Rep. Tony D’Amelio (R-71), above center, has been named as a Minority Whip for the House Republican caucus for the 2013-2015 legislative session.
“I am honored House Republican Leader Larry Cafero selected me to assume a new leadership role in the General Assembly for the upcoming legislative session.” Rep. D’Amelio said. “As a caucus whip I will be able to lead on important issues for both Waterbury and the state and I look forward to the challenge.”
A Whip is traditionally responsible for helping to shape public policy, influencing fellow Republican lawmakers, and making sure Republican House members are in attendance to cast their votes on legislative issues. Rep. D’Amelio also announced his legislative committee assignments for the upcoming two years- he will serve on the General Law, Public Safety and Security, and Commerce Committees.
The Public Safety and Security Committee oversees matters relating to homeland security, the Department of Public Safety, including state police, state organized task force on crime, municipal police training, fire marshals, the fire safety code and the state building code, civil preparedness and legalized gambling, and military and veterans’ affairs, except veterans’ pensions.
The Commerce Committee oversees all matters relating to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated.
D’Amelio was first elected in a special election in 1996 and has served continuously since. He won his re-election bid in November by handily defeating his opponent. D’Amelio represents the 71st district which covers a section of Waterbury and the entire Town of Middlebury in the Connecticut General Assembly. D’Amelio represents the 71st district covering Waterbury and Middlebury.