John Piscopo

Piscopo Announces School/Taxpayers Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP)

Connecticut’s broken education funding formula has forced cities and towns to make up the difference, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The House Republican School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP) would return $365 million to communities across the state. For the 76th District, that means: Burlington – $698,362 Harwinton – $429,478 Litchfield – $231,422 Thomaston – $814,581 STRAP is built directly into the state budget, so towns can count on consistent funding year after year—no scrambling, no uncertainty. It provides meaningful, sustainable relief for local property taxpayers while lawmakers continue working to fix the flawed Education Cost Sharing formula for good. Click here to access the STRAP tool and see allocations for each town. For more information on the Pathway to Affordability, click here .

Piscopo Supports Veterans Initiative Improving Dental Care

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Piscopo (R–Thomaston) supported legislation aimed at expanding healthcare options for Connecticut veterans. The bill, H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces , establishes a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans access critical dental services. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the men and women who served our country receive the care and support they deserve,” said Piscopo. “This legislation takes meaningful steps to expand access to critical services, including dental care, while also easing financial burdens for our veterans and their families.” In addition to creating a dental care program, the bill: Requires the DMV to waive fees for the initial issuance of a DVA-verified veteran designation on a driver’s license or identity card; Establishes state income tax deductions for (1) compensation received for serving on an honor guard at a veteran’s funeral and (2) pay received by National Guard members called to active duty; and Creates a task force to study ways to encourage nursing homes to contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provide care to eligible veterans. “With these provisions, veterans will gain greater financial flexibility and improved access to the essential, life-enhancing services they deserve,” Piscopo added. The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. ###

Piscopo Supports Greater Oversight of Government Spending

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives addressed concerns over wasteful government spending by taking up H.B. 5309 , An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislative-Directed Funds . State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) voted in support of the bill. “This is the first step in cracking down on historically questionable spending practices. The organizations that partner with the state are overwhelmingly great stewards of state resources. However, there should be greater transparency regarding recipients, especially in light of reports that funding has been wasted or used as political leverage,” said Piscopo. The bill follows increased scrutiny of state funding to nonprofits, including a Hartford organization flagged for financial mismanagement after receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. The issue intensified concerns raised during the 2025 budget debate. After passing unanimously in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Piscopo, Republicans Advocate for Tax Relief

HARTFORD - I stood alongside my colleagues to address what continues to be the top concern for residents across Connecticut: affordability. Families and individuals throughout our state are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and it’s clear that meaningful, sustainable solutions are needed. That’s why we’re focusing on two key priorities aimed at delivering real relief. First, we are working to recover taxes owed to the state. These are revenues that rightfully belong to Connecticut taxpayers—funds that can and should be reinvested into our communities to support essential services and reduce financial strain. Second, we are advocating for expanding eligibility for the property tax credit. For many residents, property taxes represent a significant burden. By broadening access to this credit, we can help ease that burden and put money back into the pockets of hardworking families. Together, these efforts represent a practical approach to addressing affordability—one that prioritizes fairness, fiscal responsibility, and long-term impact. It’s time to bring that revenue back home and deliver the kind of sustainable relief Connecticut families deserve. To learn more about this plan and how it could benefit you, visit: https://www.cthousegop.com/new-york-is-eating-our-lunch

Piscopo Joins Burlington's Jeff Bond to Testify in Support of Greater Cancer Screenings for Firefighters

HARTFORD – On Thursday afternoon, State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) joined Burlington Volunteer Fire Department member Jeff Bond to testify in support of S.B. 410 , An Act Concerning Firefighter Cancer. The bill, currently under consideration by the Public Safety and Security Committee, would create statewide standards for cancer screenings for firefighters throughout Connecticut. >>>WATCH THEIR TESTIMONY HERE<<< According to Bond, a collaboration between the Litchfield County Firefighter Cancer Support Group and the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute led to a groundbreaking cancer screening event in September 2025 that built on prior legislation . “For the first time, we have data from a large-scale cancer screening event,” Bond said during his testimony. “Senate Bill 410 will ensure that Connecticut firefighters receive defined cancer screening guidelines.” The results were striking. Of the 50 firefighters screened, 30—about 60 percent—were referred for follow-up care. “It is well documented that certain cancers affect firefighters at higher rates than the general public,” Piscopo said. “I proposed language that will help curtail the need for costly treatment and reduce untimely deaths among our bravest.” Piscopo also noted that the legislation could ultimately save resources currently allocated to the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund. By implementing regular screenings, early detection could reduce the number of advanced cancer cases, leaving more resources available for firefighters actively battling the disease. After discussion with committee members, the bill will receive further consideration. It must receive favorable action by Tuesday, March 17, to move forward in the legislative process. ###