Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Jason Doucette, 13th House District

MANCHESTER, GLASTONBURY, 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.

Jason Doucette, a Manchester resident, is running for State Representative in the 13th House District.

Campaign website

https://jasondoucettect.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

B.A. Washington U. St. Louis, J.D. UConn Law

Occupation

Attorney

Family

Wife Heather, Sons Edward (16) and Charlie (14)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No just me!

Age

45

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Yes, State Rep 2019-present, Manchester Board of Directors 2006-2007, numerous other Town boards and Commissions

Why are you seeking this office?

It’s been an honor to serve as your State Representative for the last 4 years and we’ve accomplished a lot together: we passed the largest tax cuts in Connecticut state history, made it through the pandemic as one of the safest states in the country, passed landmark legislation for working families, acted to protect the environment, expanded health coverage for everyone, protected reproductive rights, brought historic state funding back home to Manchester and Glastonbury, and enacted some common sense gun control measures, just to name a few! I look forward to continuing to serve you and I am grateful for your support.

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

This year, as with most, the economy is top of mind for many – particularly the historic inflation. To deal with this we need to continue to try and deliver targeted tax relief to Connecticut taxpayers who need it the most - particularly middle class and working class taxpayers. This past year we were able to deliver the largest tax cuts in Connecticut history, but I believe there is more to be done. For instance, we eliminated income taxes on most retirement income for seniors, but we still need to eliminate the “marriage penalty” for couples who file jointly. I have introduced legislation to do this and will continue fighting for it. This is just one example of additional tax relief I would look to provide.

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

I am a staunch defender of choice and women's reproductive rights. I was a co-sponsor of Connecticut's strongest in the nation law to defend choice passed just this past year. My opponent opposed that legislation and wants to scale back your reproductive rights.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

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

We've accomplished a lot but there is much more to do. We need to keep Connecticut on a track to financial stability, continue improving our economy, and deliver more tax relief for middle and working class people. We need to continue to try and improve public safety. We need to continue doing more to protect the environment. We need to make healthcare affordable. We need to continue to bring state funding back home for projects like the library and preservation of community resources like open space and the Case Mountain cabin. Finally, we need to do everything we can here in Connecticut to defend our democracy and our basic rights from threats from Washington and the Supreme Court.

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

I have done my best to be an effective legislator over the last four years - passing lots of legislation important to our towns and our state, serving in leadership roles, such as Chair of Banking Committee, assisting many constituents with issues and problems with state agencies, bringing historic funding back home to Manchester and Glastonbury, and listening and being engaged in the community. I appreciate your continued support and it is an honor to serve!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Leave it better than you found it.

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

I appreciate your support and will continue working hard for you!