February 4, 2020

Zupkus and Sampson Hold Legislative Update in Prospect

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PROSPECT – State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) held a pre-session legislative update with interested constituents at the Prospect Town Hall to discuss the Connecticut’s high cost of living driven by an ever-growing state budget and the possibility of tolls on state highway bridges.

More than 20 people attended the Town Hall event where Sampson and Zupkus fielded questions for over an hour. Subjects discussed included proposals for trucks only tolling, questions on where the toll revenue would go, is the Special Transportation Fund a true lockbox, conversation on why Connecticut continues to lag in its economic recovery behind other New England states, and recent tax hikes that took effect like, the tax on dry cleaning.

Some residents told the Prospect lawmakers they’re considering leaving the state if the cost of living continues to rise.

“I want to thank those that came out and had a civil and respectful conversation about the direction of our state,” said Rep. Zupkus. “Over and over, I hear that people are fed up with government, people who say they can’t afford to live in the communities where they grew up. I want everyone to know I hear you and I am working to make this state more affordable by demanding less state spending and stopping anyone tax hikes on working families.”

Sampson, whose district includes Prospect, assured everyone he understands the message they’ve sent his way.

“I appreciate having conversations with the people I serve as their State Senator. The healthy exchange of information and ideas helps everyone,” said Sen. Sampson. “These are the same processes that would assist us in educating democrats that tolls are not the answer to our transportation woes. While our transportation infrastructure and maintenance is indeed a priority, even a casual review of our finances demonstrates the problem is not a lack of revenue. I also want to remind everyone that the fight against tolls is not over. We need to keep the pressure on.”

The 2020 Legislative Session begins on February 5 and ends on May 6.

For anyone who was unable to attend but would like to talk to Rep. Zupkus, you can contact her at 1.800.842.1423 or send an email to Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov and Sen. Sampson is available at 1.800.842.1421 and email at Rob.Sampson@cga.ct.gov.