Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized State Representative Tom O’Dea with a perfect voting score on key bills impacting Connecticut’s economic growth and business climate during the 2023 legislative session.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) ranked all state lawmakers based on their support for the business community’s positions on 10 important policies. The bills all affect job creation, small business growth and economic stability in Connecticut.

The scorecard…

“The recent terrorist attacks in Israel are heartbreaking – and they must be strongly condemned. I mourn those lost, pray for their grieving families, and stand with Israel and its people in their fight to protect their right to exist in peace. As a community, let us amplify our support for Israel and its people, and our Jewish neighbors in Connecticut and everywhere. These terror attacks by Hamas exhibit a serious threat to our strongest allies and advocates for peaceful democracy in a violent region.”…

Grace is a young New Canaan resident who last year was diagnosed with Leukemia. She has been receiving treatment and is doing well. Since then, another young girl from New Canaan has been diagnosed with Leukemia and in addition, a Saxe Middle School teacher has received the same diagnosis for her daughter.

That’s why Grace’s family created the Gracie Fund for Pediatric Cancer. The Gracie Fund has partnered with Yale Children’s Hospital and their Director of Pediatric Oncology, Dr. Stephanie Massaro…

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a series of four public hearings to gather input on the proposed rail and bus service changes, as well as proposed rail fare increases.

Proposed rail service changes include:

• Decreased Monday through Thursday service on the New Haven Line from 239 trains to 237 trains.
• Decreased Friday service on the New Haven Line from 241 trains to 234 trains.
• Decreased weekday service on the New Canaan Line from 41 trains to 39 trains.
• Decreased weekday…
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The fully affordable 100-unit complex is a “landmark” for New Canaan as it combats an affordable housing shortage.

NEW CANAAN – On July 25^th, State Representative Tom O’Dea (R-125) joined Governor Lamont, fellow New Canaan state lawmakers, local elected officials, industry leaders in finance and development, and community members to celebrate the re-opening of Canaan Parish – New Canaan’s newly renovated affordable housing complex.

Located on Lakeview Ave, the 100-unit complex features state-of-the-art…

NEW CANAAN – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) AND State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) hosted a legislative update event to break down the recently-concluded legislative session.

Over three dozen residents joined the New Canaan state lawmakers in the Town Meeting Room at Town Hall to provide updates on legislative priorities and ask questions on issues like housing, development, state finances, education, and more.

“Thank you to the dedicated community members who fostered a positive and productive…

HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) voted to adopt the FY 2024-2025 Connecticut state budget, headlined by a historic cut to the state income tax for middle- and low-income earners and families.

The fully balanced bipartisan budget features more than $150 million for local education, investments in public safety, strict adherence to fiscal guardrails established in the 2017 budget agreement, and establishes a phase-out on pension and annuity taxes. Each of these key initiatives were…

During a House session spanning into the early morning hours, lawmakers debated an omnibus housing bill, S.B. 998, which featured some aspects of “Fair Share” and other state mandates that attempt to undermine local control of zoning.

Due to pushback from the public and many Fairfield County legislators, the bill that eventually passed was stripped of many of its enforcement mechanisms and instead empowers the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to conduct studies on each city…

In post-pandemic Connecticut, traveling our state and local roads has become a more dangerous proposition.

Whether that is due to the ill-conceived police accountability bill that has handcuffed law enforcement and thinned police ranks, or as a result of a new commercial marijuana market — or a combination thereof — there is no disputing that our roadways are less safe now than they were previously. Throw in poor driving habits adopted during the pandemic, and we have a recipe for disaster.

A few…

HARTFORD – On Tuesday, State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) proposed an amendment to HB 6642 An Act Concerning a Title IX Compliance Toolkit for School Districts which would equip school districts to manage participation of transgender athletes in Connecticut interscholastic athletics with emphasis on safety for all children.

“The safety of our children is paramount and as a parent and legislator my concern for them compels me to protect them. When our scholar-athletes in Connecticut gear up to compete,…