During a Manufacturing Caucus public hearing, CT State Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton, Norwalk, Westport) discussed the need for skilled workers in manufacturing and how Connecticut must make this a priority. Lucia Furman, a small business owner, also made it clear that forced school regionalization would undoubtedly affect the quality of education in Connecticut. This would cause many employers, like herself, to question if our state is indeed the best location for their businesses and families. The economic implications bill S.B. 454 are far-reaching.

Connecticut State Representatives Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton, Norwalk, Westport) and Tom O’Dea (R-New Canaan, Wilton) hosted a coffee hour at Orem’s Diner in Wilton on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. The crowd of nearly 80 attendees brought a number of concerns to the event, chief among them being a proposal by Senate President Pro-Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), which would require the forced regionalization of schools. Several parents, educators and local business owner express concerns over the economic impact and loss of local control in their communities.

Connecticut State Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-Wilton, Norwalk, Westport) questioned Education Committee Chairman Sen. Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) on a proposal by Senate President Pro-Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven) to require the regionalization of Connecticut schools. Rep. Lavielle is the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s joint Appropriations Committee, and is a former Ranking Member of the Education Committee.