Joe Zullo

East Haven State Rep. Joe Zullo Rails Against FAA in Response to Appeals Court Decision in Case Involving Proposed Tweed Airport Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/21/2026 Regarding today's decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the proposed runway extension and terminal improvements at Tweed New Haven Airport, East Haven State Rep. Joe Zullo (R, 99) released the following statement: “Today’s technical decision is as disappointing as it is ironic. The decision comes on a day when the intersection of Short Beach Road and Hemingway Avenue, the gateway intersection to the proposed new airport terminal, is impassable and blocked off by public safety barricades due to severe flooding. In this case, the Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) chose to prepare an “Environmental Assessment,” (an “EA”) as opposed to a more extensive “Environmental Impact Statement” (an “EIS”). When the FAA made the decision to pursue the less comprehensive standard of review of this proposal, it made an implicit finding that the proposed runway extension and new terminal would not have “reasonably foreseeable significant impacts.” On a day like today, that decision feels laughable. Perhaps from cubicles in office buildings in Washington, far removed from the intersection of Hemingway Avenue and Short Beach Road, FAA bureaucrats have a hard time imagining the impacts of this massive proposal. However, here in East Haven, on a day like today, it is clearly foreseeable that in a town that has already endured a history of environment justice impacts, and in an area prone to repetitive and severe flooding, that constructing a massive new transportation hub with tens of thousands of square feet of impervious parking surface will have substantial, harmful impacts. It is obvious to anyone with two eyes and a little common sense that this project will require extensive mitigation measures to prevent severe environmental impacts, including the exacerbation of the very flooding conditions we’re witnessing today near the site of the proposed new airport terminal. If and when local and State regulatory bodies take up review of this proposal, residents can count on my strong voice in favor of common sense. Residents can count on me to demand the extensive, meaningful review of the clearly foreseeable impacts this proposal will have and which the FAA has turned a blind eye to. And residents can rest assured that I will always fight to protect the best interests of our community and give a voice to those most impacted by the proposed expansion of Tweed airport and who likely feel disappointed, marginalized, and steamrolled by today’s decision.” *** For additional information, visit www.repzullo.com or contact Rep. Zullo at 203-927-0871.

Letter from Rep. Zullo to the Mayor of New Haven regarding Tweed Airport development

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East Haven State Rep. Joe Zullo Promoted to Assistant Leader of Connecticut House Republican Caucus

HARTFORD — State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99), who represents the majority of the Town of East Haven in the Connecticut General Assembly, has been elevated to serve as an Assistant Leader of the House Republican Caucus, a leadership post that reflects Zullo’s growing role as an outspoken advocate for the policy priorities of residents across the State. The promotion was announced Wednesday by House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, who praised Zullo’s work ethic, commitment to East Haven, and growing voice in the legislature. “In district, Rep. Zullo has proven himself to be a reliable, trusted resource for his constituents. He’s maintained a strong presence in the Town’s schools, fostered an exceptional bipartisan relationship with local leaders, and proven to be a vigorous advocate for his community’s needs in the capitol. In Hartford, in his ranking member roles on both the Housing and Planning Development Committees, he firmly established himself as an outspoken, respected voice in our Chamber, particularly on the issues of affordability and on preserving local control of housing and zoning decisions,” said Candelora (R-North Branford). "Rep. Zullo has demonstrated a readiness and willingness to stand up for not only his constituents, but for all of the residents of Connecticut and this promotion reflects that fact.” Leader Candelora added, “Rep. Zullo understands the real-world impact of the laws we pass and he has his finger on the pulse of his community. He listens to his constituents and isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues. His leadership will strengthen our team and our ability to deliver results for the people of Connecticut.” Rep. Zullo, who has served in the legislature since February of 2019, has focused on a myriad of issues including property-tax relief, public safety, support for small businesses, and improving government accountability. Known locally for his hands-on approach and strong presence throughout his community, Zullo has built a reputation as an energetic advocate for working families, small businesses, and seniors. Zullo added, “I’m honored by the confidence Minority Leader Candelora has placed in me. This new role is an opportunity to fight even harder for East Haven, and for Connecticut taxpayers who are struggling with the State’s high cost of living. We need common sense policies that make our state more affordable, safer, and more welcoming to job creators and I’m prepared to leverage my voice and this new opportunity to continue fighting for those priorities.” As an “assistant leader,” Zullo will help guide caucus strategy, coordinate legislative initiatives, and work closely with members and other leaders to advance his caucus’s priorities during committee deliberations and floor debates. Candelora added, “Particularly over the past two legislative sessions, Rep. Zullo has become a respected voice on the House floor, offering candid, sharp, and meaningful context to debates and helping to advance our caucus’s priorities. He has also demonstrated an expanded influence on both social media and within policy circles. East Haven’s residents should be proud and reassured knowing they have a strong, respected voice advocating for them and shaping debate in Hartford.” Zullo’s new leadership position will also involve collaborating with other caucus leaders to foster outreach to municipal leaders and residents to ensure that local concerns remain at the forefront of state decision-making. Zullo took a bipartisan tone in addressing his outreach goals. “Good ideas don’t belong exclusively to one party,” Zullo said. “I maintain close relationships with local leaders, and with leaders across the aisle. Legislating is about building consensus and I will continue working with anyone who wants to make Connecticut a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” Zullo concluded, “I am humbled and grateful to Leader Candelora, and his entire leadership team, for this exciting opportunity. It is an awesome responsibility to advocate for my community in Hartford and I am appreciative to leader Candelora for the opportunity to do so now as a leader alongside him.” For additional information, visit www.repzullo.com .

