Getting the state’s ailing budget back in the black and unemployed Connecticut residents back to work are top priorities for Lezlye Zupkus, who was sworn in today as state representative for the 89th General Assembly District covering Bethany, Cheshire, and Prospect.
Zupkus was among 8 freshman Republican legislators who promised to serve their districts over a two-year term. Powered by her “common sense” approach to government, Zupkus was elected to her first term in November 2012.
Prospect resident Zupkus has stayed busy since Election Day, meeting with officials in all three communities she represents to discuss issues important there. Zupkus is already planning constituent events in her district, including office hours and town hall meetings.
“People in the communities I represent placed tremendous faith in me on Election Day, and it’s an honor I take seriously,” Zupkus said. “Connecticut faces significant challenges, namely a massive budget deficit. Those hurdles, however, perhaps offer opportunity to restructure state government in a way that will create lasting financial stability.”
Zupkus was in the House chamber Wednesday when Gov. Dannel Malloy addressed lawmakers, touching on a wide variety of issues facing the state–the budget and the Connecticut’s economy among them.
House Republicans have driven the debate over the state’s finances, contending that spending reductions rather than tax increases should be the starting point in budget-balancing deliberations.
That’s a message Zupkus trumpeted in the run-up to Election Day, where a strong show of support from voters vaulted her to membership with a House Republican caucus that has 52 members.
Zupkus serves on the legislature’s committees on Commerce, Public Safety and Human Services.