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Senator Hwang’s greatest achievements are shown through his continuous support and presence at local events and legislative accomplishments.
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Supporting Women&#039s Reproductive & Healthcare Choices
Supporting Women's Reproductive & Healthcare Choices
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Collaboration, Working Together Toward Solutions
Collaboration, Working Together Toward Solutions
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This Isnt About Me
This Isnt About Me
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LATEST LEGISLATIVE POSTS

Sen. Hwang Celebrates Yale Stem Cell Center

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10-year Anniversary of Innovation and Research

Says goal is to “establish a thriving ecosystem of new businesses and high value jobs”

Sen. Tony Hwang on Nov. 10 joined his friend Dr. Haifan Lin, the Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology and Director of Yale Stem Cell Center, along with prominent medical researchers from across the nation to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Yale University Stem Cell Center and to celebrate its medical accomplishments.

Yale University leadership, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro also offered words of praise and support.

“I am so proud to celebrate Connecticut’s world leadership in stem cell innovation and research, and I am honored to be joined by so many amazing and brilliant scientists to celebrate the Center’s first decade,” said Sen. Hwang, who is co-chair of the legislature’s bipartisan Life Sciences Caucus. “The work done here improves medical care and the quality of life in our community. It also provides and economic multiplier effect for high-value jobs and business growth.”

Sen. Hwang said his focus at the State Capitol continues to be on policies which spur scientific research and grow jobs in the state’s bioscience industry.

“The Center’s existence is a win-win for Connecticut,” Sen. Hwang said. “High-tech jobs are being created, biotech spinoff companies have emerged, and our state’s status as a leader in scientific research has been bolstered.”

“Our shared goal here in Connecticut must be to establish a thriving ecosystem of new businesses and high value jobs,” Sen. Hwang added. “Yale Stem Center is one of many success stories in Connecticut, and we must pass pro-growth policies in Hartford to ensure future success stories.”

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

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Sen. Hwang, Lawmakers Attend Sikorsky Bill Signing Ceremony

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STRATFORD, CONN. – State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford), State Senator Tony Hwang (R- Fairfield) and State Representative Laura Hoydick (R-Stratford) joined the Governor, Monday, October 31, at a ceremonial bill signing to commemorate the adoption of legislation that approved the state’s agreement with Lockheed Martin. The deal will keep Sikorsky Aircraft’s worldwide headquarters in Connecticut through 2032. The company is poised to retain and grow approximately 8,000 jobs and is located in Stratford.

“The bill signing marks an important bipartisan effort to keep good-paying middle-class jobs here in the greater Stratford community,” said Sen. Kelly, who represents the towns of Stratford, Shelton, Seymour and Monroe. “We have an incredibly talented workforce that builds helicopters better than anywhere else in the world. These efforts will help overcome the economic issues Sikorsky was facing so that we can maintain and expand the presence of one of our biggest local employers.”

“This legislation will save thousands of good manufacturing jobs, keep Sikorsky in Stratford, and benefit scores of Connecticut small businesses in the vendor supply chain,” Sen. Hwang said. “It also serves as a warning to every state lawmaker that we’ve got to make our business climate less expensive. That requires more predictable, more sustainable, and more transparent economic policies. That requires lower taxes. That requires the elimination of burdensome regulations and red tape. Only then can we create the stable ecosystem that all businesses deserve.” Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.

“Sikorsky, which began in Stratford, is recognized as the world leader in helicopter manufacturing,” said Rep. Hoydick. “Sikorsky’s presence is critically important to Stratford and the surrounding towns’ tax base but it is an economic catalyst to the downstream supply companies which provide materials and resources to Sikorsky. It was an honor to join the Governor at the bill signing and I look forward to the good jobs that this deal will produce in the future.”
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Photo 1 – State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford), State Senator Tony Hwang (R- Fairfield) and State Representative Laura Hoydick (R-Stratford) joined the Governor, Monday, October 31, at a ceremonial bill signing to commemorate the adoption of legislation that approved the state’s agreement with Lockheed Martin to keep Sikorsky Aircraft’s headquarters in Connecticut.

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(photo) At Fairfield U., Sen. Hwang & Vets Advocates Spend “Day in the Boots of a Hero”

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Sen. Tony Hwang on Oct. 27 took part in an event held at Fairfield University which raised awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and their families who are homeless or living below the poverty line.

The event, called “A Day in the Boots of a Hero”, brought together lawmakers, community stakeholders, medical professionals and students to better understand the struggles of our nation’s heroes.

