2009 Press Releases

May 13, 2009

REP. ROBLES HAILS UNANIMOUS HOUSE PASSAGE
OF ILLEGAL STREET RACING BILL

State Representative Hector Robles (D-Hartford) announced that legislation to discourage illegal street racing passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. (HB 5262), An Act Concerning the Impoundment of Vehicles Used for Illegal Street Racing was introduced by Rep. Robles in an effort to curb illegal street racing.

The bill specifies that anyone who engages in illegal street racing may have the motor vehicle being operated by such person at the time of the violation impounded by court order for thirty days.

“As a police officer in Hartford, I have witnessed first hand the danger and the devastating results that illegal street racing brings to our communities,” Rep. Robles said during the debate. “I am pleased to see House passage of this bill, and look forward to it becoming law.”

The amended legislation will impose a $2,000 fine for drivers of vehicles that are not registered under the driver’s name for the first offense and up to $3,000 for repeated violations.

“We are sending a clear message to those who engage in illegal street racing that if they get caught, there will be consequences,” Rep. Robles stated. “We want to provide a safe and secure environment for our families and neighborhoods. I thank all my colleagues and the committees of cognizance for their full support of this bill.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Robles is serving his first term representing Hartford’s 6th Assembly District. He is a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations, the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, General Law and the Public Safety and Security Committees.

March 11, 2009

REP. ROBLES INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO CURB ILLEGAL STREET RACING

State Representative Hector Robles (D-Hartford) today testified before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in support of legislation (H.B. 5262) that will help curb the serious problem of illegal street racing.  The legislation was introduced by Robles is being considered by the Transportation Committee.

“Illegal street racing is a challenge that our state has been battling for many years. This is not unique to Hartford, but across the state, as many neighboring cities deal with public safety, property damage and several other concerns because of this illegal practice,” Rep. Robles stated.

The legislation requires that a vehicle involved in illegal racing be impounded for 30 days – recoverable by the registered owner after paying the 30 day storage fee.  A similar law is in effect in San Diego, California, where an impoundment ordinance was passed before it became state law.  As a result, San Diego has seen a 70% drop in illegal street racing.  Other states have since followed California’s example.

“I thank the chairs and members of the Transportation Committee for their support and for having embraced this legislation that we hope will make it out of committee successfully,” Robles said. “I would also like to express my gratitude to Governor M. Jodi Rell for her testimony in support of this bill.”

Hector Robles is serving his first term representing the 6th Assembly District in Hartford. He is a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations; Finance, Revenue and Bonding; General Law and Public Safety Committees.

February 26, 2009

REP. ROBLES: APPROVED MITIGATION PLAN CLOSES BUDGET GAP
Package relies on cuts and no tax increases to maintain 2009 budget

A majority of state lawmakers, including State Representative Hector Robles (D-Hartford), voted on Wednesday in favor of a $1.2 billion deficit mitigation package that nearly eliminates the projected deficit for the current fiscal year through a series of cuts and other adjustments without any tax or fee increases.

The approved package saves $200 million more than the amount proposed under the governor’s mitigation plan, particularly in the area of off-budget accounts.  Lawmakers said the identification of this additional savings will allow the state to continue to help protect seniors, the disabled and working-class families from onerous cuts that were proposed under the governor’s plan.

“I am pleased that we were able to keep vital services to our struggling working-families, and our senior citizens,” Rep. Robles stated. “While there is still a lot of work ahead, I am confident that together we will continue to work and find solutions to benefit our state during these tough economic times.”

The governor’s cuts would have discontinued payments for non-formulary drugs under Medicare Part D.  Her proposal also limited emergency visits for low-income adults for dental care under Medicare Part D.  Both programs were saved by the legislature.

One provision also creates a new benefit that will save about 35,000 ConnPACE clients at least $1,200 per year, ensure they are eligible for prescription and health benefits, while also saving the state $4 million per year.

The deficit mitigation package includes $373.3 million from the federal stimulus package, $281.7 million from the state’s rainy day fund, and combines proposals from both Democrats and Republicans.

Hector Robles is serving his first term representing the 6th Assembly District in Hartford. He is a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations; Finance, Revenue and Bonding; General Law and Public Safety Committees.

21 de enero del 2009

ROBLES NOMBRADO VICE PRESIDENTE
DEL CAUCUS LATINO Y AFROAMERICANO

El Representante Estatal Héctor L. Robles (D-Hartford) fue electo primer vice presidente del Caucus Latino y Afroamericano de la asamblea legislativa del 2009-2010 que comenzó el 7 de enero.

Robles, quien fue electo el pasado noviembre a su primer término representando al Distrito 6 de Hartford, trabajará mano a mano con el Presidente del Caucus, el Representante Don Clemons de la ciudad de Bridgeport.  El grupo consta de 22 miembros que usualmente votan unánimes en asuntos relevantes a las minorías o a la comunidad hispana y afroamericana.

“Me siento profundamente honrado de haber sido seleccionado para servir con este grupo de lideres minoritarios en el capitolio,” dijo Robles. “Agradezco la confianza de mis colegas que votaron por mi, a pesar de ser este mi primer término.  Estoy comprometido a trabajar con cada uno de ellos para promover asuntos que sean de beneficio a nuestras comunidades.”

Durante la pasada asamblea legislativa el caucus trabajo unido para promover el nombramiento de jueces minoritarios por parte de la gobernadora.

En esta ocasión, el caucus estará defendiendo asuntos de educación y vivienda, además de asuntos de disparidad económica y judicial.

El representante Robles también fue recientemente nombrado a servir en los comités de Finanza, Seguridad Pública, Ley Genera y Nominaciones Ejecutivas y Legislativas, por el portavoz de la Cámara de Representantes Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden). 

January 8, 2009

ROBLES SWORN IN AS HARTFORD’S NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Receives Assignments on Four Legislative Committees

State Representative Hector Robles (D-Hartford) was sworn in by Connecticut’s Secretary of the State this morning as the new State Representative serving the 6th General Assembly district of Hartford.

The ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Hartford during the opening day of the 2009 session of the state legislature.

“It is an honor for me, to be able to serve the people in my district,” Robles said.

Robles has also been appointed by the newly elected Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on the Executive and Legislative Nominations; Finance, Revenue and Bonding; General Law and Public Safety Committees.

“While we have several challenges ahead, I am looking forward to start working with my colleagues to address the needs and concerns of the people in our communities. I am confident that together we will find alternatives that will help us get through these difficult times, as we move ahead during this legislative session,” Robles said.

Robles is a Community Services Officer with the Hartford Police Department.

The entire membership of the state legislature serves two-year terms.  This year’s legislative session ends on Wednesday, June 3.

Constituents wishing to contact Robles can call his office at the State Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or through e-mail at Hector.Robles@cga.ct.gov.