From the 55th State Rep’s Corner
The 2023 session is in full swing with nearly 3000-4000 bills or concepts being proposed before we recess on June 7th. By the end of session, that list will likely be whittled down to 300-400 bills, and we’ll likely vote on less than that amount. I have been appointed to the Higher Education, Housing and Labor & Public Employees committees. Each committee and legislator has the opportunity to propose bills, and more importantly, listen to constituents and citizens, as they testify as to whether they support or oppose a particular bill. The Capitol and the Legislative Office Building are fascinating places to visit.
This session, I proposed several bills that worked to limit the size of our government, to reduce costs, or to reduce the burdens placed on individuals and businesses in the state. Examples of these included reducing agency regulations, eliminating the highway use tax for trucks (which will lead to increased costs for all of us), bringing back qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, relaxing the standards for minimum wage for people under age 18 to encourage more youth in the workforce, removing the tax on prepared foods, and eliminating certain class action lawsuits against restaurant operators.
Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to see other bills proposed that are of great concern. There are dozens of proposals that violate individual rights, property rights, or otherwise propose to make CT even LESS economically competitive compared to other states. HB-5704 would make voting mandatory- with fines if you don’t vote. HB-6593 removes local control over zoning, believing that one size fits all for our 169 municipalities. HB-6109, HB-6588 & SB-138 all work to strip property rights away from housing providers. SB-229 proposes to pay striking workers unemployment compensation after they choose to go on strike and HB-5480 allows children to be vaccinated without parental consent. Some of these proposals may have started off with the best of intentions, but many will have unintended consequences, where future legislation may be required to fix flawed legislation.
When I was sworn in, I took an oath to protect the Constitutions of the United States and of Connecticut. Any time I am reviewing proposed legislation, meeting with constituents & subject matter experts, or proposing legislation myself, I am always concerned with how the legislature’s actions will affect our citizens. I am constantly challenging myself & my peers on the question: What is the proper role of government? It is of utmost importance to me that we protect individual rights. When a piece of legislation is proposed or voted on, it should not grant rights or benefits to one person or group by taking away from another person or group. Equal rights for each individual are often violated by proposed legislation and certainly existing laws. And finally, in order for the legislature to be reminded of what our purpose is, we need an engaged citizenry. We need to hear from our constituents on all sides of the issues. Too often, we citizens assume that what goes on up in Hartford operates outside of the purview of the citizens. It’s often that a controversial piece of legislation draws a crowd. However, each year, little pieces of our rights are taken away without any input from citizens. To that end, I urge any constituent from the 55th District to contact me with questions, concerns or input. I work for you!
Contact Info:
State Representative Steve Weir