Tami Zawistowski

CT River Water Quality Remains Focus of Bipartisan, Multi-state Advocates

Continuing their dialogue to support the Connecticut River and eliminate combined sewer overflows from up-river communities, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61), Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, Massachusetts State Representative Pat Duffy, and concerned officials and conservationists met Monday at the Holyoke Dam to tour the Hadley Falls facility and the Robert E. Barrett Fishway. "I want to thank Mayor Garcia and the experts from Holyoke Gas and Energy for providing an inside look at their impressive facility and showing us how they balance river and wildlife conservation while also generating power and providing other beneficial services to the community" Rep. Zawistowski said. “I’m encouraged by the progress our group has made so far to identify areas of concern and work on a pathway forward, but understand a project of this magnitude will take a considerable amount of time to implement fully. Ultimately, with pressure from our cross-border coalition, we’re hoping to see major changes within a decade - not a century.” According to the U.S. EPA, when the amount of water runoff exceeds the capacity of combined municipal wastewater treatment systems, untreated stormwater and wastewater is discharged into nearby waterbodies creating a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). These CSOs are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. With the understanding that significant public funding will be required for these projects, Representative Duffy noted that she is working to secure $10 million to be specifically used by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to study and combat combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from a larger Mass Ready Grant program. The group also discussed the possibility of accessing funding from similar grant programs related to flood resilience, and working with consultants to improve wastewater plants and systems. With the goals of improving overall system performance, anticipating future needs including considering how best to recover vital natural resources, and ways to better treat bio solids to lessen the impacts on downstream communities, the group continues to engage with environmental groups and stakeholders to coordinate cleanup and recovery efforts. In early 2025, in response to concerns from local fishermen and others, Connecticut Reps. Zawistowski and Devin Carney (R-Old Lyme), sent a formal letter to Environmental Protection Agency to request assistance to prevent up-river states from continuing to discharge sewage and other harmful substances into the Connecticut River. Those critical concerns, including the interstate water quality impact, public health risks, environmental justice, and the economic impact to tourism, recreation, and property values along the river corridor prompted these ongoing discussions.

Rep. Zawistowski Joins Kickoff for Bombardier FastTrack Training Program

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61) today joined Jonathan Savino, Windsor Locks First Selectman, Jason Hayes, East Granby First Selectman, Michael Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, Ray Godon, General Manager of Bombardier’s Hartford Service Center, Dr. Alice Pritchard, Executive Director of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and other state and local officials for the kick‑off celebration of Bombardier’s and CT Aero Tech’s new Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) FastTrack accelerated training program. Held in the “demonstration hangar” at Bombardier’s Service Center (Building 85-173) at Bradley International Airport, the formal announcement ceremony highlighted the first of its kind partnership between Bombardier and the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System that will allow A&P students, including veterans, to earn a paycheck while learning the advanced skills that will fast‑track their careers toward becoming full‑time, highly skilled technicians in a high-demand and well-paying industry. “The continued growth and expansion of Connecticut’s high tech aeronautical industry is impressive, and Bombardier’s commitment to training the men and women needed to keep these extremely complex aircraft in peak operating condition will benefit Windsor Locks, North Central Connecticut and the entire state,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “The new program will provide opportunities for those in the workforce seeking to increase their skills and gain FAA certification. Following a brief welcome and remarks by Godon and Shea, the invited guests were able to tour a Bombardier Global 7500 jet and speak with technicians regarding its capabilities, amenities, and more. Interestingly, the cockpit controls, including the HUD EVS system which provides location, safety, and landing information and logistics, were designed locally in Windsor Locks by Collins Aerospace. More information about Bombardier can be found at: https://bombardier.com/en

Celebrating Polish Day, Honoring Rep. Zawistowski

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski was honored for her commitment to her heritage and her success as a small business owner and elected state official during Polish Day events at the State Capitol Thursday. This annual celebration brings together Polish-American residents, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Connecticut, to honor the rich heritage and contributions of the Polish community. In addition to celebrating the 35 th anniversary of Polish Day events at the Capitol, this year they were also celebrating the 235 th anniversary of the Polish Constitution. The Polonia-Paderewski Choir performed both the American and Polish National Anthems to start the festivities, then the crowd heard from Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Mateusz Debowicz, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, and other guest speakers before officially recognizing the distinguished honorees who have made meaningful contributions to Polonia in Connecticut. The 2026 Honorees: State Representative Tami Zawistowski Frank Tyszka, Ansonia Mayor State Representative Mary Mushinsky Jason Jakubowski, CT Foodshare CEO Joanna Michalski, New Britain Polish Saturday School

Rep. Zawistowski Hosts Third Successful Bradley Development League Day at the Capitol

