Ushering in Bipartisanship

March 10, 2015

All voices will be heard

Hartford, CT – State Senator Paul M. Formica (R-East Lyme) recently attended the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee meeting to discuss the 2015 legislative session.

“The issues that we are discussing at the state capitol affect all cities and towns in Southeastern Connecticut,” said Sen. Formica. “I’m pleased to be able to carry the torch for our district and make sure all voices are heard.”

While at the meeting Formica discussed several issues that affect small towns including:

  • Transportation infrastructure changes
  • Protecting the environment
  • Reductions in the resident state trooper program

The switching of the costs to employ a resident state trooper from 70% to 100% will be devastating to small communities like Old Lyme, East Lyme, Montville and Salem. It can be very costly for a small town to pay not only for the resident state trooper but two fringe rates, one on regular pay and one on overtime.

Based on a 2009 opinion by the Office of the Attorney General, the town share for Resident State Trooper overtime was 70%. This was increased to 100% in 2011 as a result of Public Act 11-51.

Adding insult to injury resident state troopers are often times called away for state work while they are on the clock for the town. It is the town who unfortunately pays the bill.

Sen. Formica also thanked the group for their invitation including, DTC Chairman Dave Woolley and Old Lyme First Selectwoman, Bonnie Reemsnyder to discuss these issues. Formica has been actively working with both Republican and Democratic town committees since 2008 when he first became involved at the local level.

Formica offered to have members visit Hartford, reminding the group there is an open invitation to meet him at the Legislative Office Building.

Follow the process by visiting www.senatorformica.com or call the office with any concerns at 1-860-240-8800.

Senator Formica represents the 20th Senate District which includes the towns of Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Waterford, New London, Salem, Montville and Bozrah.