State Senator Tony Hwang released the following statement in regards to Governor Ned Lamon’ts announcement about the appointments of David Lehman as Chief Economic Advisor and new Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner and partnership with non-profit Connecticut Economic Resource Center led by Jim Smith and Indra Nooyi.

“I applaud Governor Lamont’s innovative thinking and his continued dedication to using public-private partnerships to bring Connecticut into the future. I want to thank Indra Nooyi, Jim Smith, and David Lehman for stepping up to offer their time and talent toward creating a reinvigorated and entrepreneurial economic ecosystem. Economic development is the keystone to putting Connecticut back on track, and this out-of-the-box approach that draws on proven business leaders who have volunteered to help fix our state is a new and excellent way to think about growing our economy,” said Senator Hwang.

David Lehman is a former Goldman Sachs executive who offered his services to Governor Lamont. Lehman has been named the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and will also serve as Governor Lamont’s Chief Economic Advisor. Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, and Jim Smith, former Chairman and CEO of Webster Bank, will co-chair the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), the non-profit, recruitment arm of the public-private Partnership to Advance the Connecticut of Tomorrow (PACT) between CERC and DECD.

“If Connecticut is to retake our place as a leader in this nation, we need to resurrect the entrepreneurial spirit of this state, foster a sustainable business environment and develop the workforce necessary to compliment the businesses that want to be a part of a Connecticut comeback story. This partnership is a great first step in that direction and I look forward to what PACT can accomplish.”

Sen. Tony Hwang serves food at a local shelter during the Holiday Season

Republican State Sen. Tony Hwang says he’s ready to get to work — even if Connecticut’s towering $1.7 billion deficit will lead to “some hard decisions” during the newly begun legislative session.

“We didn’t get into this trouble overnight, and we’re not going to solve it overnight,” said the 54-year-old senator, whose district includes parts of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton and Newtown. “But our time is running out to fix it.”

The Fairfield resident also opined that money should be spent on modernizing the DMV. “It’s all a part of addressing how we can create a better, more efficient delivery of government services,” Hwang said. “I hope we (the legislature) can take a pragmatic and cautious approach” to that and other issues.Hwang, re-elected in November to his second term in the state Senate after three terms in the state House, maintains a fairly moderate position when it comes to most topics. While state Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano and House Minority Leader Themis Klarides have rejected — sometimes vehemently — the idea of bringing electronic tolls to the state’s highways, Hwang, who sits on the Senate Transportation Committee, said, “I’m open to every discussion. I’m not a pure ‘no’ on something like that.”

Although he’s personally against gambling, Hwang declared that he accepts the fact that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of legalized sports gambling being allowed in every state.

Hwang wants to push through legislation that would create a state cybersecurity czar who would report to the Connecticut Department of Public Safety. “That person would be responsible for working with Homeland Security, helping corporations and other businesses fight against espionage and attacks on customer databases, and educating the public about the risks they may not even know they’re facing.”

Hwang said that even though he’s rarely without his laptop or mobile device, he remains concerned that device makers like T-Mobile and Verizon, as well as platforms like Facebook, “continue to use our data in an invasive manner.”

He declined to say if he had anyone in mind for the czar position but said he “has confidence” that Gov. Ned Lamont understands the situation.

Hwang is the minority leader on the Housing and Higher Education & Employment committees. Of the former, he said he wants to address the shortage of affordable housing throughout the state as well as “the incredibly high cost of housing in southwest Connecticut. I hope we can talk about housing solutions that can be a catalyst for reinvigorating not just our urban but also our suburban centers to attract more and more young people to our area.”

As for education, Hwang said he hoped the state would renew its efforts to promote not only the University of Connecticut and other state schools, as well as private institutions like Yale and Trinity College, “but our vocational and technical schools as well. Those need a new, fresh look. There is an ongoing need for delivering a population that is not always interested in a four-year school, who can learn a trade alongside a craftsman. The skills we need are not always acquired in the towers of higher education.”

Hwang said he was confident that he and his fellow Republicans can find common ground with Lamont.

“I’ve met him a few times and he’s always been a gentleman,” he said. “He’s a genuinely likable person and truly seems to be taking a collaborative approach. I’m encouraged. I want him to succeed, just like I want the legislature to succeed and our businesses and constituents to succeed.”

State Sen. Tony Hwang: Legislature must deal with ‘hard decisions’ this year

Bipartisan Bioscience Caucus, BioCT Leaders at their January 30th Joint Press Conference. From left to right: Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136), Rep. Robin Comey (D-102), Senator Tony Hwang (R-28), BioCT President & CEO Dawn Hocevar, CBIA Bioscience Growth Council Exec. Director Paul Pescatello, Senator Christine Cohen (D-12), Dr. Mark Adams of Jackson Labs, Rep. Bill Petit (R-22).

