State Lawmakers Discuss Key Issues with District Constituents

HARTFORD – State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107) and State Sens. Toni Boucher (R-26) and Michael McLachlan (R-24) met with constituents from Bethel, Danbury and Redding at the Bethel Library on June 24.

The lawmakers answered questions and concerns raised about the budget and cutting spending, as well as declining enrollment in schools throughout the state. Property taxes, child support, and the increasing number of cars registered out-of-state by in-state residents were among other issues discussed.

“Potential cuts to hospital funding and the increase of taxes placed upon them are a great concern that could impact my constituents significantly, and are two things I find unacceptable,” said Rep. Harding. “While we discussed this at the meeting, I do have some hope for the future of our district’s healthcare services; construction is set to begin any time now on the new Danbury Health Center – complete with senior housing – on Main Street where the city’s former police station was once located. This project gradually acquired funding through state grants, private mortgages and private investors who received tax credits for investing in this community project.”

Sen. Boucher said, “Our communities have been anxious as the state budget remained in flux over the past several weeks. The questions we heard centered on why the Governor believes raising taxes would solve the problem after he promised not to raise them? People wanted to know how they could count on money from Hartford to keep transportation needs on track – after hearing state government was taking funds out of the dedicated transportation fund? And lastly they were concerned about jobs and big businesses threatening to leave. It is important for constituents to express these concerns. They want to fight for a better Connecticut. I want to help them fight for a better state too. Which is why I told them I’m voting against the Governor’s budget. We don’t’ have to raise taxes and we don’t’ have to settle for poor roads and bridges. We need to prioritize our spending and change what we fund instead of increasing spending during time of persistent deficits. We need to change the balance of power in Hartford in order to achieve those goals.”

“Taxpayers from throughout greater Danbury are constantly asking me, ‘Is anyone at the State Capitol listening to us?’” Sen. McLachlan said. “Well, I know some of us are listening. That’s why we voted ‘no” on the state budget, which raised taxes by the second highest amount in state history. We appreciate the feedback we receive from taxpayers, and we will continue to represent their best interests in Hartford.”

Please stay tuned for details regarding future Town Hall Meeting events. You may sign up for email updates from your elected official via their website: www.RepHarding.com, www.SenatorBoucher.com, or www.SenatorMcLachlan.com.