Senator Tony Hwang Connects with Easton Seniors

EASTON – A group of seniors got to hear from and ask questions of their state Senator when Tony Hwang visited the Easton Senior Center on July 8.

Sen. Hwang just wrapped up his first legislative session serving the community and he gladly accepted the invitation from Senior Center Director Val Buckley to speak with seniors.

Connecticut’s controversial new state budget – the main order of business of the 2015 legislative session – was a focal point of the two-hour talk, with many seniors expressing concern about the impact it will have on their ability to live in and retire in the state and for their children and grandchildren to do the same.

Sen. Hwang voted against the $40.3 billion budget, citing the fact that it increases state spending by nearly 7% over the next two fiscal years, carries the second highest tax increase in state history, including from unreliable and socially destructive forms of revenue like keno gambling, and because it leaves us with a $1.6 billion deficit in three years. In addition, Sen. Hwang noted the devastating impact the budget is expected to have on the economy and on major businesses like Fairfield-based General Electric, which has said it is looking to move its headquarters out of Connecticut in light of the new taxes contained in the budget.

“We really are at the cusp right now in Connecticut and especially here in Fairfield County,” Sen. Hwang said. “Many people are rightfully frustrated with state government and scared about what it would mean if GE were to leave.”

“While this budget may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak, our state has been on an unsustainable and irresponsible spending and borrowing spree for several years,” Sen. Hwang said, echoing the remarks of some seniors in attendance. “I remain hopeful that our best days are still ahead of us, as long as we elect leaders who have the courage to make tough choices and who will work in a bipartisan manner all of the time and not just sometimes.”

On the bipartisan front, Sen. Hwang highlighted a few bright spots of the 2015 legislative session, including passage of the C.A.R.E. Act, a ban on potentially deceptive variable rate electricity contracts, and the Long Island Sound Blue Plan.

“These three pieces of legislation serve as excellent examples of the positive work we in state government can do for seniors, consumers, and our environment when we come together for the greater good,” Sen. Hwang said. “As someone who whole heartedly believes in the value and importance of giving back to our community, it’s incredibly rewarding to have a positive impact on people’s lives through legislation like this, and it’s truly an honor and privilege to serve as their elected representative.”

Following the talk, Buckley said, “Tony clearly cares about our seniors and the issues that impact them, and I think they really appreciate having the time to communicate.”

“So many people only see their politicians around election time, but Tony is always around and engaged,” Buckley added. “He makes you feel as though you have someone who is genuinely interested in solving problems and helping.”

For more information about the 2015 legislative session, visit Sen. Hwang’s website, www.senatorhwang.com. You can also contact him at [email protected] or by phone at 800-842-1421.