July 10, 2017

Constituents, Representatives Express Frustrations Concerning State Budget

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WINDSOR – State Representatives Tami Zawistowski (R-61) and Scott Storms (R-60) recently held in-district offices hours to encourage residents to meet with their representatives about any state or legislative issues.

Residents joined the representatives at Get Baked Bakery in Windsor to discuss the recently concluded legislative session, any new legislation that was passed that may impact them, as well as the status of the state budget.

“Many residents expressed their frustrations with the status of the state budget and the inaction by the legislature,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “Let me assure you, we are frustrated, too – we get it. Representative Storms and I, along with our caucus, have done what the House Democrats have not – developed a sound, balanced budget that does not increase taxes or hurt our municipalities. We have produced now three fully vetted budget proposals – each taking into account the state’s dire financial situation. It is not fair that our towns are now forced to wait and see what happens at the state level before they are able to finalize their own budgets.”

Due to the majority Democrat’s inaction concerning the state budget, the Governor is now mandated to run the state by executive order on a month-by-month basis.

“It was refreshing to see that residents are staying involved and are so aware of the situation in the legislature,” added Rep. Storms. “I, along with my Republican colleagues, have produced three different budget proposals to not only move the state forward, but do so in a structurally sound manner. Our no-tax-increase budget proposal promises a reduction in the state’s out-of-control spending and a reduction in the state’s out-of-control borrowing – all while protecting and maintaining current municipal aid distributions.

Aside from the status of the state budget, the representatives discussed legislation that passed this last session that could have a direct impact upon the community. Two notable pieces of legislation that were passed out of both the House and Senate include: HB 7052 – An Act Preventing Prescription Opioid Diversion and Abuse, which seeks to combat the growing opioid epidemic, and HB 6941 – An Act Establishing A Municipal Grant Portal, which seeks to streamline the municipal grant application process to ensure towns are able to track the progress of such applications.

“We passed a number of truly important bills this legislative session, and it is crucial that our constituents be informed of them. These informal meetings are a fantastic way to ensure the public is informed and we will continue to host them,” concluded Rep. Storms.

If you have any questions about the state budget, the recently concluded legislative session or any other state-related issues, please contact the representatives at (860) 240-8700 or by email at Tami.Zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov or Scott.Storms@housegop.ct.gov. For notification of future meetings or legislative updates, please sign up for their e-blasts at www.RepZawistowski.com and www.RepStorms.com.