A Conversation with Connecticut Voters – July Editorial
Last month, I joined my friends and neighbors at a local town hall event to summarize some of the most important events, bills, and votes during the 2023 Legislative Session. Since the adjournment of session at midnight on June 7th, I have personally connected with my constituents who have shared what they believe to be the good, bad, and the ugly parts of this session.
Each session is jam-packed with countless bills that often affect every single resident in the state of Connecticut. In this year, alone, elected officials considered roughly 500 bills, the most significant being the 832-page state budget agreement. Unfortunately, this massive list of proposed and lengthy legislation can distract voters from one-sided party agendas and dangerous details hidden in a bill’s language.
Following my successful legislative wrap-up event, my constituents emphasized two main themes: wasteful spending and more government transparency. Using these themes, I categorized some of the most important bills this year that inspired Connecticut voters to join me for a weeknight discussion to make their voices heard.
At our post-session event, my constituents didn’t hesitate to address how our state tolerates plenty of wasteful spending. One of the most significant points made was about the state budget agreement, which included only some of the suggested historic income tax relief proposed by House Republicans. Alongside a roughly 7% two-year spending increase, this so-called “tax relief” actually means that while the state is putting money in one pocket, they’re taking it out of the other.
This means that taxpayers are paying for new costs; some of which are associated with funding reproductive “health services” at regional college campuses and even medical coverage for illegal immigrants. Additionally, new costs related to early voting increased overall spending, despite the budget failing to include ample funds to implement early voting in smaller towns. One voter said it best, affordability only increases once wasteful spending decreases.
Aside from transparency in spending, my constituents also agree that voters deserve more transparency in the legislative process. One bill that comes to mind was SB 1023 which concerns general probate court operations. The issue, however, came when I read that the original language would replace the term “mother” with “birth-parent”.
As I stated on the House floor, by eliminating the term “mother”, this bill excluded me. I defended myself and all adoptive mothers who would not qualify under the term “birth-parent”, because it is language like this that only serves to dissolve the Family Unit. I encourage voters to watch my speech on my Facebook Page to see my commitment to transparency and supporting all parents, mothers, and families.
My takeaway: Connecticut voters deserve a more affordable, safe, and transparent state. With 187 legislators representing around 3 million residents, enacting real change towards a this takes all of us. Until then, our current state government will continue to be limited by the lone agenda of a Democrat super-majority.
That’s why I recommend that every voter stay engaged with what’s happening in Hartford, especially during session. Even if you are outside of my district, I encourage you to visit my website at RepZupkus.com and subscribe to my email updates so that you can finally experience transparency and know exactly how your taxpayer dollars are being spent.
As always, please never hesitate to contact me with your questions, ideas, and concerns at Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov or at 860-240-8700 about this, or any state issues.