Lezlye Zupkus

Tax-Free Week Starts on Aug. 16

HARTFORD - With the start of school just around the corner, Rep. Lezlye Zupkus is informing residents that Connecticut will once again offer a tax-free sales week on many items and this year the list of eligible items has expanded. From Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, you can shop for most clothing and shoes under $300 without paying state sales tax. It’s perfect for families stocking up on back-to-school clothing, or anyone who wants to add to their wardrobes. Backpacks and other items are now eligible for this week as well. Every bit of savings helps, and this is a great chance to keep more money in your pocket while supporting our local businesses! More details can be found here .

Rep. Zupkus and Sen. Rob Sampson to Hold Post-Session Legislative Discussion in Prospect

PROSPECT – Residents are invited to attend a post-legislative session with State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) on Monday, August 10 at the Prospect Town Hall. The update will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is an opportunity to connect with the veteran lawmakers for a conversation about the 2026 legislative session and ask questions about any issues they wish to discuss, including proposed bills, the state budget and any other legislative concerns. WHEN : Monday, Aug. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. WHERE : Prospect Town Hall (36 Center St., Prospect) Residents who are unable to attend but would like to voice a concern are urged to contact their legislators in the House at 800-842-1423 or Senate at 800-842-1421 or by emailing lezlye.zupkus@housegop.ct.gov

New Laws as of July 1st, Including Support for Veterans and Earmark-Reform Legislation

HARTFORD - New laws are now in effect as of July 1, including several that were House Republican initiatives. These laws cover a range of topics, from the enactment of the state budget adjustments to “earmark” reforms and support for veterans. Expanding Tax Free Week Tax free week in Connecticut will now expand the scope of savings. The exempt sales price limit has been raised for clothing items and shoes from $100 to $300. Cleated footwear and backpacks under $300 will also now be included in tax-free week. Supporting Veterans Two bills benefiting veterans in our state are in effect. P.A. 26-35, known as the Veterans "HERO Act," will protect, enhance, and expand benefits for veterans and active-duty service members. It expands tuition waivers for veterans attending state universities and community colleges, creates protections against "claim sharks," and provides tax relief. P.A. 26-111 will require cities and towns to appoint a committee of veterans to maintain the graves of those who served in the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs will also be required to provide an online form that individuals can fill out alerting them of a neglected veteran's grave. Increased Accountability for State Funds We created a law implementing stricter guidelines to ensure legislative funds are being spent for their intended purposes, and that nonprofits and community organizations that are receiving these funds are properly identified. A full list of legislation can be found at this link .

Honoring "America's 250th Essay Contest" Winners in Prospect

PROSPECT - State Representatives Lezlye Zupkus and Nicole Klarides-Ditria presented Long River Middle School students, Emma Ross, grade 8, and Mason Coviello, grade 7, with official State Citations in recognition of their winning writings for the "America's 250th Essay Contest!" The veteran lawmakers came up with the essay contest as a way to help students connect with the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation. About 100 entries were submitted as part of the voluntary contest, which asked students what America meant to them. Mason wrote in his essay that: “With freedom, we have the opportunity to follow our dreams. People can choose their careers, start businesses, and work towards their goals. The idea of the ‘American Dream’ is based on freedom and opportunity. This means that with hard work, we can improve our lives and succeed. Possibility is a huge part of what freedom means in America.” And Emma wrote: “I knew that it wasn't the beauty of the land or the strong army that wins wars. No. I thought about the people. You make America the country it is. To me, America is us.” Long River Middle School Principal Derek Muharem and family members for each student were on hand for the brief presentation held in the school's media center.

Rep. Lezlye Zupkus Opposes HB 5468, Raises Concerns Over Government Overreach into Homeschooling

HARTFORD — State Representative Lezlye Zupkus, Ranking Member of the Education Committee , voiced strong opposition Thursday to HB 5468, legislation she says targets homeschooling families under the guise of child safety while failing to address broader concerns. “Let’s be clear about what’s going on here, this bill is not about protecting children. It is about expanding government control over homeschooling families because they are the group that is specifically targeted in this legislation,” said Rep. Zupkus. HB 5468 establishes a new annual “intent to educate” requirement for families, effectively creating a statewide registry of how children are being educated. Rep. Zupkus warned that this represents a significant shift toward increased regulation of homeschooling. Under the proposal, parents who withdraw their children from public school for homeschooling would be subject to a records check through the Department of Children and Families to determine whether any adult in the household is under investigation or listed on the state’s child abuse or neglect registry. “This is a major step toward government oversight of parents who choose to educate their children at home. And it goes even further by singling out these families for additional scrutiny,” Rep. Zupkus said. “If the goal is truly to protect children, then why are these checks only applied to homeschooling families? There are still clear loopholes that allow a child to be withdrawn from school for other reasons without the same level of review, such as serious sickness, but those are not included.” Rep. Zupkus emphasized that while child safety must remain a top priority, policies should be applied consistently and effectively across all situations. She also raised concerns about the long-term implications of the legislation, noting that the registry requirement could serve as a foundation for further restrictions on homeschooling in the future. “Parents have a fundamental right to direct their children’s education,” she said. “This bill moves us in the wrong direction by expanding government involvement without addressing the broader gaps it claims to fix,” she said. “We should be focused on policies that protect all children, not just creating new mandates for a specific group.”