Sen. Kelly, Rep. Perillo Listen to Job Creators & Community Members at Chamber Breakfast

Valley lawmakers attended the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast on Friday morning at PerkinElmer in Shelton to listen to business owners and professionals and to talk about the upcoming legislative session that starts on Wednesday, February 5th.

“I want to thank the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce for hosting this conversation with Valley lawmakers. The community members, nonprofits and job creators who attended asked important questions about what they can do to make a difference, particularly how to get the state to make the Waterbury rail line a priority and increase economic growth in our community. I let them know that their voices do make a difference. Look no further than the tolls issue to see that in action. Tolls were one of Gov. Lamont’s top issues, but he has not been able to move it forward because the public has spoken and they are being heard. We must do the same when it comes to our community’s priorities. People need to call the governor and Democrat leaders and tell them increasing capacity on the Waterbury line needs to be a priority. Make your voices heard, because it works,” said Sen. Kelly.

Kelly added, “We also spoke about legislative priorities, and my focus on making health care more affordable for all people. I’m continuing my efforts to pass a bill that can lower premiums by up to 20% and hold the line on the rate of growth of medical costs. The average annual premium for family coverage is more expensive than buying a new car every year. That’s absolutely unacceptable and it’s time Connecticut takes action to reduce these costs to help all people and families.”

“For decades Democratic lawmakers in the General Assembly have decided to focus on Hartford and not the Naugatuck Valley,” said Rep. Perillo. “Every year millions are wasted on pet projects for Hartford lawmakers and funding is not prioritized on projects that would increase economic development. Democratic lawmakers need to stop wasting time and money on things that won’t help our business community or increase economic development. Stop the revenue grabs and anti-business legislation and let’s work together to move our state and the Valley forward.”

Lawmakers this session will be faced with another state budget deficit that will need to be closed by the end of the fiscal year. In addition, Democrat lawmakers are trying to pass a bill that would authorize tolling on trucks. The bill lacks sufficient legal protections to prevent tolls from being expanded to cars in the future.