HARTFORD – The House Republican Caucus announced this week that State Rep. Joe Polletta (R-68) will serve as a Senior Whip for the 2023-24 legislative session.

The House Republican Caucus named Rep. Polletta one of two Senior Whips, whose duties entail serving as a senior “vote-getter” for the caucus, prioritizing good government practice and working to streamline important legislation and initiatives.

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said, “Rep. Polletta was a clear choice to serve our…

Bill Would Implement Pilot Peer Navigator Program

HARTFORD – State Representative Joe Polletta (R-68) co-sponsored and voted in favor of HB 5430 “An Act Concerning Opioids,” which would update existing laws affecting opioid abuse, prevention, and treatment.

Among the changes in the bill are allowing for mobile treatment programs, adding more non-opioid treatments to the list of options practitioners must provide their patients, and amends the definition of “drug paraphernalia” to allow individuals…

The Judiciary Committee will be holding a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, regarding our proposals to address the issue of juvenile crime. The proposed bill is 5418 ‘An Act Revising Juvenile and Criminal Justice Statutes and Insurance Statutes Concerning Theft of a Motor Vehicle.’ Testimony on this important piece of legislation can be submitted to the committee by e-mailing JUDtestimony@cga.ct.gov. If you would like to speak at Monday’s hearing, please note that registration to…

House Republicans held a news conference on Wednesday morning to outline their legislative proposals addressing Connecticut’s crime crisis. Lawmakers were also joined by victims and advocates to explain how the crisis has impacted them. You can view the entire news conference by clicking the image below.

Protecting the Public

The proposals presented at yesterday’s news conference are segmented into three specific categories – Safe Streets, Victim’s Rights, and Supporting Law Enforcement.

Safe Streets…

The federal government yesterday released a website allowing households across Connecticut and the country to order free COVID-19 rapid tests for delivery by visiting: https://www.covidtests.gov/. Just click on the website link, input your information and address, and confirm for four free COVID-19 rapid tests to be delivered through the post office. These test kits are expected to be shipped in late January.

With tax season rapidly approaching, I also wanted to provide you with some information…

New policies affecting Connecticut taxpayers and businesses took effect on January 1st, 2022. This year, several important measures that may impact you, your family or your business become law, including:

• An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave – Public Act No. 19-25 – Summary
• An Act Concerning Diabetes and High Deductible Health Plans – Public Act No. 20-4 – Summary
• An Act Concerning Court Operations – Public Act No. 21-104 (Sec. 2-10, 12-14, 24, 27, 29-33) – Summary

New legislation effective…

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Rep. Polletta will police officials, area legislators, and Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger in attending a Juvenile Crime Forum at Watertown Town Hall (Council Chambers), located at 61 Echo Lake Road in Watertown. 

As part of the forum, panelists will discuss changes needed to the justice system because of escalating juvenile crime in the area.

“The Greater Waterbury community, including Watertown, has seen a recent string of car thefts, shootings, and other…

House Republicans on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, called for Gov. Lamont to stop implementation of the truck tax, contending the confluence of substantial federal infrastructure aid and the controversial revenue policy that will increase costs for businesses and residents should have state lawmakers redefining a path forward on improving our transportation grid.

“From staffing problems to supply chain issues, and rising fuel prices to inflation, Connecticut businesses face a multitude of challenges…

Connecticut Launches New Statewide Tools To Help Parents Monitor Children’s Development, Access Expert Tips And Support Healthy Early Development

The Office of Early Childhood recently announced a new statewide initiative to support children from birth through age 5 by offering Sparkler — a mobile app for parents and caregivers — to all parents with young children and to programs serving those families. Connecticut is the first state in the nation to offer families with children ages birth to 5 comprehensive…

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the Connecticut Chapter is promoting several virtual events for families and their caregivers that I’d like to make you aware of.

Click below for information regarding each program.

November 3 at 12 PM ►Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior

Special Program – November 4 at 1 PM ► Journey of Dementia: What Are Caregivers Experiencing?

November 4 at 4 PM ► Safety and Memory Challenges

November 10 at 1:30 PM ► Living WIth Alzheimer’s:…