The Connecticut General Assembly opened the 2011 Session earlier this month with a sense of both optimism and resolve. It is difficult to overestimate the daunting task at hand as we begin the process of creating the two-year 2011-2013 state budget. A $3.7 billion shortfall inevitably dictates less government spending, the need for a reprioritization of funding and search for efficiencies.

The conversation last fall during the 2010 election cycle was loud and clear. Independent, Democratic and Republican voters are asking for cuts and downsizing to address the problem. With budget deficits looming we also must focus on both short and long term job creation. Connecticut's future and our children are counting on us.

Our new Governor brings renewed energy, ideas and a conviction to do what is right to move Connecticut forward. He continues to recruit the brightest minds to serve our state and has put the legislature on notice that difficult decisions will be embraced and solved. Actions speak louder than words and Governor Malloy took a bold step his first day in office by signing an Executive Order that will swiftly move the state to the more honest and transparent method of Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP). The Governor has worked overtime to seek diverse opinions on solutions for our troubles and appears committed to be the leader we need.

New opportunities in the political sphere have afforded me the opportunity to serve as both co-chair of the Transportation Subcommittee on Appropriations and vice chair of the Children's Committee. Both jobs will involve intense oversight of the money you send to Hartford. You can also expect me to take stronger leadership in the conversations surrounding investment in our transportation infrastructure, as well as shining a spotlight on the programs and policies that impact our children's health, well-being and education.

Democracy works when we keep the dialogue open. Now more than ever I hope you will not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns.

Current News & Issues

January 23, 2012
TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTICUT
State Rep. Kim Fawcett told a forum on the state’s transportation needs Friday that it would be difficult to persuade residents in southern Connecticut to accept increased rail fares or new highway tolls without ironclad guarantees of improvements to roads and other infrastructure. READ MORE

January 21, 2012
CONNECTICUT MUST FOCUS ITS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, ADVOCATES SAY
Connecticut will have to focus its needs, devise innovative ways to generate transportation funding and make some tough decisions if it's going to keep the state moving during a time of shrinking resources, speakers said Friday at a forum at the state Capitol. READ MORE

January 20, 2012
LESS FEDERAL TRANSIT FUNDING ON HORIZON
Federal transportation funding will likely comprise a declining share of the cost of highway and transit improvements for the foreseeable future, Connecticut DOT Commissioner Jim Redeker told transportation advocates Friday. READ MORE

January 20, 2012
TOLLS OR TAXES? HOW TO FUND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
A legislative panel weighed implementing tolls and increasing the sales tax as ways to fund future investments in the state’s transportation infrastructure Friday at a forum sponsored by the CT Fund for the Environment. READ MORE

January 18, 2012
FORUM ON COLLEGE PLANNING, FINANCING
Rep. Kim Fawcett, vice chairman of the legislature’s Select Committee on Children, is urging students and parents to attend College Goal Sunday, a forum on planning and financing for college, to be held Jan. 29 at various locations around the state, including Fairfield. READ MORE

December 22, 2011
GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES STEAP GRANTS FOR FAIRFIELD & GREENWICH
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the town of Fairfield has been awarded a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for capital improvement projects. READ MORE