State Reps. Zupkus, Fishbein, State Sen. Sampson Hold Successful Town Hall Meeting

CHESHIRE –State Representatives Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Craig Fishbein (R-90), and State Senator Rob Sampson (R-16) last week joined more than three dozen concerned constituents for a Town Hall Meeting and conversation at the Cheshire Town Hall.

The Thursday night event was held after regular work hours to allow as many constituents as possible to attend and discuss important issues from the recently ended 2021 regular and special sessions of the legislature.  The nearly two-hour discussion covered a wide variety of topics that included the $46 Billion state budget, federal Covid-19 relief funds and the looming fiscal cliff, legalized recreational marijuana, the continual housing issues that have emerged from the eviction moratorium, the governor’s failed TCI plan and subsequent truck mileage tax, and the escalating juvenile crime and vehicle theft epidemic.  Constituents were also concerned about school funding, the removal of the religious exemption for school-age children, and mandated vaccines coupled with forced mask wearing for the return of school.

“Our discussion circled around legislation that passed which will have major impacts on our local communities. The residents of Connecticut have a right to know how these bills with affect them and to hold their representative government accountable,” said Rep. Zupkus. “We heard a bi-partisan outcry on issues such as the juvenile crime epidemic, mandated vaccines and masks for our children, the Governor’s continued reign with Executive Authority; and the continued funding of failed state programs instead of finding real-world solutions. These should be concerns for all of us.”

“I appreciate everyone who took the time to come out to talk with us tonight, for being so well versed on the important issues facing our communities, and for being willing to engage their government and voice those concerns,” Rep. Fishbein said. “Many of the issues raised in events like this are the impetus for new legislation down the road. We host these meetings in a less formal, town hall-style to foster a free and open exchange of ideas so that together we can move the state in a positive direction.”

“Discussing state matters with engaged, invested citizens is one of my favorite responsibilities as a State Senator. I was pleased to be in a room filled with people concerned for the future of our state especially in light of the continued spike in juvenile crime and car thefts,” said State Sen. Rob Sampson. “While Hartford Democrats are solely focused on the waning pandemic, I remain steadfast in my commitment to restore safety and order in Connecticut, fighting what is currently the greatest threat to residents.”

Constituents who were unable to make the Town Hall Meeting but still have a question or would like to share a concern can contact the legislators via email at: Lezlye.Zupkus@HouseGop.CT.gov; Craig.Fishbein@HouseGop.CT.gov; or Rob.Sampson@cga.ct.gov.  The Representatives can also be reached via phone at (860) 240-8700, and Senator Sampson at: (860) 240-8800.