Klarides. Contributed photo.
State Reps. Themis Klarides, Charles Ferraro and freshman Kathy Kennedy took their oath of office on Jan. 9 at the commencement of the 2019 legislative session.
The General Assembly will be entering a “long session,” which will run from Jan. 9 to June 5. During the long session, the lawmakers are able to propose legislation and will be tasked with framing a two-year state budget.
“The start of the new legislative session offers us all a chance for a clean slate and renewed opportunities to do the hard work and produce the best outcomes for the people of the state of Connecticut,” Klarides, who is the House Republican Minority Leader, said. “I am optimistic that we can accomplish great things and complete our work on time.’’
“A new session and a new administration bring an opportunity for a new beginning for Connecticut,” said Ferraro. “It’s important that we continue to work together and make positive changes that will make our state more affordable.”
Ferraro. Contributed photo.
“The fiscal challenges Connecticut faces are immense but it is a very achievable task. Today brings much hope,” Kennedy said. “The Connecticut economy is confronting a multi-billion state budget deficit that needs to be solved and we also need to find concrete ways to attract people young and old to come here, live here, raise a family here and retire here.”
Kennedy. Contributed photo.
All three representatives are Republicans. Kennedy replaces Pam Staneski, a fellow Republican who left her seat in a failed bid for the state Senate. The lone Democrat representing Orange is state Senator James Maroney, who defeated Staneski to win the open seat formerly held by moderate Democrat Gayle Slossberg, who retired. Maroney was also sworn in Jan. 9.
During the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers are expected to debate hot button issues such as tolls, sports betting and the legalization of marijuana.