Sen. Hwang, who serves as Ranking Senator on the legislature’s Housing Committee and also serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the discussion was enlightening.

“Our veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for our nation – they are our heroes,” Sen. Hwang said. “I commend Fairfield University on hosting this gathering, which shined a bright light on the significant challenges our vets face each and every day. We are all one community. We are all blessed to live in this great country and to enjoy its freedoms. That’s why we can never stop striving to improve the quality of life for our vets. That quality of life involves health care, housing, job training, and many other issues. The focus in Washington, DC and at the State Capitol in Hartford must always be on our vets and their well-being.”

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

Attached photo: Among the participants in the Oct. 27 “A Day in the Boots of a Hero” event at Fairfield University were, from left to right: Volunteer Najja Salmon, Pastor John Diamond of the Cathedral of Faith in Bridgeport, Sen. Tony Hwang, Sandra Salmon of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Fairfield University Assistant Professor Kathryn Phillips.

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(photo) In Newtown, Sen. Hwang Hears from Students

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“How Does a Bill Become Law?”

Sen. Tony Hwang (at right) on Oct. 27 visited Newtown Middle School to speak to an assembly of students and answer their questions.

Sen. Hwang told the students about his background as an immigrant from Taiwan, his duties as their state senator and his passion for serving the community.

Sen. Hwang commended the students, teachers and administrators at Newtown Middle School for their emphasis on civics and urged them to continue to stay apprised of the debates taking place in Hartford and in Washington, DC. Sen. Hwang introduced legislation this year which increases the penalties for when a threat involves a preschool, K-12 school or an institution of higher education. The new Safer Schools state law makes threats felonies which would result in a prison sentence.

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

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(photo) Sen. Hwang, Rep Kupchick Applaud Funding for Operation Hope

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Sen. Tony Hwang and Rep. Brenda Kupchick today applauded the approval of $21,000 in funding for Operation Hope (www.operationhopeCT.org).

The funding, which comes from the state’s Interest on Real Estate Broker’s Trust Account (IOREBTA), will help provide area residents with assistance in foreclosure proceedings, financial counseling and housing remediation. Established in 1992, IOREBTA is not funded by Connecticut taxpayers. Under the program, real estate brokers deposit residential and commercial escrow funds into interest-bearing accounts with the purpose of providing mortgage assistance for low- or moderate-income families or persons with downpayments or any other appropriate housing subsidies. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority serves as the fiduciary for the funds.

Operation Hope runs homeless shelters for men, women and families, a community kitchen and a food pantry. It also owns or operates 46 units of affordable, supportive housing.

Operation Hope’s Executive Director Carla Miklos said, “We are so appreciative for this funding, and we thank Tony and Brenda for their tireless support of our mission. For many years, we have not made it onto the list of non-profit awardees. We see this year’s selection as a testament to the good work we are doing every day for the underserved in our communities.”

Sen. Hwang and Rep. Kupchick, who serve as Ranking Members of the state legislature’s Housing Committee, praised Operation Hope on its efforts to help families in-need.

Sen. Hwang said, “Carla Miklos and her staff help to stabilize the American Dream for families in our communities. That stability helps put families back on the right track. We’re so pleased to announce this funding, because we know it will provide lasting dividends and help get people out of poverty.”

Rep. Kupchick
said, “Operation Hope is about empowerment. This funding will help lift families up and make a real difference in the lives of people who truly need it. I’ve been volunteering with the Operation Hope for many years and have witnessed firsthand their compassion and results. I’m proud of the work Carla Miklos and the amazing staff at Operation Hope do toward their mission of not only ending homelessness, but for also working to prevent it.”

Operation Hope can be contacted at (203) 292-5588.

Attached photo, left to right: Operation Hope Board Member Michael Rosten, Rep. Brenda Kupchick, Sen. Tony Hwang, Operation Hope Executive Director Carla Miklos, and Operation Hope Director of Development Jennifer O’Neill.

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Sen. Hwang Lauds Grant for Easton Public Library

Sen. Hwang Lauds Grant for Easton Public Library;
“Idea Factories” Provide Opportunities for All

Noting the recent state grant to the Easton Public Library, Sen. Tony Hwang today praised libraries in the region as community treasures, idea factories and key education resources.

On Oct. 5, the State Library Board approved a $24,250 grant to fund a high-speed fiber connection between the Easton Public Library and the Connecticut Education Network (CEN). The connection is expected to be completed in early 2017.

“This improvement will allow all residents in Easton and surrounding communities to access the World Wide Web,” Sen. Hwang said. “That access will be there for those who do not own a computer, those who are not yet computer-savvy and for anyone who simply wants to learn. I carefully weigh each dollar that is spent in a difficult budget, and I thank the state for recognizing the need for this wise investment.”

