Zupkus, Markley Hold Constituent Forum in Prospect

PROSPECT — Connecticut’s increasingly high cost of living driven by an ever-growing state budget was among topics tackled by state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus and Sen. Joe Markley during a Jan. 23 constituent forum here.

More than 40 people attended the event at Town Hall, where Markley and Zupkus fielded questions for two hours. Subjects discussed included job creation, the rights of gun owners, abuse of state entitlement programs, and state regulations and taxes that squeeze small businesses. The legislators also provided details about a projected $2 billion budget deficit over the next two fiscal years–an area where everyone agreed with Markley and Zupkus: Connecticut can’t continue on its current path.

Some residents told the lawmakers they’re considering leaving the state. Those types of stories, Zupkus said, are what fueled her run for state office.

“Over and over I hear from people who are fed up with government, people who say they can’t afford to live in the communities where they grew up,” she said. “For too long we’ve had a legislature that’s viewed spending more money and increasing taxes as solutions to everything. The common sense budgeting principles that we use here, in our homes and in our businesses, are foreign concepts to a majority of the folks at the Capitol.”

Markley, whose district now includes Prospect, assured everyone he understands the message they’ve sent his way.

“It’s my job to listen to you and as I am reminded day in and day out–to make sure government stops spending money it doesn’t have. And that is what I will do,” he said.