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06/29/2016 08:00 AMI want to thank all of those who came out to the legislative wrap-ups I hosted across the 23rd District. Hearing from them is the most important aspect of my job as state representative in Hartford.
This past session was especially challenging due to the massive budget shortfalls the state’s facing. The House passed budget adjustments on a vote of 74-70, but I couldn’t support the proposal because it did not contain the structural changes I believe the state needs in order to improve our future economic climate (the state is facing a more than $2.5 billion deficit for 2017-’19). The budget did not include necessary changes such as reform to tackle our unfunded union pension liabilities, a solid bonding cap, an unbreakable spending cap, and robust municipal mandate relief (especially after deep cuts to municipalities).
However, there were some bright spots this legislative session that included necessary first steps in combating the state’s opioid addiction epidemic, providing relief for firefighters who develop cancer in the line of duty, requiring that Tomosynthesis (a 3-D mammogram that more accurately detects breast cancer) be covered by insurance, and allowing private businesses like AAA to do car registration renewals, which will hopefully alleviate some DMV wait times.
For more detailed information on legislation passed this year, I encourage your readers to read the Office of Legislative Research’s non-partisan summary of the major public acts of 2016, which can be found on my website and at town halls and libraries across the district.
I encourage constituents to stay in touch and sign up for my regular legislative email updates either on my web page, repcarney.com, or via my email, devin.carney@housegop.ct.gov. It has truly been an honor and a privilege representing the people of the 23rd and I wish everyone a safe and happy summer.
State Representative Devin Carney
Old Saybrook
State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) is seeking re-election in the November elections.