Posted on May 16, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria called out legislative Democrats on Wednesday in the Finance Committee for passing a toll proposal that isn’t complete.
“Legislative Democrats and Governor Ned Lamont are asking residents to support tolls without providing a full detailed plan,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “How many tolls will there be? What highways will they be on? How much will Connecticut residents pay? All these questions went unanswered yesterday in the Finance Committee. It’s a shame that the majority party is doing everything behind closed doors and not being open and transparent with the residents of Connecticut.”
Posted on May 15, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria praised the passage of legislation on Tuesday that will create tougher penalties for the illegal manufacturing, distributing or selling of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a dangerous drug that is linked to killing thousands of individuals suffering from drug addiction,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria, a co-sponsor of the bill. “Making the penalties for selling fentanyl harsh will hopefully deter individuals from selling or manufacturing this dangerous drug.”
The bill would change the definition of narcotic substance to include fentanyl the same category as heroin. As the law is currently written, fentanyl is listed as a synthetic drug, which is a lesser penalty.
Posted on May 10, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria joined colleagues in a nearly a fifteen-hour debate, from Wednesday to the early afternoon on Thursday, regarding the increase to the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The House Republican caucus offered eight amendments to help rework the legislation so that it didn’t punish businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities. For example, House Amendment Schedule G was offered to exempt municipalities from having to pay employees $15 an hour.
“I am disappointed that legislative Democrats blocked amendments that would have made this legislation better for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “Connecticut is one of the worst places to do business and its because of legislation like this. Increasing the minimum wage when our economy is still failing to bounce back will only push our job recovery backward.”
Posted on April 26, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria released the following statement regarding the recent jobs report from the Department of Labor.
“Connecticut losing over 3000 jobs since the start of the year should be deeply concerning to every Connecticut resident,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “Our economy is headed in the same negative direction as it was under Governor Dan Malloy. I think Governor Ned Lamont and legislative Democrats should start to consider what the impact on businesses will be if they pass a minimum wage hike, tolls, and a forced Paid Family Leave.”
Posted on April 12, 2019 by admin
SHELTON – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditra joined Valley State Lawmakers on Thursday morning to have a conversation with Greater Valley Chamber members about current legislative proposals before the General Assembly.
Rep. Klarides-Ditria said, “Our state’s economy is not recovering and the answer to solving the problem is not taxing businesses more. The way we can restore our economy is by making our state business friendly and including business owners and business professionals at the table when we are making important policy decisions.”
Governor Ned Lamont has proposed expanding the sales tax to include a long list of new services such as legal and accounting services. In addition, Democrats have proposed a payroll tax to pay for paid family leave and a plan to implement tolls on every major highway in the state.
Posted on March 28, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria voted no on Wednesday on a union deal to increase the pay and to give out bonuses to unionized lawyers who work for the state Attorney General.
The two-year pay deal for lawyers working for Attorney General’s Office will cost taxpayers $5 million. This includes stipends for department heads in the amount of $6,000 in the first year and $12,000 in the second year.
Posted on March 22, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representatives Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria were invited to speak on the “Women Who Lead” Panel by the Commission on Equity and Opportunity and the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors on Friday. The topic of the panel was “The Multigenerational Impact of Women that”.
Reps. Klarides, Klarides-Ditria and the other panelist spoke to young women about their experiences and how they became leaders.
“The active role that these young women are taking in both their…
Posted on March 21, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – House and Senate Republican ranking members of the Transportation Committee, State Rep. Laura Devlin and Senator Henri Martin, were invited to Derby on Wednesday night by their colleagues to present a transportation funding plan that doesn’t rely on tolls or tax increases.
Rep. Devlin and Martin explained that the Republican Prioritize Progress Plan works within current state resources and will provide $65 billion for transportation infrastructure projects over the next 30 years.
In addition,…
Posted on March 14, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD, CT. March 11, 2019, – State Representatives Themis Klarides and Nicole Klarides-Ditria toured the Advanced Manufacturing Program facilities at Derby High School on Monday. The first of its kind in Connecticut, the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Derby High School offers students access to obtain a college accredited manufacturing certification worth $8,000.
Students who enroll in the Advanced Manufacturing Program will earn both Derby High School and Housatonic Community College class credits. The program covers coursework in Benchwork, Solidworks, Blueprint Reading, Introduction to Machine Technology, and Metrology.
“The opportunity that has been created here at Derby High School for the students has long term positive effects. For the students to be able to have access to a college level program, one where a certificate of completion is provided and can then lead to employment opportunities is phenomenal. Through programs such as the Derby High School and Housatonic Community College Advanced Manufacturing Program our students have a unique advantage, both in the workforce and when pursuing post high school education whether in the trades or college. The positive work that has been accomplished by both educators and students is evident through the smiles and stories we have heard today. The sense of accomplishment that the students have expressed to us is amazing; they have a glowing sense of pride that is truly wonderful,” said Rep. Klarides.
“Superintendent Dr. Matthew Conway and his staff at Derby High School are doing a great job by giving students an opportunity to explore a career in manufacturing,” added Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “After visiting with the students and teachers, I know this program will be highly successful and believe every high school in the state will be using Derby’s program as a model. If more and more high schools offer this program, Connecticut will be well positioned to fill the hundreds of manufacturing jobs that will become available over the next decade.”
…
Posted on March 14, 2019 by admin
BEACON FALLS – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria and state Senator George Logan held a Pizza & Politics night at the local Beacon Falls Pizza Palace on Tuesday.
Residents packed the upstairs of the pizza restaurant to ask questions and to hear from their lawmakers about what is happening at the State Capitol. The conversation and questions were mainly focused around tolls and the proposed tax increases by Governor Ned Lamont and legislative Democrats.
Rep. Klarides and Sen. Logan told residents that this was one of the largest crowds to attend a meeting in Beacon Falls and thanked everyone for attending and getting involved.
Rep. Klarides-Ditria said, “Stopping tolls and higher taxes is possible but we need the help of every single person in this room. We need residents to get vocal and to contact their state representatives and state senator and the governor to tell them not to pass tolls or more tax increases. I will continue to stay vocal and will share your stories with my colleagues in Hartford.”
Sen. Logan added, “This is ‘Crunch Time’ at the State Capitol. This is the time to raise our voices as taxpayers and tell their elected officials to keep their hands off our wallets. Call the Senate Democrat Office at 800-842-1420. Call the House Democrat Office at 800-842-1902. Rep. Klarides-Ditria and I are fighting for you in Hartford, and we need you to get active today if we are going to stop tolls and a massive tax increase.”
…