For the third year, more than two dozen businesses and organizations served by the Bradley Development League visited the Capitol to provide legislators and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the businesses and four towns – East Granby, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks – that make up the League. Created and organized by State Rep. Tami Zawistowski, this annual gathering has become a premier event showcasing Connecticut's incredibly diverse business community. As in previous years, there were representatives from myriad industries, including aerospace and technology, food service, manufacturing, banking, museums, athletics, and many more. Legislators and other government officials visited the event that highlighted some of the region’s business assets and attractions. "The Bradley Development League has been and will continue to be stalwart supporters of the skilled workforce in East Granby, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks, and proponents of local business development and expansion in the region,” Rep. Tami Zawistowski said. "The Bradley region combines access to cutting edge and high-tech employment and manufacturing opportunities with an excellent quality of life, including hiking and biking trails, a winery and craft breweries, historical locations like Old Newgate Prison, farm stands and markets for fresh produce and flowers, and more. The Bradley Development League is a vital asset to the business community, local employment and continued promotion of the area's diverse assets." According to its website, "the Bradley Development League is a consortium of four towns surrounding the airport—East Granby, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks—promoting regional economic growth and marketing more than 2,000 acres of buildable land. We’re here to help you learn about the area, find business incentives, explore suitable locations—and call our region home." The following companies and organizations were at the Capitol to celebrate the Day: · BDL Airport / CAA Bradley Buddies Therapy Dogs · Bradley Development League · Hilton Garden Inn Hartford-North/Bradley International Airport · Voices Against Lyme Disease · Founders Square (Grava Properties) · Hilltop Farm · Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce · Town of Suffield Economic Development · Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine · Baronet Coffee · Advanced Wheels · Bombardier · New England Air Museum · CBIA · Collins Aerospace (RTX) · Windsor Federal Bank · AdvanceCT

CT House Republicans Unveil “Pathway to Affordability” Budget Plan

HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tues­day released a budget adjustment plan for the second year of the state budget through a series of policies aimed at making Connecticut more affordable, lowering household costs, easing property tax pressures, and addressing the school funding crisis facing communities across the state. The $27.9 billion plan, called “Pathway to Affordability,” is balanced, provides more than $400 million in tax relief, falls $167 million under the state spending cap, and spends less than the governor’s budget proposal and the product advanced by Appropriations Committee Democrats. “Connecticut is staring down a projected budget deficit that could grow worse before it gets better, and the majority’s answer is to spend more and hope for the best,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “That’s not a strategy—that’s a recipe for the next tax hike. Our plan keeps us under the spending cap and puts real money back in people’s pockets, whether through their property tax bills­ or their insurance premiums." School Taxpayer Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP) The centerpiece of the House Republican proposal is the School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan, or STRAP—a $365 million investment distributed to every city and town in Connecticut to help offset surging education costs and reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. “Here’s the reality: Connecticut is underfunding education, using a fatally flawed formula, which has not kept up with what it actually costs to educate a child, and towns are left making up the difference,” said Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland), House Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee. “STRAP distributes $365 million to every Connecticut community on a proportional basis—using the same percentage each town already receives from the $2.3 billion ECS program. It would mean actual tax relief for our communities, and it’s built into the budget so it’s sustainable. It’s a solution that towns can actually plan around, so they’re not constantly scrambling or raising taxes just to keep schools running. We will continue the necessary work to fix this, but in the meantime, our proposal keeps these funds there until the legislature fixes the broken ECS formula once and for all.” The “Pathway to Affordability” plan includes a broad range of tax and fee relief: Increase the state’s maximum property tax credit to $650 and expand income eligibility, extending relief to 800,000 filers Curb healthcare costs by reducing a state levy on insurance companies ($20 million) that has been passed on to consumers in their monthly premiums Eliminate income tax on all Social Security benefits Eliminate the sales tax on children’s clothing Enact a “no tax on tips” exemption Reduce the sales tax on vehicles priced between $50,000 and $75,000 from 7.75% to 6.35%--because the cost of vehicles has risen sharply in recent years, and what once seemed like a luxury price point now covers everyday family minivans and work trucks Eliminate fees on certain occupational licenses Remove the “Passport to Parks” fee from motor vehicle registrations Ease local tax burden by providing $2.5 million to help municipalities cover early voting costs “Connecticut is already one of the most expensive states in the country to live in, and our residents feel it every single month,” said Rep. Joe Polletta (R-Watertown), House Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “The relief we’re proposing isn’t a one-time check or a political stunt. It’s built into the budget, which means it’s sustainable. Democrats have floated ideas that rely on volatile, one-time revenues. That’s not a plan, that’s a gamble with people’s money. We’re done gambling.” The plan is funded through new revenue and spending discipline, including: Recover $340 million by challenging New York’s “convenience of employer” rule, which forces roughly 80,000 Connecticut residents who work remotely for New York employers and pay income taxes to New York at rates higher (10.9% top rate) than they would pay here at home (6.99% top rate). The plan includes $1 million to help these workers file legal challenges against New York’s policy. Save $153 million by budgeting state employee positions based on realistic hiring trends rather than funding all vacancies at once Save $61 million by eliminating state-funded health insurance for undocumented immigrants, who retain access to care through Federally Qualified Health Centers Removes 25% of double-funding of ECS grants to municipalities, saving $29 million Save $12 million by reducing legislative earmarks Save $3.5 million by eliminating inmate text messaging Among our targeted investments in public safety and human services: $3.2 million to expand the CRISIS program helping police respond to and de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises $1.5 million for domestic violence shelters Provides funding to hire investigators for Medicaid Fraud Control $2.4 million to increase provider rates for Birth-to-Three child development services Creates an income tax deduction (up to $2k) for volunteer firefighter and EMS personnel