John Piscopo

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. ###

Read Across America, Harwinton Consolidated School

In celebration of Read Across America, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Dutcher’s kindergarten class at Harwinton Consolidated School. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement of young readers as they gather for story time. During my visit, I shared two special selections with the students: The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freedman and the timeless poem “Try, Try Again” by T. H. Palmer. The poem is featured in The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories by William Bennett, a collection that highlights important lessons about perseverance, character, and kindness. It was a joy to spend time with such enthusiastic students and to celebrate the power of reading together. Moments like these remind us how stories can spark imagination, build character, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Piscopo, Martin Recognize Pathfinders Motorcycle Club for Support of Thomaston Food Pantry

THOMASTON - State Sen. Henri Martin and State Rep. John Piscopo on Feb. 14 recognized the Pathfinders Motorcycle Club for its $4,000 donation to the Thomaston Food Pantry. The lawmakers joined club President Jim Blais, food pantry staff, club members, and local officials for an official check presentation at Thomaston Town Hall. Since 2022, the club has raised and donated more than $18,000 to support the pantry. “Thank you to the Pathfinders for their continued generosity and commitment to our community. This is an example of going above and beyond,” Martin and Piscopo said. “In addition to maintaining our local dirtbike trails, the Pathfinders are supporting the food pantry’s mission and helping Thomaston families in need.” ###