Foncello Campaign Eligible To Receive CEP Grant

BROOKFIELD, CT — The State Elections Enforcement Commission has approved public grant payments under the Citizens' Election Program for Rep. Martin Foncello who represents residents of Bethel, Brookfield and Newtown in the 107th District.

The CEP enables qualifying candidates for General Assembly and statewide offices to receive full public financing for their campaigns. To qualify for public campaign financing, candidates must demonstrate that they have substantial support from the public. Candidates for state representative accomplish this by raising $5,800 from at least 150 individuals residing in municipalities in their districts. Candidates for state senate accomplish this by raising $17,300 from at least 300 individuals residing in municipalities in their districts. Participating candidates for General Assembly may only accept small dollar contributions from certain individuals—the maximum contribution is $320—and no contributions from state contractors or PACs. The full general election grant amount for a state representative candidate is $36,500. The full general election grant amount for a state senate candidate is $124,100.

Foncello was among 12 candidates in the Aug. 13 primaries and the Nov. 5 general elections to qualify. He had announced that his re-election campaign reached the SEEC threshold in early April to qualify for the CEP, well in advance of his convention on May 16.

"I’m proud of what we have accomplished in Hartford during this term but there is still much more to do," Foncello said in a statement Friday. "I want to keep fighting for seniors, children, taxpayers and veterans, and for public safety in our community."