Reps. Tony Hwang (R-134), Brenda Kupchick (R-132) and Kim Fawcett (D-133) were joined by Sen. John McKinney (R-28) on Saturday morning meetings with constituents.
First, the legislators met with Fairfield teachers, administrators and PTA members to listen to their opinions and reactions to the Governor’s proposed education reforms of SB 24, An Act Concerning Educational Competitiveness.
“I’m deeply grateful that so many Fairfield residents spent part of their Saturday with us to voice their opinions on major pieces of legislation pending before the General Assembly. Town Hall meetings are an important part of the democratic process. We’ll take the concerns and advice we heard back to Hartford as we continue to debate education reform and fiscal issues in the remaining weeks of the legislative session,” said Sen. McKinney.
Rep. Kupchick said, “While the Governor’s original Education bill was intended to close the achievement gap, It was a one size fits all approach that should have focused more on priority school districts. Residents and small businesses are still feeling the effects of a bad economy and are looking for relief. Holding open forums are a crucial part of my job as a representative, you always learn from your constituents.”
Later, the delegation held an old fashioned Town Hall meeting with over 150 Fairfield residents where the public shared their concerns and ideas regarding State and Town issues. Some topics of discussion included the death penalty, Sunday Liquor sales, medical marijuana, higher education legislation, retirement & pension funding, transportation and the state budget deficit.
Rep. Hwang said, “On the budget, we need to govern by showing leadership and courage. We need to evaluate and make difficult budget decisions and move away from our continued ‘tax and spend’ mentality. Lastly, we need to delicately balance our government’s role in providing a safety net for our most vulnerable against the obligation to reduce the financial burden on the taxpayers and businesses in our state.”
The meetings took place at the Fairfield Board of Education Offices. The 2012 legislative session adjourns on May 9th.
Residents can find information on specific legislation at www.cga.ct.gov or watch the legislature live at http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/
