January 16, 2019

Orange Lawmakers Discuss Major Issues Impacting State

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ORANGE – State Representatives Themis Klarides, Charles Ferraro, and Kathy Kennedy hosted a legislative office hour on Monday night at the Case Memorial Library where they talked about the 2019 session, listened to residents and took dozens of questions about issues impacting the state.

The lawmakers talked briefly about the current legislative session that started on January 9th and gave residents a handout of the most recent major issues report that is produced by the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research – residents can find the report by visiting www.cga.ct.gov/olr.

A majority of the conversation centered around three major topics the state budget, tolls, and the legalization of marijuana. In addition, residents expressed their concerns about the cost of electricity.

“Hosting office hours to hear from constituents is one of the best ways for us to connect with residents and to learn more about issues impacting our districts,” said Rep. Klarides. “I will continue to host frequent office hours throughout the session to give residents the opportunity to come to talk to me directly. But, if you can’t make one of my office hours please contact me at Themis.Klarides@housegop.ct.gov.”

“It was great to see so many people come out to speak to us about the issues impacting the state,” said Rep. Ferraro. “I continue to hear from residents and small business owners that this state is unaffordable and I completely agree. We should be talking about reducing taxes and not about placing tolls throughout the state.”

Rep. Kathy Kennedy said, “I want to thank everyone who came out to our office hours. I enjoyed the candid and informative conversation we had on the major issues to be debated this session. From bans on plastic bags and straws, to the legalization of marijuana, to the concerns of small business owners, and the pitfalls of bringing tolls back to our state, it was obvious to me our constituents are very in-tune with what is going on in Connecticut and how they want to see real meaningful change.”

Residents can contact the representatives by calling 860-240-8700 or by visiting their websites – RepKlarides.com, Rep. Ferraro.com, or Rep. Kennedy.com.