Jason Rojas

Today I was pleased to announced the appointments of nine Deputy Majority Leaders for the 2021 legislative session which convenes January 6, 2021.

The Deputy Majority Leaders I have appointed have proven to be strong leaders in the House of Representatives and know how to work collaboratively to deliver results for Connecticut. They have remarkable knowledge of the legislative process and an unwavering commitment to the people of Connecticut. House Democrats have an impressive team and I am honored to work alongside this talented and diverse group of leaders.

The Deputy Majority Leader is responsible for aiding the Majority Leader with the review and development of policy, the analysis of critical legislation, and with the majority party's agenda.

The Deputy Majority Leader appointments include:

State Representative Chris Conley

40th Assembly District – Groton, Ledyard

State Rep. Conley cares deeply about the people of her district and Connecticut. Her ability to cultivate strong relationships within our caucus and across the aisle make her a natural fit for this role.

State Rep. Conley was elected to represent the 40th Assembly District and will enter her third term this January. She is a fierce advocate for reducing the cost of health care, strengthening Connecticut's manufacturing workforce, and enhancing the quality of Connecticut's public education system. State Rep. Conley is a member of the Judiciary Committee, Planning and Development Committee, and Transportation Committee.

 

State Representative Jeff Currey

11th Assembly District – East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor

State Rep. Currey returns to his role as Deputy Majority Leader for a third term and will serve as Screening Chair where he will lead the review of legislation reported out of committee and manage our floor operation while the House is in session. I have known him for over 30 years as a childhood friend and colleague for the past 8 years. I am honored to be able to work with him in his role as Deputy Majority Leader.

State Rep. Currey has been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, championing the passage of legislation banning conversion therapy and the use gay and transgender panic defense in criminal proceedings. State Rep. Currey has also helped lead the state's response to the crumbling concrete foundations epidemic. State Rep. Currey is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

 

State Representative Mike Demicco

21st Assembly District – Farmington, Unionville

State Rep. Demicco serves as House Chair of the Environment Committee where he's proven he's willing to do the hard work necessary to enact meaningful change. His diverse perspective and experience make him a great fit for this role.

State Rep. Demicco has served the 21st Assembly District since 2013. He has successfully shepherded legislation creating opportunities for Connecticut's farmers and banning fracking waste and associated by-products from the state through the General Assembly. He remains a committed advocate for seniors, working to address their cost of living and quality of life. State Rep. Demicco also serves on the Energy and Technology Committee and Public Health Committee.

Pat Dillon

92nd Assembly District – New Haven

State Rep. Dillon brings over 30 years of experience, making it an easy decision to ask her to maintain her position as Deputy Majority Leader. With her decades of experience in leadership positions, deep knowledge of issues related to public health coupled with her time as Deputy Majority Leader as recently as 2019, makes her an incredible wealth of knowledge to the Democratic leadership team as well as the General Assembly.

Since being elected to the House in 1984, State Rep. Dillon has been a consistent and strong voice for income security and tax fairness, supporting working families, and safeguarding access to affordable health care. Over the past few years, State Rep. Dillon helped secure over $20.25 million in bonding for New Haven construction projects and a $2.7 million increase in education funding for New Haven schools. She is a member of the legislature's Appropriations Committee, Environment Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

 

Tammy Exum

19th Assembly District – West Hartford, Avon, Farmington

Since swearing in to her first term after securing a win in the April 2019 special election, State Rep. Exum has hit the ground running. She is an energetic and effective leader, two qualities that make her a great choice for this role. I am confident she will bring that same passion to our team.

Throughout State Rep. Exum's time in Hartford, she has worked to move Connecticut forward, prepare Connecticut's students for 21st century careers, and create a more equitable and just state for all residents. State Rep. Exum formerly served as vice-chair of the West Hartford Board of Education and founded the West Hartford Special Education PTA. She serves as a member of the Banking Committee, Environment Committee, and Government Administration and Elections Committee.

 

Antonio Felipe

130th Assembly District - Bridgeport

State Rep. Felipe has brought a fresh perspective to the House of Representatives and in a short amount of time, he has proven to be an effect and productive leader that consistently delivers for his constituents. Going into his second term as a Deputy Majority Leader, he will have the opportunity to delve deeper into policy and strengthen his ability to advocate for residents in both Bridgeport and Connecticut.

State Rep. Felipe was elected to the House of Representatives after winning the May 2019 special election in Bridgeport's 130th Assembly District, succeeding the late State Rep. Ezequiel Santiago. During his first term in office, State Rep. Felipe fought to extend the state's Foreclosure Mediation Program and formally rename it after State Rep. Santiago, increase minority teacher recruitment, and provide Connecticut families with economic security. State Rep. Felipe is a member of the Appropriations Committee and Commerce Committee.

 

Susan Johnson

49th Assembly District - Windham

State Rep. Johnson is a respected leader in the House of Representatives and has an intimate knowledge of the issues our state faces. She is particularly focused on issues impacting seniors, health care, and tax policy. State Rep. Johnson is also dedicated to repairing the systems and institutions that have created barriers to success for Connecticut's most underserved residents.

State Rep. Johnson has served Windham residents since 2009. Prior to her state service, State Rep. Johnson worked as an advocate for Medicare beneficiaries for nearly 20 years and currently owns a private practice law firm with her husband, Dennis O'Brien. She also served as a selectwoman of the Town of Windham. State Rep. Johnson spearheaded the creation of the workers' compensation taskforce in 2019 and advocated to ensure the state's budget fully funded the Medicare Savings Program. She is House Chair of the Regulations Review Committee and serves as a member of Appropriations Committee and Education Committee.

 

Geoff Luxenberg

12th Assembly District – Manchester

State Rep. Luxenberg has been a diligent and hardworking legislator who is assertive and principled in standing up for the issues he is an expert on and deeply cares about. He will play a vital role in engaging with caucus members as we debate difficult issues in the year ahead. I am grateful to have him on this team.

State Rep. Luxenberg formerly served as chair of the Crumbling Concrete Foundations Caucus where he authored and championed legislation to provide financial relief to homeowners with crumbling concrete foundations and extended relief options to condominiums. He is a member of the General Law Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Labor and Public Employees Committee.

 

Al Paolillo

97th Assembly District – New Haven

State Rep. Paolillo is a problem solver who works hard for his constituents. He has a sharp understanding of the legislative process and how decisions made at the state level affect municipalities. State Rep. Paolillo is thorough in his analysis of policy, always asking the tough questions to get answers to vote in the interests of New Haven and Connecticut's residents. State Rep. Paolillo brings 15 years of experience serving on New Haven's Board of Alders to the table and the insight he's developed through both roles will be an asset.

Since being elected to the House in 2016, State Rep. Paolillo, State Rep. Paolillo has built relationships with his constituents and has kept his finger on the pulse of issues affecting New Haven residents and businesses. He serves as vice-chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee and is a member of the Banking Committee and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.