My November Editorial: “Our Responsibility as Lawmakers”
Do you know why I clean out my legislative office on the last day of session every time I face re-election? It’s not only because I am superstitious, but because it is a process that motivates me to work hard and earn my role as state representative, while possibly giving me a reason to redecorate.
Earning the privilege to serve in the Connecticut General Assembly is something I take very seriously. It comes with responsibilities that include reading and studying bills, learning the legislative process, voting on potential laws, and being involved in our local districts. However, in my opinion, one of the most important responsibilities in this role is to lead with integrity.
Despite your political ideology, voters demand their elected officials lead with integrity both as politicians and in their daily lives. We unfortunately have seen examples of leading without integrity in national politics on all sides, making voting difficult, hardening personal relationships, and turning more folks away from having open conversations about new ideas and important concerns.
Right now, the amplification of negative rhetoric and manipulative messaging limit the effectiveness of our legislative process. Instead of worrying about where folks stand on single issues, or whether they voted for a specific candidate, it is time we worry about what Connecticut needs to thrive in the coming years.
For example, this upcoming session requires us to pass a new budget agreement, giving us an opportunity to address affordability concerns. With the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) emergency funding drying up, we must put aside political agendas to first ease financial burdens in this unaffordable time. Specifically, this means protecting the 2017 bipartisan fiscal spending guardrails that pay down debt without raising our taxes.
Other prominent issues include protecting our communities from property theft and reckless driving, investing in quality education, fighting for local control on affordable housing, and supporting our seniors, small businesses, and veterans. If we lead with integrity, we can confidently avoid the distracting rhetoric and begin to address real, everyday, concerns that matter to the folks that are living, working, and retiring in Connecticut.
After gratefully accepting another term as your state representative this November, I want you to know that I recognize your desire for a leader with integrity. As a voter too, I also want our leaders to embody kindness, honesty, transparency, and care for their constituents. That is why I challenge all our new and returning lawmakers in Hartford to lead with integrity and put local concerns before special interests.
The 2025 Legislative Session runs from January 8th to June 4th and will be jam-packed with hundreds of bills that you can track at www.cga.ct.gov. I hope that you and your families enjoy this wonderful holiday season as we prepare for a promising New Year. As always, please never hesitate to contact me with your questions, ideas, and concerns at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.govor at 860-240-8700.