Rep. Zupkus, Legislators Share Coffee and Conversation With Cheshire Residents

CHESHIRE – State Representatives Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Craig Fishbein (R-90), and State Senator Rob Sampson (R-16) hosted a Legislative Coffee Hour at the McDonalds on South Main Street in Cheshire on Friday morning to discuss the upcoming 2020 legislative session, including the state budget, tolls and other pressing state and local concerns.

The Cheshire legislators fielded questions for an hour on issues ranging from never-ending attempts to tax state residents out of Connecticut to out–of-control state spending and proposals to implement tolls on Connecticut highways.

“I want to thank everyone who came out this morning. We try to update our constituents as frequently as possible about the latest news at the Capitol because an informed public makes for a better democracy,”said Rep. Zupkus. “As I told the group, I will continue to fight for Cheshire taxpayers and lower their cost of living in Connecticut; they should not have to pay for the fiscal mismanagement of other big cities like Hartford or New Haven.”

“Representative government works best when people are engaged and can openly discuss the issues affecting them, their family and our community, and informal meetings like this offer an incredible opportunity for us to dig deeper into how state government impacts those local issues,” Rep. Fishbein said. “People are rightfully concerned about repeated state budget deficits, seemingly out-of-control state spending and tax increases that are negatively affecting the business climate and overall health of Connecticut.”

“I was very pleased to host a very well attended coffee hour – legislative update at the Cheshire McDonalds Friday morning,” said Sen. Sampson. “We all have a stake in our state government. Most everyone was concerned with the same things as I am – making Connecticut more attractive and affordable. They know they have a fighter in me and I will continue to advocate for responsible government, less spending and taxes, as well as opposing further infringements on our individual freedom.”

Recently, CT Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that the state is headed to end the fiscal year (which ends on June 30th) with a $28 million budget deficit. The state budget that was passed this year was crafted by Governor Ned Lamont and legislative Democrats without input from Republican lawmakers.

All three legislators told the crowd that they oppose any form of tolls on state highways and believe a proposed truck-only toll plan will eventually lead to tolls on all vehicles.