projects on properties that are converted from commercial to residential without a public hearing required, another assault on local control of zoning decisions. Off-street parking requirements are also eliminated for any development project under 16 units of housing. "It is unfortunate the majority chose to hastily pass this bill, rather than working more with residents in our towns and cities to address the need for more housing in our state. We need to work together across the aisle to come up better solutions for our residents." said Rep. Jensen.