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05/27/2020 12:00 AMOn May 19, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33) was unanimously endorsed for re-election to the 33rd State Senate District by Democratic delegates. First elected to the State Senate seat in 2018, Needleman represents the towns of Colchester, Chester, Clinton, Essex, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and Portland.
“The need for strong, effective leadership in the State Senate has never been more important than now, due to the crisis created by COVID-19,” said Needleman. “In my time at the General Assembly, I’ve worked in a bipartisan manner to tackle our most difficult challenges. More now than ever, I believe that inclusive, non-partisan dialogue is what’s needed to solve tough problems. This ‘makes sense’ perspective characterizes my approach to representing our district in the State Senate. That’s why I’m anxious to continue my service at the Capitol to help our state recover from this once-in-a-century crisis. Doing so requires knowledge of town operating procedures, experience in managing local resources, and skill in business planning. As your state senator, I’m utilizing my expertise in those areas to help constituents and small businesses navigate state and federal assistance programs, as well as connect people with the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and support their health during the pandemic.”
Needleman serves as deputy president pro tempore, Senate chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, vice-chair of the Planning & Development Committee, and is a member of the Commerce, Finance Revenue & Bonding, and Transportation committees.
Committed to making the 33rd Senatorial District a leading voice of common sense and rational policymaking in state government, Needleman has experienced significant legislative successes as state senator. Instrumental in the passage of a bill bringing wind energy generation to Connecticut, this legislation enables up to 40 percent of future energy needs to come from carbon-free renewable energy and creates a new industry for Connecticut. It could add as much as $2 billion to the state’s economy, bringing with it thousands of skilled, good-paying jobs.
Other successes benefiting the 33rd District supported by Needleman include allowing first responders, police officers, and firefighters to receive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, his support helped ensure passage of a bill raising the age of access for tobacco products from 18 to 21, protecting youths from addiction. He sponsored and enacted legislation holding energy companies accountable for prompt responses to power outages. By utilizing his makes-sense, nonpartisan approach, he formulated policy solutions to protect rivers and lakes from invasive species.
Needleman’s service is not limited to the State Senate. He also serves as the first selectman of the town of Essex. As founder and CEO of Connecticut-based Tower Laboratories, he has created more than 100 well-paying manufacturing jobs directly in the 33rd Senate District.