HARTFORD – Yesterday January 30th, the co-Chairs of the Legislature’s Bioscience Caucus met with their main industry counterpart, BioCT, to discuss the strategic plan developed since the last legislative session, and announce specific goals for the coming session. Alongside co-Chairs State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28), State Senator Christine Cohen (D-12), State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107), and Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136) was BioCT President & CEO Dawn Hocevar and Dr. Mark Adams, Director of Microbial Genomic Services at Jackson Labs.

The Bioscience caucus is a group of legislators committed to working with industry partners to create smart policies that encourage growth in one of Connecticut’s strongest business sectors. With some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, insurance and genomics companies, and several prestigious Colleges and Universities, Connecticut is poised to be a leader in one of the most forward-thinking industries. The Bioscience Caucus is dedicated to ensuring Connecticut takes hold of that opportunity to foster continued innovation and economic growth in the state.

The Strategic plan includes five key areas that would make Connecticut the ideal partner for new businesses in the bioscience sector. These include (1) Marketing and Branding, (2) Business Development & Recruitment, (3) Attracting Investment Capital, (4) Infrastructure Improvements, and (5) Workforce Development. Details for each of these key areas can be found in the attached Executive Summary of the CT Bioscience Strategic Plan.

“Bioscience is a critical element to the growth of our economy and for creating important new businesses and well-paying jobs. I am proud to be supporting businesses that enhance the quality of our health and lifestyle. At its core, that is what we are trying to do here in the bipartisan Bioscience Caucus,” said Senator Hwang. “When I look at our State, I see incredible potential in this sector and all we need to do is take hold of this opportunity to create policies that encourage and foster growth in this industry.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the leadership team of the Bioscience Caucus as co-chair,” said Senator Cohen. “This is a fast-growing segment worldwide and Connecticut has seen a tremendous amount of expansion in the bioscience arena. These life-saving innovations are stimulating job growth and breakthrough technologies. I look forward to fostering ideas and legislation that will allow this business community to prosper and ultimately allow Connecticut to thrive.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to champion important initiatives at the state level to assist bioscience companies, like Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, right in my local community,” said Rep. Harding. “Investing in bioscience is investing not only in our economy, but in the health and protection of our constituents, environment and animals.”

“The bioscience industry is on the cusp of changing the world of healthcare and Connecticut is poised to play a significant role in advancing life-saving innovation.” said Rep. Steinberg. “The Bioscience Caucus is committed to fostering the environment for sustained growth of this sector. We can improve the health of our citizens while we create good-paying jobs and lift our economy. I look forward to continuing our dialogue with Academia and Industry on how best to further this agenda.”

“I believe that in order for Connecticut to continue on the road to economic recovery that Biotech and Bioscience need to be part of the solution,” said Rep. Petit, a returning member of the Bioscience Caucus. Connecticut is extremely blessed to not only have magnificent research universities and companies, but a highly trained pool of workers who are ready to compete for those careers. As a state, we need to support development in this area for economic growth in addition to the scientific advances that can be made as a result and we should start by changing or eliminating some of the corporate and business taxes that put us at a disadvantage to border states we are competing against.”

BioCT is the bioscience industry voice for the state of Connecticut, and is dedicated to growing the vibrant bioscience ecosystem in Connecticut by supporting innovation, collaboration, networking, education, talent engagement and advocacy.  They bring together companies, institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, government, service providers, and others, to create a thriving community to improve patients’ lives and public health.

“Key stakeholders from government, academia and industry are collaborating to build upon the bioscience strategic plan to ensure the growth and success of this industry in Connecticut,” said Hocevar. “This growth will increase jobs, recruitment, talent, infrastructure, venture and resources to ultimately improve the health of our residents and save lives. I’d like to thank the leaders of this caucus for their advocacy, along with the many other public officials and stakeholders who recognize the importance of fostering growth in this sector in Connecticut,”

“At The Jackson Laboratory (JAX), our team is making key breakthroughs in the areas of cancer, the human microbiome, systems genetics, and genome-based medicine,” said Mark Adams, Ph.D., professor and director, microbial genomic services at JAX.  “We’re very proud of our scientific collaborations with academic, business, and life science organizations in Connecticut and beyond, many of which have produced multidisciplinary research grants, bringing significant federal investment to the state, and also tremendous hope to people around the world who are affected by diseases like breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, to name a few. With the support of the Bioscience Caucus and many others, we look forward to our continuing to make important discoveries in Connecticut that impact human health on a local and global scale.”

Paul Pescatello, Executive Director at CBIA Bioscience Growth Council, remarked, “Rarely have the interests of the business community generally and the biopharma sector been so aligned. We look forward to working with the General Assembly Bioscience Caucus to build a more stable long-term fiscal outlook for Connecticut, create transportation infrastructure and enhance incentives to encourage more bioscience research and development in this state.”

Senator Hwang is the co-Chair of the bipartisan Bioscience caucus, which is a group of legislators committed to working with industry partners to create smart policies that encourage growth in one of Connecticut’s strongest business sectors. With some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, insurance and genomics companies, and several prestigious Colleges and Universities, Connecticut is poised to be a leader in one of the most forward-thinking industries. The Bioscience Caucus is dedicated to ensuring Connecticut takes hold of that opportunity to foster continued innovation and economic growth in the state.

