February 23, 2012

The 2012 Session Starts Now…

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With the 2012 Legislative session starting this Wednesday, I just wanted to touch base and tell you some of the details of this session.

THE UPCOMING SESSION

This year, the Connecticut General Assembly will convene the “short session” on February 8th.

What exactly does that mean? The “short session” goes from the first week in February through the first week in May.

In the regular session (January to June) the state budget is written and proposed. Every legislator then votes for or against the two-year state budget. Individual legislators are also able to propose bills they feel are worthwhile to their districts and to the state of Connecticut.

In this year’s short session, individual legislators may only propose bills that are “fiscal in nature,” meaning any measure which would adjust the budget. For all other legislation, members must go through the committee of cognizance to take up the issue.
This process is put into place due to the shortened time frame where committees can hold public hearings and meet to discuss issues, and this allows them to maximize the weeks they have.

In the short session our primary focus will be the state budget which is in serious need of adjustments since its passage.

The Governor’s budget, which I voted against last year, has fallen out of balance due to its over-reliance on tax increases with projected tax revenue not been realized. Instead, we should be looking at the root of the problem which is reducing the size of our bloated state government. Unfortunately, this budget actually spent more than it did the previous year.

Since the budget’s passage the state’s economic news has gotten worse. Moody’s rating agency downgraded our bond rating citing Connecticut’s high amount of debt and the state’s unfunded pension liabilities and depleted reserves with slim prospects for near-term replenishment. Additionally the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis just projected a nearly $145 million budget deficit even after the retroactive income tax hikes on taxpayers in 2011.

I WORK FOR YOU

I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that as your state representative, I am here as a resource and to support to you. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns about state law or a problem that would be eased by legislative action, please contact me. We can work together so state government can better serve you, your family or your business. Contact my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visiting my website www.cthousegop.com. I would love to hear from you.