Newtown Delegation Hosts Town Hall Meeting

 NEWTOWN – State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), J.P. Sredzinski (R-112), and Will Duff (R-2), along with State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28), hosted a Town Hall meeting on Monday, January 29th at the C.H. Booth Library. The event was free, open to the public and attracted a full-room of engaged, passionate residents.

Each legislator began with a brief introduction, presented a summary issues of importance to their district and our opportunities for improvement at the state level.  But the primary purpose of the Town Hall was to give residents the chance to speak directly with, ask questions to and discuss topics of importance with their representatives in Hartford. Subjects ranged from job creation and state’s economy, to transportation and infrastructure needs, to concerns about high taxes, our state’s real estate stagnation and the need to reverse the disturbing outward migration that’s both a reaction-to and cause-of many of Connecticut’s fiscal challenges.

“It is important that we as legislators meet with our friends and neighbors in-district before the legislative session begins,” explained Rep. Bolinsky. “The questions and opinions we receive, whether at meetings like this, around town, at a store, a movie, an email or phone call help us understand what people are truly concerned about.  This guides my legislative efforts and influences my votes on committee or other legislator’s proposals.  Whether working in an Appropriations subcommittee on the state budget, or in committee on a deficit mitigation plan, I represent Newtown’s needs and values.  Right now, the 800-pound gorilla in the room is bringing Connecticut’s budget to a point of financial sustainability and predictability.  I also represent Newtown on the Education Committee.  For our community, compromising our excellent schools is not an option. Yet, we battle every session to maintain our state Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) grants, our Special Education Cost Sharing grants and to repel the imposition of costly ‘one-size fits-all’ state mandates. On the Aging Committee, in the I/DD Caucus, with AARP and ARC, I’m a watchdog for many of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.  To do this job right, you have to passionate about a lot of things, listen, learn and take action. I have the passion.”

“Unfortunately, this is a deeply uncertain time for Connecticut, especially when the legislature really doesn’t know whether the state will have sufficient revenue to fund its current spending levels,” said Rep. Sredzinski.  “The fiscal crisis leaves us with so few options, but we still have to work to trim the size of government while also growing our tax base.  Connecticut’s current situation and method of doing business is so perplexing to people, so I am glad we had such a good turnout at the Town Hall on Monday.  I hope my constituents will use my office as a resource to help them answer further questions that they have about state government.”

“We had a great conversation about the direction of our state. The state employee union deal, I opposed in July, is now wreaking havoc with our current state budget which remains in perpetual deficit. The union deal ties the hands of state legislators who want real structural reform and instead puts Newtown and other communities in jeopardy of losing their state aid,” Rep. Will Duff said. “We, as the Newtown Delegation, stand united against any cuts to our education or municipal state aid.”

“We urge residents to be vigilant and stay actively engaged,” Sen. Hwang said.  “Tell me what is important to you by signing up on www.SenatorHwang.com for our CT Capitol updates.  Follow each of us on social media.  Share your thoughts and ideas on how to improve our quality of life in Newtown and throughout Connecticut.  We all love this state, we are listening, and we need you to raise your voice. We represent you in Hartford, and we appreciate the honor of serving your best interests.”

The 2018 Legislative Session convenes next Wednesday, February 7th and will adjourn on Wednesday, May 9th.

Watch and share this News 8 story about Gov. Malloy’s attempt to “Quadruple Dip” into your wallets.

Tell me why you oppose it at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov (include your name and town) and I’ll forward it to Gov. Malloy.

Join me in saying “no” to Malloy’s “Quadruple Dip”!

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Sen. Hwang Hosts Job Skills Forum in Newtown

Sen. Tony Hwang (at podium) hosted a Job Skills Forum on Jan. 25 at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown.

The free forum brought together job skills and career services experts who offered advice to area residents on how to find success in their job search and career planning efforts.

Sen. Hwang said,  “This event is about helping people.  People who are out of work.  People who want to pursue new careers.  People who are simply looking for advice, support and assistance as to what resources are available to them.  The devastating emotional impact of unemployment and job loss should not be overlooked. We want people to know that others within our community care and want to help.”

The forum featured presentations by four panelists.

• Stephen Romano, Regional Job Center Director for the Connecticut Department of Labor
• Tom Long, Vice President, Communications and Development, The WorkPlace
• Scott K. Wilderman, President/CEO of Career Resources, one of the nation’s leading non-profit workforce development organizations.
• James Rascati, partner and director of organizational services at Behavioral Health Consultants in Hamden.

Those who could not attend can contact Sen. Hwang at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421.

*Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport . On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has vetoed the bipartisan bill that restores funding for a program that helps more than 100,000 seniors and disabled residents pay for Medicare-related expenses and stay in their homes.

That’s the bad news.

What’s the good news?

The good news is that lawmakers have the power to override his veto.

The good news is that WE have the power do what is right for thousands of Connecticut seniors and disabled residents.

I will continue to keep you updated on this developing situation.

Please spread the word and contact me anytime atTony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov or at 800 842-1421.