Posted on August 1, 2018 by admin

NAUGATUCK –State Representatives Dave Labriola (R-Oxford, Naugatuck, Southbury), Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck) and State Senators Joan Hartley (R-Waterbury, Middlebury, Naugatuck) and George Logan (R- Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge) will present a General Assembly Citation to Emidio C. Cerasale on Tuesday, August 7^th, 2018 in recognition of his work and advocacy on behalf of grandparents’ rights. Mayor Hess will also present Emidio with the Borough of Naugatuck Citation. Emidio’s granddaughter will perform “God Bless America.”

“As a grandparent myself, I understand how critical this issue is for grandparents who are denied visitation,” said Rep. Labriola. “I commend Emidio’s advocacy on behalf of grandparents’ rights.”

“It is a true honor to present this citation to Emidio on behalf of everyone who supports grandparent rights,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Through his tireless efforts, he has brought much needed public attention to this issue. I’d like to thank the Naugatuck Arts Commissions, the Naugatuck Delegation and the mayor’s office for making this event possible.”

“Emidio is a tremendous advocate for improving the quality of life for grandparents across Connecticut,” Sen. Logan said. “He is a true leader and role model, and his enthusiasm and positive energy are inspiring. We are proud to honor this selfless Naugatuck resident, and we hope he continues to inspire people throughout our state.”

Emidio is the founder of Grandparents Advocate of America, an organization which supports the preservation of the complete family. The group proposes legislation and works on behalf of grandparents nationwide to promote family unity and visitation rights. Emidio is a past director of Grandparents Rights Association of CT, which operates under the umbrella of the national organization Grandparents Rights Association of the USA.

The event, which will be held on the Naugatuck Town Green, is open to the public and will begin promptly at 6:45 p.m. on August 7^th, 2018. In the event of inclement weather, an alternate location will be announced in advance.

Posted on July 25, 2018 by admin

HARTFORD – State Representative David Labriola (R-131) joined 11 of his fellow State Senators and Representatives yesterday in sending a bipartisan letter to Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Redeker seeking an explanation regarding a recent report from the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council that documents a 65.2 percent On-Time Performance (OTP) rating for the Waterbury Branch Line.

The lawmakers deemed this performance – which is 20 percent lower than the New Canaan Line, Danbury Line and Shore Line East – “unacceptable;” stressing the importance of  their constituents being able to rely on Connecticut’s railways, especially when trying to avoid clogged roadways on their commutes to work.

The letter requested answers to the following questions:

1. Why did the Waterbury Branch line have such a low On-Time Performance?
2. What is the Commissioner’s office doing to prevent this performance again in the future?
3. What is the Commissioner’s plan to ensure success (i.e. increased ridership and reliability) for the Waterbury Branch Line?

A response has not yet been issued.

View a copy of the full letter here.

Posted on February 9, 2018 by admin

SOUTHBURY– Earlier this week State Representatives David Labriola (R-131), Arthur O’Neill and State Senator Eric Berthel hosted a town hall-style meeting in Southbury to discuss legislative issues with their constituents ahead of the opening of the 2018 Regular Legislative Session, which happened on Wednesday.

The legislators provided information on the Medicare Savings Plan veto session, explained union contracts, gave budget updates, and discussed issues such as tolls, fixing transportation inefficiencies and taxes.

(L to R) Rep. Labriola, Rep. O’Neill and Sen. Berthel listen to constituent concerns.