Valley Lawmakers Sworn-in for New Term

 

HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides, Nicole Klarides-Ditria and Senator George Logan took their oath of office on Wednesday, January 9^th, commencing the 2019 legislative session.

“The start of the new legislative session offers us all a chance for a clean slate and renewed opportunities to do the hard work and produce the best outcomes for the people of the state of Connecticut. I am optimistic that we can accomplish great things and complete our work on time,’’ House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said.

“It’s an honor representing the 105th district in the General Assembly,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “I am hopeful that the new administration will work collaboratively with Republicans and Democrats this session. We all know the many issues impacting our state and we should all be putting our heads together to find the best possible solutions that will move our state in a better direction.”

 

“I’m excited to begin my second term as state senator.  It is an honor to serve the taxpayers of the 17th Senate District.  Please contact me George.Logan@cga.ct.gov with any questions or comments.  Sign up for my State Capitol email alerts at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and friend me on Facebook.  I am fighting for you, the taxpayers.  I am trying to make Connecticut more affordable, and I want to hear from you.” 

The lawmakers will be entering a “long session”, which will run from January 9th to June 5th. During the long session, the lawmakers are able to propose legislation and will be tasked with framing a two-year state budget.

 

(This is a press release from House Republicans)

Jaumann Kicks Off Run for State Rep Seat

 

ANSONIA- On Tuesday, March 6th, Joe Jaumann announced his run for State Representative of the 104th District at the site of Farrell Pomini’s new building at the Fountain Lake industrial Park . Farrell Corporation has a 150 year manufacturing history in Ansnia and the Valley.

“We are at Fountain Lake, because from this vantage point we have a view of much of the 104^th district which includes Derby and Ansonia and because this site is representative of what can happen when a municipality works with private development and when you incentivize economic development.” said Jaumann

“Im not going to Hartford to talk. I'm going there to get things done for the hard working people of the 104th District. Farrel-Pomini Corporation was fleeing Ansonia and the Valley taking with them over 100 manufacturing jobs. To lose them would have been devastating. Ansonia fought to keep them and to retain valuable jobs. That was done through the swift actions of elected officials and I was proud to be a part of that. I learned how to create the kinds of partnerships and incentives needed to retain and increase jobs. That’s  exactly what I’m going to do in Hartford.  I’m going to help save jobs and help restore our economy. We are in desperate shape in Connecticut and we need decisive leaders who are willing to move swiftly to help our taxpayers.” 

As an attorney, Jaumann has spent years advocating for the rights and for the liberties of his clients. From the elderly struggling on a fixed income to meet their financial obligations, to young people and families seeking work and decent paying jobs, Jaumann has delivered. He fights for his clients and he will fight for the residents of Ansonia and Derby.

As an alderman, Jaumann has advocated for the taxpayers and students. Most recently, he spearheaded the movement to study regionalization in our schools.

“By studying regionalization now, we can become more efficient and less dependent on Hartford in the future.” said Jaumann.

While serving on numerous boards like Planning and Zoning Jaumann made difficult decisions that helped bring development into the Valley.

“I want to make life easier for the constituents of the 104th. Taxes are too high and unemployment is high," he said. "I’ll work for everyone in Hartford to bring a better quality of life for all residents. It’s time to lesson the burden on the taxpayer. That will be my priority.”

Ansonia and Derby need someone who is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves, making tough decisions and getting teal results.

“I believe our communities and our residents deserve the kind of advocate in Hartford that will take action to do what right for his constituents," said Jaumann. "I understand the needs of our cities and I will be a voice for all the people of the 104^th.” 

(This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign manager Sam Pollastro)

Gentile Applauds Approval of $1.2 Billion State Employee Concession Plan

State Representative Linda Gentile (Derby, Ansonia) applauds the House approval of a $1.2 billion state employee concession plan that will enact several significant structural changes and save $24 billion over the life of the agreement.

 

This is an historic agreement that prioritizes structural, verifiable reductions to long-term pension and benefit costs, while also achieving significant savings in the coming biennium. This groundbreaking agreement substantially reduces the unfunded liability for both the state employee retirement system and our retiree health benefits trust fund.

 

Under this labor deal, the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition has agreed to zero wage increases for three years, higher health co-pays and premiums, and three unpaid furlough days in 2017-18.

 

“This labor agreement is the first step toward solving our budget deficit as it adopts a spending plan that generates new revenue, restructures our pension system into the future, while respecting the promises made in the past, and takes advantage of our demographic reality.” Rep. Gentile said. “This deal will put Connecticut on the path to financial sustainability, produce immediate savings in healthcare and enact several significant structural changes by gradually shifting costs onto employees and retirees into the future.”

 

Other structural changes include overtime capped at 60 percent, health insurance redesign, pension reforms, increased co-pays, premium cost sharing and COLA reforms.

 

Additionally, the plan will require all employees to pay 2 percent more into their pension over biennium and establish a new tier IV of employees going forward that will have a defined benefit and contribution plan.

 

In regards to savings, this agreement:

• Saves taxpayers approximately $710 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and $850 million in Fiscal Year 2019,

• Savings grows to $24 billion over the next 20 years,
• Turns a $20.7 billion unfunded liability into a $1.5 billion surplus over 30 year

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Sen. Logan, Senate Republicans Unveil Revised CT Budget Fix

 

Sen. George S. Logan (at right) stands with Senate Republicans May 16 to unveil a revised, line-by-line, 57-page state budget alternative plan.  The Senate Republican plan does not raise taxes, continues to protect towns and property taxpayers, provides funding for core social services, increases funding for education to towns and cities.  Left to right: Sen. Paul Formica, Sen. Kevin Witkos, Sen. Len Fasano, and Sen. Logan. 

 

 

Sen. George S. Logan and Senate Republican lawmakers on May 16 released a revised line-by-line

state budget proposal which:

·         Closes the deficit without tax increases.

·         Increases education funding.

·         Preserves funding for services to seniors, the disabled and Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.

·         Lowers taxes for retirees.

·         Provides for structural budget reforms, like a state government spending cap and a bonding cap.

 

“The Senate Republican plan protects taxpayers from being overburdened by new taxes or policies which would result in significant increases to property taxes,” Sen. Logan said. “We protect hospitals from being hit with more taxes. Bottom line:  We have a plan to get Connecticut back on a path to sustainability, predictability, stability and economic growth.”

 

A full summary of the updated “Confident Connecticut” budget is available at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com . 

 

Line-by-line budget details are available at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com.

 

“I urge taxpayers to contact me,” Sen. Logan said.  “I am fighting to get Connecticut out of this mess.  I am fighting against tax hikes.  I am fighting for the property taxpayers of Connecticut, and I will work with Democrats to make this thoughtful, detailed plan a reality.  Together, we can turn our state around.”

 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.

 

He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 

 

(This is a press release from Logan's office)