Bear sightings are becoming more frequent throughout Connecticut, especially throughout the 76^th District. As the weather continues to warm up, bear encounters will become more likely. I want to share the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) information about how to be bear aware.

>>REPORT SIGHTINGS<<

>> FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<<

>>LIVING WITH BLACK BEARS<<

Make Your Place a No-Bear-Food-Zone 

According to DEEP, the most important step to bear-proofing your property is to remove…

HARWINTON – Thursday April 6, beginning at 8:00 a.m. please join me along with State Senators Lisa Seminara (R-8) and Henri Martin (R-31) at the Countryside Restaurant for Coffee & Conversation. We will be providing an update on the 2023 Legislative Session. If you have any comments, questions or concerns about the major issues being discussed at the State Capitol, this is a great opportunity to discuss it with us.

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The Dept. of Transportation (DOT) will be conducting an upgrade project along Waterbury Road in Thomaston. The DOT will be upgrading the guide rails from the existing wood-pole guide rail system to the current safety standard system.

The project is slated to begin on Monday, April 3, and will conclude around Monday, May 22. The working hours for the project will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday).

There will be temporary lane closures along Waterbury Road. Please look for traffic control…

The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 2C of the LOB and via Zoom.  The committee will hear testimony on the following bill:

• H.B. 6887 – AN ACT CONCERNING ADDITIONAL LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The public hearing can be viewed via YouTube Live.  In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com.   Individuals who wish to testify must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form.…

Hartford – State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) testified in support of a concept that will require the nutritional facts of school meals to be posted in the school cafeteria. Piscopo was joined by Thomaston’s Superintendent of Schools, Francine Coss, to help explain the importance of students having access to this information.

“We have students that order their lunch with no way of knowing what’s in it,” said Piscopo. “It’s tough to ask kids to hit all the food groups or monitor what they’re eating if…

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) testified before the Transportation Committee during Monday’s Public Hearing in support of his proposal to strengthen the state’s “Move Over” law. All vehicles are required to safely move over to an open lane when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the highway.

>>>WATCH TESTIMONY HERE<<<

In 2019, the legislature expanded the law to include non-emergency vehicles, such as tow trucks. Piscopo’s concept seeks to strengthen the law’s existing language…

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) joined his colleagues in successfully petitioning the Finance Committee to hear a proposal that seeks to repeal the newly implemented Highway Use Tax (HUT). This tax, passed by Democrats in 2021, is levied according to a truck’s weight, classification and number of miles traveled in Connecticut.

“When I ran for re-election, I told the voters of my district that I was going to do my best to fight for tax relief. This isn’t an easy fix, but allowing folks to…

HARTFORD – On Wednesday afternoon the governor delivered his budget address before a joint legislative session to explain his vision of the state’s spending blueprint for the next two years. State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) was in attendance and issued the following response to the governor’s proposal.

“The governor is touting the largest rate decrease in state history. I am optimistic and in support of this part of the budget. One-party rule, however, has led Connecticut to earn top honors for highest…

Hartford – The House of Representatives convened on Wednesday to act on an updated bargaining agreement with the state police force. State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) voted in support of the contract, which was approved by a final vote tally of 142 – 1.

“Our State Police do a wonderful job, but lately they’re having trouble recruiting and keeping officers on the force. This contract was a necessary first step in getting our ranks back up to an adequate level. We still have more work to do to support…

Hartford – State Rep. John Piscopo participated in a news conference at the Legislative Office Building regarding the lowering of energy costs. Connecticut Republicans unveiled a new platform that is designed to create both short- and long-term relief for ratepayers Additionally, the package ensures strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers.

“Electric rates have gotten out of control. This common sense legislative package addresses the elephant in the room of…