Sen. Tony Hwang with Commission on Women, Children & Seniors Commissioner Steven Hernandez

Today, on Martin Luther King’s Day of Service that is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”  State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) proudly announced that he will be joining the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (CWCS) 2Gen Advisory Council, which was designated by Connecticut Public Act No. 18-19 to be a conduit for selected community and State leaders, advocates, and scholars to develop sustainable solutions to intergenerational poverty through a Two-Generational and breaking down cycles of poverty.

“On this MLK Day of Service, I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the 2Gen Advisory Council. I have always been passionate about ensuring that the State of Connecticut does the best job possible to protect our most vulnerable populations, and the Council seemed like a natural fit,” said Senator Hwang. “Generational poverty is a problem we have been wrestling with for a long time, and I believe that the 2Gen approach will allow us to see the way forward to creating programs and policies that work for the whole family.”

Past approaches to addressing generational poverty have focused on helping children, or helping parents and guardians. The 2Gen approach takes a different route by developing programs and resources for the entire family. This integrated approach harnesses education, economic support, social capital, and health and well-being to create a legacy of economic security that passes from one generation to the next.

“The 2GEN initiative is about coordination and accountability in helping lift families sustainably out of poverty. Our work in 2GEN with our sister states across the nation is an innovation that could help us link families to training and workforce, while ensuring that they don’t fall into success cliffs along the way,” said CWCS Commissioner Steven Hernandez. “A necessary component of this work is ensuring that our agencies of government and their agents on the ground work seamlessly, with minimal barriers in data and resource sharing. This is not a ‘safety net’ strategy; rather a way for policies and practice to break cycles of enduring poverty through coordinated planning that includes the parent as a key stakeholder and decision maker.”

Senator Tony Hwang represents Connecticut’s 28th State Senate District, which includes the towns of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton, Newtown and Sandy Hook

Carmine, Doreen, Giovanni and Donny Battimelli, family owners of A&S deli in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, January 14^th— A&S Italian Fine Foods, 2079 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT celebrates 25 years of serving delicious food to greater Fairfield this Saturday, January 19^th, with a special anniversary recognition celebration and presentation at 11am.  

State Senator Tony Hwang will present a 25th Anniversary Connecticut General Assembly proclamation to Carmine and Doreen Battimelli and their sons, Giovanni and Donny, owners of A&S Italian Fine Foods for their culinary expertise, outstanding customer service and invaluable contribution to the community for a quarter century.

A&S Italian Fine Food will then host a Customer Appreciation Open House the entire weekend to thank people who visit their store. Customers will enjoy tasting a variety of A&S specialty sausages made by hand from a favorite family recipe, delicious antipasto, other hors d’oeuvres and specialty grocery products only found at A&S, plus Italian refreshments of illy espresso and S. Pellegrino water.  There will also be fun, food-based contests and Italian specialty item giveaways for customers during this celebration day.

“A&S has been a staple of this community as long as I can remember,” said Senator Hwang. “A&S Italian Fine Foods has a long history in Fairfield that’s rooted in Italian heritage, family values, commitment to quality, and treating customers like family.  It was important to me to show my support for A&S as an example of what locally connected small businesses can be – not just a successful business selling delicious food, but as established, caring neighbors that contribute so much to the unique fabric in our community.”

For more information, visit the store at 2079 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT or call 203.576.1600. Visit A&S online at asfinefoods.com to view the full menu and to place lunch or catering orders.

State Senator Tony Hwang with his mother and son on Opening Day of 2019 Legislative Session

State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) released the following statement today in regards to the opening of the 2019 Legislative Session.

“I am very optimistic about the commencement of the year’s legislative session and it was made more special by the attendance of my mother. I am honor represent the 28th district and we have many hurdles to jump in order to get the State of Connecticut back on track, but I am eager to get started,” said Senator Hwang. “Our new Governor has indicated his willingness to listen to all viewpoints and adopt any good ideas geared towards helping our state out of the fiscal mess we find ourselves in, and I look forward to seeing how we are able to work together on a bipartisan and bicameral basis — Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, Legislature and Executive.”

“In the last two years we have made historic strides in the way of bipartisanship. We have passed two budgets, overridden ex Governor Malloy’s  vetoes, and passed common sense legislation and I hope for no less from this upcoming session. I look forward to helping as minority leader in three key committees including Housing, Higher Education & Employment and Public Safety & Security, as well as being a member of the Transportation Committee where I am excited to work with my colleagues to solve the problems we face in terms of our infrastructure and public transit. I wish the best of luck to my colleagues in the House and Senate, and to our newly Inaugurated Governor Ned Lamont.”

Senator Tony Hwang represents Connecticut’s 28th Senatorial District including the towns of Fairfield, Newtown, Sandy Hook, Easton, Weston and Westport. You can contact Senator Hwang’s office at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov or (860) 240-8805.

You can find Senator Hwang online at his website www.SenatorHwang.com and on social media @SenatorHwang on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Say Goodbye to the Winter Blahs!

