Editorial: My Legislative Vision for 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
There is nothing like being in-person at the State Capitol in Hartford during the legislative session. It is so wonderful to witness countless examples of public presence in what I truly believe is the people’s building. As I participate in legislative committee meetings, public hearings, and press conferences each week, I am reminded of the most important reason why I began my journey as a state representative: to be your voice.
This year, I am excited to announce that following the 2021 redistricting plan, our 89th House Assembly District will now expand to include additional parts of Cheshire, as well as a segment of Waterbury! With this expansion, I look forward to embracing the challenge of incorporating new ideas and interests into the voice of our district.
Each session, I am tasked with providing valuable oversight on the policymaking process, both supporting new legislation while also preventing the success of bad bills. As we pass the deadline to propose new bills, I am pleased to outline my legislative vision for 2023! The five main themes that summarize my legislative focus include affordability, our CT families, public education, community safety, and respect for our law enforcement.
The fight for a more affordable Connecticut is nothing foreign to all of us as prices continue to fluctuate without predictability; targeting essential products and needs. Therefore, I have proposed repealing the state Highway Use Tax (HUT), reducing the state Income, Sales, and Meals Taxes, and shrinking energy costs through more transparent state funding and increased competition in the electric distribution market.
Next, it is essential to keep families at the forefront as I am proposing more accessibility for parental involvement in education curriculum development, increased funding for scholarship programs, and required parental consent for children’s mental health treatment.
Additionally, the safety of our families and our communities has always been my priority. Therefore, I am presenting bills that will crack down on opioid abuse, uphold victim rights and treatment options, juvenile justice reform, and ensure that criminal records are not erased for those who commit egregious criminal acts. Now is the time to protect the lifeblood of our state and empower our youth to become well-educated and hardworking members of our communities.
Finally, I have always been an advocate for our police and first responders, and I will continue to advocate for the men and women who serve us by returning respect and authority to our law enforcement officers. My proposed legislation will complete two major goals: allow our police to complete their investigations without fear of frivolous lawsuits and support the families of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The 2023 Legislative Session is our chance as a state to call upon our elected officials to dedicate their time to the issues that matter at our dinner tables, in our businesses, schools, and across our towns. I will collaborate with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for the united, transparent, and necessary solutions we deserve in Connecticut.
If anyone would like to learn more or ask questions regarding this, or other state issues, never hesitate to email me at Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov, or call my office at (860) 240-8700. You can also visit RepZupkus.com or follow us on Facebook for more frequent updates.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus