State Representative Bill Simanski today joined Governor Dannel Malloy, State Senator John Kissel and other state and local officials for a tour of the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine in East Granby.

During a tour of the prison grounds, state & locals leaders discussed the recent renovations and plans for the historic facility to re-open in 2014.

Taxpayers this year must work more than four months before earning enough money to cover their total tax bill. That tax burden ranks us not only behind our neighboring states, but also behind every other state in the nation – for the second year in a row. Currently, Connecticut residents pay $49,000 per capita in state and local taxes, and our debt per tax-payer amounts to $6,984 – the highest in the nation.

Our state’s last two-year budget spent more than ever and contained record tax hikes. Now, our governor and majority legislators have once again proposed budgets that either increase taxes or spending or both. Despite being told that “Connecticut is open for business,” our state  is considered among the costliest places for retirees, and ranks near the bottom for states considered “business friendly.”

It’s time for the State Legislature to stop targeting employers and struggling families as a revenue stream. The state legislature needs to reduce government spending, stop borrowing money for operating expenses and address the state’s unfunded pension liabilities head-on, instead of continuing to kick the can further down the road. As your state representative, I will continue to advocate for fiscally responsible initiatives in the legislature.

On Monday, April 29th, 5th grade students from Keely Lane Intermediate School in Granby took a trip to the State Capitol in Hartford for a tour of the facility and to learn more about the legislative and executive branches of government.

State Rep. Bill Simanski with 5th grade students from Keely Lane Intermediate School in Granby.

During their visit, State Rep. Bill Simanski met with the students and discussed his duty as their state representative and the 2013 legislative session currently underway.

State Rep. Bill Simanski with 5th grade students from Keely Lane Intermediate School in Granby.

If your school or organization would like a tour of the State Capitol, reservations can be made by calling 860-240-0222 weekdays 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Rep. Srinivasan attended the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2012 Connecticut Activism day at the Capitol in Hartford. Rep. Srinivasan spoke with constituents afflicted with the disease and listened intently to their concerns. One of the top issues discussed at the event was the proposed cuts to Medicare, which threatens coverage of injections and other necessary treatments for MS patients. In regards to this issue, Rep. Srinivasan believes that “The safety net is extremely important and every effort should be made to maintain it.”

Rep. Srinivasan with a constituent who has MS

Rep. Srinivasan also spoke with volunteer Pam Greenberg, a Glastonbury resident, who very actively supports the valuable work of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.