Dan Carter is proudly serving his second two-year term as State Representative for the 2nd General Assembly District covering Bethel, Danbury, Newtown and Redding. Rep. Carter is the Ranking Member (Republican Leader) on the legislature’s General Law Committee, and member of the Banks and Energy & Technology Committees.
Over the past legislative session, Rep. Carter joined Republican leadership to create the “no tax increase” budget as an alternative to the Democrats’ budget that included the historic $1.8 billion tax increase. He has been very active in the fight against overspending, tax increases and initiatives that inhibit job growth.
Rep. Carter has proudly joined his fellow legislators in the House and Senate to support bi-partisan legislation aimed at giving small businesses the assistance they need to grow and create jobs.
In addition to making job creation and opposition to tax increases a priority during his tenure, Rep. Carter has fought for a variety of other initiatives. He lead the effort in supporting the “Learn Here, Live Here” proposal which allows recent graduates of public institutions of higher education and vocational-technical high schools to set aside a portion of their state income tax liability to be used in a future down payment on their first home.
Additionally, he led the effort to block a proposal allowing sex offenders and other violent criminals to earn credits towards early release for good behavior – a program that he continues to monitor closely and oppose.
Rep. Carter actively served his constituents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, the historic October snowstorm of 2011 and Hurricane Sandy — first helping his towns manage their response, and then pushing for greater accountability and transparency for utility companies and crisis management leaders.
He also opposed a bill that reduced reimbursements to mom-and-pop pharmacies, most of which are already operating on tight budgets.
Rep. Carter makes staying in touch with his community a priority and on several occasions has hosted a variety of in-district forums on the state budget and healthcare for seniors. He welcomes an open dialogue with constituents about everything from job creation to veterans’ affairs. He continues to keep in touch with the needs of his constituents by conducting regular office hours.
Before being elected to the General Assembly, Rep. Carter grew up in a strong community-oriented, middle class family as the son of a police officer and a nurse. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Bowling Green University and earned a Master’s degree in aeronautical science.
While in college, Carter joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC program – a move that eventually saw him become a C-130 “Hercules” pilot. Rep. Carter served proudly in Saudi Arabia in support of operation Desert Storm, and he also served two tours over war-torn Bosnia through NATO. Additionally, he participated in missions supporting this country’s drug interdiction program in Central America. His military dedication earned him the Meritorious Service Medal.
Rep. Carter considers it an honor to continue to serve his country as an Air Force reservist. He also volunteers his time on behalf of the Air Force to mentor students interested in pursuing military careers.
Rep. Carter is a proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign.
Rep. Carter is a proud father of two.
