FAIRFIELD- State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) along with Reps. Brenda Kupchick and Laura Devlin (R-134) supported a legislative package to keep Sikorsky in Connecticut for another 16 years and shore up thousands of jobs for the region, including over one-hundred Sikorsky employees in the town of Fairfield.

The deal gives Sikorsky $220 million in grants and tax exemptions in exchange for building 200 new Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift cargo helicopters in-state. In return, Sikorsky will be required to expand their workforce to more than 8,000 workers by 2032, increase its capital spending in Connecticut by 22%, and more importantly, double their spending of $350 million per year with Connecticut-based suppliers.

According to the Fairfield legislators, the town of Fairfield has five of the Sikorsky supply-chain companies that will benefit from the CH-53K being built.

These supply-chain companies are the small- and medium-sized businesses that employ hundreds of highly skilled local residents in Fairfield.
Sen. Hwang said, “This deal will save thousands of good manufacturing jobs, keep Sikorsky in Stratford, and benefit scores of Connecticut small businesses in the vendor supply chain. However, it should also serve as a warning to every state lawmaker that the cost of doing business here is much too high. We’ve got to work to make our business climate less expensive and to make our state’s economic policies more predictable, more sustainable, and more transparent. We must get our state’s finances in order. We must lower taxes and eliminate regulations and red tape. Only then can we create the stable ecosystem that all businesses deserve.”

Rep. Devlin said, “Connecticut can NOT afford to bleed any more jobs, especially highly skilled manufacturing jobs. These Sikorsky employees and their families are part of our community and region. I proudly support keeping Sikorsky in Connecticut.”

“Costs for Sikorsky are double in Connecticut vs other states that put us in a situation that required the state to help level the playing field and keep an important company like Sikorsky. Connecticut can be a leader again if the legislature works together to address the structural changes to state government, the mounting debt and uncertainty that’s created an unattractive climate for business. This legislative action was about the saving the jobs of the men and women who work at Sikorsky and those who own and are employed at the supply chains companies across the state,” said Rep. Kupchick.

The Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has honored Sen. Tony Hwang with its “2016 Legislator of the Year” award for his work in the area of public safety.

“In 1980, Candy Lightner, a realtor from California, started Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) after her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver who had several previous DWI arrests,” Sen. Hwang said. “Thirty-six years later, Connecticut continues to build on what Candy Lightner started in her daughter’s memory. At the State Capitol, I continue to do all I can to work with Democrats and Republicans to make our roads as safe as they can possibly be.”

“Public safety must be our top priority and we need to continue to make Connecticut a national model in this policy area,” Sen. Hwang said. “I am humbled to receive this honor from the Connecticut chapter of MADD.”

Sen. Hwang (www.SenatorHwang.com) represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov .

Attached photo: Cablevision’s “Meet The Leaders” host David Smith (left) with Sen. Tony Hwang during an interview this spring at the State Capitol. The Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has honored Sen. Hwang with its “2016 Legislator of the Year” award for his work in the area of public safety.

Sen. Tony Hwang said The Center for Family Justice’s (CFJ) annual “Speaking of Women” luncheon Tuesday, Sep. 27 at the Waterview in Monroe will put a well-deserved spotlight on the organization’s successful efforts to support victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“Healing and empowering victims into survivors,” Sen. Hwang said. “That’s the common goal at CFJ, and the free, confidential services it provides to people affected by violence in our region are second to none. Day in and day out, the professionals at CFJ make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.”

This year’s luncheon features Nancy Grace, CNN/HLN Legal Affairs Commentator and Victims’ Rights Activist. Corporate sponsors for the event include Verizon and Bigelow Tea.

CFJ completed a $1.2 million expansion this spring. The upgrade includes offices for police and prosecutors, rooms for childcare and client services, and computer stations for clients seeking to build employment skills. The State of Connecticut approved an additional grant of more than $470,000 for further expansion of the center.

“It was a pleasure to give Sen. Hwang a tour of Connecticut’s first Family Justice Center,” CFJ President and CEO Debra A. Greenwood said. “He has long been an unwavering advocate of the thousands of victims of sexual and domestic violence we serve annually in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. We are grateful for his constant and enthusiastic support.”
Recently, Sen. Hwang stood with victims of domestic violence by supporting a new Connecticut law which temporarily removes guns from offenders’ possession while their criminal cases are pending; providing victims with greater protection when they are extremely vulnerable.

Sen. Hwang has also stood with CFJ and Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara as an advocate for the White Ribbon Campaign, encouraging men and boys to join the local and global movement which calls on them to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence.

“CFJ represents a true team effort regarding wellness and victim advocacy,” Sen. Hwang said. “The services range from counseling, shelter, and legal support – and they can all be found under one roof in one safe place. We are all looking forward to an inspiring event on Sep. 27.”

On the web: www.centerforfamilyjustice.org and www.SenatorHwang.com .