June 19, 2015

O’Dea, Wilton Delegation Host Successful Town Hall Meeting

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In order to keep constituents up-to-date on the latest at the State Capitol, State Reps. Gail Lavielle (R-143), Tom O’Dea (R-125), along with State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26), hosted a town hall style meeting recently at the Cannon Grange Hall on June 18 to a crowd of around 35 people.

The Wilton lawmakers discussed the current state budget crisis; the major acts passed in the 2015 session and answered questions from attendees about issues concerning the community and state.

Among the topics discussed Connecticut’s continued increase in state borrowing and spending even while the state is in deficit, the nearly $2 billion dollar tax increase and transportation issues.

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“The stakes for the families in our communities and our state couldn’t be higher,” said Rep. Tom O’Dea. “The tax hikes that are included in the recently-passed budget will have an impact on everyone, and this forum gave us an opportunity to share that information with residents, as well as other critical details about the prior legislative session.”

“People are very concerned about how the budget we passed will affect the future of our state, and rightfully so. This budget has a negative effect on every citizen in our state. Our end of session wrap ups demonstrate not only how informed our constituents are, but also their anxiety about what the future holds for Connecticut,” said Rep. Lavielle.

Senator Toni Boucher said, “The budget that narrowly passed by the General Assembly is not a tax break for the middle class. Rather it is a damaging tax hike, that’s the plain truth. A few lawmakers have celebrated this budget saying it is the best budget they have seen. They claim it protects the middle class, provides property tax relief, and will significantly improve transportation. But this is NOT true.

“In fact we are learning $250 million in tax cuts promised during the last year will be taken away in this budget. And money that is supposed to go into transportation and money that is supposed to be returned to municipalities through this budget – may not actually get to their intended places for years!

“There is still time to change course. That is why town halls like the one held in Wilton this week are critical. People need to understand how they can stop this bad budget from becoming reality.”

Constituents were pleased to have the opportunity to speak frankly with their legislators, who in turn were very appreciative of the feedback and thanked the group for sharing their thoughts.

Reps. O’Dea, Lavielle and Sen. Boucher suggest people call Governor Malloy’s Office at (800) 406-1527 and tell him to “VETO THIS BUDGET”.

Anyone who was unable to attend the event but would like to speak with Reps. Lavielle and O’Dea and Sen. Boucher can reach them any time by contacting 800-842-1423. Sen. Boucher can be reached by contacting 800-842-1421.