Michael McLachlan Sworn In As New State Senator For 24th District Senator McLachlan To Serve as a Minority Whip, Ranking on Government Administration & Elections Committee

Hartford, CT – State Senator Michael McLachlan, joined by his friends and family, was sworn into office Wednesday at the opening of the 2009 Legislative Session. Senator McLachlan represents the 24th Senatorial District which includes the communities of Danbury, Bethel, New Fairfield and Sherman.

“This is such a proud day both for me and my family and I am honored to have been able to share it with them,” said Senator McLachlan. “Despite the daunting tasks ahead of us in addressing this massive deficit, I anticipate a year filled with opportunity for growth and progress. I plan to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring meaningful relief to the hard-working people of Connecticut.”

Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield) named Senator McLachlan Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee (GAE). Senator McLachlan will also serve on the Finance, Judiciary, Legislative Management and Transportation committees.

As ranking member of the GAE Committee, McLachlan will play a leading oversight role in matters pertaining to the organization and operation of state government including the Department of Public Works, the Ethics Commission and matters relating to elections and election law.

As a member of the Finance Committee, McLachlan will be at the forefront of efforts to balance the state’s growing budget deficit. The committee is charged with addressing all legislative matters pertaining to stateState Senator Michael McLachlan revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. In addition, the committee oversees matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the Division of Special Revenue.

“No one can dispute the severity of the financial crisis we face here in Connecticut and across the country” said Senator McLachlan. “Government must learn to live within its means and reduce spending just like every family in Connecticut is. I plan to speak out clearly against tax increases, especially when there is so much we can do to trim the fat here in Hartford. We need to exhaust all ways of doing more with less before even considering tax increases.”

Senator McLachlan has also been appointed to the Judiciary, Transportation and Legislative Management committees.