Candidate Profile: Michael D'Agostino, 91st District

HAMDEN, CT — The 2020 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 presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut’s congressional seats 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 with a 91 to 60 lead over Republicans in the House and a 22 to 14 lead in the Senate.

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

Michael D'Agostino, a Hamden resident, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives District 91.

Age: 49

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: Kate D'Agostino (wife)

Occupation: Practicing attorney since 1996.

Previous elected experience:Current state representative. Elected in 2012. Chairperson of the General Law Committee and Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Representatives

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/Mikef...

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
COVID - its impact on health and the economy and daily life. I worked hard to shore up the state's rainy day fund to prepare for precisely this type of emergency and make sure that Hamden receives the state aid it needs to get through this. I expanded absentee ballot access so people can vote safely, voted for paid family medical leave so people can take care of those who are sick and will continue to support expanded health care to deal with exactly this type of emergency.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The people of Hamden know me and where I stand on issues and always putting them first. A dedicated record of serving the people of Hamden as Board of Education chair and now state representative with a consistent progressive voting record.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Passing the strongest gun control laws in the country, working to rewrite the education aid formula to account more for poverty and special education, writing and passing a senior bill of right for those at continuing care retirement communities, passing an increase in the minimum wage and paid family medical leave, taking on the utilities by writing and passing laws that restrict tree trimming and defending collective bargaining rights in Connecticut by defending more than a dozen collective bargaining agreements in the Legislature.

Do you believe Connecticut needs reform when it comes to electric utility oversight? What steps, if any should be taken?
Yes. We are passing a reform bill in a special session to do just that. I have already taken on the utilities by giving residents more rights when it comes to work on their property and we need to do more in terms of making them responsible to the ratepayers rather than shareholders.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
Continue to put money into the rainy day fund, as there will be a budget shortfall next year as well. Direct aid to small businesses in the form of forgivable loans, and suspend permit fees during the pandemic. As the General Law committee chairperson, I have also helped make it possible for restaurants and other businesses in the food service industry, horribly impacted by the pandemic can expand their offerings without having to go through government red tape to do so. We will get through this!

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
Right now, my focus is on making sure that our state government is there for everyone during the pandemic, not campaigning. Every day, 7 days a week, we are working to help people who never expected to need state aid by making sure they get the unemployment, health care, and economic assistance they need by cutting through the red tape. This is the issue that defines the job right now.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
It has been my pleasure and honor to serve the people of Hamden as their state representative. With humility and an unwavering dedication to them, I respectfully am asking for their support to serve another term.