Where We Are and Looking Forward

With a few weeks left in the year, this is a good time to provide an update on two key issues — our state budget and the redistricting plan taking effect next fall for the 2022 elections. It is important information to know and understand some basics. I’ll also offer closing thoughts as we look…

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A Tale of Two Budgets

Connecticut’s 2022-23 state budget tells a story. Like any story, the author – in this case the majority party – decides what you should see and think. In this case, the story told was of a “no tax increase budget.” Let’s dive in and take a look. There are many good things in this two-year…

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The wins, and where is this going?

My work in Hartford continues to be focused on bringing fiscal stability and financial viability to all in our state. I’ll start with the good news. The governor and legislative leaders of both parties worked together on a solution to the longstanding insolvency of the Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. While not a sexy topic,…

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Grass Roots Solutions for Zoning

The long-awaited state zoning bill, SB 1024, was announced on March 10 for a public hearing on March 15th. The virtual public hearing ran a full 24 hours before being halted with hundreds still waiting to testify. In my time in Hartford, this has been one of the most controversial and hotly debated subjects ever…

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Seeking Viable Solutions Not Bigger Problems

A question I always ask myself on pending legislation is “what problem does this solve?” The answer should be concise, clear and offer a viable solution. To me, our biggest responsibility as lawmakers are finding real and pragmatic solutions. With that in mind, two key proposals are getting a good deal of attention these days:…

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