Zupkus Assigned to Legislative Committees

HARTFORD — State Representative-elect Lezlye Zupkus will serve on three committees during the 2013 legislative session. Zupkus has been assigned to the legislature’s committees on Public Safety and Security, Commerce, and Human Services. Her two-year term begins Jan. 9.

“Lezlye will make an excellent addition to these committees, and I know she will serve the House Republican caucus with distinction,” said state Rep. Larry Cafero, House Republican Leader. “We all rely on our key committee members to be our strongest advocates, our eyes and ears, when it comes to shaping critical legislation.”

Zupkus is anxious to begin work for Bethany, Prospect and Cheshire at a time when the state faces significant challenges–namely, problems with its books.

“Folks out there are beyond frustrated with a government that’s viewed tax increases as the solution to our state’s problems,” Zupkus said. “Those so-called ‘solutions’ have fallen flat again and again, and we’re facing yet another massive budget deficit.”

Legislators during a recent special session closed a projected $250 million deficit for this fiscal year, and analysts say Connecticut faces deficits of $1 billion in each of the next two fiscal years. Tackling those budget problems will begin next month.

The legislature’s Public Safety Committee has cognizance over issues such as municipal police training, homeland security, fire safety and state building codes, the organized crime task force, legalized gambling, and the Department of Public Safety.

Matters related to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority, and Connecticut Innovations fall under the purview of the legislature’s Commerce Committee.

Among the matters handled by members of the legislature’s Human Services Committee are the institutions and activities under the jurisdiction of the state’s departments of Social Services and Children and Families.

“Committee rooms are where the laws of our state are shaped, and where we can make the most difference for the people of the state of Connecticut,” Cafero said.