Candidate Profile: Liz Linehan, 103rd House District

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Liz Linehan, 48, of Cheshire, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 103rd District.

Campaign website

https://facebook.com/LizLineha...

Party affiliation

Democrat, cross endorsed by CT Independent Party

Education

CCSU

Occupation

Legislator

Family

I have a husband and three young children. Keeping family private, especially children, in this age of political divisiveness is essential for their safety and mental health, so I politely decline to answer specifics.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

48

Previous public office, appointive or elective

State Representative since 2016, before that I sat on the Cheshire Town Council from 2013-2017

Why are you seeking this office?

I've had the immense honor to represent this district in the legislature for 3 terms, and I do not believe my work is finished. I love Connecticut, and I believe I can continue to make our state an even better place to live, work, and retire.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordability is the most important issue facing residents in the next term. I'm extremely proud of the work we've done to get our fiscal house in order, which prompted Moody's Analytics to rate CT one of the top states prepared for a recession, scoring high marks for our Rainy Day Fund, affordable college education, and accessible Medicaid and Unemployment systems. Not only will those markers protect us in case of a longer economic downturn, but our preparedness will also allow the legislature to make targeted, prudent middle class tax cuts while keeping the same level of services for those in need. By paying down $60 Billion in past debt, we have freed up $440 Million every year from the state budget, which should be used to make targeted tax cuts. When re-elected, I will introduce legislation which raises the income threshold for tax-free retirement income including pensions, annuities, and social security to $100k for single filers, and $150k for married couples. Additionally, I will eliminate the "cliff", meaning if you fall over those income levels, you will only be responsible for the amount of income over the cut-off, not the entirety of your income, saving seniors even more. I will also introduce a permanent child tax credit, as well as cash incentives and grants for the tertiary costs associated with installing solar panels, like tree removal or roof repair. These are barriers to going solar for many homeowners, and helping with those costs will allow more people to bring down their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. We can do all of this without touching the Rainy Day Fund. Additionally, I am currently advocating to extend the gas tax holiday to home heating oil through April, in addition to the increased funding for heat and energy assistance our federal delegation, including Jahana Hayes, secured for CT. Even with all this work to ensure affordability, residents of Connecticut still need to be reassured that our legislators will protect our democracy, ensure reproductive rights, and guarantee residents the right to marry whomever they choose. My constituents have my solemn word that I will always make those points a priority.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

I am unaware of my opponent's platform, as I have not seen anything from him, so I apologize that I am unable to answer this question at this time.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to what I mentioned previously, I will continue to address child sexual abuse in schools and youth programs, educate parents on the warning signs, and create and fund police task forces, while holding abusers accountable, and ensuring victims have services available to them. I will also continue my work surrounding youth mental illness, and will introduce legislation addressing first responders, including the Fire Fighter cancer issue, and recruitment, retention, and declining pensions and hazard pay for first responders.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I wrote and passed landmark legislation on children's mental health, doctor recruitment, and addressing youth crime with prevention services, which is currently being copied in states across the country. I've also authored healthcare legislation, sexual harassment legislation, and co-authored and championed laws to ensure veterans receive healthcare benefits, first responders have PTSD coverage, and veterans are never without military honors for funerals. That's just a snapshot, as I've authored and passed dozens of laws and programs as House Chair of the Children's Committee, former Vice Chair of the Veteran's Committee, and member of the Education, Commerce, and Public Health Committees. This year, I've received the Visionary Voice Award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the YMCA Legislative Champion Award, and past awards include NARAL Champion Award each year 2017-2020, National Association of Women Legislators Legislator of the Year Award for 2019/2020, and the Distinguished Service Award from the CT Association for Behavior Analysts for my work for autistic children and adults in 2020.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't just hear people, listen to them. Don't just look, see them. Because the best work you can do is for others, not yourself.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Constituent services is my favorite part of the job. From helping an elderly woman with dementia receive her benefits to get her proper care, to helping a new mother navigate Paid Family Leave, to helping a family with a special needs child receive respite care during Covid, I'm here to work for the people I represent. Please do not hesitate to reach out.