State Representative Lezlye Zupkus and State Senator Joe Markley had a friendly and honest conversation with Prospect resident, at a Legislative Town Hall Meeting yesterday, about issues impacting the state of Connecticut.
“I enjoyed having an open and engaging discussion with residents on topics affecting their daily lives,” said Rep. Zupkus. “Residents are frustrated with the current policies that are hampering job growth and causing residents to move. I understand their frustrations, and I am working to make the necessary structural changes we need to make to create a sustainable and predictable state government that we will attract businesses and people back to our state.”
“Every time I visit Prospect, I am impressed at the level of engagement shown by the citizens,” said Senator Markley. “I enjoyed updating the people about the new-look legislature, as well as the challenges and opportunities Connecticut is facing this session. I assured the people that, as always, I will be a voice for fiscal sanity and individual liberty.”
During the hour and a half forum, residents talked passionately about topics ranging from a legislative proposal to legalize marijuana to the regionalization of municipalities. But, the primary focus of the night was on the state budget and unfunded pension liabilities. The projected budget deficit for the biennial budget, covering 2018 through 2020, is approximately $3.5 billion.
The House Republicans, on the opening day of the General Assembly, called an amendment to change the House Rules to require lawmakers to review and vote on all union contracts. The majority party Democrats rejected the measure on a party-line vote.
Rep. Zupkus and Sen. Markley also encouraged residents to track legislation by going to the General Assembly’s website, www.cga.ct.gov, and to write and submit testimony on legislation. Residents can contact Rep. Zupkus’ legislative office by calling 1-860-240-8700 , and Sen. Markley can be reached at 1-800-842-1421 .
The 2017 Legislative Session will run for a five-month period from January 4th to June 7th.