Fairfield Magazine’s Taste of Fairfield WinterFest Returns

January 2019—Fairfield is filled with foodies, and is a hot destination for terrific restaurants, talented chefs, and great food and drink. Fairfield Magazine, part of multi-magazine media company TownVibe, and creator of the successful Taste of Fairfield events, is thrilled to announce the second annual Taste of Fairfield WinterFest event to celebrate food, friends, and an ideal escape from the winter blahs. On Sunday, January 27 from noon to 4 PM, the magazine is hosting over two dozen restaurants and businesses at the sprawling three floor Brooklawn Country Club at 500 Algonquin Road in Fairfield from noon to 4 PM.

In addition to ample samples of both fine and comfort cuisine, Diageo specialty craft cocktails, wine, craft beer, and sweets, there will be comedians from the Fairfield Comedy Club, DJ Christian from Star 99 FM, a performance by award-winning acapella group Aria from Fairfield Ludlowe High School, classic cars from Redline Restorations, cigars, and more. In addition, the four-lane bowling alley at Brooklawn will be open and its game room, there is A VIP lounge sponsored by Maplewood Senior Living, and a special kids’ area with cool crafts from AR Workshop and candy galore. A fabulous all-expenses-paid Canyon Ranch weekend getaway will be raffled, with all proceeds benefitting Operation Hope. “This is great fun for foodies as well as the whole family,” says organizer Robin Phillips.

For a complete list of restaurants, sponsors, and participating businesses go to townvibe.com. To buy tickets now online, visit tasteoffairfield.com General Admission tickets cost $50: including food, drink, and all entertainment. VIP Admission—with access to the Maplewood VIP lounge with unlimited food and drink costs $100. For more information contact TownVibe at 203-431-1708 or Robin Phillips at rphillips@townvibe.com.

State Senator Tony Hwang speaks with John Voket on For The People discussing his new legislative committee roles, priorities for the upcoming session starting January 9th.

Listen to Senator Hwang on AM 1360 Talk of Connecticut with Brad Davis and Paul Pacelli.

Sen. Tony Hwang said he would not support a redistribution of teacher pensions to the communities, would fight to ensure the stability of the Education Cost Share funding, and he would operate on the premise that education is a paramount priority and every child in every town should have the resources for a quality education.

Referring to a comment he heard from the governor-elect, in which Mr. Lamont said he would no longer subsidize more affluent communities regarding education, Mr. Hwang advised caution as towns in his district develop their budget. Sen. Hwang advocates for proactive communication and hoped municipalities would be loud and clear when expressing the idea that towns and cities should not be burdened with extra expenses.

State Senator Tony Hwang, R-28

Hartford – State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) today announced that he was chosen by Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano to be the Minority Leader of the Public Safety and Security, Higher Education and Employment Advancement, and Housing Committees. Hwang will also serve as a Senate member of the Transportation Committee.

“Senator Hwang has the skills, experience and perspective to expertly lead these committees and develop policies that move Connecticut forward,” said Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven). “He is a thoughtful and talented lawmaker who has always dedicated himself to bettering our state and creating an environment where opportunity can thrive. I know he will be an integral member on all these committees.”

“I want to thank Senator Fasano and I greatly appreciate his confidence in appointing me to be minority leader in such critical legislative committees,” said Sen. Hwang. “Their areas of cognizance will be integral to efforts to enhance and impact our state in economic development, higher education, public safety and transportation. I am excited to begin work in this upcoming General Assembly session to help move Connecticut positively forward.”

The Public Safety and Security Committee produces legislation to keep Connecticut residents safe by working closely with first responders. The Committee will cognizance on all matters relating to legalized gambling including casino expansion, lottery and sports wagering. Sen. Hwang will look to balance the needs of the public economic interests with important considerations of individual rights.

The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee has oversight over all Connecticut’s state colleges and community colleges. It will also have cognizance on job training institutions and programs, apprenticeship training programs and adult job training programs offered to the public by any state agency or funded in whole or in part by the state. Sen. Hwang will focus on creating legislation to develop a diverse, dynamic and talented workforce to help Connecticut residents to better compete for jobs and businesses.

Hwang will continue his leadership work on the Housing Committee, which writes housing policy for the state. One area of interest is addressing the devastating impact of mortgage foreclosure crisis impacting families in every community. Hwang is devoted to developing creative and collaborative solutions for the need for workforce and affordable housing for all ages and economic.

The Transportation Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Transportation, including highways and bridges, navigation, aeronautics, mass transit and railroads and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Hwang’s legislative priorities in transportation are rail efficiency and safety, distracted driving education and maintaining a viable transportation funding mechanism that is sustainable and fully address the challenges of improving our transportation infrastructure.

The 2019 Legislative Session begins on January 9th. Please contact his office if you have concerns or legislation proposals at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8805. And find Senator Hwang on social media @SenatorHwang on Facebook and Instagram