Carfora, Zullo, Candelora, and Cicarella Unite in Condemnation of Nov. 30th Attack on East Haven Police Officer, Cruiser

EAST HAVEN — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, State Rep. Joseph Zullo, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, and Sen. Paul Cicarella released the following joint statement Monday regarding the disturbing incident that occurred Nov. 30 at the ShopRite Plaza (713 Foxon Road) involving an unprovoked attack on an occupied, marked East Haven police cruiser: “In all respects, we stand united today to oppose and condemn the coordinated violence perpetrated against one of our East Haven police officers on November 30, 2025. This type of behavior is equal parts repugnant and cowardly. East Haven will not be intimidated, and we will not tolerate organized chaos that threatens the safety of residents or our officers.” Mayor Carfora added, “We have made unprecedented investments in our police department during my administration to ensure not only the safety of our community, but the safety of our personnel. My administration stands by our officers, not only today in the wake of this sad incident, but every day. I stand firmly with Chief Lennon and our department as they seek to root out and hold accountable those involved in this sad event. I am increasingly concerned and frustrated with the current state of our law enforcement policies in this state. Too often these policies restrain officers in ways that put them directly in harm’s way and deny them the ability to defend themselves with the strength and urgency the situation requires. It is unacceptable that the very people sworn to keep our community safe are restricted from taking the steps necessary to ensure their own safety. This cannot continue —something has to change." Rep. Joe Zullo (R, 99) added, “This was not a prank, or a gathering gone wrong, but a coordinated and targeted attack on a uniformed East Haven police officer and a deliberate attempt to terrorize our community. This conduct is criminal, dangerous, and has absolutely no place in East Haven or anywhere in our State or country. My first order of business upon resumption of session in February will be to seek legislation strengthening the penalties for cowards who engage in this type of heinous, reprehensible behavior. “ Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R, 86) added, “Masked individuals ambushing an officer, vandalizing a marked cruiser, and recklessly parading through multiple towns is the behavior of criminals—plain and simple. It is behavior reflective of policies in our State that have gone too far in diluting respect for law enforcement and undermining the safety and efficacy of our officers.”

New Laws Taking Effect July 1st

<p>On July 1st, 2025, there will be several new laws that address a variety of topics from public safety to education, and more. Please see a brief list highlighting some important laws below, and for a <em>full</em> list, please visit: <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp">www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp</a></p> <p>JULY 1st NEW LAWS include:</p> <ul> <li>Public Act 23-21: Financial Literacy Instruction <ul> <li>Adds financial literacy credit to high school graduation requirements</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 23-160: Education Mandate Relief <ul> <li>Reviews education laws to identify duplicative and obsolete mandates</li> <li>Establishes Education Mandates Review Task Force to review burdensome mandates</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 24-148: Increasing Election Security <ul> <li>Implements video recording of absentee ballot boxes</li> <li>Ensures absentee ballot oversight and tracking</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-15: Honoring the Military Service of Veterans and Armed Forces Members <ul> <li>Establishes November as &#8216;Veterans&#8217; Month&#8217;</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-61: Fallen Hero Fund <ul> <li>Expands the &#8216;Fallen Officer Fund&#8217; to include aid to families of paramedics</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-80: Street Takeover Crackdown <ul> <li>Allows municipalities to increase penalties on those who partake in offroad vehicle &#8216;takeovers&#8217; and permits towns to destroy confiscated vehicles</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-67: Quality and Delivery of Special Education <ul> <li>Ensures special education program oversight and transparency</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-159: Department of Motor Vehicles Safety Recommendations <ul> <li>Revises penalties for intoxicated driving</li> <li>Raises fines for those who disobey the &#8216;Move Over Law&#8217; on road work sites</li> </ul> </li> <li>PA 25-173: Addressing Energy Costs <ul> <li>Removes certain costs from the Public Benefits charge relieving ratepayers</li> <li>Revises PURA procedures to efficiently calculate rate costs and ensure more attention to ratepayer relief</li> </ul> </li> </ul>