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05/18/2022 08:00 AMOn May 4 at 11:59 p.m., after months of marathon hearings and late nights in Hartford, the 2022 legislative session concluded. As I write this on May 5, I desperately need a nap, a shave, and hug from my fiancée Danelle, who I can’t help but thank for her selflessness and support through the final weeks of session.
This session, I supported policies to reduce taxes and make our state more affordable. As ranking member on the Planning and Development Committee, I fought to preserve local control of zoning and housing decisions and opposed mandates that would have given Hartford bureaucrats an unprecedented say in our local decision making.
Along with my colleagues, I championed legislation to promote workforce development, especially for teachers and first responders. I supported proposals to expand tax exemptions for seniors and veterans. I also co-sponsored legislation aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, cracking down on juvenile crime, and to prevent property crimes, including thefts of vehicles and catalytic converters.
However, inflation is still soaring, gas prices are spiking, and we’re all spending more at the grocery store than ever before. Families and small businesses are fighting to make ends meet, but they deserve to be getting ahead. This year’s budget bill includes roughly $600 million in temporary tax relief, the bulk of which expires in just 12 short months. While I applaud this relief, I am saddened that it does not include the $1 billion in additional cuts my colleagues and I proposed and that would have provided permanent, structural tax relief to everyone across our state.
My job as our community’s voice and advocate, which remains and honor and privilege, doesn’t end with the conclusion of the legislation session. As always, residents with concerns or needs can reach out to me at joe.zullo@housegop.ct.gov.
State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99)
East Haven
Joe Zullo is seeking re-election in November.