Legislators Update Canton Residents at Town Hall-Style Gathering

State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and State Representative Tim LeGeyt (R-17) recently provided a legislative update to the residents of Canton. The legislators hosted a casual, town hall-style meeting at the Canton Community Center.

“It’s extremely important that every person has a voice at the state Capitol,” Witkos said. “This event was a great way for the public to learn about what topics were addressed in the legislature this year, and also an opportunity for us lawmakers to learn more about what people hope to see next year. Clearly, our community has serious concerns about the state’s finances, health care, education and skyrocketing taxes. Rep. LeGeyt and I will continue to work hard to promote the changes in Hartford we need to better Connecticut for everyone.”

Witkos and LeGeyt joined constituents to discuss the 2015 legislative session, including the impacts of the state budget, projected deficit and declining economic climate. Residents expressed deep concern about taxpayers and employers like GE who are considering moving out of state as a result of the increasing tax burden on residents and employers. Constituents agreed the size of state government has grown far too large and top heavy with taxpayers footing the administrative burden of state employees and programs requiring oversight and funding.

“It is evident that our constituents are concerned about the fiscal state of affairs in Connecticut and understandably so,” LeGeyt said. “We continue to hear that people are concerned with the excessive spending of taxpayer dollars and lack of fiscal responsibility by the majority party and are looking for solutions to get our state back on the right path. I thank those who took the time to attend the meeting and voice their concerns to us.”

The legislators also discussed likely issues to be considering in the upcoming 2016 session. Most notably were tolls, keno, drones, assisted suicide, education and rising costs of post-secondary education, energy, and security.

They agreed that more work is needed to be done to rein in government spending and address the projected deficit that our state faces in the coming years.