Sen. Hwang said he remains committed to helping local libraries flourish in Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.

“What was once simply a place to read books and conduct research has evolved into full-fledged idea factories, business incubator lab, job search central, meeting place, and an all-around hub of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Sen. Hwang said. “In Easton and across the state, our libraries are helping to usher in a new grassroots level of economic development and social enrichment.”

* Sen. Hwang represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421. On the web: www.SenatorHwang.com

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Fairfield Lawmakers Blast DOT Fare Hikes

Fairfield lawmakers today issued the following statement regarding the state’s decision to hike rail and bus fares Dec. 1 despite vocal opposition from lawmakers and angry commuters:

Sen. Tony Hwang said, “This fare increase is just another tax on the backs of the working middle class in our state. This added financial burden comes with no additional infrastructure or rail service improvements, and that is unacceptable. It also comes on top of two record-setting tax hikes in five years. Combined with rate increases in utilities and health insurance, this fare increase might just be the last straw that breaks the back of Connecticut taxpayers. That truly is a shame, but I will say this: I was proud to stand alongside state lawmakers, tireless commuter advocates like Jim Cameron, and fed up taxpayers in opposition to this hike. We came together at the fare hike public hearing to send a clear message: No Fare Increases. Our unified, reasonable voice of opposition obviously was not heard by state transportation officials. That’s just terribly disappointing and frustrating, but it won’t deter us from re-doubling our efforts to be a strong, persistent voice for commuters and taxpayers. It will only motivate us to work harder in demanding that the people of Connecticut get heard.”

Rep. Laura Devlin said, “The decision to move ahead with these fare hikes without even acknowledging the opposition of a group of bipartisan legislators and the voices of almost 1,800 individuals these fares would hurt, is incredulous. This is the same arrogance we see in Hartford when it comes to discussing the state’s finances and budget. I can tell you the people I represent have had enough of the never-ending hits they are taking through tax hikes and fees. The majority party and Gov. Malloy need to stop balancing the budget on rosy revenue projections, then being forced to make ill-advised budget decisions when the revenue never ends up meeting what they say want to spend. Not including this increase, Metro North fare hikes have gone up over 20% in recent years with no tangible service improvements or infrastructure investments.”

Rep. Brenda Kupchick said, “We will not let this decision stand unchallenged, I and other legislators plan to propose legislation in January to repeal these rail fare hikes, the people of Fairfield and Southport deserve better than subpar rail service at a higher cost. The proposed fare increase is a direct result of the $37 million in cuts imposed on the DOT by the Malloy administration as part of the 2016-2017 revised state budget that was passed by majority legislators last May.”

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(photo) Fairfield Lawmakers Applaud $$ for Regional Fire School & Local Infrastructure

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Fairfield Lawmakers Applaud Funding for Regional Fire School & Local Infrastructure

Fairfield lawmakers today applauded the approval of state funding for local and regional projects which aim to improve public safety and bolster local infrastructure.

The State Bond Commission on Sep. 30 approved $500,000 for equipment for the renovation project at the Fairfield Regional Fire School and $750,000 for the replacement of 3,000 linear feet of sewer lines in Fairfield.

“I have witnessed firsthand the dangerous job our Fairfield firefighters undertake,” said Rep. Brenda Kupchick. “It is our job as legislators to make sure they receive the proper training. Today’s grant for the Fairfield Regional Fire School provides firefighters with a safe and modern facility to learn the skills we rely on them to deliver to protect our community.”

“The Fairfield Regional Fire School is essential to maintaining the public safety of every resident in the County,” said Rep. Laura Devlin. “As most volunteer and professional firefighters know, fire schools are instrumental in the training of firefighters and I have been very happy to have been a part of moving this matter forward.”

“This equipment for the Regional Fire School will help save lives in a crisis or disaster,” Sen. Tony Hwang said. “Updating our sewer infrastructure is also critical for Fairfield’s economic and community well-being. I weigh every bond item seriously against any budgetary constraints that state and local taxpayers are currently experiencing. Every taxpayer dollar is precious and must be treated as such. That said, I support these solid, long-term investments. They will positively impact our businesses and residents and make our communities safer.”
Attached photo:

At the Legislative Office Building Sep. 30, from left to right: Rep. Laura Devlin, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Fairfield Fire Department Chief Denis McCarthy, Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau, Sen. Tony Hwang, Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Tracy, Rep. Brenda Kupchick

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