Hwang Named Ranking Leader of Housing and Labor Committees

State Senator-elect Tony Hwang (R-28) has been appointed by the Senate Republican Caucus to serve as Ranking Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Housing Committee and Labor and Public Employees Committee for the 2015-2016 legislative sessions. Senator-elect Hwang will also serve as a member of the Veterans Affairs and Commerce committees over the next two years.

Hwang, whose district includes Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and a portion of Westport, will be sworn in on Jan. 7, 2015, when the General Assembly legislative session opens.

“I am honored to serve on these committees, and I am especially looking forward to taking a leadership role in housing given the significance of this topic in our communities and its impact on the character of our towns and our state and local economies,” Hwang said. “Along with my fellow committee members, I hope to set a legislative agenda that both helps meet the growing need for housing and gives local municipalities more control in shaping outcomes and greater flexibility in satisfying the well-intended requirements of CT Statute 8-30g, which pertains to affordable housing. We will also have a role in shaping housing policies for the economically disadvantaged, elderly, developmentally disabled and handicapped within our communities.”

In announcing the committee appointments, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said, “Senator Hwang’s outstanding work ethic and passion for public service will serve him well on his Committees, as we go about addressing the many challenges our communities face to better Connecticut not only for today, but also for tomorrow. We have an incredible group of lawmakers in the Senate Republican caucus who are ready to apply their extensive knowledge and skills to make significant contributions within Connecticut’s legislative committees.”

The Labor and Public Employees Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, conditions of employment, hours of labor, minimum wages, industrial safety, occupational health and safety, labor unions and labor disputes; all matters relating to the Department of Labor; and all matters relating to conditions of employment of state and municipal employees and the substantive law of state and municipal employees’ collective bargaining.

In his role on Commerce, Hwang and his fellow committee members will have cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority and Connecticut Innovations.

Hwang emphasized, “Both the Labor and Commerce committees have significant impact on jobs and our economy. We need to change the paradigm of how the dynamics of labor and businesses work together to find solutions in a competitive and fast changing workplace environment. I am eager to begin the process of re-inventing and invigorating our economy.”

Hwang’s role on the Veterans Affairs Committee is a natural extension of his long standing advocacy for and support of Connecticut’s military veterans.

“I greatly respect and admire our veterans,” Hwang said, “and I am committed to ensuring our veterans have the resources, dignity and the physical, emotional and economic support they deserve after their selfless service on behalf of our country.”

“I am committed to my community and every step of the way, no matter the issue, I will actively seek constituent input,” Hwang said. “I also encourage residents and businesses to visit my website, www.SenatorHwang.com, to sign up for my email newsletter, which I will use as a means of keeping the community informed.”

A full list of Senate Republican committee assignments can be found here.