Dave Yaccarino

Rep. Yaccarino Joins North Haven Students for Citizenship Food Drive Pick-Up

North Haven – State Representative Dave Yaccarino joined students from Mr. Smith’s Civics Class at North Haven High School today to collect donations for the school’s Citizenship Civics Food Drive , an effort organized to support local families facing food insecurity ahead of Thanksgiving. Rep. Yaccarino praised the students for their leadership, teamwork, and compassion. “ These students give me so much hope for the future, ” Yaccarino said. “They worked hard, stayed focused on helping others, and showed exactly what good citizenship looks like. I’m grateful to Mr. Smith for guiding them and for inviting me to be part of such a meaningful project.” The class organized the drive to highlight civic responsibility and the importance of community service. Rep. Yaccarino helped the students gather and package donations that will be delivered to local families in need. Today’s visit was one stop in what Yaccarino described as a busy and inspiring day—starting with the high school, followed by a visit to Green Acres Elementary to welcome Connecticut’s Kid Governor, Tessa Hallain, during her visit with 5th-grade students, and later visiting the North Haven Senior Center to meet with staff and seniors and to hear updates on ongoing programs that support older residents. Rep. Yaccarino then brought all food drive donations to the North Haven Community Services Department, which maintains the town’s food bank. Robert Snurkowski met Rep. Yaccarino to receive the items and expressed appreciation for the students’ efforts and their impact on local families “Wherever I went today—from seniors to students—one theme was clear: North Haven is filled with people who care deeply about one another ,” he said. Yaccarino also shared a brief message ahead of the holiday: “ As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to thank the people of North Haven for everything you do to make this town such a strong and caring community. Let’s continue to look out for one another, be good to each other, and remember those who may need a little extra support this season. ” Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving. – Dave

Rep. Yaccarino Urges Governor to Declare Emergency, Provide Immediate Relief for Families Facing SNAP Crisis

North Haven, CT — State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-North Haven) is urging Governor Lamont to declare an emergency and take immediate action to address the growing SNAP benefits and food security crisis impacting families across Connecticut. “As I’m writing this, I’ve received a number of calls from residents who are fearful and unsure how they’re going to get by,” Rep. Yaccarino said. “No family should have to worry about how they’ll afford groceries this week. We have the means to help right now, and the state should act without delay.” Rep. Yaccarino emphasized that the state’s $4.3 billion Rainy Day Fund was created to support residents during difficult times, not to sit untouched while families struggle. “The Governor should declare an emergency and use the Rainy Day Fund to provide direct relief,” Yaccarino continued. “That’s the responsible and compassionate thing to do. Instead of exploring ways around our state’s financial safeguards or creating new accounts, we should be focused on using the tools we already have to get help to people quickly.” Yaccarino added that working families deserve decisive leadership: “Connecticut residents work hard, pay their taxes, and expect their government to be there in times of need. We can’t let bureaucracy or politics get in the way of doing what’s right.”

Statement from State Rep. Dave Yaccarino on PURA Chair Reappointment

<p>“Governor Lamont’s reappointment of Marissa Gillett as PURA Chair is a mistake. Connecticut families are struggling with high electric costs, and they deserve leadership that delivers results and tells the truth.</p> <p>During her reconfirmation hearing, I asked Chair Gillett directly about the deleted text messages tied to an ongoing legal matter. I didn’t get a clear answer then, and now we know those records were deleted from a personal phone set to auto-erase, undermining public trust and our FOI laws.</p> <p>We need <strong>sunshine in government, </strong>not regulators operating in the dark. That’s why House Republicans are calling for a legislative hearing to get real answers. PURA needs new leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and stable energy policy for all Connecticut residents.”</p>

Representative Dave Yaccarino Helps Pass New Law to Support Families of Fallen First Responders

<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">HARTFORD</span></strong> – State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that provides critical support to the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.</p> <p>Representative Yaccarino co-sponsored Senate Bill 1239, which renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the Fallen Officer and Firefighter Fund and extends both financial and health benefits to the families of fallen firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers.</p> <p>“I’m really happy to see this bill become law,” said Rep. Yaccarino. “Our first responders put everything on the line for us. When the worst happens, we need to be there for their families. This is a meaningful way to honor their service and show our appreciation in a real and lasting way.”</p> <p>The new law provides a $100,000 death benefit and up to five years of health insurance coverage for the families of those who die in the line of duty. Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law this week, with strong bipartisan support.</p> <p>“This is something we can all agree on,” Yaccarino added. “It’s a small but important way to stand by the people who stand by us every day. I’m grateful to have helped move this forward and proud of what we accomplished together.”</p>

State Representative Dave Yaccarino on PURA Chair Marissa Gillett and the Need for New Leadership

<p data-start="169" data-end="372"><strong>HARTFORD</strong>&#8211;State Representative Dave Yaccarino on PURA Chair Marissa Gillett and the Need for New Leadership.</p> <p data-start="169" data-end="372">“Leadership in government, just like in sports, is about results and accountability. And right now, PURA under Chair Marissa Gillett isn’t delivering the results Connecticut families and businesses need.</p> <p data-start="374" data-end="709">This week’s revelation in court that key text messages were deleted, messages potentially relevant to an ongoing legal case involving PURA decisions, raises serious concerns. While Chair Gillett’s legal team says the deletion was unintentional, the fact remains: important public records were lost, and it took months to disclose that.</p> <p data-start="711" data-end="1071">I’ve always said transparency is key. We need <strong data-start="757" data-end="769">sunshine</strong> in government so the public can see clearly what’s being done on their behalf. Using personal phones with auto-delete settings to conduct state business undermines that principle. For months, the utilities, lawmakers, and the public were told these records didn’t exist. That’s not how we build trust.</p> <p data-start="1073" data-end="1339">On the House floor, I pointed out a growing concern: driving credit rating downgrades for major utility subsidiaries of Avangrid and Eversource due to Connecticut’s hostile regulatory market. That instability has real consequences for our ratepayers and our economy.</p> <p data-start="1341" data-end="1708">I urged Chair Gillett to step down during her reappointment hearings because I believed then, as I do now, that PURA needs a new direction. Today, I join House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora in renewing that call. The public deserves confidence in its regulators. We need a fresh start at PURA—one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and real results for the people of Connecticut.”</p>