Wilton Delegation Hosts Town Hall Meeting

WILTON— 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 Trackside Teen Center in Wilton April 29th.

The Wilton lawmakers discussed the current state budget crisis giving a presentation on Governor Malloy’s proposed budget, and answered questions from attendees about issues concerning the community and state.

Among the topics discussed were the state’s growing unfunded pension liabilities, Connecticut’s continued increase in state borrowing and spending even while the state is in deficit, and the Connecticut’s poor business climate and high unemployment.

“Connecticut’s economy continues to struggle,” said Rep. Lavielle. “Hearing from constituents at local town hall meetings like this one demonstrates that our constituents are looking for real leadership that changes the current course. We must do everything we can to make the future more prosperous for the residents of Connecticut.”

“Since personal income growth, was only 2% from 2011-2012, the second slowest in the country, I believe this two year tax and spending proposal asks more from those already hit hard by the recession and by the highest retroactive tax increase in the state’s history. A budget is a statement on the direction you wish to take the state. A 9.6% spending bill in the next two years while revenues fall short of forecasts and employee concessions are only half of those predicted, does not engender confidence that we are moving the state in the right direction,” said Sen. Boucher.

Rep. O’Dea said, “Our delegation wants public input to be at the center of this debate. We will bring that feedback back to the legislature and continue to fight on Wilton’s behalf to control state spending, eliminate government waste and stop any proposed tax increase.”

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 or 800-842-1421.