CT Patch Candidate Profile: Tina Courpas For 149th State House District

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and city.

Tina Courpas is running for the 149th State House District, which covers a portion of Greenwich and Stamford.

Candidate's Name:

Tina Courpas

What office are you seeking?

State Representative, 149th District

Age:

60

District:

149

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://www.tinacourpas.com

Occupation:

Attorney

Family:

I am a single mother of four children, aged 16-24.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

State Representative, elected in 2024

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office because I am concerned about Connecticut's direction and believe I can make a difference. The state has suffered from 16 years of unbalanced policies which have made us the #3 most taxed, #1 highest debt per capita, #3 highest electric rates, #47 in terms of business friendliness. I love this state and believe I can contribute to solving these problems and make life better for all.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Lack of Affordability. My work to address CT's lack of affordability began in my first term, and I was named an "Affordability Champion" by the CBIA for this work. CT must get its spending under control (uphold the Fiscal Guardrails), reduce debt, and reduce taxes on its citizens. I proposed a repeal of the social security tax, a child tax credit, co-sponsored a bill which removed 12% of the public benefits charge from electric bills, and authored a bill to reduce business licensing fees. I will continue my work for fiscal responsibility and to alleviate the taxpayer's burdens if re-elected.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

CT needs to explore all alternative sources of energy: wind, solar, nuclear, etc. CT should take action against the state of NY to allow the Pennsylvania pipeline to expand to bring more natural gas into CT. We need to review our long term contracts for energy, which are often set as much as 5x the market rate.

Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

As stated above, I believe this is the #1 issue. Lack of affordability in CT is the result of 16 years of unbalanced leadership and overspending in CT. It is a state-level problem, exacerbated at the present time by the high price of fuel ( a national and international problem). I will continue to address this issue in my second term by 1) proposing state gas tax relief through the end of 2026, 2) keeping spending under control (defending the Fiscal Guardrails), 3) repealing the social security tax, 4) proposing a child tax credit, 5) lowering business licensing fees, 6) reducing electric bills in the ways suggested above and by removing the public benefits charge, and 7) capping further increases in state employee salaries ( #1 in the US).

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

The key accomplishments of my first term were: 1) led passage of a Special Education reform bill which allocated a record $110 million to Special Education and passed unanimously, 2) co-sponsored 18 bipartisan bills which passed into law, 3) earned a 100% Voting Record, 100% pro-business record from the CBIA, and was named "Affordability Champion," 4) defended CT's Fiscal Guardrails with every vote, 5) defended local control of zoning, opposing HB 5002 and 8002, 6) worked across the aisle and voted independently - for the district, not along party lines. In addition to these professional accomplishments, being a mother of four children has been a key element of preparation to serve. There are few jobs as humbling as being a parent! That job has enhanced my empathy for and understanding of others, two characteristics needed to serve in the role of State Representative.

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

I was recently appointed to the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding and Accountability. I care deeply that every child have the opportunity to reach his/her potential. The state has not adequately funded education, with the foundation amount per student unchanged since 2013, leaving municipal budgets to make up the shortfall. My goals for the Commission are to 1) increase the foundation amount and adjust it with inflation, 2) establish improved accountability and outcomes metrics, 3) opt-in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, bringing significant private funds to CT at no cost to the taxpayer, and 4) expand school choice in CT so that every child can thrive.