HARTFORD—House Republicans have used a parliamentary procedure to circumvent Democrat opposition to a bill that would save inflation-weary businesses and residents money by eliminating the new highway use tax (HUT) on heavyweight trucks.

Republicans petitioned to raise H.B. 5290, An Act Eliminating the Highway Use Tax, after the Finance Committee’s Democratic leadership refused to even hear it. Republicans on Tuesday secured the required 51 petition signatures to force a public hearing on the bill.…

HARTFORD — On a day when the House of Representatives will vote on pay raises for Connecticut State Police, House Republicans insist the legislature must do more to help retain police officers statewide and recruit more women and men into the field of law enforcement.

“Today’s contract is a step toward growing a state police force suffering from declining numbers over the last several years—but it’s only a first step,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86.) “The job that follows today’s…

HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled caucus proposals aimed at creating a safer environment surrounding the recreational use and retail sale of cannabis.

“When it comes to our state’s fledgling cannabis marketplace, the umbrella message emanating from the Governor’s office is, unfortunately, one of shining positivity that in our opinion is at odds with the concerns of not just many residents, but also state mental health and addiction professionals who spend a lot of energy warning us all—and…

HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora on Wednesday issued the following response to Gov. Lamont’s proposal to restore the pass-through entity tax credit to 93.01 percent:

“It’s good news that Governor Lamont continues to show that he’s on board with the tax relief Republicans are pursuing, in this case correcting a tax hike on businesses that was included in the budget he and legislative Democrats put into action in 2019. It’s my hope that the combination of his proposal and our caucus…

HARTFORD – Today Senate and House Republican Leaders detailed a comprehensive package of policy proposals to reduce the cost of electric bills and make energy more affordable over the long term.

The policies will reduce energy costs for CT families by over $362 million per year, saving the average household over $210 next year. In the long run, the plan will drive down costs by even more and implement important ratepayer protections against utilities.

The package of legislative proposals will address…

HARTFORD — House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora on Thursday issued the following statement on behalf of the House Republican caucus in response to the tragic passing of State Representative Quentin Williams:

“Our hearts are with the family and friends of State Representative Quentin Williams, and our House Democratic colleagues and staff who today find themselves grieving this unimaginable loss. Representative Williams was a young, emerging leader who deftly balanced forward-looking thoughtfulness…

HARTFORD — House Republicans on Thursday announced committee Ranking Member assignments for the two-year term that begins when the legislative session kicks off Jan. 4.

“I’m blessed to be working with a talented and diverse group of lawmakers whose legislative, professional and community experiences have prepared them to tackle the complex issues that lie ahead,” House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said. “Our team of Ranking Members blends individuals who have served in that capacity in the…

HARTFORD — House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) and Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) released the following statement urging lawmakers to call a special session to not only extend the gas tax suspension, but to also provide further relief, including home heating assistance to Connecticut families and stop a new truck tax from taking effect January 1:

“Connecticut Republicans have been pushing to extend gas tax relief since the spring. We need a special session…

HARTFORD——Republicans elected to serve in Connecticut’s House of Representatives have selected state Rep. Vincent Candelora to serve a second term as House Minority Leader.

Candelora, who last week won re-election to a ninth term serving the 86th House District, was the unanimous choice of more than 50 Republicans who attended a Nov. 10 leadership caucus held at the State Capitol.

“I remain humbled by the faith my caucus colleagues have placed in me to lead them in our shared effort to make the state…

HARTFORD – The Ranking Members of the Appropriations, Energy, and Human Services committees proposed an amendment to supplement $79.2 million in expected federal LIHEAP funds to increase total home energy assistance to $191.5 million. The amendment, however, was not entertained by their majority party counterparts. As a result, millions of dollars in potential relief was left on the table.

“The amendment proposed today could have been implemented without the need for further legislative action, providing…