By: Molly Herman w/ help from Tony Hwang

State Senator Tony Hwang and local Fairfield residents came together Saturday on Black Rock Turnpike to commemorate the 25th anniversary of A&S Italian Fine Foods. The energy in the store was palpable, filled with laughter and cheerfulness, as this important milestone was celebrated. During the festivities Hwang presented owner Carmine Battimelli with a General Assembly Official Citation recognizing his 25 years of success in the Fairfield area. The Senator praised A&S as “a staple of the community”, highlighting their culinary expertise, outstanding customer service and the many ways A&S gives back to the community in which it serves. When asked to comment on these years, Battimelli replied, “25 years went by so fast! When you’re having fun doing what you love it goes by quick… it has been a pleasure…and I’m looking forward to serving for another 25 and more.

The store, which originated in Stratford, was there for nine years prior to closing its doors and relocating to Fairfield. A&S Italian Fine Foods prides itself on providing the finest of products, including specialty items, as well as the level of customer service given to each person who walks through the door. Among the current customer base are still many loyal Stratford individuals who have continued to patronize A&S even after the move. Among Saturday’s well-wishers was Bruce August, who has been coming to the store since he moved to Fairfield eight years ago. “I come in for lunch and sometimes dinner every day for the quality of the food and the excellent customer service I receive.”

As people joined in celebrating the store’s success, the Battimelli family, Carmine, his wife Doreen, and their sons Donny and Giovanni, deemed this event to be Customer Appreciation Day. The day was filled with passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold appetizers, as well as giveaways to loyal customers. For the ultimate shopping experience “…sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…” and Carmine and staff will be glad that you came. Congratulations to the Battimelli’s, and here’s to the next 25 years!

Monday, January 21st marked the 33rd Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As a proud member of the immigrant and minority communities, I take this day to reflect on his legacy and how his words have influenced how we live our own lives. Dr. King led the charge in our nation to promote diversity, to celebrate it, and to draw strength from it. Without his leadership I may not sit where I do today in the Senate Chamber, or enjoy the freedoms that I do as a citizen of this great State and Nation.

Each year on this day, I like to revisit Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. This year, these three passages stood out to me.

“Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” In these days of political tribalism and vitriol, I find this particularly poignant. One of my personal goals is to revitalize the respect and deference we all deserve, whether we are discussing politics, social movements, or which team we are rooting for in the Super Bowl this year. This quote reminds me that no matter how much we disagree we must, as King said, “forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.”

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men [and women] are created equal.” Our society is still going through the turmoils of change, and to this day we are fighting to live out this creed. More and more people are being granted access to the rights they are given by our Declaration of Independence, but even today we should keep this goal in mind as we strive to hold onto the progress we have made towards equality.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.” One of the most recognizable lines from his speech, I believe this to be the foundation of how we will achieve diversity. When we choose our friends, employees, and elected officials not by what they look like but for how they act and what they believe, we will find ourselves surrounded by those who look different from ourselves because personality does not discriminate.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, let us reflect on his words and do our best to live by them.

State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) released the following statement today regarding the Legislature’s emergency session to vote on Governor Lamont’s proposal to provide interest-free loans to furloughed federal workers in Connecticut.

“I am proud to vote for this proactive and public/private approach to provide some relief to Connecticut residents who are federal workers currently on furlough or are required to work without pay,” said Sen. Hwang. “Many affected workers furloughed during government shutdowns are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Without any sort of income during times like these and faced with rising liabilities, I believe it is our responsibility to provide these constituents of ours with the ability to meet their financial needs.”

“Unfortunately, this situation is a result of deep dysfunction in Washington, D.C. and although the legislature has little influence over the resolution of the federal government shutdown, we can and should do all in our power to help the workers affected. I applaud the Governor and House and Senate Leadership for coming together so quickly on a bipartisan basis to find a solution to the needs of Connecticut workers and families.

“We in Connecticut must address our own challenges, including an anemic economy, overwhelming pension liabilities, diverse needs of urban, suburban, and rural populations, and a significant budget deficit hampering our ability to address those important issues. If this cooperation and proactivity is a sign of what’s to come, I am optimistic about what we can accomplish this legislative session. The numbers have already begun to show that the historic bipartisanship we have enjoyed in the last two sessions works for Connecticut. Let this first legislative action be a sign there is more to come.”

Both houses of the legislature met Tuesday afternoon, passing the emergency measure in the House and Senate. It was immediately signed by Governor Lamont upon being transmitted by the Senate. You can find details on the legislation Here.

State Senator Tony Hwang represents Connecticut’s 28th senate district including the towns of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton, Newtown and Sandy Hook. He serves as Ranking Member of the Public Safety, Higher Education, and Housing Committees, and is a member of the Transportation Committee.