Sen. Linares Adds Leadership Title, Committee Assignments

Newly named Assistant Senate Republican Majority Leader Art Linares (R-33) was sworn in for a third term on opening day of the 2017 General Assembly.

“It’s an honor to represent the people of the 33rd District and make sure the issues that are important to them are addressed at the capitol,” Sen. Linares said. “My aim to set a plan to solve our states long term debt, reduce taxes on hardworking people and to grow jobs and our economy.”

In addition to his new majority title, Sen. Linares was named Co-Chairman of the legislature’s Higher Education Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Commerce Committee. He will also serve on the Transportation Committee and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

With an even Republican to Democrat split in the State Senate, he said Republicans are no longer the minority party and have the ability to set agendas in committees and on the Senate calendar.

“We have the opportunity for true bipartisanship,” Sen. Linares said. “If we work together, we can restore citizens’ confidence in their state government. We can put Connecticut on a path to grow business and jobs.”

One of the first items that should be addressed, he said, is the state budget.

Sen. Linares said, “Instead of waiting until the end of the session to address the state budget, I believe we should get an early start and carefully consider every line item. We need to adequately fund our children’s education and reduce operating expenditures. We can create a sustainable budget that will breathe life back into Connecticut’s economy.”

Sen. Linares represents the communities of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.